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 fairytale city is filled with magical choices. Explore the harbor where Hans Christian Andersen once lived. Pay your respects to the Queen at Rosenborg Palace, or to the Danish Parliament at Christiansborg Palace. Find a feast for the eyes and food for the soul (and stomach) at Tivoli Gardens.

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.

With a long history of fishing and shipping, Harlingen is a lovely town of old canals, charming merchants’ houses, warehouses and a network of quaint narrow alleys. On the shores of the Wadden Sea, a UNESCO Site, attractions include one of the best preserved warehouses, Blauwe Hand, built in 1647, the Harlingen Lighthouse, built in the early 1920s and now a hotel, and the 18th century City Hall right in the center of town.

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.