Itinerary

Days 1 & 2 — U.S./Copenhagen, Denmark

Depart on an overnight flight to Copenhagen. Gather for lunch in town, and then set off for the National Museum, housed in an 18th-century mansion. Embark the National Geographic Explorer and enjoy a welcome dinner on board tonight.
(L,D)

Day 3 — Lübeck, Germany

Our ship heads toward the northern coast of Germany, and makes its way into the canals of Lübeck, the medieval capital of the Hanseatic League. Glide along the canals on a boat ride, examining the town's Hanseatic and Renaissance architecture, and take a walking tour after lunch.
(B,L,D)

Day 4 — Christiansø and Bornholm Islands, Denmark

Travel by Zodiac to the small island of Christiansø and wander through an artists' village that occupies the site of an 18th-century castle. Continue to the larger island of Bornholm, and explore the ruins of Denmark's largest fortress.
(B,L,D)

Day 5 — Gdańsk, Poland

Poland's Solidarity movement was born in the Gdańsk shipyards. Today, visit the Monument to the Fallen Shipyard Workers and a museum detailing the history of the fall of communism in Poland. In Gdańsk's charming Old Town, tour Artus Court, a magnificent 15th-century guildhall. Then, by special arrangement, meet with the former President of Poland and Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Lech Walesa.
(B,L,D)

Day 6 — Klaipeda, Lithuania

Arrive in Klaipeda, the primary port with red-roofed 19th century buildings. Travel to Palarga, visiting a lavish estate which houses the celebrated Amber Museum.
(B,L,D)

Day 7 — Riga, Latvia

A member of the Hanseatic League, Riga is renowned for its architectural diversity—a combination of romantic, art nouveau, neo-Gothic, neo-Baroque, and ultramodern styles. Venture into its 14th-century castle, and take a walk around the Great Guild Hall Square in the heart of the old city.
(B,L,D)

Day 8 — Visby, Gotland, Sweden

Known as the "city of ruins and roses," Visby was once an important Viking trading post and has been inhabited for more than 5,000 years. Browse an impressive collection of Viking artifacts at the Fornsal Museum, explore the walled old city, and wander through a display of local flora at the botanical gardens.
(B,L,D)

Day 9 — Stockholm Archipelago

The ship navigates the enchanting islands of the Stockholm Archipelago today. Soak up the Swedish landscape on a walk along the islands' pristine shores.
(B,L,D)

Day 10 — Stockholm

Visit the famed Vasa Museum to see its notorious 17th-century warship, and stroll the cobbled streets of Old Town Gamla Stan.
(B,L,D)

Day 11 — Mariehamn, Aland Islands, Finland

Politically part of Finland, linguistically Swedish, and culturally autonomous, the Aland islanders are proud inhabitants of a naturally beautiful archipelago that is also home to a wonderful maritime museum. We'll explore by foot, as well as Zodiac and kayak.
(B,L,D)

Day 12 — Tallinn, Estonia

Enclosed by walls and turrets, Tallinn's Hanseatic Old Town is one of the Baltics' best preserved medieval cities. On a walking tour of this UNESCO World Heritage site, stroll past the bustling cafés and galleries of the Town Hall Square, and visit the Church of St. Nicholas. From the top of Dome Hill, gaze at a skyline that bristles with pointed gables and spires. If you wish, have dinner ashore and explore the city by night.
(B,L,D)

Day 13 — St. Petersburg, Russia

As the Explorer noses into the port of St. Petersburg, take in views of this glorious city. Visit the opulent Catherine Palace in Pushkin, and attend an optional musical performance in Catherine the Great's private theater at the Hermitage this evening.
Grand Hotel Europe (B,L)

Days 14 & 15 — St. Petersburg

Experience Peter the Great's spectacular "window to the West" during the next two days. Step into the Peter and Paul Fortress, the burial place of most modern tsars, and visit the golden-domed St. Isaac's Cathedral. Admire the treasures of the Hermitage Museum and explore the cascading fountains of the summer palace at Petrodvorets.
(B, L, D daily)

Day 16 — St. Petersburg/U.S.

Transfer to the airport for your return flight home.
(B)

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