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.

Anchored on the southern coast of Skåne, Ystad reveals a meticulously preserved medieval heritage wrapped in serene Baltic beauty. In the Old Town, or Gamla Staden, wander through a labyrinth of cobbled streets lined with pastel-hued, half-timbered houses that lead to the soaring brick expanse of St. Mary’s Church, and then continue to the well-preserved 13th-century Greyfriars Abbey. After exploring the historic center, pause at a local café to partake in the Swedish tradition of fika, a relaxing coffee break and social ritual. Just beyond the town’s borders, the rolling agricultural landscapes of Österlen unfold. Embark on an excursion to the enigmatic Ales Stenar, an iron-age megalithic monument forming the outline of a ship perched high on a coastal ridge. Conclude your exploration along the powdery shores and rolling dunes of Sandhammaren, complimenting the day’s historical intrigue with a restorative natural retreat.

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.

Emerging from the waters of the Baltic Sea, Estonia’s largest island offers a tranquil retreat defined by fragrant juniper groves and medieval history. In Saaremaa’s charming capital of Kuressaare, meander past traditional wooden architecture to reach the island’s defining landmark, the formidable Kuressaare Castle. This remarkably preserved episcopal stronghold now serves as a fascinating museum chronicling the region’s storied past. Afterward, you can unwind in an inviting local café or indulge in the island’s celebrated spa culture. Venture beyond the town to explore the enigmatic Kaali meteorite crater, a geological marvel, or visit Angla Windmill Hill to admire heritage wooden mills set against scenic coastal landscapes. Whether you’re savoring artisanal culinary traditions or strolling along rugged shores, Saaremaa immerses you in a beautifully untouched corner of northern Europe.

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.

Tallinn, the capital of Estonia, contains a treasure of ancient convents, churches and handsome guild houses — the reason why its remarkable Old Town was deemed a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has gained a reputation as Europe’s hidden gem. Follow the same cobbled streets the locals have walked since the 13th century, passing flower vendors and the smell of roasting nuts along the way. Climb the stairs to the top of St. Olaf’s Church, an unmistakable medieval construct built in the 1200s that makes its presence known with a striking green spire, and take a picture with new friends with extraordinary views as your backdrop. Discover the story behind the stunning architecture of black onion domes with a visit to Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. Tallinn’s Gothic town hall, standing since 1404, invites you to learn more about the history of the city’s rich culture and connect with the people who call it home.

Magnificently old and boldly new architecture set upon the romantic backdrop of endless waterways and bridges makes the capital of Sweden, Stockholm, a photographer’s dream. Follow the city’s cobbled and brilliantly hued streets throughout Old Town and venture into a charming maze of twisting alleys dotted with houses dating from the 16th and 17th centuries and feature Baroque doorways. The Skogskyrkogården, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, displays an architectural design that incorporates the natural surroundings, making it an intriguing cemetery for the curious mind. From modern art mecca Moderna Museet to ABBA: The Museum, you and your fellow explorers have a treasure trove of institutions to discover Sweden’s art history. Combine cultural pursuits with nature at Skansen, the open-air museum and zoo, on the verdant island of Djurgården, once the exclusive hunting grounds of Swedish sovereigns. Keeping with the regal theme, head to the gourmet market of Östermalms Saluhall, an iconic food hall open since 1888, with your new friends to give your tastebuds the royal treatment.