Voyages d'exception offers you a cruise in the Baltic Sea through stopovers which have all been gateways to centuries of history and which remain marked by intense geopolitical activity.
On board your ship the Celebrity Silhouette, you will discover the thriving port city of Rotterdam before reaching Warnemünde, an old German port, whose settlement dates back to the Middle Ages.
You will find the scars of the Second World War in Gdansk as well as the working history of its shipyards, before approaching Visby, a charming medieval town listed as a UNESCO world heritage site.
In Stockholm, you will follow in the footsteps of Bernadotte, French marshal elected to the throne of Sweden, then you will succumb to the charms of the little mermaid in Copenhagen.
Our guests Franck Favier and Nathalie Lorrain will address the historical and geopolitical aspects of the Baltic cities during the conferences given on board.
Dates of your stay
From August 16 to 28, 2024
Program
View of Oude Haven in Rotterdam From A Balcony Z. Jacobs - stock.adobe.com
Day 1 – Departure city / Rotterdam* (Netherlands):
Depending on your departure city, you will find our support teams in a Parisian station or upon your arrival in Rotterdam.
The city of Rotterdam is famous for its bold and innovative architecture.
It suffered total destruction during the Second World War, and it took ten years for it to rise from the ashes.
Today, it stands out for its unique architecture in Europe.
At your destination, you will enjoy a panoramic tour during which you will pass through the new town with the Lijnbaan, Coolsingel and the Saint Laurant Church, the futuristic architecture, the banks of the Meuse.
You will then be transferred to your ship, the Celebrity Silhouette.
After settling in, you will have lunch and you will be invited to the lounge for a presentation of the crew and the Voyages d'exception team who will be at your side throughout the cruise.
*The fixed prices published in the Prices and Conditions leaflet depend on your country and city of departure (France or Abroad).
Depending on the transport plans that will be offered, your departure and/or return from Geneva could be done early for the outward journey and delayed for the return, the price would then be readjusted.
If you are leaving from another city, we can offer you a delivery solution at an additional cost (contact us).
The city of departure and return must be the same.
Day 2 – At sea:
You will take advantage of your first day at sea to familiarize yourself with your ship and attend a conference given by our guests.
Holstentor – Lübeck, Germany JFL Photography - stock.adobe.com
Day 3 – Warnemünde:
Your ship will make its first stop in this former fishing village, located in the north of Germany, on the edge of the Baltic Sea.
In 1723, Warnemünde was purchased by the city of Rostock from Prince Mecklenburg and today is a popular seaside resort for its maritime ambiance, pristine beaches and rich cultural heritage.
The historic center will seduce you with its picturesque half-timbered houses, cobbled streets and charming local shops.
Its lighthouse dating from 1897 is one of the city's emblems.
It offers spectacular panoramic views of the Baltic Sea and the surrounding area.
This stopover also allows you to discover the surrounding Hanseatic towns.
We offer you an optional excursion to the picturesque towns of Bad Doberan and Lübeck.
Day 4 – At sea
: During this day, you will take advantage of the boat's facilities and attend conferences led by our specialists.
Famous old Nyhavn port in the center of Copenhagen, Denmark kite_rin - stock.adobe.com
Day 5 – Gdansk (Poland)
: Formerly known as Danzig, the city played a crucial role in the history of Europe, as it was the scene of many significant events such as the start of the Second World War .
Its tumultuous history has left numerous traces which have marked its architectural heritage, such as its famous medieval crane which testifies to the importance of maritime trade.
Its historic center, with its colorful facades, its gabled houses lining the picturesque Długa Street and the magnificent Neptune Fountain, constitute the architectural jewels of the city of Gdansk.
Day 6 - Visby (Sweden):
This medieval gem is located on the island of Gotland in Sweden where every street corner tells a captivating story that transports you to the heart of the Middle Ages.
Its well-preserved medieval walls, dating from the 13th century, surround the old town.
Strolling along the narrow cobbled streets, you can admire the colorful half-timbered houses as well as the impressive ruins of ancient churches and convents, including the Church of Saint Mary and the Church of Saint Nicholas.
These remains offer a fascinating insight into the Gothic architecture of the period.
Aerial view old town, Tallinn, Estonia Kavalenkava Volha / Kavalenkava - stock.adobe.com
Day 7 – Tallinn (Estonia)
: You will arrive in the enchanting capital of Estonia, Tallinn.
Its medieval old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and its towers and ramparts offer beautiful panoramic views of the city and the Baltic.
Narrow cobbled streets, colorful half-timbered houses and Gothic churches create a timeless atmosphere.
Its historic churches such as the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, famous for its onion domes, and St. Olga's Church, are a captivating glimpse into Estonian medieval architecture.
Its medieval charm and flourishing modernity give a very special character to the city.
Day 8 – Stockholm
: Sometimes nicknamed "the Venice of the North" or "the queen of Lake Malar", Stockholm has the only 17th century vessel in the world, preserved in perfect condition.
On the shores of Lake Malaren, Drottningholm Castle, residence of the Swedish royal family, allows you to enjoy a magnificent panorama of its many jewels... Crowned with the prestige conferred on it by the annual awarding of the Nobel Prizes, the city was also the city which crowned a Marshal of the Empire: Bernadotte.
Stockholm will reveal its unique Scandinavian atmosphere where contemporary design, its rich history and its natural beauty meet.
Day 9 – At sea
: During this day of sailing, you will take advantage of the boat's facilities and attend conferences led by our specialists.
Famous old Nyhavn port in the center of Copenhagen, Denmark Nikolay N. Antonov / Nikolay N. Antonov - stock.adobe
Day 10 and 11 – Copenhagen:
You will enjoy these two days in Copenhagen to discover the city.
It is located on the eastern coast of the island of Zealand, facing the Oresund Strait, which connects the North Sea to the Baltic Sea.
It was bombarded by the English in 1807, who wanted to take control of the Danish fleet before Napoleon seized it.
It is a colorful city where the canals are gently tinted with the reflection of the facades, but also a green city decorated with numerous parks.
Chic neighborhoods with wide avenues rub shoulders with picturesque streets.
Andersen's The Little Mermaid, the Nyhavn district with its charming colorful houses, the changing of the guard at Amalienborg Palace and the castles of North Zealand are the highlights of this stopover.
Day 12 – At sea
: You will be able to participate in the last conferences of our guests during this day at sea.
Day 13 – Rotterdam / Return city*
: After breakfast and disembarkation, you will visit Delft, Veermer's hometown.
You will pass through its historic center and its canals, the market square, the New Church, the Town Hall, the old canal, the Old Church.
You will visit the Royal Faïencerie where you will be explained the ancient art of making this porcelain, a legacy of the Italian masters of the 16th century.
You will then be transferred to the train station or airport for your return transport.
*The return city must be the same as the departure city.
The price includes
The round trip by Paris/Rotterdam train in first class
Station/port/port/station transfers
The cruise in the chosen category with full board (excluding drinks)
The visits planned in the program to Rotterdam on day 1 and to Delft on day 13 depending on the delivery times
Conferences
Supervision of the group by the Voyages d’exception team
Tips for cabin crew during the cruise
Port taxes, known as of 09/22/2023 and readjustable