Day 1 (JUL 1): Copenhagen, Denmark

Effortlessly cool and down to earth, Copenhagen is a contemporary, clean, and classy highlight of Scandinavia. A city built to be livable, Copenhagen has refused to compromise, resulting in a forward-thinking metropolis that's green and clean. Swim in the waters of Havnebadet Islands during summer, or shelter from winter's bite by snuggling in beside a roaring open fire during winter. You can even hop on a train to Sweden, traversing the famous span of a Nordic Noir star - the Øresund Bridge. It takes just a touch over half an hour to step off the train in Malmö. There's only one way to truly explore Copenhagen and that's on two wheels. Easy bike hire schemes will get you moving across this flat city, designed with bikes at the forefront of the mind. Choose a model with electronic assistance to take the strain out of any journey, giving you the freedom to whizz around and explore the modern angular architecture of the center, and the pastoral colors of Nyhavn waterfront. Head out to the Little Mermaid statue, inspired by Hans Christian Andersen's fairy tale - the strikingly restrained statue is the perfect landmark for Copenhagen; unshowy, self-assured, and utterly irresistible. The Danish concept of hygge is very much alive here, and you'll feel that warm cozy feeling as you visit cafes illuminated by the warm glow of hanging filament bulbs, and stuffed to the brim with thick, dusty books. Home to mega-brewer Carlsberg, Copenhagen is also a city for hop enthusiasts, and there is a thriving craft brewing scene to sample. Danish smørrebrød sandwiches are a must-try, or for something a little more substantial, settle in for a culinary voyage and try a taster menu - the city's restaurants are littered with Michelin stars.

Day 2 (JUL 2): Ronne, Bornholm, Denmark

Boats entering the port of Ronne, on the rocky island of Bornholm, are welcomed by the sight of St Nicolas’s church - patron saint of seafarers, towering over the harbor, guiding the ships in. Bornholm sits in the Baltic Sea between Denmark and Sweden and is popular for Scandinavians in search of a break from city life. The outstanding open countryside, sandy beaches, and quaint villages make it the perfect getaway. Ronne is charming with cobblestone streets and half-timbered houses, painted in sunny yellow and orange colors. Maybe along with the mild weather, the bright colors are why the island is often referred to as “Sunshine Island”. On summer days head to one of the many beaches. Norrekas is popular being right in the town and Antoinette has a long stretch of inviting, fine sand and clear water. Captivated by the natural beauty of the island, many artists and craftspeople live and work here. Potters have long been attracted to the high-quality clay found locally, glassblowing has recently flourished, silver smiths and textile artists have found inspiration too - many have open galleries and workshops and welcome visitors. Word has spread over recent years about the high-quality foods produced on the island from traditional smokehouse fare, farm shops, microbreweries, and even licorice. No doubt explaining the growing number of excellent restaurants. So what better way to get to know Ronne than trying delicious local ingredients and settling back to admire the scenery at a slower pace.

Day 3 (JUL 3): Gdansk, Poland

Gdansk, one of Poland’s oldest and most beautiful cities, sits on the edge of the Baltic Sea. Looking around today, it’s difficult to imagine that during World War II, much of the city was reduced to rubble. Painstakingly reconstructed with great skill, the Hanseatic architecture and historical treasures rose like a phoenix from the ruins. Head to the city center and walk in the footsteps of Polish royalty down the Royal Route, which leads to many of Gdansk’s best-preserved treasures. Passing through majestic stone gates is the wonderful Amber Museum. Learn all you need to know about amber or Baltic gold as it’s known. It’s been collected and worked for over 6,000 years in Gdansk, a major contributor to the city’s wealth. Through the Golden Gate lies Dluga street, peek behind the exquisite facades and visit some of the beautifully restored townhouses. Stroll on past landmark buildings like the soaring Town Hall, ending up on the very photogenic Mariacka street. Along the waterfront is the striking, modern architecture of the World War II Museum, a poignant space, in the very city where the first shots of the war were fired. The excellent exhibitions leave few unmoved and has rapidly become one of Gdansk’s top attractions. More recent history is explained wonderfully at the European Solidarity Centre down by the shipyards. The trade union “Solidarity” was formed in the 1980s and Poland’s struggle to topple Communism began. Gdansk has certainly earned its place in the history books of Europe.

Day 4 (JUL 4): Liepaja, Latvia

Taking up the coveted crown of European Capital of Culture in 2027, Liepaja is Latvia’s third biggest and westernmost city. As an ice-free port, it has long held strategic significance, opening up access to the Baltic Sea and beyond. In Latvia, Liepaja is known as the birthplace of the wind, and it’s fair to say the city has weathered its share of storms over the years. Regularly occupied, the strategic naval base was a pivotal target during both world wars, resulting in significant damage and destruction. The rusting fortifications that dot the coastline to the north are a stark reminder of this history of turmoil. Nowadays, the city’s transformation is startling. Latvians from the capital, Riga - 120 miles away - flock to its long Baltic coastline to relax on layers of soft white sands, which occasionally reveal drops of amber. Head to the stunning Liepaja beach, to sunbathe on the fine sands or soak in the serene sunsets that light up the waters. The beach is backed by fragrant woodland and dotted with intriguing artworks and monuments. Look out for the twisted metal Tree of Ghosts - dedicated to the hugely influential Latvian band "Līvi". In the city itself, you’ll find the distinctive "Great Amber" concert hall, where the swells of the Liepaja Symphony Orchestra are acoustically enhanced by the unique sloping structure. With fascinating history, cultural clout, and captivating coastline, Liepaja is a true cultural gem of the Baltic.

Day 5 (JUL 5): Riga, Latvia

Centered around a charming UNESCO World Heritage Site listed Old Town, Latvia's capital is a quirky and artistic place - with an extensive collection of gleaming art-deco architecture. Trolleybuses trundle the streets, while the Old Town harbors 800 years of Hanseatic history. Church spires rocket up across the skyline, combining with sleek new architecture and spruced-up Soviet-era remnants. With a quirky underbelly and beautifully preserved fairytale architecture, it's no wonder Riga is affectionately known as the Baltic Berlin. Ascend the tower of St. Peter's Church for a view down over the gingerbread architecture below. The House of Blackheads is one of the city's standouts, a historic trade guild's meeting place, it adds grace and grandeur to the spacious town square. The much-photographed Three Brothers lean together with their pastel-shaded facades and idiosyncratic personalities. Look out across the River Daugava for an example of modern Riga - the steel and glass of the National Library building. The Freedom Monument stands a full 42 meters tall and is a proud statue, marking Lativa's incredibly hard-won independence. Cavernous hangers - that once housed bomber zeppelins from the First World War - now host one of Europe's biggest and best food markets. Soak up the smells and sights of Riga Central Market, where you can taste pickles, smoked herring and piragis - local rolls, stuffed with bacon. Take time out in brightly painted cafes and flower-laced courtyards, which serve up refreshments and dizzyingly strong, self-brewed, craft beers. Or head to the greenery of Bastejkalna Park to stroll the banks of the canal and over ornate bridges.

Day 6 (JUL 6): Tallinn, Estonia

A fairytale city of new and old, Tallinn boasts one of the best-preserved UNESCO listed old towns in Northern Europe, and balances the traditional and contemporary astutely. A beautiful Baltic capital of storied culture and history, Tallinn is riding the wave of a burgeoning reputation as Europe's hidden gem, and it boasts a picturesque allure that few cities can rival. Having endured countless occupations in its history, Estonia finally gained independence from the Soviet Union in 1991 and has been hell-bent on progressive, forward-thinking policies ever since. The European City of Culture award in 2011 was a symbol of the country's increasing integration with the European Union and offered Tallinn a chance to showcase and upgrade its cultural marvels. Walk into the old town through Viru Gates, past flower vendors and the smells of roasting nuts. Town Hall Square is the heart and soul of Tallinn, and when you walk the narrow cobbled streets that open out into it, you're walking the same pathways that Tallinn's people have walked since the 13th century. Surrounded by practically complete medieval walls, lose yourself in deep museums, and visit pretty churches like St. Olaf church - one of the city's most famous, with its sharp green spire puncturing the sky. Head to Kohtuotsa platform in the upper town for views of the city's sea of red roofs, interrupted by church towers and rounded turrets. From here, climb Toompea Castle's central hill, before visiting the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral - easily recognizable by its bold colors and trio of black onion domes.

Day 7 (JUL 7): Helsinki, Finland

A thriving, flawlessly-designed seaside city, Helsinki is famously livable and inspiring. A regional powerhouse of outstanding design and creativity, Helsinki lies across a confetti scattering of 300 islands and skerries in the Gulf of Finland. Known for the light granite hue of its buildings - which lend the city a bright, whitewashed appearance - traditional buildings mingle seamlessly with bold new structures, showcasing Finland's celebrated design outlook. Helsinki Cathedral is the crowning glory - rising high over the city's waterfront with its pearly white domes gleaming. A city that reveres knowledge and creativity above all else, artworks and statues litter the streets and parks, honoring creative minds of the past. Open parks offer space to lie back and soak up summer's sun, while sculptures like the abstract organs of the Sibelius Monument celebrate national heroes like composer Jean Sibelius - whose music gave Finland national identity in the quest for independence. Feel the stunning acoustics of the incredible Rock Church deep in your gut, as you witness a performance in this collaboration between man and nature. Built into the rock underground, the amphitheater's soaring copper bowl roof is suspended dramatically on a bed of glass windows. One of Helsinki's many incredible buildings, the Design Museum offers a comprehensive insight into the city's balance of style, function, and form. Helsinki's easy-going, forward-thinking way of life was hard fought for, and the spectacular Suomenlinna fortress rears out of the waves as a reminder of the historical struggles that have played out in this stretch of sea. The chain of forts covers six islands and was built to defend the archipelago when it fell under Swedish rule. Sail out to the quaint little beaches, and waterfront pathways that now lend a calm, peaceful ambiance to this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Day 8 (JUL 8): Stockholm, Sweden

Emerald spires puncture the sky across Sweden's alluring capital, a leafy place of history, culture, and waterfront perfection. Innovative and inventive, Stockholm is a city looking to the future, but with a firm grip on its envied past. Stylish Stockholm has enough to occupy you for a lifetime, from cathedral-like food markets to simmering baths and natural escapes. Visit the staggeringly beautiful interior of Stockholm's City Hall, or learn more about one of Sweden's best-known exports - with a visit to the ABBA museum. The history is deep, and the architecture is typically stylish, as you explore this capital of Scandi cool. The Gamla Stan old town is a storied historic core of cobbled streets and brightly hued, towering townhouses standing side by side. Attractive squares fill with the smells of fried herring from traditional restaurants, while the latest culinary trends sweep through the city's revered kitchens. Breathe in the crisp, clean air and relish the tranquility and atmosphere of a truly great and grand Baltic city. Stockholm's visitors and residents spill outdoors in the summertime, to the city's beaches, and the archipelago's scattering of 24,000 islands and islets nearby. Steamboats puff scenic routes between them. Stockholm itself sprawls across 14 islands, interlinked with dozens of arching bridges. Shimmering canals and leafy green parks offer peace and sanctuary within the city, while trendy bars, coffee shops, and rooftop cocktail joints add to the hip and happening appeal. Stockholm's bustling shopping streets also showcase cutting-edge trends for the fashion-conscious.