Removed from the former Soviet Union’s shadow, the remarkably preserved and charming cities of the Baltic Sea have staged a stunning cultural rebirth. Join art historian Mariana Carpinisan on a voyage that features some of Europe’s finest medieval architecture, as well as bustling and cosmopolitan capitals. Sail to eight countries united by the Baltic Sea, encountering fairytale castles, dazzling medieval architecture, and untouched natural splendor. Time to explore the dynamic capitals of Copenhagen, Stockholm, and Helsinki, as well as the Hanse towns of Lübeck and Gdánsk, is balanced with peaceful island stops where nature walks offer a more active way to experience remarkable natural beauty. Your Baltic adventure concludes with three days in magnificent St. Petersburg, Russia’s beautiful canal-lined “Window to the West.”

August 29 — Depart the U.S.
Fly overnight to Copenhagen, Denmark on individual flights.

August 30 — Copenhagen and embark Ship
Arrive in Copenhagen in time for lunch and a stop at the Little Mermaid statue before embarking the National Geographic Explorer. (L,D)

August 31 — Lübeck, Germany
Enjoy a splendid introduction to the Hanseatic and Renaissance architecture of Lübeck during a boat ride along the canals. After lunch, explore the city on foot during a guided walk. (B,L,D)

September 1 — Christiansř and Bornholm Islands, Denmark
Land by Zodiac at tiny Christiansř for a morning of reflection and photography. Continue to verdant Bornholm and see the ruins of ancient Hammershus Castle. (B,L,D)

September 2 — Gdánsk, Poland
Dock at the historic shipyards with its moving Solidarity Monument and stroll the red-brick inner city with its old merchant’s houses and 15th-century Artus Court. By special arrangement, meet with former President of Poland and Nobel Peace Prize winner Lech Walesa. (B,L,D)

September 3 — At Sea
Enjoy the ship's amenities and lectures by your Study Leader Mariana Carpinisan during a day at sea. (B,L,D)

September 4 — Riga, Latvia
Riga is recognized as having the finest collection of art nouveau buildings in Europe. Today, we'll explore the Old Town and 14th-century Riga Castle. (B,L,D)

September 5 — Visby, Gotland, Sweden
See the superb Viking exhibits at the Fornsal Museum and explore the botanical gardens of this once important Viking walled city and trading post. (B,L,D)

September 6 — Stockholm
Visit the famed Vasa Museum with its restored 17th-century warship and stroll the cobbled streets of Old Town Gamla Stan. (B,L,D)

September 7 — Swedish Archipelago
Today is a day of exploration. We navigate through the enchanting islands of the archipelago, looking for opportunities to kayak, walk ashore, and soak up the Swedish landscape. (B,L,D)

September 8 — Tallinn, Estonia
Stroll through the medieval streets of the Old Town and Town Hall Square and take in the view from Dome Hill of Tallinn’s picturesque assortment of spires and gables. The evening is free to explore at leisure. (B,L,D)

September 9 — Helsinki, Finland
Wake up to our scenic approach to regal Helsinki. Join a guided walk through the city. Visit the magnificent Cathedral Tuomiokirkko and the busy open-air market, then take a ferry ride to the Suomenlinna Fortress. (B,L,D)

September 10-12 — St. Petersburg
Upon disembarkation, check into the five-star Grand Hotel Europe. Explore St. Petersburg’s imperial luxuries and artistic bounty, including the Hermitage Museum, the grandiose Peter & Paul Fortress, St. Isaac’s Cathedral, Peter the Great’s Summer Palace at Petrodvorets, and the opulent palace of Catherine the Great at Pushkin. On one evening, dinner will be on your own with the option to attend a ballet performance at Catherine’s private theater in the Hermitage. (3B,3L,2D)

September 13 — Depart St. Petersburg
Depart St. Petersburg for the U.S. (B)