Day 1 – Copenhagen, Denmark
See another side of this lovely city with a cruise along its charming canals. Visit the quaint old harbor at Nyhavn and beautiful Rosenborg Castle and, of course, the famed statue of the Little Mermaid. Or venture into the countryside and enjoy its panoramic vistas, fairy tale castles and the village of Fredensborg.
Day 2 – Lysekil, Sweden
Visit the Lysekil Church, dating to 1901, and then learn about the seas around Sweden at the Havets Hus aquarium before heading to the Vikarvet Museum, where Lysekil’s mastery of fishing is on display. Enjoy a peaceful walk among the famous granite cliffs and picturesque fishing villages, or take a boat ride along stunning Gullmarsfjord and the archipelago of Sweden’s west coast.
Day 3 – Aarhus, Denmark
Denmark’s second largest city, Aarhus is an attractively compact medieval town full of modern flair – chic galleries, cutting edge restaurants and intriguing museums. The laid-back ambiance and welcoming locals only add to the appeal of the “World’s Smallest Big City.” Stroll the cobblestone streets of the 14th-century Latin Quarter and pop into one of the many eateries for a smørrebrød sandwich in between browsing the boutiques. Whether you visit one of the notable museums such as the innovative Moesgaard Museum or the showstopping ARoS Aarhus Art Museum, tour the lush botanical gardens of Marselisborg Palace, or explore the open-air museum of urban history at Den Gamle By, it’s easy to see why Aarhus is Denmark’s rising star.
Day 4 – Kiel, Germany
The grand harbor and seaside promenade take center stage in this historical maritime city that’s the gateway to the famed Kiel Canal. Everywhere you go – the Kiel Fjord, the museums and memorials in the city center, the bustling waterfront known as Kiellinie – you’ll feel the seafaring and naval influences. Top choices include the maritime-focused Schifffahrtsmuseum, Aquarium GEOMAR, Botanical Gardens Kiel and of course, stopping at a café along the promenade to enjoy the ever-changing vista of the harbor. Just outside of Kiel in Laboe, you can explore a restored German submarine U-995 on Ostsee beach, a somber reminder of the city’s role as the main German submarine base during World War II.
Day 5 – Berlin (Warnemunde), Germany
Arrive in Berlin to enjoy a scenic drive to the German capital and savor landmarks like the Brandenburg Gate and the glorious Charlottenburg Palace. Stroll down Unter den Linden, see the site of the Berlin Wall and take a boat ride along the city’s canals.
Day 6 – Berlin (Warnemunde), Germany
Explore on your own and visit one of the many museums. Or discover charming Warnemünde and its lovely Gothic church, market square and seaside promenade.
Day 7 – Ronne (Bornholm), Denmark
Largely rebuilt after World War II, Rønne still feels historic because even the new buildings reflect the older architecture. As a result, walking from more modern areas into the charming Old Town (Gamle Stan) is less noticeable. Don’t miss the 14th century St. Nicholas Church, one of the more iconic buildings on Bornholm Island, or the massive round-tower castle and its fascinating military museum in the south of Rønne. To better understand the island’s seafaring and natural history, visit Bornholm Museum.
Day 8 -Klaipeda, Lithuania
Lithuania’s third largest city, Klaipeda has been in and out of the hands of the Russians, Swedes and Germans. Marvel at the impressive, and verbosely christened, St. Mergeles Marijos Taikos Karalienes Church tower and walk through Anika Square. Head to the pristine Baltic waters lapping at the broad sands of Smiltyne Beach. Or duck into the Clock Museum or Castle Museum
Day 9 – Helsinki, Finland
Admire the city’s stunning modern architecture, visit its lovely parks and bustling open-air market. Take a harbor cruise past forests, beaches, villas and a ruined Suomenlinna fortress that spans five islands. Or visit historic, colorful Porvoo, Finland’s second oldest town.
Day 10 – Tallinn, Estonia
Step back in time as you walk through this beautifully preserved medieval town and discover its upper and lower levels, the guild houses, the churches and squares, the famous apothecary shop and the exquisite town hall. See delightful parks, Baroque palaces and a ruined 15th century convent. Or visit a lovely recreated rural Estonian village by the sea.
Day 11 – Stockholm, Sweden
Spend a marvelous day discovering this lovely city and its beautiful buildings. Visit the charming Old Town, medieval Gamla Stan, the elegant royal palace, the wonderful parks and the impressive Vasa, the magnificently restored 17th century warship that sank in the harbor on her maiden voyage.
