Mingle with local Latvians by traveling on the train and public buses to several waterfront districts, where you will meander about the attractions. Drive by public transport (bus or train) to Vecaki, a district on the Gulf of Riga known for its beaches. While there, the guide will enhance your understanding of the capital’s turbulent history by elaborating on the nearby fortifications that date to the Napoleonic Wars. You will then board a public bus and enjoy a genuine slice of daily Latvian life on the way to the Vecmilgravis district. The guide will point out buildings constructed during the time that the Soviets occupied Latvia. Like several neighboring Baltic countries, Latvia gained its independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. The most historical building is the White Church. Built near the water during the late 18th century, the wooden Lutheran church features a tower that local fishermen have long used as a lighthouse of sorts to help them navigate. Get an authentic feel for Latvian life by riding the train and/or bus with the locals. Explore the beach-rimmed district of Vecaki, a resort area where the residents relax. Gain an understanding of life under Soviet rule before Latvia became independent in 1991. During your walk, you’ll stop at a local cafe for refreshments.

HIGHLIGHTS:
• Get an authentic feel for Latvian life by riding the train and bus with the locals.
• Explore the beach-rimmed district of Vecaki, a resort area where the residents relax.
• Gain an understanding of life under Soviet rule before Latvia became independent in 1991.

Delve into the extraordinary maritime history of Kiel by visiting its namesake canal and a memorial dedicated to those who died in the World Wars. The canal opened in 1895 and is now the world’s busiest artificial waterway. It connects the North Sea to the Baltic Sea, where you will pause for photos of the Holtenau Locks at the northeastern terminus. It will be fascinating to see how the locks operate and how the canal has been altered over the past century to accommodate more ships. At the Laboe Naval Memorial, you will learn about Germany’s maritime involvement in both World Wars. The shape of the curved brick-clad structure is meant to be inspirational while the naval museum next to it is informational. Don’t miss the plaque that memorializes the U.S. sailors that served in submarines. The submarine U 995, lying next to the Museum can also be visited. Guest suffering from claustrophobia and guests with knee or back injuries should consider their medical Fitness before entering the submarine due to the cramped conditions inside the Venue.

HIGHLIGHTS:
• View the locks at one end of the Kiel Canal, the world’s busiest artificial waterway. • See a soaring monolithic memorial dedicated to those who died in the World Wars. • Browse artifacts in a naval museum.

Become immersed in the historical and architectural splendor of Lubeck, a major trading center of the Hanseatic League, whose heyday was the 14th and 15th centuries. Despite some damage from World War II, many of Lubeck’s most important buildings survived, earning the city a designation as a UNESCO World Heritage site for its historical urban character. The basic structure of the Old Town remains unaltered, including its patrician houses, churches and salt storehouses on the Trave River. As you explore the atmospheric streets of the original downtown, you may see landmarks such as the New Market, one of the oldest town halls in Germany and St. Mary’s Church. The brick basilica is so distinctive that it served as the model for other Gothic-style churches throughout the Baltic. The lasting influence of the Hanseatic League will really come to life as you browse the comprehensive exhibits in the Hansemuseum, which focuses on the long history of the league.

HIGHLIGHTS:
• Gain insight into Lubeck’s role as a powerful trading center in the Hanseatic League. • Browse a museum solely devoted to the Hanseatic League, which lasted about 500 years. • Explore Lubeck’s Old Town, a World Heritage site hailed for its historical urban character.

Enjoy a scenic drive that includes photostops at some notable landmarks, such as the impressive Oliwa Cathedral.

Your tour begins with a 45 minute drive to the Oliwa Cathedral where you will stop for photos. Located on the grounds of an old Cistercian monastery, the Oliwa Cathedral dates back to the 13th century and is a mix of Romanesque, Gothic and Rococo styles.

Next, you will drive to the Green Gate where you will disembark your coach and walk to the Long Market. Enjoy some brief free time here to perhaps pick up a souvenir or if you choose, view the Main town Hall and Artus Court.

Continuing on, you'll drive to ”Solidarity Square”, with its famous monument commemorating the deaths of shipyard workers shot down in December 1970 by the Communist regime. After a photostop here, it's on to the Nowy Port lighthouse. One of the most beautiful lighthouses of Northern Europe this 90 foot high structure was built in 1893 and put in service in 1984. According to a legend, it was a twin of the most beautiful lighthouse in America - the lost Main Lighthouse of Cleveland, Ohio. It was also the first lighthouse on the Baltic Sea to use electricity.

Situated at the entrance of the harbor of Gdansk, the Nowy Port lighthouse combined three distinct functions: that of a coastal lighthouse, a harbor pilots tower, and a time ball station. Like in Greenwich, England, the time ball, which measured 5 feet in diameter and weighed 150 pounds, dropped every day at noon to give a precise time signal to the captains of the ships lying at anchor in the Bay of Gdansk. This allowed them to adjust their chronometers, which in turn allowed them later to establish their ship's position (more precisely the longitude) on the open sea. After your stop here, you will transfer back to the ship.

Explore the landmarks of Lubeck independently and discover the attributes that earned the city a UNESCO World Heritage site designation. Despite damage from World War II, the basic structure of the oldest districts remains unaltered, including areas that flourished centuries ago when Lubeck was a major trading center of the Hanseatic League. To enter the city’s most historical part, you will pass through the medieval Holstentor gate, which leads to the Rathaus, one of the oldest town halls in Germany. Nearby, you will find St. Mary’s Church, a brick basilica so distinctive that it served as the model for other Gothic-style churches throughout the Baltic. The patrician houses and salt storehouses on the Trave River are also well worth visiting. For a sweet that has been associated with Lubeck for more than 200 years, try the marzipan at the Niederegger Cafe. The confectioners heat the almond mixture over an open fire, a method that releases its wonderfully unique aroma.

HIGHLIGHTS:
• Spend free time in Lubeck, an extraordinarily historical UNESCO World Heritage site. • Take your time exploring the attractions that sound most appealing to you. • Pass through the original medieval gate, if you wish to enter the atmospheric Old Town. • Concentrate on the architectural treasures or focus on the shopping areas, if you prefer.

Explore glorious Lubeck, a city of such important historical character that it has earned a UNESCO World Heritage Site designation for its entire Old Town Island. After departing from the pier, you will settle in for a leisurely 90 minute drive to Lubeck, a major trading center of the Hanseatic League that once controlled commerce here. Despite damage from World War II, many of Lubeck’s medieval buildings survived. In fact, the basic structure of the Old City remains unaltered, including its 15th- and 16th-century patrician houses, churches and salt storehouses on the Trave River. Enter Lubeck’s original downtown through the iconic Holstentor gate and then meet your guide for a walking tour of this amazing city. As you make your way through the atmospheric narrow streets, you will pass landmarks such as the Rathaus, one of the oldest town halls in Germany. Its distinctive blend of Gothic and Renaissance styles make it a must-see destination. Take in the beauty of St. Peter’s Church, an 800-year-old landmark now used solely as an event center, and then pass by the St. Mary’s Church. The brick basilica is so distinctive it served as the model for other Gothic-style churches throughout the Baltic. Stop to sample marzipan gateau at a local cafe. According to local lore, marzipan became popular here in the early 15th century when a famine forced bakers to make bread from almond meal, the chief ingredient in marzipan. The cafe’s marzipan gateau recipe is a closely guarded secret and after one taste of this creamy dessert you will understand why. Before re-boarding your coach for the return to the pier, you’ll have a bit of free time to look around on your own or perhaps grab a quick bite to eat.

Enjoy the main sights of Helsinki, also referred to as the ‘Daughter of the Baltic’ or the ‘White City of the North’ from the comfort of your motorcoach. Your tour begins with a drive along a picturesque road on your way to see the great variety of Helsinki’s architecture. In Senate Square, you’ll see several buildings attributed to the Neo-Classic architect Carl Ludwig Engel. Enjoy a photo stop at the famous Lutheran Cathedral and continue on to Mannerheim Street, Helsinki’s main thoroughfare.

You’ll see the Parliament House, the National Museum, and also Finlandia Hall, designed by the famous architect Alvar Aalto. Pass the new Opera House on your way to the Olympic Stadium where the 1952 Olympic Games were held. Then it’s on to Sibelius Park, where you can photograph a monument completed of 527 steel pipes honoring the great Finnish composer Jean Sibelius. Enjoy a view of Embassy Park and the colorful open-air market on your drive back to the pier.

OVERVIEW

Visit attractions that will lend historical insight into Jewish life in Tallinn, especially during World War II. A walk through Old Town will set the stage for your immersion into the past as Tallinn was founded there in the 13th century. The focus will turn to Estonia’s natural beauty once you drive into the countryside, enjoying views of the Baltic Sea as you pass by Rannamoisa Cliff and roaring Keila Waterfall, which lies in the shadow of a manor house once owned by the statesman that founded Imperial Russia’s secret police. Enjoy a short break at a local cafe. Consider it an omen of what lies nearby – the infamous Klooga Concentration Camp. Of all the horrors, the cruelest was the execution of every Jew in the camp just before they were to be liberated. Seeing the memorial at Klooga will be a moving experience. The Jewish population still isn’t huge in Tallinn, but it is growing as you will discover at the capital’s Beit Bella Synagogue.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Visit Klooga Concentration Camp, where thousands of Jews were executed during World War II.
• Gain an understanding of modern Jewish life in Tallinn at the Beit Bella Synagogue.
• Walk through the capital’s 13th-century Old Town for a glimpse into Tallinn’s long history.
• Behold the natural beauty on the outskirts of town at a seaside cliff and thundering waterfall.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Experience life in the Swedish countryside during this scenic visit to Gotland.

The Swedish Province of Gotland is the largest island in the Baltic Sea. Depart the capital city Visby for the drive to the northern part of the countryside, where you'll visit one of the 92 interesting Medieval churches. Amidst the beautiful surroundings at Stafva Farm, the friendly owners will invite you into their home to taste some locally-produced delicacies such as cheese and jam.

Continue on to the beautifully situated fishing port of Gnisvard for expansive views over the coast. Your tour concludes back in Visby, where you'll take a short walk among the beautiful roses, ruins and alleyways before rejoining your coach for the return drive to the ship.

Drive through the central part of Klaipeda to the resort town of Palanga. A stroll through the Botanical Park leads you to the 19th-century Neo-Renaissance-styled mansion that houses the biggest Amber Museum in the Baltics. During your visit, the Amber Museum will reveal the marvel of its Baltic gold; amber's origins, places where it can be found, and amber processing and jewelry-making. You will also have an opportunity to stroll through the gardens, and see the swans and other birds in the ponds, on the way back to your coach. Every visitor to Palanga is drawn to Palanga's Basanavicius Promenade. Cafes, bars and restaurants line both sides of the street as well as many souvenir stalls. You will have a little free time here to enjoy this pedestrian precinct and its lively atmosphere. Enjoy an orientation walk through the narrow streets of Klaipeda’s Old Town. See the old Fachwerk construction buildings, along with the houses where shoemakers, blacksmiths, bakers and other craftsmen lived. Stop at Theater Square where you’ll find a symbol of romantic love and the story behind it; the sculpture of Annchen from Tharau adorns the fountain. Then, you will have a few minutes of free time before returning to your ship or you may also choose to stay in town and make your way back to the pier on your own.

Discover Visby's stunning beauty and storied past during this visit to the Island of Gotland's capital city.

Visby, the Capital of Gotland, boasts a swashbuckling history that began in the Viking Age, followed by a flourishing Medieval period and the growth of the powerful Hanseatic League. Today, however, Visby is best known as the Town of Roses and Ruins, and one of Sweden's most popular vacation resort destinations.

Drive along Visby's coast to Hogklint. From this dramatic cliff-top viewpoint, you will gain a geographical perspective of the walled city, and enjoy marvelous views and photo opportunities of Visby and the Baltic Sea.

Head back towards town by way of the old Hanseatic harbor of Almedalen. Along the way, you will pass by the Kruttornet, a powder tower that has the distinction of being Visby's oldest structure, before stopping for a stroll through the Botanical Gardens.

Your scenic drive follows the 13th-century city walls past the Maiden's Tower, part of the remaining 1.5-mile-long, 13th-century city wall. Stop at Dalmansporten, one of the gates through the wall surrounding Visby, where you will start an approximately 1-hour guided walk down its narrow, winding streets. See the evocative ruins of Dalmasnsporten's many Medieval churches, before reaching the impressive St. Mary’s Cathedral.