Grand Baltic Sea Voyage

DAY 1
Depart U.S.
Depart the U.S. today on your flight to Copenhagen, Denmark.

DAY 2
Arrive Copenhagen, Denmark
Destination: Copenhagen
Meals included: D
Accommodations: Scandic Spectrum or similar

Afternoon: Upon arrival in Denmark, you'll be met at the airport by an O.A.T. representative or a driver and transferred to your hotel. Upon arrival, you will receive your room assignments, and check in. You'll be joining your fellow travelers who took the Copenhagen, Denmark pre-trip extension, as well as those who arrived early in Copenhagen.

Based on your arrival time, your Trip Experience Leader will offer multiple opportunities to join an orientation walk to get acquainted with the area. You may stroll by Amalienborg Palace, where the Danish royal family resides, or make your way to the glistening waterfront for a view of Maersk Opera House. You'll also walk past colorful Nyhavn as well as the many nearby grocery stores, pharmacies, and ATMs surrounding your hotel.

Dinner: At the hotel.

Evening: Your evening is free. You might choose to rest in your room after your journey, or continue exploring Copenhagen on your own.

Make the most of your time in Copenhagen with these suggestions for independent exploration from our local regional office. Your Trip Experience Leader will lead the activity with the most traveler interest.

Storm the Rosenborg Castle: This 400-year-old Renaissance castle was the work of the colorful Scandinavian King Christian IV, who had it built as his summer home in 1606-1607. Along with a collection of magnificent rooms and a Great Hall with the coronation throne guarded by three silver lions, the castle houses some of Denmark’s greatest treasures, including the Crown Jewels. How to get there: About a 10-minute walk. Hours: April-June, 10am-4pm, daily; July-October 2, 10am-5pm, daily. Cost: About $18 USD. (Free admission with provided Copenhagen card). Explore the Carlsberg Glyptotek: Discover this museum dedicated to the artistic collection of Carl Jacobsen—the son of Carlsberg Breweries founder—including his antique sculptures with influences from several ancient Mediterranean cultures, such as Rome, Greece, and Egypt. Originally displayed in the garden of Jacobsen’s private villa, his collection grew so much that an entire museum space was necessary to accommodate all the pieces. In addition to the sculptures, which are the focal point of the museum, art lovers will also appreciate a large collection of paintings from French impressionists, post-impressionists, and the Danish Golden Age—with works by Monet, Degas, Jacques-Louis David, van Gogh, and Bonnard. Visitors usually spend two to three hours here and end their tour by unwinding in the winter garden. How to get there: About a 30- to 45-minute walk from the hotel. Hours: 10am-5pm, Tuesday-Sunday; 10am-9pm, Thursday. Cost: About $11 USD per person, or free with your Copenhagen Card. Delve into the world of 18th-century European art at the David Collection museum: Peruse the notable art collections once owned by C. L. David, a prominent lawyer in Denmark, which include masterpieces from the 8th to the mid-19th centuries. This private collection is displayed in what was David’s home and since his death in 1960, the museum has continuously acquired new pieces. The three main permanent collections are the Collection of Islamic Art, the Collection of European 18th-Century Art (which is now complete), and the Collection of Danish Early Modern Art. The Islamic Art Collection is the most well-known and features pieces from an expansive area that spans from Spain to China (west to east) and Uzbekistan to Yemen (north to south). From furniture to silverware to paintings, discover “the most exclusive museum in Denmark,” as described by a Danish newspaper. How to get there: About a 20- to 30-minute walk from the hotel. Hours: 10am-5pm, Tuesday-Sunday; 10am-9pm, Wednesday. Cost: Free.

DAY 3
Explore Copenhagen • Embark ship
Destination: Copenhagen
Meals included: B D
Accommodations: M/V Clio

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: Following breakfast, we'll set out on a city tour with a local guide, learning about Copenhagen's history and taking in its iconic landmarks. Highlights of our tour include the Gefion Fountain, a massive fountain on the harbor that depicts the legendary Norse goddess Gefion; and Rosenborg Castle, which chronicles over four centuries of Danish royal history, and even houses the monarchy's royal jewels.

And of course we'll pause to see the city's signature attraction—the Little Mermaid monument. Unveiled in 1913, the Little Mermaid was designed from bronze and granite by Edvard Eriksen and given as a gift to the city from Danish brewer Carl Jacobsen of Carlsberg Breweries. The statue marks the influence of fairy tale writer Hans Christian Andersen, who was born in Copenhagen. Andersen published the original story in 1837 in a collection of children's stories, and since then, the journey of a young mermaid willing to risk everything for a human soul has been retold and adapted again and again. A small, but intricately sculpted statue, the Little Mermaid has guarded Copenhagen's harbor for over a century. In 2013, a celebration of the statue's 100th year took place throughout the city.

Our tour will end in bustling Stroget, one of Europe's longest pedestrian shopping streets.

Lunch: As your tour wraps up, walk with your Trip Experience Leader into the heart of Stroget where you can shop and have lunch at one of the many restaurants and cafés on your own. Perhaps you'll try a traditional favorite among Danish locals, smorrebrod (an open-faced sandwich), commonly topped with shrimp, meat, egg, or vegetables.

Afternoon: Following lunch, we'll make our way to our small ship, our home for the next 10 nights. Our ship docks close to Copenhagen's city center for privacy and convenience, where most larger ships are unable to dock.

Upon embarkation, you'll meet the Captain and crew in the lounge and participate in a safety briefing before taking some time to relax and get acquainted with the ship’s inviting common areas. The lounge is equipped with couches and chairs and a specialty coffee-maker, while a topside Sun Deck features ample deck chairs for admiring the scenery.

Prior to dinner, you'll meet with your Trip Experience Leader onboard for a Port Talk on Bornholm—your next destination. These informative conversations will give you an overview of the following day’s itinerary, and prepare you for the discoveries ahead.

Dinner: Served onboard in the ship's dining room. As with all the dinners during your cruise, the atmosphere is relaxed, the dress code is smart casual, and you are free to sit at whichever table you please.

Evening: You have the freedom to spend the rest of your evening as you wish as the ship sets sail for Bornholm. Perhaps you'll enjoy live music in the bar area.

DAY 4
Spend A Day in the Life of the Danish island of Bornholm • Captain's Welcome Dinner
Destination: Bornholm
Meals included: B L D
Accommodations: M/V Clio

Activity Note: Depending on availability and departure, you may experience one of several different A Day in the Life experiences.

Breakfast: Onboard the ship.

Morning: Because of our ship's small size, we'll be able to dock in Ronne this morning, a port town on Denmark's island of Bornholm. Strategically located in the Baltic Sea—just east of Denmark, south of Sweden, northeast of Germany, and north of Poland—claim to this northerly isle has been disputed for centuries. For most of this time, it was ruled by Denmark, but also by Sweden and Lübeck, Germany. Today, boasting a population of just under 40,000, the primary industries on Bornholm are dairy farming and arts and crafts, namely glass production and pottery using locally sourced clay.

Our day’s discoveries include A Day in the Life experience on this quaint, breezy island, where we'll first split up into smaller groups to make for an intimate morning. Your day may be spent learning about the art form of ceramics with local artists, visiting a family-owned organic farm, or exploring a family-owned apple cider production facility.

Lunch: At a local farmhouse, featuring farm-fresh, seasonal fare.

Afternoon: We’ll bid farewell to our hosts and drive back to the ship. This island has long been a popular vacation spot for the Danes, but not one that has been discovered by international travelers. Many locals also call Bornholm the "sunshine island" because it gets more sun than anywhere else in the region—all the more reason to take a stroll through its winding streets and soak in the sights.

Perhaps you'll want to explore the fishing town of Gudhjem. Perched high on a hill, you'll find panoramic views of the Baltic Sea as you amble through its quiet neighborhoods. Or, you might rather explore Svaneke to get a sense of small-town life in Denmark, from the town's rose-hued church to its colorful harbor. You may get the chance to chat with locals and learn about their businesses, or walk through the old market square.

Prior to dinner, you'll gather for a Captain's Welcome Cocktail before a Port Talk on Gdansk—your next destination.

Dinner: Gather in the ship's dining room for the Captain's Welcome Dinner. While the dress code at mealtimes is always relaxed and smart casual, some travelers opt to wear a day dress or slacks for the Welcome Dinner. As they say in Scandinavia, “smaklig måltid” ("enjoy your meal").

Evening: At leisure. Perhaps you'll enjoy a nightcap at the bar.

DAY 5
Explore Gdansk, Poland
Destination: Gdansk
Meals included: B L D
Accommodations: M/V Clio

Breakfast: Onboard the ship.

Morning: Depart for the heart of Gdansk, Poland—across from the very spot where World War II began. Our discoveries begin in the Stare Miasto (Old Town), which we'll explore alongside a local expert. A maritime city that's existed for a millennium, Gdansk has fluctuated between great prosperity and tragic destruction—and Old Town still shows both wartime scars and rich architectural beauty. As we explore on foot, our local guide will explain what went into the reconstruction of the town following World War II and how it recovered to become what it is today.

We'll wander past the town hall and its Neptune Fountain, rumored to have once spouted Gdansk's trademark liqueur, Goldwasser, instead of water. Along the way, witness the city's many gates—including the Green Gate, Golden Gate, and Upland Gate. We'll also see the Monument to the Fallen Shipyard Workers, three 138-foot-tall steel crosses at the entrance to the city's shipyard. A sudden spike in food costs in 1970 led to mass riots throughout northern Poland that left at least 40 dead and more than 1,000 wounded. This monument was the first to commemorate the victims of a communist regime.

Our walking tour will conclude at the Archaeological Museum, located along the banks of the Motlawa River. The building itself dates back to the 16th century, though much of it was destroyed during World War II and then later restored. The collections amassed here document and celebrate the cultural heritage of Poland. Once our tour concludes, we'll have some time to explore on our own.

Lunch: At a local restaurant.

Afternoon: Following lunch, we'll drive to the Solidarity Center, an institution that serves as a museum and library documenting the history of Solidarity, the Polish trade union, and other opposition movements of Communist Eastern Europe. There, a local guide will help us understand how Lech Walesa spearheaded the Solidarity movement as a labor activist. We'll also examine how he is viewed by the Polish population today. Walesa, who worked as an electrician, helped establish the Solidarity trade union in 1980. Solidarity is considered by many to have contributed largely to the fall of communism in the country, making its mark as the first independent workers' union in the Eastern Block that ultimately helped transform Poland into a democratic nation.

After our visit concludes, we'll return to the ship, which sails for Klaipeda, Lithuania, overnight. After some free time to relax onboard, you'll rejoin your fellow travelers and Trip Experience Leader for a Port Talk on Klaipeda.

Dinner: Onboard the ship.

Evening: You have the freedom to spend the rest of your evening as you wish. Perhaps you’ll enjoy a nightcap at the bar or relax in the lounge.

DAY 6
Klaipeda, Lithuania • Explore the Curonian Spit
Destination: Klaipeda
Meals included: B L D
Accommodations: M/V Clio

Breakfast: Onboard the ship.

Morning: We'll drive to Klaipeda’s ferry terminal, where we'll catch a ferry headed to the Curonian Peninsula. Klaipeda is the gateway to a coastal stretch known as the Curonian Spit, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This scenic area is separated by a protected lagoon on one side and exposed to the harsh Baltic Sea on the other.

Boasting 60 miles of curving coastline, this striking stretch of land has undergone quite a transformation throughout the last five centuries. Once a settlement of a now nearly extinct Baltic ethnic group, the Curonians (Kuršiai), the health of this natural environment quickly began declining due to significant human impacts, namely deforestation. As a result of this destruction, the miles of life-giving forests eventually gave way to lifeless dunes, which could no longer sustain the Kuršiai, and as a result, swallowed over a dozen villages. Today, thanks to a reforestation project aimed at stabilizing the dunes, the Curonian Spit has made a remarkable comeback, making it a prime location for outdoor activities such as bird watching.

After disembarking the ferry, we’ll drive to the village of Juodkrante. Here, our Trip Experience Leader will help us keep an eye out for the cormorants that make their home here, searching for their daily meals in the waters surrounding this narrow strip of land (much to the chagrin of the local fishermen who are trying to do the same).

We’ll then continue driving along the spit, taking in the scenic dunes that typify the local landscape as we make our way to the town of Nida, where we’ll have some free time to rest and stretch our legs.

Lunch: At a local restaurant.

Afternoon: The afternoon is yours to relax onboard as your ship cruises toward Visby. Rejoin your Trip Experience Leader in the lounge for a Port Talk about our next destination.

Dinner: Onboard the ship.

Evening: You have the freedom to spend the rest of your evening as you wish.

DAY 7
Explore Visby, Sweden
Destination: Visby
Meals included: B L D
Accommodations: M/V Clio

Breakfast: Onboard the ship.

Morning: We'll dock in Visby this morning, in a small port that larger ships are not able to access. Situated on the Swedish island of Gotland, Visby is considered the best-preserved medieval town in Scandinavia. Your walking tour begins at the Gotland Museum, where we'll enjoy a guided tour with a local expert. We'll delve into the rich history of the region as we view displays of pre-Viking picture stones, medieval wooden sculptures, and the world's largest collection of preserved silver treasure. Our local guide will provide insight on some of the museum's 400,000 collected objects that create a unique mosaic depicting medieval life in the Baltics.

Then, we'll continue with our local guide on a walking tour of the historic town of Gotland. First, you'll take a stroll through the colorful botanical garden, followed by a walk through the narrow streets of the old town to enjoy towering medieval architecture. As we explore this town from the Middle Ages, our local guide will discuss what everyday life is like in Gotland, and provide insight into the national identity of Gotlanders and their relationship with the rest of Sweden. Now is the perfect time to ask questions about Sweden's local culture, traditions, and current issues. Perhaps your guide can provide personal insight on environmental issues like soil degradation, or the country's centuries-long tumultuous relationship with Russia.

After our tour, you're free to make your own discoveries. Perhaps you'll want to witness the signature ringmur (ringwall) encircling the town since the 13th century. Reachable only by boat or plane, and beloved as a holiday destination for Swedes, the “City of Ruins and Roses” is rich with historical artifacts, earning it a designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. See its history unfold as its hundreds of warehouses and merchant homes tell the story of its heyday as a major port between Russia and Western Europe for the Hanseatic League.

You may also choose to visit a women's cooperative and talk with the members to gain a deeper understanding of the local culture and what its like to run and own a business in Sweden. The cooperative was established as a space for women to sell their artisan crafts, as well as food like homemade honey and jam and fresh fruit.

If you'd like to pursue a more active afternoon, you may hike to Visby's upper ruins for a panoramic view of Gotland and the harbor perched along the Baltic Sea.

Lunch: Onboard the ship.

Afternoon: The afternoon is yours to relax onboard as your ship cruises toward Riga, Latvia. Later, we'll rejoin our Trip Experience Leader in the lounge for a Port Talk about Riga's past and present.

Dinner: Onboard the ship.

Evening: You have the freedom to spend the rest of your evening as you wish. Perhaps you’ll enjoy a nightcap at the bar or relax in the lounge.

DAY 8
Explore Riga, Latvia • Home-Hosted Dinner
Destination: Riga
Meals included: B L D
Accommodations: M/V Clio

Breakfast: Onboard the ship.

Morning: After a leisurely breakfast, we'll drive to the Art Nouveau district of Riga. Situated near the mouth of the Daugava River, which travels from the Baltic Sea into Russia, Riga served as an important trade port for centuries. Its prosperity also made it a target for conquest: before Latvia declared itself an independent nation in 1918, Riga was claimed by Russia, Sweden, Lithuania, and Germany.

Upon our arrival, we'll set off on a walking tour of the Art Nouveau district. Accompanied by a local guide, we'll explore facades from the early 20th-century period, during which architecture took a romantic turn in response to the Eclecticism and Revivalist architectural movements of the 19th century. Riga's Art Nouveau buildings are identified by their blend of opulent decoration with practical structure, and are known for unique elements like tall stained glass windows and intricate sculptures. Your local guide will speak to the different styles nestled within the Art Nouveau trend and how each is represented throughout the district.

We'll continue our discoveries with a drive to the Old Town, passing through the city center. Along the way, we'll notice the influence of Soviet architecture here, as Riga's city center functioned as a manufacturing hub for the USSR during Latvia's Communist past. Our drive will also take us through a former Jewish ghetto, ruins of the former city wall, and the area's Byzantine-style Orthodox cathedral. Upon arrival in the Old Town, we'll embark on a walking tour. As a diverse, thriving city with a prominent upper class, Riga experienced radical change under occupation by the Soviets and Nazis. Buildings from Riga's most prosperous eras still stand throughout the city. As we discover the ancient relics of the city, you may witness ancient sites like St. Peter's Church, built in the 15th century and Riga's oldest monument. Perhaps you'll also want to explore the Town Hall square that dates back to the 13th century and features unique Hanseatic architecture around every bend.

Lunch: Onboard the ship. You also have the option to stay in Old Town for lunch at your own expense. This is a great time to try Latvia's traditional cuisine, such as pelmeni dumplings (often described as a cross between Polish pierogi and Italian tortellini) and karbonade—a type of pork that's flattened and fried.

Afternoon: Enjoy free time to relax on the ship and prepare for your local dinner tonight, or take one of the available shuttles to and from Riga's city center for further explorations. During this time, you also have the option to join your Trip Experience Leader for a walk to a local food market for a tasting of regional delicacies, as well as to peruse traditional Latvian arts and crafts. You might, for example, visit a local glassblower or stop by a chocolate stall to enjoy a sweet treat.

Late this afternoon, our group will reconvene and break into smaller groups to drive to the homes of local families for our Home-Hosted Dinner.

Dinner: In the home or apartment of a local family in Riga, we'll discuss what everyday life is like and gain a unique understanding of the city's culture over a traditional meal together. Riga is a spirited blend of old and new, with vestiges of Art Nouveau grandeur and cutting edge architecture at every turn. As we'll learn, this dichotomy is also apparent in local culture: a hip, cosmopolitan vibe informed by a turbulent, 800-year-heritage. While we dine, you might ask the family about ever-evolving traditions.

Our meal this evening will consist of traditional dishes made with local organic produce. These dishes will vary; however, you can look forward to the Latvian staple of rupjmaize, a variety of rye bread commonly enjoyed by locals.

Evening: We'll bid our hosts farewell and return to the ship, where you'll have the rest of the evening to rest and prepare for another day of discoveries.

Make the most of your time in Riga with these suggestions for independent exploration from our local regional office. Your Trip Experience Leader will lead the activity with the most traveler interest.

Learn about Latvia’s troubling past at the Museum of the Occupation of Latvia: Uncover the history of Latvia’s occupation, which lasted for 51 years—the Soviet Union from 1940-1941, Nazi Germany from 1941-1944, and then the Soviet Union again from 1944-1991. In the museum, visitors can view intergovernmental agreements and documents, photographs, and artifacts from a time of tragedy and totalitarian regimes. Gain a deeper understanding of the inhumane conditions Latvians were forced into, as well as their resistance against the occupying powers. The museum is home to nearly 60,000 items, plus an audiovisual archive of more than 2,300 testimonials from refugees and deportees.
How to get there: About a 20-minute walk.
Hours: 11am-6pm, daily.
Cost: Admission by donation. Guided tours are available for $11 USD per tour.

Listen to a Riga Cathedral Organ Concert: Experience a unique performance by choirs and organ players in a more than 800-year-old cathedral, and see one of the biggest organs in the world, containing over 6,000 pipes. Considered the largest medieval church in the Baltic states, the cathedral currently operates as both a Lutheran place of worship, as well as museum. During Soviet occupation from 1939-1989, religious services were prohibited, and it was solely utilized as a concert hall. Concerts range from 20 minutes to 1 hour in length.
How to get there: Around a 20-minute walk from the ship.
Hours: Hours of operation may vary depending on the day of the week—your Trip Experience Leader will provide more information upon request.
Cost: Approximately $12 USD-$23 USD per person.

Witness the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Riga Art Nouveau Museum: Containing collections of Art Nouveau artifacts made and used in Riga, this museum celebrates the city's unique architecture and is the only museum to focus on the Art Nouveau period in all of the Baltics. The centerpiece of the museum, which was once the lavish home of architect Konstantīns Pēkšēns, is a series of rooms designed to portray a typical, upscale residence during the early 20th century, complete with art, furnishings, and even clothing. The aim of these displays is to preserve this unique artistic heritage, as well as educate the public and even carry out research on various pieces.
How to get there: Around a 20-minute walk from the ship.
Hours: Tuesday-Sunday, 10am-6pm.
Cost: Approximately $10 USD per person.

DAY 9
Riga • Controversial Topic: The removal of Soviet-era monuments in Latvia • Optional Rundāle Palace tour
Destination: Riga
Meals included: B L D
Accommodations: M/V Clio

Breakfast: Onboard the ship.

Morning: We'll start off the day with a conversation with a local on the Controversial Topic of Soviet monuments in Latvia, and why there is a big push from the public today to dismantle and remove these relics of a past era. Just recently, Riga removed the central stone obelisk of a monument that was dedicated to the Soviet victory over Nazi Germany during World War II, due to the fact that it was decorated with Soviet iconography. The monument, built in 1985 while Latvia was controlled by the Soviets, has been a controversial image since 1991, when Latvia gained its independence from a collapsing USSR.

While many in Latvia consider this a way to heal from the traumas of the past, there is a large, ethnically Russian population in Latvia that feels different, and usually lays flowers and other tokens at monuments like this to remember the sacrifices made by the soldiers of the past. Recently, however, with Russia's invasion of Ukraine, tensions have flared, pushing Latvia to remove these monuments. We'll be able to discuss this recent development and the implications it has for the future with a local.

The rest of your day is free to explore Riga at your own pace. You might return to one of the sites visited on your bus tour, join your Trip Experience Leader for a walk through the city and conversation on locally-made products, or delve into the region's history as you explore sites like St. Peter's Cathedral.

Or, join us for our optional half-day excursion to Rundāle Palace, one of only two baroque palaces in Latvia. After our conversation about Soviet monuments concludes, we’ll drive to the palace for a tour of its elegant exterior and opulent rooms. Built in the mid-18th century as a summer residence for the Dukes of Courland, Rundāle Palace was created by Bartolomeo Rastrelli, the architect favored by Russian czars of the same era who also designed St. Petersburg's iconic Winter Palace. After exploring its interior, we’ll also have the opportunity to wander the palace’s formal rose garden.

Lunch: If you chose to remain in Riga today, you may enjoy an included lunch onboard, or grab lunch on your own in Riga during your day of independent exploration. Travelers on our optional tour will have lunch at nearby Baltā Māja guesthouse.

Afternoon: Those on our optional tour will drive back to the ship after lunch and rejoin their fellow travelers. Enjoy free time to relax as the ship sets sail for Tallinn.

Prior to dinner, sit down with your Trip Experience Leader for a Port Talk on Tallinn, a wonderfully preserved city of the old Hanseatic League. This ancient walled port on the Baltic Sea is a UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with remarkable fortresses, castles, and cathedrals. Medieval Tallinn is home to several towered gates, all bastion-forts complete with moats and drawbridges.

Dinner: Onboard the ship.

Evening: You have the freedom to spend the rest of your evening as you wish. Perhaps you’ll head out for a night on the town.

Rundāle Palace - $115/person

Embark on a half-day excursion to Rundāle Palace, one of only two baroque palaces in Latvia, where you’ll enjoy a tour of the palace’s elegant exterior and opulent rooms. Built in the mid-18th century as a summer residence for the Dukes of Courland, Rundāle Palace was created by Bartolomeo Rastrelli, the same architect favored by Russian czars of the same era who also designed St. Petersburg's iconic Winter Palace. After exploring its interior, you’ll wander the palace’s formal rose garden. Afterwards, savor lunch at nearby Baltā Māja guesthouse, featuring local specialties.

DAY 10
Explore Tallinn, Estonia
Destination: Tallinn
Meals included: B L D
Accommodations: M/V Clio

Breakfast: Onboard the ship.

Morning: Following breakfast, we'll view a documentary onboard about the Baltic Singing Revolution that occurred from 1987-1991. In 1987, the Soviet government revealed plans to establish phosphorite mines in the Virumaa region, causing concern among locals regarding the environmental impact of such a large endeavor. Unbeknownst to the Russian government, this decision was the catalyst for Estonia's fight for independence. In response to the mining plans, Estonians began expressing their resistance in an unusual way: through singing. Tallinn's Old Town Festival in 1988 saw the joining of hundreds of Estonians together in patriotic song. At music events and festivals thereafter, locals banded together to sing the same songs as their act of defiance. This sense of unity inspired the peaceful protests that followed, including the Baltic Way in 1989: a nearly 420-mile long human chain made of about two million residents of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. The country declared independence on August 22, 1991.

Then, we’ll board our private bus for a panoramic tour of Tallinn. On our way, we'll catch a glimpse of sites like the Rotterman Quarter, a time capsule of the city's industrial period nestled among modern buildings in the city center. We'll also see the sprawling campus of Tallinn University, considered one of the top research universities in the world. Later, we'll discover the district of Viru, which features a quite literal gateway to Old Town Tallinn: the towering stone gates originally built in the 1300s to protect the city now greet visitors as they enter Old Town and the many shops and restaurants within.

Once we arrive in Old Town, we'll set off on a walking tour. Within the city's ancient gated walls, the streets remain much as they were when Danish rulers built them in the 13th century. The historic city center is divided into the Lower Town and the Upper Town.

In the Lower Town, the 600-year-old Town Hall—the best-preserved of its kind in northern Europe—presides dramatically over Town Hall Square (Raejoka plats). The Upper Town is on Toompea Hill, where two 13th-century landmarks still stand: Toompea Castle (now the meeting place for the Estonian Parliament) and the Dome Church (Estonia's largest Lutheran sanctuary). Many of the city's historic buildings reflect the prosperity it enjoyed between the 14th and 16th centuries. Under German control, Tallinn flourished during these years as a trade port in the Hanseatic League. Later periods of Swedish and Russian rule also left their marks on Tallinn, whose rich layers of history we'll delve into during our tour.

Lunch: You may choose to return to the ship for an included lunch onboard, or you can stay in town and have lunch on your own. You may want to try a taste of Estonia's national fish—the Baltic herring—and enjoy a cold glass of locally-made beer or a cocktail, such as Saku or Le Coq.

Afternoon: You may want to visit a local marzipan shop, witness the Sweater Wall, climb the tower of St. Olav's Church to take in the views, or hike approximately one mile to the observation platform in the upper part of town. You also have the option to join your Trip Experience Leader for a walk to discover Old Town's hidden streets. Here you'll find artisan workshops featuring local artists honing their craft in textiles, ceramics, and much more.

Return to the ship via shuttle bus at your leisure prior to our Port Talk this evening.

Dinner: Onboard the ship.

Evening: You have the freedom to retire to your cabin, or continue enjoying the ship's amenities.

DAY 11
Discover Tallinn’s Song Festival Grounds
Destination: Tallinn
Meals included: B L D
Accommodations: M/V Clio

Breakfast: Onboard the ship.

Morning: We'll begin our day with an onboard discussion led by a local expert about Estonia's turbulent history.

Then, we’ll drive to the Song Festival Grounds: the stage where the historic musical demonstration against Soviet occupation took place. We'll meet with a local guide to discuss the details of the revolution and the choral traditions of Estonia, including a conversation about the "five patriotic songs" series sung at the Old Town Festival, produced by composer Alo Mattiisen in 1988.

Following our conversation, you have the choice to either return to the ship, or be dropped off downtown for further free exploration of Tallinn.

Lunch: Onboard the ship. If you’ve elected to remain in the city, your Trip Experience Leader can recommend options for your independent meal.

Afternoon: Free to explore Tallinn’s Old Town. You may choose to join your Trip Experience Leader for an elective walk to the city’s upper town, where we'll get panoramic views of our new surroundings from a viewing platform. A shuttle bus will be available to return us back to the ship later this afternoon before it begins its short journey to Helsinki, Finland.

Before we arrive, join your Trip Experience Leader for a Port Talk about this Finnish capital.

Dinner: Onboard the ship.

Evening: You have the freedom to spend the rest of your evening as you wish. Or, join your Trip Experience Leader for a short walk in Helsinki. Thanks to our ship's small size, we can dock right in the heart of this lovely capital, which makes our evening stroll possible.

DAY 12
Explore Helsinki, Finland • Captain's Farewell Dinner
Destination: Helsinki
Meals included: B L D
Accommodations: M/V Clio

Breakfast: Onboard the ship.

Morning: We'll set off on an included tour. As we wind our way through the city, we'll notice how the sea is an integral part of Helsinki—the city spreads out onto islands, peninsulas, and along coves among which boats of all types navigate.

First, we'll stop at the Sibelius Monument, a statue made of hundreds of metal pipes that commemorates the renowned composer Jean Sibelius, for a photo opportunity. Since it was first built in the 1960s, the monument has sparked debate among music lovers; the pipes seem to resemble those of an organ despite Sibelius writing little to no pieces for the organ itself. Beyond the controversy, the Sibelius Monument is a wonder to behold, capturing the highs and lows of Sibelius' intricate musical compositions in a single structure.

Next, we'll drive to the new Oodi public library, which also serves as a meeting place for Helsinki's residents, earning it the nickname "the living room of the city." Take time to observe local life happening around you as you make your way through the building. From there, we'll drive to Senate Square, where we'll make a brief stop to admire many ornate Empire Neo-classical buildings, including the 19th-century Lutheran Cathedral, whose central tower dominates the city. Like Times Square in New York City, this is the place where residents gather to celebrate special occasions, such as New Year's Eve and Independence Day (December 6th).

We'll wrap up our tour with a walk through Helsinki's Market Square in the city center. A lively area full of boutique and souvenir shops, vendors selling fresh produce and traditional Finnish fare, and colorful stands displaying artisan crafts, Market Square is perhaps the best way to immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of the city.

Lunch: Onboard the ship. Travelers who chose to stay in the market can try local favorites like salmon soup with rye bread.

Afternoon: You're free to make your own discoveries. Perhaps you'll take a stroll through Helsinki's design district. Located in the center of the city, the area is home to the works of Helsinki's most creative minds, featuring an array of art galleries, antique shops, fashion stores, and showrooms. You may also want to return to Market Square to mingle with local vendors and snack on staples like smoked fish and fresh berries. Return to the ship late this afternoon before it sets sail for Stockholm.

As we sail, you can enjoy some free time to relax after your day of discoveries. Then join your fellow travelers and Trip Experience Leader for a Captain's Farewell Drink.

Dinner: Enjoy the Captain's Farewell Dinner onboard in the ship's dining room. While the dress code at mealtimes is always relaxed and smart casual, some travelers opt to wear a day dress or slacks for the Farewell Dinner.

Evening: You have the freedom to spend the rest of your evening as you wish. Perhaps you'll enjoy a nightcap at the bar or relax in the lounge as we cruise.

DAY 13
Disembark ship • Explore Stockholm, Sweden
Destination: Stockholm
Meals included: B L D
Accommodations: Hilton Stockholm Slussen Hotel or similar

Breakfast: Onboard the ship.

Morning: After packing up, we'll gather with our Trip Experience Leader for a Port Talk on Stockholm. Then, enjoy scenic sailing as we make our way towards Sweden's capital. The Sun Deck is a great spot to soak in the vistas as we approach the city.

Upon arrival, we'll bid goodbye to the ship and the crew as we disembark for a city tour of Stockholm. Sweden's capital city, an archipelago within an archipelago, occupies a cluster of 14 islands floating among 24,000 that make up a 60-mile chain.

Our tour begins at Stadshuset, the romantic City Hall building famous for hosting the annual Nobel Prize banquet, which your Trip Experience Leader will discuss in detail as your explore. Designed in 1923, City Hall was constructed using eight million red bricks and 19 million chips of gilt mosaic. The Stadshuset is not just the city's seat of government, but is also a national symbol, as the building's 300-foot tower, topped with three golden crowns that represent Sweden's coat of arms, will attest.

Lunch: At a local restaurant in Stockholm.

Afternoon: After lunch, we resume our tour and continue to Gamla Stan, Stockholm's Old Town nestled at the heart of this great city. When we arrive, we'll set off on a walking tour through the labyrinth of cobbled streets. While the mighty Royal Palace dominates much of the Gamla Stan, there's still so much more to do and see. The picturesque isle is a labyrinth of narrow alleyways and staircases, home to antique shops, museums, statues, and churches.

The Stortorget (the “Big Square”), is the city's oldest square and site of the infamous Stockholm Bloodbath. Denmark—under the rule of King Christian II—invaded Sweden in 1520 and took the country for its own. Shortly thereafter, Christian rounded up all those who had challenged his rule and on November 8 and 9, he executed more than 80 Swedish nobles in the Big Square. According to legend, rivers of blood rushed through the streets. Today, the Stortorget is a brightly-colored square, home to a handful of cafés, the Stock Exchange, and an annual Christmas market.

After our tour concludes, you'll have free time to explore the ancient city on your own. Experience the gilded 15th-century sculpture of St. George at the Storkyrkan Church, or visit the Nobel Prize Museum to learn about the most prestigious award in the world, the world-changing ideas that have earned the prize, and its founder Alfred Nobel. Or, you can take this time to relax and grab a seat at a local café to observe everyday life, or peruse the shops.

We'll make our way to our hotel late this afternoon and check in. You may choose to relax prior to dinner, or head back out for final discoveries in Stockholm.

Dinner: Enjoy another Farewell Dinner with your travel companions and Trip Experience Leader at the hotel.

Evening: You have the freedom to spend the rest of your evening as you wish. You may want to rest for your flight tomorrow.

DAY 14 Stockholm • Return to U.S. or begin post-trip extension
Meals included: B
Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: Transfer to the airport for your flight home, or continue on our Stockholm, Sweden post-trip extension.