Discover the radiant beauty of Baltic capitals from the fairytale castles and gardens of Copenhagen to Tallinn’s medieval walls and Helsinki’s charming Old Town. Spend two days in St. Petersburg enthralled by the gold-and-amber excesses of imperial palaces, the Hermitage, a perfectly performed ballet. Then venture to places off the beaten path, including some reserved exclusively for small ships like ours. Cruise through the middle of the German countryside as you cross the Kiel Canal. Nose into the tiny port of Harlingen with its 600 historic homes and UNESCO-designated wetlands. Stand on deck as your elegant ship arrives in Mariehamn, Port of the Last Windjammers, and docks next to a lovely windjammer from ages past. Go to sleep each night with stars in your eyes, even as the Midnight Sun is slow to set.

Experience your own private Stockholm as you explore the interlacing canals and 14 tiny islands that surround this magical city. Renowned for its progressive nature, Stockholm offers avant-garde design, and trendy fashions. Visit the UNESCO sites of Frottningholm and Skogskykogarden, and the Södermalm neighborhood to discover charming old homes and picturesque main streets lined with unique shops, art galleries, and entertaining nightclubs.

Art Nouveau buildings, museums, timeless restaurants, and charming cafés are sprinkled throughout the harbor dominating this maritime city. Discover reminders of the early czars’ influence at the Russian Orthodox Cathedral and the fortress on Suomenlinna Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Shop along Market Square and in Aleksanterinkatu. And don’t miss a chance to enjoy a cocktail at the breathtaking Hotel Kämp.

Anticipation grows as you approach Peter the Great’s magnificent city, golden domes glistening under the magical “White Nights” of summer. The Hermitage Museum is a must-see with 353 rooms filled with masterpieces by the likes of Michelangelo, Rembrandt, and Da Vinci. At Catherine Palace, step into the breathtaking Amber Room, painstakingly reconstructed after its mysterious disappearance in World War II. Peterhof, the town of palaces, rivals Versailles with its gilded fountains and sprawling parks. 

Anticipation grows as you approach Peter the Great’s magnificent city, golden domes glistening under the magical “White Nights” of summer. The Hermitage Museum is a must-see with 353 rooms filled with masterpieces by the likes of Michelangelo, Rembrandt, and Da Vinci. At Catherine Palace, step into the breathtaking Amber Room, painstakingly reconstructed after its mysterious disappearance in World War II. Peterhof, the town of palaces, rivals Versailles with its gilded fountains and sprawling parks. 

The spires of 14th century churches soar above fashion-forward cafés, restaurants, and shops within the stone walls of Tallinn. Medieval Old Town is the well-preserved – and thriving – center of town, where you’ll find impressive guild houses, St. Olav’s Church, and other architectural treasures. Beyond Old Town lies Peter the Great’s Baroque masterpiece, Kadriorg Palace – and sunny Pirita beach.

This historic city of palaces, canals, and copper spires casts a sense of enchantment upon all who walk its cobbled streets. Little wonder that Copenhagen’s favorite son, Hans Christian Andersen, was inspired to write some of the world’s most beloved fairy tales here. Stroll the 17^th century Nyhavn waterfront where Andersen once lived, complete with colorful row houses and historic tall ships. Enjoy world-class shopping on Strøget, the world's longest pedestrian street. Or find your amusement at world-famous Tivoli Gardens where tree-lined pathways lead to theaters, open air stages, restaurants, cafes, and over 80 attractions.

The busiest artificial waterway in the world, busier than the Panama Canal and the Suez Canal combined, this 61-mile-long canal saves a 250-mile detour.

This historic harbor town has a long history of fishing and shipping, and is filled with old canals, well-preserved merchants’ houses, and 17^th century warehouses. Wander through town to the 18^th century City Hall and wait for the next hour or half hour when the carillon will chime its pretty melody, or enjoy a pleasurable scavenger hunt as you search for gable stones. These carved and often painted stone tablets were set into the walls of buildings in olden times to help people navigate the streets before the advent of house numbers. Many give you clues to the building’s former purpose.

From the Firth of Forth, a UNESCO site, to the Royal Mile, Edinburgh is steeped in history. Edinburgh Castle. The Royal Botanic Gardens. The UNESCO site of Old Town. The wonders of Edinburgh are never ending. From one of Europe’s best-preserved castles to the world’s longest herbaceous border, a riot of color and culture pervades. In this city as old as Scotland itself, you’ll find the perfect blend of historic tradition and natural beauty.