Baltic Archipelagos: The Islands of , , and

8 DAYS/7 NIGHTS – NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC ORION

Denmark to have a flashing light. There are no cars on Christiansø, and just one type of mammal, the hedgehog. Look for eider ducks, razorbills, and more nested on the small island of Græsholmen, a bird sanctuary. (B,L,D)

DAY 3: VISBY, , SWEDEN Spend the day exploring Visby, one of the best-preserved medieval towns in Scandinavia. Founded as a Viking settlement, the town became a centre of the Hanseatic trade in the 12th to 14th centuries. Stroll the cobblestone streets of the enchanting old town and walk along its nearly three-kilometre-long, 13th-century wall. Ride a bike through town or along the many bike paths across the island of Gotland. This evening join us for a special night on Gotland with a Swedish dinner and a private concert by Swedish folk music group, Väsen. (B,L,D) DAY 1: COPENHAGEN, DENMARK/ EMBARK DAY 4: ARCHIPELAGO Arrive in Copenhagen, and prior to embarking National Anchor near the small island of Utö and explore its quiet Geographic Orion, we have a canal boat ride or a leisurely coves by kayak. Or, take a Zodiac to the island to walk city walk, stopping for your first taste of Danish pastries through Utö’s nature preserve. Keep your camera handy as and coffee. Settle into your cabin, and after lunch, enjoy the we manoeuvre through the scenic Stockholm Archipelago to scenery as we sail east into the . (L,D) dock in the heart of Stockholm, the city built on 14 islands. (B,L,D)

DAY 5: STOCKHOLM The great Scandinavian maritime capital of Stockholm provides some favourite experiences: view the royal Vasa warship (which capsized in Stockholm harbour in 1628 and was salvaged and restored 350 years later.) Take a walking tour of Old Town Gamla Stan, or learn about Sweden’s living history at the Skansen open-air museum. This afternoon enjoy time on your own or take a tasting tour of Swedish sweets in the Gamla Stan. We stay docked overnight so you The island of Gotland is known as the Pearl of the Baltic Sea. can enjoy this magical Scandinavian city. (B,L,D)

DAY 2: CHRISTIANSØ DAY 6: MARIEHAMN, ÅLAND, FINLAND Zodiacs take us to the almost uninhabited island of Sail to the Åland Islands, an autonomous, Swedish- Christiansø, where Danish fortifications date from 1684. speaking, Finnish territory. In Mariehamn, the capital, visit Explore the craggy shores and lighthouse—the first in the four-masted merchant sailing ship Pommern, and visit the Åland Maritime Museum, or bicycle out into the Aboard the 102-Guest countryside. Tonight we have a special beer tasting ashore National Geographic Orion while we hear traditional sea shanties from the Age of Sail. (B,L,D) 2016 Departure: AUG. 7 & 21 2016 Cost Per Person Double Occupancy Category 1...... $9,990 Category 2...... $11,580 Category 3...... $13,740 Category 4...... $14,990 Category 5...... $17,900 Category 6...... $20,760 Sole Occupancy Category 1...... $14,990 Category 3...... $20,610 Deposit...... $1,000 The city of Visby, on Gotland Island in Sweden, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is known for its many medieval church ruins. Prices are in AUD per person. Please call for Sample Airfare. DAY 7: TURKU Cost Includes: Accommodations aboard ship; meals Visit Turku, the oldest city in Finland. Explore Turku Castle, as indicated; all alcoholic beverages; crew gratuities; the Luostarinmäki Handicrafts Museum, or the artwork and excursions; services of Lindblad Expeditions’ Leader, underground ruins at Aboa Vetus and Ars Nova museum. National Geographic photographer, naturalist staff and This afternoon cruise via Zodiac to a small island for nature expert guides; use of kayaks and snorkelling equipment; hikes and a relaxing swim. (B,L,D) all port charges and service taxes.

DAY 8: TALLINN, /DISEMBARK Not Included: Air transportation; personal items such as internet, etc. Crossing the Gulf of Finland to Estonia, disembark in Tallinn, where we have a walking tour of the walled, cobblestoned old town with its Kiek in de Kök, a 15th-century defensive tower. Transfer to the airport and catch your return flight home, or remain in Tallinn for an added stay. (B)

The charming architecture of Tallinn, Estonia is reminiscent of a fairytale.

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