Nordic Capitals & Fjordlands Journey

Check into your hotel. The rest of the day is free to explore the Danish capital with the aid of the CosmosGo app. Tonight, meet your Tour Director and travel companions. (D)

A morning of sightseeing with a Local Guide to enjoy highlights of past and present, including the Little Mermaid statue and the Rococo Amalienborg complex of royal palaces. In the afternoon, head to Gedser for a 2-hour ferry crossing to Rostock. Then, onward by road to Berlin. Today's Distance by coach: 298 mi/ 480 km (B)

Enjoy a morning at leisure in Berlin or join an optional sightseeing tour—a must for history buffs to learn about the German capital's history-laden past and confident present. This afternoon, cross the Oder River into Poland on the way to Poznan. Today's Distance: 180 mi/ 290 km (B/D)

Touring eastwards this morning through pleasant agricultural lowlands, reach the Polish capital, Warsaw. Discover the city on your own or learn more about its sights and history on the optional sightseeing tour. This is an excellent introduction to Warsaw's historic hub, and you'll see why Warsaw is considered a phoenix “par excellence,” as European cities go. Today's Distance: 205 mi/ 330 km (B)

Journey northeast towards Augustów and Suwalki to reach the biggest of the three Baltic states, Lithuania. Overnight in quaint Vilnius—the pretty Lithuanian wedding-cake capital since the 13th century and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Today's Distance: 311 mi/ 500 km (B/D)

On the included sightseeing walk, discover the historic streets of the old town. Later, enjoy some leisure time or take the optional excursion to visit medieval Trakai Castle, with permission to pass over the wooden bridge to its storybook island setting on Lake Galve. (B)

An interesting journey as you travel right across Lithuania into Latvia for a stop in Pilsrundale to visit the restored baroque Rundale Palace, the former summer residence of the Duke of Courland. The palace was built by the great architect Rastrelli, who also designed the Winter Palace in St. Petersburg. Enjoy more lovely countryside before reaching the capital of Latvia, Riga. Today's Distance: 211 mi/ 340 km (B/L)

On the included tour of the old city with a Local Guide, walk through the narrow streets to the town center. Founded in 1201 by Bishop Albert, head of the Order of Teutonic Knights, Riga still boasts a multicultural population. (B)

Visit the lively historic seaside town of Parnu, then take a stroll on the sandy beach before continuing to Tallinn. Today's Distance: 205 mi/ 330 km (B/D)

Start the day with an included walking tour to appreciate Tallinn's history and beauty. The Old Town, now on the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, is certainly the most interesting part of the city. Worth noting are the Hanseatic merchant houses, the mile-long town wall, the medieval Town Hall, and the House of the Brotherhood of the Blackheads. (B)

Leave Tallin on a ferry to reach Helsinki, Finland's capital city. On arrival, take advantage of the included sightseeing tour of the Finnish capital, covering the Empire-style palace on Senate Square and the cathedral. (B)

Most of today is free for your own exploration. This evening, embark on the ferry to Stockholm. On board, you can enjoy music, dancing, and shopping. Today's Distance by coach: 31 mi/50 km (B)

Dock in Stockholm, perhaps the most beautiful of the Scandinavian capitals. The effect of its crystalline waters flowing through the city's intersecting canals gives a luminous appearance to palaces, castles, and parks. Your city sightseeing takes in all the highlights including the city hall. (B/D)

Transfer to the Norwegian Capital. (B)

Free day to start exploring Oslo, bustling capital of this land of fjords, mountains, glaciers, and waterfalls. The CosmosGO app will provide you with precious information. (B)

Today, travel along the scenic “Norwegian Riviera”—the Sørlandet (South Land) and the Skagerrak (a strait between Norway, Sweden, and Denmark)—and visit the idyllic harbor town of Arendal. A port since the 14th century, it is known for its timber exports and its old Town Hall, the tallest wooden structure in the country.

Overnight in Kristiansand, founded in 1641 and today an important industrial district. Here, you can enjoy some free time at the lively fiskebrygga (fish market), the perfect place to watch the entertaining fishmongers or relax at one of the numerous sidewalk cafés. Today's Distance: 205 mi/ 330 km (B)

More ruggedly beautiful coastal scenery awaits this morning as you head into the Lista region, popular holiday area for the Norwegians and hot spot for surfers. Stop to visit some of the pristine coastal villages of whitewashed timber and lighthouses such as Flekkefjord and Farsund. Overnight in Stavanger, where you can stroll through the Old Town to see a 12th-century cathedral and captivating collection of 18th- and 19th-century wooden buildings. Today's Distance: 146 mi/ 235 km (B)

Travel via Haugesund to board the ferry that takes you across Hardangerfjord. Have your camera ready to capture the incredible scenic vistas before arriving in Bergen, the “Green Meadow Among the Mountains.” Today's Distance: 199 mi/ 320 km (B)

The day is yours to explore Bergen at your own pace. You may wish to spend some time at Bryggen with its collection of multi-hued 14th-century Hanseatic buildings lining the harbor protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Consider joining our optional excursion to discover the history, traditions, and breathtaking views of this beautiful port city. (B)

A special treat today! Cruise across Norway's legendary Sognefjord Nærøyfjord, the narrowest, wildest, and most famous of the fjord arms, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The surrounding mountains rise steeply to reach towering heights and create a unique magical atmosphere. Later, another highlight, as you ride on the renowned Flåm train. See some of the world's most breathtaking scenery—graceful waterfalls, towering mountains, and verdant valleys. Today's Distance: 181 mi/ 292 km (B/D)

Reach the Nordfjorden region today and take a break in enchanting Loen Fjord, gateway to some of Norway's glaciers and home to some of the country's oldest farms. Today's Distance: 106 mi/ 170 km (B/D)

Enjoy a day at leisure to explore Loen Fjord and take advantage of some of the many available outdoor activities. Alternatively, sign up for an optional excursion including an unforgettable cruise on the Geiranger Fjord, UNESCO World Heritage site, for one of the very best and most dramatic fjord scenery anywhere in Norway. Take a closer look at famous waterfalls, named The Seven Sisters,The Bridal Veil, and The Suitor. Sharpen your photography skills amid picture-perfect and majestic fjord cliffs and abandoned mountain farms. (B/D)

Stop in Lom to see its iconic wooden stave church, dating back to the 12th century. Visit Lillehammer, host of the 1994 Winter Olympics and home today to a lively art scene. Overnight in Hamar, located on the eastern shore of Mjøsa, the largest lake in Norway. Today's Distance: 224 mi/ 360 km (B)

Drive to Oslo for a guided tour of Norway's Capital. See the medieval Akershus Castle guarding the harbor, National Theater, Parliament, Royal Palace, Broadcasting House, and visit Frogner Park with more than 200 bronze and granite sculptures by artist Gustav Vigeland. Today's Distance: 79 mi/ 127 km (B)

Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)