- Copenhagen
Spend a day in Denmark’s charming capital, home to the famous ‘Little Mermaid’ statue.
- Glittering St Petersburg
An overnight stay in port ensures plenty of time to take in the key attractions, such as the renowned Hermitage.
- Norway’s capital
With over 50 museums, innovative architecture, a lively waterfront and more, Oslo has something for everyone.
- Stylish Stockholm
Discover the museums, parks, bridges, shops and more in Sweden’s capital.


Saga Cruises
Capital Cities of the Baltic
Spirit of Discovery departing Dover
from £3,663 per person2 passengers 16 nights 25th September 2022 Including optional travel insurance or a price reduction of £75 if not required
-
No fly
-
Chauffeur service
-
All Inclusive
Explore northern Europe’s most iconic cities
The highlight of this classic Baltic cruise is sure to be overnight stays in elegant Stockholm, innovative Oslo and glittering St Petersburg.
Whilst the countries of the Baltic region may be geographically close, their cultures are worlds apart. Join Spirit of Discovery as she sails to five capital cities, for the chance to relive the history of the Vikings and the Russian tsars. Arrive first in Sweden, where Gothenburg and Stockholm greet you with cobbled streets, leafy parks, and elegant architecture. Admire Tallinn’s storybook turrets en route to the showpiece of the region, St Petersburg. Here the myriad attractions will satisfy your cultural hunger. Gaze upon the legendary Amber Room at the eye-wateringly opulent Catherine Palace, see nine Imperial Easter Eggs at the Fabergé Museum, or join an exclusive tour of the Hermitage Museum. Two ports of call in Finland introduce the maritime city of Kotka, and the Neoclassical capital, Helsinki.
In Copenhagen, take time to wander through the colourful Nyhavn canal district, or thrill seekers might like to join an exhilarating RIB adventure on the Øresund to see the city skyline from the water. Finally, cruise the 100-kilometre Oslofjord as you sail into Norway’s capital, rich in over 1,000 years of seafaring heritage. Discover 9th-century Viking ships, or if art is more your cup of tea, call into the National Gallery to admire the work of Norwegian painter Edvard Munch. Plus, overnight stays in the heart of Stockholm and St Petersburg offer the chance to sample the local nightlife. Perhaps enjoy an evening canal cruise or attend the Russian ballet.
Your five sightseeing tours will be in
- Gothenburg, Sweden
- Stockholm, Sweden
- St Petersburg, Russia
- Helsinki, Finland
- Oslo, Norway
Overnight stays
- Stockholm, Sweden
- St Petersburg, Russia
View Full Itinerary
Capital Cities of the Baltic
25/09/2022 Dover
Dover
Embark Spirit of Discovery.
Depart 1800.

26/09/2022 At Sea
Spend the day at sea.
27/09/2022 Gothenburg, Sweden
Gothenburg, Sweden
Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.
Gothenburg has a thriving cultural scene which, when coupled with its elegant Art Nouveau architecture and wide open green spaces, makes it a real treat to explore. Founded in 1621 and once the centre of Sweden's shipbuilding industry, many of the city's old buildings are set beside the canal. After an included scenic tour, perhaps explore the cobbled streets of the Haga district where you can admire quaint wooden houses, browse trendy boutiques and sample savoury treats at one of the patisseries.
There’s also the opportunity to visit the beautiful archipelago of Öckerö which lies off Gothenburg’s northern coast. This smattering of islands encompasses ten inhabited isles and is connected to the mainland by ferry. Take a walking tour of the central island of Hönö, home to a traditional fishing village.

28/09/2022 At Sea
Spend the day at sea.
29/09/2022 Stockholm, Sweden
Stockholm, Sweden
Arrive 1300 on September 29. Depart 1300 on September 30.
Stay overnight in Stockholm, the capital city of Sweden. Spread over 17 islands and harbouring a rich cultural history the city is a delight in every way. After your included panoramic tour, set off on foot to explore medieval Gamla Stan with its snug lanes of charming, crooked buildings, and the grand royal palace. Other attractions include Royal Djurgården, Stockholm’s city park which is a mix of parkland and forest, and the magnificent Vasa Museum which houses the salvaged 17th-century Swedish warship that sank on its maiden voyage.
You can also join us on a visit to historic Sigtuna, Sweden’s oldest town, to explore the charming medieval streets. Look forward to a scenic departure from the city as Spirit of Discovery weaves her way through the scattered islands of the Stockholm Archipelago back to the Baltic Sea.

01/10/2022 Tallinn, Estonia
Tallinn, Estonia
Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.
A custom blend of graceful Hanseatic style and Soviet functionality coated in a veneer of Scandinavian gloss, Tallinn is one of the Baltic’s best-loved destinations. Its UNESCO-listed old town is set on Toompea Hill and is the city’s centrepiece with its lofty watchtowers, turrets and spires rising above its cobbled streets and merchant houses. Hemmed within its medieval walls are the castle, onion-domed Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Town Hall Square and Gothic Town Hall.
There’s more to discover outside the walls, such as the open-air museum in Rocca al Mare where you can see examples of Estonia’s rural architecture and the behemoth Lennusadam Seaplane Harbour which is full of maritime treasures.

02/10/2022 St Petersburg, Russia
St Petersburg, Russia
Arrive 0800 on October 2. Depart 1800 on October 3.
Founded by Tsar Peter the Great in 1703 as Russia's ‘Window on the West’, St Petersburg was built as a showpiece, with impressive neoclassical buildings and spacious avenues. With two full days in the city, you'll have plenty of time to uncover the top attractions on shore excursions.
Highlights include the gilded fountains of Peterhof Palace which highlight the lavish lifestyle of Russia’s former ruling elite, the priceless collections showcased in the world-class Hermitage Museum, and the eye-watering grandeur of Catherine Palace. You can also look forward to an included panoramic tour which will offer further insight into the city’s fascinating history.

04/10/2022 Kotka, Finland
Kotka, Finland
Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.
As Finland’s only island city, Kotka has a real maritime feel to it – it was from here that the Vikings launched their expeditions into Russia.
Perhaps pay a visit to the Maretarium aquarium or the Maritime Centre Vellamo, a modern complex of museums and interactive exhibitions that reveal the local heritage and natural history, or opt for a thrilling rafting trip on the River Kymijoki rapids.

05/10/2022 Helsinki, Finland
Helsinki, Finland
Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.
Today you'll cruise into what is arguably one of the world’s most beautiful harbours, with the UNESCO-listed sea fortress of Suomenlinna sitting at its entrance. After an included sightseeing tour, spend the day exploring this inhabited fortress with its pedestrianised cobbled streets, or you may like to seek out some of Helsinki’s other highlights. This graceful capital brims with delightful Neoclassical buildings, galleries, museums and attractions such as Senate Square, the Market Hall and the Rock Church, which is hewn from solid rock and crowned with a copper ceiling.

06/10/2022 At Sea
Spend the day at sea.
07/10/2022 Copenhagen, Denmark
Copenhagen, Denmark
Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.
A skyline of spires will greet you on your arrival at the Danish capital. Copenhagen is frequently rated among the best cities in the world to visit, combining stunning architecture both old and new, with a city environment that is committed to good living and sustainability. From the grand palaces of Christianborg and Amelienborg, to the trendy boutiques of the pedestrianised Strøget district, there’s much to discover.
Nyhavn – Copenhagen’s 17th century waterfront and canal – is home to a number of wooden ships and many brightly-coloured 17th and 18th century townhouses that have been converted into bars and restaurants. Plus, don't miss the famous Little Mermaid statue at Langelinje Pier.

08/10/2022 Skagen, Denmark
Skagen, Denmark
Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.
With its white sands extending out between the union of the North Sea and the straits of Denmark, Skagen is Denmark’s most northerly town. Like the Côte d’Azur its bucolic scenes of fishing, unusually sharp light and the exquisite harmony of sand and sea attracted a school of impressionist artists during the mid 19th century. Visit the Skagen Art Museum, where 1,800 works from the Skagen Artists have been assembled, a collection which began in Brøndeum’s Hotel, in 1908.
Alternatively, go in search of attractions such as the old lighthouse, or you may like to head for Grenen, Denmark’s northernmost point, to see where the North Sea and the Baltic converge on a long finger of beach.

09/10/2022 Oslo, Norway
Oslo, Norway
Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.
Located at the head of Oslo Fjord and surrounded by hills and forests, Oslo has much to see and do during your overnight stay. Begin with an included tour, then explore on foot – most of the city’s main attractions are within easy reach of one another. Perhaps uncover the city's rich cultural heritage with visits to the National Gallery, home to Edvard Munch’s iconic The Scream, and the Ibsen Museum, set in the former home of the famous playwright.
Other highlights include the medieval Akershus Castle, the Viking Ship Museum with its three ships on display, and the famous sculpture park of Vigelandsparken.

10/10/2022 At Sea
Spend the day at sea.
11/10/2022 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.

-
25th September
Dover
1Dover
Embark Spirit of Discovery.
Depart 1800.
-
26th September
At Sea
-
27th September
Gothenburg, Sweden
3Gothenburg, Sweden
Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.
Gothenburg has a thriving cultural scene which, when coupled with its elegant Art Nouveau architecture and wide open green spaces, makes it a real treat to explore. Founded in 1621 and once the centre of Sweden's shipbuilding industry, many of the city's old buildings are set beside the canal. After an included scenic tour, perhaps explore the cobbled streets of the Haga district where you can admire quaint wooden houses, browse trendy boutiques and sample savoury treats at one of the patisseries.
There’s also the opportunity to visit the beautiful archipelago of Öckerö which lies off Gothenburg’s northern coast. This smattering of islands encompasses ten inhabited isles and is connected to the mainland by ferry. Take a walking tour of the central island of Hönö, home to a traditional fishing village.
-
28th September
At Sea
-
29th September
Stockholm, Sweden
5Stockholm, Sweden
Arrive 1300 on September 29. Depart 1300 on September 30.
Stay overnight in Stockholm, the capital city of Sweden. Spread over 17 islands and harbouring a rich cultural history the city is a delight in every way. After your included panoramic tour, set off on foot to explore medieval Gamla Stan with its snug lanes of charming, crooked buildings, and the grand royal palace. Other attractions include Royal Djurgården, Stockholm’s city park which is a mix of parkland and forest, and the magnificent Vasa Museum which houses the salvaged 17th-century Swedish warship that sank on its maiden voyage.
You can also join us on a visit to historic Sigtuna, Sweden’s oldest town, to explore the charming medieval streets. Look forward to a scenic departure from the city as Spirit of Discovery weaves her way through the scattered islands of the Stockholm Archipelago back to the Baltic Sea.
-
1st October
Tallinn, Estonia
7Tallinn, Estonia
Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.
A custom blend of graceful Hanseatic style and Soviet functionality coated in a veneer of Scandinavian gloss, Tallinn is one of the Baltic’s best-loved destinations. Its UNESCO-listed old town is set on Toompea Hill and is the city’s centrepiece with its lofty watchtowers, turrets and spires rising above its cobbled streets and merchant houses. Hemmed within its medieval walls are the castle, onion-domed Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Town Hall Square and Gothic Town Hall.
There’s more to discover outside the walls, such as the open-air museum in Rocca al Mare where you can see examples of Estonia’s rural architecture and the behemoth Lennusadam Seaplane Harbour which is full of maritime treasures.
-
2nd October
St Petersburg, Russia
8St Petersburg, Russia
Arrive 0800 on October 2. Depart 1800 on October 3.
Founded by Tsar Peter the Great in 1703 as Russia's ‘Window on the West’, St Petersburg was built as a showpiece, with impressive neoclassical buildings and spacious avenues. With two full days in the city, you'll have plenty of time to uncover the top attractions on shore excursions.
Highlights include the gilded fountains of Peterhof Palace which highlight the lavish lifestyle of Russia’s former ruling elite, the priceless collections showcased in the world-class Hermitage Museum, and the eye-watering grandeur of Catherine Palace. You can also look forward to an included panoramic tour which will offer further insight into the city’s fascinating history.
-
4th October
Kotka, Finland
10Kotka, Finland
Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.
As Finland’s only island city, Kotka has a real maritime feel to it – it was from here that the Vikings launched their expeditions into Russia.
Perhaps pay a visit to the Maretarium aquarium or the Maritime Centre Vellamo, a modern complex of museums and interactive exhibitions that reveal the local heritage and natural history, or opt for a thrilling rafting trip on the River Kymijoki rapids.
-
5th October
Helsinki, Finland
11Helsinki, Finland
Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.
Today you'll cruise into what is arguably one of the world’s most beautiful harbours, with the UNESCO-listed sea fortress of Suomenlinna sitting at its entrance. After an included sightseeing tour, spend the day exploring this inhabited fortress with its pedestrianised cobbled streets, or you may like to seek out some of Helsinki’s other highlights. This graceful capital brims with delightful Neoclassical buildings, galleries, museums and attractions such as Senate Square, the Market Hall and the Rock Church, which is hewn from solid rock and crowned with a copper ceiling.
-
6th October
At Sea
-
7th October
Copenhagen, Denmark
13Copenhagen, Denmark
Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.
A skyline of spires will greet you on your arrival at the Danish capital. Copenhagen is frequently rated among the best cities in the world to visit, combining stunning architecture both old and new, with a city environment that is committed to good living and sustainability. From the grand palaces of Christianborg and Amelienborg, to the trendy boutiques of the pedestrianised Strøget district, there’s much to discover.
Nyhavn – Copenhagen’s 17th century waterfront and canal – is home to a number of wooden ships and many brightly-coloured 17th and 18th century townhouses that have been converted into bars and restaurants. Plus, don't miss the famous Little Mermaid statue at Langelinje Pier.
-
8th October
Skagen, Denmark
14Skagen, Denmark
Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.
With its white sands extending out between the union of the North Sea and the straits of Denmark, Skagen is Denmark’s most northerly town. Like the Côte d’Azur its bucolic scenes of fishing, unusually sharp light and the exquisite harmony of sand and sea attracted a school of impressionist artists during the mid 19th century. Visit the Skagen Art Museum, where 1,800 works from the Skagen Artists have been assembled, a collection which began in Brøndeum’s Hotel, in 1908.
Alternatively, go in search of attractions such as the old lighthouse, or you may like to head for Grenen, Denmark’s northernmost point, to see where the North Sea and the Baltic converge on a long finger of beach.
-
9th October
Oslo, Norway
15Oslo, Norway
Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.
Located at the head of Oslo Fjord and surrounded by hills and forests, Oslo has much to see and do during your overnight stay. Begin with an included tour, then explore on foot – most of the city’s main attractions are within easy reach of one another. Perhaps uncover the city's rich cultural heritage with visits to the National Gallery, home to Edvard Munch’s iconic The Scream, and the Ibsen Museum, set in the former home of the famous playwright.
Other highlights include the medieval Akershus Castle, the Viking Ship Museum with its three ships on display, and the famous sculpture park of Vigelandsparken.
-
10th October
At Sea
-
11th October
Dover
17Dover
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.
Itinerary map for Capital Cities of the Baltic
Spirit of Discovery
Inspired by the world's finest boutique hotels

Learn more about Spirit of Discovery

Chauffeur service up to 250 miles
Chauffeur service up to 250 miles
This service is a private chauffeur for distances up to 75 miles each way, and a shared chauffeur service from 76-250 miles each way.
Don't want to chauffeur? No problem. We'll also be happy to arrange complimentary car parking near the port, or can provide included rail/coach tickets, or even free flights from your local airport, subject to availability.

Travel insurance
Travel insurance
Optional comprehensive travel insurance, underwritten by Great Lakes Insurance SE, UK Branch, and additional cancellation rights. If you have your own insurance, we will offer you the holiday at a lower price.

All meals
All meals
All meals and snacks on board.

Afternoon Tea
Afternoon Tea
Daily afternoon tea.

A Choice of wines
A Choice of wines
A choice of wines at lunch and dinner.

All Inclusive
All Inclusive
Includes selected wines at lunch and dinner, Saga house-branded spirits, cocktails containing house-branded spirits, draught beer and lager, non-alcoholic cocktails, all mixers and soft drinks.

Gratuities
Gratuities
All on-board 'tips' and bar service charges.

Entertainment and Activities
Entertainment and Activities
A full programme of live music, entertainment and talks.

Gym, sauna & exercise classes
Gym, sauna & exercise classes
Gym, sauna and exercise classes.

24-hour room service
24-hour room service
24-hour room service is available at no extra charge.

Free Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi

Welcome cocktail party
Welcome cocktail party
Welcome cocktail party and Captain’s dinner.

Porterage of luggage
Porterage of luggage
When you arrive at the port in Dover or Southampton we’ll even carry the bags, with included porterage right to your cabin.

Shuttle bus
Shuttle bus
Free shuttle bus at most ports wherever possible, and when the ship is berthed at least 500 yards away from the nearest town centre.

Sightseeing Tours
Sightseeing Tours
Five sightseeing tours will be in
Gothenburg, Sweden
Stockholm, Sweden
St Petersburg, Russia
Helsinki, Finland
Oslo, Norway
- Britannia Lounge
Relax in comfort with a drink, and admire the spectacular panoramic views.
- Enjoy fine dining
Enjoy world-class cuisine at no extra cost in a choice of four restaurants.
- Spa
Indulge yourself with a spa treatment in one of our six treatment rooms.
- The Library
A booklover’s paradise combined with an artisanal coffee-shop, it's the perfect spot to research your next port of call.
- Time for you
Take advantage of tailored exercise regimes and bespoke one-to-one fitness sessions with our health and wellbeing expert.
- Daily afternoon tea
Indulge with a sumptuous selection of sweet treats at the daily afternoon tea.
- The Terrace
This elegant ‘secret’ garden area is the perfect setting to enjoy the fresh air any time of the day.
Explore Ashore
Behind the scenes in Stockholm
Join us on an optional excursion and take an exclusive peek behind the curtain at the Stockholm Royal Opera House. Head backstage to visit the King and Queen’s Royal Suite, and discover some of the Opera’s hidden rooms. You’ll also learn why King Gustav III was assassinated here at a masked ball; an event explored in Giuseppe Verdi’s opera, A Masked Ball.
Treasures of St Petersburg
Housing nearly 3 million artefacts and works of art, the Hermitage Museum in St Petersburg is the second largest museum in the world. Take a small group tour with an expert guide and delve deeper into this treasure trove of Russian history as you explore beyond the standard tour. After exploring the Winter Palace, tour the General Staff Building and the Hermitage Repository to marvel at the vast collections of European art and the beautifully ornate carriages of the Tsars.
Gustav Vigeland's life work
Created in the 1930s and 40s by Norwegian sculptor Gustav Vigeland, Oslo’s Vigeland Park is the largest sculpture park in the world by a single artist. Over 200 bronze and granite statues consisting of naked human figures are spread across 80 acres of parkland, all leading towards the park’s centrepiece, The Monolith, which stands at 46 feet tall. Perhaps join a guided walk through the site, or simply take some free time to appreciate these unique works of art.
Spirit of Discovery departing Dover
from £3,663 per person2 passengers
16 nights 25th September 2022 Including optional travel insurance or a price reduction of £75 if not required