21 July

Finland: Helsinki

Finland’s lovely capital Helsinki is a maritime city, with the sea on three sides and almost 100 kilometres of shoreline, as well as around 300 islands. Its contemporary architecture and focus on modern design sit surprisingly well alongside its four hundred year history.

22 July

Estonia: Tallinn

The historic harbour city of Tallinn in Estonia is really quite captivating. Just the perfect size to explore on foot, its medieval (and UNESCO listed) town centre, with its cobblestone streets and a busy Town Hall Square, is the perfect introduction to Estonia’s rich history.

23 July - At sea

24 July

Poland: Gdansk

The Baltic port of Gdansk occupies an important place in 20th century history; the first shots of World War II were fired at the Westerplatte naval base, and it was amongst the shipyards of Gdansk that the Solidarity movement was born in the 1980s.

25 July

Germany: Berlin

Your day trip to Berlin will be exhausting but rewarding, as you try to understand this vibrant city in the space of a few hours. Amazing museums and galleries, beautiful parks, leafy boulevards and busy shopping streets all clamour for your attention. Moving memorials sit alongside classic architecture and remarkable modern buildings.

26 July to 27 July

Denmark: Copenhagen

Wonderful Copenhagen is the perfect city to explore on foot, by bicycle or by water. Visit the bustling wharf at Nyhavn, enjoy the palaces, galleries and museums, wander through the amazing Tivoli Gardens, and if you have time, make the most of Copenhagen’s gastronomic revolution.

28 July

Sweden: Goeteborg

Gothenburg, or Goeteborg locally, is Sweden’s laid back second city, a delightful mix of cobbled streets, neoclassical architecture and picturesque canals. The old town is full of history, with some interesting museums, and the thriving arts scene has helped to revitalise the city’s previously run-down industrial districts.

29 July

Denmark: Skagen

Situated at the very northern tip of Jutland, Skagen is famed for its wonderful light and beautiful coastal scenery, which attracted many artists during the 19th century. Today it’s a popular destination for well-to-do Danes, drawn here by the beaches, charming architecture and spectacular sunsets.

30 July

Norway: Oslo

The intriguing city of Oslo, Norway’s capital, has so much to offer, from the open air Norwegian Folk Museum to the amazing Vigeland sculpture park, and from the Holmenkollen Ski Museum to the Munch Museum’s collection of memorable paintings. History, art and culture are what defines this lovely city.

31 July

Norway: Kristiansand

You might not expect to find a beach resort in Norway, but the sunny city of Kristiansand is where Norwegians go for a spot of fun by the seaside. There are plenty of family-friendly attractions, including a zoo, and it’s also a good base for exploring the pretty fishing villages of the south coast.

1 August

Norway: Haugesund

Haugesund dates back to Viking times, and the surrounding region is known as the birthplace of Norway, where King Harald Fairhair first united the country under one ruler. Highlights include the reconstructed Viking farm at Avaldsnes, the Arquebus War History Museum and the Haraldshaugen Monument.

2 August

Norway: Eidfjord

3 August - At sea

4 August

Faroe Islands: Tórshavn

Tórshavn, named after the Norse god Thor, is one of the world’s smallest capitals, with a population of just 20,000. The brightly coloured facades and turfed roofs lend the harbour an attractive, storybook quality, and the narrow streets are home to some atmospheric pubs and cafés.

5 August

Faroe Islands: Runavik

6 August - At sea

7 August

Iceland: Heimaey

Heimaey is the largest of the Westman Islands, just off the south west coast of the Icelandic mainland. The jagged landscape is a reminder of the island’s volcanic origins; the most recent eruption, back in 1973, created the volcano now known as Eldfell, which looms over the island.

8 August

Iceland: Reykjavik

Capital of Iceland and gateway to this extraordinary volcanic island, modern Reykjavík is home to an impressive collection of interesting attractions and places of historic significance. Visit the impressive Hallgrímskirkja church, relax in a thermal pool, potter around the old harbour, and enjoy 24 hour daylight in the summer months.

9 August

Iceland: Reykjanes

10 August

Iceland: Grundarfjörður

The little fishing town of Grundarfjörður enjoys a picturesque setting on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, surrounded by dramatic volcanic peaks and gushing waterfalls. The nearby Snæfellsjökull volcano, capped by a glacier, was made famous by Jules Verne in ‘Journey to the Centre of the Earth’.

11 August

Iceland: Ísafjörður

Ísafjörður is the largest town in Iceland’s wild Westfjords, dramatically located on a spit of sand hemmed in by mountains on three sides. The town itself is fairly low key, and the main attraction is exploring the surrounding landscapes, such as the spectacular Hornstrandir Peninsula.

12 August to 13 August - At sea

14 August

Greenland: Prince Christian Sound

The spectacular Prince Christian Sound provides a protected passage for ships rounding the southern tip of Greenland, at times narrowing to just 1,500 feet across. Waterfalls cascade down the rugged mountain sides, and you can often spot whales and seals amongst the icebergs.

15 August

Greenland: Nanortalik

Nanortalik is the southernmost city in Greenland, and sits on a small island at the mouth of the Tasermiut fjord. The name means ‘the place of polar bears’, since bears come to hunt on the sea ice in summer, and the town is also known for its unique choir singing culture.

16 August

Greenland: Paamiut

Paamiut is known for its warm community spirit and remarkable wildlife, home to the country’s largest population of white-tailed eagles. Here, ancient trails wind through dramatic landscapes dotted with colourful historic houses that recall a past shaped by whaling and fur trading, while nearby waters offer chances to spot whales. 

17 August

Greenland: Nuuk

Greenland’s capital and largest town, Nuuk is positively cosmopolitan compared to the rest of this remote and isolated country. The setting amongst mountains and fjords is striking, and attractions include the Greenland National Museum and the picturesque Old Harbour.

18 August to 19 August - At sea

20 August

Canada: St John's (Newfoundland)

Newfoundland’s capital is a laid back city with an arty vibe, situated on a dramatic harbour. The hilly streets lined with colourful row houses make for a great photo opportunity, and the downtown area is full of history, as well as some excellent pubs and a thriving folk music scene.

21 August

Saint Pierre and Miquelon: Saint Pierre & Miquelon

The islands of Saint Pierre and Miquelon are a post-colonial oddity, a self-governing French overseas territory that sits just off the coast of Newfoundland. There is something more than a little surreal about the freshly baked baguettes, fine French wines and tricolore flags flapping in the breeze.

22 August - At sea

23 August to 24 August

Canada: Saguenay

The stunning Saguenay fjord is the fourth largest in the world, and the only fjord in North America navigable by cruise ship. The point where the fjord meets the colder waters of the St Lawrence river is rich in krill, which makes this a great destination for whale watching.

24 August to 25 August

Canada: Québec City

Québec City, the capital of French-speaking Canada, is one of the North American continent’s most beguiling cities. The pretty old town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a joy to behold; the cobbled streets and church spires are enclosed within the old city walls, and many of the buildings date back to the 17th century

26 August

Arriving in Montréal

Bilingual Montréal is Québec’s largest city, a vibrant island metropolis with a distinctive blend of old style European charm and thrusting modernity. Architectural highlights include the beautiful Basilique Notre-Dame-de-Montréal, and the city also boasts the world’s third largest botanical garden.