Scandinavia and the Baltic Sea: Coasts, Islands and Archipelagos

Detailed Itinerary

Day-by-day description of your cruise and cruise activities.

Day 1

Copenhagen, Denmark / Embark Ship

Arrive in Copenhagen and transfer to the city center. Known for its walkable, colorful streets and charming canals, experience the city at your own pace before embarking the ship this afternoon.

Day 2

Bornholm

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.

Day 3

Stora Karlsö, Sweden

The second oldest nature reserve in the world after Yellowstone National Park, Stora Karlsö is a nature lover's 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.

Day 4

Visby, Gotland

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.

Day 5

Finnish Archipelago

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 Pommern, 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."

Day 6

Stockholm Archipelago

This morning, enjoy one of the most iconic Scandinavian sailings as we navigate the Stockholm archipelago or skärgården, watching local ferries crisscross the waterways and photographing the quaint cottages that line the shores before arriving into the heart of the city. This afternoon, arrive in 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 and marvel at the world's only preserved 17th century ship as well as hear from experts about its sister ship which was recently discovered in the Baltic Sea.

Day 7

Stockholm / Disembark Ship

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

Ship

Your cruise ship

About this ship

National Geographic Endurance

Discover Earth’s polar extremes in unmatched style aboard the National Geographic Endurance, a next-generation expedition ship purpose-built for exploring the Arctic, Antarctica, and remote regions in between. At 406 feet in length and accommodating 138 guests, this state-of-the-art Polar Class 5 vessel is designed to go deeper into the ice, farther off the map, and closer to the wonders of the natural world than ever before.

The Endurance features 69 spacious, outward-facing staterooms and suites—many with balconies and all with large windows for stunning views of icebergs, glaciers, and wildlife. Elegant Scandinavian-inspired interiors combine modern comfort with expedition functionality, offering cozy yet refined accommodations with en-suite bathrooms, climate control, and abundant storage.

Onboard, guests enjoy a full range of amenities, including two restaurants serving regionally sourced and globally inspired cuisine, an observation lounge with floor-to-ceiling windows, a state-of-the-art gym and wellness center, saunas, a library, and a yoga studio. The Science Hub, equipped with a glass-walled dry lab, invites guests to engage with ongoing research and interact with onboard scientists.

Expedition capabilities are unparalleled: the Endurance carries a fleet of Zodiacs, kayaks, and cross-country skis, as well as undersea video equipment, a Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV), and a National Geographic-certified photo instructor. Daily excursions are led by a best-in-class expedition team of naturalists, geologists, marine biologists, and historians who bring each destination to life through exploration and storytelling.

Named in honor of Sir Ernest Shackleton’s famed ship, the National Geographic Endurance redefines polar travel—combining rugged capability with elegance, science with discovery, and comfort with the spirit of true adventure. Whether sailing through Antarctic ice or the fjords of Greenland, this ship is a gateway to the world’s wildest and most awe-inspiring places

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