Baltic Capitals, Norwegian Fjords & Svalbard

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.

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.

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.

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.

On the eastern shore of the Baltic Sea, Riga is full of architectural treasures, its compact center a designated UNESCO World Heritage. With narrow cobblestone streets, colorful squares and medieval-era buildings, this city offers plenty to explore. Discover the diversity of art and architectural styles in Riga with a visit to the Riga Bourse Museum, where you find an exposition that takes you through the history of Latvian fine art from the mid-18th century to 1945. Over at the Central Market, a space occupying a series of five WWI Zeppelin hangars - and officially Europe’s largest market - immerse yourself in an impressive range of fresh, local produce. Or sample a traditional bowl of hand-rolled, meaty dumplings served in a delicious broth with a dollop of sour cream.

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.

On the island of Bornholm sits the charming port of Rønne. Its half-timbered houses painted in vibrant yellows and oranges sitting along cobblestone streets invite a sense of a quieter adventure. Craftspeople and artists alike have found its beauty an inspiration and made it their home and place of work. From textiles to glassblowing to pottery, the traditions of Denmark are alive and well on display along the many workshops and open galleries. Medieval structures like the 12th-century St. Nicolas’s Church combined with white, sandy beaches on the shoreside create an entrancing contrast that beckon you and your fellow explorers to dive deeper into history and nature. Find your way to the lush forests of the Døndalen rift valley, where paths lead to Denmark’s largest waterfall. Back in town, the island’s gastronomic gems entice your appetite with traditional cuisine that includes fresh Baltic Sea fish, award-winning cheeses, mulberries, figs and licorice.

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.

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.

The heath and dune landscapes of Skagen inspired many artists in the mid-19th century and you can see these charming paintings in the Skagens Museum. At Grenen Beach, find one of the few unorganized areas of Denmark. The wild beauty of the Kattegat and Skagerrak clashing makes it a striking locale to explore. Just northeast of Skagen in Jutland stands the Skagen Lighthouse. A captivating structure designed by Niels Sigfred Nebelong, it replaced Skagen’s original lighthouse in 1958. It’s a simple construct, but that embodies the nature of Denmark’s culture and invites visitors to take a photo op.

Stavanger brings you to the intersection of historical and natural wonders. While officially incorporated as a city in 1125 CE, the earliest evidence of inhabitants traces back to 3,000 BCE. A stroll through Old Stavanger takes you to the historic residential area, one of Northern Europe’s best-preserved wooden house settlements. Norway also contains a few prime surfing grounds, including the Jæren beaches. It’s also the gateway to one of the most dramatic fjords, Lysefjord, and is best explored by kayak or stand-up paddleboard. Jutting nearly 2,000 feet above the fjord, Pulpit Rock, or Preikestolen, offers another stunning perspective.

When you think of Norway, among the images that come to mind are those of brightly painted wooden buildings with a backdrop of ice-capped mountains. In a nutshell, you’ve envisioned Bergen, Norway’s second-largest city that’s an easy access gateway to the fjords. Start with an unforgettable funicular ride to the top of the iconic Mount Floyen, rising over 1,000 feet above sea level in a seamless eight minutes. Back on the ground, you will not tire of snapping images of Bergen’s famous UNESCO World Heritage-listed Hanseatic wharf, Bryggen. You will also find that Bergen is a city for foodies, with a commitment to organic and sustainable food that has earned it the additional UNESCO designation of City of Gastronomy.