22 Day Baltic Sea Capitals with European Gems

After breakfast at the hotel, embark on an exploration of Helsinki, a city that effortlessly blends history with modernity. Begin in the oldest part of the city with a visit to Senate Square surrounded by majestic neoclassical buildings, dominated by the green-domed Helsinki Cathedral overlooking the square. Then, travel to the Olympic Stadium, the centre stage of the 1952 Summer Olympics, to enjoy its architecture up close. Continue exploring the city’s contemporary architecture including Helsinki University Library, the modernist National Opera House, and the abstract Sibelius Monument, created from 600 hollow steel pipes, honouring celebrated composer Jean Sibelius. Marvel at the astounding Temppeliaukio Church, resembling a giant space ship that’s crashed into the city centre.

You’ll then enjoy a guided cruise admiring the beautiful archipelago and shorelines of Helsinki. During the cruise, you’ll pass the historic Suomenlinna Sea Fortress, the impressive fleet of ice-breaker vessels, and the City Zoo located, on Korkeasaari Island. The remainder of the day is free for you to explore Helsinki independently, perhaps finding an establishment to enjoy dinner this evening.

This morning, board a local ferry and glide across the calm waters of the Gulf of Finland to Tallinn in neighbouring Estonia. Arrive in the picturesque capital and head to your hotel for check-in. In your free time this afternoon, perhaps venture to the historic Old Town to stroll along its cobbled streets and admire the medieval architecture, appreciating why its often considered one of the best-preserved Old Towns in Europe, and recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.

Tonight, savour your first taste of authentic Estonian cuisine at the hotel’s restaurant.

After breakfast, depart your hotel for a guided sightseeing tour of Tallinn by coach to enjoy the city’s medieval gems. Marvel at the magnificent Alexander Nevsky Cathedral adorned with flowing arches and topped with five onion domes — it’s one of the city’s most distinguishing sights. Head to the Toompea district in Tallinn’s medieval Old Town, surrounded by charming historic buildings, including the pink-coloured parliament, and the stark white of 13th-century St Mary’s Cathedral, also known as the Dome Church. In Town Hall Square, gaze upon the oldest surviving town hall in northern Europe, before continuing to view the House of the Blackheads, formerly known as the House of the Brotherhood of Black Heads — a professional association of ship owners, merchants and foreigners dating to the 14th century. The building is the only example of preserved Renaissance architecture in Tallinn. Your medieval experience in Tallinn concludes with a glimpse into life behind the ‘iron curtain’ with a guided tour of the KGB Museum, featuring fascinating exhibits of historical relics.

Tallinn offers a rich culinary scene. Tonight in your free time, explore the many restaurants, cafes and bars on offer for a culinary adventure, perhaps sampling an elk stew or a dish of wild boar.

Uncover Estonia’s fascinating seafaring history, starting with a visit to the Estonian Maritime Museum at Seaplane Harbour. This innovative complex is housed in a historic seaplane hangar and showcases Estonia’s naval history through artefacts, model ships, an authentic Russian submarine, icebreaker, and a seaplane.

The remainder of the day is free for you to explore Tallinn at your own pace. You might wish to grab a table at one of the cafes overlooking the town square and experience a taste of local life in Estonia’s capital. This evening, you have the opportunity to dine independently at one of the city’s many eateries or, perhaps, experience the unique medieval flavours served up at Olde Hansa restaurant, complemented by 14th century-style entertainment.

This morning, transfer to Tallinn’s railway station for your scenic train journey to Riga via the border town of Valga, winding your way through lush forests dotted with quaint towns. Switch trains in Valga and continue your journey to Latvia, bound for its beautiful capital, Riga. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel on the edge of the Old Town for check-in. This evening, delight in Latvian cuisine at a local restaurant for dinner.

Unlock the history of Riga on a tour of the capital, home to approximately a third of the country’s population. Travel to Riga’s Old Town and see the ornate House of the Blackheads. Similar to the one in neighbouring Tallinn, the building acted as a meeting point for the city’s merchants and visiting traders. Stroll along the cobbled streets of the historic quarter, admiring its charming medieval buildings, including a trio of fairytale-like houses known as the Three Brothers. Enter Riga’s 13th-century cathedral and explore what is considered the largest cathedral among the Baltic states.

With a free afternoon, you could choose to stroll along Albert Street, marvelling at the wealth of Art Nouveau buildings. Alternatively, stumble upon local gems on your independent exploration, perhaps finding a cosy place to enjoy authentic local cuisine for dinner.

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for an included flight to Amsterdam, where your river ship awaits. Upon arriving in Amsterdam, you’ll be met and transferred to your ship for embarkation. If time allows, you can explore this vibrant city, renowned for its stunning canals and relaxed charm. Later this evening, join your Cruise Director and fellow travellers for a Welcome Reception on board.

Board a glass-top boat and glide through Amsterdam’s maze of waterways with a local guide, before enjoying some time at leisure. Afterwards, drive to Utrecht to rejoin your vessel for tonight’s special Gala Dinner.

Learn how the twin spires of Cologne’s famous cathedral, the Kölner Dom, took over six centuries to complete as you cruise into this picturesque city. Disembark and take a short drive to Brühl for your Insider Experience. This afternoon, enjoy free time to explore the centre of Cologne at your leisure.

Insider Experience – Augustusburg Palace

Explore the former residence of Archbishop-Elector Clemens August, the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Augustusburg Palace in Brühl. Hear fascinating stories and stroll through the landscaped parks and gardens linking the palace and the Falkenlust hunting lodge. Together, they are among the finest examples of 18th-century Rococo architecture in Germany.

Experience a true holiday highlight as you cruise through the Rhine Gorge, considered the most scenic stretch of the Rhine. Your ship docks in Rüdesheim, where the Winzerexpress mini train takes you through the town to Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum. Here, discover one of Germany’s finest collections of automated musical instruments.

Discover  Miltenberg  today, exploring this well-preserved town’s half-timbered buildings dating from the 15th to 18th centuries.

Insider Experience – Miltenberg Culinary Tour

Gain a glimpse into local life in Miltenberg as you embark on a culinary walking tour. Sample regional specialties at a local butcher and baker before finishing with a tasting at a local distillery.

Board a coach and travel through the rolling hills to Würzburg. Visit the magnificent Würzburg Residence, a Baroque palace renowned for its opulent interior, and stroll through the beautiful Court Gardens. Later, you may choose to enjoy an optional visit to Rothenburg.

Enhance Your Journey – Rothenburg Excursion

Depart from Würzburg for an excursion to Rothenburg, a beautifully preserved walled town located on the Romantic Road in Franconia.

Spend a leisurely morning cruising the final stretch of the Main River before arriving in Bamberg. Enjoy a guided tour, during which you’ll see highlights such as the old town hall and Bamberg Cathedral, followed by free time to explore. Later this evening, your ship reaches the Main–Danube Canal.

Explore Nuremberg, once the setting for Hitler’s infamous rallies. Wander its cobblestone streets, discovering hidden boutiques and artisan shops. Later, cruise the Main–Danube Canal, crossing Europe’s Continental Divide via its remarkable series of 16 locks.

Having reached the Danube River overnight, arrive in Regensburg. Docked in the heart of town, spend the day exploring this charming city on a guided walking tour of its main sights. Later, you may choose to join an optional excursion to Kuchlbauer’s World of Beer in nearby Abensberg, a family-owned brewery featuring the distinctive Kuchlbauer Tower designed by Austrian artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser.

Insider Experience – Bavarian Evening on Board

This evening, enjoy an authentic Bavarian celebration on board, sampling local beer and snacks accompanied by traditional folk music, song and dance.

Enhance Your Journey – Kuchlbauer’s World of Beer Brewery Visit

Visit Kuchlbauer’s World of Beer in Abensberg, tour the brewery and see the colourful Kuchlbauer Tower. Available on cruises from Amsterdam to Budapest only.

As you enjoy breakfast, arrive in Passau, otherwise known as the ‘City of Three Rivers’, where the Ilz and Inn rivers meet the Danube. You may choose to join an optional excursion to Český Krumlov in the Czech Republic, or travel to Salzburg. Alternatively, remain on board and enjoy a relaxing day sailing to Linz.

Enhance Your Journey – Český Krumlov Visit

Enjoy a full-day excursion to Český Krumlov, a beautifully preserved town in the Czech Republic, home to more than 300 historic buildings.

Enhance Your Journey – Salzburg Sights

Journey through Austria’s scenic countryside to Mondsee, where you may recognise the famous wedding church from The Sound of Music. Continue to Salzburg for a guided tour of Mozart’s hometown, followed by free time to explore before returning to your ship.

After crossing into Austria, dock in Melk and join a guided tour of Melk Abbey. Since 1089, this Benedictine monastery has stood atop a rocky outcrop overlooking the Danube. Later, cruise through the picturesque Wachau Valley to Dürnstein, a town overlooked by the hilltop ruins of the castle where King Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned in the 12th century. Enjoy the afternoon free to explore the cobbled streets, townhouses and taverns, or perhaps join an optional regional wine tasting.

Enhance Your Journey – Wine Tasting

Visit Dürnstein Abbey to sample local Wachau wines, including Grüner Veltliner or Riesling, accompanied by a tasting of regional brandy.

In Vienna, join a guided walking tour taking in St Stephen’s Cathedral, the Graben, Hofburg and the Albertina museum. Afterwards, you may wish to visit the Naschmarkt. This evening, perhaps enjoy an optional concert featuring music from Mozart to The Sound of Music.

Enhance Your Journey – Mozart and Strauss Concert

Attend a Mozart and Strauss concert in one of Vienna’s historic palaces or concert halls, followed by an evening drive along the Ringstrasse.

With the day at leisure, perhaps explore the Hofburg district or wander along Kärntner Straße, the city’s famous shopping boulevard. Alternatively, join an optional excursion to Schloss Hof or travel to Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia.

Enhance Your Journey – Schloss Hof and Lipizzaner Experience

Enjoy a guided tour of the Schloss Hof estate, once the residence of Prince Eugene of Savoy and later Empress Maria Theresa. Explore the elegant palace apartments adorned with fine textiles and chandeliers, then stroll through the Baroque gardens. Afterwards, visit the stables for a private introduction to the magnificent Lipizzaner horses. Learn about their breeding, care and training before witnessing a special demonstration of their grace and discipline.

Enhance Your Journey – Visit Bratislava in Slovakia

Visit Bratislava, Slovakia’s charming capital, where medieval, Baroque and communist-era architecture meet. See landmarks such as the UFO Bridge and the distinctive Slovak Radio Building, each reflecting the city’s fascinating past.

Today, enjoy views of one of the Danube’s most enchanting riverside cities as your ship glides into the heart of Hungary’s capital. After breakfast, join a local guide for a tour of Budapest. Later, you may wish to join an optional visit to the Hospital in the Rock Nuclear Bunker Museum.

Insider Experience – Hungarian State Opera Performance

Visit the Hungarian State Opera for a guided tour, then enjoy a glass of sparkling wine while a private opera recital is performed.

Enhance Your Journey – Hospital in the Rock Nuclear Bunker Museum

Explore this fascinating museum, once a World War II hospital, located within the caves beneath Buda Castle. Built in 1941 as a first-aid shelter, it was designed to withstand the impact of aerial bombing.

After breakfast, disembark and transfer to the airport for your onward flight.