- Riga
The largest of the Baltic's capitals, Riga is known as the ‘Paris of the Baltic’.
- Stockholm
The capital of Sweden is made up of islands criss-crossed with bridges and has a fantastic selection of attractions.
- The Gulf of Bothnia
Sail the picturesque northernmost arm of the Baltic Sea, separating the countries of Sweden and Finland.
- Kemi
Venture into Lapland to the Finnish town of Kemi, known for its incredible natural beauty.


Saga Cruises
Into the Gulf of Bothnia
Spirit of Discovery departing Dover
from £4,199 per person2 passengers 17 nights 31st July 2022 Including optional travel insurance or a price reduction of £75 if not required
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No fly
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Chauffeur service
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All Inclusive
Enjoy long summer days cruising
Take the opportunity to visit charming coastal destinations as you sail to the picturesque Gulf of Bothnia.
Step aboard Spirit of Discovery and experience the natural wonders of the Baltic region as it comes to life with the vibrancy of summer. Cruise the North Sea to reach the Danish resort of Skagen, set on the windswept Jutland Peninsula, an area whose unique light and natural beauty has long attracted artists. Gdansk offers the chance to learn about the Polish Revolution at the acclaimed European Solidarity Centre, or simply marvel at the 1,000 years of architectural history as you stroll through the city.
Next, navigate the wild isles and inlets of the Stockholm Archipelago to reach Sweden’s green capital. Here, acres of parks, myriad museums and galleries, and trendy cafes are scattered across the 14 islands making up the stylish city. Voyage into the Gulf of Bothnia, a region renowned for its clear waters, unspoilt forests, lakes, rivers and wildlife. Call at Kemi, in Finnish Lapland, the gateway to the secluded landscapes just below the Arctic Circle, and your starting point for wilderness adventures. See the old vie with the new in the Baltic capitals of Tallinn and Riga, both of which boast charming UNESCO-listed old towns. Return via Gothenburg, renowned as one of the friendliest cities in Europe, for the chance to take a RIB safari through the stunning archipelago. This slower-paced Baltic cruise heads off the usual tourist trail, visiting new and intriguing destinations – perfect for those on a second or third visit to the region.
Your five sightseeing tours will be in
- Stockholm, Sweden
- Tallinn, Estonia
- Riga, Latvia
- Gothenburg, Sweden
- Skagen, Denmark
Overnight stays
- Riga, Latvia
View Full Itinerary
Into the Gulf of Bothnia
31/07/2022 Dover
Dover
Embark Spirit of Discovery.
Depart 1800.

01/08/2022 At Sea
Spend the day at sea.
02/08/2022 Skagen, Denmark
Skagen, Denmark
Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.
Skagen in north Jutland was inspirational for many 19th-century artists who were captivated by the area’s wild and beautiful landscapes. Look forward to your first included tour to see the photogenic neighbourhoods, special light and unique landscapes, then perhaps visit Skagen’s art museum.
Alternatively, go in search of attractions such as the old lighthouse, or you might 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. With its sandy beaches, museums, nature centre and eateries, Skagen is also the perfect place for experiencing a little Danish 'hygge'!

03/08/2022 At Sea
Spend the day at sea.
04/08/2022 Gdansk, Poland
Gdansk, Poland
Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.
This historic city changed hands from the Polish, the Prussians, the Germans and back to Polish again during its 1,000 years of history. The port city of Gdansk was decimated during World War II but many impressive sights remain, including the Upland Gate and the Medieval Gdansk Crane.
Perhaps visit the European Solidarity Centre, dedicated to the movement which helped bring an end to the Communist regime in Eastern Europe or investigate the 1,000 years of architectural history in the city. See Oliwa Cathedral and the Dutch Mannerist architecture that houses the alfresco café culture of Dluga Street, and don’t miss the Museum of World War Two, completed in the summer of 2016.

05/08/2022 Visby, Sweden
Visby, Sweden
Arrive 0800. 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.

06/08/2022 Stockholm, Sweden
Stockholm, Sweden
Arrive 0900. Depart 1700.
Admire the views as Spirit of Discovery charts a course through the Stockholm Archipelago – it’s a fantastic panorama of land and sea that comprises some 30,000 islands, islets and skerries. At its heart you’ll find the Swedish capital, spread across a series of interconnected islands.
Find your bearings on your included panoramic tour, then thread your way through narrow medieval streets in Gamla Stan and marvel at the Jugendstil influence on the design of the library, Natural History Museum and Swedish Museum of Photography. Perhaps join a guided tour to the oldest town in Sweden, Sigtuna, founded in AD 980.

07/08/2022 At Sea
Spend the day at sea.
08/08/2022 Kemi, Finland
Kemi, Finland
Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.
The peaceful town is set on a picturesque archipelago in Lapland, just below the Arctic Circle, and in the summer months, is bathed in the glorious light of the midnight sun. Perhaps visit the Gemstone Gallery, home to the largest collection of gemstones in Europe, as well as the never-worn crown of the King of Finland.
Alternatively, head out of the town and into the wilderness and explore the forests, rivers and hiking routes nearby.

09/08/2022 At Sea
Spend the day at sea.
10/08/2022 Tallinn, Estonia
Tallinn, Estonia
Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.
Tallinn has an enchanting old town of cobbled streets that wind their way beneath a skyline of soaring turrets, towers and steeples. In contrast, the modern part of the Estonian capital boasts shopping centres, high rise buildings, squares, restaurants and bars. An included sightseeing drive will introduce you to the city, then perhaps set off on foot to explore the UNESCO-listed historic centre, renowned for its fairy-tale kerb appeal. Then there’s the city’s secretive Cold War history which you can uncover at the KGB Museum on the 23rd floor of the Soviet era Hotel Viru.
Perhaps venture outside the old city limits to visit Kadriorg Park, which was founded by Peter the Great and is the setting for the baroque palace he dedicated to his wife, Catherine.

11/08/2022 Riga, Latvia
Riga, Latvia
Arrive 1200 on August 11. Depart 1700 on August 12.
Discover the capital of Latvia, Riga, with its eclectic mix of architecture that ranges from medieval castles and the magnificent baroque and rococo Rundale Palace, to art nouveau design and the contemporary Riga Art Space.
An overnight stay offers plenty of time to explore this charismatic Baltic city, and an included scenic tour of the wider city is the perfect introduction. Head off independently to explore the medieval old town, featuring a wealth of architecture that spans the centuries, and don’t miss the impressive 14th-century House of the Blackheads.

13/08/2022 At Sea
Spend the day at sea.
14/08/2022 At Sea
Spend the day at sea.
15/08/2022 Gothenburg, Sweden
Gothenburg, Sweden
Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.
Known as one of the friendliest cities in Europe, Gothenburg – Sweden’s second largest city – is a wonderful place to visit. With its canals, fascinating architecture, trams and art, it’s also one of Sweden’s trendiest cities. Soak up the Scandi atmosphere on an included panoramic tour, then perhaps take a tour to the Volvo Museum and discover more about Sweden’s most iconic brand.
Take time to explore the city’s parks and gardens, such as the ‘Garden Society of Gothenburg’ – a 19th century park awash with roses and colourful planting, the city’s Botanical Garden with some 16,000 different species of plant, and the Liseberg Gardens with their vistas and amusements. You may like to see more of Gothenburg’s northern archipelago, renowned for its Arctic flora and ancient remains, on a mini cruise, or experience the city’s highlights from the water on a kayak tour.

16/08/2022 At Sea
Spend the day at sea.
17/08/2022 Dover
Dover
Arrive 0800.
Disembark Spirit of Discovery after breakfast.
Please note: Some of the highlights detailed may only be seen on optional excursions or by exploring independently.

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31st July
Dover
1Dover
Embark Spirit of Discovery.
Depart 1800.
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1st August
At Sea
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2nd August
Skagen, Denmark
3Skagen, Denmark
Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.
Skagen in north Jutland was inspirational for many 19th-century artists who were captivated by the area’s wild and beautiful landscapes. Look forward to your first included tour to see the photogenic neighbourhoods, special light and unique landscapes, then perhaps visit Skagen’s art museum.
Alternatively, go in search of attractions such as the old lighthouse, or you might 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. With its sandy beaches, museums, nature centre and eateries, Skagen is also the perfect place for experiencing a little Danish 'hygge'!
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3rd August
At Sea
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4th August
Gdansk, Poland
5Gdansk, Poland
Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.
This historic city changed hands from the Polish, the Prussians, the Germans and back to Polish again during its 1,000 years of history. The port city of Gdansk was decimated during World War II but many impressive sights remain, including the Upland Gate and the Medieval Gdansk Crane.
Perhaps visit the European Solidarity Centre, dedicated to the movement which helped bring an end to the Communist regime in Eastern Europe or investigate the 1,000 years of architectural history in the city. See Oliwa Cathedral and the Dutch Mannerist architecture that houses the alfresco café culture of Dluga Street, and don’t miss the Museum of World War Two, completed in the summer of 2016.
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5th August
Visby, Sweden
6Visby, Sweden
Arrive 0800. 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.
-
6th August
Stockholm, Sweden
7Stockholm, Sweden
Arrive 0900. Depart 1700.
Admire the views as Spirit of Discovery charts a course through the Stockholm Archipelago – it’s a fantastic panorama of land and sea that comprises some 30,000 islands, islets and skerries. At its heart you’ll find the Swedish capital, spread across a series of interconnected islands.
Find your bearings on your included panoramic tour, then thread your way through narrow medieval streets in Gamla Stan and marvel at the Jugendstil influence on the design of the library, Natural History Museum and Swedish Museum of Photography. Perhaps join a guided tour to the oldest town in Sweden, Sigtuna, founded in AD 980.
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7th August
At Sea
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8th August
Kemi, Finland
9Kemi, Finland
Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.
The peaceful town is set on a picturesque archipelago in Lapland, just below the Arctic Circle, and in the summer months, is bathed in the glorious light of the midnight sun. Perhaps visit the Gemstone Gallery, home to the largest collection of gemstones in Europe, as well as the never-worn crown of the King of Finland.
Alternatively, head out of the town and into the wilderness and explore the forests, rivers and hiking routes nearby.
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9th August
At Sea
-
10th August
Tallinn, Estonia
11Tallinn, Estonia
Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.
Tallinn has an enchanting old town of cobbled streets that wind their way beneath a skyline of soaring turrets, towers and steeples. In contrast, the modern part of the Estonian capital boasts shopping centres, high rise buildings, squares, restaurants and bars. An included sightseeing drive will introduce you to the city, then perhaps set off on foot to explore the UNESCO-listed historic centre, renowned for its fairy-tale kerb appeal. Then there’s the city’s secretive Cold War history which you can uncover at the KGB Museum on the 23rd floor of the Soviet era Hotel Viru.
Perhaps venture outside the old city limits to visit Kadriorg Park, which was founded by Peter the Great and is the setting for the baroque palace he dedicated to his wife, Catherine.
-
11th August
Riga, Latvia
12Riga, Latvia
Arrive 1200 on August 11. Depart 1700 on August 12.
Discover the capital of Latvia, Riga, with its eclectic mix of architecture that ranges from medieval castles and the magnificent baroque and rococo Rundale Palace, to art nouveau design and the contemporary Riga Art Space.
An overnight stay offers plenty of time to explore this charismatic Baltic city, and an included scenic tour of the wider city is the perfect introduction. Head off independently to explore the medieval old town, featuring a wealth of architecture that spans the centuries, and don’t miss the impressive 14th-century House of the Blackheads.
-
13th August
At Sea
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14th August
At Sea
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15th August
Gothenburg, Sweden
16Gothenburg, Sweden
Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.
Known as one of the friendliest cities in Europe, Gothenburg – Sweden’s second largest city – is a wonderful place to visit. With its canals, fascinating architecture, trams and art, it’s also one of Sweden’s trendiest cities. Soak up the Scandi atmosphere on an included panoramic tour, then perhaps take a tour to the Volvo Museum and discover more about Sweden’s most iconic brand.
Take time to explore the city’s parks and gardens, such as the ‘Garden Society of Gothenburg’ – a 19th century park awash with roses and colourful planting, the city’s Botanical Garden with some 16,000 different species of plant, and the Liseberg Gardens with their vistas and amusements. You may like to see more of Gothenburg’s northern archipelago, renowned for its Arctic flora and ancient remains, on a mini cruise, or experience the city’s highlights from the water on a kayak tour.
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16th August
At Sea
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17th August
Dover
18Dover
Arrive 0800.
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 Into the Gulf of Bothnia
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
Stockholm, Sweden
Tallinn, Estonia
Riga, Latvia
Gothenburg, Sweden
Skagen, Denmark
- 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
Gdansk’s old town
With a wealth of maritime history, seafood restaurants and intriguing museums, Gdansk has a different feel from other Polish cities, and its old town has retained a unique medieval atmosphere. Highlights include St Mary’s Church, whose 78 metre tower dominates the city skyline, and Neptune’s Fountain, a 17th-century mannerist-rococo masterpiece. Take the opportunity to learn about Poland’s post-war fight for freedom at the European Solidarity Centre as you walk through life under the Soviet regime for a typical Polish family.
Kemi in summer
Located in the wilderness of the Lapland region of Finland, Kemi boasts a number of exciting summertime attractions. Join us on a guided hike or scenic drive to the Tornio river rapids, which form a natural border between Finland and Sweden, for a salmon fishing experience. Watch the fish being caught using centuries-old techniques with handheld dip nets, and then look forward to tasting the day’s catch.
Art nouveau in Riga
After decades of neglect, the rich heritage of Riga has been lovingly restored, and the city now has the largest collection of art nouveau architecture in the world. Join us for a guided walk along Alberta iela to admire the rhythmic façades and opulent decoration of the city’s Art Nouveau buildings, then tour the Latvian National Museum of Art, home to a magnificent permanent collection of Latvian paintings and sculpture.
Spirit of Discovery departing Dover
from £4,199 per person2 passengers
17 nights 31st July 2022 Including optional travel insurance or a price reduction of £75 if not required