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Cathedrals & Capitals: Scandinavia by Sea

Program Number: 19192RJ
Start and End Dates:
8/7/2013 - 8/19/2013; 8/5/2014 - 8/17/2014;
Duration: 12 nights
Location: Sweden/Russia/Finland/Estonia/Denmark/England
Price starting at: $7,450.00 - Price may vary based on date, departure city
Program Type: Adventure Afloat Study Cruise; Ocean Cruises
Meals: 31; 11 Breakfasts, 9 Lunches, 11 Dinners    
Meal Options: Vegetarian    

Discover Scandinavia by water, undoubtedly the best way to experience a region known for its soaring fjords, Viking longships and fantastic legends and lore tied to the mighty sea. Sail to the capitals of Sweden, Finland, Germany, Denmark, plus Saint Petersburg, Russia’s gateway to the West.




Activity Particulars

Must be able to handle your own luggage, get on and off a motor coach, walk a few blocks and climb a few stairs.



Programs with Crystal Cruises are designed for the independent traveler. These programs offer a lower activity level and the ability to choose your own shore excursion based on your preferences and physical ability. Road Scholar will provide one exclusive shore excursion and private onboard lectures with our own Study Leader.



Itinerary At-a-Glance

Stockholm (Sweden), 1 night; aboard Crystal Serenity, 10 nights.



Day 1:
Overnight flight from the U.S.A.




Days 2-4:
Arrival Stockholm (Sweden) / embark Crystal Serenity:

Explore Sweden’s capital, a city that sprawls over 14 islands. Spend two days on expert-led excursions among its historic buildings and lively streets.
Lodging: Four-star hotel in the center of Stockholm.



Day 5 - 6:
Tallinn, Estonia / Helsinki (Finland):

Explore the charming Old Town in Tallinn, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and home to over 1/3 of all Estonians. Step ashore in Helsinki, “City of the Sea.” Over the centuries Helsinki has produced some of the world’s finest architects, and the legacy of their splendid work is there to be seen all around you.



Day 7-9:
St. Petersburg (Russia):

Step ashore in Helsinki, “City of the Sea.” Over the centuries Helsinki has produced some of the world’s finest architects, and the legacy of their splendid work is there to be seen all around you.



Day 10:
Visby (Sweden)

Explore Visby. Located on the Island of Gotland in the Baltic Sea, this UNESCO World Heritage site is arguably one of the best preserved medieval towns in Europe.



Days 11-13:
Copenhagen (Denmark) / At Sea / Disembark Dover (UK) / departure:

Experience the vitality of this elegant Scandinavian city as you explore its expansive parks and plazas, as well as its historic galleries and buildings.



Crystal Serenity

At 820 feet long, this elegant ocean liner offers its 1,080 passengers plenty of space, unsparing amenities including the high-tech Computer University@Sea and several restaurants, including one by acclaimed chef Nobu Matsuhisa. Complimentary fine wines and premium spirits available throughout voyage.

Road Scholar Instructors
These instructors are participating on at least one date of this program. Please note that changes may occur.
Kristof Kristiansen
Kristof Kristiansen is a Danish teacher, scholar and international policy expert who has worked with Road Scholar groups for over a decade. He has studied history, literature and contemporary politics, worked with the United Nations in several different capacities, and published numerous articles on international relations and policy design, particularly as it applies to developing countries.
 
Laura Johnson
Laura C. Johnson earned a master’s in art history from Northern Illinois University, with an emphasis in Early Christian and Byzantine Art, and her MLS from the University of Oklahoma. The director of education for the Rockford (Ill.) Art Museum for over 10 years, Laura moved in 1999 to Florence, Italy, where she has done extensive work for the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and the National Endowment for the Arts.
 
Meals and Lodgings
   Scandic Sergel Plaza
  Stockholm, Sweden 1 night
   Crystal Serenity
  At Sea, At Sea 10 nights
 Scandic Sergel Plaza
Type: Hotel
  Description: The hotel is situated close to Stockholm's Central Station in the heart of the Swedish capital. Enjoy the central location and explore nearby attractions such as Stockholm's old town or visit Kulturhuset for interesting exhibitions and activities. Gallerian Shopping Centre is just a short walk from the hotel.
  Contact info: Brunkebergstorg 9, Box 16411
Stockholm,  103 27 Sweden
phone: +46 8 517 263 00
web: www.scandichotels.com/en/Hotels/Countries/Sweden/Stockholm/Hotels/Scandic-Sergel-Plaza/
  Room amenities: Rooms are between 19 and 28 square meters. The rooms are bright and airy with opening windows. All rooms have wooden floors and a private bathroom with bathtub. Rooms are equipped with a wardrobe, hairdryer, trouser press, TV with movie channels, desk, wireless internet access and an armchair.
  Facility amenities: On-site hotel restraurant and bar, Sergel Spa & Fitness gym, accessible accommodations, meeting facilities, free wireless internet access
  Smoking allowed: No
  Elevators available: Yes
  Additional nights prior: TBA Please contact Road Scholar Travel Services for details.
  Check in time: 3:00 PM

 Crystal Serenity
Type: Cruise Ship
  Description: The readers of Condé Nast Traveler consistently vote Crystal Serenity the number one cruise ship in the world. At 68,000 tons and capable of serving 1,070 guests, Crystal Serenity while the larger of Crystal's two ships, still maintains one of the highest space-per-guest ratios at sea, so you'll never feel crowded.
  Ship Information: Guest Capacity: 1,070 Per guest space ratio: 63 Ship’s Registry: The Bahamas Officers: European Captain, International Officers International Crew: Countries Represented: 40 European-trained Hotel and Dining Staff American/European Cruise Staff Total Crew: 655 Gross Registered Tons: 68,870 Length: 820 ft. (249.9 m) Width: 106 ft. (32.3 m) Draft: 25 ft. (7.6 m) Cruising Speed: 21 knots Maximum Speed: 22 knots
  Contact info: 2049 Century Park East
Suite 1400
Los Angeles, CA 90067 USA
phone: 310-785-9300
web: www.crystalcruises.com
  Room amenities: Hairdryer, bathrobes, slippers, soap, shampoo, conditioner, body lotion, sewing kit, umbrealla, pillow menu, 24 hour in stateroom dining, wireless internet access, phone, TV, refrigerator filled with complimentary soft drinks and bottled water, safe
  Facility amenities: Two-story Crystal Plaza and Crystal Cove, lobby area with atrium, comfortable seating and piano bar "Avenue of the Stars" shopping arcade with three boutiques offering upscale clothing, jewelry, and specialty items. Casino featuring slot machines, bar poker and slant top poker machines, blackjack tables, craps, a roulette table, baccarat table and the Ultimate Texas Hold'em Galaxy Lounge, the ship's main entertainment venue Hollywood Theatre for recently released movies, with state-of-the-art audio visual and translation equipment that may be used for meetings and/or conferences; theatre also features audio enhancement for the hearing-impaired Computer University@Sea® center with a lab for classroom instruction and separate room offering 24-hour Internet and e-mail access The Studio, a completely new learning center for a variety of creative and educational hands-on classes Variety of lounges including the Stardust Club for dancing and cabaret, Avenue Saloon cocktail and piano bar, Connoisseur Club, an intimate refined cigar lounge, Palm Court/Sunset Bar observation lounge, and Pulse disco Fantasia children's center and Waves teen center Library featuring over 3,000 books, videos, DVDs, and books-on-tape Bridge Lounge Wi-Fi access is available on board throughout the ship Laundry Service Complimentary self-service launderettes including washing machines, detergent, fabric softener, dryers, irons and ironing boards are provided on Decks 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11
  Smoking allowed: No
  Elevators available: Yes
  Check out time: 9:00 AM


Travel Details
  Start of Program:
This program begins at 6:30 p.m. at Program Orientation in the program hotel in Stockholm, Sweden. You will be staying at Scandic Sergel Plaza that night.
  End of Program:
This program ends on the morning following disembarkation at 9:00 a.m. from the Crystal Symphony in Dover, England. Please avoid scheduling flights from Heathrow Airport earlier than 2:00 p.m. You will be staying at Crystal Serenity the night before.
  Required documents:
The Road Scholar Health & Safety Form is required. **IMPORTANT INFORMATION** All participants must register online with Crystal Cruises. To register go to checkin.crystalcruises.com to access the Priority Check-in and Planning Center. To log in, you need type in your first/last names as they appear on your passport and your booking number (which appears on your cruise confirmation or can be obtained from Road Scholar). You will need to enter your contact and passport information in order to register. Once registered you will be able to book excursions and on-board activities (such as specialty dining, spa appointments, etc). If you did not recieve a booking number, please call us at 1.866.359.5966. For more information on using the Priority Check-in & Planning Center please see the attachment at the end of this booklet. Proof of citizenship is required for ALL guests. For full information regarding traveling with Crystal Cruises, we recommend visiting the Crystal Cruise website at: www.crystalcruises.com and refer to the "Cruise Guidebook"
  Parking availability:
not applicable
Transportation (For Independent Travelers)
  Train or bus availability: Trains and buses are available from the airport in Stockholm to the city center at the beginning of the program.
To Start of Program
  Location:  Stockholm
  Transportation to site: Please arrive in Stockholm no later than 15:00. The airport is located 27 miles north of Stockholm; there are public transportation options as well as taxis available. There is an express train as well as buses linking the airport with the city center. Taxis can be found outside the airport terminals. Participants who arranged their airfare through Road Scholar Travel Services and who are arriving on the group date will be provided with a transfer from the airport in Stockholm to the hotel at the beginning of the program.
  From End of Program
  Location:  At Sea
  Transportation from site: Avoid flights departing London LHR airport prior to 14:00. Dover is approximately 75 miles from London; there are public transportation options as well as taxis available. The National Express buses run from Dover to Victoria Station and continue on to Heathrow or Gatwick; transfer time to Victoria Station is approximately 2 1/2 hours. There are also regular trains that run from Dover Priory Station to London's Victoria or Charing Cross Stations. Approximate journey time is 1 hour 45 minutes. Participants who purchased their flights through Road Scholar Travel Services and who are departing on the group date will be provided with a transfer from the port to the airport at the end of the program.
The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.


Daily Schedule

Day 1: Depart North America for Stockholm
(Wednesday, August 7)
   
 Depart From: Depart from North America for Stockholm, Sweden.

Day 2: Welcome and Orientation in Stockholm
(Thursday, August 8)
   
 Arrive To: Arrive in Stockholm and transfer to the program hotel.
 Afternoon: At 6:30 p.m. attend a program orientation at the hotel in Stockholm where you will meet your fellow Road Scholar participants and Study Leader.
 Dinner: Enjoy a Group Welcome Dinner at the hotel.
   
Accommodations: Scandic Sergel Plaza
Meals Included: Dinner

Day 3: Stockholm / Embark Crystal Serenity
(Friday, August 9)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast buffet at the hotel.
 Morning: Morning lecture presented by your Study Leader on "Scandinavian Architecture and Design."
 Lunch: Lunch on your own to enjoy Swedish cuisine.
 Afternoon: Group transfer to the port and embarkation on Crystal Serenity in the afternoon.
 Dinner: Join your study leader for a group dinner in the Crystal Dining Room.
   
Accommodations: Crystal Serenity
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 4: Stockholm, Sweden
(Saturday, August 10)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at leisure on board in the Crystal Dining Room (open seating) or the more casual Lido Café. Room Service is also available 24 hours a day.
 Morning: INDEPENDENT EXPLORATION: Sweden's capital, Stockholm, which sprawls over 14 islands, is often called the "Beauty on the Water." Resting amid wooded hills, it is a city surrounded by water, firmly linked by over 50 bridges. Originally founded as a fortress in the 12th century, the earliest mention of Stockholm as a city was in the year 1252. By 1850, the city had less than 100,000 inhabitants. Today it is one of Europe's most prosperous cities with a population of over a million.
 Lunch: Lunch at leisure on board the ship in the Crystal Dining Room, the Lido Café, or the Trident Grill, or you may choose to eat independently ashore. Some Crystal shore excursions will include lunch (depending on the length).
 Afternoon: Independent exploration of Stockholm continues before returning to the ship.
 Dinner: Join your study leader for a group dinner in the Crystal Dining Room.
   
Accommodations: Crystal Serenity
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Tallinn, Estonia
(Sunday, August 11)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at leisure on board in the Crystal Dining Room (open seating) or the more casual Lido Café. Room Service is also available 24 hours a day.
 Morning: INDEPENDENT EXPLORATION: Tallinn, capital of the independent republic of Estonia, was a key trading city of the Hanseatic League and one of the largest cities in Europe in the Middle Ages. The exceptionally well-preserved Old Town has earned Tallinn a place on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Today, Tallinn is home to almost a third of Estonia's population. Ancient town walls, old churches, graceful steeples, twisty cobblestone streets, red-tiled roofs and imposing towers reveal German, Swedish and Russian architectural influences. The fortress on Castle Hill and many ancient protective bastions stand as a historical tribute to a time, in the 15th century, when Tallinn was heavily fortified.
 Lunch: Lunch at leisure on board the ship in the Crystal Dining Room, the Lido Café, or the Trident Grill, or you may choose to eat independently ashore. Some Crystal shore excursions will include lunch (depending on the length).
 Afternoon: Continue independent exploration of Tallinn.
 Dinner: Join your study leader for a group dinner in the Crystal Dining Room.
   
Accommodations: Crystal Serenity
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Helsinki, Finland
(Monday, August 12)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at leisure on board in the Crystal Dining Room (open seating) or the more casual Lido Café. Room Service is also available 24 hours a day.
 Morning: INDEPENDENT EXPLORATION: The ship arrives in Helsinki this morning; after breakfast choose to explore the city on your own, or select from an array of Crystal excursion options. A heritage spanning over 450 years awaits you as you step ashore in Helsinki, "City of the Sea." Spurred on by the inspiration of Carl Ludvig Engel a native of Berlin who had worked earlier in Tallinn and St. Petersburg, Helsinki has produced some of the world's finest architects. Today, the legacy of their splendid work is seen everywhere. Nonetheless, nature has not been subdued, as leafy parks and picturesque bays continue to exert their timeless influence.
 Lunch: Lunch at leisure on board the ship in the Crystal Dining Room, the Lido Café, or the Trident Grill, or you may choose to eat independently ashore. Some Crystal shore excursions will include lunch (depending on the length).
 Afternoon: Continue your exploration of Helsinki.
 Dinner: Join your study leader for a group dinner in the Crystal Dining Room.
   
Accommodations: Crystal Serenity
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: St. Petersburg, Russia
(Tuesday, August 13)

Note: **PLEASE NOTE: Russian visas are provided for Crystal shore excursions, but if you plan to spend any time off the ship on your own you MUST obtain your own Russian visa in advance.
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at leisure on board in the Crystal Dining Room (open seating) or the more casual Lido Café. Room Service is also available 24 hours a day.
 Morning: INDEPENDENT EXPLORATION: Explore St. Petersburg: The ship arrives in St. Petersburg this morning; after breakfast choose to explore the city on your own, or select from an array of Crystal excursion options. Formerly known as Leningrad, St. Petersburg is Russia's second-largest city. It lies on a series of islands on the broad reaches of the mighty Neva River. The network of decorated bridges arching above the numerous waterways and canals are a visual delight. Over 300 years ago, this area was merely marsh and forest land. Peter the Great's vision was to build a window to the west, a city that would be a reflection of the great capitals of Europe. With the energy and drive so characteristic of this great man, he began the task. Magnificent Russian Versailles and Fontainbleau, with names like Pavlovsk and Peterhof, now encircle St. Petersburg; hence this comparatively young city has become ageless.
 Lunch: Lunch at leisure on board the ship in the Crystal Dining Room, the Lido Café, or the Trident Grill, or you may choose to eat independently ashore. Some Crystal shore excursions will include lunch (depending on the length).
 Afternoon: Continue to explore St. Petersburg.
 Dinner: Join your study leader for a group dinner in the Crystal Dining Room.
   
Accommodations: Crystal Serenity
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8: St. Petersburg, Russia
(Wednesday, August 14)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at leisure on board in the Crystal Dining Room (open seating) or the more casual Lido Café. Room Service is also available 24 hours a day.
 Morning: INDEPENDENT EXPLORATION: Enjoy more time to explore St. Petersburg.
 Lunch: Lunch at leisure on board the ship in the Crystal Dining Room, the Lido Café, or the Trident Grill, or you may choose to eat independently ashore. Some Crystal shore excursions will include lunch (depending on the length).
 Afternoon: Enjoy more time to explore St. Petersburg.
 Dinner: Join your study leader for a group dinner in the Crystal Dining Room.
   
Accommodations: Crystal Serenity
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9: St. Petersburg, Russia
(Thursday, August 15)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at leisure on board in the Crystal Dining Room (open seating) or the more casual Lido Café. Room Service is also available 24 hours a day.
 Morning: INDEPENDENT EXPLORATION: Continue exploration of St. Petersburg, Russia.
 Lunch: Lunch at leisure on board the ship in the Crystal Dining Room, the Lido Café, or the Trident Grill, or you may choose to eat independently ashore. Some Crystal shore excursions will include lunch (depending on the length).
 Afternoon: Enjoy a final exploration of St. Petersburg in the early afternoon before returning to board the ship. In the late afternoon attend an onboard lecture presented by your Study Leader: A brief overview of the cultural history of Finland with in-depth discussion of a few of Finland's greatest writers, artists and musicians throughout the ages. The ship departs St. Petersburg early this evening.
 Dinner: Join your study leader for a group dinner in the Crystal Dining Room.
   
Accommodations: Crystal Serenity
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10: Visby, Sweden
(Friday, August 16)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at leisure on board in the Crystal Dining Room (open seating) or the more casual Lido Café. Room Service is also available 24 hours a day.
 Morning: INDEPENDENT EXPLORATION: Visby, the Jewel in the Crown on the Island of Gotland, is a medieval city entrenched in the lore of yesteryear. Called "The Durbovnik of the Baltic," Visby is a historic highlight of Sweden, as it boasts an array of church ruins dating from the 12th Century, the Great City Wall, that was originally built to protect the city, and a multitude of wooden and limestone homes erected in the Middle Ages. A thoroughly alive and vital city, Visby's ideal seaside location, nestled within the shadow of a steep cliff, is made unique by the remnants of its historical past.
 Lunch: Lunch at leisure on board the ship in the Crystal Dining Room, the Lido Café, or the Trident Grill, or you may choose to eat independently ashore. Some Crystal shore excursions will include lunch (depending on the length).
 Afternoon: Continue independent exploration of Visby
 Dinner: Join your study leader for a group dinner in the Crystal Dining Room.
   
Accommodations: Crystal Serenity
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11: Copenhagen, Denmark - Group Cultural Field Trip
(Saturday, August 17)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at leisure on board in the Crystal Dining Room (open seating) or the more casual Lido Café. Room Service is also available 24 hours a day.
 Morning: EXCLUSIVE ROAD SCHOLAR EXCURSION: The ship arrives in Copenhagen this morning. Join your Study Leader for an exploration of Denmarks' enchanting capital city by coach, then travel to Rungstedlund to discover the house and museum of Karen Blixen, the Danish writer (pen name Isak Dinesen) most famous for "Out of Africa," an account of her years living in Kenya. Pause in Helsingor for a view of Kronborg Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the setting for Shakespeare's Hamlet. In Helsingor discover Den Internationale Hojskole (The International People's College) and meet with students and staff to discuss the politics, daily life and importance of cultural heritage in modern Denmark.
 Lunch: Enjoy a sampling of traditional Danish dishes during a group lunch in Helsingør at Den Internationale Højskole.
 Afternoon: Travel back to the ship by coach as your Study Leader shares some final tales and insights about his home country.
 Dinner: Join your study leader for a group dinner in the Crystal Dining Room.
   
Accommodations: Crystal Serenity
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 12: At Sea - Program Wrap-Up and Departure Preparations
(Sunday, August 18)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at leisure on board in the Crystal Dining Room (open seating) or the more casual Lido Café. Room Service is also available 24 hours a day.
 Morning: Join your study leader for an exclusive Road Scholar presentation.
 Lunch: Lunch at leisure on board the ship in the Crystal Dining Room, the Lido Café, or the Trident Grill.
 Afternoon: Join your study leader for an exclusive Road Scholar presentation.
 Dinner: Join your study leader for a group dinner in the Crystal Dining Room.
   
Accommodations: Crystal Serenity
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 13: Disembark in Dover and Departure from London
(Monday, August 19)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at leisure on board in the Crystal Dining Room (open seating) or the more casual Lido Café. Room Service is also available 24 hours a day.
 Morning: Disembark the ship in Dover and transfer to London Heathrow Airport for return flights. ** PLEASE NOTE: Please avoid any flight arrangements from Heathrow Airport prior to 14:00 hours.**
   
Meals Included: Breakfast
Important information about your itinerary: Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information featured on this website. Itineraries are based on our best information at this time. Circumstances beyond our control may require us to adjust itineraries or other details. We regret any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding. Information will be sent to you from your Program Provider approximately three weeks prior to the program start date. The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.

Suggested Reading List


A History of Scandinavia: Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland and Iceland


Author: T.K Derry


Description: Scandinavia from prehistory to the present with chapters on the Viking and Lutheran kingdoms, medieval times, monarchies, the World Wars and modern period, emphasizing the common cultural, political and social backgrounds.



Baltic Cruising


Author: Thomas Cook Publishers


Description: This handy pocket guide covers history, politics, culture and highlights of the region from Denmark and Sweden to Russia.



Eyewitness Guide Denmark


Author: Eyewitness Guides


Description: This superb guide features color photography, dozens of excellent local maps and a region-by-region synopsis of the country's attractions.



Eyewitness Guide Germany


Author: Eyewitness Guides


Description: Featuring color photography, excellent local maps and a region-by-region synopsis of the country's attractions.



Eyewitness Guide St. Petersburg


Author: Eyewitness Guides


Description: With excellent local maps and site plans, this outstanding visual guide introduces the culture, history and attractions of St. Petersburg.



Eyewitness Guide Stockholm


Author: Kaj Sandell


Description: This superb, fully illustrated guide to Stockholm and surrounding islands features dozens of local maps and site diagrams.



Helsinki, A Cultural and Literary History


Author: Neil Kent


Description: A literary guide to Helsinki, its history and culture, organized into three sections: city of architects and engineers; city of music and arts; and city of hospitality. With maps and black-and-white illustrations.



Insight Guide Scandinavia


Author: Insight Guides


Description: From Denmark to Sweden, Norway and Finland, this guide introduces the region with outstanding color maps and photographs.



Land of the Firebird, The Beauty of Old Russia


Author: Suzanne Massie


Description: Massie traces both miniscule details and larger movements in pre-revolutionary Russian art, literature and daily life in this affectionate overview of 19th-century palaces, courts and culture.



Lenin's Tomb


Author: David Remnick


Description: A gripping eyewitness tale of the collapse of the Soviet Union. Remnick, the Washington Post reporter on the scene, combines fine historical scholarship with great storytelling.



Northern Europe Scandinavia Map


Author: Freytag & Berndt


Description: A colorful shaded relief map showing the Baltic region from Copenhagen to St. Petersburg and Hammerfest at a scale of 1:2,000,000.



Peter the Great, His Life and World


Author: Robert Massie


Description: In this Pulitzer Prize-winning biography, Massie portrays the giant of history who transformed Russia from backwater tsardom into a major empire.



Pocket Guide to the Birds of Britain and North-West Europe


Author: Chris Kightley


Description: A compact field-friendly guide to the birds found in the British Isles and the Faroes, Scandinavia and Northwest Europe.



Sunlight at Midnight: St. Petersburg and the Rise of Modern Russia


Author: W. Bruce Lincoln


Description: A wonderfully written, informative portrait of St. Petersburg, focusing on the city's development in the 18th and 19th centuries as Russia's "window on the West." Highly recommended for travelers with an interest in the character and significance of the city and its monuments.



The Baltic


Author: Alan Palmer


Description: Palmer chronicles the Baltic region from the Viking era and Byzantine Empire through wars, uprisings and other political conflicts of the twentieth century, and on to modern times, where he finds a group of nations and peoples poised to emerge as some of Europe's most vital democracies. In addition to the prolific British historian's considerable learning, he provides some rather entertaining anecdotes.



The German Way


Author: Hyde Flippo


Description: This clever A-to-Z guide to quirks, attitudes, behavior and customs is a terrific resource for travelers seeking insight into why the Germans, Austrians and Swiss do what they do.



The Germans


Author: Gordon A. Craig


Description: A gifted historian, Craig explores the complex paradoxes of German identity in this masterly portrait of German life, past and present, with chapters on religion, money, Jews, women, literature and society, Berlin and language.



The Northern Crusades


Author: Eric Christiansen


Description: The wilder-than-fiction story of the conquest and conversion of the pagan tribes of the Baltic coasts by the crusading knights of the Teutonic Order from the 13th to the 15th centuries.



The Vikings, Lords of the Seas


Author: Yves Cohat


Description: An indispensable reference that fits in your pocket, this slim volume is packed with maps, archival photographs, and illustrations. It tells of the Norse homeland, discoveries and settlements, and also features a useful chronology and excerpts from the Viking Sagas. Part of the "Discoveries" series.





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