Day 1: Stockholm

The “Venice of the North,” spanning 14 small islands at the outflow of Lake Mälar into the Baltic, Stockholm is the largest city in Scandinavia and architecturally one of the finest in the world, with broad streets, waterside parks and many pedestrian walkways. For a taste of the city, take a walking tour of Old Town, and particularly the Royal Palace and beautiful Riddarholm Church; take in the views from the observation deck in the Town Hall; or visit one of the Skeppsholmen Museums, including Skeppsholm Church (1842), the Museum of Architecture, the Museum of East Asian Art and the Modern Museum. A main attraction near the center of town is the Vasa Museum, on the island of Djurgården, displaying the almost fully intact 64-gun warship Vasa, that sank on her maiden voyage in 1628.

Day 2: Helsinki

The capital of Finland, Helsinki is also the cultural, commercial and political center of Finland. Helsinki is an easily-navigated city and an architectural delight. Helsinki is laid out with spacious streets interspersed with many gardens and parks. Wide streets and nearby islands add to Helsinki’s visual appeal. Beautiful neo classical buildings surround town squares and the cathedral is probably the most recognized of all Helsinki landmarks.

Day 3-5: St Petersburg

St. Petersburg was the capital of the Russian Empire for over 200 years. Peter the Great’s “Window on Europe” is known as Russia’s artistic and intellectual center. Tour the many cathedrals, including St. Isaac’s Cathedral, with floors of different-colored marble and a remarkable array of frescoes; and the iconic Church of the Savior of the Spilled Blood. Noteworthy historic sites include The Peter and Paul Fortress, the first edifice built in the city and final resting place of the Romanovs; and, further afield, the remarkable Peterhof palace. For cultural perspective, take in a ballet and the world-class Hermitage Museum. To complete your Russian experience, take a day trip to Moscow or a half-day trip to Catherine’s Palace in the countryside.

Day 6: Tallinn

On the southern coast of the Gulf of Finland lies Tallinn, the capital and main seaport of Estonia. Though the city has been bombed and pillaged many times throughout the ages, much of the town as it was in medieval times remains. Atmospheric streets serve as home to the palaces of Castle Hill. Ancient convents, steepled churches and handsome guild houses are all preserved as they were in Tallinn’s Old Town area, which was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Day 7: Liepaja

Revel in the pride of Latvia’s third largest city, a place locals call ‘the city where the wind is born’. A popular Baltic coast resort since the Russian czar’s frequent visits in the 1860s, Liepaja boasts an unusually diverse menu of attractions that range from WWI and WWII relics to white sand beaches to a music walk of fame. Urban explorers and history buffs will marvel at the countless bunkers, cannons and ruined residences of Karosta, a massive military complex with ties to both Tsarist and Soviet Russia. Build an appetite for cod fish – the local specialty – while walking pristine Blue Flag Beach. In town visit Holy Trinity Cathedral and stroll the Latvian Musicians’ Walk of Fame.

Day 8: Visby

Visby is the largest city on the island of Gotland, and was once one of the most powerful cities in Europe. The entire island is full of ruins, artifacts and memories from its periods of greatness during the Viking period and Middle Ages when Visby was a member of the Hanseatic League. The town is surrounded by the Visby Ringwall, a huge 13th century stone wall that encloses the city. Inside the wall, Visby beckons with its medley of modern and medieval times.

Day 9: Copenhagen

Copenhagen, the royal capital of Denmark, is one of Europe's oldest capitals. It was a fishing village until the middle of the 12th century, but then grew in importance after being fortified in 1167. Because of its harbor, it soon became a place of commercial importance. Copenhagen has a long history well-integrated with today's modern life. Theaters, museums, art galleries and musical entertainment are among the attractions that make Copenhagen memorable.

Day 10: At Sea

Day 11: Amsterdam

Day 12: Bruges

Zeebrugge is the gateway to Bruges, the capital of the Belgian province of West Flanders. Bruges was a wealthy city during medieval times when trade with Baltic ports flourished. The Zwin River, connecting Bruges with the North Sea, slowly began to narrow, marking the end of the city's great trade period. Today, visitors flock to Bruges to enjoy the charming, well-preserved medieval architecture lining the old and narrow roads and canals and to see some of Western Europe's finest artistic masterpieces.

Day 13: Southampton

Southampton is the largest city and port on the south coast of England. Tour the historic byways of Old Town with its Medieval walls and Tudor architecture. Spend an hour or two meandering along the pathways of Royal Victoria Country Park, picturesquely set along the waterfront on the grounds of a former military hospital where Florence Nightingale once worked. Southampton's maritime past can be explored by strolling along the Town Quay with its marina and lively bars and restaurants. It was here that the Titanic departed on its fateful journey and where the Mayflower sailed for the New World.