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Iconic Capitals & Towns of the Baltic

9 Days Copenhagen to Helsinki
Iconic Capitals & Towns of the Baltic
Iconic Capitals & Towns of the Baltic
Iconic Capitals & Towns of the Baltic
Copenhagen
Copenhagen
Helsinki
Helsinki
Visby
Visby
Bornholm
Bornholm
Tallinn
Tallinn
Bornholm
Bornholm
Stockholm
Stockholm
Gdansk
Gdansk
Copenhagen
Copenhagen
Copenhagen
Copenhagen

Overview

At the heart of the Baltic Sea, discover the emblematic towns and capitals of the region, a blend of History and sumptuous landscapes. During this 9-day cruise aboard Le Champlain, fall under the spell of the majestic panoramas of northern Europe.

Over the course of your trip, at every port of call each guest will be able to choose one included excursion from the selection offered by PONANT. During this cruise, enjoy a visit to Gdansk and fall under the spell of the music at a Chopin concert; dive into the history and tunes of ABBA from Stockholm; or attend a folkloric show in Tallinn. The read more range of experiences on offer promises intense and varied moments (for the full list of excursions, click on the Itinerary tab).

Leaving from Copenhagen, you will set a course for the charming fishing village of Gudhjem. Located on the small Danish island of Bornholm, it is very popular among the Danes for its gentle way of life and its beautiful landscapes of rock formations.

You will set a course for the charming fishing village of Gudhjem. Located on the small Danish Island of Bornholm, it is very popular among the Danes for its gentle way of life and its beautiful landscapes of rock formations.

For the first time, PONANT will make a port of call on the Danish Island of Christiansoe, a territory measuring less than 0,5 km2 (barely 0,3 square miles) in the very heart of the Baltic Sea. The rocky shorelines of this natural and preserved sanctuary have magnificent panoramas.

Your ship will then call at Gdansk, famous for its amber stone and its shipyards. The former Hanseatic city will reveal some of its architectural treasures, in Gothic and Baroque styles, restored or rebuilt.

Le Champlain will then sail to the Swedish island of Gotland and call at Visby, a site that was important for the Hanseatic League in the Baltic Sea around the 13th century. UNESCO Heritage Site, this once opulent city still has remarkably well-preserved ramparts, public buildings, merchant houses and warehouses.

Le Champlain will then chart a course for Stockholm. Built on water, the Swedish capital embraces nature, which is omnipresent there. Its blend of medieval architecture, colourful houses and trendy neighbourhoods makes it a particularly enjoyable city to visit.

On Saaremaa, dive into the complex history of this island, Estonia’s largest. First invaded by the Vikings, it became Danish then Swedish before being taken by the Russian Empire and later occupied by the Germans. In 1991, it finally became Estonian when the country gained its independence.

You will visit Tallinn, emblematic city of the Hanseatic League, the large trading network that dominated the Baltic Sea for several centuries. Listed as UNESCO Heritage Site, this once opulent city still have remarkably well-preserved public buildings, merchant houses and warehouses. Your cruise will end at Helsinki. Located on a peninsula surrounded by almost 300 islands, the verdant capital of Finland will charm you with its Art Nouveau architecture.
Sold Out
There are currently no departures available on this trip. Either the season has ended and new dates will be released soon, or the itinerary has been updated and isn’t operating this season.
Trip Length
Cruise Length

9 Days

Trip Starts
Cruise Starts

Copenhagen

Trip Ends
Cruise Ends

Helsinki

Countries Visited
Countries Visited:
Countries Visited
Oceans Sailed:
Cruise Line
Cruise Line
Ponant
Cruise Shi
Cruise Ship
Le Champlain
Ship Class
Ship Class

Ponant Explorers

Passengers
Passengers

184

Crew
Crew

110

Ship Launch
Launched

2018

Ship Refurbished
Refurbished

2023

Cruise Code
Cruise Code

CPHHEL8

Itinerary

Departs: 18:00

Copenhagen captivates with its blend of royal history and modern Scandinavian cool. Visit the 17th-century Rosenborg Castle, home to Denmark’s crown jewels, or stroll through the picturesque Nyhavn harbor with its colorful townhouses and lively cafés.

The iconic Little Mermaid statue sits serenely by the waterfront, while Tivoli Gardens, one of the world’s oldest amusement parks, offers charming rides and lush gardens in the heart of the city. Your ship will dock at the Port of Copenhagen, which is a 30 minute drive to Copenhagen Airport and a 15 minute drive into the city centre.

Arrives: 07:30 Departs: 12:00

Bornholm boasts a wealth of scenic beauty ranging from bucolic farms to one of Denmark's largest forests. The island also features sandy beaches, quaint fishing ports and a rugged coast crowned by the ruins of the largest medieval fortress in Northern Europe. Ships will dock at the Port of Ronne.

Top Things to Do on Bornholm:

  • explore the medieval Hammershus fortress
  • sample the local beer in Svaneke
  • tour the Baltic Sea Glass studios
  • cycle in and around the city of Ronne
  • visit the islands famed round churches

Arrives: 13:30 Departs: 18:30

In the very heart of the Baltic Sea, in the Ertholmene archipelago, the small island of Christiansoe – less than 0,5 km2 (barely 0,3 square miles) – awaits you. Thanks to its geographic form, which constitutes a natural harbour with the island of Frederiksø, it has been used as such for more than a thousand years. Pirates and fishermen succeeded one another here before the construction of its fortress, built between the 17th and 18th centuries, in the time of the Danish-Swedish wars. Visiting Christiansoe, you see the shaping of great history, the re-emergence of the rivalries and alliances that took place in the Baltic Sea. Today, this peaceful island offers you wild and preserved nature. A natural reserve since 1926, it is home in particular to a very large population of nesting and migrating birds that find food and tranquillity here.

Arrives: 08:00 Departs: 18:00

Lying on the Baltic coast of Poland, the port city of Gdansk is known for its beautiful Hanseatic architecture and colourful Old Town. The city was left in ruins after World War II and has been masterfully restored. Most ships will dock in the neighbouring town of Gydnia, while some small ships will dock at the Oliwskie Pier in Gdansk.

Top Things to Do in Gdansk:

  • visit the Malbork Castle and museum
  • stroll along Long Street
  • shop for Amber on Mariacka Street
  • tour Stutthof Camp
  • visit the Oliwa Cathedral

Arrives: 13:00 Departs: 18:30

A small town on the island of Gotland, Visby was a popular trading spot during the Viking Age. Today, this pretty medieval city is Sweden's sunniest vacation destination and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Ships will dock at the Visby Cruise Quay.

Top Things to Do in Visby:

  • visit the Gotlands Museum
  • walk along the medieval Visby Ring Wall
  • take in the view from Gallows Hill
  • stroll through the Botanic Gardens
  • pass through Dalmansporten's gate to explore the medieval city

Arrives: 08:00 Departs: 23:00

Stockholm, Sweden's charming capital, spans 14 islands connected by picturesque bridges. Begin your exploration in Gamla Stan, the city's historic old town, where cobblestone streets lead to the majestic Royal Palace and the medieval Storkyrkan Cathedral.

For a dose of modern culture, visit the ABBA Museum on Djurgården Island, celebrating Sweden's iconic pop group. Nearby, the Vasa Museum showcases a remarkably preserved 17th-century warship. Stroll along the waterfront promenade of Strandvägen for stunning views and vibrant cafes. Don't miss the Stockholm City Hall, renowned for its striking architecture and the annual Nobel Prize banquet. Enjoy Swedish cuisine at a local bistro, featuring dishes like meatballs and herring.

Arrives: 07:00 Departs: 23:00

Stockholm, Sweden's charming capital, spans 14 islands connected by picturesque bridges. Begin your exploration in Gamla Stan, the city's historic old town, where cobblestone streets lead to the majestic Royal Palace and the medieval Storkyrkan Cathedral.

For a dose of modern culture, visit the ABBA Museum on Djurgården Island, celebrating Sweden's iconic pop group. Nearby, the Vasa Museum showcases a remarkably preserved 17th-century warship. Stroll along the waterfront promenade of Strandvägen for stunning views and vibrant cafes. Don't miss the Stockholm City Hall, renowned for its striking architecture and the annual Nobel Prize banquet. Enjoy Swedish cuisine at a local bistro, featuring dishes like meatballs and herring.

Arrives: 08:00 Departs: 19:00

Arrives: 07:00 Departs: 18:00

Tallinn's fairy-tale castles, cobbled streets and warm hospitality remain one of Europe's best-kept secrets. Ancient convents, steepled churches and handsome guild houses are all preserved as they were in Tallinn’s Old Town area, which was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Ships will dock at the Old City Harbour.

Top Things to Do in Tallinn:

  • admire the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
  • take in the city views from Toompea Hill
  • visit the Open Air Museum
  • stroll the gardens of Kadriorg Park

Arrives: 08:00

Finland's capital is a laid-back but vibrant seaside city, surrounded on three sides by sea and tiny islands. Helsinki is a city of graceful neoclassical buildings, striking modern architecture and spacious boulevards dotted with squares and parks. Ships will dock in either South Harbour or West Harbour.

Top Things to Do in Helsinki:

  • take the ferry to the fortress of Suomenlinna
  • visit the Kiasma Modern Art Museum
  • see the rock church, Temppeliaukio
  • shop at Market Square
  • stroll through Sibelius Park
Note: Ship ports may not be located in the starting & ending cities listed. Port and transfer details will be provided in your travel documentation. The provided itinerary is for informational purposes only. Activities and sightseeing attractions listed may not be available or achievable within the time in port.

Life On Board

Ponant
 (6) Reviews
Total No. of Cruises 325
It's time to join Ponant's team of experienced naturalist guides and expedition experts to discover some of the world’s most distant and sought-after shores, venture into the heart of extreme lands and be immersed in nature on one of many Zodiac outings and shore excursions. Whether you dream of stepping foot on the Antarctic more Peninsula, witnessing the incredible rise of Montgomery reef in the Kimberley or meeting and interacting with local communities in the Arctic, Ponant, the world leader in luxury expeditions can take you there.
 Le Champlain
Le Champlain

You will love the onboard innovations, French gastronomy and sophisticated chic when you cruise on Le Champlain. Read more

Expedition Comfort
Expedition Comfort

Your ocean facing accommodation provides you a well appointed luxurious home as you explore the seas. Read more

Infinity Pool Days
Infinity Pool Days

Enjoy the views as you take a dip or swim in the resistant currents of the infinity pool. Read more

Inside The Blue Eye
Inside The Blue Eye

The chic innovative underwater lounge offers guests a chance to view and hear marine life. Read more

Nightlife and Entertainment
Nightlife and Entertainment

Enjoy the convivial social life in the main lounge or take in a show in the theatre. Read more

Relaxed Dining Settings
Relaxed Dining Settings

The two restaurants offer exquisite French gastronomy, both with outdoor settings and Ponant's impeccable service. Read more

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Ponant Winter Inspiring Voyages (2025-26) Brochure

Ponant Winter Inspiring Voyages (2025-26)

Ponant invites you to uncover the planet’s most remote and awe-inspiring destinations—from the icy silence of Antarctica’s Ross Sea to the vibrant traditions of Papua New Guinea, the hidden gems of the Caribbean, and beyond. Blending immersive exploration with refined French elegance, these all-inclusive small-ship expeditions are enriched by expert more guides, cultural partnerships, and a deep commitment to sustainability. With over 400 itineraries spanning all seven continents, every voyage with Ponant is a journey of transformation, discovery, and understated luxury.

Prices & Dates

There are currently no departures available on this cruise. Either it's the end of the season and new departures will be released shortly, or this itinerary has been changed and is not operating this season. Feel free to contact us for information about when next seasons dates will be released or click here to view general release dates for all destinations.

Note
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Ponant. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from the cruise-line and should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.

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