- Copenhagen's historic Nyhavn district
See the 17th-century houses that line the Nyhavn Canal.
- The rooftops of Talinn
Talinnās skyline is pierced by historic spires and watchtowers.
- Stockholmās old town, Gamla Stan
Explore the cobbled streets of medieval Gamla Stan.
- Helsinki's elegant cathedral
Senate Square is home to the neoclassical Helsinki Cathedral.

Saga Cruises from
£3,496 per person
14 nights 21st May 2023 Including optional travel insurance or a price reduction of £75 if not required
Contrasts of Scandinavia
Spirit of Discovery departing Dover
-
No fly
-
Chauffeur service
-
All Inclusive
See the best of Scandinavia
Discover the beauty of the Scandinavia’s best-loved cities on this five-country cruise. Discover the medieval old towns of Tallinn and Visby, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Admire the art and architecture of Stockholm, Helsinki and Copenhagen. Plus enjoy the slower pace of life in lesser-visited Kotka and Skagen.
Your four included sightseeing excursions will be in
- Stockholm, Sweden
- Tallinn, Estonia
- Helsinki, Finland
- Copenhagen, Denmark
See Jools play live…
Jools Holland will be performing live on this cruise.A little bit about Jools Jools Holland OBE DL is a composer, pianist, bandleader and broadcaster. From playing pubs in the East End docks as a teenage greaser, to leading his rhythm and blues orchestra and selling millions of records this century, it is his passion for music that has made Jools Holland into a doyen of the music scene. Jools was awarded an OBE in 2003 for his services to the British music industry and in 2007 his autobiography, Barefaced Lies & Boogie-Woogie Boasts, hit the shelves.
View Full Itinerary
Contrasts of Scandinavia
21/05/2023 Dover
Dover
Embark Spirit of Discovery.
Depart 1800.

22/05/2023 At Sea
Spend the day at sea.
23/05/2023 Gothenburg, Sweden
Gothenburg, Sweden
Arrive 0900. Depart 1700.
Step ashore in southern Sweden and the cosmopolitan city of Gothenburg. With its canals, fascinating architecture, trams and art, this is one of Sweden’s trendiest cities. Soak up the Scandi atmosphere as you stroll along the waterfront or through the ‘Haga’ – the city’s old quarter. The city of course has a choice of museums and galleries to visit, from the Gothenburg Museum of Art with its fine collections and the cutting edge Roda Sten Art Centre, to the niche Radiomuseet (Radio Museum). Perhaps take a tour to the Volvo Museum and discover more about Sweden’s most iconic brand.
Optional excursions
Explore Gothenburg’s beautiful northern Öckerö archipelago, spread across ten islands and home to ancient remains, traditional harbours and quaint fisherman’s huts nestled beneath granite cliffs.

24/05/2023 At Sea
Spend the day at sea.
25/05/2023 Visby, Sweden
Visby, Sweden
Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.
The medieval walled city of Visby stands as a reminder of the Hanseatic League’s power and influence. Set on the strategically located island of Gotland, it was the Baltic’s main centre of trade during the 12th to 14th centuries. Limestone towers and red-roofed merchant houses are encircled by remarkedly well-preserved 13th-century ramparts, and the unique UNESCO-listed townscape is dominated by the towers of St Mary’s Cathedral which was constructed between 1190 and 1225.
Optional excursions
Take a guided stroll through the historic heart of Visby and visit the 11th-century St Mary’s Cathedral.

26/05/2023 Stockholm, Sweden
Stockholm, Sweden
Arrive 0900. Depart 1700.
Spread across an archipelago of 14 islands, Sweden’s capital offers a scenic approach by sea. Its distinct districts are linked by scores of bridges. The most notable and oldest quarter is medieval Gamla Stan, home to the Royal Palace and a warren of narrow lanes crowded by 16th and 17th-century gabled merchant houses.
Included excursion
Get a sense of the city’s splendid coastal setting and scale on an included sightseeing excursion.
Optional excursions
Visit the Vasa Museum which contains the beautifully restored 17th-century Swedish warship which sunk on her maiden voyage.

27/05/2023 Tallinn, Estonia
Tallinn, Estonia
Arrive 1000. Depart 1700.
Timeworn spires and watchtowers pierce the skyline of this former Hanseatic trading port that has earned its place on UNESCO’s World Heritage List. Cobblestone streets lead up past merchant houses to the top of Toompea Hill, crowned by St Mary’s Cathedral which was founded in 1240. Tallinn’s medieval history is juxtaposed against its more recent cold war past that is laid bare in the KGB Museum.
Included excursion
An included sightseeing excursion provides a relaxing introduction to the area.
Optional excursions
Head out into the Estonian countryside to visit Kadriorg Park, a Baroque palace built by Peter the Great and dedicated to his wife.

28/05/2023 Kotka, Finland
Kotka, Finland
Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.
Set at the mouth of the River Kymi and surrounded by an archipelago of over 400 islands, Kotka is a popular destination for summertime boating and yachting. The city’s seafaring heritage is showcased at the Maritime Museum while its varied sea life is on display at Maretarium aquarium. This compact city has lots of parks including Sapokka Water Garden and a sculpture park set along the promenade. The Russian Tsar, Alexander III, was so taken with the unspoilt countryside that the summer residence, an imperial fishing lodge, was built beside the Langinkoski rapids.
Optional excursions
Visit the summer residence of Russian Tsar Alexander III, set beside the Langinkoski rapids.

29/05/2023 Helsinki, Finland
Helsinki, Finland
Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.
Surrounded by an archipelago of over 330 islands, Finland’s capital is aptly known as the ‘Daughter of the Baltic’. The historic Market Square is filled with stalls selling a wide variety of local produce and marks the heart of the city. Nearby lies architect Carl Ludvig Engel’s Senate Square, home to the neoclassical Helsinki Cathedral. Ferries set sail from here for Suomenlinna fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Included excursion
An included sightseeing excursion will showcase the city’s array of grand architecture and more.
Optional excursions
Seek out sights associated with composer Jean Sibelius, such as a quasi-abstract sculpture dedicated to the city’s most famous son.

30/05/2023 At Sea
Spend the day at sea.
31/05/2023 Warnemünde, Germany
Warnemünde, Germany
Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.
The port town of Warnemünde has an attractive old town brimming with timbered fishermen’s houses. There is an extensive waterfront, complete with a long, white-sand beach, marina and 19th-century lighthouse. Nearby, the Old Stream is lined with 18th-century houses, one of which belonged to Norwegian expressionist painter Edvard Munch, who moved to Warnemünde to escape the bustle of Berlin.

01/06/2023 Copenhagen, Denmark
Copenhagen, Denmark
Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.
The cosmopolitan Danish capital is an eclectic mix of architectural styles which attest to its long history. Once a small village, it was fortified when Bishop Absalon of Roskilde built a castle here in 1167. Attractions include Tivoli Gardens, characterful Nyhavn Canal graced with 17th-century houses, the Baroque-inspired Christiansborg Palace and Rococo Amalienborg Palace, residence of the Danish Royal Family. The Little Mermaid Statue, which has been plucked straight from Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy-tale of the same name, graces the waterfront. An included excursion will help you get your bearings.
Included excursion
A sightseeing tour is a great way to see some of the city’s attractions.
Optional excursions
A visit to the Christiansborg and Amalienborg Palaces will contrast their resplendent interiors, follow the trail of Danish author Hans Christian Andersen and enjoy a canal cruise to see the city from a different angle.

02/06/2023 Skagen, Denmark
Skagen, Denmark
Arrive 0800. Depart 1600.
Skagen is set at the northern tip of the Jutland Peninsula, near the confluence of Baltic and North Sea. A group of artists, drawn by Skagen’s special blend of exceptional light quality, rugged landscapes and simple way of life, established a colony here during the late 1800s. Their legacy can be found throughout this popular holiday destination which continues to attract visitors with its shifting sands and white sand beaches, colourful cottages and relaxed vibe. The Skagen Museum features work by Karl Madsen, Peder Kroyer, Viggo Johansen.
Optional excursions
A tractor-trailer ride will take you to Denmark’s most northerly point where two seas collide.

03/06/2023 At Sea
Spend the day at sea.
04/06/2023 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.
-
21st May
Dover
1Dover
Embark Spirit of Discovery.
Depart 1800.
-
22nd May
At Sea
-
23rd May
Gothenburg, Sweden
3Gothenburg, Sweden
Arrive 0900. Depart 1700.
Step ashore in southern Sweden and the cosmopolitan city of Gothenburg. With its canals, fascinating architecture, trams and art, this is one of Sweden’s trendiest cities. Soak up the Scandi atmosphere as you stroll along the waterfront or through the ‘Haga’ – the city’s old quarter. The city of course has a choice of museums and galleries to visit, from the Gothenburg Museum of Art with its fine collections and the cutting edge Roda Sten Art Centre, to the niche Radiomuseet (Radio Museum). Perhaps take a tour to the Volvo Museum and discover more about Sweden’s most iconic brand.
Optional excursions
Explore Gothenburg’s beautiful northern Öckerö archipelago, spread across ten islands and home to ancient remains, traditional harbours and quaint fisherman’s huts nestled beneath granite cliffs.
-
24th May
At Sea
-
25th May
Visby, Sweden
5Visby, Sweden
Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.
The medieval walled city of Visby stands as a reminder of the Hanseatic League’s power and influence. Set on the strategically located island of Gotland, it was the Baltic’s main centre of trade during the 12th to 14th centuries. Limestone towers and red-roofed merchant houses are encircled by remarkedly well-preserved 13th-century ramparts, and the unique UNESCO-listed townscape is dominated by the towers of St Mary’s Cathedral which was constructed between 1190 and 1225.
Optional excursions
Take a guided stroll through the historic heart of Visby and visit the 11th-century St Mary’s Cathedral.
-
26th May
Stockholm, Sweden
6Stockholm, Sweden
Arrive 0900. Depart 1700.
Spread across an archipelago of 14 islands, Sweden’s capital offers a scenic approach by sea. Its distinct districts are linked by scores of bridges. The most notable and oldest quarter is medieval Gamla Stan, home to the Royal Palace and a warren of narrow lanes crowded by 16th and 17th-century gabled merchant houses.
Included excursion
Get a sense of the city’s splendid coastal setting and scale on an included sightseeing excursion.
Optional excursions
Visit the Vasa Museum which contains the beautifully restored 17th-century Swedish warship which sunk on her maiden voyage.
-
27th May
Tallinn, Estonia
7Tallinn, Estonia
Arrive 1000. Depart 1700.
Timeworn spires and watchtowers pierce the skyline of this former Hanseatic trading port that has earned its place on UNESCO’s World Heritage List. Cobblestone streets lead up past merchant houses to the top of Toompea Hill, crowned by St Mary’s Cathedral which was founded in 1240. Tallinn’s medieval history is juxtaposed against its more recent cold war past that is laid bare in the KGB Museum.
Included excursion
An included sightseeing excursion provides a relaxing introduction to the area.
Optional excursions
Head out into the Estonian countryside to visit Kadriorg Park, a Baroque palace built by Peter the Great and dedicated to his wife.
-
28th May
Kotka, Finland
8Kotka, Finland
Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.
Set at the mouth of the River Kymi and surrounded by an archipelago of over 400 islands, Kotka is a popular destination for summertime boating and yachting. The city’s seafaring heritage is showcased at the Maritime Museum while its varied sea life is on display at Maretarium aquarium. This compact city has lots of parks including Sapokka Water Garden and a sculpture park set along the promenade. The Russian Tsar, Alexander III, was so taken with the unspoilt countryside that the summer residence, an imperial fishing lodge, was built beside the Langinkoski rapids.
Optional excursions
Visit the summer residence of Russian Tsar Alexander III, set beside the Langinkoski rapids.
-
29th May
Helsinki, Finland
9Helsinki, Finland
Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.
Surrounded by an archipelago of over 330 islands, Finland’s capital is aptly known as the ‘Daughter of the Baltic’. The historic Market Square is filled with stalls selling a wide variety of local produce and marks the heart of the city. Nearby lies architect Carl Ludvig Engel’s Senate Square, home to the neoclassical Helsinki Cathedral. Ferries set sail from here for Suomenlinna fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Included excursion
An included sightseeing excursion will showcase the city’s array of grand architecture and more.
Optional excursions
Seek out sights associated with composer Jean Sibelius, such as a quasi-abstract sculpture dedicated to the city’s most famous son.
-
30th May
At Sea
-
31st May
Warnemünde, Germany
11Warnemünde, Germany
Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.
The port town of Warnemünde has an attractive old town brimming with timbered fishermen’s houses. There is an extensive waterfront, complete with a long, white-sand beach, marina and 19th-century lighthouse. Nearby, the Old Stream is lined with 18th-century houses, one of which belonged to Norwegian expressionist painter Edvard Munch, who moved to Warnemünde to escape the bustle of Berlin.
-
1st June
Copenhagen, Denmark
12Copenhagen, Denmark
Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.
The cosmopolitan Danish capital is an eclectic mix of architectural styles which attest to its long history. Once a small village, it was fortified when Bishop Absalon of Roskilde built a castle here in 1167. Attractions include Tivoli Gardens, characterful Nyhavn Canal graced with 17th-century houses, the Baroque-inspired Christiansborg Palace and Rococo Amalienborg Palace, residence of the Danish Royal Family. The Little Mermaid Statue, which has been plucked straight from Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy-tale of the same name, graces the waterfront. An included excursion will help you get your bearings.
Included excursion
A sightseeing tour is a great way to see some of the city’s attractions.
Optional excursions
A visit to the Christiansborg and Amalienborg Palaces will contrast their resplendent interiors, follow the trail of Danish author Hans Christian Andersen and enjoy a canal cruise to see the city from a different angle.
-
2nd June
Skagen, Denmark
13Skagen, Denmark
Arrive 0800. Depart 1600.
Skagen is set at the northern tip of the Jutland Peninsula, near the confluence of Baltic and North Sea. A group of artists, drawn by Skagen’s special blend of exceptional light quality, rugged landscapes and simple way of life, established a colony here during the late 1800s. Their legacy can be found throughout this popular holiday destination which continues to attract visitors with its shifting sands and white sand beaches, colourful cottages and relaxed vibe. The Skagen Museum features work by Karl Madsen, Peder Kroyer, Viggo Johansen.
Optional excursions
A tractor-trailer ride will take you to Denmark’s most northerly point where two seas collide.
-
3rd June
At Sea
-
4th June
Dover
15Dover
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 Contrasts of Scandinavia
Spirit of Discovery
Inspired by the world's finest boutique hotels

Learn more about Spirit of Discovery

UK Travel service
UK Travel service
Travel to and from the port is included in the price. Choose from a private chauffeur up to 75 miles each way, a shared chauffeur service up to 250 miles, domestic flights or complimentary car parking at the port.

Travel insurance
Travel insurance
Optional comprehensive travel insurance, with up to £5m coronavirus cover and additional cancellation cover, underwritten by Astrenska Insurance Limited. If you have your own insurance, we will offer you the cruise at a lower price.

Afternoon tea
Afternoon tea
All day snacks, tea, coffee, fruit juices and daily afternoon tea included.

All Inclusive
All Inclusive
It’s free to dine in all our restaurants on board, even the speciality ones. All our cruises include drinks in every bar and restaurant on board, including beers, house wines, spirits, cocktails and soft drinks. Plus, for 2023 we are now including premium spirits.

Gratuities
Gratuities
So that everyone receives the same attentive service, all gratuities are included.

Entertainment and Activities
Entertainment and Activities
A full programme of live music, entertainment and talks. This includes lectures from guest speakers, theatre productions, recitals, craft classes, activities and outside deck games.

Gym, sauna & exercise classes
Gym, sauna & exercise classes
Included fitness classes and use of the gymnasium, swimming pool and hot tubs. Spa access to hydrotherapy pool, infrared sauna and steam room.

24-hour room service
24-hour room service
24-hour room service with in-cabin dining at no extra charge.

Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi
Complimentary Wi-Fi in your cabin and around the ship.

Porterage
Porterage
An unlimited luggage allowance and included porterage from the port 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.

All balcony cabins
All balcony cabins
Every cabin on our new ships has a private balcony, for your own private outside space.

Sightseeing excursions
Sightseeing excursions
Four sightseeing excursions will be in
Stockholm, Sweden
Tallinn, Estonia
Helsinki, Finland
Copenhagen, Denmark
- Jools Holland
Jools Holland will be performing live on this cruise.
A little bit about Jools
Jools Holland OBE DL is a composer, pianist, bandleader and broadcaster. From playing pubs in the East End docks as a teenage greaser, to leading his rhythm and blues orchestra and selling millions of records this century, it is his passion for music that has made Jools Holland into a doyen of the music scene.
Jools was awarded an OBE in 2003 for his services to the British music industry and in 2007 his autobiography, Barefaced Lies & Boogie-Woogie Boasts, hit the shelves.
- 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.
Spirit of Discovery departing Dover
£3,496 per person
2 passengers
14 nights
21st May 2023 Including optional travel insurance or a price reduction of £75 if not required