Treasures of the Atlantic: England, France, Scandinavia & the Baltics - 2023

Today you’ll board an overnight flight to Stockholm. Or, depart earlier for your pre-trip extension in Stockholm.

Please note: If you're taking advantage of the pre-trip extension to Stockholm, you will follow the pre-trip itinerary until Day 4, when you'll board the Ocean Odyssey and join your fellow base travelers for the rest of the journey. All activities and inclusions will be covered; please see the pre-trip extension itinerary for details.

Welcome to Stockholm, Sweden’s sophisticated capital. If you purchased your airfare from Vantage, a representative will meet you at the airport and assist with the transfer to your hotel. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure to acclimate before an afternoon orientation walk and evening Welcome Briefing. Tonight, enjoy a drink with your fellow travelers at a Welcome Dinner at the hotel. 

Get acquainted with the irresistible charms and remarkable history of Stockholm, spread across 14 islands knit together by some 57 bridges. On your cultural tour of this “Venice of the North,” you’ll walk through the narrow streets of the delightful Gamla Stan, or Old Town, and enjoy views of Stockholm City Hall and the city’s equally attractive newer sections. 

On an included tour, visit the fascinating Vasa Museum, where you’ll see the amazing “ghost ship” of the same name — the world’s only fully intact 17th-century warship. The massive vessel sank just offshore on its maiden voyage in 1628. It lay preserved in the mud for three centuries, before being recovered and displayed in its full glory. Lunch and dinner are both on your own today. If you'd like to try some Swedish specialties, your Destination Manager can point you in the right direction and suggest a few dishes, too.  

Included Feature:

• Stockholm city tour

Cultural Discovery: 

• Visit the Vasa Museum

You have the entire day to take in the sophisticated pleasures of Stockholm today. Maybe you’ll start your day with a lussekatt (a saffron bun), then set out to stroll the endless waterways of the archipelago on which the strikingly beautiful and compact city is built. Head to the cobbled lanes of the Gamla Stan, the Old Town, or visit the renowned Skansen Museum, an open-air recreation of history’s traditional Swedish houses.

Later, embark the Ocean Odyssey. Get settled in your cabin, then explore the ship's many amenities, observation lounge, and fitness center. Perhaps you'll visit the Destination Manager to plan a spa appointment. And that’s not all — the size of our ship will allow us to berth in most port cities, giving you unparalleled access to your destinations (please keep in mind that tendering will be required in some ports). After, gather for a port talk to learn about our next thrilling Scandinavian capital. In the elegant dining room, savor a special Captain’s Welcome Dinner, the first of many sumptuous meals we've curated for this journey. 

Scenic Sailing:

• Delight in more of Stockholm’s resplendent beauty when you sail off towards your next thrilling adventure

Situated halfway between Finland and Sweden is the welcoming port of Mariehamn, the capital of Åland. Small in stature — but big in beauty — this tiny port town has a population of only 11,000 inhabitants, and is characterized by a hospitable islander lifestyle and a strong maritime culture. You’ll have a choice of two tours today: a panoramic tour of picturesque Mariehamn and its countryside, or a tour of the historically-rich municipality of Sund.

If you select the Mariehamn tour, you’ll drive by many of its major sights, such as the Åland Maritime Museum, the early 1900s-era sailing ship, Pommern; and the Sjökvarteret Maritime Museum. You’ll gain insight into the history and daily life of the residents that call the Åland Islands home, while heading south to the municipality of Lemland. Known for its 13^th-century church — one of the oldest ever built — this minute town has a population of just over 2,100 residents. Get a glimpse of the golden era of Åland during a guided tour of the Skeppargården Pellas homestead, dating back to 1884.  You will also enjoy a local treat when you visit Amalia Lemonade Factory for a tour and tasting.

Or, step back in time on an excursion to the island of Sund and learn about the history of the Åland Islands. You’ll start with a visit to Kastelholm Castle, a medieval fortification constructed in the 1300s when Åland and Finland were part of the Swedish Empire. Following your castle visit, you’ll head further east to the ruins of Bomarsund Fortress. Constructed in the mid-to-late 19th century, the fortress once functioned as both a defensive structure and a townlike settlement inhabited by military and civilian residents alike. You’ll conclude the tour with a visit to a local distillery before heading back to the ship.

Included Feature:

• Choice of tours in Mariehamn or Sund

Cultural Discovery:

• Lemonade factory visit
• Gin Distillery visit
• Onboard lecture

Enjoy breakfast on board this morning, followed by an informative lecture, as you sail into beautiful Helsinki, Finland. You’ll have lunch on board before heading out on a panoramic afternoon tour of this magnificent city. Whether you’re viewing Helsinki’s 1852 cathedral, crossing one of its many parks or squares, or seeing yourself reflected in the glass of a brand-new building, you'll find that there’s an appealing orderliness and grace to this northern capital. Your tour includes the bustling waterside Market Square (known locally as the Kauppatori) and Old Market Hall.

As you admire the stately government buildings of Senate Square, the impressive green domes of the Helsinki Cathedral watch over your progress. This neoclassical wonder — completed in 1852 as a tribute to Czar Nicholas I of Russia, the Grand Duke of Finland at the time — crowns the cityscape like a jewel. Today, it is the worship house for the city’s Evangelical Lutherans. Its high perch and its rooftop statues of the Twelve Apostles remind the devout of Helsinki that their god is ever-present.

You'll also pass the Sibelius Monument, sculpted in tribute to the famed Finnish composer, and the remarkable Temppeliaukio Church, built into solid rock. Dinner this evening will be on the ship, following by onboard entertainment.

Included Feature:

• Helsinki city tour

Cultural Discovery:

• Onboard lecture

Scenic Sailing:

• Behold the magnificent views of Helsinki’s Scandinavian style and venture toward your next destination

Relax with a morning of leisure and a delicious lunch on your ship before heading out for another day of exploration in Helsinki. You’ll have the opportunity to choose your preferred tour: the charming town of Porvoo or UNESCO-listed Suomenlinna Fortress.

Located just 45 minutes east of Helsinki, you’ll find the idyllic town of Porvoo. This is a haven of art, design, history, and architecture, surrounded by soothing nature. This is the second oldest city in Finland, best known for its cobblestone streets, charming cafés and boutiques, and vermilion-hued riverside warehouses — one of the most photographed landscapes in Finland. You’ll admire the colorful wooden houses, stroll along winding streets, and pop into a local café for refreshments. Following your guided tour, you’ll have free time to explore the many antique shops and handicraft vendors on your own before returning to the ship for lunch.

Your other tour option, Suomenlinna Fortress, is a cultural treasure. Located on a group of islands off the coast of Helsinki, you’ll board a local ferry for a short ride to the 18^th-century structure, one of Finland’s most impressive UNESCO World Heritage sites. A guided walking tour will provide you with the history of this maritime fortress, originally constructed in 1748 by the Swedish Parliament when it was deemed necessary to reinforce Finland’s defences. Your tour includes admission to both the Suomenlinna Museum and the Ehrenvärds Museum, as well as cake and coffee or tea at one of the local cafés.

Following your tour, you’ll return to the ship for lunch on board and an afternoon lecture as you sail towards your next destination.

Included Feature:

• Choice of tours in Porvoo or Suomenlinna

Cultural Discovery:

• Onboard lecture

Tallinn, one of the Hanseatic League’s trading centers, has been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its remarkable preservation.

The two-level city has an enchantment all its own, which you’ll discover on a panoramic tour from the winding streets of the Lower Town to the fortified Upper Town on Toompea Hill, where you can take in the amazing view from the Patkuli viewing platform. You’ll also see the Dome Church and the Opera House. And head to the Song Festival Grounds to see the spot where locals raised their singing voices in protest to eject the Soviets in a “Singing Revolution.” 

Tallinn boasts a thriving high-tech economy, too, which has earned it a reputation as Europe’s Silicon Valley. The young, entrepreneurial population supports a lively cultural and dining scene. 

Return to the ship for lunch and enjoy an afternoon at leisure, perhaps utilizing the free shuttle service from the Ocean Explorer to Tallinn's Old Town. 

Back on board this evening, attend a lecture and another port talk introduces tomorrow’s discoveries. Dinner is on board tonight. 

Included Feature:

• Panoramic tour of Tallinn

Cultural Discovery:

• Onboard lecture

Scenic Sailing:

• Marvel at the fairy-tale town of Tallinn as you sail into Estonia’s enchanting cultural hub

When you awake this morning, you’ll be sailing in the Gulf of Riga, headed for the Latvian capital of the same name. After lunch on board, set out into the largest city of the Baltic States for a rewarding tour by coach and by foot. Begin on the eastern bank of the Daugava River, where Vecriga, or Old Riga, is punctuated by the three spires of St. Peter’s, the Dome Cathedral and St. Jacob’s. These streets are dripping with charm and beauty, much of it embodied in graceful art nouveau architecture. After exploring, pause at St. John’s Church for an included concert on the church’s splendid organ that’s sure to inspire.

Tonight's dinner is a special one and takes you off the ship. Head to a celebrated local restaurant for a special dinner where you'll get a taste of traditional Latvian foods and watch a festive performance of traditional Rigan organ music and dancing.

You will overnight on board in Riga. Take some time to attend this evening’s port talk to learn how you may further explore this charming city tomorrow.

Vantage Exclusive:

• Riga city tour with organ concert

Cultural Discovery:

• Traditional Latvian dinner with Rigan folk music and dance performance — a Vantage exclusive!

Scenic Sailing:

• Keep cameras out upon arrival in Riga: the city that is said to possess the world’s highest concentration of Art Nouveau buildings

Today is free for you to explore as you please, and you can take advantage of complimentary shuttle service between the ship and Riga’s Old Town for your convenience. You may also check with our Destination Manager to plan a unique and exciting excursion: perhaps you’d like to visit one of the beautiful beaches on the Gulf of Riga or explore the atmospheric Vecriga. After, participate in an insightful lecture on the Singing Revolution of the Baltic states. Our port talk previews our next exciting destination before another delicious dinner on board as the ship begins its overnight sail to Sweden.

Cultural Discovery:

• Lecture and discussion on the Singing Revolution

Scenic Sailing:

• When sailing towards your next adventure, once again enjoy the stunning views of this eclectic city

Following a morning of scenic cruising (have your included binoculars handy!) and a lecture that will prepare you for the explorations ahead, you'll arrive in Visby. This charming seaside treasure is located on the large Swedish island of Gotland. Rightfully declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site for the extraordinary preservation of its medieval port area, Visby was a key link in the powerful Hanseatic League. After an early lunch on board, enjoy a "Hidden Visby" walking tour, including introductions to Almedalen, Powder Tower, Fish Alley, and Visby Cathedral. Plus, visit the Gotland Museum, which has keys to some of the most thrilling (and locked) historical buildings and ruins in Visby. Join our knowledgeable guides who will unlock the doors to exciting worlds where time has stood still. Savor dinner tonight as you cruise to your next destination: Gdansk, Poland. 

Included Feature:

• "Hidden Visby" walking tour

Cultural Discovery:

• Onboard lecture

Scenic Sailing:

• The landscape changes once again as we sail into the remarkably preserved medieval city of Visby and are greeted by rural farmhouses and low-slug cottages

After noon, the Ocean Odyssey arrives in Gdańsk. Before your discoveries of this city today, learn about the liberation of Poland during a captivating lecture. An early lunch on board will fuel you up for an afternoon tour. 

Gdańsk was a powerful member of the Hanseatic League, the maritime organization that controlled much of medieval trade in the area. Today, the legacy of its prosperity has been lovingly restored. On a afternoon tour, set out to explore this great maritime city whose great shipyards served as the incubator for the legendary Solidarity movement of 1980, the first crack in what would ultimately be the crumbling of the entire Soviet Union. You’ll follow the Solidarity Route through this historic seaport, including the charming Old Town and massive St. Mary’s Church, one of the largest brick churches in the world. A visit to the European Solidarity Centre reveals the Solidarity story in impressive detail; you will follow an English-language audio tour through the captivating exhibits. 

This evening, utilize the shuttle service from the ship back to Gdańsk's Old Town. Stroll down Long Street, also known as the Royal Route for the kingly processions it once hosted, to witness reconstructions of its beautiful 17th-century buildings. Tonight, enjoy another gourmet dinner and a port talk about your next remarkable city. 

Vantage Exclusive:

• Follow the Solidarity Route of Gdańsk including Old Town, St Mary’s Church and the European Solidarity Center

Cultural Discovery:

• Lecture on the liberation of Poland

Scenic Sailing:

• Arrive in Gdańsk and admire all the vivid splashes of color of this popular Polish coastal city

This afternoon you'll explore Bornholm Island, where the open fields and granite headlands get more days of sunshine than anywhere else in Denmark, drawing summer tourists to the sandy beaches. On your island tour, you’ll stop for photos at the dramatic cliff-top ruins of Hammershus, a medieval castle. Stop in the quaint fishing village of Svaneke, one of the best-preserved market towns on the island.

During your visit, you'll sample firsthand the island’s burgeoning reputation as a gourmet destination. Not only is its climate ideal for growing a common fig known as the Bornholm Diamond, but the island also embraces the products grown on its many farms. You'll stop for tastings at the Garden, a food and cultural house that showcases Bornholm’s exciting flavors.

Relax this evening with another lecture, then savor another elegant dinner and attend a port talk to learn about tomorrow’s explorations of Copenhagen.

Included Feature:

• Scenic and culinary tour of Bornholm

Cultural Discovery:

• Onboard lecture

Scenic Sailing:

• Admire all the charm of Rønne from the unique vantage of the open sea as you arrive

Get acquainted with charming Copenhagen today on an included panoramic tour. View the famed Little Mermaid statue on her watery perch, visit the Nyhavn canal district, swing by towered and turreted Rosenborg Castle, and contrast that with the more-dignified Amalienborg Castle where Denmark’s Queen Margrethe II resides today. Make sure you have your camera and GoPro ready, as we've planned your arrival at the royal residence to coincide with the Changing of the Guard. Your tour also includes a private and exclusive canal boat ride so you can take in this lovely cityscape from the water. This is an experience not to be missed!

Next, you'll visit the Torvehallerne food market to taste the freshest local fare and interact with the people who live here and grow produce, flowers, and more. With over 60 food stands, you'll have plenty to choose from for lunch on your own here with included lunch money. 

Included Features:

• Copenhagen city tour
• Private canal boat cruise

Cultural Discovery:

• Visit Torvehallerne food market

Scenic Sailing:

• Enjoy panoramic views of the vibrant colors of Copenhagen as you cruise into the harbor

Enjoy breathtaking scenic sailing this morning as you make your way to Gothenburg. After lunch onboard, disembark and dive into Swedish tradition and fun with a city tour. Your experience will include a visit to the popular indoor fish market, Feskekôrka, as well as the main indoor market called Store Saluhall. You'll have the opportunity to try some savory and sweet samples at some of the stalls in the markets.

In addition to the market visit, you'll enjoy a guided sightseeing tour that takes you on a combined motorcoach and walking tour. Begin with a panoramic tour through some distinct neighborhoods, then past major attractions such as Maritiman, Gothenburg Opera, Feskekôrka, Liseberg Amusement Park, and many more. We'll take a closer look at the neighborhoods of Haga, full of wooden homes, and Vasastan, boasting neo-renaissance stone houses, on the walking portion.

Enjoy a delicious dinner tonight, followed by onboard entertainment.

Included Feature:

• Afternoon tour of Gothenburg

Cultural Discoveries:

• Visit to local food market with tasting
• Evening onboard entertainment

This morning, you'll have a choice of two tours: either a visit to the massive vehicle collection housed at the Volvo Museum, or the Botanical Garden, full of more than 16,000 species of local and exotic plants.

After lunch onboard, your ship will depart for its next destination. Enjoy an informative lecture onboard tonight before dinner.

Included Features:

• Your choice of tours: Visit Gothenburg’s Volvo Museum OR Botanical Gardens

Cultural Discovery:

• Evening onboard entertainment

Today is reserved for exploring one of Europe’s most eco-friendly and innovative cities: Oslo. You'll have the chance to truly immerse in local life, beginning with a panoramic tour that includes the stunning Oslo Opera House, where you can see its famed, sloped roof that visitors can walk along. Next is Aker Brygge along the water, the Nobel Peace Center, and Akershus Fortress, a medieval castle dating back to 1300AD. You’ll then visit Vigeland Sculpture Park, with more than 200 works of art depicting humans in many unusual forms. You'll conclude your tour with a walk through the historical center of Oslo, called Kvadraturen, and a visit to Oslo City Hall, where they hold the annual Nobel Peace Prize ceremony.

Lunch is back on board. After, indulge in an afternoon at leisure in Oslo. Perhaps you'll discover Oslo on foot or explore Bygdøy and visit one of the many interesting museums, such as the Viking Ship Museum or Norwegian Museum of Cultural History. You may also ask your onboard Destination Manager to book a boat tour so you can explore the diverse and unique islands and colorful houses of the Oslo Fjord, discovering charming landscapes and amazing city views.

Included Feature:

• City tour of Oslo

Cultural Discoveries:

• Visit to Vigeland Sculpture Park
• Onboard entertainment after the Captain’s Dinner

Enjoy the morning aboard the Ocean Odyssey and the ship makes its way to Kristiansand. After a lecture, followed by lunch, we’ll disembark to explore Kristiansand, known as “Norway’s Floral Town,” on a leisurely guided walking tour. During your walk, visit Posebyen, one of Northern Europe’s largest collections of charming, old, white wooden houses. Later, you'll have the pleasure of attending a private organ concert at the Gothic-style Kristiansand Cathedral, built in 1884.

Enjoy a lovely afternoon at leisure onboard or explore more of Kristiansand. Perhaps you’ll visit the lively Fiskebrygga Harbor with its stunning canal scenery — a favorite among the locals, especially on a sunny day.

Included Feature:

• Walking tour of Kristiansand

Cultural Discoveries:

• Private organ concert
• Onboard lecture

Enjoy a day at sea to unwind and take advantage of the ship’s facilities. By this time, you’ve likely familiarized yourself with the onboard Destination Manager, who can help make spa appointments or plan activities on land. Head to the spa for a soothing treatment, get in a workout at the fitness center, or take in some sightseeing from the sun deck. You can also soak in the hot tub, check out a book from the library to read in the multistory lounge, and enjoy curated lectures we’ll be providing throughout your journey.

Cultural Discoveries:

• Two onboard lectures

Today we wake up in Amsterdam to discover the city’s WWII history on a walking tour of the Jewish Quarter. See the Hollandsche Schouwburg National Holocaust Memorial, which was used by the German occupying forces as a collection center for Jews. From here, tens of thousands of women and men were deported to concentration and extermination camps. It is now a place of commemoration. We’ll also view the Portuguese Synagogue and Amsterdam’s UNESCO-listed 17th century canal ring.

Lunch is back onboard, with afternoon shuttle service back into Amsterdam. If you’re interested in visiting the Anne Frank House, you’ll want to make a request with our Destination Manager months before your trip departs — tickets sell out quickly. This evening, we’ll hear another lecture before dinner onboard.

Included Feature:

• Jewish cultural tour of Amsterdam

Cultural Discovery:

• Onboard lecture

Today, choose between two unforgettable experiences in two of Belgium’s most endearing cities.

Set off for Bruges on an excursion to one of Europe’s best-preserved medieval cities and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A walking tour takes you to Begijnhof area and the historic center, where you’ll see highlights such as the Church of Our Lady and Grote Markt. You’ll also get a chance to taste some of the city’s famous waffles along the way. We’ll also provide you with local currency to enjoy lunch before we return to the ship.

Calling all beer lovers! Our next option whisks you to lively Ghent for a guided walking tour that includes a tasting of one of the local brews. Ghent is a vibrant college town, and you’re sure to fall in love with the canal-side medieval and classical architecture!

Back on the ship this afternoon, we’ll gather for a chocolate making demonstration and tasting.

Included Feature:

• Your choice of tours: Bruges tour provided lunch money or tour of Ghent with included beer tasting at a local brewery and provided lunch money

Cultural Discovery:

• Chocolate making demonstration

After breakfast, we’ll transfer from Le Havre to Honfleur and embark on a guided walking tour of this picturesque town — birthplace of the early Impressionist painter Eugene Boudin and a favorite of Monet, Courbet, and other artists, who maintained studios near the harbor. Here, you’ll also be treated to a delightful tasting session of Normandy’s famous oysters. (We’ll also have local cheeses for those who prefer it.) We’ll return to the ship for a late lunch onboard and an afternoon at leisure. Take in another lecture this afternoon before dinner. After, enjoy more onboard entertainment.

Included Feature:

• Guided walking tour of Honfleur

Cultural Discoveries:

• Oyster or cheese tasting
• Onboard lecture
• Onboard evening entertainment

On your second day in France, you’ll have your choice of tours, depending on your interests.

If you’re a history lover, embark on a full-day tour of Normandy’s beaches where Allied troops landed on D-Day — June 6, 1944. We’ll drive to the coastal village of Colleville-sur-Mer and the Normandy American Cemetery & Memorial, burial site of nearly 10,000 soldiers, for an exclusive wreath-laying ceremony in remembrance of American lives lost. You’ll have a little bit of free time to explore; then, enjoy le goûter, a traditional French snack time, in a local restaurant. Next, we’ll visit the coastal promontory of Pointe du Hoc, site of a German battery that was destroyed by U.S. Rangers who scaled the sea cliff in a daring attack. Finally, we’ll continue to Omaha Beach, where U.S. Army infantry prevailed in the face of fierce resistance.

Alternatively, you might elect to join our half-day Taste of Normandy tour. We’ll drive out to the Fécamp Benedictine monastery to see how the famous Benedictine liqueur, with its traditional blend of 27 spices and herbs, is produced. A scenic drive will next bring us to Étretat, an iconic site on France’s Normandy coastline, for a photo stop and light exploring. Afterward, we’ll transfer back to the ship where a late lunch onboard awaits us.

Dinner is on the ship tonight.

Included Feature:

• Your choice of tours in Honfleur: Full-day tour of Normandy’s D-Day Beaches OR half-day Taste of Normandy tour

Cultural Discovery:

• Le goûter experience (D-Day beach only) OR Benedictine tasting

The ship arrives to England just as you're enjoying breakfast this morning. You'll disembark in Poole, and we hope you enjoyed your time on Vantage's second small ship oceangoing small ship! 

En route to London, you’ll set off on a guided tour of Windsor Castle, the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world. Today, Queen Elizabeth spends most of her private weekends at the castle, which has housed 39 monarchs since its founding by William the Conqueror in the 11th century. Afterward, enjoy lunch on your own before transferring to London where you’ll check into your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure in London, with dinner on your own. Do as the locals do and head to the local pub!

Included Feature:

• Tour of Windsor Castle

Today’s half-day guided city tour by coach and by foot includes some of London’s most notable landmarks — Trafalgar Square, Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, Parliament, Buckingham Palace, and more! You’ll also be delighted by a visit to the British Museum. Lunch is on your own; tonight, reunite with your fellow travelers for one last toast at the Farewell Drink and Dinner at the hotel. 

Included Feature:

• Half-day London city tour

You’ll head to London’s airport today for your return flight back to the U.S. Or, extend your journey with a few days in Dublin, Ireland.