Baltic Gems & The Low Countries - 8255A

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

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

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

Read more about Helsinki, Finland

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

Wismar (pop. 43,000) is located about 100 km SE of Kiel and 100 km NE of Hamburg in central northern Germany, on the Baltic Sea. The port of Wismar is situated in the Bay of Wismar and is well-protected by a promontory. Historically of Slavic origin, it became a Swedish possession and was ceded to Germany in 1903. Read more about Wismar, Germany

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. Read more about Kiel, Germany

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. Read more about Kiel, Germany

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. Read more about Kiel, Germany

Originally a dam in the river Amstel, Amsterdam today is the capital and largest city of the Netherlands, as engineered dams, sea gates, and the 19-mile dyke walling out the Zuider Zee prevent this low-lying country from being reclaimed by the North Sea. Interestingly, the 17th century canals of Amsterdam located in the heart of the city have been added to the UNESCO World Heritage List. The main tourist attractions are undoubtedly the famous Museums such as the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum, and the Stedelijk Museum. However, there is much more to be seen and appreciated. Read more about Amsterdam, Netherlands

Originally a dam in the river Amstel, Amsterdam today is the capital and largest city of the Netherlands, as engineered dams, sea gates, and the 19-mile dyke walling out the Zuider Zee prevent this low-lying country from being reclaimed by the North Sea. Interestingly, the 17th century canals of Amsterdam located in the heart of the city have been added to the UNESCO World Heritage List. The main tourist attractions are undoubtedly the famous Museums such as the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum, and the Stedelijk Museum. However, there is much more to be seen and appreciated. Read more about Amsterdam, Netherlands

The port city of Zeebrugge is a harbour town at the western end of the Belgian coast and a subdivision of the city of Bruges - one of the best preserved cities in Europe - for which it is the modern port. The new port has reinvigorated the city as an art and tourist centre for northern Europe. Upon visiting Bruges you will immediately notice that this city has always carefully cherished its architectural and artistic treasures from the past, but what makes Bruges so unique though is the way it deals with this past today. There is something for everybody. Read more about Zeebrugge, Belgium

Cherbourg is a coast town of Normandy, France, on the English Channel. Of special note is that Cherbourg was the first stop of the Titanic after leaving England. Also of note are the massive man-made sea walls and the ever-busy piers. While many passengers visit the Normandy beaches, the Saire Valley, Cap de la Hague, or Mont Saint Michel from Cherbourg, a 15 minute walk or short ride in a shuttle bus takes visitors to the township that is best known for its aquarium, parks and museums. Read more about Cherbourg, France

Dover, the world’s busiest ferry port, is located in the county of Kent, England, at the extreme SE corner of Britain. It faces France across the narrowest part of the English Channel, 35 km away across the Straits of Dover. Possibly best known for its lyrically famous ‘White Cliffs’, archaeological finds have revealed that the area has always been a focus for peoples entering and leaving Britain, and this continues to this day. This goes some way to explaining why this region in Kent has more than its fair share of castles, stately homes and museums than any other coastal region in the UK. Read more about Dover, Great Britain