Awash with culture-rich streets, awe-inspiring architecture that spans the ages and fascinating history

From the imperial capitals to beautiful beaches and stunning international cities, the Baltic has it all.

The landscape has been carved by the ocean, with a clutch of national capitals that intrigue and delight, including Copenhagen, Helsinki and St Petersburg.

Famed for its glittering, coastal cities, the Baltic is awash with culture-rich streets, awe-inspiring architecture spanning the ages and a history revealed through countless museums that contain stunning collections of art.

And there really is no better way to visit this region than on a cruise.

Berlin (Rostock)
Smart shops and restaurants, opulent neoclassical architecture and superb museums. But the city is also home to no fewer than 60 lakes, vineyards and one of the world’s most comprehensive zoos.

Copenhagen
It won’t take long for you to see why Copenhagen enjoys its reputation as the liveliest of all European cities. It is a wonderfully compact city that’s easy to explore on foot, and you’ll recognise some opf the settings of the hit TV series Borgen. You might begin with Tivoli Gardens and the colourful cafes and shops of Nyhavn – and be certain not to miss Amalienborg Palace, home of the Danish Royal Family, and the stables.

Helsinki
Helsinki, the capital of Finland and once described as a “pocket-sized metropolis”, is surrounded by the sea and its own archipelago, helping it to retain retains its nautical feel. Exploring the city’s fascinating sights is easy, and you can also soak up the culture featuring dance, ballet, opera, and other festivals. Look out for the traditional Finnish buildings in the Senate Square and the North Harbour.

Kiel
Kiel, capital of Germany’s rich agricultural Schleswig-Holstein region, has also been a bastion of German naval power since the 19th Century. This Baltic port hosts a large regatta each year, attracting yachtsmen throughout Europe and beyond. The famous Kiel Canal begins here, stretching some 60 scenic miles to the North Sea. Points of interest include the 16th-century University and a handsome 13th-century palace, carefully restored after World War II.

Molde
Visitors to the Norwegian town of Molde may find its mild climate surprising this far north. The relatively warm waters of the Gulf Stream flow past this sheltered port. Nature has further blessed Molde with soil perfect for the cultivation of roses, earning it the honorary title of ‘the Town of Roses’.

North Cape
The northernmost point of mainland Europe, the North Cape offers you two pretty impressive sights: a view that stretches out uninterrupted over the top of the world and the spectacle of the midnight sun, which never completely dips below the horizon.

Oslo
Norway’s capital is one of the world’s largest capitals – but only geographically. The city slies at the head of the majestic Oslofjord and dates back to the mid-11th Century. Tthe imposing Akershus Fortress towers above the docks. Vigeland Sculpture Park holds astonishing sculptures in granite, bronze and iron. Edvard Munch, the famous Norwegian artist, bequeathed an extensive collection to the museum that bears his name. Sagas of Norway’s explorations are preserved in the polar ship Fram, and the Viking Ship Museum.

Quaqortoq
Qaqortoq was founded by Norwegian traders in 1775, and retains some lovely old colonial buildings; it also boasts a magnificent fountain, with carved whales blowing water from their blowholes, which was, for many years, the only fountain in Greenland.

Reykjavik
Set in a fjord and overlooked by mountains, Iceland’s inviting capital is the gateway to the country’s thermal marvels – from the bubbling Great Geyser that gives its name to geysers around the world, to plunging Gullfoss Falls and the powerful plume of Strokkur which erupts in a fountain of water every few minutes. Warmed by the Gulf Stream as well as by highly active thermal hot springs and volcanoes, Iceland is somewhat misnamed. The world’s northernmost capital, Reykjavik is proud of its virtual lack of air pollution. Both electrical power and home heating are derived from the geothermal activity on the island.

St Petersburg
The jewel in the Baltic’s crown, St Petersburg is a Russian gem that boasts the world famous and massive Hermitage. This a highlight of any Baltic Cruise, although be prerpared for a slow, time-consuming journey from the port to the city centre. But it’s worth it, as St Petersburg offers perhaps some of the most inspiring sights of the Baltic.
On the broad banks of the River Neva and in the magnificent palaces and churches which characterise the city’s skyline, you will find Russia at its most dramatic, flamboyant and captivating.
The Hermitage Museum should be right at the top of your sightseeing list, with its magnificent buildings and palaces that contain the world’s most comprehensive collection of art and sculpture, including works by Leonardo da Vinci, Gaugin, Rembrandt and Matisse.

Spitzbergen
The northernmost point of land in Europe offers you two pretty impressive sights: a view that stretches out uninterrupted over the top of the world and the spectacle of the midnight sun, which never completely dips below the horizon.

Stockholm
An archipelago of 14 islands, open air museums, the world’s largest palace and an enchanting Old Town – Stockholm is a visual delight. It’s also a gastronomic one where you can sample the famous Swedish smorgasbord – a dazzling buffet that can consist of as many as 100 different dishes. Sweden’s capital has been called the most beautiful city in the world. This “city that floats on water” sprawls over 14 islands that are linked by over 50 bridges. Waterways wind in all directions. The hundreds of small boats that line the inlets and canals testify to the passion of every family to own and sail a boat.