Castles & Cultures of the Baltic

Boasting one of the largest ports in the Baltic with over 1,000 years of seafaring traditions, Gdańsk is considered Poland’s maritime capital and is one of the country’s most important and dynamic cities. The city features an abundance of attractions, discovered in and around scenes of historic streets, riverside walkways and impressive boulevards begging to showcase their highlights. Gdańsk's Latin-penned moto is ‘nec temere, nec timide’ - meaning ‘neither rashly, nor timidly' - and visitors are encouraged to bear this in mind during their time in the city. The 'main town' is at the top of the list of the must-visit areas to discover; here you'll find streets and squares displaying fine examples of various architectural styles, as well as many museums and monuments.

Lithuania’s only port city, Klaipeda, has maritime connections at its heart, with an abundance of museums dedicated to seafaring tales, as well as hosting a biennial tall ships regatta. The city changed significantly after the Second World War, but still has a collection of monuments and half-timbered houses from before this time, which contrast with the Curonian Spit National Park, established in 1991 to protect its unique ecosystems.

The lesser-known gem of Saaremaa in Estonia is renowned for its unspoiled nature, deep heritage and distinct local culture. Its landscapes are scattered with juniper fields, pine forests, and rugged coastlines, which you can explore on a tour from your smaller sized ship, along with medieval castles and charming windmills. As you wander through the main square, dine al fresco on dark bread, smoked fish and local beer, brewed in the Art Deco industrial building in Kuressaare, offering a range of iconic brews. There will also be the opportunity to discover the 14^th century Kuressaare Castle-Fortress, which houses the Saaremaa Museum, one of the oldest museums in Estonia.

Known for its rich heritage and striking architecture, Riga is a delightful combination of history and culture. As you wander through the well-reserved Medieval Old Town’s cobbled streets, you can admire the many Gothic and Art Nouveau buildings and the iconic House of Blackheads and Freedom Monument. Bustling Livu Square is home to quaint restaurants and bars, where you can enjoy the bitter-sweet taste of Black Balsam liqueur, blended with fruit juices to make it a summery cocktail, perfect after a dish of pelmeni, small dumplings filled with minced meat, vegetables or cheese. There will also be opportunities to go hiking in Gauja National Park, with forested valleys offering scenic views, or explore the fairytale like Bauska Castle, surrounded by charming Latvian rivers.

Copenhagen is one of the oldest cities in Europe, with its monarchy dating back as far as the 8th century, and home to the impressive Royal Family’s Amalienborg Palace and Christianborg Palace. The Danish crown jewels are housed at Rosenborg Castle, surrounded by beautiful gardens. The diminutive Little Mermaid Statue, based on Hans Chrisitan Andersen’s 1836 story, sits on the shoreline looking for her prince; while the Nyhavn District reveals canals lined with historic wooden ships and brightly coloured townhouses.

Connecting the North Sea at the mouth of the Elbe River to the Baltic Sea at Holtenau, the Kiel Canal is one of the world’s most important shipping routes. Slicing a man-made path through the German countryside, on average this 61-mile long marvel of engineering allows vessels to avoid 250 nautical miles of sea sailing. Sailing slowly along the canal presents an opportunity to take in lush green countryside and a collection of interesting villages and towns flanking the still waters.