By Maureen Jones
Twenty-four hours of daylight every day makes this a great season to visit the Baltic nations.
My husband Roy and I led a group of Rotarians on a Baltic cruise last month after the Rotary International Convention in Copenhagen.
Our itinerary on the Crystal Serenity began in Stockholm, built on 14 islands, which makes boating a great way to see the city. City Hall, where they hold the Noble Prize banquet and award ceremony, is a must-see, as is the Vasa Museum. A gust of wind blew over the battleship Vasa, built in l628, 20 minutes into its maiden voyage. It sank in the harbor and lay on the bottom for more than 300 years until it was raised in 1961. The reclaimed ship now houses a museum.
St. Petersburg was a hot 90 degrees, and the group was disappointed in the historic Russian city. Garbage was piled up in the streets and floated in the river. Several people on private tours were robbed in their cars. Others had items taken from their handbags.
There is no need to get a Russian visa if you are on a tour with a certified guide, the only way to visit this city of huge palaces and churches that suffer from neglect. Go ashore with no jewelry, not even your watch, and very little money. Carry your passport inside your clothing.
Tallinn, Estonia, was a delight after the negative experience in Russia. Clean, cobblestone streets pave the medieval old town. Quality souvenirs, excellent linen tablecloths, knitwear and people who are happy to see you brighten the stop. The European Union paid for a new harbor, and the cruise business is bringing good trade to the area.
A chartered train into Berlin offered a pleasant two-hour journey and a view of the countryside. The city overflowed with soccer fans in their countries’ colors for the World Cup matches. My husband wanted to see the remnants of the Berlin Wall, Checkpoint Charlie and the Brandenburg Gate. The World War II museum with exhibits of equipment, uniforms and more, was very interesting, especially to the ex-military in our group.
Copenhagen is one of my favorite places. As a little girl I loved Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy stories. The Little Mermaid sitting on the edge of the canal is a must-see, as is the palace with the royal yacht anchored outside. Boat journeys along the canals provide the best views of the city. If you don’t want an organized tour, take advantage of the inexpensive Hop On/Hop Off bus tour. The double-decker buses offer lectures in 10 languages and sightsee around the town.
Maureen Jones is president of Los Altos-based All Horizons Travel. For more information, visit www.allhorizonstvl.com or call 941-5810.
