12 Nights Europe, Northern

The largest city in Scandinavia, built on two islands, is a cozy metropolis that is often referred to as the "Paris of the North." Its winding streets, timbered houses and 12th-century castles evoke Copenhagen's past. Copenhagen is especially known for cafe culture and thrilling nightlife.

A small fishing village until the 20th century, Gdynia was rapidly built into Poland's largest and busiest sea port after World War I. As a result, it's mainly a very modern city. The most significant older attraction is the 13th-century St. Michael the Archangel Church. Two museum ships in the harbor, a destroyer and a frigate, are also popular with visitors. Gdynia has a thriving cultural life and in September hosts the annual Polish Film Festival, sometimes called the "Polish Cannes."

When your cruise docks Klaipeda, on Lithuanias Curoanian coast, you might feel as if youve stepped into another world. One of Europes best-kept beach secrets, Klapeida is as much about pristine scenery as it is the intricate Fachwerk architecture of its charming Old Town. Here youll find the Curonian Spit sandbar and the sparkling Curoanian Lagoon just behind it. The smell of fresh sea air will invigorate you as you ascend the 13th-century remains of Klaipeda Castle with Baltic cruises. Later, dig into a plate of fish dumplings at a charming portside restaurant.

The Latvian capital, the largest city in the Baltics, is a fascinating mixture of proud Latvian tradition and influences of the various countries that have occupied it. Independent once again since 1991, Rigas Art Nouveau center has won it UNESCO World Heritage Site designation. Opened up to mass tourism with the advent of budget air travel, Rigas Old City and its abundance of bars and restaurants can be explored on foot. The New Town is easily reached by an efficient and modern bus and tram network.

The capital of Estonia is a living museum that houses more complete remnants than most European cities. Winding cobblestone streets and storybook medieval houses accentuate its old town, while the vast, ungodly Lasnamäe apartment district captures the essence of the Soviet reign.

The exotic capital of Finland is a consummate city of the sea, built along a series of peninsulas and islands jutting along the Gulf of Finland. Neoclassical schemes of the early 1800's and modernist Finnish styles of the mid 20th century combine to make it a sprawling masterpiece, outfitted with sea-bordered parks, picturesque boulevards and waterside walkways.

The capital city of Sweden combines modern attractions with historic charm. Kick off your stay with visits to Stockholm's two UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the Royal Palace Drottningholm (the residence of the royal family) and the magical Skogskyrkogården, or Woodland Cemetery. Stroll the cobblestone streets of Old Town and over the picturesque bridges that span the city's canals. The 19th-century Skansen was the world's first open-air museum and is still a premier place to learn about Swedish history.

Visby was the main centre of the Hanseatic League of the Baltic from the 12th to 14th centuries. Its 13th-century ramparts and more than 200 warehouses and trading establishments from these periods make it the best-preserved fortified commercial city in Northern Europe.

The oldest of the Scandinavian capital cities has some of Europe's best museums and offers a reprieve from the intense Norwegian wilderness - although panoramic vistas exist. Oslo is primarily modern in design and architecture, and it is noted for its many museums, historic buildings and public statues, including Munch Museum and the Viking Ship Museum.

A large, busy harbor doesn't dampen the charm of Skagen's older neighborhoods, which offer distinctive yellow houses, great museums, ceramic and glass art galleries, and bike rental outlets. Harbourside restaurants serve fish fresh off the boats. If you're used to Caribbean beaches, this will take some getting used to, but we bet Skagen's craggy charms will win you over.

The largest city in Scandinavia, built on two islands, is a cozy metropolis that is often referred to as the "Paris of the North." Its winding streets, timbered houses and 12th-century castles evoke Copenhagen's past. Copenhagen is especially known for cafe culture and thrilling nightlife.