Cultural
Renaissance

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.

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.

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 the day on the high seas 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.

From the Baltic Sea, on the mouth of the Dane River, the Teutonic Knights built the imposing castle of Memelburg, giving birth to the city of Klaipeda in 1252. Divided into two distinct parts, New Town contains boutique hotels, trains and bus stations, and Klaipeda University, while the picturesque Old Town offers narrow streets with old, half-timbered (fachwerk) architecture, the city’s signature. It’s here you find the old methods of timber framing and "post-and-beam" construction present in the houses where shoemakers, blacksmiths, bakers and other craftsmen once lived. The richness of Lithuania’s history invites you and your fellow explorers to connect with the past to better understand the people that reside there in the present. Strife with several countries, including Germany during World War II, today showcases a vibrant, multicultural community. Raise a toast to Klaipeda with a traditional Bavarian-style lager shared with new friends at the Svyturys Brewery, founded in 1784.

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.

The resort town of Binz on the island of Rügen beckons with the promise of local treasures. A visit to the seaside town is only complete with a stop at one of its renowned sandy beaches speckled with Stranskorbs (beach baskets). Trekking to the outskirts of town, you and your fellow explorers will find the Ernst Moritz Arndt Tower, a stunning architectural structure with breathtaking panoramic views. Step into a space that feels like the past, present and future have merged into one at the Tower Müther, a UFO-shaped outlook designed by Ulrich Müther, a major influence on Rügen’s architecture. Take a tour of the Granitz Hunting Castle alongside fellow history buffs, exploring its ornate halls and cultural history of hunting. Make your way to the Rügen Natural Heritage Center with your new companions, where you will find the "Eagle’s Nest," a treetop view tower with an impressive design that is just as incredible as the vistas it provides.

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.