Seven Countries of Northern Europe

Embark Spirit of Discovery.

Depart 1700.

Spend the day at sea.

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. 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).

Included excursion

See the city sights on an included excursion.

Optional excursion

Explore Gothenburg’s Haga district and enjoy a canal cruise or enjoy a canal cruise and discover the Botanical Gardens.

Spend the day at sea.

Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.

Gdansk’s medieval quarter was fully restored following heavy damage during World War Two and features Dutch-style terraces of narrow multi-storied townhouses. The main square is fronted by the Gothic town hall and Artus Court, once a social hub for medieval merchants. Neighbouring St Mary’s Basilica is one of the largest brick-built churches in the world. Other attractions include the European Solidarity Centre museum and Oliwa Cathedral with its ornate Baroque and Rococo interior.

Included excursion

An included excursion will show you some of the city’s attractions.

Optional excursions

Step on board a replica 17th-century galleon for a scenic sail in to Gdansk centre.

Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.

Lithuania’s third largest city 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 excursion.

Optional excursions

Head outside of the city for an introduction to local life in rural Lithuania.

Arrive 1300 on May 31.
Depart 1300 on June 1.

Look forward to an extended stay in historic Riga. The capital’s central location on the Baltic Sea saw it flourish during the Middle Ages as a member of the prosperous Hanseatic League. Reshaped by fire and war over the passing centuries, it has retained a wealth of architectural highlights. Chief among them is the UNESCO-listed old town and Europe’s most extensive collection of Art Nouveau architecture. Of particular note are the replica medieval guildhall – the House of the Black Heads, St Peter’s Church with its 403-foot-high spire and the still bustling Central Market.

Included excursion

An included excursion offers an introduction to the city.

Arrive 0800. 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

Enjoy an included walking tour through the old town of Tallinn.

Optional excursion

Head outside the city for an introduction to Estonian traditions.

Spend the day at sea.

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.

Included excursion

An included excursion takes you on a scenic canal cruise through Copenhagen.

Optional excursion

A visit to the Christiansborg Palace reveals its resplendent interior.

Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.

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 atmosphere. The Skagen Museum features work by Karl Madsen, Peder Kroyer and Viggo Johansen.

Included excursion

An included excursion will introduce you to Skagen.

Optional excursion

A tractor-trailer ride will take you to Denmark’s most northerly point where two seas collide.

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.

Included excursion

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

Optional excursion

Head along the coast to reach the pretty town of Lillesand.

Spend the day at sea.

Arrive 0700.

Disembark Spirit of Discovery after breakfast.