27/04/2022 Dover

Dover

Embark Spirit of Discovery.

Depart 1800.

28/04/2022 At Sea

Spend the day at sea.

29/04/2022 At Sea

Spend the day at sea.

30/04/2022 Visby, Sweden

Visby, Sweden

Arrive 1200. Depart 1700.

Located 60 miles from the Swedish mainland lies the unique and tranquil island of Gotland. The island’s capital, described as the city of ‘roses and ruins’, is the best-preserved medieval city in Scandinavia. Visby’s cobbled streets are lined with stunningly preserved houses, crumbling churches and an 11th-century cathedral, encircled by a near-intact 12th-century city wall.

Take the opportunity to ride on a narrow-gauge railway from the station of Dalhem, trace the footsteps of famed Swedish director Ingmar Bergman or go in search of the island’s distinguishing limestone sea stacks.

01/05/2022 Stockholm, Sweden

Stockholm, Sweden

Arrive 0800 on May 1. Depart 1300 on May 2.

Sweden’s elegant capital of Stockholm incorporates 14 islands, joined by a latticework of canals and bridges. Find your bearings on an included panoramic tour of the city, then perhaps set out to explore independently. Discover the beautifully preserved medieval quarter – Gamla Stan, home to the royal palace – or visit some of the numerous museums and art galleries. ABBA fans won’t want to miss the museum dedicated to Sweden’s most famous musical export, or perhaps visit the magnificent Vasa Museum which houses a salvaged 17th-century Swedish warship that sank on its maiden voyage. Alternatively, head back out on the water for a boat tour of the ‘city that floats on water’. 

Spirit of Discovery will remain moored through the night in Stockholm, the perfect excuse to spend the evening enjoying the vibrant cafe culture of Gamla Stan, the city’s medieval heart. On your departure, admire the scenic views as you cruise through the glorious Stockholm Archipelago.

03/05/2022 Tallinn, Estonia

Tallinn, Estonia

Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.

With soaring spires, red-roofed towers and cobbled streets, Tallinn’s Old Town could have been taken straight from a fairy tale.

An included tour takes you to some of the highlights outside the pedestrianised centre, then perhaps walk to the top of Toompea Hill for picture-perfect views of the medieval part of Tallinn. Within the city walls you’ll find Estonia’s Maritime Museum, boasting four floors of exhibition space, and numerous alfresco cafes, the perfect place to pause for refreshments and a spot of people watching. Alternatively, go back in time and experience Tallinn under Soviet rule on a unique historical tour.

04/05/2022 St Petersburg, Russia

St Petersburg, Russia

Arrive 0800 on May 4. Depart 1800 on May 5.

An overnight stay in St Petersburg is sure to be a highlight of this cruise. Founded by Peter the Great in 1703, the city is home to the famous Hermitage, comprising five buildings including the glittering Winter Palace – home to Russia’s Tsars for 150 years. Renowned for its outstanding art collections made up of over three million objects, the Hermitage boasts opulent interiors, works of art by great masters, and stunning architecture. St Petersburg has a wealth of other palaces, as well as museums, parks, monuments and cathedrals to choose from and explore, some of which you will see on your included sightseeing tour. 

Take the chance to visit the Versailles-like Peterhof Palace with its formal gardens, beautiful interiors and works of art offering a glimpse into the world of the Tsars. Russia is also renowned for its ballet and St Petersburg is fortunate to have an abundance of theatres, so perhaps join us for an enchanting evening performance of this magical dance.

06/05/2022 Helsinki, Finland

Helsinki, Finland

Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.

Helsinki is sometimes referred to as the ‘green capital’ and with around a third of the city made up of green areas, it’s easy to see why. In addition to parks including the Central Park, and Sibelius Park named after Finland’s famous composer, the city is known for its Art Nouveau architecture. An included sightseeing tour is the perfect introduction, then there’s a choice of museums ranging from the city’s own to the National Museum of Finland.

Plus, the city’s design district with its boutique shops and design studios is well worth exploring. A great way to see the city and surrounding nature is to join a cruise of the archipelago, or you might like to visit the 1960s Rock Church, excavated from solid rock by brothers Timo and Tuomo Suomalainen.

07/05/2022 Kotka, Finland

Kotka, Finland

Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.

Arrive in Finland’s only city set on an island, Kotka. With distinctive seafaring roots, you can visit the state-of-the-art Museum of Kymenlaakso and the Maritime Museum of Finland to learn about the history and culture of the region. On the quay you can see the steam-powered icebreaker Tarmo, decommissioned in 1970, while the more adventurous might fancy river rafting on the Kymijoki rapids.

Perhaps board a beautifully restored Tall Ship for a mini-cruise around Kotka’s beautiful archipelago, which has over 400 islands.

08/05/2022 At Sea

Spend the day at sea.

09/05/2022 Copenhagen, Denmark

Copenhagen, Denmark

Arrive 1000 on May 9. Depart 0800 on May 10.

Exploring on foot is an easy way to immerse yourself in the cosmopolitan bustle of Denmark’s historic capital, plus with an overnight stay in port and an included tour, you’ve got plenty of opportunity to see all the top attractions. From the grand palaces of Christianborg and Amelienborg, to the trendy boutiques of the pedestrianised Strøget district and amusements of Tivoli Gardens, there’s much to discover.

You can also spot monuments to Hans Christian Andersen, from two statues of the author on the avenue named after him, to the haunting Little Mermaid statue in the harbour. Another highlight is 17th-century Nyhavn Canal which is lined with pretty canal houses – be sure to drop by Nyhavn 9, an historic canal house which looks much as it did in 1681 when it was completed.

11/05/2022 At Sea

Spend the day at sea.

12/05/2022 Dover

Dover

Arrive 0700. 

Disembark Spirit of Discovery after breakfast.

Please note: Some of the highlights detailed may only be seen on optional excursions or by exploring independently.