Miami, Florida – Reported by Elite Traveler, the private jet lifestyle magazine
From kayaking in the Baltic Sea to cycling among former imperial residences in Russia, The Yachts of Seabourn is offering a range of new active and adventurous shore excursions on Northern Europe cruises during the maiden season of the new, all-suite Seabourn Sojourn in 2010.
In addition to the new active tours, Seabourn offers an array of more than 100 optional excursions during Sojourn’s voyages in Russia, Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Germany, Estonia, Finland and the Netherlands. Guests can also take advantage of the complimentary planning expertise of its destination services specialists to customize experiences for them in the ports of call.
“Sailing in Northern Europe, with its majestic fjords, historic cities, and dramatic scenery under the midnight summer sun is a truly unforgettable experience,” said Pamela C. Conover, Seabourn’s President and CEO. “But what travelers really remember is what they did there, and we have planned some unique, hands-on and exciting experiences that will make for memorable days in a beautiful place.”
Seabourn’s new shore excursions in Northern Europe include:
Helsinki, Finland
Helsinki Nordic Walking — Nordic walking is a popular fitness sport that gives a whole- body workout while you walk, using specially designed Nordic walking poles. A local guide will lead walkers on a scenic path around the center of Helsinki, passing city parks, museums, and waterfront districts while enjoying healthy exercise in the fresh air.
Kiel, Germany
Kiel Highlights & Germany Brewing Culture — A visit to Germany isn’t complete without a taste of its beer culture. Guided by a Kieler Brauerei microbrewery team, learn about the different local beer brands, the history of beer-brewing, ingredients, brewing methods, and brewing process. Taste their beer with a German “Brotzeit,” a typical German snack.
Cutter Sailing Experience — For a taste of living Baltic history, enjoy a sail on the Gefion, a traditional two-masted Shark Cutter. Learn how to hoist the sails and steer the ship. Discover the secrets of navigation and traditional seamen’s knots. Or simply sit back and enjoy the wind in the sails and the sound of sea shanties from the days of the tall ships.
St. Petersburg, Russia
Biking Alexandria Park — Traverse through the 285-square-acre park of Alexandria, a magnificent ensemble of palace and park on the coast of the Gulf of Finland. Cycle past former imperial residences, hills and tranquil ponds, the ruins of old structures, small bridges, and lush romantic landscape.
Lübeck, Germany
A Local Fisherman’s Life — Stroll on small paths among the beautifully preserved thatched fishermen’s houses and gardens of Northern Germany’s fishing villages. Visit a smokehouse and learn the traditional method of smoking fresh pike-perch, pike or eel over beech and alder wood, transforming the fish into savory golden delicacies. Sample a taste of this traditional food staple of the Baltic region.
Lübeck – Home of Niederegger Marzipan — Lübeckhas for centuries been famous for its marzipan, the popular almond and sugar paste that is delicious to eat and is also molded into the shapes of fruit, flowers or animals. At the world famous Niederegger Café, create your own special sweet marzipan souvenir in a hands-on marzipan modeling workshop. Then reward yourself with a piece of marzipan cake.
Travemuende by Segway — Glide through Lübecks seaside yachting center, Travemuende, on a two-wheel, self-balancing Segway. After a brief lesson, and accompanied by a guide, cruise the beach promenade passing by shops, medieval churches and half-timbered houses, and Travemuende’s lighthouse.
Stockholm, Sweden
Millennium Walking Tour — Follow in the footsteps of the characters from “The Millennium Trilogy,” series of best-selling detective novels by Swedish author Stieg Larsson. Explore settings where the characters, Mikael Blomkvist and Lisbeth Salander, lived and worked on Stockholm’s Sodermalm, from Mikael’s home and the Millennium editorial office to Lisbeth’s luxury apartment.
Kayaking in National City Park — Paddle out into Brunnsviken Bay, located in Haga Park, and explore this gulf that is part of the Baltic Sea. Enjoy the stunning natural beauty and surrounding cultural history of Brunnsviken, part of the world’s first national urban park.