Baltic Ports of Call
Copenhagen
Copenhagen was a fishing village until the middle of the 12th century; it grew in importance after coming into the possession of Bishop Absalon, who fortified it in 1167. Because of its harbor, it soon became a place of commercial importance and received municipal rights about the middle of the 13th century. It was repeatedly attacked by the Hanseatic towns. The city was chosen for the capital in 1443 by Christopher III, or Christopher of Bavaria. During 1658-59 it withstood a severe siege by the Swedes under Charles X. In 1807 the city suffered great damage, and hundreds of persons were slain, when British naval vessels bombarded the city to prevent Denmark from surrendering its fleet to Napoleon. During World War II Copenhagen was occupied by German troops from April 1940 until May 1945.
Visby
Visby…Gotland and Oland are part of the Baltic islands that lie off the south-east coast of Sweden. Today Gotland is a blend of old and new with its natural beauty and cultural heritage. Visby can be appreciated as much for the depth of its fascinating history as its charm as a clean, very pretty, modern small-city in which parks, gardens, and flowers abound. Its unique medieval character is proven by the fact that the ancient part of the city is surrounded by an intact, massive City Wall. Behind the town wall and its 44 guard towers, Visby awaits your discovery. Since the end of the 19th century, the ruins of this medieval stone city have been protected as historical monuments. The sea wall was first built in the 11th and 12th centuries, and the town wall was added in the early 13th century. Today, Visby retains the best-preserved town wall in Northern Europe.
Tallinn
Tallinn fronts a bay on the Gulf of Finland dominated by Toompea, the hill over which it has tumbled since the Middle Ages. The aura of the 14th and 15th centuries survives intact in central Tallinn’s jumble of medieval walls and turrets, spires and winding cobbled hills; it’s judiciously restored and fascinating to explore. Tallinn is also a national capital with government buildings, a university, entertainment and modern styles on its streets.
St. Petersburg
St. Petersburg lies on the river Neva, and is built on 42 islands, criss-crossed by rivers and canals and connected by 350 bridges. The river flows to the Gulf of Finland. St. Petersburg experiences the 'white nights' of summer when the sun barely sets. Guests participating in any of the listed excursions, or making private arrangements for tours or the theater via the RSSC Tour Desk on board do not require individual Russian Visas. Individual visas are required if you choose to go ashore independently. These must have been obtained prior to embarking the ship. Please note that many of the buildings visited on the tours in St. Petersburg impose video and camera fees. These are not included in the excursion cost as not all guests wish to take photos or video inside the buildings. These are payable directly to your guide on the coach. US Dollars are accepted. Details of these fees are available at the Tour Desk.
Stockholm
The city of Stockholm, built on 14 small islands among open bays and narrow channels, has been dubbed the “Venice of the North.” It is a very civilized city, full of parks, squares, and airy boulevards. It has its modern section too, but in the center you are never more than a few minutes walk from twisting medieval streets and waterside walks. The first written mention of Stockholm dates from 1252, when a powerful regent, Birger Jarl is said to have built a fortified castle here. It was this strategic position, where the calm fresh waters of Lake Malaren meet the salty Baltic Sea that prompted King Gustav Vasa to take over the city in 1523.
The Winter Palace home of the Hermitage Museum served as the winter residence for every ruler of Russia since Peter III, is undoubtedly the most famous building of Imperial St. Petersburg, and with the possible exception of the Louvre, there is no museum in the world that rivals the Hermitage in size and quality. Discover room after room filled with masterworks of paintings, furnishings and priceless treasures. The Hermitage Museum is the largest art museum in Russia and ranks among the most prestigious and fabulous museums in the world. Its collection of Western European art is second to none. It was founded by Catherine the Great in 1764 as a private court museum and evolved into the most remarkable collection of art in the world, containing more than 2.7 million objects, many of unparalleled importance. Don't miss the renowned collection of French Impressionist paintings. Then enjoy a cocktail reception in the foyer of the intimate Hermitage Theatre, commissioned by Catherine the Great, followed by a ballet performance in the beautiful theater. And to top off this spectacular cultural experience - enjoy desert at the acclaimed restaurant Stroganoff Yard. Please note: This tour is only available on the m/s Seven Seas Voyager.
At the Alexandrinsky Theater you can enjoy an outstanding performance by the St. Petersburg Ballet Company. They offer a number of performances. The best among them are Giselle, Swan Lake and the Nutcracker. During the intermission enjoy a cocktail reception, including Russian Champagne and fruit juices. After the performance you will be transferred back to the port. Once Russia's leading theater, the Alexandrinsky is a symbol of academe in its most direct sense. This, the oldest drama theater in Russia, was founded by decree of the Empress Elizabeth in 1756. The theater was erected by famous architect Carlo Rossi in the classical style. The theater's main facade is decorated with a six-column loggia raised on a high basement story. The entire building is girded by a frieze of theatrical masks and garlands, and its front is crowned with the chariot of Apollo, the patron of muses. Since its inception the theater has played an outstanding part in the country's public and theatrical life. Many outstanding actors have appeared on the stage of this theater. Now it is one of the most popular drama theaters in St. Petersburg. Its splendid auditorium is decorated in red and gold and has survived without major alterations. The stage and the acoustics in the hall are unique. This is why, in the last century as well as today, drama, as well as opera and ballet, are performed. It has everything a theater might wish to have: an excellent cast, splendid stage sets, and great traditions. The theater today is endeavoring, as it always has, to follow the exhortation of the Empress's decree to delight its audiences and to serve as an adornment of the northern capital.
Please note: The ballet is available for fewer than 20 guests, but the cost will be higher. The Regent Travel Concierge Manager will be able to advise of the cost based upon the number of guests participating. You will be advised of actual scheduled performances on board. All performances are subject to change and availability.
St. Petersburg, Russia
Spectacular Evening at the Yusupov Palace
The Yusupov Palace, located on the bank of the Moika River, is one of the many treasures of St. Petersburg. Although its yellow exterior with white columns presents a somewhat modest appearance, its interior is noted for its exquisite art and architecture. The building was constructed in the 18th century for Count Shuvalov. In 1830 it came into the hands of the Yusupov family. Today, the palace exemplifies the various dimensions of the Yusupov family, their vast wealth, their devotion to the Tsar, their appreciation of education and their love of music and art.
By the beginning of the 20th century, the Yusupovs were the wealthiest family in Russia, even wealthier than the reigning Tsars themselves. The palace on the Moika was only one of the 54 estates owned by the Yusupovs. As problems increased in the Russian government, the last owner of the palace, Felix Felixovich Yusupov, found himself in the midst of a complex political situation involving the infamous Grigori Rasputin, who was later assassinated here. With the nationalistic policies that followed the 1917 Revolution, many of the individual pieces of the Yusupov art collection were moved to various museums, including the Hermitage and the Russian Museum, where they can be seen today. However, the palace itself has remained intact and has benefited from restoration projects in recent years.
Upon arrival at the Yusupov Palace, cavaliers and ladies-in-waiting in exquisite period costumes will greet you. A classical quartet will be playing as you ascend the grand staircase. There will then commence a guided tour of the palace with small groups visiting rooms decorated in various styles of the period, including the basement room where Rasputin was poisoned and shot. At the conclusion of the guided tour, you will meet for a cocktail reception including Russian champagne, juices and black caviar. A classical balalaika orchestra provides lively background music throughout the reception. You will want to have your cameras ready to pose with the beautifully costumed hosts.
Following the reception, you will be invited into the Yusupov Theater for a gala performance of the St. Petersburg Opera Company, featuring the highlights of world-famous operas like The Marriage of Figaro, Magic Flute, Don Juan, Gianni Schicchi and Eugene Onegin. This professional company is known throughout Russia and performs in costumes befitting the period. Following this breathtaking performance you will be transferred back to the ship.
Please note: While this is a gala evening, you are encouraged to dress comfortably as the evenings in St. Petersburg can be quite warm. There are two flights of stairs down a narrow spiral staircase to the Rasputin exhibition.
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