13 June - At sea

14 June

United Kingdom: Newhaven (Edinburgh)

Cosmopolitan Edinburgh, Scotland’s lovely capital, is located in spectacular countryside, always visible from the city centre. Striking architecture, lots to see and do, and great food mean that your time here will be very busy. And if your visit coincides with the Festival, you have a treat in store.

15 June

United Kingdom: Aberdeen

The ‘granite city’ of Aberdeen is flush with money from the North Sea oil boom, and boasts cultural attractions including the fascinating Maritime Museum and the Aberdeen Art Gallery. Head out into the countryside and you’ll find magnificent castles, wild mountain scenery and whisky distilleries aplenty.

16 June

United Kingdom: Kirkwall (Orkney Islands)

The flat, windswept Orkney Islands, just off the northeast coast of Scotland, have a distinctive Scandinavian heritage that’s discernible in everything from the unusual place names to the ancient Norse architecture of the capital, Kirkwall. Don’t miss the Ring of Brodgar, a fascinating Neolithic stone circle.

17 June

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.

18 June

Norway: Bergen

Beautiful Bergen, Norway’s former capital, is a perfect city to explore on foot. Bryggen – the old Hanseatic wharf, and a UNESCO World Heritage site – still has the old harbour timber buildings, whilst other attractions include the funicular up Mount Floyen and the busy fish market.

19 June

Norway: Stavanger

Stavanger originally grew rich from its fishing industry, though these days it’s Norway’s oil boom that is powering the city’s economic growth. In spite of this modern gold rush the historic centre of Stavanger retains its charm, and the spectacular Lysefjord is within easy reach of the city.

20 June

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.

21 June to 22 June

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.

23 June

Germany: Warnemünde (Rostock)

The old Hanseatic port of Rostock was heavily damaged in the Second World War, though attractive enclaves of historic architecture remain. The little village of Warnemünde, a suburb of Rostock, is home to one of the most appealing beaches on the Baltic coast. An excursion inland to Berlin is a popular option, though it's around 150 miles each way.

24 June

Denmark: Ronne (Bornholm)

The ruggedly handsome island of Bornholm lies way out in the Baltic, closer to Sweden and Poland than the Danish mainland. It’s the sunniest place in Denmark, known for its intriguing rundekirke (round churches), sleepy fishing villages, traditional smokehouses and fantastic foodie scene.

25 June

Poland: Gdynia (Gdansk)

The Baltic port of Gdynia is the gateway to Gdansk, a city that 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.

26 June - At sea

27 June

Lithuania: Klaipeda

Klaipeda is Lithuania’s only major seaport, and served for a time as the capital of Prussia, when it was known as Memel. There is still a noticeable Germanic flavour to the architecture of the old town, and it’s only a short distance from both the spectacular dunes of the Curonian Spit and the lovely seaside town of Palanga.

28 June

Latvia: Liepaja

Liepaja, Latvia’s third largest city, was a key naval base during both the Tsarist and Soviet eras, so the beautiful beach comes as something of a surprise. History buffs will enjoy exploring the old Karosta military district, while the city centre is home to some lovely art nouveau buildings and the impressive Holy Trinity Cathedral.

29 June

Sweden: Visby

The charming UNESCO-listed town of Visby is the capital of Gotland, the largest island in the Baltic. The photogenic cobbled streets and ruined Gothic churches are a reminder of the island’s fascinating history, invaded by both Germans and Danes and decimated by the Black Death in the 14th century.

30 June

Latvia: Riga

Riga, Latvia’s charming capital, is a highlight of any Baltic itinerary. The compact Old Town delights with its winding lanes and elegant spires, and the city is also home to one of Europe’s most impressive ensembles of Art Nouveau architecture.

1 July - At sea

2 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.

3 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.

4 July to 5 July

Arriving in Stockholm

The buzzing city of Stockholm is the capital of Sweden. Many sights will delight; the busy waterfront, the cobbled streets in the Old Town, and the museums, palaces, gardens and galleries. And of course, just 20 minutes away, its archipelago of 30,000 islands offers a totally different experience.