Scandinavian Gems: August

Dover

Embark Spirit of Discovery.

Depart 1700.

Spend the day at sea.

Gothenburg, Sweden

Arrive 0800. 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. Join an included panoramic excursion, then soak up the Scandi atmosphere as you stroll along the waterfront or through the ‘Haga’ – the city’s old quarter. The city 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 visit the Volvo Museum and discover more about Sweden’s iconic brand.

Included excursion

See the city sights on an included panoramic excursion.

Optional excursions

Explore Gothenburg’s northern Öckerö archipelago, spread across ten islands and home to ancient remains, traditional harbours and quaint fisherman’s huts nestled beneath granite cliffs.

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 panoramic excursion 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.

Aarhus, Denmark

Arrive 0600. Depart 1700.

Established in Viking times, Aarhus has a strategic position on the Jutland peninsula and has long been an important centre for trade with Germany and the Baltic countries. Today, the city is celebrated for its thriving culture scene, having previously been recognised as a European Capital of Culture. Aarhus has an array of art galleries and museums, such as the ARoS Art Museum and underground Viking Museum where you can learn more about the local history.

Spend the day at sea.

Klaipeda, Lithuania

Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.

Lithuania's main port was built in the Middle Ages by the Teutonic Order, a German crusading military force. Once known as Memel, and part of the Prussian kingdom for centuries, it has had a turbulent history with repeated invasions from Sweden, Russia and Germany. Much of the city was destroyed by fire in the 19th century and rebuilt predominantly in an art nouveau style. Klaipeda has numerous sculptures, including a statue of Ann from Tharau and a Magical Mouse, a diminutive bronze sculpture reputed to convert good wishes into reality.

Included excursion

See more of your surroundings on an included panoramic excursion.

Gudhjem, Bornholm, Denmark

Arrive 0900. Depart 1700.

Gudhjem is located on the small island of Bornholm, known for its distinctive round churches dating from the 12th century. Visit Hammerhus – the largest fortress ruin in northern Europe. There are a number of museums in the area dedicated to the town’s ceramics and maritime history too.

Wismar, Germany

Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.

The medieval town of Wismar was an important trading centre for the Hanseatic League between the 13th and 15th centuries. Explore the old town of red-brick Gothic buildings which earned Wismar a place on UNESCO World Heritage List or perhaps visit nearby Schwerin and its fairy-tale castle.

Spend the day at sea.

Kristiansand, Norway

Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.

The sunny southern Skagerrak coast paints a different picture of Norway with its lowland countryside interrupted only by the occasional painted waterfront house. Along its scalloped coastline lies the popular holiday resort of Kristiansand, founded in 1641 by King Christian IV. At its heart is the Quadrature, where streets follow an orderly Renaissance style grid pattern. Explore here or journey back into the Norwegian past on a ride aboard the Setesdal Steam Railway.

Included excursion

A panoramic excursion offers a relaxing way to see the main sights.

Optional excursions

Ride aboard the Setesdal Steam Railway, which trundle through the Setesdal Valley, revealing idyllic pastoral scenery at every turn.

Spend the day at sea.

Dover

Arrive 0730.

Disembark Spirit of Discovery after breakfast.