Best of The Baltic - Stockholm to Copenhagen
10 days cruise on Crystal Symphony from Stockholm to Copenhagen.
Stockholm (Sweden) - Helsinki (Finland) - St. Petersburg (Russia) - Tallinn (Estonia) - Riga (Latvia) - Klaipeda (Lithunia) - Berlin/Warnermunde (Germany) - Copenhagen (Denmark).
Crystal Symphony’s 10 days voyage, sailing from Stockholm on 6 August 2015, calling on Helsinki, St Petersburg, Tallinn, Riga, Klaipeda, Warnemunde, and reaching Copenhagen 16 August 2015.
Stockholm, Sweden
Sweden's capital, Stockholm, which sprawls over 14 islands, is often called the "Beauty on Water." Resting amid wooded hills, it is a city surrounded by water, firmly linked by over 50 bridges. Originally founded as a fortress in the 12th century, the earliest mention of Stockholm as a city was in the year 1252. By 1850, the city had less than 100,000 inhabitants. Today it is one of Europe's most prosperous cities with a population of over a million.
Helsinki, Finland
A heritage spanning over 450 years awaits you as you step ashore in Helsinki, "City of the Sea." Spurred on by the inspiration of Carl Ludvig Engel, a native of Berlin who had worked earlier in Tallinn and St. Petersburg, Helsinki has produced some of the world's finest architects. Today, the legacy of their splendid work is seen everywhere. Nonetheless, nature has not been subdued, as leafy parks and picturesque bays continue to exert their timeless influence. A political and economic hub, this city is also a cultural center boasting 20 theatres, the National Opera, numerous museums and art galleries.
St. Petersburg, Russia
Formerly known as Leningrad, St. Petersburg is Russia's second-largest city. It lies on a series of islands on the broad reaches of the mighty Neva River. The network of decorated bridges arching above the numerous waterways and canals are a visual delight. Over 300 years ago, this area was merely marsh and forest land. Peter the Great's vision was to build a window to the west, a city that would be a reflection of the great capitals of Europe. With the energy and drive so characteristic of this great man, he began the task. Magnificent Russian Versailles and Fontainbleau, with names like Pavlovsk and Peterhof, now encircle St. Petersburg; hence this comparatively young city has become ageless.
Tallinn, Estonia
Tallinn, capital of the independent republic of Estonia, was a key trading city of the Hanseatic League and one of the largest cities in Europe in the Middle Ages. The exceptionally well-preserved Old Town has earned Tallinn a place on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Today, Tallinn is home to almost a third of Estonia's population. Ancient town walls, old churches, graceful steeples, twisty cobblestone streets, red-tiled roofs and imposing towers reveal German, Swedish and Russian architectural influences. The fortress on Castle Hill and many ancient protective bastions stand as a historical tribute to a time, in the 15th century, when Tallinn was heavily fortified.
Riga, Latvia
In the Middle Ages it was thought that he who ruled Riga, ruled the Baltics. For centuries, battles were waged for control of the city. Riga continues to be important and influential. The largest city in the Baltics with a population of 800,000, Riga has a vibrant nightlife and a progressive cultural scene. For its long history of war, however, it has maintained a playful sense of humor, mostly on display in its architecture. Concentrated on Alberta Street, Riga's splendid buildings of the Jugendstil movement give a visitor good reason to make frequent glances up to the rooftops. Those who do will find gables decorated by astonished faces, fascinating masks and sculptures of animals.
Klaipeda, Lithuania
Lithuania is at the center of Europe, both geographically and historically. Bordered by the Baltic Sea, Russia, Poland, Latvia and Belarus, is has been an essential destination for trade over the centuries. Today, Lithuania, and especially the town of Klaipeda, is an ideal destination for anyone wanting to indulge in a pleasant getaway. Klaipeda dates to 1252, the year that saw the construction of the castle of Memelburg at the mouth of the Dane River. Local museums, old cobbled streets and beautiful churches bring to life the city's storied past and surely will keep the city vibrant and bustling in the years to come.
Berlin/Warnemünde, Germany
Warnemünde boasts one of the most charming ports on the Baltic coast, with her quaint harbor opening into a delightful beach resort area. The old town, within walking distance from the pier, warmly welcomes you to window-shop, stroll along the twisting streets or pause for a lingering cup of coffee in a local café. Warnemünde is also a gateway to the old Hanseatic town of Rostock, as well as one of Europe's most historic and bustling cities, Berlin.
Copenhagen, Denmark
Denmark, the world's oldest kingdom, awaits your discovery on this visit to its lively capital, Copenhagen. Immerse yourself in the vitality of this delightful city as you explore its expansive parks and plazas, as well as its treasure trove of historic galleries and buildings. Discover its exquisite combination of Scandinavian elegance and European joie de vivre. Visitors traveling outside the city enter an altogether different world; one where stately castles are found nestled in the gentle, emerald-green Danish countryside.
