Baltic Capitals
This time we travelled in May unsure of what those chilly Baltic countries may bring so early into Spring and made sure an extra layer was packed. On the itinerary this time, Oslo, Stockholm, Helsinki, Tallin, St Petersburg, Warnemunde (for Berlin) and an overnight stay in Copenhagen.
First up, Oslo. We docked in Oslo and it was a pleasant walk into the city. We opted for a city tour bus because it took you to the surrounding attractions and enabled us to enjoy Vigeland – the amazing and almost 200 sculptures, the works of art of Gustav Vigeland.
Next Warnemunde, we chose to make our own arrangements by train (station next to the port) into Berlin. Berlin is a good hours journey so we ensured a sensibly timed train in order to meet the final boarding time and were fine. Once in Berlin true we arranged another hop-on hop off style tour bus getting a 10% off our fare on production of the Oslo tickets (same bus company). This was by far the most effective way to take in all that Berlin has to offer. We comfortably visited Checkpoint Charlie and museum, Brandenberg gate and Alexanderplatz.
Next was Stockholm. The journey through the archipelagoes into and out of Stockholm is as clear now in my memory as then. I recall taking a book up to the observatory lounge, sitting with a cocktail and not reading one page, the views were simply stunning – the benefits of travelling on a cruise – you see the land from the water and not the other way round. A City break alone would allow similar experiences via its sightseeing cruises and they are just beautiful.
Central Stockholm itself is a mixture of cobbled streets accessed by many bridges, and houses the Vasa warship museum, Royal Palace and City Hall to name a few.
Helsinki was more modern than I expected and its city tour didn't excite me. It surprised me with its neon lights and large buildings in some areas, quite a contrast to the other parts of Scandinavia we had just experienced. You have to drive through the port before appreciating the lush greenery and the city. Finnish heritage is preserved in its museums, I understand, but too many to see in a short day visit.
Tallin was a different story again, so laid back and history is plentiful. Ambling through the cobbled streets makes you feel as relaxed as the locals and immersed in the relaxed atmosphere. Tallin has a UNESCO World Heritage site in the Old Town. Some tours are coach / walking combinations providing the opportunity to see the Baroque park of Kadriorg, Palace of Toompea, Aleksander Nevskii Cathedral and the 600 year old ruins.
Next on the itinerary was St. Petersburg. I was always excited about visiting Russia, If not a little apprehensive. Because we had an overnight stay we had chosen to get a visa in advance so that we could explore St Petersburg on our own, not a difficult task, but not for the feint hearted. Taxi drivers may be the first you come across and you may find yourself crashing straight into that language barrier. However, they make you feel very welcome and are keen to look after you. It is brimming with history and it’s impossible to see it all in 2 days. My top 3 would be The Hermitage Museum, Church of our Saviour on the Spilt Blood and a river cruise (make sure you get one with an English narrative). If you choose to visit the sights with the cruise company you will travel under their blanket visa arrangements, but will only be able to leave the ship for the duration of the excursions, enabling sightseeing as above, but also Peterhof Palace and The Catherine Palace.
Our final destination was Copenhagen. You can walk into the city easily from the port. There are near to 100 pick up / drop off bicycle points around the city - a great way to get around. Tivoli Gardens are beautiful both day and night, easy with an overnight stay. All in all an amazing holiday and the luxury of a Celebrity ship to return to in the evening.