Deluxe Stateroom
19 m²
2
In alliance with Smithsonian Journeys.
This cruise is part of a collection of PONANT voyages that are specially-tailored for English-speaking travelers who want to engage with the world. In addition to the usual elements of the PONANT experience, the listed price for these voyages includes transfers to and from the ship, talks and discussions aboard ship by world class experts, and a shore excursion or activity in each port of call that encourages guests to embrace the sights, sounds, tastes, and smells of the local environment and culture.
Join PONANT and Smithsonian Journeys for an extraordinary 8-day voyage through the Baltic Sea featuring a specially arranged, exclusive presentation and discussion aboard with former President of Poland and Nobel Peace Prize-laureate Lech Wałęsa while in Gdansk, Poland.
The Baltic Sea has been a thoroughfare of trade since the days of the Vikings. We will visit the great cities that ring its shores and experience a comingling of cosmopolitan life with centuries of rich history.
Begin in dynamic Helsinki. Located on a peninsula surrounded by almost 300 islands, the vibrant capital of Finland will charm you with its Art Nouveau architecture.
Le Lapérouse sails first to Tallinn, an important hub for the Hanseatic League in the Baltic Sea around the 13th century. Its Old Town is a UNESCO Heritage Site and retains remarkably well-preserved ramparts, public buildings, merchant houses, and warehouses.
You call next in cosmopolitan Stockholm, whose lively Gamla Stan (old town) located on a compact island showcases narrow cobblestone streets lined with 17th- and 18th-century buildings, including the Royal Palace.
On Gotland—the largest island in the Baltic Sea—you stop at the beautifully preserved medieval town of Visby, once a stronghold of the Hanseatic League.
Klaipeda is your gateway to the UNESCO World Heritage Curonian Peninsula and an opportunity to learn the traditional art of beekeeping or to immerse yourself in the local food and folklore of Lithuania.
You sail next to Gdansk, a city with a 1000 year history whose shipyard served as the birthplace of the Solidarity Trade Union in 1980. The wave of dissent arising from the Solidarity movement helped lead to Polish independence from the Soviet Union in 1991.
Call at the small Danish island of Bornholm, whose lush farmland and rich herring fisheries share the land with the ruins of a medieval fortress and four of the ancient round churches for which Denmark is noted.
End in sophisticated Copenhagen, which displays 800 years of royal history at the stunning Christiansborg Palace, once home to kings and queens and now home to the Danish Parliament.
Ref : HC1245US - ER130825
A voyage specially-tailored for English-speaking travelers including discussions with experts, transfers before and after your cruise, and an included excursion in each port of call. Engaging discussions...
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Included in your cruise
For more peace of mind, PONANT organizes your trip before or after the cruise. This package is included in the price of your cruise.
Additional services
For more peace of mind, PONANT selects stays and flights then takes care of your transfers for your trip as well as shore visits before and after the cruise.
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*Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability, and subject to change at any time. The category of stateroom to which this price applies may no longer be available.
Services provided
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Ideal clothes for life on board:
During the days spent on board, you are advised to wear comfortable clothes or casual outfits. The entire ship is air-conditioned, so a light sweater, a light jacket or a shawl may be necessary. When moving about in the public areas of the ship and the decks, light but comfortable shoes are recommended.
Informal evening:
In the evening, you are advised to wear smart-casual attire, especially when dining in our restaurants where wearing shorts and tee-shirts is not allowed.
For women:
For men:
Officer’s evening:
For all cruises longer than 8 nights, an Officer’s Evening with a white dress code may be organized. Therefore, we encourage you to bring a stylish white outfit for the occasion (otherwise black and white).
Gala evening:
During the cruise, two gala evenings will be organised on board. Thus, we recommend that you bring one or two formal outfits.
For women:
For men:
SHOP:
A small shop is available on board offering a wide range of outfits, jewellery, leather goods and many accessories.
A laundry service (washing/ironing) is available on board, but unfortunately there are no dry cleaning services. For safety reasons, your cabin is not equipped with an iron.
ACCESSORIES:
HEALTH CARE:
OUTFITS ON BOARD:
PRECAUTIONS:
In your hand luggage, remember to bring any medicines that you need, and possibly a small spare bag of toiletries (in case of delay in the delivery of your baggage by the airline). Remember to always have your travel documents with you in case you need them: hotel vouchers, cruise vouchers, return flight tickets... Never leave them in your hold luggage.
All our cabins have a safe. We recommend not to go ashore with valuable jewellery.
PONANT activities
Smithsonian Journeys
Smithsonian Journeys is the travel program of the Smithsonian Institution, the world’s largest museum, education and research complex, consisting of 21 museums, the National Zoological Park, education centers, research facilities, cultural centers, and libraries. Drawing on Smithsonian's resources dating back 175 years, these sailings will feature notable experts and experiences that embrace local cultures and dive deeper into a destination’s history, cuisine, language, environment, and wildlife. For more than 50 years, Smithsonian Journeys has been rooted in and focused on cultural immersion and discovery – with a goal of inspiring guests to become global citizens through travel.
Subject to withdrawal in case of force majeure
Embarkation 13/08/2025 from 16:00 to 17:00
Departure 13/08/2025 at 22:00
Seated in the southern peninsula of Finland, Helsinki offers the buzz of a cosmopolitan city that has opted for both elegance and beauty. Explore its historical centre where the soft hues of neoclassical buildings are juxtaposed with spectacular modern constructions. The bustling Kallio district is teeming with boutiques and restaurants where you can taste some local specialities like graavilohi - a sweet, marinated, aromatic salmon dish. Keskuspuisto park, a stone’s throw from the centre, is a good place to sit and unwind.
Arrival 14/08/2025 early morning
Departure 14/08/2025 midday
Opening onto the Baltic sea, to the far north of Estonia, the town of Tallin will win you over with the picturesque charm of its architecture. You can meander through its little streets in the heart of the medieval centre where its gothic town hall has been standing since 1404. The Kiek in de Kök tower, the Orthodox Alexander Nevski cathedral, or Toompea castle give visitors a taste of this town’s rich past. The city was particularly active during the medieval period, as is demonstrated by the very beautiful monuments from this period that are still visible. Don't hesitate to lose yourself in the heart of Tallinn, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Arrival 15/08/2025 early morning
Departure 15/08/2025 late afternoon
The capital of Sweden occupies an archipelago in the east of the country at the junction of Mälar Lake and the Baltic sea. In Gamla stan, meaning “old town” in Swedish, you can stroll at your leisure in picturesque medieval streets until you reach the majestic Royal Palace. On the green island of Djurgården, you can visit several very different kinds of cultural centres: the Vasa museum is dedicated to a 17th century three-mast, the ecomuseum of Skansen presents traditional customs, and the ABBA museum is dedicated to the legendary pop group. For a fantastic, all-encompassing view of Stockholm, you can take a ride in SkyView, a glass-encased sphere gondola that takes you to the top of the world’s largest building, the Ericsson Globe, a Stockholm landmark.
Arrival 16/08/2025 early morning
Departure 16/08/2025 early evening
This old Hanseatic city lies to the west coast of Gotland, a Swedish island in the Baltic sea. Pass through the spectacular Visby fortifications and visit the old town, a UNESCO World Heritage site. You’ll discover the grand Visby homes of rich merchants as well as the lovely low wooden houses in the little cobbled streets. Don’t miss Saint Mary’s cathedral with its octagonal steeples, as well as Powder tower along the fortifications. Make sure you stop over in one of the rose-adorned cafés; indeed roses abound in this town where you can taste one of the island’s specialities, namely saffron pancakes with red fruit.
Arrival 17/08/2025 midday
Departure 17/08/2025 late afternoon
Klaipeda was founded in the 13th century by Christian crusaders from the German Order of Teutonic Knights. Its strategic location on the edge of the Baltic Sea has made it a source of conflict between Germans, Poles, Lithuanians and even the French since its creation. Today, the legacy of Klaipeda’s rich history is a great multiculturalism. This is the main port of Lithuania and the country’s third largest city. The beautiful landscapes of the surrounding Baltic coast make it a popular tourist destination. The city centre is very pleasant to visit due to its architecture blending German and Scandinavian influences.
Arrival 18/08/2025 early morning
Departure 18/08/2025 early evening
This ravishing city on the Baltic sea is nicknamed “the golden door of Poland”, and you’ll understand why when you see its beautiful Hanseatic architecture. You’ll be charmed by the mouldings and gables that enhance the colourful façades of the houses. Along the Vistula Quays, you can take a pleasant stroll among the crafts shops. In elegant Mariacka street, the amber jewellers will most certainly tempt you into their boutiques. You can visit the church of Saint-Mary and its astronomic clock. Not far, the majestic Long Market square offers the famous Artus Court and the rich Gdansk History Museum.
Arrival 19/08/2025 mid morning
Departure 19/08/2025 early evening
Lying in the south-west of the Baltic Sea, the medieval village of Gudhjem, on the island of Bornholm, is one of the most visited and most popular villages in Denmark. As you stroll along its picturesque streets, you will fall under the spell of its varied landscapes, its easy way of life, and the authenticity of this charming town with half-timbered houses topped with red roofs, in the Danish tradition. It is here, along these charming streets, that the first herring smokehouses were built in the mid-19th century, attracting all the region’s fishermen. Tucked away in a gorgeous natural setting composed of rocky cliffs, dense forests and beaches of white sand, Gudhjem will provide an unforgettable interlude where time will seem to stand still.
Arrival 20/08/2025 early morning
Disembarkation 20/08/2025 at 08:00
Connected to the far eastern side of Sealand island, a few kilometres away from the Swedish coasts, Copenhagen offers you the high colour of Scandinavian capitals. You can discover the city's riches that weaves through the canal networks through the historical districts of Christiansborg and Nyhavn. Many palaces provide an apercu of Danish history. For eating, you can try out the smorrebrod, traditional danish sandwiches made with ham, cheese or smoked fish.
PONANT has organized the following included program for you, which starts the day of embarkation.
Included Features:
Not included:
Notes:
Guest Speaker
Aboard your ship, an English-speaking lecturer will enlighten you about the culture and history of your destination to deepen your knowledge of the origins of local traditions, the history of emblematic sites, and stories involving famous personalities and those of major historical significance. During on-board lectures or on your shore visits, this expert will be there to share their precious knowledge with you throughout your PONANT cruise.
Shore excursions, Pre/Post & Overlands
We tend to associate Finland with modernity—from its high-tech communications companies to the Art Noveau and minimalist architecture of its capital. But there is a different, slower-paced Finland, and this pre-cruise program is designed to introduce you to the farms and ranches of a rural country, which until WWII was predominantly an agricultural economy.
Day 1 – Helsinki
Arrive at Helsinki Airport, where you will be met and transferred to the Hotel Haven in the center of the city, your home for the night. A local representative will be present at the hospitality desk in the afternoon to welcome you and answer any questions you may have. Relax and unwind at the hotel, or explore some of the sites that are just steps away from the front door. This evening, join fellow travelers for a welcome cocktail reception. Dinner is independent.
Day 2 – Helsinki | Embark
After breakfast and check-out, board your coach and drive out of the city into the farmland of southern Finland. Your first stop will be at Savijarvi Manor, a working farm and horse ranch that also serves as a venue for meetings, parties, and weddings. The owner will greet you and offer a few words of welcome before a tour of the estate, including the stables where you can see award-winning horses, many of which are harness racing champions. Enjoy some coffee and cake before continuing to the coastal town of Porvoo, the second oldest town in Finland, chartered in 1346. A brief walking tour of Porvoo's Old Town of red-ochre riverside warehouses, quirky shops, and boutiques is followed by some time at leisure to explore on your own.
A short drive leads to Malmgård Estate, which has been in the Creutz family for 13 generations. The manor house dates from 1885, and is the pride of the current Earl of Malmgård, who will invite you inside to stroll around the ball room, the library, and the family room of his magnificent house. But more than a relic of the past, Malmgård was one of the first certified organic farms in Finland, and after your tour of the main building, you will be served a soup lunch made from locally sourced produce, much of it from Malmgård itself. You will also have an opportunity to sample a variety of organic beers brewed on the estate and browse the farm shop. Mid-afternoon, your coach drives you back to Helsinki, where you embark Le Laperouse and set sail.
Your hotel:
Hotel Haven is an elegant and stylish 5-star boutique hotel, overlooking South Harbor and Market Square in Helsinki. It is across a narrow inlet from the emblematic Sky Wheel Helsinki and Tove Jansson Park. Its 137 rooms are comfortable and spacious and equipped with all of the amenities you would expect in a luxury hotel. The property includes a bar, three restaurants, and a fitness center.
Your program includes:
Your program does not include:
Please note:
Hotel contact information:
Hotel Haven
Unioninkatu 17
00130 Helsinki, Finland
Phone: +358 (0)9 681 930
info@hotelhaven.fi
Total : 760 €
Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.Copenhagen is one of the great cities of Northern Europe, and this post-cruise program offers the chance to visit many of its highlights. It is the perfect way to bring your exploration of Historic Cities of the Baltic Sea to a leisurely conclusion.
Day 1 — Disembark | Copenhagen
After breakfast aboard, meet your guide for a panoramic tour of Copenhagen's major landmarks. Drive by the statue of the Little Mermaid, erected in 1913 in honor of Hans Christian Andersen and his world-famous fairytales, as you head to the Nyhavn waterfront. Here you will see 500-year-old gabled houses and discover the Old Stock Exchange, once the center of Copenhagen's finance and trade. One of the oldest public buildings in the city, it is topped by a spire with three golden crowns, symbolizing the shared history of Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. Next to the Old Stock Exchange is Holmens Church. Built in 1563, it was the site of the royal wedding of Queen Margrethe, Denmark's longest-reigning monarch.
After lunch at a local restaurant, head to Tivoli Gardens, one of the world's oldest amusement parks, and a source of inspiration for Walt Disney. Enjoy time at leisure to explore this fascinating public space on your own. Known for its stunning displays of flowers, its restaurants, cafés, and concert hall, Tivoli is also famous for two spectacular rides—a wooden roller coaster built in 1914 that is the world's oldest still in operation; and the Star Flyer ride, the world's tallest carousel. Walk around Tivoli Lake, visit the Tivoli Aquarium, hop on one of the many rides, or simply sit and enjoy the sights.
After your time in the Gardens, transfer to the Christianshavn quarter of the city, to check into the 5-start NH Collection Copenhagen Hotel, for overnight and independent dinner.
Day 2 — Copenhagen
Today's excursion takes you to the northern Jutland Peninsula to visit two of Denmark's most beautiful royal castles. Following breakfast, a scenic drive begins along the coast of Øresund, the narrow channel that separates Denmark and Sweden, and then turns inland, through the Danish countryside, where rolling hills and charming villages mark the way to Fredensborg Palace, the spring and autumn residence of the Danish royal family. Nestled amid lush gardens and serene lakes, Fredensborg is the very definition of 'picturesque'—the perfect spot to stretch your legs and capture a photo or two before continuing to nearby Frederiksborg Castle.
Frederiksborg is a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture, originally built in the early 17th century by King Christian IV on three islets in the middle of a lake. The castle’s stunning exterior is matched by its opulent interiors—richly decorated rooms, a magnificent chapel, and a truly impressive Great Hall. No longer used as a royal residence, the castle now houses the Museum of National History. The beautiful Chapel, which is home to the Compenius Organ, built in 1619 and the oldest still-functioning organ in the world, also serves as the official chapel of the Order of the Elephant, Denmark's highest honor. You will see coats of arms for Nelson Mandela, Charles de Gaulle, and many others.
Enjoy lunch at Rabarbergaarden (Rhubarb Farm), a restaurant serving meals of locally sourced organic produce in a former carriage house of the castle. Following lunch, enjoy time at leisure to stroll through the castle's beautifully landscaped gardens of meticulously designed flower beds, fountains, and sculptures, before returning to your hotel, where dinner is again independent.
Day 3 — Copenhagen
After breakfast at the hotel and check out, transfer to the airport for flights homeward.
Your hotel:
Located in the Christianshavn section of central Copenhagen, the NH Collection Copenhagen is a 5-star hotel overlooking the harbor, within easy walking distance of the Opera, Royal Library and Nyhavn. The 394 guest rooms offer contemporary elegance and reflect the very best of Scandinavian and international design. The rooftop restaurant and bar offer views over the city, and the hotel is equipped with a state-of-the-art gym.
Your program includes:
Your program does not include:
Please note:
Hotel contact information:
NH Collection Copenhagen
Strandgade 7
1401 Copenhagen
Denmark
+45 352542 50
Total : 1.320 €
Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.