Zegrahm Expeditions Presents
BALTIC ODYSSEY
SCOTLAND, GERMANY, DENMARK, POLAND, LITHUANIA, SWEDEN, LATVIA, ESTONIA, RUSSIA, FINLAND
Aboard the Island Sky June 29 – July 13, 2010
DEAR ADVENTURER,
We’re thrilled to return to northern Europe on our Baltic Odyssey—an exploration of the port cities, towns, and islands whose histories were written along the shores of this legendary sea. Nine countries embrace the Baltic—Denmark, Germany, Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Sweden, Finland, and Russia—many of their borders, long subject to the shifting tides of political occupation, are now safely anchored within the European Union. Aboard the intimate and spacious 100-passenger Island Sky we explore eight historic ports whose palpable energy is dedicated both to the revival and restoration of their heritage, as well as to a myriad entrepreneurial ventures that, at long last, open wide the doors to a bright future. For centuries the region was fought over and won by Vikings, Slavs, and Teutons who sought dominance over this thousand-mile-long strategic trade route. Between the 12th and 17th centuries, the German-based Hanseatic League established and maintained a trade monopoly in the Baltic and throughout northern Europe ensuring the safe passage of goods for every member country. Among the more than 100 alliance participants were major port cities and towns that evolved into magnificent architectural and cultural centers. Today, as we explore the Old Towns of Gdansk, Riga, and Tallinn, that Hanseatic heyday is revealed in the splendid rows of merchant houses; along the charming cobblestone streets lined with venerable shops; and in the medieval marketplace squares crowned by spired cathedrals, courts, and palaces. Once these citizens reveled in the first flavors of pepper that hailed from Java, cured their ailments with exotic Chinese herbs, and toasted one another with exquisite glass goblets from Venice. During our walking tour of Sweden’s magnificent World Heritage Site of Visby, we learn that the city remained fiercely independent of the Hanseatic merchants, having long before established itself as the major regional trade port. In 1525, a portion of the city was burned to the ground by the fleet of Lübeck (now in Germany). The ruins have been left standing, a testament to the pride and resilience that remains in Visby’s epithet, ―city of roses and ruins.‖ In addition to our urban explorations we discover the natural beauty of the island of Sylt, wander through shady parks and manicured botanical gardens, view dazzling collections of amber, and drive through the charming villages of Bornholm Island. Our adventure concludes with an exploration of magnificent St. Petersburg, from the bustling Nevsky Prospect to the grand cathedral in St. Isaac Square and a special tour of the incomparable collections of art housed in the Hermitage in the Winter Palace. Join our historians and naturalists as we voyage to the wondrous lands and World Heritage landmarks that encircle the Baltic Sea. Warm regards, Jon Nicholson President
DAY BY DAY ITINERARY
Tuesday & Wednesday, June 29 & 30, 2010 USA / Edinburgh, Scotland Depart on your independent overnight flight to Edinburgh. Upon arrival, transfer independently to our hotel. We gather the evening of the 30th for a welcome dinner and briefing. Thursday, July 1 Edinburgh / Leith / Embark Island Sky After breakfast a city tour highlights sights along Edinburgh’s most famous avenue, the Royal Mile, including Holyrood Palace, once the home of Mary Queen of Scots, and today, the Queen’s official residence in Scotland, and stunning St. Giles Cathedral. At the top end of the street sits Edinburgh Castle and its magnificent gardens. We tour the castle and enjoy lunch before transferring to the port of Leith to embark the Island Sky. Friday, July 2 At Sea As we transit the North Sea today we take advantage of our shipboard time on this action-filled voyage to learn more about the dynamic countries rimming the Baltic Sea. Our team of lecturers prepares us for the exciting cultural and historical encounters ahead. Saturday, July 3 Sylt Island, Germany The beautiful, windswept, 24-mile-long island of Sylt (pronounced zoolt) is the northernmost point of Germany and part of the ecologically fragile Frisian archipelago which stretches between Denmark and The Netherlands. The inviting sandy beaches—the longest in Germany—are known for their ―wandering dunes,‖ and the vast tidal flats on the eastern edge of the island are feeding and resting grounds for migratory birds and are protected within a national park. Unique to the region is the architecture of the houses found in island villages, their thick reed roofs slope all the way down to the ground and blend with the surrounding vegetation. Since the mid-19th century, European visitors have been coming to Sylt for its pure, iodine-rich air and therapeutic baths. After lunch on shore go for an optional bicycle tour from the village of Kampen, or enjoy free time to explore Westerland, the charming capital of Sylt. Sunday, July 4 Kiel Canal Transit Early this morning we begin our transit of the historic 61-mile-long Kiel Canal and sail from the North Sea into the Baltic. Kaiser Wilhelm I set the first foundation stone in place on June 3, 1887. Nine thousand workers spent the next eight years constructing the canal from Brunsbuttel to Holtenau, where Kaiser Wilhelm II laid the final stone on June 21, 1895. The canal was internationalized by the Treaty of Versailles. Today the Kiel Canal is one of the busiest man-made waterways in the world. Monday, July 5 Ronne, Bornholm Island, Denmark After breakfast we step ashore on serene Bornholm Island, endowed with sugar-white sand beaches, dramatic cliffs, thick forests, and heather-clad hills. Its picturesque port, Ronne, is paved
with cobblestones and lined with small shops and cafés. Included in our island explorations are the ruins of Hammershus Castle, Scandinavia’s largest medieval fortress; the unique, round 12thcentury churches, Osterlars and Nylars; the charming half-timbered fishing hamlet of Gudhjem; and Denmark’s third-largest forest, Almindingen. The island has a long-standing artistic tradition, and we visit studios renowned for their glass blowing and pottery. Tuesday, July 6 Gdansk, Poland After breakfast we set out for a full-day tour of this city whose history spans nearly 1,000 years. The Solidarity Monument, in front of the Gdansk shipyard, is our first stop along the Trail of Solidarity which commemorates the dramatic events of December 1970 when workers rioted against the Communist regime. At the shipyard we view the exhibition, Roads to Freedom, a fascinating audio-visual portrayal of those important, world-changing events. We enjoy a walking tour through lively Old Town with its magnificent collection of Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque buildings and monuments. We pass through the Golden Gate, a grand ornamental arch; walk down Long Street lined with buildings sporting elaborate facades and ornate gables; and the 15th-century Palace of Artus, where Neptune’s Fountain commemorates Gdansk’s Hanseatic past. We also visit medieval St. Mary’s Church, the world’s largest brick church with 30 brilliantly decorated chapels. After lunch there is time at leisure for further exploration. Wednesday, July 7 Klaipeda, Lithuania Klaipeda has been an important port since its founding by the Teutonic Order in the 13th century. Our exploration begins with a drive to the amber center of Palanga, stopping along the way to stroll through the Botanical Park with its 500 varieties of trees and bushes. We then visit the Amber Museum, housed in a 19th-century neo-Renaissance-style mansion, whose 15 rooms of exhibits—4,500 pieces of amber—reveal the secrets of this ―Baltic Gold.‖ Learn about the origins of amber, where it is found, how it is processed, and how it came to possess its international value. Afterward we drive to the Old Town for a walking tour. Its centerpiece is beautiful Theatre Square and from it, narrow streets meander between the fachwerk, half-timbered buildings, and the houses and shops of amber craftsmen. Later return to the port by motorcoach or stay in the Old Town and return to the ship on your own in the early afternoon. Thursday, July 8 Visby, Gotland Island, Sweden This morning we arrive at Gotland Island, Sweden, the largest island in the Baltic. Its splendid city of Visby, a World Heritage Site, is famous for its intact medieval architecture, especially the 44 guard towers built as part of the city walls in the 11th and 12th centuries. We drive to Almedalen, a green oasis in the center of bustling Visby, then walk down the Strandgatan, past lovely medieval granaries and the city’s oldest building, the Powder Tower. We visit the Botanical Garden, known for its exotic plant collection, birds, and stunning roses and magnolias, and reboard our coach for the ride up to a splendid panoramic viewpoint of the city and its spires. From ancient Dalman’s Gate we continue our tour on foot back into town along charming cobblestone streets, to visit the impressive St. Mary’s Cathedral and the Gotland Museum with its excellent medieval collections.
Friday, July 9 Riga, Latvia Our day in Latvia showcases the rich historical and cultural landmarks of this 800-year-old Hanseatic river port that gained its independence in 1991. Separated by the Daugava River—the embarkation point for Viking travelers heading east—the modern city is a major industrial and financial center, while Old Riga is an architectural showcase of towers and spires, 17th-century guild merchant houses, churches, and a castle, all interlaced with picturesque cobblestone streets. Our walking tour takes us to multiple landmarks, including the Blackheads House, one of the oldest buildings in Riga; St. Peter’s Church, a superb Gothic masterpiece; the 15th-century Three Brothers merchant houses; and St. Jacob and St. John churches. We also visit Riga’s most prominent landmark, the 13th-century Dome Cathedral, whose organ concerts are legendary. We end our walk at the castle, the residence of Latvia’s president. We continue our exploration by motorcoach, driving past lovely parks along the City Canal lined with the stunning Art Nouveau architecture built in 1899 during the German / Scandinavian movement knows as Jugendstil. We view Bastion Hill, commemorating those who died in 1991 during an anti-Soviet rebellion; the University of Latvia; and the Freedom Monument, dedicated to the nation’s struggle for freedom. Saturday, July 10 Tallinn, Estonia Today we set out for old town Tallinn, a visual feast of soaring spires, towers, and turrets —the legacies of its founders and rulers: the Danes, Swedes, Germans, and Russians. Country-wide pride has brought about a renaissance in restoration and reconstruction since 1991 and Tallinn proudly proclaims itself the finest preserved city in the Baltic. During a walking tour of upper Old Town we visit Palace Square, bordered by the pink baroque Toompea Castle which now houses the Estonian Parliament, and the magnificent cupola-crowned Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. We also visit the oldest church in Estonia, the Gothic 13th-century Dome Church. From a nearby viewpoint, the colorful city spreads out below us. In the lower Old Town we visit the Town Hall Square, once a medieval marketplace; one of the oldest pharmacies in Europe, founded in 1422; and stroll along St. Catherine’s Passage in the Latin Quarter, famous for its artisan workshops. After lunch at a local restaurant, we visit Kadriorg Park and Palace, built by Peter the Great as a summer residence. We also visit Song Festival Grounds, whose roots reach back nearly 140 years; the 16th-century St.Bridget’s Convent; and the stunning Russalka Monument, commemorating an 1893 shipwreck and now a traditional part of the local wedding ceremony where newlyweds come to lay down their flowers. In the late afternoon we drive back to our ship along a lovely coastal route. Sunday & Monday, July 11 & 12 St. Petersburg, Russia We arrive in splendid St. Petersburg in the early afternoon and enjoy two days of exploration. Founded by Peter the Great in 1703, St. Petersburg remains a beautiful Baltic seaport, spreading along the Neva River Delta and laced by 19 canals crossed by 320 bridges. Highlights of our visit include St. Isaac Square with its grand cathedral and Baroque palaces; the Winter Palace houses Catherine the Great’s incomparable Hermitage Museum. A special tour showcases this jewel of
the city and its extensive galleries of Italian and Spanish art, as well as Impressionist and modern art collections—among the world’s finest. Its crowning glory, the Gold Room, houses a dazzling array of jewelry by Russian, European, and Asian craftsman, as well as the famous Scythian and Greek gold. During our time here, we also drive across the Neva River to the burial place of the tsars, Peter and Paul Cathedral, its 18th-century domes dominating the skyline. We visit the spectacular Church of Resurrection, and drive along Russia’s most famous street, the Nevsky Prospect, lined with magnificent palaces, churches, and theaters. Tuesday, July 13 Helsinki, Finland After breakfast disembark and transfer to the airport for your independent flight homeward.
WILD & ANCIENT BRITAIN
Prior to Baltic Odyssey, from Plymouth to Edinburgh June 17 – July 1, 2010 A perfect complement to the historic cities and towns of the Baltic, our Wild & Ancient Britain voyage reveals the legacies of the Vikings, Celts, and Anglo-Saxons through the remains of stunning Neolithic monuments and stone abbeys, while Arthurian legends come to life in the heather-cloaked hillsides capped with silhouettes of castle ruins. Offshore, along the dramatic windswept promontories and in the rocky islets that punctuate the coastline, the largest seabird colonies in Europe present us with an unparalleled visual and auditory experience. Along the way we’ll meet the hospitable residents of these fabled lands, and enjoy a pint in the local pub or cup of tea in a cozy hamlet. Among the many scenic highlights of this journey are excursions to Giant’s Causeway and Lerwick in the Shetland Islands. By Zodiac we’ll explore the Saltee, Staffa, and Flannan Islands to witness the millions of resident gannets, murres, and puffins, and we’ll explore Fingal’s Cave, whose delightful formations inspired Mendelssohn to write an overture. We ride the longest narrow gauge steam line in Britain on the picturesque Isle of Man, stroll through the magnificent gardens of Tresco Abbey, and savor the local scenes in a variety of picture-perfect villages. We also visit superb archaeological sites such as Iron Age ruins in the Shetlands, the mysterious Standing Stones of Stenness in the Orkneys, Iona Abbey in the Hebrides, and the beehive-shaped cleits, or storage cells, on St. Kilda. Join us for this remarkable opportunity to explore two fascinating regions of northern Europe during the longest days of the year. Please contact us for more information.
ISLAND SKY
Built in 1992 and recently renovated, the Island Sky is a spacious, yet intimate, expedition vessel.
The ship carries 100 passengers in well-appointed outside cabins with ocean views. Each cabin features two twin beds that can be reconfigured into one queen, a sitting area, en suite bathroom, large wardrobes, vanity table, and excellent storage. A small refrigerator, television, personal safe, hair dryer, assorted toiletries, and individually controlled air-conditioning and heating are provided in every cabin. Public spaces include a large lounge, bar with piano, library stocked with fiction and reference books along with a selection of games, and an elegant single sitting dining room. Outside decks feature a bar, spa pool, and an aft sun deck where meals are served in clement weather. Bridge visits on the Island Sky allow for the chance to see her expert officers and crew at work. Ship’s Registry: Bahamas
WHAT TO EXPECT
For most activities, a relatively moderate level of exertion is required. You must be able to walk distances of one to three miles, sometimes over rough and uneven surfaces, such as cobblestones, and climb stone steps that at times may not have handrails. Excursions are timed to depart when temperatures will be most pleasant. During this time of year, temperatures will range from the upper 60sºF during the day to the upper 40sºF and low 50sºF at night and we will enjoy long hours of daylight. We will mail you a complete list of recommended clothing, essentials to bring, and a suggested reading list approximately five months prior to departure. Participants will most enjoy the remarkable opportunities this expedition offers if they travel with a spirit of adventure. Note: We estimate you will be without your passport for one month while we work on procuring your Russian visa. Visa kits will be mailed five months prior to departure.
EXPEDITION LEADERS
Especially chosen for this voyage, our team of expert leaders and lecturers serves to bring a comprehensive educational component to your adventure through lectures, guided excursions, and daily recaps. Lia Oprea (Expedition Leader) – Lia’s love of travel has led her to travel widely around the globe and, quite naturally, to a career in adventure travel, a trade she has plied for more than a dozen years. During this time she has worked in several capacities, including cruise director and expedition leader. Lia has traveled throughout much of the world with significant time spent in the Mediterranean, Central America, Eastern Europe, and Indian Ocean. While not in the field, Lia is Zegrahm & Eco Expedition’s director of field staffing. Colleen Batey (Archaeological Institute of America lecturer) – Colleen’s childhood passion for archaeology led her to Durham University where she received her doctorate. Her research interests focus on the settlement and burial of Scandinavian settlers and she has excavated extensively on Viking and Late Norse sites in Northern Scotland, Orkney, and Shetland Islands, and more
recently in Iceland. Since 2002 Colleen has been a lecturer in archaeology at the University of Glasgow and until 2008 was the finds research manager for the Archaeological Institute of Iceland. Paul Harris – Paul was born in England and graduated from Aberdeen University in politics and international relations. He wrote his first book while he was still at university and has now published more than 40 books, including several books of his photographs, which reflect his extensive travels. He became a journalist by accident in June 1991 when his aircraft was destroyed in a bombing attack on Ljubljana airport in Slovenia. For ten years he reported from some of the most conflicted places in the world. He now lives in Malta, where he writes and photographs and works as a political risk analyst. Ian R. Stone – Ian attended the Universities of Manchester, London, and Cambridge and has degrees in geology, history, and mathematics. He traveled the world, teaching in various regions such as the Indian Ocean and Africa and later at the University of Kent at Canterbury where he researched the history of the polar regions and the Crimean War. He has been a guest lecturer on a large number of expedition cruises, having traveled very widely in both the Arctic and the Antarctic, and in the Black and Baltic Seas. Olga Stone – Olga first decided to become a pianist at the age of five and followed this ambition throughout her education in Simferopol in Crimea, Ukraine, which is her home town. She graduated with distinction in piano from the Crimean Musical College and from Odessa Conservatoire. She has performed in London and Manchester and several times in the Isle of Man, as well as on board a large number of cruise ships, especially in the Black Sea and in the Baltic. She has also traveled widely in both polar regions. Jim Wilson – Jim hails from the city of Cobh, County Cork, Ireland and is a highly respected ornithologist and ecologist with more than 30 years of birding experience in Ireland, Europe, Africa, and the Antarctic. He is a full-time freelance wildlife filmmaker, broadcaster, and the author of three books—two on Irish birds and one on Irish whales and dolphins. Jim is heavily involved in wildlife conservation in Ireland and was national chairman of Birdwatch Ireland, Ireland’s equivalent of the Audubon Society. Ron Wixman – Professor Ron Wixman, a specialist in world cultural geography, is well versed in both the ancient and modern societies of the Mediterranean, Eastern Europe, Japan, Southeast Asia, Central Asia, and the Middle East. For 20 years, he spent the summers living in the Balkans and has traveled extensively throughout Asia and Europe. At home in Oregon, Ron is not only a well known professor at the University of Oregon, but he is also a regular commentator on radio and television as an expert on religion, culture, geopolitics, and ethnicity.
RATES
Category 1 $9,980 Category 5* $13,180
Category 2 Category 3 Category 4
$10,880 $11,780 $12,280
Category 6 * Single/Cat 2 Single/Cat 3
$14,180 $16,380 $17,680
* Category 5 & 6 have balconies. Limited singles available at the quoted single rate above. Additional singles may be available at 1.7 times the share rate. Included: Accommodations in our hotels and on board Island Sky as outlined in the itinerary; all onboard meals; all group meals on land; group transfers; services of the expedition staff, including lectures, briefings, slide/film shows; all group activities and excursions; landing and port fees; all gratuities. Not Included: All air transportation; excess baggage charges; airport arrival and departure taxes; transfers for independent arrivals and departures; passport and/or visa fees; travel insurance; items of a personal nature such as laundry, bar charges, alcoholic beverages, email/Internet/fax/telephone charges. Air Fare: A tentative flight schedule is available upon request. Zegrahm Expeditions will contact you approximately 180 days prior to the departure of this program to finalize your flight plans. As of May 2009, the approximate economy air fare as listed in the itinerary is $1,150 for New York / London /Edinburgh – Helsinki / London / New York. Additional fares from other cities will be quoted as needed. All rates are per person, quoted in U.S. dollars, and must be paid in U.S. dollars. Rates and itineraries are subject to change. Combination Voyage: You will receive $500 in savings if you continue your travels and combine this voyage with our Wild & Ancient Britain voyage. Please contact our office for more information or to receive a brochure.
TERMS & CONDITIONS
1. Reservations: 25% of the expedition fare, along with a completed and signed Reservation Form, will reserve a place for you on this Zegrahm Holdings LLC, d/b/a Zegrahm Expeditions (ZE), program. The balance of the expedition fare is due 120 days prior to departure. Air fare is also due at this time. All prices are quoted in U.S. dollars and must be paid in U.S. dollars. Credit cards accepted for deposit only.
2. Cancellation and Refund Policy: Notification of cancellation must be received in writing by ZE. At the time we receive your written cancellation, the following penalties will apply: • 120 days or more prior to departure: $500 per person • 60 through 119 days prior to departure: 50% of expedition fare • 1 through 59 days prior to departure: 100% of expedition fare Some air fare may be nonrefundable. Once an expedition has departed, there will be no refunds from ZE for any unused portions of the trip. The above policy also applies to all extensions and independent travel arrangements made in conjunction with this program. 3. Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance: We strongly advise that all travelers purchase trip cancellation and interruption insurance as protection against an emergency that may force you to cancel or leave an expedition while it is in progress. A brochure describing coverage will be sent to you upon receipt of your reservation. 4. Share Policy: Accommodations on all ZE programs are based on double occupancy. If you are traveling alone and wish to share accommodations, a roommate will be assigned to you whenever possible. When pairing roommates, we will always pair participants of the same sex. All shared accommodations are nonsmoking. If it is not possible to pair you with a roommate, you may be asked to pay a single supplement for the land portion of the program. 5. Medical Information: Participation in a ZE program requires that you be in generally good health. It is essential that persons with any medical problems and related dietary restrictions make them known to us well before departure. We can counsel you on whether the expedition you have selected is appropriate for you. The tour leader has the right to disqualify any participant at any time during the tour if he or she feels the participant is physically incapable and/or if a participant’s continued participation will jeopardize either the individual involved or the group. There will be no refund given under these circumstances. 6. Luggage Restrictions: Luggage size and weight limitations for both checked and carryon luggage, imposed by the airlines or as an operational requirement due to type of aircraft, will apply for flights to/from/within this program. Specifications will be provided with pre-departure materials. 7. Fuel Cost Increases and Currency Fluctuation: In order to keep rates as low as possible, we do not build into the trip fare an allowance to cover possible increases from fuel costs or currency fluctuations. Therefore, as fuel-cost increases may occur and currencies do fluctuate around the world, it may be necessary for us to initiate a rate surcharge at any time before
departure if there are exceptional cost increases beyond our control. 8. Itinerary Changes & Trip Delay: Itineraries are based on information available at the time of printing and are subject to change. ZE reserves the right to change a program’s dates, staff, itineraries, or accommodations as conditions warrant. If a trip must be delayed or the itinerary changed due to bad weather, road conditions, transportation delays, government intervention, airline schedules, sickness, or other contingency for which ZE or its agents cannot make provision, the cost of delays or changes is not included. 9. Itinerary Cancellation: ZE reserves the right to cancel an itinerary before departure for any reason whatsoever, including too few participants or logistical problems such as strikes, wars, acts of God, or any other circumstances that may make operation of the trip inadvisable. All trip payments received will be promptly refunded, and this refund will be the limit of ZE’s liability. ZE is not responsible for any expenses incurred by trip members in preparing for the trip, including nonrefundable or penalty-carrying airline tickets, special clothing, visa or passport fees, or other trip-related expenses. 10. Participation: ZE reserves the right to decline to accept any individual as a trip member for any reason whatsoever. 11. Limitations of Liability: This section defines ZE’s responsibility with respect to all of our trips, including extensions and independent arrangements. Please read it carefully. ZE, its Owners, Agents, and Employees give notice that they act only as the agent for the owners, contractors, and suppliers providing means of transportation and/or all other related travel services and assume no responsibility howsoever caused for injury, loss, or damage to person or property in connection with any service resulting directly from: acts of God, detention, annoyance, delays, expenses arising from quarantine, strikes, thefts, pilferage, force majeure, failure of any means of conveyance to arrive or depart as scheduled, civil disturbances, terrorism, government restrictions or regulations, and discrepancies or changes in transit or hotel services over which it has no control. Reasonable changes in the itinerary may be made where deemed advisable for the comfort and well-being of the passengers. As described in item 7 above, all prices are subject to change. As described in item 9 above, in the event that an expedition must be cancelled, ZE is not responsible for any personal expenses incurred by trip members in preparing for the program. Certain ship owners require use of preprinted ticket forms that limit the ship owner’s and operator’s liability. When such tickets are used, you are generally bound by the terms of these tickets with respect to your legal relationship to the owner and operators of the ship, their agent (ZE), and the ship’s crew. On advancement of deposit to ZE, the depositor acknowledges that he/she has read and understands the above recited terms and conditions, and agrees to be bound by them.
California Seller of Travel Program Registration # 2031043-40
ZEGRAHM EXPEDITIONS
192 Nickerson Street #200 Seattle, WA 98109 USA | (800) 628-8747 or (206) 285-4000