20-Day Scotland, Scandinavia & Baltic Explorer Cruise

Day 1 - Dover, UK

Arrive: Tue 08 August 2028 / Depart: Tue 08 August 2028 at 17:00

Crossing the English Channel from continental Europe to Great Britain, the first view of England is the milky-white strip of land called the White Cliffs of Dover. As you get closer, the coastline unfolds before you in all its striking beauty. White chalk cliffs with streaks of black flint rise straight from the sea to a height of 350’ (110 m). Numerous archaeological finds reveal people were present in the area during the Stone Age. Yet the first record of Dover is from Romans, who valued its close proximity to the mainland. A mere 21 miles (33 km) separate Dover from the closest point in France. A Roman-built lighthouse in the area is the tallest Roman structure still standing in Britain. The remains of a Roman villa with the only preserved Roman wall mural outside of Italy are another unique survivor from ancient times which make Dover one of a kind.

Day 2 - At Sea

Day 3 - Edinburgh

Arrive: Thu 10 August 2028 at 06:00

Two miles distant from its ancient seaport of Leith lies Edinburgh, Scotland's national capital. The Scottish capital since the 15th century, Edinburgh is comprised of two distinct areas - the Old Town, dominated by a medieval fortress, and the neoclassical New Town, whose development from the 18th century onwards had a far-reaching influence on European urban planning. The harmonious juxtaposition of these two contrasting historic areas, each with many important buildings, is what gives the city its unique character. Always favored by geography, Edinburgh is ideally situated on the Firth of Forth, an inlet from the North Sea, and built on extinct volcanoes surrounded by woods, rolling hills and lakes. On a clear day, there are glorious vistas from each of these hilltops. Looming above the city is the striking fairy tale castle built on the site of a 7th-century fortress. Towards the Middle Ages life within the fortress spilled onto the long ridge running to the foot of Arthur's Seat, which crowns Holyrood Park. The city's most legendary citizens are the arch Presbyterian John Knox and Mary Queen of Scots, who dominated the Edinburgh of the late 16th century. Edinburgh's delightful city center is a joy to explore on foot. Every alley reveals impressive steeples, jagged, chimney-potted skylines, or lovely rotund domes.

Day 4 - Edinburgh

Depart: Fri 11 August 2028 at 01:00

Two miles distant from its ancient seaport of Leith lies Edinburgh, Scotland's national capital. The Scottish capital since the 15th century, Edinburgh is comprised of two distinct areas - the Old Town, dominated by a medieval fortress, and the neoclassical New Town, whose development from the 18th century onwards had a far-reaching influence on European urban planning. The harmonious juxtaposition of these two contrasting historic areas, each with many important buildings, is what gives the city its unique character. Always favored by geography, Edinburgh is ideally situated on the Firth of Forth, an inlet from the North Sea, and built on extinct volcanoes surrounded by woods, rolling hills and lakes. On a clear day, there are glorious vistas from each of these hilltops. Looming above the city is the striking fairy tale castle built on the site of a 7th-century fortress. Towards the Middle Ages life within the fortress spilled onto the long ridge running to the foot of Arthur's Seat, which crowns Holyrood Park. The city's most legendary citizens are the arch Presbyterian John Knox and Mary Queen of Scots, who dominated the Edinburgh of the late 16th century. Edinburgh's delightful city center is a joy to explore on foot. Every alley reveals impressive steeples, jagged, chimney-potted skylines, or lovely rotund domes.

Day 5 - Lerwick, Scotland

Arrive: Sat 12 August 2028 at 07:00 / Depart: Sat 12 August 2028 at 16:00

Lerwick, Britain's most northerly town, and is a small, bustling, cosmopolitan seaport with a population of over 7,000 people and fine architecture. Shetland Museum, located on Hay's Dock, is an award- winning attraction. Discover the island’s many secrets through its exhibits, and take a look in the boat shed, where you can see demonstrations of traditional boat building. Also of interest is the stone-walled town hall, built in 1884, displaying an impressive array of beautifully intricate stained glass. Towering St. Magnus Cathedral, constructed in 1863, is likewise well worth a visit. People have lived and prospered here since Neolithic times. The site of Clickimin Broch, a hollow-stone-walled structure, was a Late Bronze Age farmstead of the 7th century BCE. Historic Fort Charlotte, built in 1653, is a five-sided fortress, with cannon batteries pointing out to sea. The Shetland Textile Museum, with its fine weaving, and the quaint Crofters Museum will detail life in a much gentler time. The name Lerwick is derived from Norse and means ‘bay of clay.’

Day 6 - Haugesund

Arrive: Sun 13 August 2028 at 10:00 / Depart: Sun 13 August 2028 at 18:00

A large columnar monument atop a small seaside hill at Haraldshaugen, near the town of Haugesund, commemorates the birthplace of Norway. In fact, the hill is the burial mound of Norway’s first king, Harald Fairhair, who ruled from A.D. 872 to 930 during the height of the Viking age. This homeland of Viking kings has a lot to offer visitors-- fjords, mountains, waterfalls, glaciers, culture, idyllic islands and a unique Norse heritage. The Dokken Open Air Museum features thematic exhibitions of life during Haugesund’s herring fishing heyday of the 1800s, while the Karmsund Folkemuseum highlights the area’s maritime culture and heritage. Visiting the Arquebus War History Museum, you will be impressed by the quality and variety of the museum’s collection of World War II tanks and military equipment. A highlight in Haugesund for many people is the Vintage Car Museum. Norway's largest private car collection, with nearly 200 renovated and functioning vehicles, it is located in Frakkagjerd just outside Haugesund.

Day 7 - Farsund,Norway

Arrive: Mon 14 August 2028 at 08:00 / Depart: Mon 14 August 2028 at 17:00

Farsund is located on the Lista Peninsula in southern Norway, which is filigreed with fjords and waterways such as the Lygdalsfjorden. It is a popular attraction for vacationers for its beaches and prolific birdlife, as well as hiking trails and historic events such as the pirate festival. The Vanse Church is one of Norway’s earliest, dating from 1037. The town was also an important part of the Atlantic Wall in WWII, with bunkers and fortifications such as the Nordberg Fortress, and nearby islands used as prisons for captured Axis soldiers. The Lista Lighthouse is a popular place to watch birds and get views over the beaches.

Day 8 - Lysekil

Arrive: Tue 15 August 2028 at 08:00 / Depart: Tue 15 August 2028 at 17:00

Historically, Lysekil was mainly known as a bathing location in Sweden in the 19th century, due to its popular bathing house dating from 1847. Once again, Lysekil is a popular summer resort located in Sweden's Bohuslän province and one of the sunniest places on the Scandinavian peninsula. Because of its favorable weather and picturesque archipelago dotted with small islands and protected fjord-like water ways it attracts many yachts and sun worshipers from the North who annually flock to their summer cottages in this area. Along with fishing, which is featured in its coat of arms, tourism has become important to Lysekil's economy.

Day 9 - Copenhagen, Denmark

Arrive: Wed 16 August 2028 at 07:00 / Depart: Wed 16 August 2028 at 22:00

Denmark's capital is arguably one of the world's best-loved cities, and certainly the liveliest of all the Scandinavian capitals. It is a gracious and comfortable place, with a decidedly friendly, hospitable and fun-loving atmosphere. If there is such a thing as a cozy city, Copenhagen is it. From the lingering memory of the tales of Hans Christian Andersen to the colored lights of Tivoli Gardens, there is a delightful ambience that surrounds the visitor everywhere. Tidy, narrow streets are lined with tempting restaurants and cafes, and the pedestrian-only Stroget abounds with stylish shops. The spirited Copenhageners are imaginative and unconventional and exude a "do-what-you-want" philosophy that embraces and respects almost all aspects of life. Every friendly Dane you meet further illustrates the city's motto "Wonderful, wonderful, Copenhagen."

Day 10 - Ronne (Bornholm), Denmark

Day 11 - Visby, Sweden

Arrive: Fri 18 August 2028 at 08:00 / Depart: Fri 18 August 2028 at 17:00

This delightful hilly town, boasting medieval houses and ruined fortifications, is Gotland's capital city. Due to its gentle climate an abundance of roses bloom here, even as late as November, marking Visby as 'The City of Roses. In its heyday, Visby was one of the richest trading centers in northern Europe. Remains of the medieval city walls are considered to be among the best-preserved in Europe. Additional points of interest include the cathedral, one of the town's 17 medieval churches still in use today; the Old Apothecary, a late-medieval four-story merchant's house; and the Fornsal Museum with an interesting exhibit of medieval artwork, hordes of silver form Viking times, and impressive picture stones that predate the Viking rune stones. Sweden's main holiday island offers wide sandy beaches, wild cliff formations, and verdant sheepfarming country and glades in which 35 different varieties of wild orchids thrive, attracting botanists from around the world. There are also a hundred more churches dating from Gotland's great commercial era scattered across the island which are still in use today.

Day 12 - Stockholm

Arrive: Sat 19 August 2028 at 09:00

Sweden's capital has been called the most beautiful city in the world. This "city that floats on water" sprawls over 14 islands that are linked by over 50 bridges, which cross winding waterways in all directions. To the east is an archipelago of thousands of islands in different shapes, sizes and contours. Venice, for all its gondolas, does not approach the water traffic of Stockholm. The hundreds of small boats that line the inlets and canals testify to the passion of every family to own and sail a boat.

Day 13 - Stockholm

Depart: Sun 20 August 2028 at 14:00

Sweden's capital has been called the most beautiful city in the world. This "city that floats on water" sprawls over 14 islands that are linked by over 50 bridges, which cross winding waterways in all directions. To the east is an archipelago of thousands of islands in different shapes, sizes and contours. Venice, for all its gondolas, does not approach the water traffic of Stockholm. The hundreds of small boats that line the inlets and canals testify to the passion of every family to own and sail a boat.

Day 14 - Helsinki, Finland

Arrive: Mon 21 August 2028 at 08:00 / Depart: Mon 21 August 2028 at 17:00

Helsinki, capital of Finland and "Daughter of the Baltic," was founded in 1550 and became the capital in 1812. The city is beautifully set on a peninsula surrounded by islands and is protected by fortifications at Suomenlinna. A modern, lively city of approximately a half million inhabitants, Helsinki's attractions include the harbor, market square and many spacious parks. The Empire Center is one of Europe's finest examples of neoclassical architecture.

Day 15 - Tallinn, Estonia

Arrive: Tue 22 August 2028 at 09:00 / Depart: Tue 22 August 2028 at 23:00

The capital of Estonia, Tallinn was called Reval until the 20th century. The port's ideal maritime position has always been a temptation to other nations and won it a position in the Hanseatic League. This cross-cultural history gives Tallinn a special ambience that visitors appreciate. The main attraction is the Old Town. Perched on a low hill by the shore, its fortification walls, worn cobbled streets and 13th-century buildings make it one of the purest medieval towns in all of northern Europe. With about a half-million inhabitants, Tallinn comprises almost a third of Estonia's population. Outside of town there is rich dairy land and along the coast stretch expansive sand beaches.

Day 16 - At Sea

Day 17 - Riga

Arrive: Thu 24 August 2028 at 07:00 / Depart: Thu 24 August 2028 at 16:00

Riga, situated on a sandy plain about 9 miles from the mouth of the River Dvina, is the capital of Latvia and is one of the most beautiful of the Baltic cities. The advantageous geographical position, with access to both the sea and via the river to the east, shaped both the history and culture of the city. Founded in the 12th century, it was established as a trading settlement and grew quickly into an important port with a remarkable diversity of Gothic, Baroque Renaissance and Classical architectural styles. Today, the capital city is a major tourist attraction while remaining one of the principal ports in the Baltic and a top producer of manufactured goods.

Day 18 - Klaipeda, Lithuania

Arrive: Fri 25 August 2028 at 10:00 / Depart: Fri 25 August 2028 at 19:00

Klaip eda's history dates back to 1252, when it was founded as a fortress to provide protection against marauders arriving by sea. A member of the Hanseatic League during its heyday, Klaip eda was also ruled at various times by Sweden, Russia, Prussia, Lithuania, Germany, the Soviet Union, and now, once again, Lithuania. With a population of nearly 200,000, Klaip eda is one of Lithuania's largest cities and most important ports. Be sure to visit Mazvydas Sculpture Park or perhaps make the drive to nearby Palanga or Nida along the Baltic coast. Special Note: Please bear in mind that tourism in Lithuania is still in its infancy. Facilities and guides may not be up to Cunard's normally high standards.

Day 19 - Gdansk, Poland

Arrive: Sat 26 August 2028 at 08:00 / Depart: Sat 26 August 2028 at 23:00

Historically known as the tinderbox whose spark ignited the WWII, it was also in Gdansk where the flame that signalized the collapse of communism was illuminated. Today, the affectionately restored facades of the town houses lining the streets in the Old Town remind visitors of the heyday of the Hanseatic League and preserve its distinctive charm. Nestled on the banks of the Bay of Gdansk, amid the seaside resort of Sopot and the seaport of Gdynia, the Gdansk area is often referred to as "Tri-City." The close affiliation to its neighboring cities and its advantageous location make Gdansk the perfect gateway to discover beautiful Poland.

Day 20 - At Sea

Day 21 - Copenhagen, Denmark

Arrive: Mon 28 August 2028 at 07:00 / Depart: Mon 28 August 2028

Denmark's capital is arguably one of the world's best-loved cities, and certainly the liveliest of all the Scandinavian capitals. It is a gracious and comfortable place, with a decidedly friendly, hospitable and fun-loving atmosphere. If there is such a thing as a cozy city, Copenhagen is it. From the lingering memory of the tales of Hans Christian Andersen to the colored lights of Tivoli Gardens, there is a delightful ambience that surrounds the visitor everywhere. Tidy, narrow streets are lined with tempting restaurants and cafes, and the pedestrian-only Stroget abounds with stylish shops. The spirited Copenhageners are imaginative and unconventional and exude a "do-what-you-want" philosophy that embraces and respects almost all aspects of life. Every friendly Dane you meet further illustrates the city's motto "Wonderful, wonderful, Copenhagen."