1 Bergen, Norway
Step aboard your ship to begin your journey. Encircled by majestic mountains, fjords and glaciers, Bergen was home to Viking sagas. With your ship berthed next to the UNESCO-listed Bryggen wharf, easily stroll along its waterfront. This evening mingle with the locals and dine ashore, as we will be spending the night in port.
2 Bergen, Norway
Awake in Bergen and further explore this Norwegian treasure. See the beautiful 18th-century wooden houses, and visit the Hanseatic Museum on your included tour. Or take an excursion to Troldhaugen, the home of Edvard Grieg, Norway's famous composer, or a trip to the top of Mt. Ulriken where you can savor an Ulriken bun, a cinnamon pastry, with a view that is equally as indulgent.
3 Eidfjord, Norway
Cruise through breathtaking fjords into the village of Eidfjord, nestled in the heart of one of Norway's most scenic regions. Ascend Europe's largest mountain plateau, Hardangervidda, for sweeping views of epic Nordic landscapes. Here, in Norway's largest national park, visit the informative Nature Center and perhaps view the Hardangerjøkulen glacier in the distance. You can also marvel at the stupendous 550-foot drop of the Vøringsfossen waterfall into the cavernous Måbødalen canyon. Alternately, you can opt to visit the expansive fruit orchards of Lofthus or tour Europe's largest hydroelectric power plant at Simadal.
4 Stavanger, Norway
From the heart of Old Town, where your ship berths, you will have the morning and early afternoon to explore. Start in the old quarter, Gamle Stavanger, which has Europe's highest concentration of wooden buildings from the 17th and 18th centuries. Or consider a cruise along the Lysefjord to see the famous Preikestolen or "Pulpit Rock", jutting out nearly 2,000 feet above—it is one of Norway's most famous natural attractions. Offshore oil drilling is an important industry for the local economy and the award-winning Petroleum Museum tells the story of the dangers faced extracting this precious fuel. While ashore, don't forget to indulge in waffles with cream and sweet jams.
5 Ålborg, Denmark
Founded by the Vikings in the late 900s, this historic city straddles both sides of the Limfjord Sound. Spend the morning strolling along to Nytorv (New Square) to see the Renaissance-style Jens Bangs Stonehouse, the Baroque-style town hall, and the charming 14th-century Budolfi Church. Take in the lively Jomfru Ane Gade, a street lined with trendy cafés and restaurants. Or, opt for a tour led by a local chef to taste traditional aquavit, a herb-infused spirit distilled here since the 15th century.
6 Copenhagen, Denmark
Originally a Viking fishing village founded in the 10th century, the Danish capital boasts over 850 years of history. With an entire day to explore, pass the brightly colored houses of Nyhavn or "New Harbor", once the home of Hans Christian Andersen. Discover the sumptuously Rococo interiors of Amalienborg Palace, the winter residence of the Danish Royal Family. You may also want to consider a trip to the ornate Kronborg Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the inspirational setting of Shakespeare's Hamlet. This fairy tale city provides plenty to explore, including delights for your palate at one of the many Michelin-starred restaurants, where you can indulge in a decadent lunch or an early dinner.
7 Berlin (Warnemünde), Germany
From port, take the included transfer through the scenic countryside of the Mecklenburg region to Germany's historic capital, Berlin—just a few hours away—where you will have the day to explore. Here you can discover at your own pace the major sights of the Berlin Wall, Alexanderplatz square and "Checkpoint Charlie." Alternatively, on an optional tour take lunch in the Kafer restaurant, which perches atop the magnificent Reichstag.
8 Gdańsk (Gdynia), Poland
Gilded Goldwasser. Glowing amber. Gothic cathedrals. Your stop in Gdansk is one of the richest cities in the Hanseatic League. Spend the morning strolling the remarkably restored old town with its mix of Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque styles. Perhaps you'll indulge in the traditional pierogi dumplings, or a glass of gold-flecked Goldwasser—a liqueur created here in the 16th-century. Or, opt to explore the medieval Teutonic stronghold, Malbork Castle, the world's largest castle and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
9 Cruise the Baltic Sea
Relax today aboard your ship. Learn more about your upcoming destinations during an intriguing port talk, and explore your ship, perhaps unwinding in the spa's snow room and sauna, or by taking a dip in the infinity pool. Tonight, try a regional specialty in The Restaurant, or take in a recent movie in one of our three theaters—two indoor and one under the stars at the main pool.
10 Tallinn, Estonia
Awake with a full day in Tallinn, where you can nibble your way through intricate edible creations, for this is the birthplace of marzipan. One of the best-preserved medieval Old Towns in Northern Europe, Tallinn is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with picturesque cobbled streets, red rooftops and beautiful views of the sea. Stroll the Lower Town's narrow 13th-century streets, passing the Great Guild House, House of the Brotherhood of the Blackheads and Town Hall (1404). You can even explore Katarina (St. Catherine's) Passage, lined with handcraft workshops. Additionally, you'll be able to experience the summer evenings, when the streets are filled with locals.
11 St. Petersburg, Russia
From morning through the next day, explore majestic St. Petersburg. Enjoy an included tour that shows you St. Isaac's Cathedral, the Peter and Paul Fortress, Nevsky Prospekt and more. Our overnight stay allows time to choose an optional tour of the Hermitage, an evening at a private concert and more as we will be spending the night in port.
12 St. Petersburg, Russia
Awake in St. Petersburg for a second day of exploration. Today you can choose to return to the city for a more detailed look at the wonders on display or journey into the countryside to visit the magnificent summer places of the Tsars of Russia. If you didn't take yesterday's included guided tour you can do so today. Or opt for one of the many optional tours.
13 Helsinki, Finland
Spend the day in Helsinki, known as the "White City of the North." Take an included city tour and view the Uspenski Cathedral; its 13 magnificent green and gold domes represent Christ and the apostles. Nearby is Porvoo, a charming medieval town with cobbled streets that weave between historic wooden buildings. Or travel to the home of composer Jean Sibelius at Ainola and take in a concert at the summer school. Alternatively, visit the 18th-century Suomenlinna Fortress, one of the world's largest historical maritime fortresses. Another highlight is the spectacular Temppeliaukio Church, also known as the "Rock Church" - a subterranean sanctuary with rough-hewn walls of granite.
14 Stockholm, Sweden
Spend the day discovering Stockholm's stunning archipelago, nestled where Lake Mälaren's cobalt waters meet the Baltic. Take in this amazing city spread with over 14 islands and its13th-century old town",Gamla Stan", with German-influenced architecture. Consider a trip to the Vasa Museum, which contains the almost fully intact shipwreck of a 17th-century warship. In the evening, indulge in an authentic Smörgåsbord, complete with traditional smoked salmon, and a nightcap of aquavit as we will be spending the night in port.
15 Stockholm, Sweden
Awake in Stockholm, where you will be departing your ship. From here, you can easily spend a few extra days to further explore this majestic city or other parts of Scandinavia.
