By admin, on September 24th, 2010%
Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
Tallinn is frequently identified as the Baltic cruise passengers favourite cruise port destination. Most people aren’t quite sure what to expect and then are immediately charmed by this lovely city.
Estonia’s capital is one of northern Europe’s oldest and best-preserved cities. Its main attraction is its entire medieval district, known as Old Town (Vanalinn), which has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997. This historic area has remained almost unchanged since its construction between the 13th and 16th centuries thanks to a sturdy defensive wall – most of which is still standing – and a strict ban on combustible building materials imposed on the buildings within. That prudent piece of Middle-age urban planning has meant that modern visitors can still walk the same narrow cobblestoned streets, admire the same peak-roofed buildings and absorb much of the same age-old atmosphere that locals have experienced for centuries.
Tallinn’s pristine condition is made all the more remarkable considering its volatile history, which has seen it fought over, attacked and occupied by several of its neighbours over a period of 800 years. These various eras of foreign rule have endowed Tallinn with a diverse and unique culture, influencing its architecture, religion and even its cuisine. But they also served to foster a national ideology of resistance, one that has kept Tallinners deeply patriotic throughout their long centuries of subjugation. The result: a collective cultural awareness that is as well preserved as the city’s oldest buildings.
As a cruise destination, Tallinn is very conveniently designed. It’s small enough to mostly be explored on foot, and it packs so many attractions – and so much vibrant energy – into such a small area that there’s never a dull moment. Both Old Town and the modern city centre are just half a mile from the harbour, and even outlying destinations like the quiet, leafy Kadriorg district, with its palace built by Peter the Great, are only a few minutes’ walk from the middle of town.
Written by Stephen Palmer (1 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5) Loading …
By admin, on September 24th, 2010%
A Rune at Skansen
Stockholm truly deserves the title ‘Venice of the North’. This is a great cruise ship destination as it is a city that is a vibrant metropolis where the old effortlessly merges with the new, and therefore is a true joy to visit. History, culture, amusement, shopping or relaxation, those who know where to look can find it all. Stockholm is built across a series of islands linked by bridges – so pick up a map and use our guide to find your way around!
Your cruise ship will most likely dock a short drive away from Gamla Stan, the Old City which is the heart of the city. Its tight, romantic alleyways date from the middle ages and house some of the jewels of city, such as the Stockholms slot (the Royal Palace) and the Nationalmuseum (the National Museum). It is surrounded by the downtown area, with further museums, as well as the Djurgården park area. It is here where the mix of old and new that Stockholm is so well-loved for becomes obvious, as you can find new-age buildings like the Globe only blocks away from medieval and romantic palaces and houses. The archipelago surrounding Stockholm is also worth a boat trip. This is where Stockholmers go to enjoy their time off and its quiet islands provide a nice contrast to the busy city.
By admin, on September 24th, 2010%
This classically beautiful Russian city is as deep historically as its deep water canals in the port that surrounds it. It boasts a long, turbulent and interesting past. The city celebrated its 300th Birthday in 2003 in grand style with newly renovated landmarks, streets, stores and much more. This is a hard working and industrial city manufacturing machinery, electrical equipment, chemicals, pharmaceuticals and textiles. In addition this city also works in, oil refining, printing, woodworking, food and tobacco processing, and shipbuilding. This is Russia’s second biggest city and one of the World’s biggest ports, making it an ideal cruise ship destination.
The Church on Spilled Blood
The city, formerly called the capital of Russia, has seen as much drama and adventure as an action-packed movie we see nowadays on the big screen. It was the birthplace of the Great Communist revolution of the 20th century. The winter weather in St Petersburg can be brutal, just as its history, but during the summer months the average temp.is 70-80 degrees. It’s best to be on the safe side and bring a lightweight coat for any excursions in the city as it can turn cloudy and a bit chilly at the drop of a hat. Just stepping off the cruise ship you may feel like you have stepped back in time. This city has a timeless grace and dignity about it.
The number one most popular sight to see is by far the Hermitage, a World-renown museum. Built in 1754 during the reign of Catherine the Great, this museum features millions of pieces of art, artifacts and masterpieces. In the famous collection are works of Leonardo da Vinci, Rembrandt, Peter the Great’s Throne Room and Raphael. Being a witness to such historically significant art is both overwhelming and exhilarating. Be sure to give yourself plenty of time to visit as this is a very popular and busy place, to say the least.
Another must see is Catherine the Great’s Palace. This is located in Pushkin, approximately an hour from St Petersburg by car. Much of the palace was destroyed and renovated or rebuilt after WWII. The accuracy and integrity with which it was restored is amazing. Some 57 halls in the palace required work. From everything to the Green dining room, chapel, Great Hall, and Amber room, this historically and culturally rich palace is a true sight to see and behold. If walls could talk, these palace walls would have some tall tales and keep us very entertained.
By admin, on September 24th, 2010%
Oslo is great cruise ship destination as your ship will dock a very short walk away from the main city. Scandinavia’s oldest capital is a city brimming with contrasts – a cosmopolitan capital that embraces a unique proximity to an expansive wilderness. Oslo prides itself on being a city of many faces, and this quickly becomes evident to visitors who can move from the fresh modernity of buildings like the new opera house, to wide avenues bordered with nineteenth-century neoclassical architecture, to vast, forested hills, in the space of a couple of hours. It’s a rare find that captures rugged outdoor beauty on its metropolitan doorstep. // PLEASE CHANGE DEFAULT EXCERPT HANDLING TO CLEAN OR FULL (go to your WordPress Dashboard/Settings/Cincopa Options … cp_load_widget(“%5Bcincopa+10749804%5D”, “_cp_widget_4f465786f215d”); Click here to open the gallery.Powered by Cincopa wp content plugins solution for your website and Cincopa MediaSend for file transfer. The fjord and forests that surround Oslo have remained almost unchanged since the Vikings sailed the same waters over a thousand years ago but on reaching the capital it soon becomes evident that much has happened to shape the city over the past millennium. Oslo is a city seeping with history and many dramatic years have played their part in its formation. Its medieval roots are clearly visible in the city’s first permanent royal residence, the Akershus Castle, which has remained the pride of Oslo since it was first built, over eight hundred years ago.
Akershus Castle, Oslo
The grid like streets and Cathedral in the Old Town are evidence of a Danish influence on the city during the centuries that Norway was under the control of its Southern neighbour, while the Royal Palace still stands as it did in the nineteenth century when it was commissioned by the Swedish king, Carl Johan. In the years of World War II, Oslo was occupied by Nazi Germany and the city’s heroic struggle against occupation is detailed in The Norwegian Resistance Museum. Perhaps it is all the years of invasion, unions and dependency on neighbouring countries that have made the residents of Oslo so fiercely proud of their finally independent country. Visitors are welcomed wholeheartedly and Norwegians are usually immensely pleased by interest shown in their capital!
Oslo’s appeal lies not just in its dramatic past. Present day Oslo is best known as the location of the annual Nobel Peace Prize, awarded every December at the City Hall. Oslo also has lots to offer for art and culture seekers. The surrounding scenic beauty has offered inspiration to a variety of artists and the capital proudly showcases its best works of art in many forms. . . . → Read More: Oslo
By admin, on September 24th, 2010%
Think of a vibrant and prosperous city, with an eclectic mix of neo-classical and art nouveau buildings……and you have Helsinki, the ‘Pearl of the Baltic’ , the capital of Finland and an amazing cruise ship destination.
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A compact and relaxed city with a population of just over 500,000, Helsinki feels like it is surrounded by water. Your cruise ship will dock very close to the main city, enabling the passenger to get maximum exploring time in this lovely port.
At the Southern most tip of Finland, Helsinki enjoys a milder climate than the rest of the country. A delight to explore and easy to get around by bus, walking, cycling (cycle hire is free), metro or tram. Helsinki offers the visitor many attractions, including over forty museums. The most prominent building on the cities skyline is the Neoclassical Helsingin Tuomiokirkko (Helsinki Cathedral) at the heart of Senate Square, with its green domed roof. Senate Square is also where you will find Temppeliaukio an underground church hewn of solid rock where you can take in a daytime concert.
Visit Suomenlinna the ‘Castle of Finland’ and the reason why Helsinki became a capital city way back in 1812. The island of Katajanokka is accessible via a footbridge. Here the Orthodox Uspenski Cathedral on the hill above the harbour is another of Helsinki’s most recognisable landmarks, you will also find many Art Nouveau buildings here.
If you appreciate art as well as architecture, head for the very modern Kiasma Museum of Contemporary Art or the Ateneum Art Museum where you will find many examples of traditional and more modern Finnish art.
The Finnish people are some of the best educated in the world enjoying a prosperous economy and low unemployment and it is worth bearing in mind that Helsinki
A view of the Lutheran Cathedral
is one of the safest cities in the world.
There are no shortages of places to take lunch in Helsinki including many island restaurants. Helsinki can even boast its own two star Michelin restaurant. The Finnish are a nation of coffee drinkers and this fact has resulted in Helsinki’s many elegant cafés where coffee (kahvi) is traditionally taken with pulla, a cinnamon flavoured bun with sugar on-top.
Stroll through the Sibelius Park where you will find Finland’s tribute to their great composer Jean Sibelius. The National Museum of Finland, Kansallismuseo is well worth a visit. . . . → Read More: Helsinki
By admin, on September 24th, 2010%
Copenhagen is Denmark’s biggest, and, arguably, Scandinavia’s, liveliest city. It has a lot to offer all ages and all interests. It’s complex – but it’s compact.
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It takes only about half an hour to walk right across the heart of the city centre, and pleasant green spaces and many pedestrianised areas make exploring Denmark’s capital a relaxed and enjoyable experience.
Most of the 320 or so cruise ships visiting Copenhagen each year will be berthed at Langelinie Pier, which is conveniently close to the city centre.
It’s much nearer than the terminals at many cruise destinations and you can easily walk to the major tourist sights along Copenhagen’s attractive waterfront. In fact the city’s icon, the statue of the Little Mermaid, is only a few hundred yards away from the ship towards the city centre.
A 15-minute bus ride will take you to the city centre where, if you don’t fancy walking, there are more buses or a recently-completed metro system to take you to a wide range of attractions.
The small island of Slotsholmen, the historic core of Copenhagen, is home to the city’s highest concentration of historic buildings. It is dominated by a collection of the surviving parts of the various palaces and castles that have occupied the site since the 12th century. It is also home to Christiansborg Palace, home of the Danish Parliament.
Facing Slotsholmen across a canal is Indre By, the bustling heart of the modern city, which is crossed by Stroget, the longest pedestrianised shopping street in Europe a
Hans Christian Anderson
nd also home to upmarket cafes and bustling bars.
Not far away is Rosenborg Castle, which is home to the dazzling Danish crown jewels and where museum displays including many personal items tell the history of Danish kings through 300 years.
If Royalty is your thing, you can also visit Amalienborg Palace, home to the Danish royal family since 1794 and the winter base for the present Queen of Denmark. The courtyard is often buzzing with tourists, many of them there in the hope of seeing the ceremony of the changing of the guard, which takes place at noon whenever the Queen is in residence.
Even on a short visit to Copenhagen the National Museum (Nationalmuseet), is worth a visit. Trying to see everything in one day would mean something of a marathon effort but our guides make it . . . → Read More: Copenhagen
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