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From its start as a Viking trading hub in the 10th century to its current position as Sweden’s cultural and political capital, beautiful Stockholm is the place to go for anyone desiring a deeper understanding of Scandinavia. Thanks to its design-forward infrastructure and friendly people, it’s easy to explore this beautiful city filled with sprawling public parks, medieval squares, and picturesque footbridges. An included Swedish cultural tour gives you a jump-start on getting oriented in the Nordic world, plus you’ll have ample leisure time to explore on your own.
Fly overnight to Stockholm
Today, you’ll board an overnight flight to Stockholm, Sweden. Or, depart earlier for your pre-trip extension in Stockholm.
Arrive in Stockholm today
Welcome to Sweden! If you purchased your airfare from Vantage, a representative will meet you at the airport to assist with transfers to your hotel. Following check-in, you’ll have the afternoon at leisure. Dinner tonight will be at your hotel.
Included meals:
Enjoy the sights of Stockholm
Become acquainted with Stockholm's irresistible charms and remarkable history on a cultural tour of this “Venice of the North.” You’ll walk through the narrow streets of delightful Gamla Stan, or Old Town, and enjoy views of Stockholm City Hall. Your tour includes a visit to the Vasa Museum, where you’ll see the amazing “ghost ship” of the same name. This massive vessel is the world’s only fully intact 17th-century warship. It sank just offshore during its maiden voyage in 1628, and was preserved in mud for three centuries before being recovered. You’ll have free time following your tour to continue exploring Stockholm on your own.
Included Feature:
Cultural Discovery:
Embark the Ocean Odyssey today
Today, you’ll embark the Ocean Odyssey. Get settled in your luxurious stateroom, then take time to acquaint yourself with the ship's many amenities. Enjoy a cocktail at the panoramic Observation Lounge, pop into the fitness center, or visit the Destination Manager to book a spa treatment. Tonight, enjoy the first of many delicious meals prepared by your skilled onboard chefs.
Onboard Enhancement: Customize your journey when you add an optional onboard experience. Enhance your time on board with one of our Vantage-exclusive activities, including wine and whiskey tastings, a multicourse Chef’s Table Dinner, or an exclusive wine-pairing dinner. Learn More
Visit the Hanseatic gem of Visby
Enjoy breakfast on board this morning against the scenic backdrop of Visby, a UNESCO World Heritage Centre. This charming seaside treasure is located on the large Swedish island of Gotland, and was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to the extraordinary preservation of its medieval port area. You’ll discover the town’s beauty during a walking tour from Almedalen, the former harbor that is now a scenic park. Your knowledgeable guides will tell stories about Visby’s rich and fascinating history, and provide insight into the daily lives of its residents. As you walk through medieval alleys, past gabled houses, and medieval ruins, you’ll see some of city’s main attractions, such as Powder Tower, Fish Alley, and Visby Cathedral. Following your tour, return to the ship for lunch, then enjoy an afternoon at leisure.
Be captivated by enchanting Rønne today
Today, you’ll arrive at the rocky Danish island of Bornholm and step ashore in Rønne Harbour at the foot of St. Nicolai Church. Set out on a walking tour along the quiet, cobblestone streets of Rønne’s enchanting Old Town. You’ll be delighted by the sight of quaint half-timbered houses and colorful gardens, the scent of lilacs and fruit trees, and the melodies of local songbirds. There will be time after your walking tour to continue exploring the charms of this lovely town on your own.
Destination Enhancement: Customize your journey when you add an optional excursion. Head out on a full-day private bus tour of Bornholm Island with an included lunch and beer tasting. Learn More
On this optional excursion, you’ll explore Bornholm Island, where the sun-soaked open fields and granite headlands draw visitors to the sandy beaches. Bornholm’s many notable sites include the dramatic cliff-top ruins of medieval Hammershus Castle and the quaint fishing village of Svaneke, one of the best-preserved market towns on the island. Not only is Bornholm Island’s climate ideal for cultivating the locally grown Bornholm Diamond fig, but the island is also gaining a reputation as a destination for foodies due to its farm-to-table cuisine. You'll experience this for yourself during an included lunch and beer-tasting experience.
Due to high call volume, we recommend you visit MyPortfolio to book this Destination Enhancement. Don’t wait — these optional experiences are limited to a select number of guests and are selling out fast!
Discover Germany’s laidback side
Situated along the coast of the Baltic Sea, you’ll find the German resort town of Warnemünde. This appealing little town is one of northern Europe’s lesser-known destinations, but it’s a hidden gem that should definitely be on your radar. Drawing visitors in with its gentle spirit, Warnemünde offers a sweetly picturesque alternative to busier German ports. You’ll have the opportunity to experience this laidback town for yourself on an included walking tour of its highlights. You’ll also spend time in the festive city of Rostock, home to many of Germany’s major maritime events, including the annual Hanse Sail festival. Later, enjoy leisure time on your own to take in even more of this lovely port.
Find Danish delights in Fredericia
Located at the southeastern point of Denmark’s Jutland peninsula, you’ll find the historic town of Fredericia, part of the Triangle Region that includes the neighboring cities of Kolding and Vejle. Founded in 1650 by King Frederick III as a royal fortification, Fredericia’s town center is encircled by well-preserved ramparts. Today, the town is part of the East Jutland metropolitan area and a major barracks for the Royal Danish Army’s Signals regiment. Delve into the unique history and culture of the city, and explore the amazing nature that surrounds it, during a guided walking tour.
Explore historic Aarhus on a guided walking tour
Aarhus, Denmark’s second largest city, is at the center of the Aarhus Region. This area is known as a modern, active, and creative region, holding infinite options for visitors, whether you are looking for active pursuits, beautiful scenery, or big-city atmosphere. Founded in the late 8th century as a harbor settlement at the mouth of the Aarhus River, Aarhus quickly became a trade hub, and the first Christian church was built here in approximately AD 900. At 315-feet-tall, the 12th-century Aarhus Cathedral is the longest and tallest church in Denmark, and serves as the main edifice of the diocese of Aarhus for the Church of Denmark, dedicated to St. Clemens, the patron saint of sailors. You’ll visit this Romanesque-style cathedral during your walking tour of this historic town. Later, enjoy time on your own to continue your explorations at your own pace.
Visit Helsingborg’s historic old town
Following breakfast on board this morning, you’ll set out on a walking tour of the Swedish coastal city of Helsingborg. Situated across the Øresund Strait from Denmark, Helsingborg is known for its historic old town and Kärnan Tower. This notable site is the only remaining part of the late 19th-century Danish fortress that once resided here. Nearby you’ll find St. Mary’s Church, the city’s oldest religious structure, dating back to the 12th century; and the neo-Gothic Town Hall, magnificent with its ornate angular towers and arched stained-glass windows. There will be leisure time after your tour to continue exploring this lovely town on your own.
Explore the Swedish city of Gothenburg
Today you’ll have a chance to dive into Swedish tradition with a morning city tour of Gothenburg. You’ll board a private motorcoach and drive by a few of the city’s major attractions, including the Maritiman floating maritime museum on the Göta älv River and the Göteborgsoperan opera house. Enjoy a walk through the charming Haga district, a traditional neighborhood of picturesque wooden buildings and narrow cobblestone streets. Finally, you’ll visit Feskekôrka, a popular indoor fish market, and Store Saluhall, the main indoor market. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to sample a few local delicacies.
Cultural Discoveries:
Destination Enhancement: Customize your journey when you add an optional excursion. Explore the industrial side of Sweden on an optional tour of the Volvo Museum, or wander through beautiful flowers and greenery during an optional visit to the botanical gardens. Learn More
This optional tour provides guests an opportunity to experience the industrial side of Sweden with a visit to the Volvo Museum, a world of iconic automobiles, groundbreaking innovations, and imaginative prototypes. Take a trip through Volvo’s history and heritage as you browse a massive collection of passenger cars, buses, and heavy trucks, as well as marine engines and construction equipment.
Explore Gothenburg’s softer side with an optional visit to its picturesque botanical gardens. Brimming with a variety of local and exotic plants, this 100-year-old, 430-acre nature reserve is one of the largest gardens in Europe. It encompasses more than 16,000 species of flora, and its dramatic Rock Garden has received three Michelin stars.
Relax on board with a day at sea
Enjoy a day at sea as the Ocean Odyssey makes its way to Stavanger. Visit the spa, get in a workout at the gym, relax on the sun deck with a great book, and enjoy the fabulous cuisine the chefs are creating just for you!
Stroll the cobblestone streets of Stavanger
Today, you’ll explore the coastal village of Stavanger, Norway. This historical village dates back to the 12th century, and is characterized by the white-washed wooden buildings that line its quaint cobbled lanes. Noted by UNESCO as one of Norway’s most well-preserved cities, Old Stavanger is a popular residential area. Throughout your walking tour, you’ll see many galleries and artisanal boutiques, as well as the Stavanger Maritime Museum, the Norwegian Printing Museum, and the Norwegian Canning Museum.
Disembark the Ocean Odyssey in Bergen
Following breakfast on board, you’ll disembark and transfer to your hotel in beautiful Bergen. You’ll have afternoon and evening at your leisure, with lunch and dinner on your own.
Discover Norway’s heritage in Bergen and Troldhaugen
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel today, then head out to explore Bergen and Troldhaugen aboard a private motorcoach. The centuries-old city of Bergen, Norway’s second-largest city, has a vibrant, colorful waterfront. With its abundance of wooden homes, narrow lanes, and cozy cafés, Bergen has a lovely small-town feel and welcoming atmosphere. Built after the Great Fire of 1702, the traditional wooden houses and unusual street patterns inspired UNESCO to declare the city a World Heritage Site in 1979. Then you’ll learn about Norway’s musical legacy with a visit to Troldhaugen, Edvard Grieg’s summer home. As one of the most influential Romantic composers of the 19th century, his work helped launch the country into international musical prominence. During a tour of Grieg’s home — now a fascinating museum — we’ll delve further into his cultural contributions.
Return home today
Following breakfast at your hotel, you will transfer to the airport to board your return flight home.
All at once contemporary and classic, Helsinki is a study in contrasts. This is home to some of Europe’s finest art nouveau buildings and contemporary art museums. Once part of Sweden, Finland’s capital now has an identity all its own. Discover it on an enriching three-night extension here to immerse yourself in the islands, peninsulas, and hidden coves that have collectively earned Helsinki the title of the “White City of the North.”
Please note: Ocean-cruising is not the same experience as river cruising; as such, you may experience fluctuating tides and weather patterns that may involve some rocking of your vessel. Itineraries will include all activities as planned except in extreme cases that can’t be controlled by your shipboard crew. The above day-by-day itineraries are preliminary and therefore subject to change. If changes occur while on tour, you will be notified by your Vantage Cruise Director or regional expert.
