Day 1 (SEP 13): Rotterdam, The Netherlands

Depart @ 3:00pm

The Netherlands’ second-largest city and Europe’s busiest port is home to some of the 20th and 21st centuries' most important architectural feats, which is particularly impressive when you consider that nearly all of Rotterdam was razed to the ground during World War II. Sometimes referred to as “Manhattan-on-the-Maas,” the city lives up to its reputation as a forward-looking metropolis with fascinating design and some of the Netherlands' finest museums and most trendy shops.

Day 2 (SEP 14): Day at Sea

Days 3-4 (SEP 15-16): Oslo, Norway

Oslo, Norway's capital, blends history with modernity. This vibrant city features top museums, modern architecture, and Viking heritage. Highlights include the Oslo Opera House, Nobel Peace Prize sites, and Vigeland Sculpture Park. Explore via hop-on-hop-off buses or fjord tours for a diverse array of experiences. Surrounded by the Oslo fjord, hills, and parks, Oslo is a must-see destination.

Day 5 (SEP 17): Copenhagen, Denmark

Copenhagen is one of the easiest European capitals to fall in love with. The sights of old buildings, cobbled streets and the tower- and turret-dotted skyline lend fairy-tale charm—this was, after all, the home of author Hans Christian Andersen. But make no mistake: This is a thoroughly modern city with international clout. Restaurants around the world draw inspiration from the New Nordic cuisine pioneered by Noma and other Copenhagen restaurants, while Danish design from this century and the last is universally admired and coveted. Urban planners flock here to try to work out just how the city remains so livable and yet so functional, and despite its wealth of old buildings, Copenhagen’s not locked in the past; there are also thrilling examples of modern architecture. Copenhagen is a city that’s easy to find things to do and explore on foot or by excellent public transport, where everyone speaks perfect English, the food is fresh and innovative, and there’s plenty of locally brewed beer—which, of course, is best enjoyed sitting by the water on a sunny day.

Day 6 (SEP 18): Berlin, Germany

Berlin can feel like the exception among Europe’s capitals. While Rome, London and Paris emerged as important cities under the Roman Empire, Berlin wasn’t established until the thirteenth century and only became a significant commercial center in the nineteenth. During the century and a half that it has been on the world stage, its history is almost unbelievable. This was a city that was synonymous with the glittering excesses of the Weimar Republic and then served as the capital of the Nazi regime. For 45 years, it was divided by an infamous wall, with half its citizens living in communist East Germany while West Berlin was an island of capitalist and western values located behind the Iron Curtain.

In 1990, Berlin resumed its role as the capital of a unified Germany. For the visitor today it’s an intriguing, vibrant city. While devastated by bombings in World War II, its museums are still filled with cultural treasures. Thoughtful memorials and museums acknowledged the darker moments of its history, though it is the city’s restaurants, bars, boutiques and galleries that tend to impress most visitors. Explore historical sites like Brandenburg Gate, Berlin Cathedral, and Reichstag on a Berlin shore excursion. Not only is Berlin filled with history, Berlin it enthusiastically embraces its artists and entrepreneurs, creating an exciting atmosphere of possibility.

Day 7 (SEP 19): Hamburg, Germany

Located a short 90-kilometer drive or train journey from the seaside port of Kiel, Hamburg is one of Germany’s most cosmopolitan cities. The city’s character is powered by the mighty River Elbe, which passes by Hamburg’s stylish neighborhoods on its way to the North Sea. Often referred to as Germany’s “Gateway to the World” due to its position as the biggest commercial port in the country, the city is filled with an air of maritime mystique and excitement. With a newly named UNESCO World Heritage Site, upscale shopping districts and a distinct European flavor, Hamburg retains an energetic and eclectic atmosphere where historic and modern charm meet.

Day 8 (SEP 20): Ronne (Bornholm), Denmark

Bornholm is Denmark’s easternmost island, a rocky outpost in the Baltic Sea located 180 kilometers from Copenhagen, and its sunny climate and exceptional light have drawn generations of artists as well as holidaymakers. The craggy granite shoreline is home to picturesque fishing villages, and the capital, Rønne, is known for half-timbered houses dating to the 16th century. Fringed by white-sand beaches, the improbably magical island also has beautiful places to hike or bike, craftspeople making glass and ceramics and a well-developed local culinary scene. Bornholm's specialty, wood-smoked herring, is a must-try, as is the local blue cheese. If your tastes run to New Nordic cuisine, there is even a Michelin-starred restaurant on the island.Across Bornholm, visitors will find four rundkirke—historic whitewashed round churches constructed in the 12th century, as well as the medieval fortress of Hammershus, the largest castle ruin in Northern Europe. In the fishing villages, notably Gudhjem and Svaneke, generations of mariners haul in herring, mackerel and salmon to be smoked or cured in traditional smokehouses.

Day 9 (SEP 21): Gdynia (Gdansk), Poland

Gdynia is a modern port that acts as a welcome gateway to Gdańsk, a larger city known for its rich Hanseatic history. Once in Gdańsk, wander Dlugi Targ, or The Royal Way, a historic district lined with Gothic merchant houses and cathedrals. The Golden Gate, Main Town Hall, and Neptune Fountain are popular landmarks and ideal photo backdrops. Save some time for dining and shopping — Gdańsk is known for pierogies, fresh-from-the-Baltic seafood, and amber jewelry.

Day 10 (SEP 22): Klaipeda, Lithuania

The distinctly German-style timber-frame buildings that line the cobbled streets of Klaipėda's Old Town hint at its past life as the former capital of Prussia. Controlled on and off by Germany well into the 20th century, the city went by the name Memel until 1945, when it formally adopted the Lithuanian name Klaipėda. Now the country's third-largest metropolis, Klaipėda retains much of its historic and maritime flavor, but there’s also a growing arts scene, with lively exhibition spaces and modern sculptures scattered around the city. The most popular gathering place for locals and visitors is Old Town’s Theatre Square, which features the city’s famed sculpture of a young girl, Taravos Anikė. Nearby, the “Crafts Yard” is home to timber-frame buildings dating from the 18th century; here you can visit various workshops and see how crafts, art and home goods are made. A short ferry ride across a narrow strait takes you to Smiltynė, where you’ll find the Maritime Museum and Aquarium, which hosts Black Sea bottlenose dolphin shows.

Day 11 (SEP 23): Riga, Latvia

The capital of Latvia, Riga is an Art Nouveau gem, rich in fun, flamboyant architecture that somewhat belies the many centuries of war and changes of power in its long history. Founded in 1201 by German traders, the port city was a powerful member of the Hanseatic League for several hundred years until it came under Swedish rule; in the 1800s, the Russian empire assumed control, with turbulent periods of uprisings, followed by Nazi and Soviet occupation. In 1990, Latvia regained its independence and Riga quickly became a popular tourist destination thanks to the beauty of its Old Town—a UNESCO World Heritage Site—and flourishing restaurant and nightlife scenes. Among the top attractions are Riga Castle; the 13th-century Riga Cathedral, with one of the largest organs in the world; Alberta Iela (Alberta Street), a stunning Art Nouveau street; and the Central Market, housed in former zeppelin hangars. The city also has a booming bohemian quarter, centered around Miera Iela, or “Peace Street,” where you’ll find hipster bars, cafés, galleries, and quirky boutiques. For a sobering look at the hardships endured by Latvians under Nazi and Soviet regimes, the Museum of the Occupation of Latvia is a must-visit; it includes a tour of the Corner House, the former headquarters of the KGB.

Day 12 (SEP 24): Day at Sea

Day 13 (SEP 25): Aarhus, Denmark

Discover Aarhus, Denmark’s vibrant second-largest city. Explore Den Gamle By’s cobbled streets, visit ARoS Art Museum, stroll the canal, and admire Marselisborg Palace. This charming port blends Viking history, modern culture, and scenic beauty—perfect for your next cruise adventure.

Day 14 (SEP 26): Day at Sea

Day 15 (SEP 27): Rotterdam, The Netherlands

Arrive @ 7:00am