Best of the Baltics: Cities and Islands from Tallinn to Copenhagen

Arrive in Tallinn, Estonia. After lunch, enjoy an overview of the walled, cobblestoned Old Town with its Kiek in de Kök, a 15th-century defensive tower. Embark National Geographic Orion and set sail towards one of Estonia's most beautiful islands.

Sail along the coast of Saaremaa Island this morning before docking near its capital Kuressaare. Head straight to Mati and Airi's private farm for a hearty traditional Estonian lunch in a rural setting complete with local music. This afternoon choose to hike to the north side of the island, where you encounter seabirds and interesting geological formations. Or, head to the countryside for a visit to the only working wooden windmill on the island. Then stop at the Kaali meteorite craters for a photo opportunity. Later this afternoon, feel free to stroll the streets of Kuressaare or visit its medieval castle and garden.

Photo enthusiasts may wish to join your naturalist and National Geographic photographer for a panoramic walk along Saaremaa's beaches and the Panga cliffs.

Explore the largest city in the Baltics on a walking tour through Riga’s UNESCO-recognized center, passing wooden houses, art nouveau architecture, and funky cafés, and climbing to the top of St. Peter’s Church tower for 360-degree views. Choose to bike across the Daugava River and explore the quiet island of Kipsala and its old fishermen’s houses, or take a boat ride through the canals of Riga with free time before sailing to Lithuania. On one evening, venture into Riga to experience the sounds of “Ilgi,” a famous Estonian folk music band.

Explore with all your senses. Taste, see, and smell Latvian food specialties at the airy Central Market on an optional tour with your NG Orion chef and a local guide.

Explore the wild barrier peninsula called the Curonian Spit, a UNESCO World Heritage site shared by Lithuania and Russia. Choose one of two options today: take a cultural tour to a seaside resort town to learn of folk tales at the Hill of Witches and see some of Europe's tallest sand dunes. Or, spend the afternoon at the Ventė Cape Ornithological Station to explore the lighthouse and dunes while learning about migratory bird populations.

Opt to take a cycling tour, too, along the sea, down the wild Curonian Spit with its sand dunes, harbors, and seaside wildlife.

Arrive in Poland and take in Gdańsk’s art and architectural highlights including the Gothic-Renaissance Town Hall and the National Museum, featuring the Last Judgment triptych by Hans Memling. Or, learn about the significance of ship building and trade at the Maritime Museum. Zodiacs take you through the shipyards of Gdańsk, an important area for the organized resistance against the communist regime in 1980. Then take a guided tour of the European Solidarity Center, commemorating the trade union that made Lech Walesa a household name.

History buffs may opt for a morning visit to the Westerplatte peninsula, where World War II began with the German invasion of Poland on September 1, 1939, and the Polish Post Office Museum, still marked by signs of the attack. In order to maximize your time in Gdańsk, there has been an authentic Polish-style lunch arranged in town with open seating so you can arrive at your convenience.

Stop at the small fishing port of Gudhjem on Bornholm Island. Hike up to the cliff-top ruins of Hammershus fortress or explore the island’s round churches and white sandy beaches. Then do as the locals do with a taste of some of the island’s famous smoked herring accompanied by a cold locally-brewed beer. Celebrate your journey with a final dinner aboard National Geographic Orion. 

Disembark in Copenhagen after breakfast and transfer to the airport for your flights home.