Wonders of the Baltic

Depart London on Eurostar to Brussels and continue to Cologne, arriving by late afternoon. Visit the city’s historic centre, where Kolner Dom – Cologne’s grand Gothic cathedral – dominates the skyline with its soaring twin spires and flying buttresses. Overnight in Cologne.

germany cologne cathedral and hohenzollern bridge istk

Travel by train to Hamburg and onwards to Copenhagen, arriving in time for dinner. Spend two nights in Copenhagen.

The Danish capital is easily explored on foot – or you could hire an electric bike. Perhaps start with the Tivoli Gardens, an intriguing mix of parks, lakes, historic buildings and amusement rides, including a wooden rollercoaster dating from 1914. There’s also a great choice of bars, cafés and restaurants. Return at nightfall and you will find the gardens lit up by thousands of colourful lights. Other city highlights include royal palaces and castles, such as Amalienborg, Christiansborg and Kronborg. Don’t miss the bronze statue of the Little Mermaid or the 17th-century harbour, Nyhavn, where you will find colourful townhouses and waterfront eateries. To experience a spot of Danish hygge, seek out the soulful neighbourhood of Christianshavn, well-known for the self-governing community of Freetown Christiania and a great selection of cafés and restaurants.

denmark copenhagen nyhavn canal sunset istk

Leaving Copenhagen, travel by train across the 8km-long Oresund Bridge to Sweden and continue north to Stockholm. Described by locals as ‘beauty on water’, Gamla Stan – the medieval heart of Stockholm – is one of Europe’s most charming and beautifully preserved historic centres. Gabled, golden-hued buildings cast shimmering reflections across the surrounding waters, while cobblestone streets weave between handicraft boutiques, cafés, bars and restaurants. You will find ample choice of cafés, bistros and restaurants, each offering local gastronomic specialities. Spend two nights in Stockholm.

Visit the world’s oldest open-air museum at Skansen (with its 150 historic buildings) and the nearby Vasa Museum, which displays the amazing relic of the Vasa, a warship that sank on its maiden voyage in 1628. The interactive ABBA Museum is another favourite among visitors. We also recommend a visit to the 600-room Royal Palace, or a trip to Drottningholm Castle – the private residence of the Swedish royal family.

sweden stockholm gamla stan cobbled street astk

After an early morning departure at 7am, check in to your choice of cabin for the Stockholm-Turku sailing aboard the Silja Line’s Galaxy or Baltic Princess ship. Sail through the narrow straits and inlets of the Stockholm Archipelago, watching the myriad islands slowly pass by, before reaching the open waters of the Baltic Sea. This is an all-day sailing (lasting around 9 hours), so you will have plenty of time to enjoy a meal on board (restaurants serve buffets and a la carte meals), browse the fashion and duty-free shops, enjoy live music and entertainment and even take a sauna. In the early afternoon, the ship makes a brief call at the Port of Mariehamn in the Åland Islands before sailing on through the stunning archipelago of 20,000 islands lying off the coast of Turku. Evening arrival in the Finnish city.

Spend two days exploring this attractive coastal city – the oldest in Finland, and the former capital until 1812. Turku is divided by the River Aura, so a great way to familiarise yourself with the city is by taking a river cruise. It’s also easily explored on foot. Visit the 700-year-old Turku Castle, standing guard above the river. As well as revealing what life was like here during the Middle Ages, the castle’s imposing granite walls contain a long and fascinating history, including how the Nordic countries were interlinked during medieval times. Another historical treasure on the banks of the River Aura, Turku Cathedral spans the Romanesque, Gothic and neo-Gothic periods. Explore the museum and you will find displays on the history of Turku and Finland stretching back to the Middle Ages. A fire in 1827 destroyed much of Turku, but an area of wooden, turf-roofed houses in Luostarinmäki, belonging to the city’s poorer families, was miraculously saved and now forms part of a fascinating open-air museum, with artisan craft demonstrations. Other highlights in Turku include the Market Hall – the city’s hub for over 100 years and a great place to mingle with locals and sample meats, cheeses, pastries, berries, mushrooms and other regional delicacies. Turku has plenty of options for eating out. For something different, try one of the restaurant boats along the river, or enjoy a meal with a view at Restaurant Kakolanruusu on Kakola Hill – the site of Turku’s notorious old prison.

Spend two days exploring this attractive coastal city – the oldest in Finland, and the former capital until 1812. Turku is divided by the River Aura, so a great way to familiarise yourself with the city is by taking a river cruise. It’s also easily explored on foot. Visit the 700-year-old Turku Castle, standing guard above the river. As well as revealing what life was like here during the Middle Ages, the castle’s imposing granite walls contain a long and fascinating history, including how the Nordic countries were interlinked during medieval times. Another historical treasure on the banks of the River Aura, Turku Cathedral spans the Romanesque, Gothic and neo-Gothic periods. Explore the museum and you will find displays on the history of Turku and Finland stretching back to the Middle Ages.
A fire in 1827 destroyed much of Turku, but an area of wooden, turf-roofed houses in Luostarinmäki, belonging to the city’s poorer families, was miraculously saved and now forms part of a fascinating open-air museum, with artisan craft demonstrations. Other highlights in Turku include the Market Hall – the city’s hub for over 100 years and a great place to mingle with locals and sample meats, cheeses, pastries, berries, mushrooms and other regional delicacies. Turku has plenty of options for eating out. For something different, try one of the restaurant boats along the river, or enjoy a meal with a view at Restaurant Kakolanruusu on Kakola Hill – the site of Turku’s notorious old prison.

Another day to explore Turku or take an archipelago boat trip to the nearby town of Naantali, home of the Moominworld.

A two-hour train ride takes you from Turku to Tampere in the heart of Finnish Lakeland, where you spend the following two nights. Founded on a narrow isthmus between two large lakes – Näsijärvi and Pyhäjärvi –Tampere developed around the churning Tammerkoski rapids, where hydroelectric power was the driving force behind Finnish industrialism in the late 18th century. Nowadays, many of the city’s impressive red-brick buildings have found a new lease of life as shops, restaurants and quirky museums. Tampere is also known as the culture capital of Finland. As well as a packed calendar of festivals and concerts, the city boasts an open-air theatre during the summer and year-round exhibitions at the Vapriikki Museum Centre on themes ranging from history to technology. In recent years, Tampere has also received the accolade of Finland’s sauna capital. Among the 20 public saunas, the oldest (Rajaportti) was built in 1906. The ritual of the sauna is an intrinsic part of Finnish culture – you may find yourself becoming addicted! Spend two nights in Tampere.

A two-hour train ride takes you from Turku to Tampere in the heart of Finnish Lakeland, where you spend the following two nights. Founded on a narrow isthmus between two large lakes – Näsijärvi and Pyhäjärvi –Tampere developed around the churning Tammerkoski rapids, where hydroelectric power was the driving force behind Finnish industrialism in the late 18th century. Nowadays, many of the city’s impressive red-brick buildings have found a new lease of life as shops, restaurants and quirky museums.

Tampere is also known as the culture capital of Finland. As well as a packed calendar of festivals and concerts, the city boasts an open-air theatre during the summer and year-round exhibitions at the Vapriikki Museum Centre on themes ranging from history to technology. In recent years, Tampere has also received the accolade of Finland’s sauna capital. Among the 20 public saunas, the oldest (Rajaportti) was built in 1906. The ritual of the sauna is an intrinsic part of Finnish culture – you may find yourself becoming addicted! Spend two nights in Tampere.

With a full day to explore Tampere, start perhaps with a walk out to Pyynikki nature reserve where an observation tower offers wonderful views over Lake Pyhäjärvi and the Pyynikinharju ridge – the world’s tallest esker, rising 85m above the lake. The café here serves the best doughnuts in the city and probably the whole of Finland. Nearby, you will find the 19th-century neighbourhood of Pispala where colourful wooden houses (originally built for factory workers) are scattered across a hillside above the lake. One of the most beautiful parts of Tampere, Pispala has a thriving artist community, as well as the Rajaportti sauna, the Hirvitalo centre of contemporary arts and the Kurpitsatalo community gardening project. Your stay in Tampere wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the revolving observation tower and restaurant at Näsinneula on the shores of scenic Lake Näsijärvi. Not only can you expect some of the best meals in town here, but also the most beautiful views of the lake and city. If you want to try something different, yet typically Finnish, take a 20-minute boat ride (June to August) to the island of Viikinsaari on Lake Pyhäjärvi. As well as a lakeside sauna that can be hired for private use (public use on Sundays), there’s a nature trail, water sports and a restaurant serving a la carte dishes. Back in the city centre, the market hall, Kauppahalli, is a great place for a meal or a cup of coffee, in an atmospheric, 120-year-old setting.

With a full day to explore Tampere, start perhaps with a walk out to Pyynikki nature reserve where an observation tower offers wonderful views over Lake Pyhäjärvi and the Pyynikinharju ridge – the world’s tallest esker, rising 85m above the lake. The café here serves the best doughnuts in the city and probably the whole of Finland. Nearby, you will find the 19th-century neighbourhood of Pispala where colourful wooden houses (originally built for factory workers) are scattered across a hillside above the lake. One of the most beautiful parts of Tampere, Pispala has a thriving artist community, as well as the Rajaportti sauna, the Hirvitalo centre of contemporary arts and the Kurpitsatalo community gardening project.

Your stay in Tampere wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the revolving observation tower and restaurant at Näsinneula on the shores of scenic Lake Näsijärvi. Not only can you expect some of the best meals in town here, but also the most beautiful views of the lake and city. If you want to try something different, yet typically Finnish, take a 20-minute boat ride (June to August) to the island of Viikinsaari on Lake Pyhäjärvi. As well as a lakeside sauna that can be hired for private use (public use on Sundays), there’s a nature trail, water sports and a restaurant serving a la carte dishes.

Back in the city centre, the market hall, Kauppahalli, is a great place for a meal or a cup of coffee, in an atmospheric, 120-year-old setting.

In just under two hours by train, arrive in the Finnish capital of Helsinki, where you will spend the following two nights. A UNESCO City of Design, Helsinki is the country’s creative hub with a huge range of galleries, workshops and boutiques showcasing everything from fashion to furniture, textiles and glassware. Head to the Design District, south of the city centre, and delve into the superb Design Museum, the Museum of Finnish Architecture and Didrichsen Art Museum. Helsinki’s architecture is equally impressive. Spanning Byzantine-Russian and Neoclassical to Art Nouveau and Minimalist, there are styles to appeal to all tastes. Make a bee-line for iconic buildings, such as Oodi (with its striking glass and steel façade), the red-brick Uspenski Cathedral, the extraordinary Temppeliaukio Church (hewn from solid rock and renowned for its acoustics) and the Kamppi Chapel – a wooden, windowless ‘space of silence’ in the heart of the city. Helsinki is also renowned for its green spaces. As well as strolling through its parks and gardens, you can hike in nearby forests or take a boat trip through the offshore archipelago. The food scene is just as appealing. Helsinki has several Michelin-starred restaurants, while busy bistros and the historic, covered market of Kauppahalli are bursting with local, seasonal Finnish flavours, inspired by forest and sea. Try mouth-watering dishes of salmon, arctic char, elk and grouse, with forest mushrooms, berries and herbs. Spend two nights in Helsinki.

In just under two hours by train, arrive in the Finnish capital of Helsinki, where you will spend the following two nights. A UNESCO City of Design, Helsinki is the country’s creative hub with a huge range of galleries, workshops and boutiques showcasing everything from fashion to furniture, textiles and glassware. Head to the Design District, south of the city centre, and delve into the superb Design Museum, the Museum of Finnish Architecture and Didrichsen Art Museum. Helsinki’s architecture is equally impressive. Spanning Byzantine-Russian and Neoclassical to Art Nouveau and Minimalist, there are styles to appeal to all tastes. Make a bee-line for iconic buildings, such as Oodi (with its striking glass and steel façade), the red-brick Uspenski Cathedral, the extraordinary Temppeliaukio Church (hewn from solid rock and renowned for its acoustics) and the Kamppi Chapel – a wooden, windowless ‘space of silence’ in the heart of the city.

Helsinki is also renowned for its green spaces. As well as strolling through its parks and gardens, you can hike in nearby forests or take a boat trip through the offshore archipelago. The food scene is just as appealing. Helsinki has several Michelin-starred restaurants, while busy bistros and the historic, covered market of Kauppahalli are bursting with local, seasonal Finnish flavours, inspired by forest and sea. Try mouth-watering dishes of salmon, arctic char, elk and grouse, with forest mushrooms, berries and herbs. Spend two nights in Helsinki.

Choose to spend your second day in Helsinki exploring more of its Design District, perhaps enjoying a steam at the Löyly sauna or a dip in the heated Allas Sea Pool. Walk through Esplanade Park and browse the surrounding streets for famous Finnish products, such as Iittala glass and ceramics, Marimekko clothing and fabrics, Kalevala jewellery and Pentik ceramics. At the Market Square, you will find traditional foods, handicrafts and souvenirs – during summer the stalls are laden with berries, fruits and vegetables. It’s a great place to stop for a coffee or ice cream and watch the locals go about their day. An alternative plan for the day (or an additional day if you’d like to extend your stay), the Helsinki Archipelago of around 300 islands is easily accessed by ferry. One of the most popular islands to visit is Suomenlinna where a UNESCO world heritage-listed fortress provides a fascinating glimpse into the region’s history. Dating from the mid-18th century, the fort has served in the defence of not only Finland, but also Sweden and Russia.

Choose to spend your second day in Helsinki exploring more of its Design District, perhaps enjoying a steam at the Löyly sauna or a dip in the heated Allas Sea Pool. Walk through Esplanade Park and browse the surrounding streets for famous Finnish products, such as Iittala glass and ceramics, Marimekko clothing and fabrics, Kalevala jewellery and Pentik ceramics. At the Market Square, you will find traditional foods, handicrafts and souvenirs – during summer the stalls are laden with berries, fruits and vegetables. It’s a great place to stop for a coffee or ice cream and watch the locals go about their day.

An alternative plan for the day (or an additional day if you’d like to extend your stay), the Helsinki Archipelago of around 300 islands is easily accessed by ferry. One of the most popular islands to visit is Suomenlinna where a UNESCO world heritage-listed fortress provides a fascinating glimpse into the region’s history. Dating from the mid-18th century, the fort has served in the defence of not only Finland, but also Sweden and Russia.

finland helsinki waterfront summer view istk

Depart Helsinki in the morning for a two-hour sailing to the Estonian capital of Tallinn aboard Silja Line’s fast ferry Megastar. A treasure of the Baltic, the medieval, walled Old Town of Tallinn is one of the best-preserved Hanseatic centres in the world – a fairy-tale streetscape of Gothic towers, elegant merchant houses and medieval churches. Start your exploration of this UNESCO world heritage site at the Town Hall Square – bustling with outdoor cafés and stalls during summer and the site of a magical Christmas market in winter. Climb the winding staircase to the steeple of St Olav’s Church for mesmerising views across the city’s clay-tiled rooftops and cobbled streets. On Toompea hill you will find a 13th-century castle with a pink-hued Baroque façade (home to Estonia’s parliament) and the imposing Russian Orthodox Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. A short walk from the Old Town, the wooden buildings of Kalamaja’s old fishermen’s neighbourhood have some of Tallinn’s best cafés and restaurants. Overnight in Tallinn.

You will have most of the day in Tallinn as the sailing to Stockholm does not leave until 18:00 tonight. Although you may well want to return to the Old Town, there are plenty of other city highlights to see. With its flower gardens and tree-lined promenade, Kadriorg Park is a lovely spot for a morning stroll – and it’s also the location of several art museums, including contemporary Kumu. Just 15 minutes from the city centre, the Estonian Open Air Museum resurrects the country’s rural architecture, while the 314m-tall Tallinn Television Tower provides panoramic views. Overnight sailing to Stockholm aboard the Silja Line’s Baltic Queen or Victoria, both of which offer a wide choice of cabins, as well as bars, restaurants, shopping, live music and entertainment.

estonia tallinn aerial view tornidevaljak m

After arriving this morning in Stockholm, make your way to the central railway station for the train south*. Travel through the lush forests and fields of Skane to arrive in Malmo for your next overnight stay. Admire the city’s innovative architecture, especially the ‘Turning Torso’, the world’s first twisted skyscraper. In contrast, you will find Dutch-Renaissance architecture in the old town – a warren of cobblestone streets and medieval squares lined with cafés, galleries and designer boutiques. Overnight in Malmo. * Alternatively, you can choose to fly home from Stockholm.

After arriving this morning in Stockholm, make your way to the central railway station for the train south*. Travel through the lush forests and fields of Skane to arrive in Malmo for your next overnight stay. Admire the city’s innovative architecture, especially the ‘Turning Torso’, the world’s first twisted skyscraper. In contrast, you will find Dutch-Renaissance architecture in the old town – a warren of cobblestone streets and medieval squares lined with cafés, galleries and designer boutiques. Overnight in Malmo.

* Alternatively, you can choose to fly home from Stockholm.

Travel back over the Oresund Bridge to Copenhagen and onwards to Hamburg for an overnight stay. You’ll have the evening to explore Hamburg, Germany’s bustling port-city. The striking, scallop-roofed concert hall Elbphilharmonie dominates the skyline, while the St Pauli district is renowned for its restaurants and nightlife. Overnight in Hamburg.