Europe - Baltic

The city of Stockholm in Sweden spreads across 14 islands as it faces proudly out to the Baltic Sea. Its history stretches over seven centuries, and it is Sweden's centre of art and culture. It is also famous for being the home of the Nobel Prizes. You can get to just about all of Stockholm’s many wondrous sites on foot, or you can take a boat trip that will give you a different facet of Scandinavia’s largest and undoubtedly most beautiful city. learn more

Visby, on the island of Gotland that lies 90km off the SE coast of Sweden, is a medieval town of roses, ruins, narrow winding lanes, and an amazingly well preserved town wall with 27 of the towers still intact. There are also 200 medieval houses as well as several ancient churches, many of which were built in the 12th century. Another attraction is the beautifully restored Cathedral of St Mary’s. This delightful town certainly gives one the feeling of stepping back in time. learn more

Pisco lies on the Pacific coast of Peru, 200 km south of the capital Lima. The small city is a gateway to the ruins of Machu Picchu, 500 km due east high in the Andes. Pisco is served by the port of San Martin which is 35 km out of town on the Paracas Peninsula. Named after the liberator General San Martin, this area is significant in Peruvian history as the birthplace of Peru's struggle for independence. learn more

Riga is the capital and largest city of Latvia. It is the largest city of the Baltic states and home to more than one third of Latvia's population. The city lies on the Gulf of Riga, at the mouth of the Daugava. The most popular attraction among travellers is the Old Town of Vecriga. learn more

Tallinn, capital of Estonia, is dominated by the amazing 13th century Toompea Castle towering over the rest of the city. Having always been the seat of power in Estonia, it is appropriately home to the country’s Parliament today. Tallinn was named the European Capital of Culture in 2011, and its Medieval city centre, the most amazing part of Tallinn, truly must be explored. Take any street and be astounded at the impressive guild houses, picturesque wells, boutiques, monasteries, churches and restaurants. learn more

St Petersburg is a federal city located on the Neva River at the head of the Gulf of Finland on the Baltic Sea. In everyday speech the locals refer to it as simply Peter. It is the second largest city in Russia and is regarded as the most ‘Western’ city of Russia, as a large number of foreign consulates, international corporations, banks and other businesses are located here. They make a striking contrast with the historically older buildings, such as the Peter and Paul Fortress built in 1703. learn more

St Petersburg is a federal city located on the Neva River at the head of the Gulf of Finland on the Baltic Sea. In everyday speech the locals refer to it as simply Peter. It is the second largest city in Russia and is regarded as the most ‘Western’ city of Russia, as a large number of foreign consulates, international corporations, banks and other businesses are located here. They make a striking contrast with the historically older buildings, such as the Peter and Paul Fortress built in 1703. learn more

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Klaipeda is the third largest city of Lithuania, and the northernmost ice-free port on the eastern coast of the Baltic Sea. Its fascination lies primarily in the echoes of its history as reflected in its historic buildings in the city centre. Here the picturesque buildings, some of which display the well-known half-timbered construction, date from the 13th to 18th centuries. It is also popular for its clean beaches and warm water. learn more

Gdynia is a city in northern Poland and an important seaport of Gdansk Bay on the south coast of the Baltic Sea. The fishing village was built as a major port from 1918, but it was mostly destroyed during WWII. Now rebuilt, the extensive port facilities welcome cruise ships to a city noted for its high quality of life, centres of education and festivals, beaches and tourist facilities. Gdynia is a wonderful example of a 20th century city with its construction covering the Art Deco period of the 20s and 30s, the Socialist era of post-war Europe, and the modern designs of the post-communist Poland. learn more

Passengers on ships visiting Berlin typically dock at the north eastern port of Warnemunde and go directly to the capital of Germany that is just a three hour train or coach ride away. Berlin, completely devastated in WW11, has amazingly seen the reconstruction of its sixteenth-century core that exists in the Nikolaiviertel, while nearby stand many rebuilt 19th C buildings from the time of the Second Reich. Little from the Third Reich has been rebuilt, except for the 1936 Olympic Stadium. Today the city is a mix of beautiful historical buildings and some truly amazing modern architecture. learn more

Kiel is the capital of the northern German state of Schleswig-Holstein, and situated at the SW of the Baltic Sea. It is the home to Germany’s Baltic fleet, an important ship-building centre, entry point to the Kiel Canal, and cruise terminal for the Baltic Sea. The city was rebuilt after WWII in modern architectural styles, hence few historic edifices remain – see Keiler Castle near the cruise terminal. The Kiel Regatta is the largest sailing event in the world and takes place every year in the last full week in June. learn more

Copenhagen, situated on two islands, is the capital and largest city in Denmark. It is perhaps best known for being the final resting place of the famous author Hans Christian Andersen, and also being one of the world’s most environmentally friendly cities. It has a very high quality of life. With many colourful buildings dating back to the early 18th century, medieval cobbled streets and canals just a stone's throw away from ultra-modern waterfront architecture, and a street plan that dates back to the Middle Ages, it simply captures the imagination of all visitors. learn more