DAY 1 – STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN
The “Venice of the North,” spanning 14 small islands at the outflow of Lake Mälar into the Baltic, Stockholm is the largest city in Scandinavia and architecturally one of the finest in the world, with broad streets, waterside parks and many pedestrian walkways. For a taste of the city, take a walking tour of Old Town, and particularly the Royal Palace and beautiful Riddarholm Church; take in the views from the observation deck in the Town Hall; or visit one of the Skeppsholmen Museums, including Skeppsholm Church (1842), the Museum of Architecture, the Museum of East Asian Art and the Modern Museum. A main attraction near the center of town is the Vasa Museum, on the island of Djurgården, displaying the almost fully intact 64-gun warship Vasa, that sank on her maiden voyage in 1628.
DAY 2 – HELSINKI, FINLAND
The capital of Finland, Helsinki is also the cultural, commercial and political center of Finland. Helsinki is an easily-navigated city and an architectural delight. Helsinki is laid out with spacious streets interspersed with many gardens and parks. Wide streets and nearby islands add to Helsinki’s visual appeal. Beautiful neo classical buildings surround town squares and the cathedral is probably the most recognized of all Helsinki landmarks.
Multiple excursions available to pre-book*
DAY 3 – TALLINN, ESTONIA
On the southern coast of the Gulf of Finland lies Tallinn, the capital and main seaport of Estonia. Though the city has been bombed and pillaged many times throughout the ages, much of the town as it was in medieval times remains. Atmospheric streets serve as home to the palaces of Castle Hill. Ancient convents, steepled churches and handsome guild houses are all preserved as they were in Tallinn’s Old Town area, which was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Multiple excursions available to pre-book*
DAY 4 – VISBY, SWEDEN
Visby is the largest city on the island of Gotland, and was once one of the most powerful cities in Europe. The entire island is full of ruins, artifacts and memories from its periods of greatness during the Viking period and Middle Ages when Visby was a member of the Hanseatic League. The town is surrounded by the Visby Ringwall, a huge 13th century stone wall that encloses the city. Inside the wall, Visby beckons with its medley of modern and medieval times.
Multiple excursions available to pre-book*
DAY 5 – LEIPAJA, LATVIA
Revel in the pride of Latvia’s third largest city, a place locals call ‘the city where the wind is born’. A popular Baltic coast resort since the Russian czar’s frequent visits in the 1860s, Liepaja boasts an unusually diverse menu of attractions that range from WWI and WWII relics to white sand beaches to a music walk of fame. Urban explorers and history buffs will marvel at the countless bunkers, cannons and ruined residences of Karosta, a massive military complex with ties to both Tsarist and Soviet Russia. Build an appetite for cod fish – the local specialty – while walking pristine Blue Flag Beach. In town visit Holy Trinity Cathedral and stroll the Latvian Musicians’ Walk of Fame.
Multiple excursions available to pre-book*
DAY 6 – GDANSK, POLAND
Step into colorful and masterfully restored Old Town Gdansk and experience the grandeur of this once powerful member of the Hanseatic League. Marvel at the exquisite architecture. Stroll the entire length of Ulica Diuga (Long St.) stopping to visit St. Mary’s Church, which took 150 years to build, and its Astronomical Clock, from1460. Browse through the museums, shops and galleries. Seek out quality amber, embroidered linens, modern silver jewelry, and fine woolen sweaters. Admire the grand houses , the Green and the Golden Gates on the Royal Road. Try a sip of vodka distilled and served with real flecks of gold.
Multiple excursions available to pre-book*
DAY 7 – CRUISING THE BALTIC SEA
DAY 8 – BERLIN, GERMANY
Warnemünde is a sea resort and district of Rostock in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, situated at the Baltic Sea in the Northeast of Germany at the estuary of the river Warnow. Being a center of maritime traffic, the district of Warnemünde comprises numerous navigational aids, the oldest of which is the lighthouse located near the beach promenade. The lighthouse, which is currently still in use, was built in 1897. Warnemunde is also our gateway to nearby Berlin.
Multiple excursions available to pre-book*
DAY 9 – KIEL, GERMANY
With its proximity to Scandinavia along the 11-mile Kiel Fjord, this capital city of the northern Germany state of Schleswig-Holstein has a long and proud maritime history. It is also where the eastern lock of the world’s busiest artificial waterway – Kiel Canal – connects the North Sea to the Baltic and site of the annual Kiel Week, the largest sailing event in the world. Admire some of the 60,000 ships that traverse the canal every year on a stroll along the waterfront promenade known as the Kiellinie, perhaps stopping for a dessert called Rote Grütze at one of many inviting cafés and restaurants. For an atmospheric appreciation of Kiel’s fishing and seafaring history, explore the Schiffahrtsmuseum located within a Gothic Revival fish auction house.
DAY 10 – AARHUS, DENMARK
Denmark’s second-largest city boasts some of the country’ top cultural attractions, stunning architecture, a lively culinary scene and the upbeat vibe of a city on the rise. ARoS Aarhus Art Museum is home to the nation’s largest art collection outside of Copenhagen, while the relocated houses of living-history museum Den Gamle invite you to wander Scandinavian neighborhoods from the 19th century, 1920s and 1970s. Take in a pair of striking waterfront structures – the multi-angled Iceberg apartment building and minimalist Dokk1 – and the glass facades of Musikhuset, Scandinavia’s largest concert hall. Try traditional favorite Smørrebrød, the ‘king’ of Danish snacks, or sample New Nordic cuisine at one of Aarhus’s many stylish cafes and restaurants.
DAY 11 – GOTHENBURG, SWEDEN
One look at the abundance of canals and gabled houses in Gothenburg, and it’s clear that the Dutch founded this robust city on the Göta River. Touring the citadel is fascinating, as are the 17th century Crown House, and Gothenburg Art Museum with masterpieces from Edvard Munch to Picasso. Gothenburg is one of Sweden’s greenest cities, compliments of parks such as Slottsskogen. For a vibrant atmosphere, walk along Kungsportsavenyn, Gothenburg’s main street, lined with cafés, boutiques and plazas.
DAY 12 – HELSINGBORG, SWEDEN
Discover charming Helsingborg with its gorgeous gardens, and miles of waterfront promenades on the dazzling Oresund Strait. Visit the 700 year-old medieval Kårnan Tower and admire the views of the harbor and Denmark from the highest point in Helsingborg. Then explore Sofiero Castle at the top of a rhododendron ravine. The beautiful Dunker Culture Center features an international art museum, town museum and concert halls. Stroll over to Kullagaten for exceptional shopping. Peruse the boutiques for fine Danish porcelain, silver and amber jewelry and leather goods. Relax while enjoying a “fika” (coffee and cake) in a vibrant, friendly setting.
DAY 13 – COPENHAGEN, DENMARK
Copenhagen, the royal capital of Denmark, is one of Europe’s oldest capitals. It was a fishing village until the middle of the 12th century, but then grew in importance after being fortified in 1167. Because of its harbor, it soon became a place of commercial importance. Copenhagen has a long history well-integrated with today’s modern life. Theaters, museums, art galleries and musical entertainment are among the attractions that make Copenhagen memorable.
