Baltic Splendor: Stockholm to Copenhagen

Depart the USA on your flight to Stockholm, Sweden.

Welcome to Sweden. The remarkable city of Stockholm is spread across 14 islands connected by 57 bridges. It’s a place of sophistication and history with each island neighborhood offering its own unique charm.  This afternoon, board your ultra-luxury Discovery Yacht, Scenic Eclipse II. Be warmly welcomed by the Captain and crew before meeting your butler and settling into your spacious suite. Scenic Eclipse II will remain docked in Stockholm overnight, so you may choose to go ashore and explore the city after dark. Or soak in the breathtaking views from the Sky Deck. Please book your flight to arrive into Stockholm prior to 02:00 PM. Meal: D. & ;

Spend the day exploring Stockholm’s treasures, from the enchanting medieval streets of Gamla Stan to the imposing Royal Palace and the fascinating Vasa Museum, home to the world’s only intact 17th century ship. Learn about Swedish traditions at Skansen Ecomuseum, join the band at the entertaining and interactive ABBA Museum, and ride the Skyview, a glass-encased gondola, for incredible panoramic views over the city.  This afternoon, Scenic Eclipse II will set sail to cruise through the breathtaking Stockholm Archipelago, made up of more than 30,000 islands and islets. Admire the stunning views from your suite’s private verandah. Meals: B. L. D.

Cross over the Baltic Sea to the Estonian capital, Tallinn, a beautifully preserved medieval town that was once at the center of the Hanseatic League. Its World Heritage-listed old town is packed with grand public buildings, merchant’s houses and churches, with the imposing Toompea Castle at its center. Learn about the city’s military history at Kiek in de Kök tower and admire the ornate architecture of the Orthodox Alexander Nevski Cathedral. In this incredibly picturesque city, you’ll be immersed in history under the fresh Baltic breeze. Meals: B. L. D.

A short hop across the Gulf of Finland, the compact Finnish capital of Helsinki is a cosmopolitan city that blends elegance and modernity. Winding around bays and inlets on shore, and fronting an archipelago of more than 300 islands, you’re surrounded by the sea at every turn. A mix of Swedish and Russian influences creates a captivating urban tapestry, and the historical center is filled with Neoclassical buildings and modern architecture. The Kallio district is the place for chic boutiques and restaurants, while Keskuspuisto Park offers tranquility. For an insight into the famed Finnish sense of style, visit the excellent Design Museum. Meals: B. L. D.

Relax and indulge in the serenity of a day at sea on board Scenic Eclipse II. Start with a yoga class in the PURE studio, swim in the temperature-controlled Vitality Pools, treat yourself to a massage at the Senses Spa or simply graze the day away at the Azure Bar & Café, surrounded by newfound friends. Tonight, you’ll arrive in Riga, known as ‘The Heart of Baltics’. You may choose to go ashore tonight for drinks at one of the stylish bars that line the waterfront or watch the city lights sparkle from the Sky Deck. Meals: B. L. D.

The largest of the three Baltic capitals, Riga is a modern European metropolis with a thriving food scene and a passion for art. It’s known as the European capital of Art Nouveau, the decorative style of art and architecture that flourished between 1890 and 1910, and you can admire around 800 buildings throughout the city. Or visit Rundale Palace, one of Latvia’s most exquisite monuments of Baroque and Rococo art. For delicious local delicacies, visit Riga Central Market, one of the largest and oldest in Europe. There are also excellent restaurants, trendy bars and sunny beer gardens tucked into former industrial estates. Meals: B. L. D.

Come ashore at Visby and you’ll feel as if you’ve stepped into a fairytale. This World Heritage-listed town on the island of Gotland is an exquisite example of Hanseatic architecture and its well-preserved medieval streets will transport you to another time. Explore its narrow laneways lined with timbered houses, winding rose bushes and ancient churches. Marvel at the grand Visby Cathedral, dating to the 13th century, and walk along the striking city walls. There’s also a fascinating Viking history to uncover, with hundreds of graves and treasure hordes discovered near the harbor. Meals: B. L. D. & ;

Dating back to the 13th century, Kalmar is one of Sweden’s oldest cities. Set on the southeastern corner of the country, it was once a great center of power and the streets of the old town are lined with many grand buildings from the 17th century. Admire Kalmar’s Renaissance castle, city wall, cathedral and cobblestone streets, then relax in outdoor cafes, restaurants, and beautiful parks. Nearby is Öland Island, listed as a World Heritage Site for its pristine agricultural landscape. Officially the summer retreat of the Swedish Royal Family, its home to rolling fields, ancient ruins and picturesque windmills. Meals: B. L. D. & ;

Bornholm Island is Denmark’s eastern gem, promising a sun-kissed climate, white sand beaches and charming fishing villages. Explore four 12th-century churches and Northern Europe’s largest castle ruin. Rønne is the largest town on the island, filled with half-timbered houses from the 16th century and the scent of lilac in the air. The island is famous for its glass blowers, who create unique pieces of art and stylish homewares. The island offers hiking and bike rides, with more than 235 kilometers of cycling trails, and culinary delights like wood-smoked herring and blue cheese. Meals: B. L. D. & ;

Looping back around the southern edge of the Baltic, Warnemunde offers a laidback escape from city life. Part of the German Riviera, this popular seaside resort is lined with white sand beaches and historic spa hotels. Its relaxed atmosphere and picturesque surroundings attract many European travelers in the summer months, though you may not meet many other English speakers. A short distance inland is Rostock, Germany’s oldest university town and a respected center for the Marienkirche (St Mary’s Church) is worth a visit for its remarkable 15th century astrological clock. Meals: B. L. D.