Baltic Kingdoms

Southampton, UK, is a city and major port situated on the south coast of England, and is widely recognised as the capital of the country’s cruise industry. Each year more and more cruise liners take advantage of its superb cruise terminals. It is, of course, a gateway to Europe’s largest city, the enormous cosmopolitan city of London, with all the cultural and gastronomic attractions you'd expect from a world capital. Needless to say there are a variety of well-priced means to travel to London as well as some truly amazing tours on offer. Read more about Southampton, Great Britain

Located in Egypt to the west of the Sinai Peninsula, the Suez Canal, measuring 163 km in length and 300 metres width at its narrowest point, serves as a two-way water transportation route between Europe and Asia. Almost 8 per cent of the total world's shipping is controlled by the Suez Canal. It essentially comprises two parts, north and south of the Great Bitter Lake that acts as a buffer to the canal, protecting it from the effects of tidal currents. A second parallel canal is planned for 2017/2019, at a cost of US$4 billion. Read more about Suez Canal - Transit, Egypt

Kristiansand is the southernmost city in Norway and lies where the rivers Otra and Tovdalselva enter into Skagerak. It is an interesting city retaining many of the 17th century buildings from its founding days by King Christian IV. The city is home to some of the best beaches - such as Hamresanden Beach located just 10 minutes from the city centre - in Norway. Kristiansand is also renowned for its cultural events, such as the numerous festivals held throughout the year, which include the Bragdoya Blues Festival in June, the Dark Season Festival in October, and the International Children’s Film Festival in April. Read more about Kristiansand, Norway

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. Read more about Copenhagen, Denmark

Gdansk lies on the southern edge of Gdansk Bay on the Baltic coast, and is Poland’s principal seaport. From a trading base for the once-mighty Teutonic Knights to the birthplace of modern Poland, the city drips history. Today Gdansk, with its painstakingly reconstructed and very charming Old Town, is perfectly located at the heart of the coast, and is the showpiece of Poland's north. Works by outstanding Gdansk masters can be admired in museums, churches, and galleries. Read more about Gdansk, Poland

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. Read more about Klaipeda, Lithuania

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. Read more about Tallinn, Estonia

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. Read more about St Petersburg, Russian Federation

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. Read more about St Petersburg, Russian Federation

Kokkola is a small town situated in Ostrobothnia, Finland, with a population of approximately 36000. It is the biggest town in the region, between Oulu and Vaasa. It was founded in 1620 and during the 18th century it had one of the largest merchant fleets in Finland. Read more about Kokkola, Finland

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. Read more about Stockholm, Sweden

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. Read more about Stockholm, Sweden