Viking Homelands Baltic Sea Cruise from $5,699

Travel Team > Cruises > Viking Homelands Baltic Sea Cruise from $5,699

DAY 1   Stockholm, Sweden

Begin your cruise in Stockholm’s stunning archipelago, nestled where Lake Mälaren meets the Baltic. Take in this amazing city spread over 14 islands and its 13th-century Old Town, or Gamla Stan, with German-influenced architecture. Consider a trip to the Vasa Museum to see an amazingly preserved 17th-century ship, or indulge in a smörgåsbord complete with traditional smoked salmon. Or opt for a trip to Skokloster Castle in the Swedish countryside.

DAY 2   Stockholm, Sweden

Spend the morning exploring Stockholm’s architectural and natural wonders. Perhaps you will embark on an intimate boat tour and take in the breathtaking cityscape from the waters. Attend a private performance at the famed opera house. Or head on your own to the heart of the city to stroll the inviting footpaths of Djurgården Island, once a royal game park and today a picturesque recreational area blanketed in green. We depart in the early afternoon for a scenic cruise through the Stockholm archipelago.

DAY 3   Helsinki, Finland

Spend the day in Helsinki, known as the “White City of the North.” Take an included city tour and view the Uspenski Cathedral; its 13 magnificent green and gold domes represent Christ and the apostles. Nearby is Porvoo, a charming medieval town with cobbled streets that weave between historic wooden buildings. Or travel to the home of composer Jean Sibelius at Ainola and take in a concert at the summer school. Alternatively, visit the 18th-century Suomenlinna Fortress, one of the world’s largest historical maritime fortresses. Another highlight is the spectacular Temppeliaukio Church, also known as the “Rock Church” – a subterranean sanctuary with rough-hewn walls of granite.

DAY 4   St. Petersburg, Russia

From morning through the next day, explore majestic St. Petersburg. Enjoy an included tour that shows you St. Isaac’s Cathedral, the Peter and Paul Fortress, Nevsky Prospekt and more. Our overnight stay allows time to choose an optional tour of the Hermitage, an evening at a private concert and more as we will be spending the night in port.

DAY 5   St. Petersburg, Russia

Awake in St. Petersburg for a second day of exploration. Today you can choose to return to the city for a more detailed look at the wonders on display or journey into the countryside to visit the magnificent summer places of the Tsars of Russia. If you didn’t take yesterday’s included guided tour you can do so today. Or opt for one of the many optional tours.

DAY 6   Tallinn, Estonia

Awake with a full day in Tallinn, where you can nibble your way through intricate edible creations, for this is the birthplace of marzipan. One of the best-preserved medieval Old Towns in Northern Europe, Tallinn is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with picturesque cobbled streets, red rooftops and beautiful views of the sea. Stroll the Lower Town’s narrow 13th-century streets, passing the Great Guild House, House of the Brotherhood of the Blackheads and Town Hall (1404). You can even explore Katarina (St. Catherine’s) Passage, lined with handcraft workshops. Additionally, you’ll be able to experience the summer evenings, when the streets are filled with locals.

DAY 7   Cruise the Baltic Sea

Relax today aboard your ship. Learn more about your upcoming destinations during an intriguing port talk, and explore your ship, perhaps unwinding in the spa’s snow room and sauna, or by taking a dip in the infinity pool. Tonight, try a regional specialty in The Restaurant, or take in a recent movie in one of our three theaters—two indoor and one under the stars at the main pool.

DAY 8   Gdańsk (Gdynia), Poland

Gilded Goldwasser. Glowing amber. Gothic cathedrals. Your stop in Gdansk is one of the richest cities in the Hanseatic League. Spend the morning strolling the remarkably restored old town with its mix of Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque styles. Perhaps you’ll indulge in the traditional pierogi dumplings, or a glass of gold-flecked Goldwasser—a liqueur created here in the 16th-century. Or, opt to explore the medieval Teutonic stronghold, Malbork Castle, the world’s largest castle and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

DAY 9   Berlin (Warnemünde), Germany

From port, take the included transfer through the scenic countryside of the Mecklenburg region to Germany’s historic capital, Berlin—just a few hours away—where you will have the day to explore. Here you can discover at your own pace the major sights of the Berlin Wall, Alexanderplatz square and “Checkpoint Charlie.” Alternatively, on an optional tour take lunch in the Kafer restaurant, which perches atop the magnificent Reichstag.

DAY 10   Copenhagen, Denmark

Originally a Viking fishing village founded in the 10th century, the Danish capital boasts over 850 years of history. With an entire day to explore, pass the brightly colored houses of Nyhavn or “New Harbor,” once the home of Hans Christian Andersen. Discover the sumptuously Rococo interiors of Amalienborg Palace, the winter residence of the Danish Royal Family. You may also want to consider a trip to the ornate Kronborg Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the inspirational setting of Shakespeare’s Hamlet. This fairy tale city provides plenty to explore, including delights for your palate at one of the many Michelin-starred restaurants, where you can indulge in a decadent lunch or an early dinner.

DAY 11   Ålborg, Denmark

Founded by the Vikings in the late 900s, this historic city straddles both sides of the Limfjord Sound. Spend the morning strolling along to Nytorv (New Square) to see the Renaissance-style Jens Bangs Stonehouse, the Baroque-style town hall, and the charming 14th-century Budolfi Church. Take in the lively Jomfru Ane Gade, a street lined with trendy cafés and restaurants. Or, opt for a tour led by a local chef to taste traditional aquavit, a herb-infused spirit distilled here since the 15th century.

DAY 12   Stavanger, Norway

From the heart of Old Town, where your ship berths, you will have the morning and early afternoon to explore. Start in the old quarter, Gamle Stavanger, which has Europe’s highest concentration of wooden buildings from the 17th and 18th centuries. Or consider a cruise along the Lysefjord to see the famous Preikestolen or “Pulpit Rock,” jutting out nearly 2,000 feet above—it is one of Norway’s most famous natural attractions. Offshore oil drilling is an important industry for the local economy and the award-winning Petroleum Museum tells the story of the dangers faced extracting this precious fuel. While ashore, don’t forget to indulge in waffles with cream and sweet jams.

DAY 13   Eidfjord, Norway

Cruise through breathtaking fjords into the village of Eidfjord, nestled in the heart of one of Norway’s most scenic regions. Ascend Europe’s largest mountain plateau, Hardangervidda, for sweeping views of epic Nordic landscapes. Here, in Norway’s largest national park, visit the informative Nature Center and perhaps view the Hardangerjøkulen glacier in the distance. You can also marvel at the stupendous 550-foot drop of the Vøringsfossen waterfall into the cavernous Måbødalen canyon. Alternately, you can opt to visit the expansive fruit orchards of Lofthus or tour Europe’s largest hydroelectric power plant at Simadal.

DAY 14   Bergen, Norway

Encircled by majestic mountains, fjords and glaciers, Bergen was home to Viking sagas. With Viking Star berthed next to the UNESCO-listed Bryggen wharf, easily stroll along its waterfront. See the beautiful 18th-century wooden houses, and visit the Hanseatic Museum on your included tour. Or take an excursion to the home of Edvard Grieg, Norway’s famous composer, in Troldhaugen, or a trip to the top of Mt. Ulriken to savor an “Ulriken Bun,” a cinnamon pastry, at the mountaintop restaurant. This evening be one of the locals and dine ashore as we will be spending the night in port.

DAY 15   Bergen, Norway

Awake in Bergen, where you will be departing your ship. From here, you can easily spend a few extra days to further explore this city or discover other areas of Norway.