Oslo to Stockholm

Day 1 Oslo, Norway

Norway’s capital is a town with a relaxed attitude and energetic people passionate about the outdoors. Consisting of 40 islands and 343 lakes within its city limits, Oslo incorporates nature into every aspect of city life, which has an invigorating effect on both body and spirit. Neighborhoods are comprised of 15 boroughs, each with its own unique character. Explore Vigeland Park, featuring 212 sculptures by Gustav Vigeland, or indulge at one of Oslo’s four Michelin-rated restaurants. Or visit the Viking Ship Museum, housing the world’s best-preserved Viking sailing vessels. The Viking spirit of exploration lives on with the residents, who you can join in eager pursuit of the numerous outdoor activities available – such as cycling, hiking, ice-skating, sailing and skiing. Should things seem too overwhelming, look upon Edvard Munch’s The Scream at the National Gallery, and realize the consequences of stress.

Day 2 Stromstad, Sweden

Located by the salty Skagerack, on the borderland between Sweden and Norway, this charming seaside town embodies the often-overused word “picturesque,” infusing the senses with the essence of a place that owes its abundant life to nature’s gifts. Described as the pearl of North Bohuslän, Stromstad provides mighty rolling waves, sun-warmed cliffs and sandy beaches. Its idyllic small-town qualities invite travelers to relax and enjoy the atmosphere. Bustling marinas, amazingly flavorful prawns beyond compare, a variety of entertainment options and shopping all beckon. The archipelago opens up around Stromstad with its rocky outcrops and numerous opportunities for outdoor activities, and the Koster Islands offer a memorable experience to embark upon.

Days 3-4 Copenhagen, Denmark

This historic city of palaces, canals and copper spires casts a sense of enchantment upon all who walk along its cobbled streets. Little wonder that Copenhagen’s favorite son, Hans Christian Andersen, was inspired to write some of the world’s most beloved fairy tales – including The Little Mermaid – which in turn inspired the city’s iconic bronze sculpture at Copenhagen Harbor that is perhaps the world’s most-visited work of public art. The magnificent Opera House defines the opposite side of the harbor. As for the palaces, travelers may visit the Queen’s residence, Rosenborg Palace, and Christiansborg Palace, which houses the Danish Parliament, Supreme Court, and Ministry of State. World-class shopping beckons on Strøget, the world's longest pedestrian street, while the famed Tivoli Gardens offers tree-lined pathways, theatres, open air stages, restaurants, cafés and 26 attractions. And aficionados of Carlsberg beer can visit the brewery, which is among the city’s largest tourist attractions.

Day 5 Rugen, Germany

With its majestic snow-white chalk cliffs immortalized by Romantic artist Caspar David Friedrich in 1818, Germany’s largest island (actually an archipelago of about 30 small islands and peninsulas in the Baltic Sea) has long been a popular resort destination. Take a stroll around the former imperial spa resorts, carefully restored to their original splendor, to sense the noblesse of the Belle Epoque era. Its quiet fishing villages, mile-long beaches along the blue-green sea and 100-year-old lighthouses set Rügen apart as a truly unique environment that is at once easily accessible while hinting at the intrigue woven into its long history. Visitors can enjoy water sports, walk or cycle along the paths to the flint fields near Mukran, visit the Granitz hunting lodge and look around Putbus, a former princely seat. The "Racing Roland" steam train makes its way around the island, providing a wonderfully nostalgic way to get around Rügen's main sights.

Day 6 Bornholm, Denmark

As the sunniest region of Denmark, Bornholm attracts thousands of holidaymakers drawn by the island’s natural beauty, sandy beaches and timeless atmosphere evoked by its thatched, half-timbered villages. The island bursts with color, from vivid flowers that bloom seemingly everywhere to the brightly painted houses and buildings, trimmed out in a variety of bold accent colors to emphasize architectural features. The beguiling deep sparkling blue of the Baltic Sea supercharges this palette to stunning effect, energizing the senses to a heightened awareness of what it truly means to be alive. Bornholm’s attractions range from the dramatic clifftop fortress of Hammershus to the island’s four landmark rundekirke (round churches) and the standout contemporary Bornholms Kunstmuseum (Art Museum). Cycling (the preferred method of transversing Bornholm) or lingering around its tranquil fishing harbors completes the Borhholm experience.

Day 7 At Sea

Relax aboard your ship and enjoy the on-board amenities.

Day 8 Stockholm, Sweden

Sweden’s capital is one of the most picturesque major cities in the world. Part of an archipelago consisting of about 24,000 rocky islands, Stockholm delivers a vision of spice-colored buildings rising between vibrantly blue-toned waters and skies during the brief summer, then illuminated by the inviting glow of lights above a blanket of snow in winter. Renowned for its progressive nature in every aspect, Stockholm offers cutting-edge minimalist design, trendy fashions and a world-class club scene. The Södermalm neighborhood is distinguished by high waterfront hills graced by charming old homes, with main streets lined with unique shops, art galleries and nightclubs. The city’s center district is a bustling metropolis with boutiques and restaurants the equal of any on the continent.

Day 8 Stockholm, Sweden