Day 2 Berlin-Tegel to Eberswalde

After the morning at leisure, with lunch included, you can explore the city on an included afternoon tour.

Your cruise gets underway shortly afterwards, heading to Eberswalde, where you’ll arrive and moor late tonight. Enjoy a welcome drinks reception and dinner on board.

Day 3 Eberswalde to Szczecin

Your ship departs early this morning. En route to Schwedt you’ll pass a marvel of 20th-century engineering – the Niederfinow boat lift. Built between 1927 and 1934 it's the oldest boat lift in Germany. Pause after breakfast in Hohensaaten from where you can join an optional excursion to the ruins of Chorin Monastery.

After returning to your ship in Schwedt you’ll continue cruising to Szczecin, arriving early this evening. Originally the German city of Stettin, this town was effectively the 'port of Berlin' and so suffered heavy Allied bombing during World War II. Now it’s a Polish city and has since been rebuilt to recapture some of its original style and appeal.

Moor overnight.

Day 4 Szczecin to Swinemünde

This morning, enjoy an included tour of this restored city which has been rebuilt with wide tree-lined avenues and parks, based partly on Haussmann’s 19th-century rebuilding of Paris.

Look out for the decorative Ducal Castle, the Cathedral Basilica of St Jacob the Apostle and the terraces of Waly Chrobrego, providing viewpoints alongside the River Oder. The afternoon is at leisure for exploring independently or relaxing on board ship.

Depart late afternoon for Swinemünde, arriving during dinner and mooring overnight.

Day 5 Swinemünde to Peenemünde

Enjoy an included tour of historic Swinemünde after breakfast.

Look out for the 150-year-old Angel’s Fort, built as a replica of Hadrian’s Mausoleum in Rome, and the Western Fort, the HQ of the Soviet Red Army until the 1960s and now a concert and exhibition venue. A monument honours Royal Air Force pilots shot down while raiding the town in April 1945. But the heritage on display is not just military. A Gothic church from the 15th century still contains its original altar and a pulpit from the 17th century. The 18th century Christ the King church in the town centre holds a wooden replica of a ship in its nave, while the neo-Gothic Stella Maris church is known for its stained glass. The maritime culture of the region is recognised by a windmill-shaped navigation beacon on the breakwater and the 68 metre-high lighthouse, built in 1858 and the tallest on the Baltic Sea. There’s also a museum dedicated to local deep sea fishing.

After departing Swinemünde you’ll pass the central lifting section of the former Karnin railway bridge across the river. The structures either side were destroyed in 1945, but this section has been preserved as a monument.

Moor overnight in Peenemünde.

Day 6 Peenmünde to Lauterbach

Spend the morning in Peenemünde.

Originally a peaceful village on the Northern peninsula of Usedom, it was taken over as an army research centre and used for missile building and testing in World War II. A museum is now established on the site. Your ship sets off at lunchtime, arriving mid-afternoon at the seaside resort of Lauterbach on the German island of Rügen, off the Pomeranian coast in the Baltic Sea.

Moor overnight.

Day 7 Lauterbach to Vitte, Hiddensee

This morning is at leisure to explore.

Your ship leaves at midday and arrives early this evening in Vitte, on the traffic-free island of Hiddensee. This small and peaceful island in the Baltic Sea provides protected habitat for many bird species and opportunities for visitors to enjoy hiking, biking and horseriding. There are just four villages here, the largest being Vitte where fishing boats once unloaded their catch and the ferries now unload visitors. Stroll through the village or go exploring further afield on an optional tour in a horse and carriage.

Day 8 Vitte, Hiddensee to Stralsund

Depart for Stralsund, a major medieval trading centre, this morning.

An optional walking tour reveals this colourful Hanseatic City, where the medieval gabled houses were built to flaunt the wealth and power of the merchants of the time. There’s plenty of fine Brick Gothic architecture to admire too, including the 13th-century North German Brick Gothic style City Hall in the UNESCO-listed Old Town, and the towering St Mary’s Church. The harbour front is a mix of original warehouses and lively bars and restaurants.

Your ship remains moored in Stralsund overnight.

Day 1 UK to Berlin

Fly to Berlin and stay overnight at the locally rated 4-star Steigenberger Hotel (4Q) in the centre of the capital. The 398-room hotel has two restaurants, a bar, spa, gym and free Wi-Fi throughout. Bedrooms are air-conditioned and include a mini-bar, television, safe, and tea and coffee-making facilities.

Day 9 Stralsund to Copenhagen

Disembark your ship after breakfast and transfer to Rostock to board the ferry to Copenhagen.

The trip should take around six hours subject to weather conditions and lunch will be served on board. On arrival, transfer to the centrally located Copenhagen Island Hotel (4Q) for a two-night stay with breakfasts and dinners included at the hotel.

Day 10 Copenhagen

Enjoy an included tour of the city this morning.

This tour starts with a panoramic coach tour of the most famous sights of Copenhagen including the majestic City Hall, dating from 1892, the imposing Christiansborg Palace and the colourful Nyhavn canal district. You’ll visit the city’s most cherished landmark, the statue of the Little Mermaid, and Amalienborg Palace, home to the Danish Royal Family. You’ll also visit the world-famous Tivoli Gardens – opened in 1843 as an example of the ‘pleasure gardens’ that were popular across Europe in the 19th century.

Day 11 Copenhagen to UK

Check out after breakfast and transfer to the airport for your flight home to the UK.