Baltic Sea

Upon arrival, transfer to our hotel. Later, gather with fellow travelers for a welcome reception at the hotel followed by dinner at a local restaurant.

After breakfast, depart for a panoramic tour of the city. Stop for a photo at the Sibelius Monument, a striking tribute to Finland's beloved composer, before visiting the extraordinary Rock Church, an architectural wonder carved into solid granite. Next, marvel at Oodi, Helsinki’s Central Library. This modern design masterpiece is a hub of culture, creativity, and Finnish innovation. After lunch, head to Senate Square, a neoclassical centerpiece surrounded by Helsinki Cathedral, the University of Helsinki, and the Government Palace. Stroll to Market Square, a lively waterfront area brimming with local artisans and food stalls, before embarking our ship.

The first stop of our voyage is Tallinn, often called the “Garden of Kings.” Pay a visit to Kadriorg Park, home to the beautiful Kadriorg Palace, designed by Peter the Great. The Memorial to the Victims of the Communist Regime offers a poignant reminder of Estonia's Soviet past. Conclude with a walking tour through Tallinn’s Old Town to see the Gothic Town Hall, Great Guild Hall, Holy Ghost Church, and the Town Council’s Apothecary, one of Europe's oldest continuously operating pharmacies.

Call at Estonia’s largest island, Saaremaa, this afternoon. Despite its close proximity to the mainland, the island has maintained a simple, low-key charm and connection to more traditional livelihoods. Drive through countryside dotted with thatched-roof cottages, traditional villages, and fields hemmed in by stone walls. See Angla Windmill Hill; stop at Kaali Lake, site of a meteorite fall 7,500 years ago; and visit Kuressaare Castle, one of the best-preserved fortresses in Estonia. Continue to the medieval town of Kuressaare, with its well-preserved streets and historic buildings, and the Mihkli Farm Museum, which offers a fascinating look at 19th-century rural life.

Today, take a guided walk in Stockholm’s medieval Old Town, Gamla Stan—a colorful labyrinth of cobbled streets, alleyways, meeting squares and faded mustard- and rust-colored town houses. Visit the Nobel Prize Museum, which highlights the discoveries and creativity of the prize’s illustrious recipients, then continue to Stockholm City Hall, the venue of the Nobel Gala Dinner, and the Stockholm Concert Hall, where the Nobel Prize Ceremony takes place.

The largest of the Nordic capitals, Stockholm is spread across 14 islands. Venture to idyllic Vaxholm, the “Pearl of the Archipelago,” known for its charming harbor and well-preserved wooden houses from the turn of the last century. Continue to Varmdo Island, a popular summer retreat, where lush pine and deciduous forests fan out to long sandy beaches and rocky shores. Its coast is dotted with bays, inlets, and small islands.

Arrive at the scenic town of Visby on Gotland Island, former center of the Hanseatic League in the Baltic region. Take a walking tour along the narrow cobblestone lanes of Visby, Gotland’s only city and a UNESCO World Heritage site. See monuments dating from the Middle Ages, including an impressive two-mile-long city wall with church ruins, step-gable warehouses and 44 stone towers. Visit Almedalen, once the city’s medieval-era harbor and today a lovely park planted with elm trees. See the beautiful, 11th-century St. Mary’s Cathedral, the 12th-century Powder Tower, and Gallow Hill, a medieval execution site.

Delve into Gdańsk’s fraught history during our visit today. One of the wealthiest cities in the Hanseatic League, Gdańsk served a crucial role in the start of World War II. Begin with a visit the Blue Lamb Granary, one of hundreds of medieval granaries situated on the Motlava River and the only one to preserve its facade and internal wooden structure. In the Old Town, follow in the footsteps of Polish kings as we walk the Royal Way and marvel at the array of Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture. See St. Mary’s Basilica with its imposing bell tower, the spectacular Crane Gate, and the stunning Artus Court.

Go ashore on Bornholm Island to see Hammershus, the largest castle ruin in Northern Europe. Take in panoramic views of the island from the medieval fortress, then drive through the Danish countryside to Rønne, the island’s picturesque market town that dates back to 1327. This evening, toast our journey during a farewell dinner.

Disembark the ship this morning and transfer to the airport for return flights home.