Silversea Cruises

London to Stockholm - Baltic Overture

Itinerary

Friday - London (Tower Bridge), U.K.
Silversea is excited to offer this port as part of our itineraries. Information for this port is not yet available. Please check back.

Saturday - Zeebrugge, Belgium
Zeebrugge is a major port in Flanders province, connecting Belgium’s intricate railway and canal transportation systems. Not much larger than the state of Maryland, Belgium is one of the most densely populated nations in Europe. Surrounded by France, Germany, Luxembourg and the Netherlands, Belgium lies at the crossroads of the continent. Within the country’s boundaries are the relics of a colorful past and a promising future. Excellent ports and few natural defenses have long made Belgium a natural battleground. During both World Wars the country was the scene of fierce battles, but its recovery was swift and prosperous.

Internal cultural differences between the northern Flemish provinces and the southern Walloon provinces have resulted in an unusual language situation. Flemish is the predominant language in the north; French is spoken in the south.

For cruise vessels, Zeebrugge serves mainly as a gateway to Bruges and Ghent, both highly popular destinations for their medieval atmosphere, architectural splendors and art treasures.

Sunday - Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Amsterdam has always had strong ties to the water. Spread out over 70 islands, this cosmopolitan city boasts 60 miles of canals and 1,000 bridges. As early as the 13th century, tiny ships sailed from this port into the challenging Zuider Sea. A direct connection to the North Sea was made with the construction of a canal in the early 19th century. The most dramatic alteration of the landscape came in 1932 with the creation of a 22-mile dam that sealed off part of the Zuider Sea, allowing large landfills. Amsterdam gained prominence in the 15th century when it became a major trading center, steadily assuming commercial leadership and thus controlling the country's finances, a trend that remains to this day.

Amsterdam is most famous for its narrow, gabled houses lining the canals. The historic center is full of interesting attractions such as the medieval weigh house, the Royal Palace on Dam Square and the Nieuwe Kerk or New Church, which was built in 1468. From the time of Rembrandt, Amsterdam has been revered as an artistic center. Today the city is renowned for celebrated museums such as the Rijks, Van Gogh and Stedelijk Museums, to name but a few. It also is a shopper's city, featuring everything from the famous flower market to glassware, Delft porcelain, cheese and wooden shoes.Its most glamorous industry is the diamond trade.

Within a relatively short distance from Amsterdam are the flower centers of Aalsmeer, the picturesque fishing villages of Volendam and Marken, cheese markets at Edam and Gouda, and historic Haarlem, the main center of the bulb-growing industry. You may explore Amsterdam's center on foot or join the thousands of residents who favor riding their bicycles. One of the most delightful ways to enjoy the city's famous sights is from a glass-topped sightseeing boat. Gliding through the canals, the boat passes the characteristic gabled houses and negotiates picturesque arched bridges.

Monday - Hamburg, Germany
As Germany’s principal port, Hamburg surprises its visitors with an amazing expanse of parks, lakes and tree-lined canals, giving the city a refreshing rural feel and a sense of openness. Founded over 1000 years ago as a fortification against Viking attacks, the settlement grew to a sizeable city during the Middle Ages and became a leading member of the Hanseatic League. With its impressive historical background and today’s big city ambience, Hamburg offers its visitors a great variety of old and modern architecture, historical and art museums, entertainment ranging from classical concerts and opera to theater and musical shows, superb shopping and fine dining options as well as an international lifestyle.

The skyline is dominated by the pale green of its copper spires and domes, but only a few houses and churches remain from before the last century. The great fire of 1842 was a main cause of this loss, followed by demolition to make way for the warehouse area of the Freeport. Almost totally destroyed during World War II, Hamburg is today an outstanding example of urban modernity with its new architecture resembling some of the medieval buildings it replaced.

This port city owes much of its character to the Elbe and Alster rivers. The velvety green banks of the outer Alster are dotted with elegant villas and along the Inner Alster are hotels and commercial buildings. The focal point in the town center is the imposing Renaissance-style City Hall, a symbol of the city’s power and wealth in the last century.

At night the city comes alive in St. Pauli, the gaudy and licentious amusement quarter with its notorious Reeperbahn that attracts sailors from all over the world.

Tuesday - Transit Kiel Canal
Silversea is excited to offer this port as part of our itineraries. Information for this port is not yet available. Please check back.

Wednesday - Copenhagen, Denmark
Wonderful Copenhagen is a city of canals, copper-roofed buildings and manicured parks. This famous Baltic seaport is one of Europe’s loveliest capitals and the seat of the oldest monarchy in the world. Home to a quarter of Denmark’s population, Copenhagen is a focus for commerce, culture, industry and cosmopolitan atmosphere. Although Vikings and fishermen knew this site for years as Havn (Harbor), the founding of Copenhagen dates from 1167, when the warrior-bishop Absalon established a citadel here. As commerce flourished, the name was changed to Kobenhavn (Merchants’ Harbor); in 1443, it was appointed the capital of Denmark.

A century later, Christian IV began the building program that became the basis of the modern city. In 166, Frederik III graced the city with its first royal palace, Amalienborg, for his queen, Sophie Amalie. Many of these structures still exist; the taller ones remain the dominant features on what is a refreshingly low skyline.

Visitors to Copenhagen cannot help being impressed by the magnitude of attractions. As the locale of Hans Christian Andersen’s enchanting tale of The Little Mermaid, Copenhagen has become Denmark’s fairy-tale city. Its impressive theaters, museums and churches are of interest to many visitors; the best-loved attractions include the world-famous Tivoli Gardens, the Langelinie Harbor with its statue of The Little Mermaid, and the busy shopping promenade known as Strøget. Shopping and dining opportunities are endless.

Thursday - Day At Sea
While we're at sea, enjoy wine tastings, designer boutiques, language and dance classes. Take in a matinee movie, check the market or your e-mail in the Internet Point, slip away with a novel from the library to a sunny chaise or with a movie to your suite. Or just take in the sun pool side. The choice is.

Friday - St. Petersburg, Russia
Founded by Peter the Great in 1703, this beautiful city became the designated capital of Imperial Russia from 1712 to 1914 and has remained the country’s cultural capital. The tsar's brainchild was built according to his plans after draining swampland on the Gulf of Finland. His friends were required to construct their palaces along these newly created canals. The result was a gateway to the West and a distinctly European metropolis with baroque and neo-classical mansions. St. Petersburg's new cultural life attracted such great figures as Pushkin, Dostoyevsky, Tchaikovsky and Tolstoy.

At the start of World War I, the city's name was changed to Petrograd; in 1924, it was renamed Leningrad in honor of the USSR's first premier, Vladimir Lenin. During World War II, Leningrad heroically endured a siege by the Nazis for 900 days during which nearly one million people perished. The remaining brave but battered population did not fully recover until the 1960s.

Following 75 years of communist rule, the political upheaval and subsequent changes in 1991 truly astonished the world and brought a new outlook to this city. In the wake of ensuing events, Leningrad reclaimed its original name, St. Petersburg, and started an ambitious project to restore the city to its former glory.

St. Petersburg is Russia's second largest city and the country's principal seaport. It boasts opulent palaces, fine theaters and ballet companies, as well as some of the world's best art museums. Many of the city's monuments represent an important facet of the country's rich historical and cultural heritage. The legendary Hermitage contains some of the world's most magnificent art treasures, including a unique collection of jewelry in the Gold and Diamond Rooms.

Visa information: Guests participating in Silversea’s organized shore excursions or private car arrangements do not require individual Russian visas. Those guests choosing to go ashore independently or participating in the Overnight Moscow excursion need to have an individual Russian visa, which must be obtained prior to embarkation.

Please Note: Many of the attractions visited will levy charges for cameras and videos. These are not included in the price of the tours.

Saturday - St. Petersburg, Russia

Sunday - St. Petersburg, Russia

Monday - Tallinn, Estonia
Estonia’s capital, Tallinn, lies just 53 miles from Helsinki across the Gulf of Finland, midway between St. Petersburg and Stockholm. The first recorded stronghold was built here by Estonians in the 10th century, only to be taken over by the powerful seafaring Danes in 1219. In 1285, Tallinn was incorporated into the successful Hanseatic League, a German mercantile group operating in Northern Europe during medieval times. Because of its strategic location, Tallinn experienced many different occupations over the centuries, which resulted in a cultural mix that lends a unique ambiance to this maritime city.

The proud people of Estonia, along with their Latvian and Lithuanian neighbors, endured Soviet rule for over 50 years. Then in 1991, following the great upheaval in the Soviet Union, these three brave countries proudly joined the world of independent nations and finally enjoyed their freedom.

Estonia is surrounded by water. The country’s 17,000 square miles include a staggering 800 islands and more than 1,500 lakes. Water sports are quite popular during the summer months and fishing is a national pastime.

The Old Town, with its cobbled streets and 13th- and 14th-century buildings, attracts thousands of visitors each year. They come to admire the city’s heritage of medieval buildings, the imposing Town Hall that dates back to 1454, the Orthodox Cathedral, Toompea Castle and Oleviste Church – all prominent architectural landmarks. A local convent has been instructing students for more than 200 years. Sip coffee in a waterfront café and reflect on recent and current events.

Tuesday - Stockholm Sweden
Founded in the 13th century, Stockholm is Sweden’s strikingly elegant and beautiful capital, spread out over many islands at the meeting point of the Baltic with Lake Mälaren. Stockholm, noted for its outstanding architecture, is one of Scandinavia’s most attractive cities. In addition to its many man-made monuments, Stockholm boasts a world of natural beauty. One third of the city’s total land area is devoted to parks.

Guided by a strong belief in individual freedom, Sweden is governed by a constitution that is the oldest in use in Europe. The country’s neutrality has allowed it to avoid wars for more than 150 years. Its cities and industries remained intact during both World Wars. A distinct political philosophy has also added significantly to the nation’s success. Many of the country’s social achievements can be attributed to the development of the “welfare state” early in the 20th century. This provides its citizens with excellent medical care and substantial retirement benefits. Sweden is recognized as one of the world leaders in matters of health care and life expectancy. Education standards are high, accounting for the country’s 100% literacy rate.

The Swedes are proud of their country and take great care to preserve its great natural beauty. As the country’s major city, Stockholm offers a wealth of monuments and sites, fine museums and a rich culture. There are also hundreds of excellent restaurants as well as a great selection of trendy boutiques and exciting nightclubs.

Visitors should start their exploration of Stockholm at Gamla Stan, the Old Town located on an island in the center of the city. This is the city's most attractive part, which has retained its medieval charm. The maze of narrow, cobbled streets is best explored on foot.

Wednesday - Stockholm Sweden
Disembark for your trip home.

Cost of This Itinerary

The least expensive cabin costs:
$724 per person per night

The most expensive stateroom costs:
$2309 per person per night