Sep 07    Kiel, Germany    Depart: 5:30PM

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.

Sep 08    Kiel Canal, Transit    Depart: 5:30PM

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.

Sep 08    At Sea   

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

Sep 09    Riga, Latvia   Arrive: 12:30PM Depart: 5:00PM

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.

Sep 10    Saaremaa, Kuressaare, Estonia   Arrive: 7:00AM Depart: 3:00PM

Saaremaa, Kuressaare, Estonia

Windswept landscapes and the charms of a quaint fishing village make the delightful Saaremaa Island. Its popular Kuressaare Castle is a well-preserved fortress that now hosts a treasure hunt and archery lessons and houses a rooftop café overlooking the Baltic Sea. About a 15-minute drive away you find the eighth-youngest giant crater site, believed to have been used as a sacrificial ritual site in the first century CE, but today is filled with water for an intriguing scene. Trek to the 19th-century windmill with the renowned Saaremaa Veski restaurant tucked inside. Serving local delicacies like wild boar tenderloin, it’s a wonderful spot to indulge in delicious fare.

Sep 11    Tallinn, Estonia   Arrive: 9:00AM Depart: 11:00PM

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.

Sep 12    Kotka, Finland   Arrive: 9:00AM Depart: 6:00PM

Kotka, Finland

Kotka offers a rich maritime history and beautiful nature. The breathtaking scenery of the Kymijoki River is best experienced through a kayaking or rafting adventure amid its rapids. Delve further into enchanting landscape at the Katariina Seaside Park, 20 hectares of outdoor recreational area built amid the ruins of the 18th-century Svensksund fortress. Take a stroll toward the Maritime Centre Vellamo to find a building in the shape of an overturned boat where you can ascend to a public loft to watch local boatwrights at work. Explore the Langinkoski Imperial Fishing Lodge, now standing as a living museum amid the stunning landscape of whitewater rapids and lush forest.

Sep 13    Helsinki, Finland   Arrive: 9:00AM Depart: 3:00PM

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.

Sep 14    Mariehamn, Aland, Finland   Arrive: 11:00AM Depart: 10:00PM

Mariehamn, Aland, Finland

Halfway between Finland and Sweden lies Mariehamn, a town amid the Åland Islands, a Swedish-speaking autonomous region in the heart of the Baltic Sea. Away from the thrumming energy of the Baltic capitals like Helsinki and Stockholm, Mariehamn offers a quieter retreat into islander and maritime culture. The best way to dig into this heritage is with a visit to the Åland Maritime Museum. Its crowning jewel, the four-masted Pommern, was anchored behind the museum and opened to guests for exploration. Wander a short distance from the town center into Lilla Holmen Beach, where you’ll find a bridge, volleyball court, diving raft and pirate ship.

Sep 15    Stockholm, Sweden   Arrive: 9:30AM OVERNIGHT

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.

Sep 16    Stockholm, Sweden    Depart: 5:00AM

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.

Sep 17    Gdansk (Sopot), Poland   Arrive: 9:00AM Depart: 6:00PM

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.

Sep 18    At Sea   

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

Sep 19    Kiel, Germany   Arrive: 8:00AM

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.