A new cruise offering from Smithsonian Journeys and PONANT
Sail from Helsinki to the World Heritage site of Tallin, the Polish port of Gdansk, and beyond, discovering rich Baltic cultures shaped by Vikings, Hanseatic merchants, and 20th-century political movements.
Cruising the Historic Cities of the Baltic Sea
Aboard the 184-guest Le Lapérouse or Le Champlain
8 days from $9,190
A new cruise offering from Smithsonian Journeys and PONANT
Sail from Helsinki to the World Heritage site of Tallin, the Polish port of Gdansk, and beyond, discovering rich Baltic cultures shaped by Vikings, Hanseatic merchants, and 20th-century political movements.
Tour Details
TOUR BROCHURE
brochureWHAT OUR TRAVELERS SAY
- Virginia, V.The trip of a lifetime on a beautiful ship with an amazingly attentive crew, personable captain, delicious world class dining and lectures and tours expertly curated plus FUN! An opportunity to meet others who appreciate similar experiences ... and doing Yoga on the top deck in the middle of the Baltic Sea!!!
JOURNEYS DISPATCHES
Overview
Post cruise program: Highlights of Copenhagen
August 20 - 22, 2025 - 3 days, 2 nights
Copenhagen is one of the great cities of Northern Europe, and this post-cruise program offers the chance to visit many of its highlights. It is the perfect way to bring your exploration of Historic Cities of the Baltic Sea to a leisurely conclusion.
Day 1 — Disembark | Copenhagen
After breakfast aboard, meet your guide for a panoramic tour of Copenhagen's major landmarks. Drive by the statue of the Little Mermaid, erected in 1913 in honor of Hans Christian Andersen and his world-famous fairytales, as you head to the Nyhavn waterfront. Here you will see 500-year-old gabled houses and discover the Old Stock Exchange, once the center of Copenhagen's finance and trade. One of the oldest public buildings in the city, it is topped by a spire with three golden crowns, symbolizing the shared history of Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. Next to the Old Stock Exchange is Holmens Church. Built in 1563, it was the site of the royal wedding of Queen Margrethe, Denmark's longest-reigning monarch.
After lunch at a local restaurant, head to Tivoli Gardens, one of the world's oldest amusement parks, and a source of inspiration for Walt Disney. Enjoy time at leisure to explore this fascinating public space on your own. Known for its stunning displays of flowers, its restaurants, cafés, and concert hall, Tivoli is also famous for two spectacular rides—a wooden roller coaster built in 1914 that is the world's oldest still in operation; and the Star Flyer ride, the world's tallest carousel. Walk around Tivoli Lake, visit the Tivoli Aquarium, hop on one of the many rides, or simply sit and enjoy the sights.
After your time in the Gardens, transfer to the Christianshavn quarter of the city, to check into the 5-start NH Collection Copenhagen Hotel, for overnight and independent dinner.
Day 2 — Copenhagen
Today's excursion takes you to the northern Jutland Peninsula to visit two of Denmark's most beautiful royal castles. Following breakfast, a scenic drive begins along the coast of Øresund, the narrow channel that separates Denmark and Sweden, and then turns inland, through the Danish countryside, where rolling hills and charming villages mark the way to Fredensborg Palace, the spring and autumn residence of the Danish royal family. Nestled amid lush gardens and serene lakes, Fredensborg is the very definition of 'picturesque'—the perfect spot to stretch your legs and capture a photo or two before continuing to nearby Frederiksborg Castle.
Frederiksborg is a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture, originally built in the early 17th century by King Christian IV on three islets in the middle of a lake. The castle’s stunning exterior is matched by its opulent interiors—richly decorated rooms, a magnificent chapel, and a truly impressive Great Hall. No longer used as a royal residence, the castle now houses the Museum of National History. The beautiful Chapel, which is home to the Compenius Organ, built in 1619 and the oldest still-functioning organ in the world, also serves as the official chapel of the Order of the Elephant, Denmark's highest honor. You will see coats of arms for Nelson Mandela, Charles de Gaulle, and many others.
Enjoy lunch at Rabarbergaarden (Rhubarb Farm), a restaurant serving meals of locally sourced organic produce in a former carriage house of the castle. Following lunch, enjoy time at leisure to stroll through the castle's beautifully landscaped gardens of meticulously designed flower beds, fountains, and sculptures, before returning to your hotel, where dinner is again independent.
Day 3 — Copenhagen
After breakfast at the hotel and check out, transfer to the airport for flights homeward.
Your hotel:
Located in the Christianshavn section of central Copenhagen, the NH Collection Copenhagen is a 5-star hotel overlooking the harbor, within easy walking distance of the Opera, Royal Library and Nyhavn. The 394 guest rooms offer contemporary elegance and reflect the very best of Scandinavian and international design. The rooftop restaurant and bar offer views over the city, and the hotel is equipped with a state-of-the-art gym.
Your program includes:
- 2 nights at the NH Collection Copenhagen Hotel (or similar)
- Transfer and luggage handling from the ship to the hotel on disembarkation day
- Transfer and luggage handling from the hotel to the airport on Day 3
- Breakfast and lunch on days 2 and 3
- Sightseeing and programming as noted in the itinerary
- Local English-speaking guides
- Gratuities for the drivers and local guides
Your program does not include:
- Transfer from the hotel to the airport on any day other than the scheduled program departure day
- Personal expenses and other services and meals not mentioned as included in the program
Please note:
- It is imperative that your flight departure details are communicated at least 30 days prior to the beginning of your cruise in order to secure your transfer from the hotel to the airport.
- Late check-out is available depending on availability and at a supplement. An additional night is possible, upon request and depending on hotel availability. Please contact reservations or your travel agent for further details.
- The official currency is the Euro. Credit cards are widely accepted.
- This post-cruise program is offered as a package. There will be no refunds for unused accommodations, meals, or excursions.
- Program is offered on a space available basis.
- Program is subject to change without notice.
- Virginia, V.The trip of a lifetime on a beautiful ship with an amazingly attentive crew, personable captain, delicious world class dining and lectures and tours expertly curated plus FUN! An opportunity to meet others who appreciate similar experiences ... and doing Yoga on the top deck in the middle of the Baltic Sea!!!
To see itinerary, please click on an option below.
Itinerary
Day 1 — Helsinki, Finland
Arrive in the design hub of Helsinki and embark the ship. Set sail across the Gulf of Finland tonight. (D)
Day 2 — Tallinn, Estonia
Having largely escaped the ravages of World War II, Tallinn’s World Heritage-designated Old Town has remained virtually unchanged for 600 years. During a walking tour of both the Upper and Lower Town, see Toompea Castle, the seat of Estonia’s Parliament; the landmark Alexander Nevsky Cathedral; and the 13th-century Church of St. Nicholas. Then descend to the Lower Town to visit the lovely Church of the Holy Spirit and the 15th-century Town Hall, the only intact Gothic-style hall in Northern Europe. Step back in time at a medieval apothecary, and enjoy free time to explore the craft market on the grounds of the Dominican Convent.
Alternatively, delve into Estonia’s 20th-century history, from its establishment as a republic in 1918, through Soviet occupation, and to its Singing Revolution, which reestablished Estonia’s independence in 1991. Take a guided tour of Maarjamäe Palace, now a history discovery center, and learn the story of Estonia’s people over the past century. See monuments of communist leaders collected from all over the country, and visit the Memorial to the Victims of Communism. End your excursion with a walking tour of the most important sites of the Old Town. (B,L,D)
Day 3 — Stockholm, Sweden
Arrive in Sweden’s magnificent “Venice of the North,” where fairytale medieval architecture meets cutting-edge design. Stroll the narrow lanes of the enchanting Gamla Stan, or Old Town, on a guided walking tour and choose from two ways to explore the city. Visit the renowned Vasa Museum, dedicated to a 17th-century warship that sunk on its maiden voyage; stop by Storkyrkan, the city’s oldest church; and admire the architecture of City Hall, where Nobel Prizes are awarded. Or visit the Royal Palace, then venture to Drottningholm Palace, the preferred residence of Sweden’s royal family, and explore its magnificent interior and grounds, including the intriguing Chinese Pavilion. (B,L,D)
Day 4 — Visby, Gotland
Drop anchor off the Swedish island of Gotland and venture to Visby, a walled city built on a Viking site that was a thriving center of Hanseatic League from the 12th to the 14th century. Photograph sweeping island views from the Gallow Hill, a medieval execution site, then set off into the cobblestoned streets of this beautifully preserved World Heritage site, lined with original merchants’ dwellings and medieval warehouses. Your walking tour includes the Cathedral of St. Mary, which dates to the early 1200s, as well as the renowned Gotland Museum and the rose-filled botanical gardens. (B,L,D)
Day 5 — Klaipeda, Lithuania
Spend a day discovering the Lithuanian coast on your choice of three excursions. Stroll among half-timbered houses in the Old Town of seaside Klaipeda, a hub of German-influenced architecture and historic treasures, and enjoy a performance of traditional Lithuanian songs followed by a tasting of typical Lithuanian dishes. Or venture to the Curonian Spit, a long and narrow piece of land recognized as a World Heritage site for its unique amalgam of culture and nature. Take a walk in Juodkrante, the oldest fishing village on the spit, see artifacts made from locally mined amber, and learn the legends of the mystical Hill of Witches. Alternatively, venture into the countryside to the small village of Samogitia and spend time at a family-owned bee farm. Learn about the age-old Lithuanian tradition of beekeeping, see how honey is made, and enjoy a tasting. (B,L,D)
Day 6 — Gdansk, Poland
Arrive in the vibrant seaside town of Gdansk, where a movement by shipyard workers upended European geopolitics in the late 20th-century. Go on a walking tour of its charming Old City, which was carefully restored after incurring heavy damage during World War II. Opt to visit the European Solidarity Centre, a museum and library dedicated to Poland’s civil resistance movement that is located on the edge of the Gdansk Shipyards where the historic strikes occurred. Or enjoy a private performance of the works of Chopin and Grieg at the Polish Baltic Philharmonic. While in Gdansk, you’ll be joined on board by former Polish president and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Lech Walesa, who led the Solidarity movement against Poland’s communist leadership in the 1980s. Gain insight into his pivotal role in securing workers’ rights and bringing about the downfall of communism in Poland. (B,L,D)
Day 7 — Bornholm, Denmark
Set at the western end of the Baltic Sea, the Danish island of Bornholm was a Viking stronghold before being passed between Hanseatic powers. Dock in Gudhjem and spend the day discovering the island’s picturesque coasts and rolling farmland. Immerse yourself in the charming village of Svaneke before an overview tour of the island’s sites. Or explore the ruins of the medieval Hammershus castle, perched precipitously on coastal cliffs. Meander through the fishing village of Allinge and visit one of its smokehouses to sample smoked herring with a cold beer. In seaside Gudhjem, watch glassblowers at work at the renowned Baltic Sea Glass workshop. Venture through lush forests to Østerlars, the oldest of the island’s unusual round churches. (B,L,D)
Day 8 — Copenhagen, Denmark / Depart for home
Disembark after breakfast and transfer to the airport for your onward flight. (B)
Included meals are denoted as follows: Breakfast (B), Lunch (L), Reception (R), Dinner (D)