Baltic, Kiel Canal & Scandinavia Gems Cruise

Day 1 - Amsterdam

Arrive: Sat 22 June 2024 / Depart: Sat 22 June 2024 at 18:00

The delightfully attractive city of Amsterdam is home to many of the world's great art treasures, and is a major center of the glamorous diamond trade as well. Unique architectural styles of the past blend with superb modern structures, and the web of curved and straight canals makes the city as easy to traverse by water as by land. The hospitality of the local people has been remarked upon by generations of travelers, and the Dutch's respect for and tolerance of the beliefs of others has attracted refugees from around the world for centuries.

Day 2 - Hamburg

Arrive: Sun 23 June 2024 at 19:00

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 3 - Hamburg

Depart: Mon 24 June 2024 at 23:00

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 4 - Enter Kiel Canal

Day 4 - Daylight transit Kiel Canal

Day 4 - Exit Kiel Canal

Day 5 - Wismar

Arrive: Wed 26 June 2024 at 08:00 / Depart: Wed 26 June 2024 at 18:00

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 6 - Ronne, Bornholm

Arrive: Thu 27 June 2024 at 08:00 / Depart: Thu 27 June 2024 at 16:00

A favorite summer getaway for Danes, Bornholm's rolling countryside reveals distinctive round white churches and ruined castles. The picturesque seaport of Roenne lies at the southwest corner of this Baltic island whose coastline mixes pearl white sand in the south with sheer granite cliffs to the north. Here you can see four of Denmark's seven famous round churches dating from the 12th century.

Day 7 - Gdansk, Poland

Arrive: Fri 28 June 2024 at 08:00 / Depart: Fri 28 June 2024 at 18:00

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 8 - At Sea

Day 9 - Tallinn, Estonia

Arrive: Sun 30 June 2024 at 08:00 / Depart: Sun 30 June 2024 at 23:00

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 10 - Helsinki, Finland

Arrive: Mon 01 July 2024 at 08:00 / Depart: Mon 01 July 2024 at 18:00

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 11 - Mariehamn

Arrive: Tue 02 July 2024 at 10:00 / Depart: Tue 02 July 2024 at 18:00

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 12 - Stockholm

Arrive: Wed 03 July 2024 at 08:00 / Depart: Wed 03 July 2024 at 18:00

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 13 - Visby, Sweden

Arrive: Thu 04 July 2024 at 08:00 / Depart: Thu 04 July 2024 at 18:00

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 14 - At Sea

Day 15 - Copenhagen, Denmark

Arrive: Sat 06 July 2024 at 08:00 / Depart: Sat 06 July 2024 at 18:00

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 - Aalborg, Denmark

Arrive: Sun 07 July 2024 at 08:00 / Depart: Sun 07 July 2024 at 17:00

As one of the important cultural hubs of Denmark, Aalborg is known for its mixture of contemporary architecture, traditional wooden Danish houses, and the many preserved stone buildings in its historical city center. A number of large city parks, fountains, a gothic cathedral and a colorful waterfront make Aalborg a favorite vacation spot. Square-rigged heritage sailing ships make a contrast with numerous architectural masterpieces such as the ultra-modern designs of the Utzon Center and the University of Aalborg. The Aalborg Carnival, one of Scandinavia’s largest festivals, takes place every year in May and draws tens of thousands of participants. The Kunsten Museum of Modern Art exemplifies the creativity and energy of this beautiful Danish city. Situated at the narrowest point of Limfjord in Jutland, Aalborg abuts some of the richest waterways in the country, which attracted not only the original Viking adventurers to the area, but settlers as far back as the Iron Age.

Day 17 - Kristiansand, Norway

Arrive: Mon 08 July 2024 at 08:00 / Depart: Mon 08 July 2024 at 18:00

Situated on the southern tip of Norway, Kristiansand is a place for all ages. Explore Dyreparken, a gigantic zoo, as well as numerous beaches and historical landmarks. Christiansholm Fortress, constructed in 1672, speaks to the early history of Norway with its picturesque stone martello towers and cannons pointing out to sea. Beautiful Kristiansand Cathedral, with its elegant, vaulted wooden ceiling and 230’ (70 m) steeple tower is a classic example of Neo-Gothic architecture built in 1645. While walking some of Kristiansand’s quaint and picturesque city streets, one can visit the fish market, a showplace of Norway’s seafood wealth with many open-water tanks. A highlight of a visit to Kristiansand is lovely Ravnedalen Park, constructed in 1874 as a Romantic-style, riverside garden set in a deep valley gorge, surrounded by awe-inspiring cliffs and waterfalls. Many exotic imported plants such as magnolia, cypress and rhododendron line the garden pathways, while some of Norway’s largest native spruce trees can be admired throughout the park.

Day 18 - Stavanger, Norway

Arrive: Tue 09 July 2024 at 08:00 / Depart: Tue 09 July 2024 at 23:00

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 19 - At Sea

Day 20 - Edinburgh, UK

Arrive: Thu 11 July 2024 at 06:00 / Depart: Thu 11 July 2024 at 18:00

Two miles distant from its ancient seaport of Leith lies Edinburgh, Scotland's national capital. The Scottish capital since the 15th century, Edinburgh is comprised of two distinct areas - the Old Town, dominated by a medieval fortress, and the neoclassical New Town, whose development from the 18th century onwards had a far-reaching influence on European urban planning. The harmonious juxtaposition of these two contrasting historic areas, each with many important buildings, is what gives the city its unique character. Always favored by geography, Edinburgh is ideally situated on the Firth of Forth, an inlet from the North Sea, and built on extinct volcanoes surrounded by woods, rolling hills and lakes. On a clear day, there are glorious vistas from each of these hilltops. Looming above the city is the striking fairy tale castle built on the site of a 7th-century fortress. Towards the Middle Ages life within the fortress spilled onto the long ridge running to the foot of Arthur's Seat, which crowns Holyrood Park. The city's most legendary citizens are the arch Presbyterian John Knox and Mary Queen of Scots, who dominated the Edinburgh of the late 16th century. Edinburgh's delightful city center is a joy to explore on foot. Every alley reveals impressive steeples, jagged, chimney-potted skylines, or lovely rotund domes.

Day 21 - Newcastle, UK

Arrive: Fri 12 July 2024 at 08:00 / Depart: Fri 12 July 2024 at 23:00

Newcastle upon Tyne, clinging to the north bank of the River Tyne, grew around the Roman settlement Pons Aelius and was named after the castle built here in 1080 by William the Conqueror's eldest son, Robert Curthose. The port developed in the 16th century, quickly becoming one of the world's largest shipbuilding centers. Newcastle harbors a spirited mix of heritage and urban sophistication. Among its ultra-modern structures, is the beautiful refined curve of the Gateshead Millennium suspension bridge, one of seven major bridges that cross The Tyne. The modern reflective, spherical-profile of the Sage Gateshead Concert Hall contrasts greatly with the distinguished vertical columns of the traditional-style Theatre Royal, located in Grainger Town, the historic center of Newcastle.

Day 22 - At Sea

Day 23 - London

Arrive: Sun 14 July 2024 at 07:00 / Depart: Sun 14 July 2024

London is one of the great entertainment, financial and fashion centers of the world. It dates back to ancient times when the Romans made it a hub of their road system and built the first London Bridge. There are actually two separate cities - the City of London and the City of Westminster - and they function side by side. The City of London is mostly a place of business and finance, while Westminster (the West End) is the locale of the Houses of Parliament and Buckingham Palace, as well as theaters, clubs, parks and myriad shops. *Please note that embarkation and/or disembarkation in London, United Kingdom requires the use of a tender.