Scandinavia and Northern Europe

Step aboard in Southampton & straight into that holiday feeling. No flights, no hassle. Just the excitement of the days ahead and the promise of memorable moment. So, relax and raise a toast as the UK drifts from sight. Before you know it, you'll be watching your destination come into view. But where will it be ?

Copenhagen was founded during the 12th century. So much is new and striking, so much richly traditional – from the ramparts of Hamlet’s Elsinore to the very latest examples of Scandinavian design. Copenhagen literally takes your breath away. Be wowed by the Amalienborg Palace, Christiana’s hippy commune and the delightfully relaxing Tivoli Gardens.

Glimpse into this resort's fishing village origins at the Warnemunde Local History Museum which is housed in an 18th-century cottage. Alternatively admire its beautiful brick lighthouse built in 1898. Your guide to Warnemünde. Warnemünde is one of the Baltic’s prettiest seaside resorts with delectable sand beaches and a lively promenade that attracts scores of German city dwellers in the summer. On a hot day there are few things more satisfying than joining the throngs on the sand or enjoying a chilled pilsner along the bars of the Alter Strom. Visit the former residence of Edvard Munch, painter of The Scream, explore the old town’s traditional fishing houses or take the train 20 minutes to the Hanseatic City of Rostock. Here you’ll encounter attractive gabled houses, gothic churches and turreted buildings dating back to the 13th century.

Sail into Helsinki, past the island fortress of Suomenlinna, to find a clean and bustling capital city of neo-classical architecture. Shop along the Esplanade for Finnish crafts, visit architect Saarinen's studio, or while away some shore time strolling the city streets for curiosities, galleries, cafés and restaurants. Your guide to Helsinki. Finland’s capital since 1812, Helsinki is ‘the Daughter of the Baltic’, a city of intriguing contrasts, offering attractive Neo-Classical buildings alongside lively shopping esplanades. Elegant old homes and churches grace the surrounding countryside while Helsinki itself is predominantly modern, with many museums to explore and a great cultural centre anchored around the city’s Senate Square. On long summer days, Finnish natives and tourists crowd Helsinki’s public parks and sandy beaches, while in winter a visit to one of the city’s traditional saunas - or a steaming hot mug of glögi - provides the perfect way to keep warm.

Tallinn is Estonia’s capital and cultural hub. It is a busy Baltic Sea port with a walled Old Town made of cobblestones, cafés and shops. Plus there’s Kiek in de Kök, its 15th-century defensive tower. Your guide to Tallinn. Few cities in the world are as diverse as Tallinn. One of Europe’s most historic capitals, its picturesque old town is populated with medieval buildings that have earned UNESCO status. Indeed, walking through old Tallinn offers a direct link to the past but having only regained its independence in 1991, Estonia’s recent history is equally enthralling. Beyond the Old Town’s cobbled streets and towering buildings you’ll find hip cafés, independent galleries and small boutiques in the footprint of former warehouses. While venturing to the city’s outskirts offers a chance to explore colourful baroque palaces and exquisite sandy beaches.

It’s hard not to fall hook, line and sinker for the captivating charms of this whimsical Danish island. With sandy beaches, historic castles and spellbinding scenery, Bornholm could easily become your new favourite destination. Your guide to Bornholm. Nestled in the Baltic Sea, the Danish island of Bornholm is a captivating port call, offering charming fishing towns, sandy beaches and whimsical castle ruins. Already a favourite holiday spot for Swedes and Danes, the island’s culinary merits and idyllic scenery are just the start of Bornholm’s destination appeal. In the capital town of Rønne, where Cunard cruises to Bornholm call, quaint cobbled streets and half-timbered houses stand much as they did a century ago. Discover native pottery at Hjorths Factory, uncover 10,000 years of history at Bornholms Museum or savour an ice cream sitting on the golden sands at your choice of postcard-worthy beaches.

Step aboard in Southampton & straight into that holiday feeling. No flights, no hassle. Just the excitement of the days ahead and the promise of memorable moment. So, relax and raise a toast as the UK drifts from sight. Before you know it, you'll be watching your destination come into view. But where will it be ?