42-Day In-Depth Exploration Of Scandinavia & The Baltic Cruise

Day 1 - Dover, UK

Arrive: Sat 09 June 2029 / Depart: Sat 09 June 2029

Crossing the English Channel from continental Europe to Great Britain, the first view of England is the milky-white strip of land called the White Cliffs of Dover. As you get closer, the coastline unfolds before you in all its striking beauty. White chalk cliffs with streaks of black flint rise straight from the sea to a height of 350’ (110 m). Numerous archaeological finds reveal people were present in the area during the Stone Age. Yet the first record of Dover is from Romans, who valued its close proximity to the mainland. A mere 21 miles (33 km) separate Dover from the closest point in France. A Roman-built lighthouse in the area is the tallest Roman structure still standing in Britain. The remains of a Roman villa with the only preserved Roman wall mural outside of Italy are another unique survivor from ancient times which make Dover one of a kind.

Day 2 - At Sea

Day 3 - Stavanger, Norway

Arrive: Mon 11 June 2029 / Depart: Mon 11 June 2029

A Romanesque cathedral and old medieval lanes blend beautifully with Stavanger's modern city and spectacular countryside. In 872, when Harald Fairhair won the Battle of Hafrsfjord near Stavanger, he united Norway for the first time. Huge harvests of brisling, herring and sardines have made the key of a sardine can the city symbol. Today, the town is the center of Norway's oil industry, and has become one of the country's most cosmopolitan cities.

Day 4 - Floro/Kinn

Arrive: Tue 12 June 2029 / Depart: Tue 12 June 2029

Florø is a town and the administrative centre of Kinn Municipality in Vestland county, Norway. The town was founded by royal decree in 1860 as a ladested on the island of Florelandet, located between the Botnafjorden and Solheimsfjorden. Florø is Norway's westernmost town.

Day 5 - Froya

Day 6 - Bronnoysund

Arrive: Thu 14 June 2029 / Depart: Thu 14 June 2029

A coastal city, Brønnøysund’s origin dates back to its 13th century Viking heritage. In the intervening centuries, it has been settled by immigrants from southern Norway and Sweden, and its local Swedish-like dialect still carries echoes of this past. Brønnøysund sits on a narrow peninsula from the mainland, is surrounded by waterways dotted with a maze of small scenic islands. In this fairytale setting, picturesque, colorful houses are set amidst thick lush greenery, turquoise blue water and shallow bays. Towering above the town like a giant troll’s hat is the massive granitic monolith of Torghatten Mountain. Here can be found one of the great natural curiosities of the area, a 520’ (160 m) hole piercing completely through the center of the mountain. The Viking sagas surmised that it was the impact of a warrior horseman’s arrow that created the wound. However, it was actually formed during the last Ice Age by erosion from ice and water.

Day 7 - Svolvaer

Arrive: Fri 15 June 2029 / Depart: Fri 15 June 2029

Huddled together in what appears to be a wall of solid rock, the Lofotens are actually several islands. Their scenery, revealed when the ice disappeared from the last Ice Age, is held to be among the most dramatic in Norway. Svolvaer, located on the island of Austvaagoey, received town status in 1996, and is the Lofotens' most important city with about 4,500 residents. Dominating the town is the mountain peak called Svolvaergeita, a beacon for climbers. Fishermen flock here when the Norwegian Arctic cod enters the Vestfjord to spawn. Artists prize the picturesque setting and extraordinary light conditions.

Day 8 - Tromso, Norway

Arrive: Sat 16 June 2029 / Depart: Sat 16 June 2029

Many a polar expedition has begun from Tromso. The town was founded in 1794, but its roots go back to Hanseatic and, even earlier to Viking times. Situated inside the Arctic Circle on the forest-clad island of Troms, this spirited city is linked to the mainland by the spectacular Tromsobrua Bridge, built in 1960. During WWII, Tromso was one of the few places in northern Norway to escape bombing, and a number of old wood buildings still remain. At the Tromso Museum, the exhibits include an extensive display on the people of Lapland. The town also boasts both the world's northernmost university and brewery.

Day 9 - Alta, Norway

Arrive: Sun 17 June 2029 / Depart: Sun 17 June 2029

Alta is a town on Norway’s northern coast, at the head of Alta Fjord. It’s known for views of the Northern Lights, which inspired the cascading architecture of the Northern Lights Cathedral, built in 2013. Thousands of prehistoric rock carvings are at nearby Hjemmeluft Bay, where there are viewing paths and the World Heritage Rock Art Centre. South of town, the Alta River runs through steep Alta Canyon.

Day 10 - Honningsvag, Norway

Arrive: Mon 18 June 2029 / Depart: Mon 18 June 2029

The perpendicular cliffs of Nordkapp, or the North Cape, mark the very top of the European continent. This ultimate destination has long drawn adventurous royalty including Oscar II, King of Norway and Sweden, who visited in 1873, and followed by the King of Siam in 1907. The North Cape is located on the island of Mageroey, a name derived from a word that means "meager." While the landscape may have a lunar appearance, it is not really so isolated. Just 21 miles away, the main town, Honningsvåg, has some 4,000 inhabitants. In summer that number swells when the Sami people and their reindeer settle on the outskirts of town.

Day 11 - At Sea

Day 12 - At Sea

Day 13 - At Sea

Day 14 - Skagen

Arrive: Fri 22 June 2029 / Depart: Fri 22 June 2029

At the tip of the flat, sandy Jutland peninsula, Skagen is Denmark’s northernmost town and a popular holiday destination for Danes. It was long Denmark’s most important fishing port, but its popularity as a recreation area began at the end of the 19th Century when Queen Alexandrine, the wife of King Christian X, fell in love with the rustic character of the place and built the summer residence Klitgaarden. The royal couple invited other Scandinavian and European royalty to share holidays with them and Skagen’s reputation grew. At the same time, the Skagensbanen railway made travel to Jutland easier. Impressionist artists were attracted by the exotic sand- and seascapes and the vivid light reflected from the sea, and a school of Skagen Painters thrived in the first quarter of the 20th century. Arts and crafts still remain an important local tradition, and the town has many shops and galleries offering handmade goods to visitors. There is a venerable lighthouse near the peninsula’s tip, where the North Sea and the Baltic Sea meet, but due to their differing densities, their margins can clearly be seen. A St. Lawrence’s Church was built in Skagen in the 14th century, but it was eventually inundated by drifting sand dunes. The Skagen Church of today was built in 1841.

Day 15 - Copenhagen, Denmark

Arrive: Sat 23 June 2029 / Depart: Sat 23 June 2029

Denmark's capital is arguably one of the world's best-loved cities, and certainly the liveliest of all the Scandinavian capitals. It is a gracious and comfortable place, with a decidedly friendly, hospitable and fun-loving atmosphere. If there is such a thing as a cozy city, Copenhagen is it. From the lingering memory of the tales of Hans Christian Andersen to the colored lights of Tivoli Gardens, there is a delightful ambience that surrounds the visitor everywhere. Tidy, narrow streets are lined with tempting restaurants and cafes, and the pedestrian-only Stroget abounds with stylish shops. The spirited Copenhageners are imaginative and unconventional and exude a "do-what-you-want" philosophy that embraces and respects almost all aspects of life. Every friendly Dane you meet further illustrates the city's motto "Wonderful, wonderful, Copenhagen."

Day 16 - Wismar

Arrive: Sun 24 June 2029 / Depart: Sun 24 June 2029

Wismar, on the Baltic just east of Lubeck, is one of the most important cities of the Hanseatic League. Shortly after its founding, it banded together with Lübeck and Rostock in a defensive alliance, which led to the formation of the League. Today it has one of the finest preserved and restored treasuries of German Brick Gothic architecture existing, and was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2002. It has the largest Market Square in Germany, anchored by the wrought-iron Waterworks from 1602, and surrounded by stellar buildings. The city was ruled by Sweden from 1648 until 1903. It was heavily damaged during World War II, and was a part of the GDR after the war until 1990. There are many fine examples of Hanseatic era patrician gable houses in Wismar, most notably the Alter Schwede (Old Swede) from 1380. The architectural heritage in the city spans eras from Gothic through Art Nouveau styles.

Day 17 - Gudhjem

Arrive: Mon 25 June 2029 / Depart: Mon 25 June 2029

Day 18 - Kalmar

Arrive: Tue 26 June 2029 / Depart: Tue 26 June 2029

Kalmar is a city on the Baltic Sea, in southeast Sweden. It’s known for the Renaissance-style Kalmar Castle, with its ornate turrets and drawbridge. The old town has cobbled streets and well-preserved 17th- and 18th-century buildings. Kalmar Cathedral features a baroque altar and a 17th-century pulpit by sculptor Baltzar Hoppenstedt. Nearby, Kalmar City Park has manicured gardens and exotic trees

Day 19 - Visby, Sweden

Arrive: Wed 27 June 2029 / Depart: Wed 27 June 2029

This delightful hilly town, boasting medieval houses and ruined fortifications, is Gotland's capital city. Due to its gentle climate an abundance of roses bloom here, even as late as November, marking Visby as 'The City of Roses. In its heyday, Visby was one of the richest trading centers in northern Europe. Remains of the medieval city walls are considered to be among the best-preserved in Europe. Additional points of interest include the cathedral, one of the town's 17 medieval churches still in use today; the Old Apothecary, a late-medieval four-story merchant's house; and the Fornsal Museum with an interesting exhibit of medieval artwork, hordes of silver form Viking times, and impressive picture stones that predate the Viking rune stones. Sweden's main holiday island offers wide sandy beaches, wild cliff formations, and verdant sheepfarming country and glades in which 35 different varieties of wild orchids thrive, attracting botanists from around the world. There are also a hundred more churches dating from Gotland's great commercial era scattered across the island which are still in use today.

Day 20 - Cruising Archipelago

Day 20 - Turku

Arrive: Thu 28 June 2029 / Depart: Thu 28 June 2029

Turku, a city on the southwest coast of Finland, straddles the Aura River. Dating from the 13th century, it's known for Turku Castle, a medieval fortress with a history museum, perched at the river mouth. Restaurants line the cobbled riverside streets. On the eastern bank lies the Old Great Square, a former trade hub, surrounded by grand buildings. The nearby Turku Cathedral houses a royal tomb and a museum.

Day 21 - Mariehamn

Arrive: Fri 29 June 2029 / Depart: Fri 29 June 2029

Set in beautiful natural surroundings is the capital of the Aland Islands, the peaceful slow-paced port of Mariehamn. The archipelago of 6,500 islands is the smallest region in Finland, and is characterized by an exciting mix of Swedish, Finnish and Russian culture and history. Named after Tsar Alexander II's consort, Maria Alexandrovna, Mariehamn perfectly complements the large capitals of the Baltic Sea. Mariehamn's typical wooden architecture from the turn-of-the-last-century was influenced by Russian Empire style and Scandinavian nationalism. Today, Mariehamn's shipping tradition is just as strong as it was at the beginning of the 1900s when the Aland Islands boasted the largest fleet of sailing ships in the world.

Day 22 - Stockholm

Arrive: Sat 30 June 2029 / Depart: Sat 30 June 2029

Sweden's capital has been called the most beautiful city in the world. This "city that floats on water" sprawls over 14 islands that are linked by over 50 bridges, which cross winding waterways in all directions. To the east is an archipelago of thousands of islands in different shapes, sizes and contours. Venice, for all its gondolas, does not approach the water traffic of Stockholm. The hundreds of small boats that line the inlets and canals testify to the passion of every family to own and sail a boat.

Day 23 - Rauma

Day 24 - Harnosand

Day 25 - Lulea

Day 26 - Oulu

Day 27 - Kemi

Day 28 - At Sea

Day 29 - Helsinki, Finland

Arrive: Sat 07 July 2029 / Depart: Sat 07 July 2029

Helsinki, capital of Finland and "Daughter of the Baltic," was founded in 1550 and became the capital in 1812. The city is beautifully set on a peninsula surrounded by islands and is protected by fortifications at Suomenlinna. A modern, lively city of approximately a half million inhabitants, Helsinki's attractions include the harbor, market square and many spacious parks. The Empire Center is one of Europe's finest examples of neoclassical architecture.

Day 30 - Tallinn, Estonia

Arrive: Sun 08 July 2029 / Depart: Sun 08 July 2029

The capital of Estonia, Tallinn was called Reval until the 20th century. The port's ideal maritime position has always been a temptation to other nations and won it a position in the Hanseatic League. This cross-cultural history gives Tallinn a special ambience that visitors appreciate. The main attraction is the Old Town. Perched on a low hill by the shore, its fortification walls, worn cobbled streets and 13th-century buildings make it one of the purest medieval towns in all of northern Europe. With about a half-million inhabitants, Tallinn comprises almost a third of Estonia's population. Outside of town there is rich dairy land and along the coast stretch expansive sand beaches.

Day 31 - At Sea

Day 32 - Riga

Arrive: Tue 10 July 2029 / Depart: Tue 10 July 2029

Riga, situated on a sandy plain about 9 miles from the mouth of the River Dvina, is the capital of Latvia and is one of the most beautiful of the Baltic cities. The advantageous geographical position, with access to both the sea and via the river to the east, shaped both the history and culture of the city. Founded in the 12th century, it was established as a trading settlement and grew quickly into an important port with a remarkable diversity of Gothic, Baroque Renaissance and Classical architectural styles. Today, the capital city is a major tourist attraction while remaining one of the principal ports in the Baltic and a top producer of manufactured goods.

Day 33 - Klaipeda, Lithuania

Arrive: Wed 11 July 2029 / Depart: Wed 11 July 2029

Klaip eda's history dates back to 1252, when it was founded as a fortress to provide protection against marauders arriving by sea. A member of the Hanseatic League during its heyday, Klaip eda was also ruled at various times by Sweden, Russia, Prussia, Lithuania, Germany, the Soviet Union, and now, once again, Lithuania. With a population of nearly 200,000, Klaip eda is one of Lithuania's largest cities and most important ports. Be sure to visit Mazvydas Sculpture Park or perhaps make the drive to nearby Palanga or Nida along the Baltic coast. Special Note: Please bear in mind that tourism in Lithuania is still in its infancy. Facilities and guides may not be up to Cunard's normally high standards.

Day 34 - Gdansk, Poland

Arrive: Thu 12 July 2029 / Depart: Thu 12 July 2029

Historically known as the tinderbox whose spark ignited the WWII, it was also in Gdansk where the flame that signalized the collapse of communism was illuminated. Today, the affectionately restored facades of the town houses lining the streets in the Old Town remind visitors of the heyday of the Hanseatic League and preserve its distinctive charm. Nestled on the banks of the Bay of Gdansk, amid the seaside resort of Sopot and the seaport of Gdynia, the Gdansk area is often referred to as "Tri-City." The close affiliation to its neighboring cities and its advantageous location make Gdansk the perfect gateway to discover beautiful Poland.

Day 35 - Ystad

Arrive: Fri 13 July 2029 / Depart: Fri 13 July 2029

Ystad is a town in Skåne county on Sweden's southern coast. Its medieval town center features cobblestone streets and half-timbered houses. It’s also home to Klostret i Ystad, a centuries-old Franciscan monastery and museum. Close by, St. Mary’s Church has a silver collection and is known for its night watchman's horn signal. The town is the setting of author Henning Mankell's Kurt Wallander crime series.

Day 36 - Copenhagen, Denmark

Arrive: Sat 14 July 2029 / Depart: Sat 14 July 2029

Denmark's capital is arguably one of the world's best-loved cities, and certainly the liveliest of all the Scandinavian capitals. It is a gracious and comfortable place, with a decidedly friendly, hospitable and fun-loving atmosphere. If there is such a thing as a cozy city, Copenhagen is it. From the lingering memory of the tales of Hans Christian Andersen to the colored lights of Tivoli Gardens, there is a delightful ambience that surrounds the visitor everywhere. Tidy, narrow streets are lined with tempting restaurants and cafes, and the pedestrian-only Stroget abounds with stylish shops. The spirited Copenhageners are imaginative and unconventional and exude a "do-what-you-want" philosophy that embraces and respects almost all aspects of life. Every friendly Dane you meet further illustrates the city's motto "Wonderful, wonderful, Copenhagen."

Day 37 - Gothenburg

Arrive: Sun 15 July 2029 / Depart: Sun 15 July 2029

Gothenburg is situated on the Göta älv River on Sweden’s west coast. An important seaport, it's known for tree-lined boulevards, quaint cafes, shops, theaters and sculptured gardens. The 340-acre (137 hectare) Trädgardsföreningen Park is a natural gem and a wonderful place to relax along a scenic 17th century canal. At Slottskogen Park one can view many of Sweden’s wildlife species, in particular the impressive elk, known in North America as a moose. Local people refer to the park as the ‘green lungs of the city.’ Explore the nearby botanical gardens with its beautifully sculpted flower beds, and award-winning stone gardens, where North America, Europe and Asia are represented by some 5000 plant species. Those with an interest in modern architecture should discover the prize-winning wonder of Museum für Weltkultur. Gothenburg was founded as a trading colony in 1621 by King Gustavus Adolphus and is now the largest port in the Nordic countries. Gregarious and beautiful Gothenburg will charm everyone!

Day 38 - Aarhus

Arrive: Mon 16 July 2029 / Depart: Mon 16 July 2029

Day 39 - Daylight transit Kiel Canal

Day 39 - Hamburg, Germany

Arrive: Tue 17 July 2029

The residents of Hamburg have retained the independent spirit which earned this autonomous commercial center its 'Free City' designation in the Middle Ages. One of Germany's principal ports, Hamburg is surrounded by enormous dock areas and the gaudy, licentious Reeperbahn (which translates loosely to 'Anchorage of Joy') is fully prepared to offer every form of entertainment to the world's sailors. The vaudeville acts at the Hansa-Theater are bright and clever (and language is no barrier). The Kunsthalle (art museum) boasts an outstanding collection of 16th- and 20th-century masterpieces, and the Renaissance Rathaus (city hall) sits atop some 4,000 piles driven into marshy ground proving that the engineers of Hamburg have been skilled and imaginative for centuries.

Day 40 - Hamburg, Germany

Depart: Wed 18 July 2029

The residents of Hamburg have retained the independent spirit which earned this autonomous commercial center its 'Free City' designation in the Middle Ages. One of Germany's principal ports, Hamburg is surrounded by enormous dock areas and the gaudy, licentious Reeperbahn (which translates loosely to 'Anchorage of Joy') is fully prepared to offer every form of entertainment to the world's sailors. The vaudeville acts at the Hansa-Theater are bright and clever (and language is no barrier). The Kunsthalle (art museum) boasts an outstanding collection of 16th- and 20th-century masterpieces, and the Renaissance Rathaus (city hall) sits atop some 4,000 piles driven into marshy ground proving that the engineers of Hamburg have been skilled and imaginative for centuries.

Day 41 - At Sea

Day 42 - Antwerp

Arrive: Fri 20 July 2029 / Depart: Fri 20 July 2029

The true Flemish name of Belgium's second city is Antwerpen. In the 16th-century world, Antwerp became the most important commercial center, as well as a center of the new craft of printing. The golden age came to an end with the abdication of Charles V in 1555. The decline of Antwerp had already begun when its most illustrious painters, Rubens, Jordaens and Van Dyck reached the peak of their fame. Antwerp today is Europe's second largest port and has retained much of the zest often associated with a port.

Day 43 - Dover, UK

Arrive: Sat 21 July 2029 / Depart: Sat 21 July 2029

Crossing the English Channel from continental Europe to Great Britain, the first view of England is the milky-white strip of land called the White Cliffs of Dover. As you get closer, the coastline unfolds before you in all its striking beauty. White chalk cliffs with streaks of black flint rise straight from the sea to a height of 350’ (110 m). Numerous archaeological finds reveal people were present in the area during the Stone Age. Yet the first record of Dover is from Romans, who valued its close proximity to the mainland. A mere 21 miles (33 km) separate Dover from the closest point in France. A Roman-built lighthouse in the area is the tallest Roman structure still standing in Britain. The remains of a Roman villa with the only preserved Roman wall mural outside of Italy are another unique survivor from ancient times which make Dover one of a kind.