11 Night Best Of Scandinavia Cruise

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.

Oslo combines the modern and the historical into a heady stew of Scandinavian cool. With a history that dates back to the Middle Ages, Oslo retains remnants of its past, with medieval ruins alongside charming wooden houses in the Old Town. At the same time, locals embrace their town's reputation as one of the world's most modern cities. The Opera House's striking design invites you to walk on the roof before you explore the sleek interior during your Oslo cruise. Don't miss the Munch Museum, a treasure trove of works by the artist behind 'The Scream'. Examine ancient ships up close at the Viking Museum. See Olso's quirky side at Frogner Sculpure Park, where you'll find whimsical art in a soothing green setting.

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..

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.

Walking through Gdansk, you'll feel like you've stepped back in time. Almost completely destroyed during the Second World War, the Main City was rebuilt during the Soviet era — as a result, today's Gdansk resembles the medieval town it once was. The city is perfect for wandering on foot. Cruise to Poland to stroll over to see the Gothic grandeur of St. Mary's Cathedral, Gdansk's most distinctive landmark and one of the largest brick churches in the world. Then make your way to the Old Town — Mariacka Street is a highlight, with ornate, gargoyle-adorned homes and plenty of cafes you can pop into for espresso and sernik, a Polish cheesecake.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.