12-Night Kiel Roundtrip

Kiel, Germany

The capital and most populous city of the northern German state of Schleswig-Holstein lies along the southwestern shore of the Baltic Sea on the Jutland peninsula. It’s a destination best known for a thriving maritime history, including the annual Kiel Week, the largest sailing regatta in the world. On the west bank of Kiel Fjord you’ll find a waterfront promenade near the north end of the naval base that offers seafaring views of rowers, canoeists, and sailors to satisfy the itch for all things nautical. You can find a patch of green at Schrevenpark. Complete with a quaint wooden bridge and lush shrubbery all around, it’s the ideal backdrop for a scenic stroll or picnic to escape the bustle of the city.

Kiel Canal, Transit

In Kiel, delve into the extraordinary maritime history by visiting its namesake canal. The Kiel Canal is located at the root of the Jutland Peninsula near the border between Germany and Denmark and is among the world’s three major canals with the Suez and Panama Canals. The canal opened in 1895 and is now the world’s busiest artificial waterway, as it connects the North Sea to the Baltic Sea. Take the time to witness the Holtenau Locks at the northeastern terminus in action and see how the canal has been altered over the past century to accommodate more ships.

At Sea

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

Riga, Latvia

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.

Tallinn, Estonia

On the southern coast of the Gulf of Finland lies Tallinn, the capital and main seaport of Estonia. Ancient convents, churches and handsome guild houses are at the core of this city and the reason why its remarkable Old Town was deemed a UNESCO World Heritage site. For the best view of the town, climb the stairs to the top of St. Olaf’s Church, a medieval building built in the 1200s. Your time in Tallinn would not be complete without a visit to the northern Baroque palace of Kadriorg, a site with surrounding manicured gardens that are a grand example of royal extravagance. But the simplest of pleasures is a lovely stroll through the Lower Garden to take in the sights and sounds of the scenic avenue.

St. Petersburg, Russia

Overlooking the Baltic Sea, St. Petersburg is awash in dramatic architecture, art, history, and heritage. Russia’s second largest city has played a vital role in Europe since its founding in 1703, even serving as the capital of the Russian Empire for two centuries. The immense beauty and opulence of this city is better seen than told, from the jaw-dropping Amber Room in Catherine’s Palace to the intricately gilded main staircase and lavish Throne Room of Peterhof Palace. Art lovers can choose to spend their time wandering the Hermitage, one of the oldest and largest museums in the world with a collection of more than three million works. Another way to take in St. Petersburg’s exquisiteness is by cruising the canals and rivers that surround the city.

St. Petersburg, Russia

Overlooking the Baltic Sea, St. Petersburg is awash in dramatic architecture, art, history, and heritage. Russia’s second largest city has played a vital role in Europe since its founding in 1703, even serving as the capital of the Russian Empire for two centuries. The immense beauty and opulence of this city is better seen than told, from the jaw-dropping Amber Room in Catherine’s Palace to the intricately gilded main staircase and lavish Throne Room of Peterhof Palace. Art lovers can choose to spend their time wandering the Hermitage, one of the oldest and largest museums in the world with a collection of more than three million works. Another way to take in St. Petersburg’s exquisiteness is by cruising the canals and rivers that surround the city.

St. Petersburg, Russia

Overlooking the Baltic Sea, St. Petersburg is awash in dramatic architecture, art, history, and heritage. Russia’s second largest city has played a vital role in Europe since its founding in 1703, even serving as the capital of the Russian Empire for two centuries. The immense beauty and opulence of this city is better seen than told, from the jaw-dropping Amber Room in Catherine’s Palace to the intricately gilded main staircase and lavish Throne Room of Peterhof Palace. Art lovers can choose to spend their time wandering the Hermitage, one of the oldest and largest museums in the world with a collection of more than three million works. Another way to take in St. Petersburg’s exquisiteness is by cruising the canals and rivers that surround the city.

Helsinki, Finland

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.

Stockholm, Sweden

Magnificently old and boldly new architecture set upon the romantic backdrop of endless waterways and bridges make Stockholm, Sweden a photographer’s dream. Follow the city’s cobbled and brilliantly hued streets throughout Old Town for a charming maze of twisting alleys dotted with houses dating from the 16th and 17th centuries. The Great Square of Stortorget is the hub of Old Town and is dominated by the old Stock Exchange, which today houses the Nobel Museum and the Swedish Academy. Another top sight is the ornate Royal Dramatic Theater, a striking architectural confection along Strandvägen, renowned for its 19th-century palatial skyline. In keeping with the regal theme, give your tastebuds the royal treatment at the gourmet market of Östermalms Saluhall, an iconic food hall open since 1888.

Stockholm, Sweden

Magnificently old and boldly new architecture set upon the romantic backdrop of endless waterways and bridges make Stockholm, Sweden a photographer’s dream. Follow the city’s cobbled and brilliantly hued streets throughout Old Town for a charming maze of twisting alleys dotted with houses dating from the 16th and 17th centuries. The Great Square of Stortorget is the hub of Old Town and is dominated by the old Stock Exchange, which today houses the Nobel Museum and the Swedish Academy. Another top sight is the ornate Royal Dramatic Theater, a striking architectural confection along Strandvägen, renowned for its 19th-century palatial skyline. In keeping with the regal theme, give your tastebuds the royal treatment at the gourmet market of Östermalms Saluhall, an iconic food hall open since 1888.

Gdansk (Sopot), Poland

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 Gda?sk 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 Gda?sk’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.

At Sea

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

Kiel, Germany

The capital and most populous city of the northern German state of Schleswig-Holstein lies along the southwestern shore of the Baltic Sea on the Jutland peninsula. It’s a destination best known for a thriving maritime history, including the annual Kiel Week, the largest sailing regatta in the world. On the west bank of Kiel Fjord you’ll find a waterfront promenade near the north end of the naval base that offers seafaring views of rowers, canoeists, and sailors to satisfy the itch for all things nautical. You can find a patch of green at Schrevenpark. Complete with a quaint wooden bridge and lush shrubbery all around, it’s the ideal backdrop for a scenic stroll or picnic to escape the bustle of the city.