Medieval Baltic Shores

Home to immense beauty and historic wealth, Copenhagen, the capital of Denmark, offers a plethora of treasures. Raise a toast to your adventure with new friends and a refreshing Carlsberg beer, brewed in Denmark since 1847. Sample the local favorite, Danish Smørrebrød sandwiches, to connect with the local community over a bite and a brew. The best way to explore the city and blend with the locals is by bike. Designed for easy navigation, Copenhagen invites you and your fellow explorers to discover its hidden gems. Admire the pastel colors of the Nyhavn waterfront and contrasting architectural structures around the city along the way. Of course, the famous Little Mermaid statue, inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s fairytale, is a must-see for those with an appreciation for classic literature. Head a few miles out of the city to marvel over the stunning landscapes of the UNESCO-listed par force hunting landscape in North Zealand.

Welcome to Warnemünde, a charming seaside resort where coastal beauty meets cultural allure. Strolling along the sandy promenades, you’ll be embraced by warm hospitality and the salty breeze. Marvel at the iconic Warnemünde Lighthouse, standing proudly since 1897, guiding voyagers with its historic beacon. Nearby, the Teepott, with its distinctive curved roof, houses delightful restaurants offering fresh seafood delicacies, symbolizing the town’s deep-rooted fishing heritage. This idyllic port town is a gateway to not only spectacular beaches and traditional German maritime culture, but also to the heart of culturally rich Berlin. Wander through the cobblestones of the iconic Brandenburg Gate, a symbol of unity and peace. Feel the pulsating allure of the Berlin Wall’s remnants at the East Side Gallery, now a vibrant expressional canvas. Don’t miss the majestic Berlin Cathedral and the enchanting avenues of Museum Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where world-renowned collections invite you into the past. Warnemünde and Berlin, each with their unique charm and stories, invite you to dive deep into the currents of history and culture.

Spend a leisurely day pampering yourself at the spa or enjoying some time on deck. Mingle with your fellow explorers and swap stories of your exploits, making plans for new ones together once you get to shore.

Gdansk, along with Sopot and Gdynia, comprise Poland’s fairytale coast, a region so magical that the vodka is served with real flecks of gold. Welcoming you to the Tri-City is the 90-foot Nowy Port lighthouse, standing proudly at the entrance to Gdansk harbor. Beyond the coast exquisite architecture lines the streets with marvelous buildings decorated with elaborate facades crowned by myriad ornate gables. Be sure to pause at Neptune’s Fountain to admire this monumental symbol of Gdansk’s Hanseatic past and its connection with the sea before walking down to the waterfront. Look out for Oliwa Cathedral, a hidden gem that dates back to the 13th century and features a mix of Romanesque, Gothic and Rococo architectural styles.

Nestled along Sweden’s serene eastern coast, Kalmar invites you to wander its centuries-old streets where history lingers in every corner. Standing as the crown jewel, the imposing fortress of Kalmar Castle’s dense stone walls and poignant turrets have endured since the 13th century as one of the best-preserved renaissance castles in Scandinavia. Immerse yourself in the heart of Swedish culture at the Kalmar County Museum, home to an eclectic mix of exhibitions, featuring artifacts of maritime marvels, Viking treasures and more. As you stroll the cobblestone streets, you’ll be captivated by the juxtaposition of medieval architecture and modern Scandinavian design. The calming pastel facades of the beautifully preserved wooden houses offer a quaint charm. While in Kalmar, take the opportunity to visit the nearby island of Öland, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and a picturesque landscape of lush fields and ancient wooden windmills. This charming port city is a treasure trove for explorers yearning for a fascinating blend of old-world allure and contemporary vibrance.

The capital of the island of Gotland, Visby, is surrounded by imposing, steep slopes of limestone cliffs and ringed by 13th-century medieval walls. Yet the heart of Visby is more akin to the setting of a storybook, complete with cobblestone streets, charming shops, rose-draped cottages and fairytale spires. This contrast is the reason why it has earned the nickname, "Town of Roses and Ruins." Rooted in adventurous history that began in the Viking Age and followed by a flourishing medieval period and the growth of the powerful Hanseatic League, the town is deemed a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Fill your day exploring well-preserved medieval stone buildings and ancient church ruins, beginning with the Ringmuren (city walls). A more serene experience awaits discovery at the evocative ruins of St. Nicholas Dominican Monastery and its beautiful rose window. The vibrant Market Square (Stora Torget) is packed with cafes, restaurants and bars, a perfect place for people watching while indulging in local specialties of roast lamb and smoked halibut. Let all the charms of Visby entice you into an entrancing adventure.

The capital of Finland, Helsinki, is also the cultural, commercial, and political center of the country. With its spacious streets interspersed with many gardens and parks, it’s hard to imagine that Helsinki’s true beauty lies within the delightful maze of nearby islands in the harbor. It’s here you find entrancing historical sites, including Suomenlinna, an 18th-century fortress so impressive that it has been deemed a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Back in the city, Helsinki offers even more hidden treasures, such as the Church in the Rock, an underground house of worship blasted out of native granite and capped with a ceiling made of copper wire and 180 windows. Enjoy cultural pursuits at the Kiasma Museum of Contemporary Art, home to displays of famous artists and newly commissioned artwork alike.

Longyearbyen is in a valley on the shores of the idyllic Adventfjord, surrounded by steep mountains and several glaciers. There are only around 25 miles of roads in this village, which is divided into several neighborhoods, including the town center and Nybyen (New Town), which consists of charming miners’ barracks constructed after the war, as well as guest houses, a restaurant and gallery, and not to mention beautiful views of the landmark mountain, Hiorthfjellet. Be sure to visit the Svalbard museum as a break between the plethora of activities like summer dogsledding or cruising to the abandoned Russian city of Pyramiden