Scandinavia and the Baltic Sea: Coasts, Islands and Archipelagos

Arrive in Stockholm and transfer to the city center. As the largest city in Scandinavia, the city offers a dynamic blend of culture, architecture and history. Spend the day at your own pace taking in this world capital throughout the ages before embarking the ship this afternoon. 

This morning, wake up next to Gamla Stan, Stockholm’s oldest district as you take advantage of the city's highlights and walk among the cobblestone streets, along the surrounding canals or through the numerous public parks. Visit the Vasa Museum which houses the world's only preserved 17th century ship and hear from experts about its sister ship which was recently discovered in the Baltic Sea. This afternoon, enjoy one of the most iconic Scandinavian sailings as you navigate the Stockholm archipelago or “skärgården,” watching local ferries crisscross the waterways and photographing the quaint cottages that line the shores.

The Finnish Archipelago, comprising more than 6,700 islands, is known for its slower pace, strong ties to the sea and independent nature. Discover the Åland Islands, a fascinating autonomous region, as you explore from its capital of Mariehamn to the outer island of Utö. Visit remote lighthouses perched on red granite islands; navigate through coves and islands on Zodiacs and kayaks; explore the decks of the <i>Pommern</i>, a four-masted barque and one of the last of the Flying P-Liners; and walk Mariehamn’s city streets to see why it’s referred to as "the town of a thousand Linden trees." 

A former Viking site on the island of Gotland, the UNESCO-designated city of Visby is one of the best-preserved medieval cities in Scandinavia. Its history as a part of the Hanseatic League can still be witnessed in its two-mile-long city wall, cobblestone streets and stone houses. Outside its walls, Gotland lures travelers with its rich history, striking nature and a growing reputation for local crafts and goods. Spend the day exploring the island or follow the local lifestyle of slowing down and enjoying the rhythm of the Baltic Sea.

The second oldest nature reserve in the world after Yellowstone National Park, Stora Karlsö is a nature lovers' paradise. Composed of fossilized coral reefs formed over 400 million years ago, the scenery is one of the main draws of this "rock" in the middle of the Baltic Sea. It’s home to the biggest bird cliffs in the Baltic, which teem with colonies of breeding guillemots and razorbills, and it’s carpeted with an array of dazzling flowers, depending on the season. You’ll be guided through this rich diversity by your naturalists as well as by the Reserve Rangers. 

Arrive at the island of Bornholm, a Danish island located in the Baltic Sea between Sweden and Germany. Known for its local makers and crafters, Bornholm offers a relaxing atmosphere. Rønne, the capital of the island, is a market town dating back to 1327 and that creative mindset continues to grow in modern times. Spend the day getting to know the history, artists and landscape of this Danish gem. 

Disembark in Copenhagen and transfer to the airport for flights home.