Cruising Scandinavia & the Baltic Sea

Sparked by René Redzepi's Noma, Copenhagen's restaurants are destinations in their own right, but this city has plenty to do between meals — from the fairy-lit grottoes of the Tivoli Gardens to the newly reborn, cocktail-juggling Carlsberg District. In the Nyhavn district, fishing-boat masts jut against picture-book gabled houses and solar-powered boats putter down canals.

Long coveted for its strategic location in the middle of the Baltic, today Bornholm beguiles visors with white sand beaches, rugged cliffs and fairytale castles. Here, stroll the streets of medieval Gudhjem, enjoy local Danish delicacies, learn about island life and local craftsmanship amid picturesque farmlands and coastlines, or visit local villages and the medieval fortress of Hammershus.

Gdansk's diverse mix of architecture reflects its long tenure as a major maritime port. Yet, looking at the colorful facades of Long Market's shops and restaurants, it's hard to imagine the devastating destruction that ravaged this city in the opening chapter of World War II. Today, fully rebuilt, Gdansk stands taller than ever. Unravel this city's fascinating history amid the Old Town's Golden Gate, Artus Court, Gdansk Town Hall, St. Mary's Church and Neptune's Fountain before strolling along the Moltawa River.

Alternately, visit the Museum of the Second World War, take a scenic countryside drive and pay an introspective visit to the Stutthof concentration camp. Or, traverse the Brick Gothic Srodmiescie district to the European Solidarity Center, where you learn about the Solidarity Movement and see where the August Agreements were signed.

Gazing out over the wild beaches and sea stacks of Gotland, it's easy to envision the hordes of Viking warriors who sailed from these shores ages ago. Today, stage your adventure from the island's Hanseatic walled city of Visby, where you delve into the city's rich Viking and medieval heritage, embark on a bike tour of local landmarks and a botanical garden, or journey through the charming countryside.

King of the Baltic capitals, Riga is a dreamy sonata of European architecture: from Albert Street's swirling art nouveau facades to the ornate medieval spires of the House of the Blackheads. Walk the Old Town, pausing to attend an organ concert in the Dome Cathedral or visit the Art Nouveau Museum. Foodies might opt for a visit to the bustling Central Market followed by a hands-on cooking class. For a more active experience, a bike ride takes you through Riga's Old Town and the park-like Great Cemetery.

Stockholm is gorgeous: all historic palaces, impressive castles, waterways and bridges, with a soaring Abba soundtrack over the top. It's easy to explore on foot, from the cobbled medieval streets of the old town Gamla Stan to the creative district of Sodermalm.

Dive in with a walking tour of the Old Town's Storkyrkan (cathedral), Stortorget (town square) and Royal Palace. Alternately, explore Stockholm City Hall, with its iconic spire bearing the Swedish national coat of arms. Or, tour a 17th-century Swedish warship at the Vasa Museum, followed by a drive through the city center. Foodies might opt for a tasting of local Nordic specialties.

Although Finnish in name, the fiercely independent Aland Islands convene their own parliament, fly their own flag and speak their own dialect of Swedish. This scenic enclave of sandy beaches and winding paths draws holiday seekers from all over Europe and beyond. In the capital of Mariehamn, take in the picturesque bays and visit an open-air museum chronicling farm life in the 19th century. Or, opt for a hike along the island's panoramic coast.

With every twisting turn of its medieval Old Town, time-warped Tallinn seduces with its skyline of romantic, onion-domed churches and candy-colored townhouses. For centuries, this prized port was scrapped over by Danes, Germans and Soviets, and stands as one of Europe's most captivating cities, stirring the past with the present.

Take in the Old Town's Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Dome Hill, Town Hall and St. Mary's Cathedral, capping your excursion off with a sampling of medieval dishes. Alternatively, opt for a brisk bog walk through an enchanting forest or a tour of a historic manor house in Lahemaa National Park with a sampling of Estonian vodka.

Finland's political, intellectual and cultural center, Helsinki has accumulated a distinguished list of fiercely independent artists, artisans and architects over the centuries. Take to this proud city to explore Embassy Park, Helsinki Cathedral, the Parliament House, the National Museum of Finland, the new Opera House, historic Finlandia Hall, the unique underground Temppeliaukio Church and the Sibelius Monument. Or, opt for a private boat tour through the islands outside the Finnish capital, pausing at Suomenlinna Island, home to an imposing 18th-century military fortification.

Bid farewell to your ship and crew, and head to the airport for your flight home. Or, continue the adventure on the Lapland Post-Tour Extension.