007 on the high seas

We all know that excursions are no longer the tired old trip out on a coach to be persuaded to buy local tat experiences, but Celebrity Cruises have pushed past the thrill barrier into real chills-down-the-spine territory.

They are offering an excursion on their twelve night Baltic cruise which leaves St Petersburg and flies passengers to the former KGB headquarters in Moscow where they learn about Cold War tricks of the trade including such shockers as thumb screws, poison pens and records that reveal a message when played backwards.

Those giving the talks include former KGB agents who have swapped spying for sharing their experiences on guided tours around the city. This full day excursion costs £775 per person, including return flight from St Petersburg. The Baltic cruise sails from Amsterdam on Celebrity Century and offers visits to Stockholm, Copenhagen, and Tallinn, as well as St Petersburg. Prices start at £1,589 per person including flights and transfers.