Circumnavigating the Baltic Sea

Fly overnight and arrive in Denmark’s capital on Day 2. Board the ship and cruise the charming canals of this old maritime city.

Lübeck, medieval capital of the Hanseatic League and its intact ensemble of step-gabled merchants’ houses, red-bricked warehouses and narrow alleys are protected as a World Heritage Site. The Zodiac or walking tour will take you to Buddenbrockhaus, home of Lübeck’s famous sons, authors Heinrich and Thomas Mann.

This morning will be an expedition morning on the small island of Christiansø, where there is the chance to take a morning hike with the naturalists or a National Geographic photographer. This afternoon on Bornholm, choose between hiking up to the cliff-top ruins of Hammershus fortress, exploring the island’s round churches and white sandy beaches, or enjoying a smoked herring tasting and a leisurely stroll around the fishing harbor.

See Gdańsk’s art and architecture, including the Gothic-Renaissance Town Hall and National Museum. Visit the Westerplatte peninsula, where WWII began. See the European Solidarity Center.

Explore the wild barrier peninsula called the Curonian Spit, a UNESCO World Heritage site shared by Lithuania and Russia. Learn of folk tales at the Hill of Witches and see some of Europe’s tallest sand dunes; spend the morning at the Ventė Cape Ornithological Station to explore the lighthouse and dunes while learning about migratory bird populations.

Tour Riga’s wooden houses, art nouveau architecture, cafes and the Central Market.

Cross the Gulf of Riga to Estonia, arriving in Tallinn this morning. Stroll the medieval streets of Town Hall Square on a guided walking excursion through the walled, cobblestoned Old Town with its Kiek in de Kök, a 15th-century defensive tower. Take in the view from Dome Hill of Tallinn’s picturesque spires and gables.

Discover this dazzling gem over two days, including the renowned art collection of the Hermitage, the Peter and Paul Fortress, St. Isaac’s Cathedral, and the opulent royal palace and parks of Catherine the Great at Pushkin.

Discover Finland’s intricate coastline with numerous bays, inlets, and islands rich with natural history and ripe for exploration by kayak and Zodiac.

Cruise the Stockholm archipelago en route from coastal Finland to Sweden’s beautiful capital. Keep cameras handy as the ship travels through the scenic archipelago to arrive in Stockholm, a city built on 14 islands.

See the royal Vasa warship and stroll the streets of the Old Town. The ship stays docked overnight to enable more time enjoying this magical Scandinavian city.

Enjoy a walking tour of the Viking city of Visby, wandering through its cobblestoned streets to the edge of the city’s stone walls. End at the Gotland Museum, where you’ll learn of the island’s fascinating history. Alternatively, opt to bike across the Gotland countryside with a local guide.

Spend the day exploring the Southern archipelago of Sweden.

Disembark the ship this morning and transfer to your flight.

Included

Accommodations; meals indicated; bar tab; excursions; services of expedition leader, naturalist staff and expert guides; use of kayaks and bicycles; entrance fees; all port charges and service taxes; gratuities to ship’s crew.

Exclusions

Immigration fees; air transportation; personal items such as emails, laundry, voyage DVD, etc.; insurance of any kind.

Payment & Cancellation

In order to confirm this trip, a deposit of $2,500 is required per person at time of booking. The balance of the trip price is due 120 days before the departure date. Special holiday payment and cancellation terms may apply. Guests who must cancel their trip for any reason must do so in writing. Standard cancellations are subject to the following per-person penalties, based on number of days prior to departure:
180 or more days – $750 of deposit retained (may be applied to future trip by trip operator)
179 to 120 days – 100% of deposit
119 to 90 days – 25% of total trip cost
89 to 60 days – 50% of total trip cost
59 to 0 days – 100% of total trip cost

Terms & Conditions

This trip is subject to AdventureSmith Explorations Terms and Conditions. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A Traveler Information Form, which includes a release of liability, must be completed and signed by all travelers. Your Adventure Specialist will send you a unique link to complete this form along with a packing list and extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information upon booking confirmation.

Arrival & Departure

The main Circumnavigating the Baltic Sea cruise begins and ends in Copenhagen, Denmark (CPH). Group flights are recommended for this cruise, with the 2020 group flight arriving into Copenhagen at 7:15am on day 2 and departing Copenhagen at 10:25am on day 16; your AdventureSmith Specialist can assist with details for your specific departure. General recommendations are to arrive to Copenhagen anytime on day 2 of the itinerary. Disembarkation is after breakfast on day 16 of the itinerary. Plan to depart Copenhagen on the final day of the cruise no earlier than 10:25am. If you would like assistance with international flights, please visit our Booking Flights resource page.

Activities

Whether you are looking for light activity options or more challenging outdoor pursuits, the ship’s crew can tailor most excursions to suit your skill level. Adventure activities may include walking, hiking, kayaking, inflatable boat/skiff excursions and photography.

Room Configuration

In addition to listed Solo cabin rates, select double-occupancy cabins may be available for single occupancy with a single supplement fee. If you would like to share accommodations with another guest of the same gender, we will be happy to try to accommodate you in select cabin categories. This program allows you to pay the per person double-occupancy rate whether or not a roommate is found. Contact AdventureSmith for further details and availability.

Families & Children

Children under the age of 18 are eligible for $500 off the double occupancy rate. Skilled staff members trained with National Geographic Education organize activities that inspire curiosity in young people of all ages. Programming for kids may include activities like photo workshops, journaling, scavenger hunts, Zodiac-driving lessons, hands-on nature and science programming and kid-friendly menu options.