Baltic Cruises - cruise Europe's northern capitals

Visit the beautiful and historic capitals of Northern Europe on an exciting cruise through the Baltic Sea

The easy way to see these exotic capital cities is on a leisurely cruise. Most cruises will call at Copenhagen in Denmark, Stockholm in Sweden, Tallinn in Estonia, and reach St Petersburg, Russia's second city. Other ports of call may include fascinating Warnemunde in eastern Germany, Visby island in Sweden, perhaps Oslo in Norway.

Starting points for these cruises include Copenhagen and Amsterdam, Holland. Baltic cruises from the UK often start in Dover, Southampton or Harwich.

Denmark's capital, Copenhagen, is the starting point for many Baltic cruises. Its famous Tivoli Gardens, the Royal Palace and the 'Little Mermaid' are main attractions.

The cruise into and out of Sweden's capital, Stockholm, is through a maze of islands with channels barely wider than the ship. Mooring near the centre the Royal Palace and the Old Town are within walking distance. Don't miss the Vasa Museum, where the well preserved royal warship Vasa gives an authentic view of life on board ship 400 years ago.

Tallinn, Estonia's capital, has a fascinating old town with a central market place, city walls, and an ancient cathedral.

St Petersburg in Russia was founded by Peter the Great and has superb buildings, notably the Winter Palace housing the world famous Hermitage Museum with its extensive collections of art and artefacts. Outside the city on the Baltic coast is Peterhof Palace with its amazing water features. Inland is the Empress Catherine's Palace with its interesting gardens and sculptures. Most cruises stay overnight to give time to enjoy St Petersburg's attractions.

The centre of Finland's capital, Helsinki, is very compact and easy to stroll. In its central port area are markets with Finnish food such as reindeer, and fish sellers. Nearby is the Presidential residence and the cathedral.

Many Baltic cruises call at Warnemunde for the excursion to Germany's capital Berlin. This bustling port has a superb sandy beach and fishing and yacht harbours to enjoy as an alternative the full-day Berlin trip. Other cruises may call at ancient Visby, in Sweden's Gothland. Smaller ships may visit ports on the Lithuanian or Latvian coast. Alternative itineraries may visit Norway's capital, Oslo.

Despite its northern location, the climate in the Baltic summer can be very sunny and warm!

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