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Scandinavia and the Baltic Sea

Program Overview

Discover the lands and legacies forged by centuries of Baltic history on a 9-night cruise to visit 7 countries, featuring special guest speaker Lech Wałesa, Nobel Peace Prize Laureate and former President of Poland. This Polish national hero will be speaking by exclusive arrangement about the establishment of the Polish Solidarity labor movement and the struggles he overcame when confronting a Soviet-backed regime—a message that will be more poignant than ever. Explore the cultural rebirth of Scandinavia and the Baltic states on this one-of-a-kind itinerary with excursions to Gothenburg, Sweden; Copenhagen, Denmark; Gdansk, Poland; Riga, Latvia; Helsinki, Finland; and Tallinn, Estonia. Enhance your journey with the Norway and/or the Stockholm Optional Extensions. 

Program Details

July 22 to August 1, 2024 (World Navigator) July 31 to August 10, 2024* (World Navigator)
From $6,745 plus air View Terms & Conditions
  • Guest speaker Lech Wałesa, former President of Poland, addresses his historic role in shaping democracy in the region. 
  • Enjoy a shore excursion in every port—Gothenburg, Copenhagen, Gdansk, Riga, Helsinki, and Tallinn.
  • Savor the sites of Tallinn, Estonia's capital city, with a tour that includes its 11th-century Town Hall Square. 
  • Experience the Finnish capital city of Helsinki on a tour that includes the Senate Square, its historic university, and Lutheran Cathedral—all displaying neo-classical architecture of the 1840’s. 
  • Travel to the charming village of Porvoo, the second oldest city in Finland. 
  • See the medieval Cathedral of Porvoo and the Old Bridge of Porvoo. 
  • Enjoy a city tour of Riga, including its Old Town and a visit to the Latvian National Opera House. 
  • Explore the storied port city of Gdansk, the cradle of the Solidarity movement, including its historic Gdansk Shipyard and Old Town. 
  • Tour vibrant Gothenburg, known for its Amsterdam-style canals and leafy boulevards, as well as its welcoming atmosphere. 
  • Discover Tjolöholm Castle, designed by architect Lars Israel Wahlman in the Tudor style for merchant James Fredrik Dickson and his wife, Blanche. 

Day 1 - Depart home city

Day 2 - Oslo, Norway/Embark World Navigator 

Day 3 - Gothenburg, Sweden 

Day 4 - Copenhagen, Denmark 

Day 5 - Gdansk, Poland 

Day 6 - Day at Sea 

Day 7 - Riga, Latvia 

Day 8 - Day at Sea 

Day 9 - Helsinki, Finland  

Day 10 - Tallinn, Estonia 

Day 11 - Stockholm, Sweden/Disembark ship/Return to home city 

*Itinerary will also operate in the reverse direction.

World Navigator
Exclusively Chartered
5-Star, Small Ship 

  • Luxury small ship, able to dock in smaller ports inaccessible to larger ships 
  • 89 suites and staterooms, each with an ocean view, and most with a private balcony. 
  • All meals included on board the ship, as well as alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages.  

View World Navigator Deckplan >

Learn more about The Atlas Ocean Voyages >

Norway Optional Extension 

In historic Bergen, visit the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Bryggen, the old wharf; and Troldhaugen, the historic home of composer Edvard Grieg. Travel through pristine fjordlands on the famed Flåm Railway, one of the world’s most scenic train rides. Relish a cruise into UNESCO World Heritage-designated Nærøyfjord followed by one night at the historic Stalheim Hotel and a visit to the Folk Museum. Then, transfer to Oslo for a city tour, with visits to Vigeland Sculpture Park and the Opera House. Accommodations are for four nights at ideally located hotels. 

Stockholm Optional Extension

Stockholm boasts a harmonious blend of medieval, Renaissance and modern architecture. Visit the magnificent City Hall, site of the annual Nobel Prize banquet. Walk through the historic Gamla Stan, or Old Town, and visit the Vasa Museum, housing the world’s only preserved 17th‑century warship. Embark on a Stockholm archipelago cruise aboard a classic ship, passing historical and cultural sites and beautiful, iconic scenery as a knowledgeable guide shares interesting anecdotes and stories. Accommodations are for two nights at the Sheraton Stockholm Hotel. 

Depending on your chosen departure date, optional extensions may be a Pre-Program or Post-Program.

Optional Extensions are available at an additional cost. Details will be provided with your reservation confirmation.

Lech Walesa
Distinguished World Leader and Nobel Peace Prize Laureate

Lech Wałęsa—former President of Poland (1990 to 1995), Polish hero, and international icon in the pursuit of freedom and democracy—joins us on our tour to discuss his unique role in the history of this region. From his position as a marine electrician in Gdańsk Shipyard, Wałęsa emerged as a world‑renowned figure in the struggle against communism during the 1980 shipyard workers’ strike and the establishment of the Polish Solidarity labor movement. He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1983, a watershed moment widely considered to have been the first crack in the Soviet Union’s Iron Curtain, which crumbled with the Berlin Wall in 1989. That same year, Wałęsa became the first foreign non‑head of government to address a joint meeting of the U.S. Congress.

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Program Itinerary

Day 1 Depart home city

Depart your home city for an overnight flight.

Day 2 Oslo, Norway/Embark the ship

Arrive in Oslo and embark the World Navigator. 

Day 3 Gothenburg, Sweden

In this city founded by King Gustav II in 1621, admire the view from the hilltop Masthugg Church, stroll through the 17th‑century Haga district, and the public squares on a walking tour. See the iconic Carl Milles’ Poseidon statue, the Beaux‑Arts style city hall, and more. Then, visit the Gothenburg Opera, called “The Lipstick” by locals. This afternoon, drive through the scenic Swedish countryside, passing remarkable glacial formations along Lake Lygnern. Visit Tjolöholm Castle,
an Arts and Crafts manor house designed in the Tudor style by architect Lars Israel Wahlman. Enjoy time to roam the estate and gardens. Attend the Captain’s Reception and Dinner this evening.

Day 4 Copenhagen, Denmark

On a tour of the world-class capital of Denmark, travel to Gammel Strand for a sightseeing cruise through the old canals and the port of Copenhagen. Pass the Old Stock Exchange and Christiansborg Palace before entering the harbor to see the ancient Battery Sixtus, the Three Crowns fortress, and the famous bronze statue, the Little Mermaid. Then, enter the Christianshavn Canal with its eclectic mix of ancient warehouses, houseboats, and modern architecture. Continue to the famous pedestrian street, Strøget. Make a photo stop at Amalienborg Palace and pass by The King’s Garden. 

Day 5 Gdansk, Poland

Tour the former Hanseatic League port, strolling along the Royal Route and the Long Wharf to see the magnificent Neptune’s Fountain and the 14th-century Artus Court, inspired by Britain’s King Arthur. Stop at the entrance to the Gdansk Shipyard, where the Solidarity Movement began in 1980, and see its Monument to the Fallen Shipyard Workers of 1970. Meet former Polish President and Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Lech Wałesa on board the ship, where he will discuss his unique role in the history of the region.

Day 6 Day at Sea

Appreciate the scenery and relax on board the ship. 

Day 7 Riga, Latvia

Latvia’s little-known capital is brimming with 18th- and 19th-century Art Nouveau/Jugenstil architecture. Drive by coach along Elizabeth Street to the Daugava embankment. Begin a walking tour near the Freedom Monument. In Dome Square, visit St. John’s Church and enjoy a brief concert. Continue to see the Great Guild, then view the Swedish Gate, the Three Brothers houses, and Blackhead’s House, an integral part of Riga’s architectural landscape. Learn about the Jewish history lived in Riga. See the site of the former Great Choral Synagogue, destroyed by Nazis on July 4, 1941, killing hundreds of worshipers inside. Visit the memorial park that was once The Old Jewish Cemetery. See the tombstone marker of Rumbula massacre that claimed 25,000 Jewish lives. Visit the New Ghetto Museum and the Old Town’s Art Nouveau synagogue.

Day 8 Day at Sea

Take advantage of the ship’s amenities today. 

Day 9 Helsinki, Finland

Tour Finland’s capital city to see neo-classical architecture of the 1840s. Pass the colorful Market Square by the sea, the Presidential Palace and Parliament Building, the Opera House, and Helsinki Cathedral. See the modernist Sibelius Monument, an artistic homage to Finland’s most famed composer. Visit the subterranean Temppeliaukio Church, impressively hewn into solid natural bedrock. This afternoon, choose between two options: a half day tour of the village of Porvoo, the second oldest city in Finland, famed for its charming, historic Old Town; or, indulge in an authentic, traditional Finnish Sauna experience (max of 60 participants). 

Day 10 Tallinn, Estonia

Tallinn’s UNESCO World Heritage-designated Old Town has remained virtually unchanged for 600 years. Tour around the ancient city walls, then begin a walking tour. See the landmark Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, the 13th-century St. Nicholas Church, and Toompea Castle, the seat of Estonia’s Parliament. Visit the intricate chambers of the medieval Tallinn Town Hall, dominating the Town Hall Square. Enjoy the Captain’s Farwell Reception and Dinner. 

Day 11 Stockholm, Sweden/Disembark ship/Return to home city

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your return flight home.