Trace the northern shores of Baltic Sea from Copenhagen to the Gulf of Finland, encountering beautiful islands and historic cities along the way. Cruise between age-old fishing hamlets of bright colored houses, meander through medieval fortifications and trading towns, and explore the rugged islands of Christiansø and the Stockholm Archipelago. Immerse yourself in the unique traditions of Finland’s Swedish-speaking corner, and travel back in time amid the vestiges of Hanseatic traders, Vikings, and Nordic heroes.
The highlight includes:
- Venture into the beautifully preserved, fortified town of Visby on the Swedish island of Gotland, a center of medieval cross-Baltic trade
- Take in gorgeous views of the wild Stockholm Archipelago and navigate the isles by kayak or Zodiac
- Stroll the streets of Stockholm, from the old town and the Vasa Museum to an open-air museum of historic buildings
- Visit Finland’s Swedish-speaking regions in the Åland Islands and in Turku, Finland’s oldest city
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Day 01
Copenhagen, Denmark
Embark the National Geographic Orion then settle into your cabin and prepare for an evening departure.
Meals included: Lunch and Dinner (L,D)
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Day 02
Christiansø, Denmark
Enjoy the scenery as we sail out of Copenhagen and east into the Baltic Sea. In the Christiansø archipelago, take a Zodiac to the namesake island of Christiansø, where Danish fortifications date from 1684. Explore the craggy shores and lighthouse—the first in Denmark to have a flashing light. There are no cars on Christiansø, and, aside from humans, just one mammal, the hedgehog. Look for eider ducks, razorbills, and more nested on the small island of Græsholmen, a bird sanctuary.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner (B,L,D)
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Day 03
Visby, Gotland, Sweden
Spend the day exploring Visby, one of the best-preserved medieval towns in Scandinavia. The town, founded as a Viking settlement, became a center of the Hanseatic trade in the 12th to 14th centuries. Stroll the cobblestone streets of the enchanting old town and walk along its nearly two-mile-long, 13th-century wall. Ride a bike through town or along the many bike paths across the island of Gotland. Or take a guided photo walk through medieval neighborhoods and visit the Gotlands Museum. This evening, join us for a special night on the town.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner (B,L,D)
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Day 04
Stockholm Archipelago, Sweden
Anchor near the small island of Utö off the Swedish coast and explore its rugged shores by kayak. Or take a Zodiac to the island to walk through Utö's nature preserve and see an old iron-mining village. Keep your camera handy as we maneuver through the scenic Stockholm Archipelago to dock in Sweden's capital.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner (B,L,D)
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Day 05
Stockholm, Sweden
In downtown Stockholm marvel at an amazingly preserved wooden warship, the Vasa, from 1628, then take a walking tour of Gamla Stan (“old town”) or learn about Sweden's living history at the Skansen open-air museum. This afternoon, enjoy time on your own or take a photo safari through UNESCO-recognized Woodland Cemetery. Stay docked overnight so you can enjoy this magical Scandinavian town.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner (B,L,D)
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Day 06
Mariehamn, Åland, Finland
Sail through the far eastern islands of the Stockholm Archipelago to the Åland Islands, an autonomous, Swedish-speaking, Finnish territory. In Mariehamn, the capital, tour the Åland Maritime Museum and visit the four-masted merchant sailing ship Pommern.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner (B,L,D)
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Day 07
Turku, Finland
Visit Turku, the oldest city in Finland. Explore Turku Castle, the Luostarinmäki Handicrafts Museum, and the artwork and underground ruins at Aboa Vetus and Ars Nova museum. Crossing the Gulf of Finland to Estonia, make an island stop for a short afternoon hike and authentic outdoor Finnish sauna experience before a farewell dinner aboard the ship.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner (B,L,D)
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Day 08
Tallinn, Estonia
Disembark to catch your return flight home or remain for an added stay in our centrally-located hotel in Tallinn.
Details
Contact us about this itineraryCruise Line: National Geographic and Lindblad Expeditions
Cruise Ship: National Geographic Orion
National Geographic Orion was created from the outset to explore the far corners of the Earth in complete self-sufficiency.
Guest: 102
Tonnage: 4,050
Passenger Decks: 6
Route details
From Copenhagen to Tallinn
Dates (7 nights)
2019 departures are available from January to December