11 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.

Founded during the Viking Age, Aarhus is a compact and vibrant city perfect for history buffs and lovers of the arts and culture. Head to the bustling Latin Quarter, lined with cafes, boutique shops and cutting-edge restaurants on your next Denmark cruise. Take a short walk to Aarhus Cathedral to see the tallest church in Denmark. Cant get enough art and history? Youre in luck: Aarhus was recently named European Capital of Culture. Its myriad museums include the Moesgaard History Museum, Aros Aarhus Art Museum and Den Gamle By, nestled in an open-air botanical garden.

Positioned at the mouth of the Warnow River on the Baltic Sea, Wanermunde is hailed as one of Germany's most popular beach resorts. It also functions as the gateway to Berlin, the historic capital of Germany.

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 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 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.

Experience Stockholm's beauty from the water (as much as Amsterdam and Venice) or the many faces of the city's distinct neighborhoods, stages, museums and parks. The magnificent heights of Söder and Gamla Stan, dating from the Middle Ages, are very different from Djurgården´s fantastic woods and the shopping thoroughfares around Stureplan. Take a walk through the atmospheric back streets of Gamla to admire its 17th century buildings. Visit Mårten charming and narrowTrotzig´s Alley which measures only 35 inches across!

Experience Stockholm's beauty from the water (as much as Amsterdam and Venice) or the many faces of the city's distinct neighborhoods, stages, museums and parks. The magnificent heights of Söder and Gamla Stan, dating from the Middle Ages, are very different from Djurgården´s fantastic woods and the shopping thoroughfares around Stureplan. Take a walk through the atmospheric back streets of Gamla to admire its 17th century buildings. Visit Mårten charming and narrowTrotzig´s Alley which measures only 35 inches across!

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.