DAY 1-Copenhagen, Denmark
Effortlessly cool and down to earth, Copenhagen is a contemporary, clean, and classy highlight of Scandinavia. A city built to be livable, Copenhagen has refused to compromise, resulting in a forward-thinking metropolis that’s green and clean. Swim in the waters of Havnebadet Islands during summer, or shelter from winter’s bite by snuggling in beside a roaring open fire during winter.
DAY 2-Ronne, Bornholm, Denmark
Boats entering the port of Ronne, on the rocky island of Bornholm, are welcomed by the sight of St Nicolas’s church – patron saint of seafarers, towering over the harbor, guiding the ships in. Bornholm sits in the Baltic Sea between Denmark and Sweden and is popular for Scandinavians in search of a break from city life. The outstanding open countryside, sandy beaches, and quaint villages make it the perfect getaway.
Captivated by the natural beauty of the island, many artists and craftspeople live and work here. Potters have long been attracted to the high-quality clay found locally, glassblowing has recently flourished, silver smiths and textile artists have found inspiration too – many have open galleries and workshops and welcome visitors.
DAY 3-Gdansk, Poland
Gdansk, one of Poland’s oldest and most beautiful cities, sits on the edge of the Baltic Sea. Looking around today, it’s difficult to imagine that during World War II, much of the city was reduced to rubble. Painstakingly reconstructed with great skill, the Hanseatic architecture and historical treasures rose like a phoenix from the ruins.
Along the waterfront is the striking, modern architecture of the World War II Museum, a poignant space, in the very city where the first shots of the war were fired. The excellent exhibitions leave few unmoved and has rapidly become one of Gdansk’s top attractions.
More recent history is explained wonderfully at the European Solidarity Centre down by the shipyards. The trade union “Solidarity” was formed in the 1980s and Poland’s struggle to topple Communism began.
Gdansk has certainly earned its place in the history books of Europe.
DAY 4-Liepaja, Latvia
Head to the stunning Liepaja beach, to sunbathe on the fine sands or soak in the serene sunsets that light up the waters. The beach is backed by fragrant woodland and dotted with intriguing artworks and monuments. With fascinating history, cultural clout, and captivating coastline, Liepaja is a true cultural gem of the Baltic.
DAY 5-Riga, Latvia
Ascend the tower of St. Peter’s Church for a view down over the gingerbread architecture below. The House of Blackheads is one of the city’s standouts, a historic trade guild’s meeting place, it adds grace and grandeur to the spacious town square. Soak up the smells and sights of Riga Central Market, where you can taste pickles, smoked herring and piragis – local rolls, stuffed with bacon. Take time out in brightly painted cafes and flower-laced courtyards, which serve up refreshments and dizzyingly strong, self-brewed, craft beers. Or head to the greenery of Bastejkalna Park to stroll the banks of the canal and over ornate bridges.
DAY 6-Helsinki, Finland
A thriving, flawlessly-designed seaside city, Helsinki is famously livable and inspiring. A regional powerhouse of outstanding design and creativity, Helsinki lies across a confetti scattering of 300 islands and skerries in the Gulf of Finland. Sail out to the quaint little beaches, and waterfront pathways that now lend a calm, peaceful ambiance to this UNESCO World Heritage Site
DAY 7-Tallinn, Estonia
A fairytale city of new and old, Tallinn boasts one of the best-preserved UNESCO listed old towns in Northern Europe, and balances the traditional and contemporary astutely. A beautiful Baltic capital of storied culture and history, Tallinn is riding the wave of a burgeoning reputation as Europe’s hidden gem, and it boasts a picturesque allure that few cities can rival. Surrounded by practically complete medieval walls, lose yourself in deep museums, and visit pretty churches like St. Olaf church – one of the city’s most famous, with its sharp green spire puncturing the sky.
DAY 8-Stockholm, Sweden
This will unfortunately be the place where guests disembark the cruise ship but are welcome to explore what this wonderful city has to offer such as cathedral-like food markets to simmering baths, the ABBA museum and natural escapes.
