Explorer, Exploring Baltic Historic Waterways ex St Petersburg to Copenhagen

11 Night Cruise sailing from St Petersburg to Copenhagen onboard National Geographic Explorer.

Sail on one of our Europe cruises through nine countries united by the Baltic Sea, encountering fascinating cultures and long-neglected histories. These unique cultural travel experiences allow you to discover fairytale castles and the "city of ruins and roses," before delving into the European capitals of Copenhagen, Stockholm, Helsinki and St. Petersburg. Each of the capitals has an Old Town, and the buildings have been beautifully restored; especially moving are those of Tallinn and Riga, flourishing in the 21st century. The great cities and Hansa towns of Lubeck and Gdansk are balanced with peaceful island stops for nature walks, where the vitality of summer enhances your educational travel cruise experience.

DAY 1 - St. Petersburg/Embark
We embark our ship and head out on deck as National Geographic Explorer sails from its dock near the grand Hermitage Museum and along the Neva River -- an illustrious beginning to our journey. (D)

DAY 2 - Tallinn, Estonia
The capital of Estonia, Tallinn, is known for its awe-inspiring city walls and narrow, well-preserved medieval streets. Our walking tour includes the scenic Old Town (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) and Town Hall Square, where a new breed of entrepreneurs have proudly opened an array of shops, cafes and galleries. A highlight is the vista from Dome Hill of Tallinn's picturesque assortment of spires and gables. Have free time this afternoon to continue exploring this compact city on your own. (B,L,D)

DAY 3 - Mariehamn, Aland Islands, Finland
Politically part of Finland, linguistically Swedish, and culturally autonomous, the Aland islanders are proud inhabitants of a naturally beautiful archipelago that is also home to a wonderful maritime museum. We'll explore via foot, as well as Zodiac and kayak. (B,L,D)

DAY 4 - Stockholm
Today we arrive in Stockholm, the royal capital of Sweden. The city that "floats on water," Stockholm is built on 14 islands. Our exploration begins with a guided walk through the cobbled streets of the Old Town Gamla Stan and a visit to the famed Vasa Museum.The Vasa was a warship that had been launched in 1628 from the shipyard in Stockholm, but met a quick fate as she sank and was lost within 20 minutes of it setting sail. In 1961 the Vasa was raised virtually intact and we learn the remarkable story of its demise, rediscovery and reconstruction. (B,L,D)

DAY 5 - Swedish Archipelago
Today is a day of exploration. We wind our way through the enchanting islands of the archipelago, looking for opportunities to go ashore for nature walks and to soak up the idyllic Swedish landscape. (B,L,D)

DAY 6 - Visby, Gotland, Sweden
During the Viking Era, and for several hundred years onwards, the island of Gotland and especially the city of Visby, became a center of trade in the Baltic Sea. Today Visby is a well-preserved, walled city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The narrow, winding streets evoke the Middle Ages and together with the numerous gardens, have earned the city its nickname "the city of ruins and roses." See the superb Viking exhibits at the Fornsal Museum and take a walk along the ramparts to enjoy the views. (B,L,D)

DAY 7 - Riga, Latvia
A beautiful Hanseatic city dating from 1201, Riga is dominated by its jumble of eclectic architecture from many periods, with Parisian-style parks and boulevards. The historic city center is a World Heritage Site, recognized as having the finest collection of art nouveau buildings in Europe. We explore the cobbled streets of Old Town dominated by the magnificent Cathedral. (B,L,D)

DAY 8 - Klaipeda, Lithuania
Arrive in Klaipeda, the country's primary port with its red-roofed 19th-century buildings. Travel to Palanga, visiting a lavish estate which houses the celebrated Amber Museum. (B,L,D)

DAY 9 - Gdansk, Poland
Homeland to our notable guest speaker Lech Walesa, Nobel Peace Prize winner and former President of Poland, Gdansk is known as the birthplace of Solidarity, the pivotal democratic movement that helped shape the changes throughout Eastern Europe. We dock at the historic shipyards with its moving Solidarity Monument, and stroll the lively streets of Old Town, with superb examples of Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architecture. Explore the old merchant's houses and 15th-century Artus Court, and have ample time to explore on your own. (B,L,D)

DAY 10 - Christiansr & Bornholm Islands, Denmark
These small islands off southern Sweden have belonged to Denmark since 1522. Today we land by Zodiac at tiny Christiansr. The bastion that stood here in the 18th century is now in ruins; its castle and cannons have made way for a charmingly lazy artists' village. Continue to the verdant island of Bornholm, rich in natural history. Starting at the picturesque fishing port, we visit the ruins of ancient Hammershus Castle, the largest in northern Europe. (B,L,D)

DAY 11 - Lübeck, Germany
Today we explore lovely Lübeck, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site and once the medieval capital of the Hanseatic League, Europe's first Common Market. A boat ride along the canals gives us an overview of the Hanseatic and Renaissance architecture. After lunch, join a guided walk exploring this culturally rich city. (B,L,D)

DAY 12 - Copenhagen, Denmark/Disembark

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