Overview
Join Ponant and Smithsonian Journeys for an extraordinary read more 10-day voyage through the Baltic Sea featuring specially arranged, exclusive presentations and discussions aboard with former President of Poland and Nobel Peace Prize-laureate Lech Wa??sa while in Gdansk, Poland, and with former mayor of Copenhagen Bo Asmus Kjeldgaard while in Copenhagen, Denmark. The Baltic Sea has been a thoroughfare of trade since the days of the Vikings. We will visit the great cities that ring its shores and experience a comingling of cosmopolitan life with centuries of rich history.
From Finland's vibrant capital of Helsinki, Le Champlain sails first to Tallinn, an important hub for the Hanseatic League in the Baltic Sea around the 13th century. Its Old Town is a UNESCO Heritage site and retains remarkably well-preserved ramparts, public buildings, merchant houses, and warehouses. Spend a full day in cosmopolitan Stockholm, whose lively Gamla Stan (old town) located on a compact island beckons you to explore its narrow cobblestone streets lined with 17th- and 18th-century buildings, including the Royal Palace.
On Gotland-the largest island in the Baltic Sea-you stop at the beautifully preserved medieval town of Visby, once a stronghold of the Hanseatic League. Continue on to Latvia's capital, Riga, also a UNESCO World Heritage site, which combines the charms of its Old Town with an impressive array of Art Nouveau architecture. Klaipeda is your gateway to the UNESCO World Heritage Curonian Peninsula and an opportunity to learn the traditional art of beekeeping or to immerse yourself in the local food and folklore of Lithuania.
You sail next to Gdansk, a city with a 1000 year history whose shipyard served as the birthplace of the Solidarity Trade Union in 1980. The wave of dissent arising from the Solidarity movement helped lead to Polish independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. Call at the small Danish island of Bornholm, whose lush farmland and rich herring fisheries share the land with the ruins of a medieval fortress and four of the ancient round churches for which Denmark is noted.
End with an overnight and full day to explore Copenhagen, which offers a chance to relive 800 years of royal history at the stunning Christiansborg Palace, once home to kings and queens and now home to the Danish Parliament. Here you will also have the opportunity to learn about the city's commitment to sustainability and its goal to become the world's first carbon neutral capital city by the year 2025.
Cruise Itinerary
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
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
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.
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
Centred around a charming UNESCO World Heritage listed Old Town, Latvia’s capital is a quirky and artistic place. It is an architecture buff's dream come true with its collection of Art Nouveau buildings and Gothic structures. Ships will dock at the cruise quay on Daugava River.
Top Things to Do in Riga:
- admire the architecture on Elizabetes street
- take in the views from St Peter's Church
- visit Turaida’s famed castle
- explore the Latvian Ethnographic Museum
- trek along the Kemeri Bog Boardwalk
- visit the resort town of Jurmala
Formerly known as Memel, Klaipeda is a modern and historic city, with its roots dating back to the days of German knights. The city is known for its innovative design and architecture, however its German heritage can still be seen in the half-timbered buildings of its Old Town area. Ships will dock at the Port of Klaipeda.
Top Things to Do in Klaipeda:
- stroll through the Old Town area
- visit the Amber Museum
- explore Zemaitija National Park
- visit Plateliai Soviet Nuclear Weapon Site
- take a ferry to the Curonian Spit
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
Rønne, the largest town on the Danish island of Bornholm, offers a delightful mix of history, culture, and natural beauty. Wander through the charming old town with its cobblestone streets and half-timbered houses, visiting notable landmarks like St. Nicolai Church and the Bornholm Museum, which showcases the island's rich heritage.
The picturesque harbour area is perfect for a leisurely stroll, with cafes and shops offering local delicacies and crafts. Nearby, the white sandy beaches provide a relaxing escape, while the Erichsens Gård museum gives a glimpse into 19th-century Danish life. Rønne’s blend of historical charm and coastal scenery makes it a captivating destination on Bornholm.
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.
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.
Life Onboard Le Champlain
You will love the onboard innovations, French gastronomy and sophisticated chic when you cruise on Le Champlain. Read more
Your ocean facing accommodation provides you a well appointed luxurious home as you explore the seas. Read more
Enjoy the views as you take a dip or swim in the resistant currents of the infinity pool. Read more
The chic innovative underwater lounge offers guests a chance to view and hear marine life. Read more
Enjoy the convivial social life in the main lounge or take in a show in the theatre. Read more
The two restaurants offer exquisite French gastronomy, both with outdoor settings and Ponant's impeccable service. Read more
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.
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.
