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The beautiful acrhitecture of Tallinn, Estonia

Best of the Baltics: Cities and Islands from Tallinn to Copenhagen

Example 8 Day Cruise aboard National Geographic Orion
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The windmills and meteoric craters on Estonia’s Muhu Island, a medieval castle or cycling tour on Saaremaa, and UNESCO World Heritage Site Art Nouveau Center in Riga, Latvia are just some of the offerings of this voyage. In Lithuania venture onto Curonian Spit, climb the “Hill of Witches,” or visit the 100-year-old lighthouse of Vente Horn. Savor the art and architecture of Gdansk, Poland, and visit the National Museum, Town Hall, and the Westerplatte where WWII first broke out. Hike to the cliff-top ruins of Hammershus Castle or explore the fishing port and white beaches of Bornholm Island, Denmark.
View the magnificent gardens at the Peterhof Palance in St. PetersburgCityscape of Tallinn, EstoniaPeaceful homes on the shores of the Baltic SeaColors of Copenhagen, DenmarkThe beautiful acrhitecture of Tallinn, Estonia
Highlights
  • Explore the windmills and meteoric craters of Muhu
  • Visit The Art Nouveau Center in Riga, Latvia
  • Experience the art, architecture and 20th-century history of Gdansk, Poland
  • Wander the fishing port and white beaches of Bornholm Island, Denmark
Activities
Places Visited
Activity Level: Relaxed
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Tallinn, Estonia | Embark

  • Ship
  • 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Arrive in Tallinn, Estonia. After lunch, enjoy an overview of the walled, cobblestoned Old Town with its Kiek in de Kök, a 15th-century defensive tower. Embark National Geographic Orion and set sail towards one of Estonia's most beautiful islands.

Day 2: Saaremaa Island

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Sail along the coast of Saaremaa Island this morning before docking near its capital Kuressaare. Head straight to Mati and Airi's private farm for a hearty traditional Estonian lunch in a rural setting complete with local music. This afternoon choose to hike to the north side of the island, where you encounter seabirds and interesting geological formations. Or, head to the countryside for a visit to the only working wooden windmill on the island. Then stop at the Kaali meteorite craters for a photo opportunity. Later this afternoon, feel free to stroll the streets of Kuressaare or visit its medieval castle and garden.

Photo enthusiasts may wish to join your naturalist and National Geographic photographer for a panoramic walk along Saaremaa's beaches and the Panga cliffs.

Day 3-4: Riga, Latvia

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Explore the largest city in the Baltics on a walking tour through Riga’s UNESCO-recognized center, passing wooden houses, art nouveau architecture, and funky cafés, and climbing to the top of St. Peter’s Church tower for 360-degree views. Choose to bike across the Daugava River and explore the quiet island of Kipsala and its old fishermen’s houses, or take a boat ride through the canals of Riga with free time before sailing to Lithuania. On one evening, venture into Riga to experience the sounds of “Ilgi,” a famous Estonian folk music band.

Explore with all your senses. Taste, see, and smell Latvian food specialties at the airy Central Market on an optional tour with your NG Orion chef and a local guide.

Day 5: Klaipeda, Lithuania

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Explore the wild barrier peninsula called the Curonian Spit, a UNESCO World Heritage site shared by Lithuania and Russia. Choose one of two options today: take a cultural tour to a seaside resort town to learn of folk tales at the Hill of Witches and see some of Europe's tallest sand dunes. Or, spend the afternoon at the Ventė Cape Ornithological Station to explore the lighthouse and dunes while learning about migratory bird populations.

Opt to take a cycling tour, too, along the sea, down the wild Curonian Spit with its sand dunes, harbors, and seaside wildlife.

Day 6: Gdańsk, Poland

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Arrive in Poland and take in Gdańsk’s art and architectural highlights including the Gothic-Renaissance Town Hall and the National Museum, featuring the Last Judgment triptych by Hans Memling. Or, learn about the significance of ship building and trade at the Maritime Museum. Zodiacs take you through the shipyards of Gdańsk, an important area for the organized resistance against the communist regime in 1980. Then take a guided tour of the European Solidarity Center, commemorating the trade union that made Lech Walesa a household name.

History buffs may opt for a morning visit to the Westerplatte peninsula, where World War II began with the German invasion of Poland on September 1, 1939, and the Polish Post Office Museum, still marked by signs of the attack. In order to maximize your time in Gdańsk, there has been an authentic Polish-style lunch arranged in town with open seating so you can arrive at your convenience.

Day 7: Bornholm, Denmark

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Stop at the small fishing port of Gudhjem on Bornholm Island. Hike up to the cliff-top ruins of Hammershus fortress or explore the island’s round churches and white sandy beaches. Then do as the locals do with a taste of some of the island’s famous smoked herring accompanied by a cold locally-brewed beer. Celebrate your journey with a final dinner aboard National Geographic Orion. 

Day 8: Copenhagen, Denmark | Disembark

  • 1 Breakfast
Disembark in Copenhagen after breakfast and transfer to the airport for your flights home.

Ship/Hotel

National Geographic Orion

Keep in shape in the exercise room aboard the National Geographic Orion
The National Geographic Orion is sleek and at your service
The lovely National Geographic Orion

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Per person starting at
National Geographic Orion's Category 1 Cabin.
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Category 1
Cat 1 #316, 318-321. Cabins feature a luminous oval window and configurable beds: two single beds, two beds converted to a queen-size bed, or a queen size bed. An armchair, reading lamps, a flat screen TV, and climate controls complete the amenities. Marble bathrooms are generously sized and include a spacious shower stall with a glass door.
Your  Category B Stateroom on the National Geographic Orion
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Category 1 Single
Cat 1S #301, 322, 323. These solo cabins feature a window or two portholes, a queen-size bed, except for #301 which has a double bed, writing desk and chair, climate controls, reading lamps, and a TV. Marble bathrooms are generously sized and include a roomy shower stall with a glass door.
A Category A Stateroom on the National Geographic Orion
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Category 2
Cat 2 #302-312, 314, 315, 317. Cabins feature a luminous oval window and configurable beds: two single beds, two beds converted to a queen-size bed, or a queen size bed. An armchair, reading lamps, a flat screen TV, and climate controls complete the amenities. Marble bathrooms are generously sized, and include a spacious shower stall with a glass door.
A lovely category 3 suite on the National Geographic Oion
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Category 3
Cat 3 Suite with Window #401-412, 414-419. These suites feature a sitting area with a large window, a sofa–except slightly smaller #401 & #402–an armchair or two, writing/laptop desk, reading lamps, flat screen TV, & climate controls. Beds are configurable (call for details). Marble bathrooms include a spacious shower stall with a glass door.
National Geographic Orion's Category 3 Cabin.
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Category 3 Single
Cat 3S Suite with Window #512. This solo suite features two beds and two large windows, plus two armchairs and small table, reading lamps, a flat screen TV, and climate controls. The marble bathroom is generously sized and includes a spacious shower stall with a glass door.
National Geographic Orion's Category 4 Cabin.
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Category 4
Cat 4 Deluxe Suite with Window #511, 515. These two suites feature separate sleeping and sitting areas, with a chair and armchair and a two-cushion sofa facing an expansive window. Beds are configurable (call for details). Ample storage, reading lamps, a flat screen TV, and climate controls complete the amenities.
National Geographic Orion's Category 5 Cabin.
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Category 5
Cat 5 Suite with French Balcony #501, 503-506, 508. These spacious suites feature open living areas and sliding glass doors opening to a shared French balcony. Beds are configurable (call for details.) A sitting area with arm chairs and a sofa, a writing/laptop desk, well-placed reading lamps, a flat screen TV, and climate controls complete the decor.
National Geographic Orion's Category 6 Cabin.
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Category 6
Cat 6 Owner’s Suite with French Balcony #502, 507, 509*, 510. These large, elegant suites feature a French balcony, with the exception of #509 which has double windows. Each provides a separate living area with a sofa and two arm chairs, except for #502, which uniquely offers a 'soaking tub with a view' in addition to a shower stall and expansive vanity.

Notes

Single supplement varies by itinerary. A solo traveler matching program may be available but is subject to availability.
Included
  • 6 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches, 6 Dinners

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Our guide and driver were very good with their knowledge and were very helpful with our questions. It was a very pleasant visit that would have been impossible to do on our own. Hotels and restaurants were fantastic. The special places we got to go to, like the kitchens, were great. Enjoyed the entire trip!
Meyer Smolen
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