Viking Oceans Cruises – NEW! Baltic Discovery (Sweden, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Denmark) 8 Days

Stockholm, Sweden
Embark your ship and settle into your stateroom. Elegant Stockholm is nestled where Lake Mälaren’s cobalt waters meet the Baltic. This stunning cultural capital extends over 14 islands linked by 57 graceful bridges. Hailed as one of the world’s cleanest cities, it boasts numerous green parks. The well-preserved 13th-century Gamla Stan, or old town, boasts gabled merchant houses and an array of architectural styles, from the enormous baroque Stockholm Palace to the art nouveau Royal Dramatic Theater. Strandvägen is one of Europe’s loveliest waterfront esplanades and the ideal place to sample some traditional smoked salmon.

Tallinn, Estonia
The capital of Estonia, Tallinn is located along the coast of the Baltic Sea. Its well-preserved old town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is surrounded by a ring of 17th-century historic fortifications that were built to protect the city from invaders. Inside its walls are the upper town, where the regal castle and the cathedral are located, and the lower town, a maze of merchants’ houses, guilds, churches and public buildings. Some of the most notable landmarks include the Town Hall Square, Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, St. Olaf’s Church and the Kumu Art Museum.

Shore Excursions – Tallinn Old Town Walk
Duration: 3 hours
Get to know one of the finest medieval Old Towns of Northern Europe on a two-mile walking tour with a local guide. A scenic drive leads past the medieval town wall, the National Opera and Freedom Square. At Toompea, or Dome Hill, enjoy a stroll along cobblestone lanes past the Estonian Parliament, Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and St. Mary’s Cathedral. Along the way, pause at lovely vantage points that overlook a magnificent canvas of red rooftops, slender steeples and the sea. Your walk descends into Lower Town, where you will explore a web of narrow 13th-century streets. Pass the Great Guild House, House of the Brotherhood of the Blackheads, Church of the Holy Spirit and two 15th-century gems: the Town Council’s Apothecary and the Town Hall. Along Katariina Passage and Muurivahe Lane, you can browse handicraft workshops and a street market lined with wool and linen products.

Shore Excursions – Leisurely Tallinn Old Town Walk
Duration: 3 hours
Get to know one of the finest medieval Old Towns of Northern Europe on a leisurely walking tour with a local guide. Meet your guide and drive to Tallinn’s Lower Town to explore a web of buildings and narrow streets that were constructed between the 13th- and 16th-centuries. Craftspeople and merchants were the residents of this former Hanseatic League city, and their influence is still evident in its guild houses, homes and warehouses. Stroll through historic streets to marvel at St. Olaf’s Church, once one of the tallest buildings in the world. Pass the Great Guild Hall, White Bread Passage, the Town Council’s Apothecary and the Town Hall before reaching the Katariina Passage, a time capsule of medieval charm. Wander down this cobblestone street to admire its stone homes and archways and catch a glimpse of Estonian artisans hard at work, making leather crafts, ceramics and jewelry.

Riga, Latvia
Riga is the largest and most cosmopolitan of the Baltic capitals. Here, medieval meets contemporary in a history and architecture lover’s dream. Vaulting gothic spires and domes of ancient churches dot the narrow cobblestone streets of the UNESCO-listed Old Town, while wide boulevards host striking and ornate examples of stunning Jugendstil Art Nouveau buildings in the new town. Upscale shops mingle with modern art galleries and hip bars, amid innovative, candlelit restaurants, creating a vibrant atmosphere, day or night.

Shore Excursions – Introduction to Riga
Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes
Explore Riga during a panoramic drive and on foot as you discover the highlights of the Latvian capital. Embark on a scenic drive to the center of Riga along its picturesque boulevards to the Jugendstil district. See the orthodox cathedral, the Freedom Monument and the Fine Art Museum, before alighting from your motor coach in the old town to begin your walk. Head to Livu Square, past St. John’s church and view the surrounding defense wall. See the towering spire of St. Peter’s Church and walk to Town Hall Square, pausing to gaze at the House of the Blackheads, before enjoying free time to browse the local shops or explore more of the city’s sights. Continue to Dome Square and see the Houses of Parliament and Riga Castle; your guide will provide insight to their history and as well as modern life in Latvia. After your excursion, return to your awaiting ship.

Shore Excursions – A Leisurely Introduction to Riga
Duration: 3 hours
Discover Riga, the capital of Latvia, and see its highlights during a leisurely panoramic drive. Meet your guide, board your motor coach and set out on a scenic journey to view Riga’s main sights. From the comfort of your seat, view the stunning medieval architecture and admire the city’s Art Nouveau buildings. Pass by the old town and view the 14th-century Powder Tower, part of the former defensive city wall, and pause at the Town Hall Square for photos. Your guide will explain the history of the city, including Latvia’s journey to independence; the Freedom Monument, erected here in 1935, commemorates this and was the focus of a similar movement during the late-1980s. Pause for photos at the Riga Opera House to capture its stunning facade and picturesque gardens. Cross the Daugava River for a final glimpse of the old town, before returning to your awaiting ship.

Riga, Latvia
A member of the Hanseatic League, Riga has a fascinating history. The heart of its UNESCO-listed Old Town acts as a living museum with its labyrinth of narrow streets and historic squares. The city is home to a diverse population, including sizeable Russian- and Ukrainian-speaking communities, bringing a peaceful blend of customs and languages. Europe’s largest collection of Art Nouveau architecture is found in Riga. The expansion of the city and explosion of the movement during the late 19th century has left a tapestry of magnificent buildings featuring elaborate facades.

Shore Excursions – Introduction to Riga
Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes
Explore Riga during a panoramic drive and on foot as you discover the highlights of the Latvian capital. Embark on a scenic drive to the center of Riga along its picturesque boulevards to the Jugendstil district. See the orthodox cathedral, the Freedom Monument and the Fine Art Museum, before alighting from your motor coach in the old town to begin your walk. Head to Livu Square, past St. John’s church and view the surrounding defense wall. See the towering spire of St. Peter’s Church and walk to Town Hall Square, pausing to gaze at the House of the Blackheads, before enjoying free time to browse the local shops or explore more of the city’s sights. Continue to Dome Square and see the Houses of Parliament and Riga Castle; your guide will provide insight to their history and as well as modern life in Latvia. After your excursion, return to your awaiting ship.

Shore Excursions – A Leisurely Introduction to Riga
Duration: 3 hours
Discover Riga, the capital of Latvia, and see its highlights during a leisurely panoramic drive. Meet your guide, board your motor coach and set out on a scenic journey to view Riga’s main sights. From the comfort of your seat, view the stunning medieval architecture and admire the city’s Art Nouveau buildings. Pass by the old town and view the 14th-century Powder Tower, part of the former defensive city wall, and pause at the Town Hall Square for photos. Your guide will explain the history of the city, including Latvia’s journey to independence; the Freedom Monument, erected here in 1935, commemorates this and was the focus of a similar movement during the late-1980s. Pause for photos at the Riga Opera House to capture its stunning facade and picturesque gardens. Cross the Daugava River for a final glimpse of the old town, before returning to your awaiting ship.

Klaipėda, Lithuania
Lithuania’s third-largest city is a historic port on the Curonian coast. Part of the Prussian Kingdom until 1923, when it won its autonomy, Klaipėda is divided by the Danė River, which flows through the city into the Baltic Sea. Along its left bank, the historic old town features cobblestone streets with historic German-style half-timbered houses, street art and a tree-lined promenade filled with cafés. The new town stretches along the Danė’s right bank, past industrial sites and shipyards, amid venues that showcase the city’s art and cultural heritage.

Shore Excursions – Klaipėda on Foot
Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
See the highlights of Klaipėda during a walking tour of its old town and visit the Klaipėda Castle Museum. Meet your guide and set out on foot toward the old town. Once the northernmost port of the Prussian empire, its cobblestoned streets are steeped in history and maritime heritage. In Theatre Square, pass the Taravos Anike sculpture, dedicated to the memory of poet Simon Dach. You will view other icons of folklore, including the Golden Mouse and Cat Klaipedis—the cat with a gentleman’s face. Stop for refreshments and sample a piece of tinginys, a speciality known as “lazy cake,” then head to the Klaipėda Castle Museum. Originally built by the Teutonic Knights during the 13th century, its buildings were eventually demolished after falling into disrepair. You will visit the archeological museum, housed beneath one of its remaining bastions, which showcases the castle’s history.

Shore Excursions – Leisurely Klaipėda
Duration: 2 hours
View the sights of Klaipėda’s old town district and contrasting modern areas during a panoramic excursion. Embark on a scenic drive through the new districts of the city and past local residences. Admire the tree-lined streets and view some of the city’s architectural gems. At the Botanical Garden, take a short stroll before heading to the Sculpture Park to see its collection of contemporary art. Continue your drive to the old town for a guided walk and view some of the city’s icons of folklore, including the Golden Mouse, The Dragon emerging from its wall and the unusual Cat Klaipedis—the cat with a gentleman’s face. You will also learn more about Klaipėda’s maritime history by the Meridianas, a restored sailing ship. Afterward, head to Theatre Square, passing the Taravos Anike sculpture, dedicated to the memory of poet Simon Dach, before walking back to your ship.

Gdańsk, Poland
Gdańsk is widely known as the city of glowing amber and Gothic cathedrals. Its luster harkens back to medieval times when it was one of the most prosperous cities in the Hanseatic League, the mercantile powerhouse of the Baltic. The city’s rich history is on display in the remarkably restored old town, a splendid mix of Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque styles—from the royal residence of Green Gate to the 15th-century Artus Court, a merchant’s palace. Traditional Polish pierogies or a glass of Goldwasser, a liqueur created here during the 16th century, round out any visit.

Shore Excursions – City of Gdańsk On Foot
Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes
Explore this remarkably restored Polish city and learn about its rich history on this enlightening excursion. One of the wealthiest cities in the Hanseatic League, Gdańsk was extensively damaged during World War II, but its restoration has been phoenix-like. You will visit Long Market, one of the city’s most attractive streets, and pass beneath Green Gate, a former royal residence. View the 15th-century Artus Court, a merchant’s palace, and the fascinating Gdańsk treadwheel crane, a 14th-century human-powered device that helped the medieval port load and unload cargo. En route back to your ship, pass Solidarity Square and see the famous Gate No. 2 of the Gdańsk Lenin Shipyard, where protesting shipyard workers were shot by the Communist regime in 1970. A monument here commemorates their sacrifice.

Copenhagen, Denmark
Copenhagen charms visitors like a Danish fairy tale. Among the Baltic’s most beautiful cities, it began as a fishing village and boasts more than 850 years of history. It has been an important Scandinavian port since the Viking Age and remains one of Europe’s most enchanting places, thanks to Tivoli Gardens, the world’s second-oldest amusement park, and The Little Mermaid statue sitting in the harbor at Langelinie. Grand palaces also grace the cityscape, including Amalienborg Palace, the royal winter residence, and Rosenborg Castle, home to the Danish Crown Jewels.

Shore Excursions – Copenhagen by Foot
Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
Explore the landmarks of Copenhagen and learn about the city’s history during a walking excursion. With a local guide, you will stop to see the Little Mermaid statue sitting serenely in the harbor at Langelinie and visit the courtyard at the 18th-century Amalienborg Palace. Continue to Copenhagen’s largest monument, the Gefion Fountain, followed by Amalienborg Palace, the winter residence of the Queen of Denmark, the sovereign of one of the world’s oldest monarchies. Here, admire the royal rococo buildings and square, plus the stunning Marble Church, New Opera House and flourishing Amaliehaven (Amalie Garden) with its geometrical layout, colorful plants and centerpiece fountain. En route back to your ship, walk through the 17th-century Citadel—one of Europe’s best-preserved fortresses surrounded by eight moats, tall ramparts and cannon bastions.

Shore Excursions – Leisurely Stroll Around Copenhagen
Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
Enjoy Copenhagen at a leisurely pace as you explore the city’s sights on foot. Set out on foot to the Little Mermaid statue sitting serenely in the harbor at Langelinie. Dedicated to the city’s most famous resident, fairy-tale author Hans Christian Andersen, it is considered a Copenhagen icon. Walk past the Citadel, one of the best-preserved fortifications in Copenhagen and constructed in the form of a pentagon with bastioned ramparts. Then, continue to the Amalienborg Palace, the Royal family’s winter residence consisting of four identical palaces. After time for photos, continue to the city’s largest monument, the Gefion Fountain, donated to the city by the Carlsberg Foundation to commemorate its 50th anniversary in 1908. After your walk, return to your ship by motor coach.

Copenhagen, Denmark
Bid farewell to your fellow guests and journey home. Or spend more time exploring, perhaps joining one of our extensions.