Circumnavigating the Baltic Sea

Day 1 : Copenhagen, Denmark/Embark

Fly overnight and arrive in Denmark’s capital on Day 2. Board National Geographic Explorer. Cruise the charming canals of this old maritime city. (L,D)

Day 2 : Lübeck, Germany

Lübeck, medieval capital of the Hanseatic League and its intact ensemble of step-gabled merchants’ houses, red-bricked warehouses and narrow alleys are protected as a World Heritage Site. Our Zodiac or walking tour will take us to Buddenbrockhaus, home of Lübeck’s famous sons, authors Heinrich and Thomas Mann. (B,L,D)

Day 3 : Christiansø and Bornholm, Denmark

This morning will be an expedition morning on the small island of Christiansø, where you’ll have a chance to take a morning hike with our naturalists or National Geographic photographer. This afternoon on Bornholm you may hike up to the cliff-top ruins of Hammershus fortress, explore the island’s round churches and white sandy beaches, or opt for a smoked herring tasting and a leisurely stroll around the fishing harbor. (B,L,D)

Day 4 : Gdańsk, Poland

See Gdańsk’s art and architecture, including the Gothic-Renaissance Town Hall and National Museum. Visit the Westerplatte peninsula, where WWII began. See the European Solidarity Center. (B,L,D)

Day 5 : Klaipeda, Lithuania

Explore the wild barrier peninsula called the Curonian Spit, a UNESCO World Heritage site shared by Lithuania and Russia. Learn of folk tales at the Hill of Witches and see some of Europe’s tallest sand dunes; spend the morning at the Ventė Cape Ornithological Station to explore the lighthouse and dunes while learning about migratory bird populations. (B,L,D)

Day 6 : Riga, Latvia

Tour Riga’s wooden houses, art nouveau architecture, cafes, and the Central Market. (B,L,D)

Day 7 : Tallinn, Estonia

Cross the Gulf of Riga to Estonia arriving in Tallinn this morning. You may choose to stroll the medieval streets of Town Hall Square on a guided walking excursion through the walled, cobblestoned Old Town with its Kiek in de Kök, a 15th-century defensive tower. Take in the view from Dome Hill of Tallinn’s picturesque spires and gables. (B,L,D)

Day 8 : St. Petersburg, Russia

Discover this dazzling gem over two days, including the renowned art collection of the Hermitage, the Peter and Paul Fortress, St. Isaac’s Cathedral, and the opulent royal palace and parks of Catherine the Great at Pushkin. (B,L,D)

Day 9 : Exploring Coastal Finland

Discover Finland’s intricate coastline with numerous bays, inlets, and islands rich with natural history and ripe for exploration by kayak and Zodiac. (B,L,D)

Day 10 : Cruising Stockholm Archipelago, Sweden

Cruise the Stockholm archipelago on your way from coastal Finland to Sweden’s beautiful capital. Keep your camera handy through the scenic archipelago to arrive in Stockholm, a city built on 14 islands. (B,L,D)

Day 11 : Stockholm

See the royal Vasa warship and stroll the streets of the Old Town. We stay docked overnight so you can enjoy this magical Scandinavian city. (B,L,D)

Day 12 : Visby, Gotland, Sweden

Enjoy a walking tour of the Viking city of Visby, wandering through its cobblestoned streets to the edge of the city’s stone walls. End at the Gotland Museum, where you’ll learn of the island’s fascinating history. Alternatively, opt to bike across the Gotland countryside with a local guide. (B,L,D)

Day 13 : Exploring Southern Sweden

Spend the day exploring the Southern archipelago of Sweden. (B,L,D)

Day 14 : Copenhagen/Disembark

Disembark ship this morning and transfer to flight. (B)