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You'll already be in Europe, so why not add two extra nights in charming Copenhagen, a delightful city with so much to offer? Whether you’re sipping a steaming brew as part of the city’s intrinsic coffee culture, wandering the Norrebro neighborhood on your way toward the Nyhavn canal’s colorful row houses, or taking a dip in the outdoor canal pools at Islands Brygge, there’s plenty to do during ample free time. Plus, you’ll gain insight into local culture during an excursion to a charming fishing village. There is no better way to see more of Denmark at the best value.
Please note: The day-to-day itinerary for this extension blends in some features that would otherwise occur during the Copenhagen land portion of your main cruisetour program. This is done merely to ensure the most logical, relaxed, and efficient pacing. By the time you embark ship on the main cruise tour itinerary, you will have experienced all the main tour inclusions as well as your two extra extension days.
From its start around 1000 AD as a Viking trading hub and its heyday as a Northern Renaissance maritime power to its current position as Sweden’s cultural and political capital, beautiful Stockholm is the place to go for anyone wishing to understand Scandinavia. It’s also a clean, safe, modern, and delightful haven that is easy to explore, thanks to its design-forward infrastructure, cosmopolitan cuisine, and friendly people. Your centrally located hotel is the perfect base from which to explore this beautiful capital built on 14 small islands filled with parks, medieval squares, picturesque footbridges, and more. An included Swedish cultural tour and a food tour give you a jump-start on getting oriented in the Nordic world. Then, you’ll have ample time to explore on your own. This is the perfect way to enhance your Baltic experience at a tremendous value, in a region known to be costly to visit.
Disclaimer: The day-to-day itinerary for this extension blends in some features that would otherwise occur during the Stockholm land portion of your main cruisetour program. This is done merely to ensure the most logical, relaxed, and efficient pacing. By the time you embark ship on the main cruise tour itinerary, you will have experienced all the main tour inclusions as well as your two extra extension days.
Board an overnight flight to Stockholm
Today you’ll board an overnight flight to Stockholm. Or, depart earlier for your pre-trip extension in Stockholm.
Please note: If you're taking advantage of the pre-trip extension to Stockholm, you will follow the pre-trip itinerary until Day 4, when you'll board the Ocean Odyssey and join your fellow base travelers for the rest of the journey. All activities and inclusions will be covered; please see the pre-trip extension itinerary for details.
Stockholm arrival
Welcome to Stockholm, Sweden’s sophisticated capital. If you purchased your airfare from Vantage, a representative will meet you at the airport and assist with the transfer to your hotel. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure to acclimate before an afternoon orientation walk and evening Welcome Briefing. Tonight, enjoy a drink with your fellow travelers at a Welcome Dinner at the hotel.
Included meals:
Discover Stockholm on a panoramic city tour, including a visit to the Vasa Museum
Get acquainted with the irresistible charms and remarkable history of Stockholm, spread across 14 islands knit together by some 57 bridges. On your cultural tour of this “Venice of the North,” you’ll walk through the narrow streets of the delightful Gamla Stan, or Old Town, and enjoy views of Stockholm City Hall and the city’s equally attractive newer sections.
On an included tour, visit the fascinating Vasa Museum, where you’ll see the amazing “ghost ship” of the same name — the world’s only fully intact 17th-century warship. The massive vessel sank just offshore on its maiden voyage in 1628. It lay preserved in the mud for three centuries, before being recovered and displayed in its full glory. Lunch and dinner are both on your own today. If you'd like to try some Swedish specialties, your Destination Manager can point you in the right direction and suggest a few dishes, too.
Included Feature:
Cultural Discovery:
Exploring Stockholm on your own, or visit Drottningholm Palace
You have the entire day to take in the sophisticated pleasures of Stockholm today. Maybe you’ll start your day with a lussekatt (a saffron bun), then set out to stroll the endless waterways of the archipelago on which the strikingly beautiful and compact city is built. Head to the cobbled lanes of the Gamla Stan, the Old Town, or visit the renowned Skansen Museum, an open-air recreation of history’s traditional Swedish houses.
Later, embark the Ocean Odyssey. Get settled in your cabin, then explore the ship's many amenities, observation lounge, and fitness center. Perhaps you'll visit the Destination Manager to plan a spa appointment. In many instances we’ll be able to dock right in the port; while for others, we’ll anchor and use Zodiacs or tenders to cover the short distance to the shore. After, gather for a port talk to learn about our next thrilling Scandinavian capital. In the elegant dining room, savor a special Captain’s Welcome Dinner, the first of many sumptuous meals we've curated for this journey.
Scenic Sailing:
Welcome to Mariehamn, the heart of the Baltic Sea
Situated halfway between Finland and Sweden is the welcoming port of Mariehamn, the capital of Åland. Small in stature — but big in beauty — this tiny port town has a population of only 11,000 inhabitants, and is characterized by a hospitable islander lifestyle and a strong maritime culture. You’ll have a choice of two tours today: a panoramic tour of picturesque Mariehamn and its countryside, or a tour of the historically-rich municipality of Sund.
If you select the Mariehamn tour, you’ll drive by many of its major sights, such as the Åland Maritime Museum, the early 1900s-era sailing ship, Pommern; and the Sjökvarteret Maritime Museum. You’ll gain insight into the history and daily life of the residents that call the Åland Islands home, while heading south to the municipality of Lemland. Known for its 13th-century church — one of the oldest ever built — this minute town has a population of just over 2,100 residents. Get a glimpse of the golden era of Åland during a guided tour of the Skeppargården Pellas homestead, dating back to 1884. You will also enjoy a local treat when you visit Amalia Lemonade Factory for a tour and tasting.
Or, step back in time on an excursion to the island of Sund and learn about the history of the Åland Islands. You’ll start with a visit to Kastelholm Castle, a medieval fortification constructed in the 1300s when Åland and Finland were part of the Swedish Empire. Following your castle visit, you’ll head further east to the ruins of Bomarsund Fortress. Constructed in the mid-to-late 19th century, the fortress once functioned as both a defensive structure and a townlike settlement inhabited by military and civilian residents alike. You’ll conclude the tour with a visit to a local distillery before heading back to the ship.
Helsinki’s grand squares and sacred Cathedral
Enjoy breakfast on board this morning, followed by an informative lecture, as you sail into beautiful Helsinki, Finland. You’ll have lunch on board before heading out on a panoramic afternoon tour of this magnificent city. Whether you’re viewing Helsinki’s 1852 cathedral, crossing one of its many parks or squares, or seeing yourself reflected in the glass of a brand-new building, you'll find that there’s an appealing orderliness and grace to this northern capital. Your tour includes the bustling waterside Market Square (known locally as the Kauppatori) and Old Market Hall.
As you admire the stately government buildings of Senate Square, the impressive green domes of the Helsinki Cathedral watch over your progress. This neoclassical wonder — completed in 1852 as a tribute to Czar Nicholas I of Russia, the Grand Duke of Finland at the time — crowns the cityscape like a jewel. Today, it is the worship house for the city’s Evangelical Lutherans. Its high perch and its rooftop statues of the Twelve Apostles remind the devout of Helsinki that their god is ever-present.
You'll also pass the Sibelius Monument, sculpted in tribute to the famed Finnish composer, and the remarkable Temppeliaukio Church, built into solid rock. Dinner this evening will be on the ship, following by onboard entertainment.
A day of Finnish discoveries in Helsinki
Relax with a morning of leisure and a delicious lunch on your ship before heading out for another day of exploration in Helsinki. You’ll have the opportunity to choose your preferred tour: the charming town of Porvoo or UNESCO-listed Suomenlinna Fortress.
Located just 45 minutes east of Helsinki, you’ll find the idyllic town of Porvoo. This is a haven of art, design, history, and architecture, surrounded by soothing nature. This is the second oldest city in Finland, best known for its cobblestone streets, charming cafés and boutiques, and vermilion-hued riverside warehouses — one of the most photographed landscapes in Finland. You’ll admire the colorful wooden houses, stroll along winding streets, and pop into a local café for refreshments. Following your guided tour, you’ll have free time to explore the many antique shops and handicraft vendors on your own before returning to the ship for lunch.
Your other tour option, Suomenlinna Fortress, is a cultural treasure. Located on a group of islands off the coast of Helsinki, you’ll board a local ferry for a short ride to the 18th-century structure, one of Finland’s most impressive UNESCO World Heritage sites. A guided walking tour will provide you with the history of this maritime fortress, originally constructed in 1748 by the Swedish Parliament when it was deemed necessary to reinforce Finland’s defences. Your tour includes admission to both the Suomenlinna Museum and the Ehrenvärds Museum, as well as cake and coffee or tea at one of the local cafés.
Following your tour, you’ll return to the ship for lunch on board and an afternoon lecture as you sail towards your next destination.
Medieval splendors in Tallinn
Tallinn, one of the Hanseatic League’s trading centers, has been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its remarkable preservation.
The two-level city has an enchantment all its own, which you’ll discover on a panoramic tour from the winding streets of the Lower Town to the fortified Upper Town on Toompea Hill, where you can take in the amazing view from the Patkuli viewing platform. You’ll also see the Dome Church and the Opera House. And head to the Song Festival Grounds to see the spot where locals raised their singing voices in protest to eject the Soviets in a “Singing Revolution.”
Tallinn boasts a thriving high-tech economy, too, which has earned it a reputation as Europe’s Silicon Valley. The young, entrepreneurial population supports a lively cultural and dining scene.
Return to the ship for lunch and enjoy an afternoon at leisure, perhaps utilizing the free shuttle service from the Ocean Explorer to Tallinn's Old Town.
Back on board this evening, attend a lecture and another port talk introduces tomorrow’s discoveries. Dinner is on board tonight.
Enjoy the cobbled streets and soaring spires of Riga with an included organ concert and a special dinner
When you awake this morning, you’ll be sailing in the Gulf of Riga, headed for the Latvian capital of the same name. After lunch on board, set out into the largest city of the Baltic States for a rewarding tour by coach and by foot. Begin on the eastern bank of the Daugava River, where Vecriga, or Old Riga, is punctuated by the three spires of St. Peter’s, the Dome Cathedral and St. Jacob’s. These streets are dripping with charm and beauty, much of it embodied in graceful art nouveau architecture. After exploring, pause at St. John’s Church for an included concert on the church’s splendid organ that’s sure to inspire. Tonight's dinner is a special one and takes you off the ship. Head to a celebrated local restaurant for a special dinner where you'll get a taste of traditional Latvian foods and watch a festive performance of traditional Rigan organ music and dancing. You will overnight on board in Riga. Take some time to attend this evening’s port talk to learn how you may further explore this charming city tomorrow. Vantage Exclusive:
Riga at leisure
Today is free for you to explore as you please, and you can take advantage of complimentary shuttle service between the ship and Riga’s Old Town for your convenience. You may also check with our Destination Manager to plan a unique and exciting excursion: perhaps you’d like to visit one of the beautiful beaches on the Gulf of Riga or explore the atmospheric Vecriga on two wheels using our shipboard bicycles. After, participate in an insightful lecture on the Singing Revolution of the Baltic states. Our port talk previews our next exciting destination before another delicious dinner on board as the ship begins its overnight sail to Sweden.
The Hanseatic gem of Visby, Sweden
Following a morning of scenic cruising (have your included binoculars handy!) and a lecture that will prepare you for the explorations ahead, you'll arrive in Visby. This charming seaside treasure is located on the large Swedish island of Gotland. Rightfully declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site for the extraordinary preservation of its medieval port area, Visby was a key link in the powerful Hanseatic League. After an early lunch on board, enjoy morning panoramic and walking tour of Visby, including panoramic tour, with a stop by the town wall and a walking tour of Visby Old Town (Almedalen, Powder Tower, Fish Alley and Visby Cathedral). Join our knowledgeable guides who will unlock the doors to exciting worlds where time has stood still. Savor dinner tonight as you cruise to your next destination: Gdansk, Poland.
The Solidarity Route through historic Gdańsk, Poland
After noon, the Ocean Odyssey arrives in Gdańsk. Before your discoveries of this city today, learn about the liberation of Poland during a captivating lecture. An early lunch on board will fuel you up for an afternoon tour.
Gdańsk was a powerful member of the Hanseatic League, the maritime organization that controlled much of medieval trade in the area. Today, the legacy of its prosperity has been lovingly restored. On a afternoon tour, set out to explore this great maritime city whose great shipyards served as the incubator for the legendary Solidarity movement of 1980, the first crack in what would ultimately be the crumbling of the entire Soviet Union. You’ll follow the Solidarity Route through this historic seaport, including the charming Old Town and massive St. Mary’s Church, one of the largest brick churches in the world. A visit to the European Solidarity Centre reveals the Solidarity story in impressive detail; you will follow an English-language audio tour through the captivating exhibits.
This evening, utilize the shuttle service from the ship back to Gdańsk's Old Town. Stroll down Long Street, also known as the Royal Route for the kingly processions it once hosted, to witness reconstructions of its beautiful 17th-century buildings. Tonight, enjoy another gourmet dinner and a port talk about your next remarkable city.
Vantage Exclusive:
Cliff-top castles and Danish gastronomy of Bornholm
This afternoon you'll explore Bornholm Island, where the open fields and granite headlands get more days of sunshine than anywhere else in Denmark, drawing summer tourists to the sandy beaches. On your island tour, you’ll stop for photos at the dramatic cliff-top ruins of Hammershus, a medieval castle. Stop in the quaint fishing village of Svaneke, one of the best-preserved market towns on the island.
During your visit, you'll sample firsthand the island’s burgeoning reputation as a gourmet destination. Not only is its climate ideal for growing a common fig known as the Bornholm Diamond, but the island also embraces the products grown on its many farms. You'll stop for tastings at the Garden, a food and cultural house that showcases Bornholm’s exciting flavors.
Relax this evening with another lecture, then savor another elegant dinner and attend a port talk to learn about tomorrow’s explorations of Copenhagen.
Panoramic Copenhagen
This morning you'll enjoy your final breakfast on the Ocean Odyssey before disembarking — we hope you enjoyed your journey on Vantage's first small ship ocean cruising vessel!
Get acquainted with charming Copenhagen today on an included panoramic tour. View the famed Little Mermaid statue on her watery perch, visit the Nyhavn canal district, swing by towered and turreted Rosenborg Castle, and contrast that with the more-dignified Amalienborg Castle where Denmark’s Queen Margrethe II resides today. Make sure you have your camera and GoPro ready, as we've planned your arrival at the royal residence to coincide with the Changing of the Guard. Your tour also includes a private and exclusive canal boat ride so you can take in this lovely cityscape from the water. This is an experience not to be missed!
Next, you'll visit the Torvehallerne food market to taste the freshest local fare and interact with the people who live here and grow produce, flowers, and more. With over 60 food stands, you'll have plenty to choose from for lunch on your own here.
Later, arrive at your Copenhagen hotel. Dinner is on your own tonight, and from renowned Noma restaurant to an up-cropping of other Michelin-starred gems, food has become Copenhagen’s main attraction!
Included Features:
A leisurely day in Copenhagen on your own
You have today to uncover the delights of Copenhagen on your own, with shuttle service between the hotel and the city center. Perhaps you’ll explore the Nyhavn district with its character-rich boats endlessly bobbing in the harbor, colorful lines of buildings standing at attention, and umbrella-fronted cafés. You may also want to stroll the city’s famed Strøget, one of the longest pedestrian streets in the world. To get around more quickly, perhaps rent a bicycle and join the many locals who use two wheels to get around.
Celebrate your Baltic journey this evening with a Farewell Drink and Dinner at the hotel.
Return home
After breakfast, transfer to the Copenhagen airport for your return flight home, or enjoy a longer stay in the city with our optional post-trip extension. Please note: Arrive to your destination rested and refreshed! Convenient gateway city stopover options mean you can break up longer flights easily — just ask our Flight Experts for assistance.
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.
