Cultural Renaissance

The capital of Sweden, Stockholm, blends old and boldly new architecture against a romantic backdrop of endless waterways and bridges, creating a photographer’s paradise. Explore the city's cobbled streets, vibrant with hues, winding through Old Town, where alleys lead to houses dating back to the 16th and 17th centuries, adorned with Baroque doorways. UNESCO World Heritage Site, Skogskyrkogården, showcases architectural brilliance intertwined with natural surroundings, offering a thought-provoking visit to this unique cemetery. Learn Sweden's art history at institutions like the Moderna Museet and ABBA: The Museum, offering a rich tapestry of cultural exploration. For a harmonious blend of culture and nature, venture to Skansen on Djurgården Island, once reserved as hunting grounds for Swedish royals, now home to an open-air museum and zoo. And to indulge your taste buds, join your companions at Ostermalms Saluhall, an iconic food hall since 1888, where gourmet delights await.

Tallinn, Estonia's capital, is home to a trove of ancient buildings like convents, churches, and impressive guild houses. This is why its Old Town was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and earned a reputation as Europe's hidden treasure. Walk along the same old cobblestone streets that locals have used for centuries, passing by flower sellers and the aroma of roasting nuts. Climb up St. Olaf’s Church, a medieval gem from the 1200s, with its standout green spire, and snap a photo with friends against the breathtaking backdrop. Learn about the fascinating architecture of black onion domes at Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. Tallinn’s Gothic town hall, dating back to 1404, welcomes you to delve into the city's rich culture and connect with its people.
 

The capital of Finland, Helsinki, is also the cultural, commercial, and political center of the country. With its spacious streets interspersed with many gardens and parks, it’s hard to imagine that Helsinki’s true beauty lies within the delightful maze of nearby islands in the harbor. It’s here you find entrancing historical sites, including Suomenlinna, an 18th-century fortress so impressive that it has been deemed a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Back in the city, Helsinki offers even more hidden treasures, such as the Church in the Rock, an underground house of worship blasted out of native granite and capped with a ceiling made of copper wire and 180 windows. Enjoy cultural pursuits at the Kiasma Museum of Contemporary Art, home to displays of famous artists and newly commissioned artwork alike.
 

Spend the day on the high seas pampering yourself at the spa or enjoying some time on deck. Mingle with your fellow explorers and swap stories of your exploits, making plans for new ones together once you get to shore

On the eastern shore of the Baltic Sea, Riga is full of architectural treasures, its compact center a designated UNESCO World Heritage. With narrow cobblestone streets, colorful squares and medieval-era buildings, this city offers plenty to explore. Discover the diversity of art and architectural styles in Riga with a visit to the Riga Bourse Museum, where you find an exposition that takes you through the history of Latvian fine art from the mid-18th century to 1945. Over at the Central Market, a space occupying a series of five WWI Zeppelin hangars - and officially Europe’s largest market - immerse yourself in an impressive range of fresh, local produce. Or sample a traditional bowl of hand-rolled, meaty dumplings served in a delicious broth with a dollop of sour cream.
 

Welcome to Liepaja, a hidden gem where the whispers of history blend seamlessly with the rhythms of modern life and every street corner tells a story. Known as the "City Where the Wind Is Born," its vibrant arts scene speaks to the creativity and spirit of its people. Marvel at the intricate wooden architecture, remnants of its golden age. Wander through the eclectic boutiques that showcase local artisans’ talents. Indulge in culinary delights, savoring the taste of local dishes like "sklandrausis" - a sweet and savory pie that tells a tale of the land’s deep-rooted farming heritage. Step back in time to the Karosta district, a former military base that now serves as a beautiful reminder of Latvia’s turbulent history. Explore the Holy Trinity Cathedral, boasting the largest unreconstructed mechanical organ in the world. Discover the lush greenery of Pape Nature Park, home to an array of wildlife including wild horses and goats. From its awe-inspiring history to its vibrant modern-day culture, Liepaja promises adventure and enchantment at every turn.

Gdansk, along with Sopot and Gdynia, comprise Poland’s fairytale coast, a region so magical that the vodka is served with real flecks of gold. Welcoming you to the Tri-City is the 90-foot Nowy Port lighthouse, standing proudly at the entrance to Gdansk harbor. Beyond the coast exquisite architecture lines the streets with marvelous buildings decorated with elaborate facades crowned by myriad ornate gables. Be sure to pause at Neptune’s Fountain to admire this monumental symbol of Gdansk’s Hanseatic past and its connection with the sea before walking down to the waterfront. Look out for Oliwa Cathedral, a hidden gem that dates back to the 13th century and features a mix of Romanesque, Gothic and Rococo architectural styles.
 

On the island of Bornholm sits the charming port of Ronne. Its half-timbered houses painted in vibrant yellows and oranges sitting along cobblestone streets invite a sense of a quieter adventure. Craftspeople and artists alike have found its beauty an inspiration and made it their home and place of work. From textiles to glassblowing to pottery, the traditions of Denmark are alive and well on display along the many workshops and open galleries. Medieval structures like the 12th-century St. Nicolas’s Church combined with white, sandy beaches on the shoreside create an entrancing contrast that beckons you and your fellow explorers to dive deeper into history and nature. Find your way to the lush forests of the Døndalen rift valley, where paths lead to Denmark’s largest waterfall. Back in town, the island’s gastronomic gems entice your appetite with traditional cuisine that includes fresh Baltic Sea fish, award-winning cheeses, mulberries, figs, and licorice.
 

The resort town of Binz on the island of Rugen beckons with the promise of local treasures. A visit to the seaside town is only complete with a stop at one of its renowned sandy beaches speckled with Stranskorbs (beach baskets). Trekking to the outskirts of town, you and your fellow explorers will find the Ernst Moritz Arndt Tower, a stunning architectural structure with breathtaking panoramic views. Step into a space that feels like the past, present, and future have merged into one at the Tower Müther, a UFO-shaped outlook designed by Ulrich Müther, a major influence on Rügen’s architecture. Take a tour of the Granitz Hunting Castle alongside fellow history buffs, exploring its ornate halls and cultural history of hunting. Make your way to the Rugen Natural Heritage Center with your new companions, where you will find the "Eagle’s Nest," a treetop view tower with an impressive design that is just as incredible as the vistas it provides.

Home to immense beauty and historic wealth, Copenhagen, the capital of Denmark, offers a plethora of treasures. Raise a toast to your adventure with new friends and a refreshing Carlsberg beer, brewed in Denmark since 1847. Sample the local favorite, Danish Smørrebrød sandwiches, to connect with the local community over a bite and a brew. The best way to explore the city and blend with the locals is by bike. Designed for easy navigation, Copenhagen invites you and your fellow explorers to discover its hidden gems. Admire the pastel colors of the Nyhavn waterfront and contrasting architectural structures around the city along the way. Of course, the famous Little Mermaid statue, inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s fairytale, is a must-see for those with an appreciation for classic literature. Head a few miles out of the city to marvel over the stunning landscapes of the UNESCO-listed par force hunting landscape in North Zealand.