Baltimore, Maryland, USA

Baltimore Basilica

The city’s main historic landmark is the so-called Baltimore Basilica. Its construction began in 1806 and was completed in 1821. Dedicated to the Virgin Mary and the Immaculate Conception, the Basilica became the first Cathedral of the United States. For almost 100 years before the American Revolution, the Catholic Church in the country carried little influence, but with the adoption of the constitution, church leaders wanted to build a cathedral that would symbolize the spirit of the new America. The architectural appearance of the Basilica was therefore intentionally designed to be unlike dark Gothic and medieval European churches: it is a bright classic cathedral-majestic and symmetrical-which, at the time of its construction, could rival the Washington Capitol.

The George Washington Monument

The city’s most famous monument is the George Washington Monument, which was the first in the country and is now the oldest surviving one. Construction of the monument began in 1815 and was completed in 1829. The monument is a more than 50-metre-tall white marble column of the Doric order, with a small museum opened at its base. You can reach the top via 228 steps and take in views of the city. The monument is located in Mount Vernon-probably the most respectable neighborhood in the city, north of downtown. Mount Vernon is considered a “cultural district” of Baltimore; at first, the most prosperous and respected families lived here, and today it is home to the most important cultural attractions in the city.

Inner Harbor

First and foremost, attention is drawn to the Inner Harbor (“Inner Harbor”), the city’s pride and calling card. In the docks and storage facilities around the water, art galleries, museums, cafés, designer boutiques, and clubs are packed to capacity. Ships are also moored here-sometimes quite old ones-which you can visit on a guided tour. In particular, this includes a Coast Guard launch, the Second World War-era submarine “Torsk,” and the sailing ship “Constellation.” The latter, incidentally, can also be considered one of the last ships from the Civil War era that have survived in good condition and are still almost seaworthy. In addition, the Inner Harbor is where the city’s main attractions are concentrated: an aquarium, the state science center, the children’s museum “Port Discovery,” and the World Trade Center.

National Aquarium

More than 17,000 animals live in the National Aquarium in Baltimore, Maryland: amphibians, fish, birds, reptiles, invertebrates, and mammals. For children, an interactive play area called the Children's Discovery Gallery has been set up. In the Blue Wonders pavilion, there is a family relaxation room. Visitors are offered many interesting programs: you can hold a salamander, pet a dolphin, or dive into a pool with tropical fish. The aquarium also features a 4D cinema, where you can not only see underwater inhabitants, but also feel the ocean’s breath.

The Walters Art Museum

The Walters Art Museum is renowned worldwide for its extensive collection. Its collection is a true overview of world art, spanning several millennia-from the early days of civilization to our own time. Magnificent works from the Ancient World (Egypt, Nubia, Greece, and Rome), art from the Middle Ages and the Modern Era, bold experiments in 20th-century creativity, as well as art from Asia, Eastern countries, and Africa. There is literally everything here! It all began with William Walters’ rich personal collection-an American businessman. In 1909, his son, Henry, built a special mansion to house his father’s extensive collection. After his death, he bequeathed it to the city. That’s how, in 1934, the museum opened, bearing the Walters collectors’ surname.

Fort McHenry

If you look at Fort McHenry from above, you’ll see a perfect five-pointed star. However, there’s no mysticism here-the shape was dictated purely by practical considerations. After the appearance of powerful artillery, a new fortification system was needed, and it was invented in Italy and called the bastion system. To reliably protect the straight sections of fort walls, five-sided bastions had to be built, allowing all approaches to be covered by fire. There could be many bastions, but in small forts there were most often four or five. Fort McHenry, which guarded the entrance to Baltimore Harbor, was built according to the classic “Italian” principles. Today, it is one of the main landmarks of the United States. Seeing the American flag flying proudly over the fort, the amateur poet Francis Scott Key wrote the song “The Star-Spangled Banner,” which became the hymn of the United States.

Little Italy Quarter

Next to the harbor there is the Italian Quarter “Little Italy,” (Little Italy) one of the most cozy and picturesque areas of the city. The abundance of Italian restaurants, interesting shops, and spacious parks - the Italian district is perfect for those who love walking. It is home mainly to members of the Italian diaspora, which is quite large, and of course, this is truly heaven for a gourmet who loves pasta and a pizza lover. By an interesting turn of events, this very same neighborhood is the safest in the city in terms of crime.

Baltimore City Tour

Baltimore is the largest city in the state of Maryland. It was founded more than 200 years ago by members of the English Lord Baltimore’s family. Today it is a major city and one of the largest ports on the U.S. Atlantic coast. From the highest natural point in Baltimore, Federal Hill, you will enjoy a panoramic view of Baltimore Harbor and the new city, and take a look at the historic ship “Constellation.” After that, you will head to Fells Point-the place where Baltimore began. You will walk along the city’s first street-Shakespeare Street-see the first theater in Baltimore, which is still operating to this day, visit the building of the country’s first Ice Cream Factory, and take a stroll along the waterfront, where more than 200 years ago the first ships docked to found the city of Baltimore. Finally, you will see the George Washington Monument and Mount Vernon, home to one of the best art museums in the country-the Walters Art Museum.

For a more detailed list of excursions and their prices, you can check it after booking your cruise in your “Client Personal Account.”