Dear Members and Friends of Royal Oak,

      Please join us in July 2007 aboard Sea Cloud II for a glorious exploration of the Baltic's Amber Coast. Sailing from St. Petersburg to Copenhagen, we will visit the Baltic capitals, where examples of medieval and Art Nouveau architecture remain nearly untouched by time. This midsummer voyage also includes visits to the vibrant Scandinavian capitals of Stockholm and Helsinki.

       We are delighted that noted landscape architect and author Patrick Bowe will lead us to some of his favorite palaces and gardens on this specially designed itinerary. Known for his lively presentations, Dublin-based Bowe has won acclaim for his recently published Gardens of the Roman World. Also traveling with us is Jay Gates, art historian and distinguished Director of The Phillips Collection, Washington, D.C.

       We begin with a two-day sojourn at the luxurious Grand Hotel Europe in St. Petersburg, a city of islands, canals, palaces and incomparable artistic treasures. During our visit we will enjoy before-hours tours of both the Hermitage and Catherine's Palace, with its meticulously restored Amber Room. A White Nights Festival performance will be a highlight.

        Embarking Sea Cloud II, docked in the heart of St. Petersburg, we set sail for the walled city of Tallinn, Estonia, and Finland's maritime capital of Helsinki. Then navigate the myriad islands of the Finnish and Swedish archipelagos en route to the captivating city of Stockholm, where we visit the Nationalmuseum and remain pierside overnight in this lovely setting.

          After a relaxed day at sea, we arrive in Latvia to see Riga's Art Nouveau architecture and travel overland for an overnight stay in Vilnius, Lithuania. A World Heritage Site, its well-preserved medieval quarter is rich in history. Rejoin Sea Cloud II in Klaipeda, Lithuania, and sail across the Baltic to Copenhagen where our sea voyage concludes.

          Life aboard the tall-masted Sea Cloud II has no comparison. Leisurely hours of sailing, gracious staff, luxurious accommodations and fine dining create an ambiance of relaxed elegance. Our onboard experience is enhanced by lectures and evening concert performances by a guest musician.

          We invite you to share the treasures and cultures of the Baltic countries on this memorable trip, co-sponsored by The Phillips Collection and the Naples Museum of Art.

Sincerely,

John Oddy
Executive Director
The Royal Oak Foundation

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