Page 14 - AAA Central Penn – AAA Now! – January/February 2018

AAA
Baltic Sea Voyages of Discovery
TRAVEL AGENCY
By Judie Karhan
TM
Sailing in the paths of vikings, czars and kings, travelers venturing through the Baltic Sea to Europe’s northernmost cities discover a fascinating world of contrasts. At the northeastern tip of the Baltic Sea, St. Petersburg, with its grand palaces, gilded domes and statutes, reflects the czarist opulence of the East. While in Copenhagen, whimsical amusements, as seen in famous Tivoli Gardens, speak of the lighthearted spiritedness of Western civilization.
Copenhagen, Denmark, which lies at the southwestern arm of the Baltic Sea, welcomes voyagers entering its harbor with such delightful scenes as the royal Amalienborg Palace and half- timbered houses which line Christianshavn Canal. At the harbor’s edge, staring out to sea for her beloved sailor’s return, sits the bronze statue of The Little Mermaid, a timeless Hans Christian Andersen fairy-tale figure which has become a symbol of Copenhagen.
Venturing into the city and beyond, it becomes clear what inspired Hans Christian Andersen to write his fairy tales. With its quaint cottages, tiny hamlets, castles and ancient forts, its sea-wrapped landscape lush and lovely, Denmark is truly a fabled land.
While historically and architecturally impressive, the capital of Copenhagen is also a modern, fashionable city. Indeed, it is considered to be one of the liveliest in all of Europe.
North of Copenhagen, the Swedish capital of Stockholm lies scattered over an archipelago
of 14 islands, linked by bridges and canals. Not surprisingly, it is sometimes referred to as the “Venice of the North” or “City that Floats on Water.” Once
the center of Europe’s largest empire, Stockholm is today a place of living history. This lovely, bustling metropolis is filled with contrasting charms and delightful memories of the Old World entwined with the new, cast among verdant park lands.
To the northeast of Stockholm lies Helsinki, Finland’s capital and cultural center. Known also by its moniker “Daughter of the Baltic,” Helsinki indeed
seems born of the sea. Founded in the 1500s and built on a peninsula surrounded by hundreds of islands, this city provides a stunning example of modern architecture and design. Present-day Helsinki reflects the genius of architect Carl Ludwig Engels, whose neo-classical buildings stand proudly next to contemporary designs.
Tallinn, Estonia, situated to the south of Helsinki, is an especially charming port of call to visit. This
is Europe’s oldest capital, dating back to the 12th century, and it is also one of its best preserved. Explore the upper portion on Toompea Hill, where there is an impressive castle and the 19th-century Alexander Nevsky cathedral, a vestige from the Russian Empire, then head to the lower section
for churches and merchants’ homes off twisting medieval streets.
Sailing toward the far eastern side of the Gulf of Finland, voyagers disembarking in St. Petersburg, Russia discover a historically fascinating city. Founded in 1702 by Peter the Great, St. Petersburg was the capital of imperial Russia for nearly 200 years, though its name has been changed over the years (Petrograd/Leningrad). Visitors to this Russian cultural center marvel at the architectural splendor of its cathedrals, churches and palaces, including the czar’s Winter and Summer Palaces.
In St. Petersburg, museums often become the focal point of interest. One of the most notable, the Hermitage Museum, contains a stunning collection of three million paintings, sculptures and artifacts representing nearly every period in art from the late Stone Age to contemporary time.
Culturally and historically remarkable – even mysterious in some ways – the cities that have risen along the shores of the Baltic Sea, though not vastly distant from each other, have developed quite differently. This is perhaps what makes the journey through this sea, a briny crossroad between East and West, so intriguing.
Stockholm, Sweden
Copenhagen, Denmark
JEWELS OF THE BALTIC
June 24 - July 7, 2018 • Starting at $4,309 Aboard the m/s Zuiderdam
Copenhagen, Denmark • At Sea • Tallinn, Estonia • St. Petersburg, Russia • Helsinki, Finland • Stockholm, Sweden • At Sea • Warnemunde (Berlin), Germany • Kiel (Hamburg), Germany • Copenhagen, Denmark
Highlights
• Free parking with roundtrip transfers to airport • Roundtrip airfare to Copenhagen, Denmark
• Roundtrip transfers – airport/hotel/pier
• Two nights pre-cruise hotel accommodations
• 10 nights aboard the newly refurbished m/s Zuiderdam • All onboard meals and entertainment (specialty
restaurants have nominal fees) • Welcome reception
• Baggage handling
• Discoveries Journey Manager
To reserve your Baltic cruise, call AAA Central Penn at 800-717-4222
Rates are subject to availability and include taxes, fees and fuel surcharges which are subject to change. All pricing and included features are based on a minimum of 20 full-fare passengers.
Tallinn, Estonia
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