9-day cruise through the Baltic Sea

Day 1: Departure from Helsinki

Your cruise begins in lively Helsinki. Arrive in good time, as you still have the opportunity to explore this design city before departure. Walk across the impressive Senate Square, then head towards the harbour. Between the market stalls, you pick up the scent of fresh cinnamon buns and graavilohi, dill-marinated salmon. In the mood for a good coffee? The trendy Kallio district is full of cosy coffee houses and small boutiques. In the late afternoon, you board the expedition ship.

Day 2: Tallinn

Today, you step into a living fairytale. Tallinn has one of the best-preserved medieval centres in Europe. Behind its sturdy city walls, you wander through a maze of narrow cobbled streets, hidden courtyards and Gothic church towers. Be sure to climb Toompea Hill for a beautiful view over the red roofs of the lower town. Fancy a terrace? Settle down on Raekoja Plats, the central market square surrounded by centuries-old Hanseatic houses. Afterwards, slip into one of the atmospheric cellar cafés for artisanal chocolate or a warm spiced drink.

Day 3: Saaremaa

After a peaceful night on the water, you arrive on Saaremaa, Estonia’s largest island. A drive takes you towards Kuressaare, through dense forests and past photogenic wooden windmills. The highlight of the day is Kuressaare Episcopal Castle, one of the best-preserved medieval fortresses in the Baltic region. Walk along the defensive walls or seek out the quiet limestone cliffs along the coast, where thousands of migratory birds sometimes come to rest.

Day 4 & 5: Stockholm

The next two days are reserved for Stockholm, a city spread across fourteen islands. The arrival is an experience in itself: the ship navigates smoothly through the thousands of green islets of the Stockholm archipelago. Once docked, you can walk straight into Gamla Stan, the historic heart of the city with pastel-coloured façades and antique shops. Make time for the impressive Vasa Museum on the green island of Djurgården, where a gigantic 17th-century warship is displayed after spending centuries on the seabed. For the best panorama over the city, take the glass SkyView lift. In the evening, find a cosy wine bar along the waterfront. During the summer months, the light lingers beautifully late.

Day 6: Visby, Gotland

Welcome to Gotland! Today, you dock in Visby, an old Hanseatic town still fully enclosed by its impressive medieval city wall. Within the walls, time seems to have stood still. You wander past rose-covered houses, ruins of old churches and the distinctive Saint Mary’s Cathedral. Hungry after your walk? Find a table in one of the hidden courtyards and taste the local speciality: a warm saffron pancake with red berries and whipped cream.

Day 7: Gdańsk

Today, you discover the rich maritime history of Gdańsk in Poland. Along the quays of the Motława River, colourful guild houses shine with richly decorated façades. Walk across the Long Market, admire the enormous St. Mary’s Church and take your time in picturesque Mariacka Street. This little street is known for its inviting workshops and boutiques selling amber jewellery, the gold of the Baltic Sea. End the afternoon in relaxed style with a local beer on a terrace by the water, while historic ships pass by.

Day 8: Christiansø & Bornholm

Today, two unique islands are on the programme. In the morning, you visit Christiansø, a tiny Danish fortress island in the middle of the Baltic Sea. With barely a hundred inhabitants, old cannons and historic barracks, the island has a very particular atmosphere. The ship then continues to Bornholm and docks in Gudhjem. This picturesque fishing village set against the rocks has red roofs, steep little streets and traditional smokehouses. The smell of smoked herring already greets you in the harbour: the local speciality you really have to taste here.

Day 9: End of the cruise in Bornholm

After one final generous breakfast on board, the cruise comes to an end. Depending on your flight times, you may still have time to wander through the streets of Gudhjem, visit a local glassblowing workshop or enjoy the view from the granite cliffs. After disembarkation, you fly home with a suitcase full of wonderful memories.

What budget should you expect?

For this cruise through the Baltic Sea, count on a guide price from 10,500 euros per person. This amount includes international flights in economy with checked luggage, the stay on board a luxurious expedition ship, full board, drinks during meals and all port taxes. The included excursions are also part of the journey. The final price depends on the chosen cabin, availability, travel period and any extras such as transfers, optional excursions or an additional night in Helsinki, Stockholm or Bornholm.

Frequently asked questions about this cruise through the Baltic Sea

Where does this cruise start and end?

This cruise starts in Helsinki, on the southern coast of Finland. The journey ends in Gudhjem on Bornholm, a Danish island in the Baltic Sea.

What makes this cruise interesting for culture lovers?

Because it takes you through the history of the Baltic Sea in no time. You wander through legendary Hanseatic towns such as Tallinn, Visby and Gdańsk, where the rich maritime past is still present on every street corner. From the impressive medieval city walls and castles of Kuressaare to the old fortress towers on tiny Christiansø, every stop has a good story to tell.

Do you also visit places away from the well-trodden paths?

Absolutely, and that is one of the great strengths of this cruise. In addition to the well-known cities, you dock at some of the most beautiful islands in the Baltic Sea, such as Saaremaa and tiny Christiansø. Each has its own rugged nature, distinctive history and local specialities that you will not find anywhere else.