An expedition through the history, culture & rich heritage of the countries united by the Baltic Sea

BAltic SeA

TM ABoArd NAtioNAl GeoGrAphic explorer | mAy 17, 2013

A circumNAviGAtioN of the

Join us on a unique expedition—A circumNAviGAtioN of the BAltic SeA16 Days /14 Nights – aboarD NatioNal GeoGraphic explorer Departure: May 17, 2013

Explore the countries united by the Baltic Sea, discover their intertwined histories, and rely on the best expedition staff in the world to craft peak experiences.

 We’ll make the most of your days. Whether it’s a surprise landing on a remote island, or a deck party for sunset over the Swedish archipelago, our Baltic team has a total commitment to finding, creating, and maximizing peak experiences. There’ll be ample

choices and avenues for exploration in each of the cities. Join natural history walks and architectural tours, or visit maritime museums and medieval ruins. And we’ll explore from a privileged vantage point. National Geographic Explorer allows

us to sail routes of the old Hanseatic League, in the paths of early traders and nobles, and it lets us enter the cities as they were meant to be—by sea.

Above: Neptune fountain, Gdansk; Folkloric dance group, Riga.

Left: The Little Mermaid, Copenhagen.

E S T O N I A | R U S S I A | F I N l A N d | S w E d E N | d E N m A R k

Cover: Detail of the Grand Cascade fountain at Peterhof, Peter the Great’s palace and parklands inspired by Versailles.

Above: Stockholm historical museum; Holsten Gate, Lübeck.

Left: Farmer’s market, Stockholm; two young girls in traditional dance costumes, Latvia; Stroll through historical towns.

Make the most of your timeLet our expert expedition team curate your day and make the absolute most of your time in each of the capitals of culture we’ll explore. Most days you’ll be offered choices, different avenues for exploration that let you indulge your interests, whether they be marine archaeology, art, natural history, or more. And when you’re offered free time to explore as you choose, the staff aboard National Geographic Explorer will be ready with a map, suggestions, and insider knowledge at each site. Because, after all, one of the best ways to experience European cities and towns is strolling the streets, or sitting at an outdoor café and enjoying summer life, art, and music.

N E T H E R l A N d S | G E R m A N Y | P O l A N d | l I T H U A N I A | l A T V I A

History from the history makers An exclusive opportunity to travel with Estonia liberation leader Trivimi Velliste and renowned oceanographer Don Walsh, and meet Nobel Laureate and former President of Poland Lech Walesa.

From electrician to labor leader to Nobel Prize Laureate, former President of Poland Lech Walesa changed the world. He was a key player in Poland’s transition from communism, enabling Poland to receive one of the first invitations to join an expanded NATO. He now heads the Lech Walesa Institute, whose aim is to champion democracy and free market reform in Eastern Europe and throughout the world. We meet with him in his hometown of Gdansk.

Travel aboard National Geo-graphic Explorer with Trivimi Velliste, a leader in the Singing Revolution from 1987 to1991, when Estonians gathered in the hundreds of thousands to sing patriotic songs in open defiance of the Soviet Union. A recipient of the human rights award, the RAFTO prize, he also served as the Estonian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Ambassador to the United Nations.

Explore with oceanographer Don Walsh, who dove to the depths of the Mariana Trench and for 50 years held the deepest manned dive record with his co-pilot. Last year, he served on the expedition team when James Cameron broke that record. Awarded the Legion of Merit by Presi-dent Eisenhower, he served two presidential appointments to NOAA and is Honorary President of The Explorers Club.

Trivimi Velliste

Don Walsh

Lech Walesa

Go on assignment with National Geographic photographers

“ We take guests who choose to join us on a walking photo adventure. We ask them to imagine they’re on a National Geographic assignment, and we share what’s going through our heads as we see pictures. We get them to look for iconic shots that give their overall impression of a place and could be the lead photo in an article; and detail shots to convey flavor. Stockholm, Tallinn, and Riga are all great locations to shoot, and we’ll choose the best based on conditions and input from our expedition leader.”

— Sisse Brimberg and Cotton Coulson, National Geographic Photographers

Cotton Coulson and Sisse Brimberg

Young ladies in tradi-tional costumes.

Alexander Nevsky Cathedral.

Kiek in de Kök tower, Tallinn, Estonia.

An A+ expedition teamExplore with the best—the experts who write the books, shoot the magazine photos, and are sought in lecture halls and universities around the world. You’ll travel with a veteran expedition leader and an expedition team of eight historians/naturalists, two National Geographic photographers, a Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic certified photo instructor, and a video chronicler.

Exploring by Zodiac.

A circumNAviGAtioN of the BAltic SeA16 Days/14 Nights – aboarD NatioNal GeoGraphic explorer

Sail aboard National Geographic Explorer and discover in-depth the countries united by the Baltic Sea. Nearly every day of

the expedition will include options—different ways to experience the rich tapestries of history and culture in the large cities, small villages, and picturesque islands we’ll explore. And when time is set aside for you to explore as you like, our staff onboard will offer their friendly expertise in helping you maximize your time—whether you spend the day visiting a special museum exhibit, or savoring the people-watching as you relax at a sidewalk café.

May 17 aND 18: U.s./aMsterDaM, the NetherlaNDs/eMbark Depart on an overnight flight to Amsterdam, a world capital of culture and art. Stroll along its

famed canals and visit some of its many museums, if you choose. Then embark our flagship, National Geographic Explorer.  (L,D)

May 19: at sea/kiel CaNal, gerMaNy Sail along the German coast this morning and transit the Kiel Canal, which passes south of Denmark. Settle in for illuminating presentations from our staff and guest speaker Trivimi Velliste. Look for seabirds, which use the 61-mile canal connecting the North Sea and the Baltic Sea as a migratory path, or snap photos of the picturesque region with a National Geographic photographer. (B,L,D)

May 20: lübeCk, gerMaNy Our ship sails to the canals of Lübeck, the medieval capital of the former Hanseatic League and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Get an introduction to the splendid Hanseatic and Renaissance architecture during a boat ride along the canals, followed by a walking tour. The afternoon is yours to explore on your own or with our historians. (B,L,D)

May 21: ChristiaNsø aND borNholM islaNDs, DeNMark Travel by Zodiac to the small island of Christiansø and wander through an artists’ village that occupies the site of an 18th-century castle. At the island of Bornholm, you have the option to visit one of the round churches, enjoy a scenic country drive, and visit the ruins of Hammershus Castle—Denmark’s largest medieval fortress; or hike the northern end of the island finishing at the ruins of Hammershus Castle; or visit the beautiful gardens and old farmhouse of Kraemmerhuset and stroll through the charming town of Svaneke. (B,L,D)

May 22: gDaNsk, PolaNDBy special arrangement, meet with former President of Poland and Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Lech Walesa. Enjoy his presentation with time for guest questions. You may choose to visit either the Roads to Freedom Museum to learn about the Solidarity Movement; the Gdansk Maritime Museum, where you’ll discover how the city’s existence has been shaped by maritime forces; or the Archaeology/Medieval Museum to learn about the ethnic roots of the region and take in the sweeping city view from the museum’s tower. Gdansk’s Old Town, with the 15th-century Artus Court is a highlight, as is a Zodiac excursion through the busy shipyards. (B,L,D)

May 23: klaiPeDa, lithUaNia From Klaipedia, travel north to the seaside town of Palanga. Opt to visit the 19th-century estate that houses the celebrated Amber Museum; or hike the Hill of Witches, surrounded by woodcarvings of Lithuanian folklore; or explore the

Vente Ornithological Station, which was established in 1929 and lies along a major migration route of tufted ducks, black-headed gulls, mallards, and coots. (B,L,D)

Baltic amber.

Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam.

Gdansk.

Stockholm. Ship’s Registry: Bahamas.

May 29: stoCkholM, sweDeNGet an introduction to the cobbled streets of Gamla Stan, Stockholm’s pastel-hued Old Town. Then venture to the Vasa Museum and see a 17th-century warship—the prize of King Gustav II Adolf’s navy which sank on its maiden voyage. Have free time to explore this city built on 14 islands, perhaps visiting the Skansen Open-Air Museum. Or allow our staff to make a recommendation based on your interests. (B,L,D)

May 30: Visby, gotlaND

A UNESCO World Heritage site, this walled medieval city has preserved, with remarkable completeness, the fabric of the wealthy merchants’ dwellings and ancient warehouses that stood while it was a Hanseatic League trading hub. You’ll have options to discover Visby: explore on foot and see up close the ways this former Viking trading post and medieval city has changed, then visit the Gotlands Museum; or take a bike ride around Visby’s walls and into the country; or enjoy a scenic drive and discover a panoramic view of Gotland’s history. (B,L,D)

May 31: exPloriNg soUtherN sweDeNToday, our plans are flexible so we can enjoy the best of spring in southern Sweden. Take leisurely walks, get acquainted with Swedish coastal culture, and photograph everyday life in centuries-old seaside villages. (B,L,D)

JUNe 1: CoPeNhageN, DeNMark/DiseMbark/U.s.Disembark in Copenhagen and transfer to the airport for your return flight home. (B)

Tallinn’s cathedral.

Exploring by bike in Visby.

May 24: riga, latViaA former Hanseatic League city, Riga is renowned for its architectural diversity—from simple wooden structures in traditional rural farmsteads to samples of the great Renaissance and Baroque periods. Walk the winding old town streets, visiting the Riga Cathedral and a guild hall established in the 14th century. Join our historians for guided tours, or explore on your own with suggestions from our staff. (B,L,D)

May 25: talliNN, estoNia

Tallinn’s Hanseatic Old Town is one of the Baltic’s best-preserved medieval cities. Explore this World Heritage site, and, if you wish, have lunch ashore. Or choose to hike through the towering trees and beautiful plants of the verdant Viru Bog located in the Lahemaa National Park. (B,L,D)

May 26 aND 27: st. PetersbUrg, rUssiaSpend your first day in St. Petersburg, Russia at Peterhof—the grand palace and gardens of Peter the Great. We’ll see the spectacular fountains turned on in the morning to musical accompaniment. Later, we have an overview of the city, seeing golden-domed St. Isaac’s Cathedral, the Church on Spilt Blood, and the Peter and Paul Fortress—a former political prison that held Dostoevsky, Gorky, Trotsky, and Peter’s own son, Alexy. On day two, enjoy early entry to admire the treasures of the Hermitage Museum in the morning, and then visit the opulent Catherine Palace in Pushkin, an extravagant summer home of Russia’s Imperial leaders. Both days offer ample free time. (B,L,D)

May 28: exPloriNg Coastal FiNlaNDToday we explore the granite islands along Finland’s coastline, looking for an idyllic place to take a Zodiac cruise, and go for a hike. (B,L,D)

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC EXPLORER

BRIDGE DECK

OBSERVATION LOUNGELIBRARY

LEXspa

FITNESSCENTER

BRIDGE

ELEVATOR

WELLNESS DECK

VERANDA DECK

UPPER DECK

BISTRO

GALLEY

GLOBALGALLERY

RECEPTIONRESTAURANT

CHARTROOM

SUN DECK

MAIN DECK

BAL. BAL. BAL. BAL. BAL. BAL.

BAL.BAL. BAL.BAL.

BAL.BALCONY

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LOCKERS

UNDERSEA SPECIALIST

INTERNETCAFE

ZODIAC BOARDING

DOCTOR’S OFFICE

STAFF OFFICE

MUD ROOM

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CaPaCity: 148 guests in 81 outside cabins. Overall Length: 367 feet. registry: Bahamas.

PUbliC areas: Bistro bar; chart room; restaurant; global gallery; library; lounge with full service bar and state-of-the-art facilities for films and presentations; observation lounge; fitness center; LEXspa treatment room and sauna; internet café; mud room.

Meals: Served in one seating with unassigned tables for an informal atmosphere and easy mingling.

CabiNs: All cabins face outside with windows or portholes, private facili-ties, and climate controls.

sPeCial FeatUres: Zodiac landing craft; kayaks; ROV; underwater video camera; crow’s nest remote controlled camera; video microscope; laundry. Undersea specialist, full-time doctor; National Geographic photographer; video chronicler; wellness specialist.

terMs aND CoNDitioNs Cost iNClUDes: All accommodations per itinerary, meals indicated and nonalcoholic beverages aboard ship, shore excursions, sightseeing and en-trance fees, special access permits, transfers to and from group flights, use of kayaks, tips (except to ship’s crew), taxes and service charges, services of a ship physician, and services of our expedition staff.

Not iNClUDeD: Air transportation, extensions, passport, visa, immigration fees, Russian visa fee on Baltics, meals not indicated, baggage/accident/travel protection plan, items of a personal nature, such as alcoholic beverages, e-mail, voyage DVD, laundry, etc. Gratuities to ship’s crew at your discretion.

saMPle airFares: New York/Amsterdam, Copenhagen/New York: Economy from $1,050; Business from $4,590. Subject to change. We will gladly assist in making your air arrangements for a $50 per person service fee.

aDVaNCe PayMeNt: $1,000 due at time of booking.

resPoNsibility aND other terMs & CoNDitioNs: Certain provisions concerning, among other things, limitations of Lindblad Expeditions’ and the National Geographic Society’s liability for loss of property, injury, illness or death during the voyage will be provided to all guests on the ship’s ticket sent prior to departure, and are also available on our web site at www.expeditions.com/terms, or upon request. By registering for this trip, the guest agrees to all such terms and conditions.

iMPortaNt: Cancellations are subject to penalty. Call for details on our Cancellation Policy and Travel Protection Plan.

Note: Itineraries and prices listed in this brochure are valid as of publication date, and are subject to change.Lindblad Expeditions and the Eye are the trademarks of Lindblad Expeditions. All rights reserved. NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC and the Yellow Border are the trademarks of the National Geographic Society. All rights reserved. ©2012 Lindblad Expeditions

Costs are per person double occupancy unless otherwise noted. Category 1: $13,990Main Deck with one or two portholes #301-308Category 2: $14,990Main Deck with window #317-320, 335-336Category 3: $15,720 Main Deck with window #313-316, 321-328, 337-340, 342, 344, 346, 348, 350Category 4: $16,990Upper and Veranda Decks with window #103-104, 107-108, 201-202, 204-207, 210, 212, 217, 226, 228Category 5: $19,250Upper Deck with balcony #209, 211, 214, 216, 218, 220-222, 224Category 6: $22,460Veranda Deck–Suite #101-102; Upper Deck-Suite with balcony #213Category 7: $25,670 Upper Deck–Suite with balcony #215, 219, 230Category a solo: $18,740Main Deck with window #309-312, 329-334Category b solo: $19,650Upper and Veranda Decks with window #105-106, 203, 208Category 3 triple: * *Main Deck with window #341, 343

shareD aCCoMMoDatioNs: Available in Categories 1 and 2.

Note: Cabins #209, 211, 214, 216-218, 220, 222, 224, 226, 228, 303-306 — These cabins have one queen-sized bed. All other double cabins have two lower single beds; some can convert to a queen-sized bed. Note: Sole-occupancy cabins available in Categories A and B.

*Third-person rates are available in the designated triple-occupancy cabins at one half the double-occupancy rate.

TAKE A VIRTUAL VIDEO TOUR OF OUR FLAGSHIP AT WWW.EXPEDITIONS.COM/NGEXPLORER

For Reservations: Contact your travel agent or Lindblad Expeditions

1.800.EXPEDITION (1.800.397.3348)

www.EXPEDITIONs.COmPhoto Credits: Sisse Brimberg, Connie Coleman, Cotton Coulson, Sue Flood, Raga Jose Fuste/Superstock, Peter Hanneberg, Ralph Lee Hopkins, Bob Krist, Alida Latham/gettyone, Sven-Olof Lindblad, Richard Maack, Ken Welsh/Superstock

expedition Code: blt-123