|
Lech Walesa
We are honored to announce that by exclusive arrangement while in Gdansk, our group will have a private meeting with Lech Walesa, winner of the Nobel Peace Prize and leader of the Solidarity movement in its fight against Communism. A worker in Gdansk's Lenin Shipyard, Walesa emerged as a worldwide symbol of the resistance against Communism during the shipyard worker's strike of 1980 and the establishment of the Solidarity labor movement. Despite winning the right to form an independent union, Walesa and Solidarity were forced to continue their struggle against the Soviet-backed regime of General Jaruzelski, which jailed Walesa and imposed martial law in Poland in December 1981. In 1983, Walesa received the Nobel Peace Prize, a watershed moment widely considered to have been the first crack in the Iron Curtain of Soviet Communism that crumbled with the Berlin Wall in 1989. Only the third foreign dignitary, after the Marquis de Lafayette and Winston Churchill, to address a joint session of the U.S. Congress in 1989, Walesa served as President of Poland from 1990 to 1995. We are indeed proud that this Polish hero and international symbol of the pursuit of freedom and democracy has agreed to meet with our group.
Accommodations M.S. Le Diamant
The M.S. Le Diamant is a rare find-an oceangoing vessel providing the deluxe amenities and superior standards offered aboard a larger ship with the intimate charm and enhanced navigability of a yacht. Distinguished by its intimate, casual ambiance and personal, attentive service, this exceptional vessel is continually refurbished to ensure that the highest standards of comfort and elegance are maintained. All 113 spacious, outside staterooms or suites (ranging in size from 183 sq. ft. to 398 sq. ft.) are tastefully appointed and feature two lower twin beds that convert to one queen-size bed upon request, a private bathroom with shower (some staterooms have bathtubs and showers), telephone, television, DVD, minibar, double full-length closets, two nightstands, desk, hair dryer, duvets and plush terry cloth roves. Room service is available. Continental breakfast, buffet breakfast, buffet lunch, afternoon tea and dinner are served daily in a single, unassigned seating. The Restaurant Îles de France offers innovative Continental fare in a relaxed, inviting setting. Guests may reserve a table at L'Escapade restaurant for more intimate evening dining. Complimentary house wine, beer, soft drinks, mineral water, coffee and tea are served at lunch and dinner. The ship has three lounges, where nightly entertainment includes a cabaret and live music. Other public areas include the hair salon, boutique, library, masseuse and fitness center. A certified physician is on board. Two elevators provide access to all passenger decks. |
Baltic Sea and Norwegian Fjords
June 22 - July 4, 2009
In the tradition of ancient Viking mariners, sail across the Baltic Sea under sunlit northern skies on this special voyage featuring an opportunity to meet with Lech Walesa, Nobel Prize Laureate and leader of the Polish Solidarity movement’s struggle against Soviet domination. While cruising from the beautiful Swedish capital of Stockholm to the medieval port of Bergen, Norway marvel at the stunning beauty of Norway’s spectacular Sognefjord and Aurlandsfjord, discover the stunning architecture of Scandanavia’s most historic ports and immerse yourself in the cultural renaissance of the recently liberated Baltic States. From the medieval treasures of Riga, Tallinn and Gdansk, to the unrivaled artistic heritage of St. Petersburg, Russia, delve into the region’s fascinating historical legacy as these nations reclaim their national destinies.
DAY-BY-DAY ITINERARY INCLUDED FEATURES
EXCLUSIVE GOHAGAN TRAVEL SERVICES
STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN PRE-PROGRAM OPTION AND BERGEN, NORWAY POST-PROGRAM OPTION
Experience a uniquely comprehensive itinerary that combines the majesty of the Norwegian Fjords with the historical treasures of seven Baltic Sea nations and features two days in Russia's cultural capital of St. Petersburg. This 13-day cruise features a unique combination of the scenic grandeur of the Norwegian fjords, Peter the Great's wondrous civic masterpiece of St. Petersburg, the great ports of Scandinavia and the rejuvenated Baltic nations of Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia.
Cost Special Tulane pricing is from approximately $6295 per person, plus airfare and based on double occupancy. Booking For booking information please contact Thomas P. Gohagan at 800-922-3088, or Tulane Alumni Travel at 877-488-5263. Specific trip details (itinerary, meals, sightseeing & accommodations) will be published in the brochure. Brochure Request
DAY-BY-DAY ITINERARY DAY 1 - UNITED STATES
Depart from the U.S. for Stockholm, Sweden.
DAY 2 - STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN
Transfer to the exclusively chartered M.S. Le Diamant upon arrival. This evening, join the Captain for a special welcome reception and dinner.
DAY 3 - TALLINN, ESTONIA
Having largely escaped the ravages of World War II, Tallinn's Old Town has remained virtually unchanged for the past 600 years and had been designated a UNESCO World Heritage site. During the walking tour, visit the medieval Town Hall, the only surviving Gothic-style hall in Europe, and see the landmark Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and the 13th-century Church of St. Nicholas.
DAY 4 - ST. PETERSBURG
Arrive in the marvelous city of St. Petersburg, founded by Peter the Great in 1703. Spend one and a half days exploring the city's legendary landmarks, scattered across more than 100 islands lined by six times as many bridges. Following lunch, drive along the main thoroughfare, Nevsky Prospect, lines with exquisite Russian Baroque and neoclassical architecture, and see the Church of the Spilled Blood and 19th-century St. Isaac's Cathedral, crowned by a striking golden dome. Tour the city's first building, the Peter and Paul Fortress, which was constructed in 1703 to defend Russia against Swedish invasion and to secure Russia's access to the sea. The impressive Baroque Cathedral of Sts. Peter and Paul contains the tombs of all of Russia's czars, from Peter the Great to Nicholas II. This evening attend an optional ballet performance in the historic Hermitage Theater or an optional Russian folklore show in the Nikolevsky Art Center.
DAY 5 - ST. PETERSBURG
Begin your day with the specially arranged, early-opening tour of the renowned Hermitage, a former czarist palace and one of the world's greatest art museums. Its spectacular collection is rivaled only by its ornate interiors. Spend this afternoon in St. Petersburg on your own, or join an optional excursion to the imperial compound of Pushkin and Catherine Palace, an elaborate Baroque edifice built in 1741 by Peter the Great's daughter, Elizabeth I, in honor of her mother. Visit the extraordinary Amber Room, where six tons of amber, deftly carved and framed in gold leaf, were the crown jewel of Russian art until the room was looted by the Nazis in 1941. The room was meticulously reconstructed to commemorate St. Petersburg's 300th birthday in 2003. Alternatviely, join an optional excursion to Peter the Great's elegant summer estate and palace at Petrodvorets. Lined with exquisite gilded fountains and white marble statues, its gardens are among the most spectacular in the world. The visit includes a walk through the palace grounds. Return to St. Petersburg by hydrofoil. The ship departs St. Petersburg later this evening.
DAY 6 - CRUISING THE BALTIC SEA
The day is at leisure on board the deluxe M.S. Le Diamant as you cruise the Baltic Sea.
DAY 7 - RIGA, LATVIA
Once a member of the Hanseatic League, Riga has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site for its eclectic combination of national romantic, art nouveau, neo-Gothic, neo-Baroque and ultramodern architecture. Attend the specially arranged organ recital in St. John's Church, one of Riga's oldest buildings, originally a Dominican chapel consecrated in the 13th century. Tour Old Riga and the Great Guild Hall Square, the Swedish Gate and the artfully designed Blackhead's House, a magnificent 14th-century guildhouse destroyed in World War II. It was completely rebuilt with bricks donated by Riga's citizens to commemorate the city's 800th anniversary in 2001.
DAY 8 - CRUISING THE BALTIC SEA
Spend the day at leisure on board, while cruising the Baltic Sea.
DAY 9 - GDANSK, POLAND
Arrive in Gdansk, an historic city that features some of Poland's finest medieval and Renaissance architecture. In 1980, Lenin Shipyard workers, led by Lech Walesa, founded the Solidarity movement-the first independent trade union in Eastern Europe and the key factor in the Polish struggle against Communism. Tour the historic yards and see the Monument to the Shipyard Worker, raised in memory of a violent strike in 1970. Continue to the Old Town and visit the stately 14th-century Town Hall, a beautiful Gothic structure noted for its Dutch Mannerist interior. Remarkably restored after World War II, it is now the home of the Museum of the History of Gdansk. By exclusive arrangement, enjoy a private visit on the ship with Lech Walesa. He will share his insights into the Solidarity movement, which plated a seminal role in the pursuit of Polish democracy, and the collapse of Communism in Eastern Europe.
DAY 10 - COPENHAGEN DENMARK
Board a canal boat for the afternoon cruise through the heart of Copenhagen. See Christiansborg Palace, the Naval Church, the Stock Exchange and the famous "Little Mermaid" statue, which honors the work of Denmark's favorite author, Hans Christian Andersen. Disembark and pass by Tivoli Gardens, Amalienborg Palace and the King's Garden en route to the famous Strøget pedestrian street.
DAY 11 - KATTEGAT & SKAGERRAK STRAITS
Sail in the wake of ancient Viking seafarers through the Kattegat and Skagerrak Straits en route to Norway.
DAY 12 - CRUISING THE NORWEGIAN FJORDS
Norway's majestic fjords offer the most stunning coastal scenery in Europe. Cruise past traditional farmsteads and villages along the placid Sognefjord and Aurlandsfjord, flanked by soaring, snowcapped mountains plunging dramatically into the cobalt blue waters at their base. This evening, attend the Captain's special farewell reception.
DAY 13 - BERGEN / U.S.
Disembark the ship this morning and transfer to the airport for your flight home.
back
INCLUDED FEATURES On Board the deluxe M.S. Le Diamant
- Eleven-night cruise from Stockholm, Sweden, to Bergen Norway (including a passage through the Norwegian fjords), with calls at Tallinn, Estonia; St. Petersburg, Russia; Riga, Latvia; Gdansk, Poland; and Copenhagen, Denmark.
- Spacious and elegant outside accommodations with private bathroom facilities and air conditioning.
- Captain's welcome and farewell receptions.
- All meals - Continental breakfast, buffet lunch, afternoon tea and dinner - throughout the cruise, featuring Continental cuisine served at a single, unassigned seatings.
- House wine, beer, soft drinks, mineral water, coffee and tea with lunch and dinner.
- Walking tour of Tallinn's historic and medieval quarters.
- St. Petersburg city tour, featuring a tour of the Peter and Paul Fortress.
- Specially arranged, early-opening tour of the world-renowned Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg.
- Architectural tour of Riga, Latvia.
- Tour of the historic Polish port of Gdansk.
- Private meeting with Nobel Peace Prize Laureate, Lech Walesa, in Gdansk.
- Half-day Copenhagen city tour.
- Spectacular day cruising Norway's scenic Sognefjord and Aurlandsfjord.
back
STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN PRE-PROGRAM OPTION
Enjoy two nights in the newly renovated Sheraton Stockholm Hotel. Visit City Hall, where Nobel prizes are awarded each year, see fascinating Viking artifacts and explore the historic Gamla Stan (Old Town). Complete details will be provided with your reservation confirmation.
BERGEN, NORWAY POST-PROGRAM OPTION Spend two nights in the Radisson SAS Royal in Bergen. The city tour includes the district of colorful medieval houses, known as Bryggen, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the tour of composer Edvard Grieg's former home features a specially arranged recital. Complete details will be provided with your reservation confirmation.
back |
