Expedition Details
Traveling aboard the National Geographic Explorer, discover the magnificent cities of the Baltic Sea. Meet former president Lech Walesa and stroll through medieval towns, visit the great maritime capital of Stockholm, and spend two days in stunning St. Petersburg.Trip Highlights
- Venture into the medieval Old Towns of Lübeck, Riga, and Tallinn, designated UNESCO World Heritage sites.
- Meet with former President Lech Walesa of Poland.
- Explore the tiny islands of the Stockholm Archipelago by kayak or on nature walks.
- View one of the world's greatest art collections at the Hermitage Museum.
Itinerary - 16 Days
Days 1 & 2 — U.S./Amsterdam
Depart on an overnight flight to Amsterdam. Gather for lunch in town, and then embark the National Geographic Explorer and enjoy a welcome dinner on board tonight.
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Day 3 — At Sea/Kiel Canal
Trace the northern coast of Germany this morning and transit the Kiel Canal, which passes south of Denmark, connecting the North Sea and the Baltic Sea.
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Day 4 — Lübeck, Germany
Our ship heads into the canals of Lübeck, the medieval capital of the Hanseatic League. Take a boat ride along the canals and a walking tour after lunch.
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Day 5 — Christiansø and Bornholm Islands, Denmark
Travel by Zodiac to the small island of Christiansø and wander through an artists’ village that occupies the site of an 18th-century castle. At the island of Bornholm, explore the ruins of Denmark’s largest fortress.
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Day 6 — Gdańsk, Poland
Poland’s Solidarity movement was born in the Gdańsk shipyards. Visit the Monument to the Fallen Shipyard Workers and a museum detailing the history of the fall of communism in
Poland. In Gdańsk’s Old Town, see the 15th-century Artus Court. Then, by special arrangement, meet with former President of Poland and Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Lech Walesa.
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Day 7 — Klaipeda, Lithuania
From Klaipeda, travel north to the seaside town of Palanga, stopping at a 19th-century estate that houses the celebrated Amber Museum.
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Day 8 — Riga, Latvia
A member of the Hanseatic League, Riga is renowned for its architectural diversity. Venture into its 14th-century castle, and explore the Great Guild Hall Square.
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Day 9 — Tallinn, Estonia
Tallinn’s Hanseatic Old Town is one of the Baltic’s best preserved medieval cities. Explore this UNESCO World Heritage site, and, if you wish, have dinner ashore.
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Days 10 & 11 — St. Petersburg, Russia
In St. Petersburg, explore Catherine Palace in Pushkin, step into the Peter and Paul Fortress, visit the golden-domed St. Isaac’s Cathedral, and admire the treasures of the Hermitage Museum.
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Day 12 — Exploring Coastal Finland
Today we explore the low-lying, granite islands along the coastline, looking for an idyllic place to take a Zodiac cruise, launch our kayaks, and go for a hike. Experience the tranquility of rural Finland, and if you wish, take an authentic Finnish sauna.
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Day 13 — Stockholm
In charming Stockholm, visit the Vasa Museum to see its 17th-century warship—the prize of King Gustavus Adolphus’s navy that sank on its maiden voyage. Then stroll the cobbled streets of Gamla stan, Stockholm’s pastel-hued Old Town.
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Day 14 — Visby, Gotland, Sweden
At this former Viking trading post, see fascinating Viking artifacts at the Fornsal Museum, explore the walled old city, and visit the botanical gardens.
Grand Hotel Europe (B,L)
Day 15 — Exploring southern Sweden
On our final day aboard National Geographic Explorer, our plans are flexible so we can enjoy the best of spring in southern Sweden. Take leisurely walks, get acquainted with Swedish coastal culture, and photograph everyday life in centuries-old seaside villages.
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Day 16 — Copenhagen, Denmark/U.S.
Disembark in Copenhagen and transfer to the airport for your return flight home.
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Optional Extension
- Moscow - Pre-Trip Extension, 4 Days
View LargerExpedition Team
A diverse team of experts, including naturalists, historians, and a National Geographic photographer, will accompany each expedition aboard the National Geographic Explorer. See one of the members of our extraordinary team below.
Sisse Brimberg and Cotton Coulson
Photographers Sisse Brimberg and Cotton Coulson have collectively photographed more than 50 stories for National Geographic and National Geographic Traveler magazines. They have spent most of their careers working in Europe, shooting stories from the Arctic and Scandinavia to Italy and France. Sisse and Cotton have been awarded prizes by Pictures of the Year International, the National Press Photographers Association, White House Press Photographers Association, and Communication Arts. Based in Denmark, Sisse and Cotton will share their insights into the cultures of the Baltic region, as well as their love of photography.
Sisse Brimberg and Cotton Coulson will join the following departures:
Aug 29 - Sep 13, 2012 • May 10 - 25, 2013
This trip is offered in association with Lindblad Expeditions.
Expedition Dates 
2012 departures follow a different itinerary. Please call for details.
Expedition Costs
Airfare is not included in the expedition cost. Economy airfare from Newark to Copenhagen, and return from St. Petersburg to Newark, is $910 (subject to change).
