2-Sep - Departure

Your pilgrimage begins as you depart the USA.

3-Sep - Copenhagen, Denmark

Arrive in Copenhagen. Transfer to the Costa Luminosa. View deck plans.

4-Sep - At Sea

5-Sep - Tallin, Estonia

Meet your English speaking guide and motor coach at the pier. Your tour begins with a leisurely drive that circles the Old Town, offering excellent views of the ancient city wall. A guided walking tour of the Upper Town begins at the Kiek in de Kök Cannon Tower, where entrance is included. As you stroll down the narrow cobbled streets, admire the castle, now the seat of Estonia’s Parliament, and the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, before walking through the Danish King’s Garden down to the Town Hall Square, the heart of the Lower Town. This stunning 15th-century building is one of the best preserved Gothing Town Halls in Europe and has been at the center of Tallin’s life for six centuries. Both the exterior and interior are impressive, but the woodcarvings and paintings in the Councilor’s Chamber deserve special mention. Afterwards, continue your walking tour of the Lower Town and see the Great Guild, visit the Holy Ghost Church, the 15th-century Apothecary Shop and numerous medieval merchants’ homes. Return to your ship.

6-Sep - St. Petersburg, Russia

Meet your English speaking guide and motor coach at the pier for the ultimate overview of St. Petersburg, the city founded by Peter the Great in 1703. This tour takes in all the great landmarks. During the initial drive, you will pass the stunning, pale blue and white Baroque facade of St. Nicholas Cathedral and the Mariinsky Theater, the home Russia’s most-fabled ballet company. After a brief stop to photograh St. Isaac’s Cathedral, whose gleaming dome is covered with 200 pounds of gold, you will drive through resplendent Palace Square, a vast open space surrounded by Italianate buildings that once housed the Tsarist ministries. From here, you can easily see the soaring golden spire of the Peter and Paul Cathedral, which lies within a fortress across the Neva River. While stopping at the cathedral, be sure to notice the tombs of the Romanov monarchs. Next, you will pass the Aurora, the cruiser that signaled the beginning of the Bolshevik Revolution by firing a single round from its bow gun. Soon, the beautiful Field of Mars and the Marble Palace will come into sight, en route to the extraordinary Church of Our Savior on Spilled Blood and the magnificent Smolny Cathedral, both wonderful settings for more picture-taking. Returning to the port, you will drive along the famed Nevsky Prospect, St. Petersburg’s main thoroughfare, where you can glimpse the neoclassical Kazan Cathedral. After an included lunch, we’ll visit the Hermitage Museum. At the vast Hermitage, unquestionably one of the world’s finest museums, you will be amazed by its artisitic splendor. Some of the more impressive areas architecturally are the Small Throne Room, the gilded-column Armorial Hall, and the sumptuous Malachite Room, which features more than two tons of ornamental stone. Walking through the ensemble of buildings, you will marvel at the seemingly endless exhibitions. There are displays of 15th- and 16th-century art, which can include works from Renoir, Degas, Monet, Van Gogh, and Cezanne. You might see Leonardo da Vinci’s “The Little Madonna”, “Abraham’s Sacrifice” by Rembrandt, and a Scythian gold stag from the 2nd century B.C. You will also browse through the Small Hermitage, a wing known for its exquisite marble colonnade, crystal chandeliers, and gilded, 18th century Peacock Clock. In the wing known as the Old Hermitage, the Dutch masters are represented. Return to your ship.

7-Sep - Helsinki, Finland

This driving tour provides the definitive overall view of Finland’s capital. It starts at the harbor and follows a coastal road past Embassy Park, an open-air market, and expansive Senate Square, dominated by an elegant Lutheran Cathedral. The drive then continues down the chic Esplanadi, a boulevard lined with designer shops, and along Mannerheim Street, Helsinki’s main thoroughare. Its landmarks include the imposing Parliament building, the National Museum, and Finlandia Hall, a concert hall designed by renowned Finnish architect Alvar Aalto. Further along, you will see the stadium that hosted the 1952 Olympics, the new Opera House on Töölönlahti Bay, and the highly unusual Temppeliaukio Rock Church, an underground house of worship blasted out of native granite and capped with a copper dome. Finally, at Sibelius Park, you will stop at the amazing, stainless steel-tube monument to the great Finnish composer Jean Sibelius. Return to your ship in the afternoon.

8-Sep - Stockholm, Sweden (optional)

As the capital, Stockholm is the heart of Sweden. The city is a delight for the eye due to its sparkling harbor, its many islands and its open vistas. One of the most magnificent views of the harbor can be seen from Fjallgatan where you can stop for a photo. At the harbor’s edge on its very own island is Gamla Stan, Stockholm’s old town. You can stroll through a delightful maze of cobblestone streets which wind past colorful old buildings decorated with gilded shop signs. On the upper edge of the Old City is the Royal Palace, still guarded by uniformed troops. You can watch the Changing of the Guard or step inside to see the grand ballroom, the glistening treasury and the stunning Hall of State which contains the king’s silver throne. At City Hall, you’ll marvel at vibrant mosaic murals which are the focal point of Golden Hall. In the Blue Hall, an inside court that would do justice to any palace, nothing is blue except the high windows through which you can see only sky. This stunning building is the setting for the Nobel Peace Prize banquet each December. The 17th century man-of-war Wasa with full complement, keeled over and sank in Stockholm’s harbor in 1628, on her maiden voyage. In 1956 the ship was rediscovered and in 1961 raised, tugged into dry dock, and restored. You can explore the restored vessel and the museum. Say farewell to this lovely city as the Costa Luminosa sails this afternoon.

9-Sep - At Sea

10-Sep - Copenhagen, Denmark

Meet your coach and guides at the pier for a half day Copenhagen tour. Enjoy a panoramic tour of some of the city’s most popular attractions. This includes the Christiansborg Castle (now the Danish Parliament) where a brief exterior photo-stop is made; the Stock Exchange, with its spire formed by entwined dragon’s tails; and Nyhavn, a part of the harbor that dates back to the 12th-century. The colorful quay here is home to many attractive outdoor cafes and taverns. Continuing on, you will visit Denmark’s crown jewels in the Dutch Renaissance-style Rosenborg Castle, which was built in 1607 for Christian IV. His crown and a gem-studded sword that belonged to Christian III are among the treasures found here. Opened to the public in 1838, the Castle has been uninhabited since 1710 and the Rosenborg interiors are excellently preserved. Afternoon is at leisure. Transfer to your hotel for overnight.

11-Sep - Return Home

Breakfast at the hotel and transfer to the airport for your flight home.