Baltic Cruises and Scandinavia

Copenhagen is the capital city of Denmark and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Scandanavia and Northern Europe. Along the cobbled and bike-filled streets you will find a city which is consistently ranked as being the world's happiest, which helps to make Copenhagen a welcoming and unforgettable location to visit. Nyhavn harbour with its brightly coloured buildings and numerous cafés and eateries is a popular area of the city. The iconic Little Mermaid statue is a must-see for many and is located near Nyhavn, along the waterfront at Kastellet.

• Visit Tivoli Gardens for a mix of beautiful flora, fun rides and at Christmas time a stunning light display
• Travel like a local and explore Copenhagen by bike
• Learn about the history of the city in The National Museum of Denmark

Russia's second largest city, St. Petersburg lies at the eastern end of the Gulf of Finland. The city was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1990. The former home of the monarchy is known for the vibrant and colourful buildings which line the Baltic city. There are four palaces in St. Petersburg, which form the Russian Museum, Mikhailovsky Palace holds an extensive art collection. Visitors can also take in world-class Russian ballet and opera shows at various theatres throughout the city such as the renowned Mariinsky Theatre.

• Discover the beautiful buildings of St. Petersburg such as the Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood
• Marvel at the large collection of Russian art on display at the Russian Museum
• Enjoy a world-class performance at the Mariinsky Theatre

Estonia's capital city is located on the Baltic Sea, approximately 80 km from Helsinki. The Old Town is a maze of medieval streets and spires and has also been made a UNESCO World Heritage site, helping to preserve the oldest capital city in Northern Europe. Visiting Talinn is like stepping into a modern-day medieval fairytale. Toompea, located on Tallinn's upper side is home to numerous architectural wonders such as the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. Visitors can also expect to find an abundance of canals and beaches in Tallinn.

• Experience the charm of Tallin's Old Town
• Enjoy a stroll around Kadriorg Park or the Rocca Al Mare Open Air Museum
• Journey up the Oleviste Church, once the tallest building in the world

Sitting on the Baltic Sea, Warnemünde is a popular seaside resort town that is characterised by its large white sandy beaches and bustling promenade. One of the best ways to see Warnemünde is by harbour tour where you can enjoy the Baltic charm of the town and of the larger area of Rostock. Warnemünde is also used as a link town for the German capital of Berlin. Many cruise guests partake in excursions to see the many historic sites and to experience the unique culture of one of Europe's most vibrant cities.

• Take a harbour tour of Warnemünde and also Rostock
• Explore the historic Warnemünde church and lighthouse
• Take a day trip to the bustling city of Berlin

Kiel is the capital of Schleswig-Holstein and is one of Germanys northernmost cities. Kiel Sailing Week is a world-known sailing festival, when thousands of people flock from all over the world to the port city. The city has much to offer, in particular the marine area, the U-boat Memorial, Botanical Garden and the Olympic Village in Kiel-Schilksee. The city's blend of Northern German charm and a wide range of dining, shopping and hotels make it a perfect place to visit.

• Explore Kiel's maritime history by visiting the U-Boot U 995 and the Laboe Naval Memorial
• Visit the Kiel Rathaus Paternoster or St. Nikolai Church
• Experience natural beauty at Kiel Botanical Gardens or at Aquarium Kiel

Latvia's capital is the largest city in the Nordic and Baltic region. Riga is famous for its well-preserved downtown and Art Nouveau. In the city you will find historic spires and architecture of days gone by. The Freedom Monument which is almost 43 metres tall represents Latvia's path to freedom and is a must-see for many visitors. Riga's Central Market is also highly recommended, founded in 1930, the market, much like Riga itself is steeped in history and is one of the biggest marketplaces in Eastern Europe. Visitors can expect a lively atmosphere with plenty of bartering!

• Sample some tasty Latvian food at the Central Market
• Head for the top of St. Peter's tower to get a stunning panoramic view of Riga
• Experience the charm of Riga by paying a visit to the Old Town

The port city of Klaipeda lies at the mouth of the Curonian Lagoon in the Baltic Sea and is the third largest city in Lithuania. The Danė River divides the Lithuanian city into the Old and New Town. Visit to discover the bustling old town with its many museums and Theater Square. Located at Theater square is a famous monument and fountain dedicated to German poet Simon Dach, who was born in Klaipeda. Klaipedia is also home to Lithuania's only substantial port, every Summer the Klaipeda tall ships race and regatta draws many visitors.

• Discover the charm of Klaipeda's Old Town and the bustling Theater square
• Visit the Curonian Spit and experience tranquility and stunning views across the Baltic Sea
• Explore the maritime history of Klaipeda at the Lithuanian Sea Museum

The Polish city of Gdansk is an old port city which sits on the Baltic coast. Gdansk has an extensive transport network, which makes for the perfect base for discovering the Baltic region. St. Mary's Basilica and the Medieval port crane are popular attractions. In addition, the Old Town which was rebuilt after World War 2 is a particular highlight which displays the beauty of Gdansk, while highlighting the major impact of World War 2 on the city. Gdansk is also synonymous with the Polish solidarity movement and is home to the European Solidarity Centre.

• Walk through the Old Town and see the historic beauty of the city
• Learn about the birth of the solidarity movement at the European Solidarity Centre
• Visit Gdansk Zoo for a fun-filled day out

Gdynia was made into one of Poland's busiest and most important sea ports after World War 1 and developed from a small village to a large urban centre quite quickly. The city also has reminders of its past, with historic buildings such as St. Michael the Archangel Church, which today offers insights into Gdynia's past as part of a sailing museum. There is also a thriving cultural scene in the city and an example of this is the annual Polish Film Festival, which is held in the city and is a must see event for any film-lovers.

• Visit highlights of Gdynia's coast like Orlowo Pier and Gdynia Beach
• Explore the city's maritime history at Dar Pomorza and the Okret Muzeum ORP Blyskawica
• Enjoy fantastic views at new heights on the Gydnia ferris wheel

The port city of Rønne is the capital city of Bornholm island. With a population of approximately 15,000 inhabitants, Rønne is also the largest city on the island. In the old part of Rønne, expect to find small cobble stone streets which lead you to St. Nicolai Church, which is surrounded by beautiful half-timbered houses and narrow charming streets. St. Torv is the main hub of activity in Rønne and on a market day people from all over Bornholm bring their best produce to sell. For a small place, Rønne has an interesting history which can be discovered in the Bornholm Museum.

• Visit the Hjorths Fabrik to experience old methods of producing stoneware and designs
• Take a trip to St. Torv on market day to see some fresh Bornholm produce
• Go to Erichsens Gård to experience the garden museum

Rostock is a city in the German state of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. Rostock was the most important port for the former state of East Germany, during the Cold War era and the modern city bears importance due to its proximity to other coastal cities along the Baltic Sea, as well as chief cities within Germany and Poland. Rostock also boasts access to a number of beaches such as Warenmünde. Germany is known for its beer and Rostock is no different, the Hanseatische Brauerei Rostock is a popular attraction for those interested sampling locally produced beer.

• Sample Rostocker Pils at the Hanseatic brewery
• Take a day trip to the beautiful beach resort of Warnemünde and the Alter Strom
• Explore the history of Rostock at Das Kulturhistorische Museum

Lübeck's Travemünde district is situated at the mouth of the Trave in Lübeck Bay. In addition to the old town, the old seaside resort offers 1.5 km long beach promenade, with beautiful scenic views. The town is a blend of a charming seaside town and a major shipping port. The rows of distinctive and comfortable beach seats offer the perfect opportunity to sit back and enjoy the scenic views out into the Baltic Sea. Ostseestation located along the promenade, also offers a fantastic opportunity for visitors to not only witness the marinelife of the aquarium but also interact with them.

• Walk along the attractive riverfront and enjoy some fresh fish and a local beer
• Arrive in time for the annual regatta and enjoy traditional
• Find your own personal wicker beach seat and relax on the beach

Turku is a city in South-West Finland, which in 2011 was named a European Capital of Culture. Turku is the fifth largest city in Finland and is known for having a lively nightlife and art scene, partly due to the fact that it is a university city. Turku is also known for hosting festivals, such as the Tall Ships Races which draw in a large international audience. The river Aura surrounds the city and has played a major role in the development of Turku, both past and present. Turku's proximity to Sweden makes it a popular spot for Baltic cruises. Turku's Cathedral and Castle are major tourist attractions.

Highlights of Turku

• Climb aboard the moored ships of the Maritime Centre Forum Marinum
• Relax and enjoy music along the banks of the Aura in the Summer
• Enjoy a boat trip to the nearby Archipelago

Kiel Holtenau is known as a city of Kiel and is located the in north-west region of Kiel. Holtenau can be found at the rear of the Kiel Canal at the point of rhe Kiel Fjord. The large lock for ships and the location of Kiel airport, is what Holtenau is primarily known for.. The Olympic port of Kiel-Schilksee can be found to the north of Holtenau. Holtenau's landmarks include the substantial canal locks, the Lighthouse and Wharf Tiessen. Another interesting sight is the channel-pack house. The Holte Auer High bridges are another identifying point of Holtenau in Kiel

• Explore the beautiful maritime city of Kiel
• Visit the beautiful lighthouse
• Discover the bustling harbour area

Brunsbüttel is a town located in the Bundesland of Schleswig-Holstein, in the district of Dithmarschen, northern Germany. Brunsbüttel lies on the mouth of the Elbe River, near the North Sea. It is also the location of the western entrance to the Kiel Canal, the eastern entrance being located at Kiel-Holtenau. Brunsbüttel Nuclear Power Plant is located here. During the opening days of World War II, on 4 September 1939, the Royal Air Force carried out their first bombing raid on shipping near the town, thus adding to the historical significance of the area

• Experience Northern German culture
• Take a trip to nearby Kiel
• Learn about the history of area