Baltic & Nordic Marvels:  Stockholm, Copenhagen & Norwegian Fjords

Stockholm is a city in the flush of its second youth. Since the mid-1990s, Sweden’s capital has emerged from its cold, Nordic shadow to take the stage as a truly international city. What started with entry into the European Union in 1995 gained pace with the extraordinary IT boom of the late 1990s, strengthened with the Skype-led IT second wave of 2003, and solidified with the hedge-fund invasion that is still happening today as Stockholm gains even more global confidence. And despite more recent economic turmoil, Stockholm’s 1 million or so inhabitants have, almost as one, realized that their city is one to rival Paris, London, New York, or any other great metropolis.With this realization comes change. Stockholm has become a city of design, fashion, innovation, technology, and world-class food, pairing homegrown talent with an international outlook. The streets are flowing with a young and confident population keen to drink in everything the city has to offer. The glittering feeling of optimism, success, and living in the here and now is rampant in Stockholm.Stockholm also has plenty of history. Positioned where the waters of Lake Mälaren rush into the Baltic, it’s been an important trading site and a wealthy international city for centuries. Built on 14 islands joined by bridges crossing open bays and narrow channels, Stockholm boasts the story of its history in its glorious medieval old town, grand palaces, ancient churches, sturdy edifices, public parks, and 19th-century museums—its history is soaked into the very fabric of its airy boulevards, built as a public display of trading glory.

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Spend the day exploring Stockholm’s treasures, from the enchanting medieval streets of Gamla Stan to the imposing Royal Palace and the fascinating Vasa Museum, home to the world’s only intact 17th century ship. Learn about Swedish traditions at Skansen Ecomuseum, join the band at the entertaining and interactive ABBA Museum, and ride the Skyview, a glass-encased gondola, for incredible panoramic views over the city. This afternoon, Scenic Eclipse II will set sail to cruise through the breathtaking Stockholm Archipelago, made up of more than 30,000 islands and islets. Admire the stunning views from your suite's private verandah.

A city of the sea, Helsinki was built along a series of oddly shaped peninsulas and islands jutting into the Baltic coast along the Gulf of Finland. Streets and avenues curve around bays, bridges reach to nearby islands, and ferries ply among offshore islands.Having grown dramatically since World War II, Helsinki now absorbs more than one-tenth of the Finnish population. The metro area covers 764 square km (474 square miles) and 315 islands. Most sights, hotels, and restaurants cluster on one peninsula, forming a compact central hub. The greater Helsinki metropolitan area, which includes Espoo and Vantaa, has a total population of more than a million people.Helsinki is a relatively young city compared with other European capitals. In the 16th century, King Gustav Vasa of Sweden decided to woo trade from the Estonian city of Tallinn and thus challenge the Hanseatic League’s monopoly on Baltic trade. Accordingly, he commanded the people of four Finnish towns to pack up their belongings and relocate to the rapids on the River Vantaa. The new town, founded on June 12, 1550, was named Helsinki.For three centuries, Helsinki (Helsingfors in Swedish) had its ups and downs as a trading town. Turku, to the west, remained Finland’s capital and intellectual center. However, Helsinki’s fortunes improved when Finland fell under Russian rule as an autonomous grand duchy. Czar Alexander I wanted Finland’s political center closer to Russia and, in 1812, selected Helsinki as the new capital. Shortly afterward, Turku suffered a disastrous fire, forcing the university to move to Helsinki. The town’s future was secure.Just before the czar’s proclamation, a fire destroyed many of Helsinki’s traditional wooden structures, precipitating the construction of new buildings suitable for a nation’s capital. The German-born architect Carl Ludvig Engel was commissioned to rebuild the city, and as a result, Helsinki has some of the purest neoclassical architecture in the world. Add to this foundation the influence of Stockholm and St. Petersburg with the local inspiration of 20th-century Finnish design, and the result is a European capital city that is as architecturally eye-catching as it is distinct from other Scandinavian capitals. You are bound to discover endless engaging details—a grimacing gargoyle; a foursome of males supporting a balcony’s weight on their shoulders; a building painted in striking colors with contrasting flowers in the windows. The city’s 400 or so parks make it particularly inviting in summer.Today, Helsinki is still a meeting point of eastern and western Europe, which is reflected in its cosmopolitan image, the influx of Russians and Estonians, and generally multilingual population. Outdoor summer bars (“terrassit” as the locals call them) and cafés in the city center are perfect for people watching on a summer afternoon.

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A short hop across the Gulf of Finland, the compact Finnish capital of Helsinki is a cosmopolitan city that blends elegance and modernity. Winding around bays and inlets on shore, and fronting an archipelago of more than 300 islands, you’re surrounded by the sea at every turn. A mix of Swedish and Russian influences creates a captivating urban tapestry, and the historical centre is filled with Neoclassical buildings and modern architecture. The Kallio district is the place for chic boutiques and restaurants, while Keskuspuisto Park offers tranquillity. For an insight into the famed Finnish sense of style, visit the excellent Design Museum.

Rīga has an upscale, big-city feel unmatched in the region. The capital (almost as large as Tallinn and Vilnius combined) is the business center of the area while original, high-quality restaurants and hotels have earned Rīga some bragging rights among its Western European counterparts. The city also doesn’t lack for beauty—Rīga’s Old Town (now a UNESCO World Heritage site) is one of Europe’s most striking examples of the art nouveau architectural style. Long avenues of complex and sometimes whimsical Jugendstil facades hint at Rīga’s grand past. Many were designed by Mikhail Eisenstein, the father of Soviet director Sergei. This style dominates the city center. In many ways, the wonder of Rīga resides less in its individual attractions and more in the fabric of the town itself. In the medieval Old Town, an ornate gable or architrave catches the eye at every turn. The somber and the flamboyant are both represented in this quarter’s 1,000 years of architectural history. Don’t hesitate to just follow where your desire leads—the Old Town is compact and bounded by canals, so it’s difficult to get totally lost. When the Old Town eventually became too crowded, the city burst out into the newer inner suburbs. The rich could afford to leave and build themselves fine fashionable mansions in the style of the day; consequently, city planners created a whole new Rīga. Across the narrow canal, you’ll find the Esplanāde, a vast expanse of parkland with formal gardens and period mansions where the well-heeled stroll and play. Surrounding this is the art nouveau district. Encompassing avenues of splendid family homes (now spruced up in the postcommunist era), the collection has been praised by UNESCO as Europe’s finest in the art nouveau style. The best examples are at Alberta 2, 2a, 4, 6, 8, and 13; Elizabetes 10b; and Strēlnieku 4a. If the weather permits, eschew public transport and stroll between the two districts, taking in the varied skylines and multifaceted facades, and perhaps stopping at a café or two as you go. The city has churches in five Christian denominations and more than 50 museums, many of which cater to eclectic or specialist tastes.

Rīga has an upscale, big-city feel unmatched in the region. The capital (almost as large as Tallinn and Vilnius combined) is the business center of the area while original, high-quality restaurants and hotels have earned Rīga some bragging rights among its Western European counterparts. The city also doesn’t lack for beauty—Rīga’s Old Town (now a UNESCO World Heritage site) is one of Europe’s most striking examples of the art nouveau architectural style. Long avenues of complex and sometimes whimsical Jugendstil facades hint at Rīga’s grand past. Many were designed by Mikhail Eisenstein, the father of Soviet director Sergei. This style dominates the city center. In many ways, the wonder of Rīga resides less in its individual attractions and more in the fabric of the town itself. In the medieval Old Town, an ornate gable or architrave catches the eye at every turn. The somber and the flamboyant are both represented in this quarter’s 1,000 years of architectural history. Don’t hesitate to just follow where your desire leads—the Old Town is compact and bounded by canals, so it’s difficult to get totally lost. When the Old Town eventually became too crowded, the city burst out into the newer inner suburbs. The rich could afford to leave and build themselves fine fashionable mansions in the style of the day; consequently, city planners created a whole new Rīga. Across the narrow canal, you’ll find the Esplanāde, a vast expanse of parkland with formal gardens and period mansions where the well-heeled stroll and play. Surrounding this is the art nouveau district. Encompassing avenues of splendid family homes (now spruced up in the postcommunist era), the collection has been praised by UNESCO as Europe’s finest in the art nouveau style. The best examples are at Alberta 2, 2a, 4, 6, 8, and 13; Elizabetes 10b; and Strēlnieku 4a. If the weather permits, eschew public transport and stroll between the two districts, taking in the varied skylines and multifaceted facades, and perhaps stopping at a café or two as you go. The city has churches in five Christian denominations and more than 50 museums, many of which cater to eclectic or specialist tastes.

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The largest of the three Baltic capitals, Riga is a modern European metropolis with a thriving food scene and a passion for art. It's known as the European capital of Art Nouveau, the decorative style of art and architecture that flourished between 1890 and 1910, and you can admire around 800 buildings throughout the city. Or visit Rundale Palace, one of Latvia’s most exquisite monuments of Baroque and Rococo art.  For delicious local delicacies, visit Riga Central Market, one of the largest and oldest in Europe. There are also excellent restaurants, trendy bars and sunny beer gardens tucked into former industrial estates.

Gotland is Sweden’s main holiday island, a place of ancient history, a relaxed summer-party vibe, wide sandy beaches, and wild cliff formations called raukar (the remnants of reefs formed more than 400 million years ago). Measuring 125 km (78 miles) long and 52 km (32 miles) at its widest point, Gotland is where Swedish sheep farming has its home. In its charming glades, 35 varieties of wild orchids thrive, attracting botanists from all over the world.

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Come ashore at Visby and you’ll feel as if you’ve stepped into a fairytale. This World Heritage-listed town on the island of Gotland is an exquisite example of Hanseatic architecture and its well-preserved medieval streets will transport you to another time. Explore its narrow laneways lined with timbered houses, winding rose bushes and ancient churches. Marvel at the grand Visby Cathedral, dating to the 13th century, and walk along the striking city walls. There’s also a fascinating Viking history to uncover, with hundreds of graves and treasure hordes discovered near the harbour.

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Dating back to the 13th century, Kalmar is one of Sweden’s oldest cities. Set on the southeastern corner of the country, it was once a great centre of power and the streets of the old town are lined with many grand buildings from the 17th century. Admire Kalmar’s Renaissance castle, city wall, cathedral and cobblestone streets, then relax in outdoor cafes, restaurants, and beautiful parks. Nearby is Öland Island, listed as a World Heritage Site for its pristine agricultural landscape. Officially the summer retreat of the Swedish Royal Family, its home to rolling fields, ancient ruins and picturesque windmills.

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Bornholm Island is Denmark's eastern gem, promising a sun-kissed climate, white sand beaches and charming fishing villages. Explore four 12th-century churches and Northern Europe's largest castle ruin. Rønne is the largest town on the island, filled with half-timbered houses from the 16th century and the scent of lilac in the air. The island is famous for its glass blowers, who create unique pieces of art and stylish homewares. The island offers hiking and bike rides, with more than 235 kilometres of cycling trails, and culinary delights like wood-smoked herring and blue cheese.

Warnemünde, officially a suburb of Rostock, is a quaint seaside resort town with the best hotels and restaurants in the area, as well as 20 km (12 miles) of beautiful white-sand beach. It’s been a popular summer getaway for families in eastern Germany for years.There is little to do in Warnemünde except relax, and the town excels brilliantly at that. However, Warnemünde is a major cruise-ship terminal. Whenever there is more than one ship at dock, the town explodes with a county fair–like atmosphere, and shops and restaurants stay open until the ships leave at midnight. The city celebrates the dreifache Anlauf, when three ships dock simultaneously, with fireworks.

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Looping back around the southern edge of the Baltic, Warnemunde offers a laidback escape from city life. Part of the German Riviera, this popular seaside resort is lined with white sand beaches and historic spa hotels. Its relaxed atmosphere and picturesque surroundings attract many European travellers in the summer months, though you may not meet many other English speakers.  A short distance inland is Rostock, Germany’s oldest university town and a respected centre for the Marienkirche (St Mary’s Church) is worth a visit for its remarkable 15th century astrological clock.

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Nyborg is one of Denmark’s oldest towns and was the nation's capital in medieval times. Today you can walk through more than 800 years of history, including the recently restored Nyborg Castle.  Nearby is the town of Odense, Denmark’s third-largest city and the birthplace of legendary author Hans Christian Andersen. Step into his fairytale world at Hans Christian Andersen’s House, an immersive and interactive museum featuring artworks, a beautiful garden and even dress ups for the kids. Funen Village is a living piece of history where see how the people lived when Andersen was writing his stories.

By the 11th century, Copenhagen was already an important trading and fishing centre and today you will find an attractive city which, although the largest in Scandinavia, has managed to retain its low-level skyline. Discover some of the famous attractions including Gefion Fountain and Amalienborg Palace, perhaps cruise the city’s waterways, visit Rosenborg Castle or explore the medieval fishing village of Dragoer. Once the home of Hans Christian Andersen, Copenhagen features many reminders of its fairytale heritage and lives up to the reputation immortalised in the famous song ‘Wonderful Copenhagen’.

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One of Scandinavia’s brightest jewels, Copenhagen is a city full of exceptional architecture, art, history and food. The Danish capital embraces conscious and sustainable living and is one of the world’s best cities to explore by bike.Our late afternoon departure allows you to see the Tivoli Gardens transformed into a wonderland of lights. One of the oldest theme parks in the world, it was founded in 1843. Enjoy its nostalgic experiences and thrill seeker rides, including a wooden rollercoaster from 1914.

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Skagen is Denmark’s northernmost town. It’s renowned for its captivating light, which has inspired many Scandinavian painters and became an artist colony at the end of the 19th century. Immerse yourself in the rich artistic heritage of this charming coastal town, where the beauty of nature meets the creativity of human expression. Explore the Skagens Museum, home to the world's largest collection of Skagen painters, including masterpieces by P.S. Krøyer and Anna Archer.  Scenic Eclipse II will depart Skagen this afternoon bound for Gothenburg, Sweden, where more adventures await. 

Oslo is the capital of Norway and is also its largest city, situated at the head of Oslo Fjord and surrounded by hills and forests. Home to some 50 museums and full of galleries, cafés, a sculpture park and the Royal Palace, this vibrant city with its handsome 19th-century buildings and wide streets has much to offer. Its history dates back 1,000 years, and includes a rich seafaring heritage that ranges from the Viking era to Thor Heyerdahl’s Kon Tiki expedition. Discover more about this exciting city on our varied selection of excursions.

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Wake this morning in Oslo, Norway’s compact and cultured capital city. Flanked by the mountains and the sea, it’s home to striking landmarks like the Royal Palace and Oslo Opera House. Discover the city's rich maritime history at the Norwegian Maritime Museum, learn about its proud tradition of international peacemaking at the Nobel Peace Centre and marvel at the stunning works of Norwegian artist Edvard Munch in the Munch Museum. This evening, Scenic Eclipse II will sail back out through Oslofjord, a serene waterway that connects Oslo to the ocean. Stand on your private verandah to admire the picturesque views under the slowly setting sun.

Nicknamed “Sommerbyen” (“Summer City”), Norway’s fifth-largest city has 78,000 inhabitants. Norwegians come here for its sun-soaked beaches and beautiful harbor. Kristiansand has also become known internationally for the outdoor Quart Festival, which hosts local and international rock bands every July. According to legend, in 1641 King Christian IV marked the four corners of Kristiansand with his walking stick, and within that framework the grid of wide streets was laid down. The center of town, called the Kvadraturen, still retains the grid, even after numerous fires. In the northeast corner is Posebyen, one of northern Europe’s largest collections of low, connected wooden house settlements, and there’s a market here every Saturday in summer. Kristiansand’s Fisketorvet (fish market) is near the south corner of the town’s grid, right on the sea.

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The southernmost city in Norway, Kristiansand gets more sunlight per year than anywhere else in the country. Make the most of the glorious weather as you explore its historic neighbourhoods, lined with colourful wooden houses, tumbling flowerboxes and cobblestone streets. Discover the city's maritime heritage at the Kristiansand Museum, which includes an open-air display of more than 30 buildings dating back to the 15th century. Stroll along the picturesque waterfront promenade lined with cafes and boutiques, venture into the surrounding countryside for outdoor adventures, or dip your toes in the water at the palm-fringed beach.

Overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, Stavanger flourished in the 19th century as a fishing port. While other towns in Norway have suffered with the decline of this industry, Stavanger has kept its economy booming by diversifying, first into shipbuilding and now into oil. These two contrasting industries have created a city of two halves – a modern area of high-rise buildings and a historic centre with cobbled streets and old wooden houses. The city centre was the birthplace of Alexander Kielland, one of the great 19th-century Norwegian novelists. Stavanger Cathedral, dating from 1125, is an impressive building and the only medieval cathedral in Norway that has not been substantially altered since it was first built. From Stavanger you can explore the attractive blue waters of Lysefjord, surrounded by cliffs and striking rock formations, and also visit Hafrsfjord where the Viking King Harald won an important battle that started the Unification of Norway. Those preferring to explore on their own may wish to visit the interesting Petroleum Museum.

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Nestled on Norway's southwestern coast, the ancient city of Stavanger boasts a rich Viking heritage. Dating back to the 9th century, it’s often referred to as the ‘Cradle of the Vikings’. Stavanger is a compact city that’s easy to explore on foot – stroll past the well-preserved white wooden houses of the old town and along Øvre Holmegate, known as the ‘street of colours’. Learn more about the city's fascinating past and seafaring legacy at the Stavanger Maritime Museum, housed in a historic wharf side warehouse. Stavanger is also renowned for its culinary scene, with a bustling fish market offering fresh seafood delights.

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Rosendal is a hidden gem of Norway, renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty. Explore the historic Baroniet Rosendal, one of the country's oldest manor houses, surrounded by lush gardens and majestic mountains. The surrounding area is famous for its hiking trails and active travellers will be rewarded with stunning vistas.This evening, you will cruise through the spectacular Hardangerfjord, marvelling at the cascading waterfalls, towering cliffs and quaint villages dotting the fjord's rugged coastline. Immerse yourself in the tranquillity of Norway's fjordland. 

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Nestled at the heart of Sognefjord and flanked by steep mountains, the tiny village of Flam is one of Norway’s most popular destinations. Here you can take one of the world’s most spectacular railway journeys, the 20km Flam Railway, which offers unobstructed views of the valley as it winds gently through the peaks towards the town centre. Depart after lunch for an awe-inspiring scenic cruise through the majestic Nærøyfjord. This World Heritage-listed site is the most wild and beautiful arm of Sognefjord, with its towering cliffs and cascading waterfalls. Later, be immersed in the charming village of Gudvangen, nestled amidst dramatic landscapes.

On an arm of Sognefjord, Gudvangen is at the foot of steep cliffs soaring 5,500 feet above the water’s surface and plunging deep to form one of the region’s deepest fjord basins. Snow-capped mountains, green cliffs, and veils of tumbling waterfalls characterize the vertical landscape on the approach to Gudvangen. The fjord is so narrow in places that during winter the sun can’t reach the valley floor. Mystical Gudvangen is the site of white caves and medieval stave churches. Standing sentinel over the ornate entrances to the venerable wooden sanctuaries are visages of fierce trolls and dragons, carved by long-dead Viking craftsman from the region.

Surrounded by mountains and sparkling fjords, the waterside city of Bergen has a spectacular setting. There has been a settlement here since medieval times and the colourful waterfront buildings of the Hanseatic wharf, known as Bryggen, are testament to its fascinating history of trade. As Norway’s best known medieval settlement, the Bryggen is listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Our comprehensive selection of excursions allows you to discover the many sides of Bergen, such as the fish market and narrow cobbled streets, as well as stunning views of the city from the summit of Mt Fløyen. Alternatively, those who have visited the city previously may like to experience one of the tours that travel further afield. Just 300 yards from the main piers, you will find the Fortress Museum (Fesningsmuseum), which has an interesting collection of objects related to World War II.

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Arrive this morning in Norway’s second largest city, the Hanseatic fishing port of Bergen, which dates back to the 12th century. Surrounded by seven hills, it’s considered one of the prettiest cities in Norway and the harbour is lined with multi-coloured wooden buildings, which have become a national icon. As a World Heritage-listed city and a European City of Culture, the Bergen region has the ideal balance of nature, culture and urban life. Ascend Mount Fløyen for breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape, wander through the bustling fish market, or visit one of the fascinating museums showcasing Bergen's maritime history.

Surrounded by mountains and sparkling fjords, the waterside city of Bergen has a spectacular setting. There has been a settlement here since medieval times and the colourful waterfront buildings of the Hanseatic wharf, known as Bryggen, are testament to its fascinating history of trade. As Norway’s best known medieval settlement, the Bryggen is listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Our comprehensive selection of excursions allows you to discover the many sides of Bergen, such as the fish market and narrow cobbled streets, as well as stunning views of the city from the summit of Mt Fløyen. Alternatively, those who have visited the city previously may like to experience one of the tours that travel further afield. Just 300 yards from the main piers, you will find the Fortress Museum (Fesningsmuseum), which has an interesting collection of objects related to World War II.

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Your unforgettable journey finishes today in Bergen. Savour one last luxurious breakfast on board your ultra-luxury Discovery Yacht before saying farewell to the crew and new friends who have shared this journey with you. You'll be transferred to the airport for your onward journey or return flight home, taking with you memories that will last a lifetime. Please book your flight to depart out of Bergen after 12:00 PM.+All drinks on board, including those stocked in your mini bar, are included, except for a very small number of rare, fine and vintage wines, Champagnes and spirits. #Spa treatments at additional cost.  Please note the itinerary is a guide and may be subject to changes for operational reasons. Please refer to our terms and conditions for further information.