Today you’ll board an overnight flight to Denmark. Or, depart earlier for your pre-extension to Copenhagen.

Please note: If you're taking advantage of the pre-trip extension to Copenhagen, you will follow the pre-trip itinerary until Day 4, when you'll board the Ocean Odyssey and join your fellow base travelers for the rest of the journey. All activities and inclusions will be covered; please see the pre-trip extension itinerary for details.

Welcome to Copenhagen, Denmark’s cosmopolitan capital. If you purchased your airfare from Vantage, a representative will meet you at the airport and assist with the transfer to your hotel. Enjoy free time at leisure to acclimate before an evening Welcome Briefing. Tonight, enjoy a welcome drink and Welcome Dinner with your fellow travelers at the hotel. 

Get acquainted with this charming city on an included panoramic tour. View the famed Little Mermaid statue on her watery perch, visit the Nyhavn canal district, swing by towered and turreted Rosenborg Castle, and contrast that with the more-dignified Amalienborg Castle where Denmark’s Queen Margrethe II resides today. We've planned your arrival at the royal residence to coincide with the Changing of the Guard.

Next, visit the Torvehallerne food market to taste the freshest local fare and interact with the people who live here and grow produce, flowers, and more. Peruse among the more than 60 stalls for a delicious lunch on your own before enjoying the rest of the afternoon at leisure. Dinner is on your own tonight, and from renowned Noma restaurant to an upcropping of other Michelin-starred gems, food has become Copenhagen’s main attraction! 

Included Feature:

•  Copenhagen city tour

Cultural Discovery:

• Visit Torvehallerne food market

You have the morning to uncover the delights of Copenhagen on your own. Perhaps you’ll explore the Nyhavn district with its character-rich boats endlessly bobbing in the harbor, colorful lines of buildings standing at attention, and umbrella-fronted cafés. You may also want to stroll the city’s famed Strøget, one of the longest pedestrian streets in the world. To get around more quickly, perhaps rent a bicycle and join the many locals who use two wheels as their primary mode of transportation. This afternoon, enjoy a private and exclusive canal boat ride and take in this lovely cityscape from the water. Don't forget your camera — this is an experience not to be missed!

Later, embark the Ocean Odyssey. Get settled in your cabin, then explore the ship's many amenities, including an observation lounge, and fitness center. Perhaps you'll visit the Destination Manager to plan a spa appointment. After, gather for a port talk to learn about our next thrilling Scandinavian capital. In the elegant dining room, savor a special Captain’s Welcome Dinner, the first of many sumptuous meals we've curated for this journey. 

Included Feature:

• Vantage-exclusive private canal boat cruise

Scenic Sailing:

• Enjoy panoramic views of the vibrant colors of Copenhagen as you cruise toward your next destination

This morning you'll explore Bornholm Island, where the open fields and granite headlands get more days of sunshine than anywhere else in Denmark, drawing summer tourists to the sandy beaches. On your island tour, you’ll stop for photos at the dramatic cliff-top ruins of Hammershus, a medieval castle. Stop in the quaint fishing village of Svaneke, one of the best-preserved market towns on the island.

During your visit, you'll sample firsthand the island’s burgeoning reputation as a food destination. Not only is its climate ideal for growing a common fig known as the Bornholm Diamond, but the island also embraces the products grown on its many farms. You'll stop for tastings at the Garden, a food and cultural house that showcases Bornholm’s exciting flavors before returning to the ship for lunch. 

Relax this evening with a lecture on the region, then savor dinner and attend a port talk to learn about tomorrow’s explorations.

Included Feature:

• Scenic and culinary tour of Bornholm

Cultural Discovery:

• Onboard lecture

Scenic Sailing:

• Admire all the charm of Rønne from the unique vantage of the open sea as you depart

The Ocean Odyssey arrives to Gdańsk this morning. Gdańsk was a powerful member of the Hanseatic League, the maritime organization that controlled much of medieval trade in the area. Today, the legacy of its prosperity has been lovingly restored. On a morning tour, set out to explore this great maritime city whose great shipyards served as the incubator for the legendary Solidarity movement of 1980, the first crack in what would ultimately be the crumbling of the entire Soviet Union. You’ll follow the Solidarity Route through this historic seaport, including the charming Old Town and massive St. Mary’s Church, one of the largest brick churches in the world. A visit to the European Solidarity Centre reveals the Solidarity story in impressive detail; you will follow an English-language audio tour through the captivating exhibits. 

Return to the ship for lunch, then utilize the shuttle service from the ship back to Gdańsk's Old Town. Stroll down Long Street, also known as the Royal Route for the kingly processions it once hosted, to witness reconstructions of its beautiful 17th-century buildings.

Learn about the liberation of Poland during a captivating lecture, then enjoy another gourmet dinner and a port talk about your next remarkable city. 

Vantage Exclusive:

• Follow the Solidarity Route of Gdańsk including Old Town, St Mary’s Church, and the European Solidarity Center

Cultural Discovery:

• Lecture on the liberation of Poland

Scenic Sailing:

• Arrive in Gdańsk and admire all the vivid splashes of color of this popular Polish coastal city

Enjoy breakfast this morning as the ship arrives in Visby. This charming seaside treasure is located on the large Swedish island of Gotland. Rightfully declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site for the extraordinary preservation of its medieval port area, Visby was a key link in the powerful Hanseatic League. Enjoy morning panoramic and walking tour of Visby, including panoramic tour, with a stop by the town wall and a walking tour of Visby Old Town (Almedalen, Powder Tower, Fish Alley and Visby Cathedral). Join our knowledgeable guides who will unlock the doors to exciting worlds where time has stood still. Then return to the ship for lunch. Leisure time in the afternoon allows you more time to return to favorite spots on your own; perhaps you will duck into the cathedral to admire its lovely stained glass and ornate altarpiece. Or, enjoy the ship's amenities — maybe you'll reserve a massage, hit the gym, or even pick up some items in the boutique. Before dinner, hear another fascinating lecture, followed by a port talk on tomorrow's adventures.

Savor dinner on board this evening as you cruise to your next destination — cosmopolitan Riga, the capital of Latvia.

Included Feature:

• Highlights of Visby

Cultural Discovery:

• Onboard lecture

Scenic Sailing:

• The landscape changes once again as we sail into the remarkably preserved medieval city of Visby and are greeted by rural farmhouses and low-slug cottages

When you awake this morning, you’ll be sailing in the Gulf of Riga, headed for the Latvian capital of the same name. After lunch on board, set out into the largest city of the Baltic States for a rewarding tour by coach and by foot. Begin on the eastern bank of the Daugava River, where Vecrīga, or Old Riga, is punctuated by the three spires of St. Peter’s, the Dome Cathedral, and St. Jacob’s. These streets are dripping with charm and beauty, much of it embodied in graceful art nouveau architecture. After exploring, pause at St. John’s Church for an included concert on the church’s splendid organ that’s sure to inspire you.

Head to a celebrated local restaurant for a special dinner where you'll get a taste of traditional Latvian food and watch a festive performance of traditional Rigan organ music and dancing.

You will overnight on board in Riga. Take some time to attend this evening’s port talk to learn how you may further explore this charming city tomorrow.

Vantage Exclusive:

• Riga city tour with organ concert

• Traditional Latvian dinner with Rigan folk music and dance performance — a Vantage exclusive!

• Keep cameras out upon arrival in Riga: The city that is said to possess the world’s highest concentration of art nouveau buildings

You'll have free time this morning to explore as you please, and you can take advantage of complimentary shuttle service between the ship and Riga’s Old Town for your convenience. You may also check with our Destination Manager to plan a unique and exciting excursion. Perhaps you’d like to visit one of the beautiful beaches on the Gulf of Riga or explore the atmospheric Vecrīga. After, participate in an insightful lecture on the Singing Revolution of the Baltic states as we sail away from Riga this afternoon. Our port talk previews our next exciting destination before another delicious dinner on board as the ship begins its overnight sail to Estonia.

• Lecture and discussion on the Singing Revolution

• When sailing towards your next adventure, once again enjoy the stunning views of this eclectic city

Tallinn, one of the Hanseatic League’s trading centers, has been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its remarkable preservation. After breakfast, attend a lecture that will offer some insight into your explorations of Tallinn today. 

After an early lunch on board, embark on a panoramic tour of the city. The two-level Tallinn has an enchantment all its own, which you’ll discover from the winding streets of the Lower Town to the fortified Upper Town on Toompea Hill, where you can take in the amazing view from the Patkuli viewing platform. You’ll also see the Dome Church and the Opera House before heading to the Song Festival Grounds to see the spot where locals raised their singing voices in protest to eject the Soviets in a “Singing Revolution.” 

Tallinn boasts a thriving high-tech economy, too, which has earned it a reputation as Europe’s Silicon Valley. The young, entrepreneurial population supports a lively cultural and dining scene. 

Back on board this evening, enjoy another sumptuous dinner in the shipboard dining room.

Included Feature:

• Panoramic tour of Tallinn

Cultural Discovery:

• Onboard lecture

Scenic Sailing:

• Marvel at the fairy-tale town of Tallinn as you sail into Estonia’s enchanting cultural hub

Enjoy breakfast on board this morning, with scenic Helsinki Harbor acting as a backdrop as we sail from Tallinn to Helsinki, passing UNESCO-listed Suomenlinna Fortress. Enjoy an informative lecture and lunch on board before heading out on a panoramic afternoon tour of this magnificent city. Whether you’re viewing Helsinki’s 1852 cathedral, crossing one of its many parks or squares, or seeing yourself reflected in the glass of a brand-new building, you'll find that there’s an appealing orderliness and grace to this northern capital. Your tour includes the bustling waterside Market Square (known locally as the Kauppatori) and Old Market Hall.

As you admire the stately government buildings of Senate Square, the impressive green domes of the Helsinki Cathedral watch over your progress. This neoclassical wonder — completed in 1852 as a tribute to Czar Nicholas I of Russia, the Grand Duke of Finland at the time — crowns the cityscape like a jewel. Today, it is the worship house for the city’s Evangelical Lutherans. Its high perch and its rooftop statues of the Twelve Apostles remind the devout of Helsinki that their god is ever-present.

You'll also pass the Sibelius Monument, sculpted in tribute to the famed Finnish composer, and the remarkable Temppeliaukio Church, built into solid rock. Dinner this evening will be on the ship, followed by onboard entertainment.

Included Feature:

• Helsinki city tour

Cultural Discovery:

• Onboard lecture
• Onboard entertainment by local musicians

Scenic Sailing:

• Behold the magnificent views of Helsinki’s Scandinavian style and venture toward your next destination

Relax with a morning of leisure and a delicious lunch on your ship before heading out for another day of exploration in Helsinki. You’ll have the opportunity to choose your preferred tour — the charming town of Porvoo or UNESCO-listed Suomenlinna Fortress.

Located just 45 minutes east of Helsinki, you’ll find the idyllic town of Porvoo. This is a haven of art, design, history, and architecture, surrounded by soothing nature. This is the second oldest city in Finland, best known for its cobblestone streets, charming cafés and boutiques, and vermilion-hued riverside warehouses — one of the most photographed landscapes in Finland. You’ll admire the colorful wooden houses, stroll along winding streets, and pop into a local café for refreshments. Following your guided tour, you’ll have free time to explore the many antique shops and handicraft vendors on your own before returning to the ship for lunch.

Your other tour option, Suomenlinna Fortress, is a cultural treasure. Located on a group of islands off the coast of Helsinki, you’ll board a local ferry for a short ride to the 18^th-century structure, one of Finland’s most impressive UNESCO World Heritage sites. A guided walking tour will provide you with the history of this maritime fortress, originally constructed in 1748 by the Swedish Parliament when it was deemed necessary to reinforce Finland’s defences. Your tour includes admission to both the Suomenlinna Museum and the Ehrenvärds Museum, as well as cake and coffee or tea at one of the local cafés.

Following your tour, you’ll return to the ship for lunch on board and an afternoon lecture as you sail towards your next destination.

Included Feature:

• Choice of tours in Porvoo or Suomenlinna

Cultural Discovery:

• Onboard lecture

Situated halfway between Finland and Sweden is the welcoming port of Mariehamn, the capital of Åland. Small in stature — but big in beauty — this tiny port town has a population of only 11,000 inhabitants, and is characterized by a hospitable islander lifestyle and a strong maritime culture. You’ll have a choice of two tours today — a panoramic tour of picturesque Mariehamn and its countryside, or a tour of the historically-rich municipality of Sund.

If you select the Mariehamn tour, you’ll drive by many of its major sights, such as the Åland Maritime Museum, the early 1900s-era sailing ship, Pommern; and the Sjökvarteret Maritime Museum. You’ll gain insight into the history and daily life of the residents that call the Åland Islands home, while heading south to the municipality of Lemland. Known for its 13^th-century church — one of the oldest ever built — this minute town has a population of just over 2,100 residents. Get a glimpse of the golden era of Åland during a guided tour of the Skeppargården Pellas homestead, dating back to 1884.  You will also enjoy a local treat when you visit Amalia Lemonade Factory for a tour and tasting.

Or, step back in time on an excursion to the island of Sund and learn about the history of the Åland Islands. You’ll start with a visit to Kastelholm Castle, a medieval fortification constructed in the 1300s when Åland and Finland were part of the Swedish Empire. Following your castle visit, you’ll head further east to the ruins of Bomarsund Fortress. Constructed in the mid-to-late 19th century, the fortress once functioned as both a defensive structure and a townlike settlement inhabited by military and civilian residents alike. You’ll conclude the tour with a visit to a local distillery before heading back to the ship.

Included Feature:

• Choice of tours in Mariehamn or Sund

Cultural Discovery:

• Choice of tours: Lemonade factory visit or Gin Distillery visit
• Onboard lecture

Arrive this morning in Stockholm, Sweden’s sophisticated capital, and say goodbye to the ship after breakfast. We hope you enjoyed your time on the Ocean Odyssey, Vantage's second small ship ocean cruising vessel!

Get acquainted with Stockholm's irresistible charms and remarkable history, spread across 14 islands knit together by some 57 bridges. On your cultural tour of this “Venice of the North,” you’ll walk through the narrow streets of the delightful Gamla Stan, or Old Town, and enjoy views of Stockholm City Hall and the city’s equally attractive newer sections. On an included tour, visit the Vasa Museum, where you’ll see the amazing “ghost ship” of the same name — the world’s only fully intact 17th-century warship. The massive vessel sank just offshore on its maiden voyage in 1628. It lay preserved in the mud for three centuries, before being recovered and displayed in its full glory.

Later, check into your Stockholm hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. Lunch and dinner are both on your own. 

Included Feature:

• Stockholm city tour

Cultural Discovery: 

• Visit the Vasa Museum

Scenic Sailing:

• Delight in Stockholm’s resplendent beauty upon cruising into this thrilling city

You'll have the entire day to take in the sophisticated pleasures of Stockholm today. Maybe you’ll start your day with a lussekatt (a saffron bun), then set out to stroll the endless waterways of the archipelago on which the strikingly beautiful and compact city is built. Return to the cobbled lanes of the Gamla Stan, the Old Town, or visit the renowned Skansen Museum, an open-air recreation of history’s traditional Swedish houses.

Celebrate your Baltic journey this evening with a Farewell Drink and Dinner alongside your fellow travelers. 

After breakfast, transfer to the Stockholm airport for your return flight home, or stay in Stockholm for your post-trip extension. 

Please note: Arrive to your destination rested and refreshed! Convenient gateway city stopover options mean you can break up longer flights easily — just ask our Flight Experts for assistance.