11 Night Best Of Scandinavia Cruise

As you explore Stockholm – the stylish Swedish capital, built across 14 islands connected by 57 bridges – you'll notice water and green space are never far away. Stroll through Gamla Stan, the colourful medieval Old Town, with its imposing royal palace and looming cathedrals. Browse the little shops and art galleries that line the narrow streets, or take a break in one of the many trendy cafes. Visit the large City Hall, the site of the Nobel Prize banquet, with its austere brick exterior accented by playful Venetian turrets and decorated balconies. Don't miss the grand Vasa Ship Museum – you'll see an almost-intact 17th-century warship – and Skansen, the world's first open-air museum, both located on the island of Djurgarden.

Tallinn's fairy-tale castles, cobbled streets and warm hospitality remain one of Europe's best-kept secrets. Head to the city's Old Town, where you can see medieval Raekoja Plats (Town Hall Square) and wander hidden passageways between 17th- and 18th-century earthwork forts. Tour the ornate Orthodox Cathedral of St. Alexander Nevsky, full of detailed mosaics and traditional icons. Take a foray to the unspoiled Baltic coastline just outside Tallinn — check out popular Pirita or quiet Kakumae. Later, stop into one of Tallinn's iconic cellar restaurants to fuel up on hearty Estonian fare like mulgipuder, a porridge of barley and potatoes flavored with smoky bacon.

Finland's capital is a laid-back but vibrant seaside city, surrounded on three sides by sea and tiny islands. Stroll to the heart of Helsinki to its bustling kauppatori, or market square. Admire the graceful 19th-century buildings and Havis Amanda, the lovely mermaid statue commonly regarded as the symbol of Finland. Continue to Temppeliaukio, an astonishing rock-carved church. Finish the day at a local restaurant with a dish of fresh-caught white fish with new potatoes. Join a Helsinki cruise and head to the hip Kallio neighborhood to explore Helsinki's nightlife — you'll discover a host of spots ranging from cocktail lounges to rock music venues all within walking distance from each other.

A small town on the island of Gotland in the Baltic Sea, Visby was a popular trading spot during the Viking Age. Today, it's Sweden's sunniest vacation destination and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Explore the 3.5 km Ringmuren (Ring Wall), built in the 13th Century, and see its 50 towers and surrounding moats. Snap shots of the idyllic red rose-covered cottages, the ruined Gothic churches and the 13th-century Saint Maria Cathedral. If would like to know more about the island's history, don't miss the excellent Gotland Museum. Cruise to Visby and head 20 kilometers south to the Tofta Viking Village, a Viking-era settlement reconstructed around authentic ancient monuments.

Latvia's historical capital is an architecture buff's dream come true. The Gothic structures in the Old Town and the Art Nouveau buildings scattered around the city meld together to create a modern-day fairy tale. Wander the narrow cobblestoned streets, and step back into the 14th century. Stroll into the bustling Riga Central Market and sample the bright, colourful produce and local products like hemp butter and amber jewellery. Or wander through the street stalls to taste some traditional Latvian cuisine – fried lampreys, a prehistoric jawless fish whose flavour is less scary than it looks. Cruise to Riga and don't miss the city's iconic site, the House of the Blackheads, the former home of a merchant's guild and expression of Riga's medieval roots.

When your cruise docks at Klaipeda, on Lithuania's Curoanian coast, you might feel as if you've stepped into another world. One of Europe's best-kept beach secrets, Klapeida is as much about pristine scenery as it is the intricate Fachwerk architecture of its charming Old Town. Here you'll find the Curonian Spit sandbar and the sparkling Curoanian Lagoon just behind it. The smell of fresh sea air will invigorate you as you ascend the 13th-century remains of Klaipeda Castle with Baltic cruises. Later, dig into a plate of fish dumplings at a charming portside restaurant.

Soak up some sun in Warnemunde, home to some of Germany's best beaches. The fine, sugar-white sand goes on for 15 kilometers along the pristine blue waters of Baltic Sea. Head to popular West Beach and relax in one of the many striped Strandkorben — canopied wicker chairs. Or check out quieter East Beach, lined by high sand dunes. Cruise to Berlin, Germany to watch the waves crash against 19th-century Warnemunde Lighthouse. Then, make your way to the Alte Strom, where you can stroll along the quaint promenade and buy fresh fish straight off the fishing cutters. Take in the salty air of this sleepy fishing village, and savor the relaxed pace of life. Sample fresh-caught seafood, try a local brew and do some people-watching in one of the outdoor beer gardens.

Founded during the Viking Age, Aarhus is a compact and vibrant city perfect for history buffs and lovers of the arts and culture. Head to the bustling Latin Quarter, lined with cafes, boutique shops and cutting-edge restaurants on your next Denmark cruise. Take a short walk to Aarhus Cathedral to see the tallest church in Denmark. Can't get enough art and history? You're in luck: Aarhus was recently named European Capital of Culture. Its myriad museums include the Moesgaard History Museum, Aros Aarhus Art Museum and Den Gamle By, nestled in an open-air botanical garden. The oldest section of Aarhus is the Latin Quarter, dating back to the 14th century. Walk through its narrow cobblestoned streets filled with chic shops, galleries and some of the city's best eateries. In the heart of the Latin Quarter, you'll find the cosy square Puservig Torv – its many cafes are the perfect place for a midday break Lined with traditional timber houses, Den Gamle By – 'the Old Town' – is Denmark's national open-air museum of urban history and culture. Experience how people lived and worked at the end of the 19th century. Interested in more recent history? Check out the street that brings Denmark in 1974 back to life..

In Skagen, Denmark's northernmost town, you'll find a wind-swept region with pure white-sand beaches. Called the Land of Light, the area's natural beauty and unique light has long attracted artists. Skagen's lively town centre is full of shops, museums and cafes serving up famous Danish open-faced sandwiches topped with horseradish cream, pickled herring and fresh shrimp. Duck into to the Skagen Museum, where you'll find paintings, graphics and ceramics by regional artists. Cruise to Skagen, Denmark and stop by the famous Sand-Covered Church, Denmark's largest migrating dune, which is continually re-shaped due to the strong and often competing winds coming off the seas. Then, explore the town by bike: With a flat landscape, Skagen is perfect for discovering on two wheels.

Copenhagen has come a long way from its early Viking days. Its historic centre of Frederiksstaden has its share of castles and royal-era palaces – but it’s the modern, sleek Scandinavian design and playful, hygge spirit that sets Denmark’s capital apart today. Each neighbourhood offers its own unique, exciting adventures. Explore the city’s seafaring past with a canal cruise under a network of bridges, or take a stroll along Nyhavn’s colourful quay. Peek in Kødbyen’s trendy art galleries and savour world-renowned Nordic cuisine in Christiania’s quirky cafes. Adventure comes in many forms in Copenhagen, from Baltic beaches to famous fairytales.