Northern Europe, Baltic
Circumnavigating the Baltic Sea
Set sail among the picturesque islands and rugged coastlines of the Baltic Sea, following in the wake of famous seafarers from the Vikings to the wealthy traders of the Hanseatic League. As we circumnavigate the Baltic’s storied shores, witness the many cultural layers that have shaped this diverse region. Explore the well-preserved medieval towns of Visby, Riga, and Tallinn, and visit fishing villages such as Mariehamn that still celebrate age-old maritime traditions. Navigate thousands of wild islands off the coast of Finland by Zodiac and kayak, and spot rare bird species on the Swedish island of Öland. Along the way, witness the intersection of old and new in the vibrant, capital cities of Copenhagen to Helsinki and Stockholm.
• Explore round churches and charming fishing villages on the Danish islands of Christiansø and Bornholm alongside our National Geographic Photography Expert
• Discover UNESCO World Heritage sites, including the Hanseatic trade center of Visby and the Old Towns of Riga and Tallinn
• Explore Neolithic sites on the Swedish island of Öland, and discover the unusual culture of Finland’s Åland Islands, an autonomous, Swedish-speaking region
• Delve into the captivating cities of Stockholm and Helsinki, discovering their timeless Old Towns as well as their flourishing contemporary culture
• Get immersed in the local cultures through musical performances curated by our ethnomusicologist Jacob Edgar
Highlights
• Explore round churches and charming fishing villages on the Danish islands of Christiansø and Bornholm alongside our National Geographic Photography Expert
• Discover UNESCO World Heritage sites, including the Hanseatic trade center of Visby and the Old Towns of Riga and Tallinn
• Explore Neolithic sites on the Swedish island of Öland, and discover the unusual culture of Finland’s Åland Islands, an autonomous, Swedish-speaking region
• Delve into the captivating cities of Stockholm and Helsinki, discovering their timeless Old Towns as well as their flourishing contemporary culture
• Get immersed in the local cultures through musical performances curated by our ethnomusicologist Jacob Edgar
Arrive in the Danish capital of Copenhagen. See
the city from the water on a boat cruise along its
charming canals, then embark the National
Geographic Explorer. (L,D)
Sail to the tiny isle of Christiansø, where Danish
fortifications date from 1684. Join our National
Geographic Photography Expert for a walk among
the colorful buildings of this car-free island, home
to less than 100 people and just one species of
mammal: the hedgehog. This afternoon, we cruise
to Bornholm Island. Hike the coast trail to the
clifftop ruins of the Hammershus fortress, or visit
the island’s round churches and the harbor village
of Svaneke, voted Denmark’s most beautiful town
in 2013. (B,L,D)
Arrive in Poland and take in Gdańsk’s art and
architectural highlights, including the GothicRenaissance Town Hall and the National Museum.
Visit the Westerplatte peninsula, where World War
II began with the German invasion of Poland, and
take a guided tour of the European Solidarity
Center. (B,L,D)
Enjoy a day at sea, as we sail into the Gulf of
Riga, with lectures by our experts, photography
workshops with our Certified Photo Instructors and
National Geographic Photography Expert and
enjoy a scenic sailing into Riga this evening.
Take a walking tour through Riga's UNESCO
World Heritage-designated center, passing
wooden houses, art nouveau architecture, and
funky cafés. Wander through the airy Central
Market—Europe’s largest market, housed in old
Zeppelin airship hangers. Or drive to the Latvian
Ethnographic Open Air Museum, situated in a
wooded park on the outskirts of the city. (B,L,D)
Cross the Gulf of Riga to Estonia arriving in Tallinn
this afternoon. Stroll the cobbled, medieval streets
of the walled Old Town on a guided walking tour,
and see the Kiek in de Kök, a 15th century
defensive tower. Visit Town Hall Square and take
in the view of Tallinn’s picturesque spires and
gables from Dome Hill. (B,L,D)
Arrive in Helsinki in the morning, a stylish capital
known for its creativity, architecture, and vibrant
contemporary design scene. Choose from several
options during our time here: a traditional Finnish
foraging excursion; a visit to the World Heritagelisted Suomenlinna Fortress; or a trip back in time
to the home of Carl Gustaf Emil Mannerheim, one
of Finland’s most notable statesmen. Then explore
in and around Finland’s capital: tour a grand
estate in Porvoo or visit Seurasaari Open Air
Museum, dedicated to preserving the traditions of
rural Finland. (B,L,D)
Today we’ll explore Finland’s southern coastline,
with its numerous bays, inlets, and islands rich
with natural history. Navigate the labyrinthine
passages of Ekenäs Archipelago National Park by
kayak or Zodiac and disembark to explore its
rocky and windswept islets. (B,L,D)
Arrive in Mariehamn, the capital of Finland’s Åland
Islands, an autonomous region made up of over
6,700 islands where 90% of the population speaks
Swedish. Delve into the rich history of the islands,
get a taste for their musical and culinary traditions,
and learn how the Baltic Sea has connected major
empires throughout history. Set off on a hike or a
bike ride along its shores, or venture out into the
harbor of Mariehamn on our zodiacs to explore the
historic pilot station, Kobba Klintar. (B,L,D)
Experience the natural beauty and cultural history
of the largest archipelago in Sweden as we cruise
among countless islands and past Fredriksborg
Fortress on our way into Swedish capital. We’ll
stay docked in Stockholm overnight so you can
enjoy this magical Scandinavian city at your
leisure. The next day, marvel at an amazingly
preserved 17th-century wooden warship Vasa,
housed in Stockholm’s Vasa Museum. Take a
walking tour of the Old Town and visit the Royal
Armoury to see the sparkling costumes and
carriages of Sweden’s monarchs. (B,L,D)
Spend the day exploring the World Heritage site of
Visby, a former Viking settlement on the island of
Gotland and one of the best-preserved medieval
towns in Scandinavia. Stroll the old town’s cobbled
streets and walk along its 13th-century wall. Then
visit the Gotland Museum, where an incomparable
collection showcases Swedish history, from
eighth-century picture stones to the discovery in
1999 of the Spillings Hoard, a treasure trove of
Viking silver. Alternatively, head into the
countryside for a visit to a sheep farm, or join a
local guide for a bike ride, enjoying amazing views
of the medieval town of Visby and the harbor.
(B,L,D)
Enjoy a leisurely sail through the narrow Kalmar
Strait, which separates the Swedish mainland from
the island of Öland. Visit Kalmar Castle, a seaside
Renaissance castle set on the site where the
Kalmar Union was signed in 1397, bringing
Norway, Sweden, and Denmark under a single
monarch. Or venture to Öland, a long island of
limestone heaths, biodiversity, and prehistory,
recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Its
first inhabitants date back some 6,000 years. As
we explore the island’s coast, learn about its
Mesolithic and Neolithic sites and discover its
diverse flora and fauna—including a surprising
number of bird species. On a guided tour of the
Ottenby Bird Observatory, where researchers
have been studying migratory birds since 1946, learn about bird banding—a technique used to
study the approximate 140 species that migrate
through the region each year. (B,L,D)
Disembark this morning and transfer to the airport
for flights home. (B)
Itineraries are subject to change.
| 10 May, 2023 to 24 May, 2023 | Book now |
Category 1
$23,870 AUD pp
#301-308 — Cabins feature one or two portholes. Most cabins feature two single beds that can be converted to a queen. Cabins #301-306 feature one queen-sized bed. All cabins feature a writing desk, floor length mirror, reading lamps, well-appointed bathrooms with a roomy glass-wall shower, and a TV.
Category 2
$25,190 AUD pp
#317-320, 335-336 — Cabins feature two single beds (some can convert to a queen-sized bed), and one large window. They offer a writing desk, floor length mirror, reading lamps, sitting chair, well-appointed bathrooms with a roomy glass-wall shower, and a TV.
Category 3
$26,150 AUD pp
#313-316, 321-328, 337-350 — Cabins feature two single beds (some can convert to a queen-sized bed), one large window, and two sitting chairs and a small table and ample storage. They have a writing desk, floor length mirror, reading lamps, well-appointed bathrooms with a roomy glass-wall shower, and a TV. Cabins 341 & 343 have a sofa bed for a triple.
Category 4
$27,780 AUD pp
Veranda Deck
#103-104, 107-108 — Cabins feature two single beds than can convert to a queen-sized bed, and at least one large window, climate controls, sitting chair, and a TV. Bathrooms are also generously sized with a roomy glass-walled shower stall.
Upper Deck
#201-202, 204-207, 210, 212, 217, 226, 228 — Cabins feature two single beds and at least one large window. All cabins can convert between two single beds to a queen, except Cabins 217, 226 & 228 that feature one queen-size bed only. All cabins feature climate controls, sitting chairs, and a TV. Bathrooms are also generously sized with a roomy glass-walled shower stall.
Category SA (solo)
$31,390 AUD pp
#309-311, 329-334 — These cabins feature one single bed and a large window, a writing desk, reading lamp, bathroom with a roomy glass-wall shower stall, and a TV.
Category SB (solo)
$32,550 AUD pp
Veranda Deck
#105-106 — These cabins feature one single bed and a large window, a writing desk, reading lamp, bathroom with a roomy glass-walled shower stall, and a TV.
Upper Deck
#203, 208 — These cabins feature one single bed and a large window, a writing desk, reading lamp, bathroom with a roomy glass-walled shower stall, and a TV.
Category 5
$32,750 AUD pp
#209, 211, 214, 216, 218, 220-222, 224 — Cabins feature a balcony with sliding glass doors, feature one queen-sized bed, a writing desk and chairs, climate controls, a TV. Bathrooms are also generously sized with a roomy glass-walled shower stall. (Cabin 221 has two single beds that can convert to an Olympic-sized queen.)
Category 6
$37,420 AUD pp
Veranda Deck
#101-102 — These spacious cabins can be converted into triples. They have two single beds that can be converted into a queen, a writing desk, double closet, bookcase, sofa-bed, chairs, two large windows, and a TV. The sleeping area can be closed off with the glass partition. Bathrooms are generously sized with a roomy glass-walled shower stall and twin sinks.
Upper Deck
#213 — This spacious cabin has a private balcony, two single beds that can be converted into a queen, a writing desk, double closet, bookcase, chairs, and a TV. The sleeping area can be closed off with the glass partition. Bathrooms are generously sized with a roomy glass-walled shower stall and twin sinks.
Category 7
$44,430 AUD pp
#215, 219, 230 — These large cabins with private balconies have two single beds that can convert to an Olympic-sized queen. They have seating areas with a sofa-bed and can be converted to triples. Cabins also include a desk with chairs, coffee table with sitting chair, and a small table. Bathrooms are generously sized with a roomy glass-walled shower stall and twin sinks.
| 24 May, 2023 to 07 June, 2023 | Book now |
Category 1
$23,870 AUD pp
#301-308 — Cabins feature one or two portholes. Most cabins feature two single beds that can be converted to a queen. Cabins #301-306 feature one queen-sized bed. All cabins feature a writing desk, floor length mirror, reading lamps, well-appointed bathrooms with a roomy glass-wall shower, and a TV.
Category 2
$25,190 AUD pp
#317-320, 335-336 — Cabins feature two single beds (some can convert to a queen-sized bed), and one large window. They offer a writing desk, floor length mirror, reading lamps, sitting chair, well-appointed bathrooms with a roomy glass-wall shower, and a TV.
Category 3
$26,150 AUD pp
#313-316, 321-328, 337-350 — Cabins feature two single beds (some can convert to a queen-sized bed), one large window, and two sitting chairs and a small table and ample storage. They have a writing desk, floor length mirror, reading lamps, well-appointed bathrooms with a roomy glass-wall shower, and a TV. Cabins 341 & 343 have a sofa bed for a triple.
Category 4
$27,780 AUD pp
Veranda Deck
#103-104, 107-108 — Cabins feature two single beds than can convert to a queen-sized bed, and at least one large window, climate controls, sitting chair, and a TV. Bathrooms are also generously sized with a roomy glass-walled shower stall.
Upper Deck
#201-202, 204-207, 210, 212, 217, 226, 228 — Cabins feature two single beds and at least one large window. All cabins can convert between two single beds to a queen, except Cabins 217, 226 & 228 that feature one queen-size bed only. All cabins feature climate controls, sitting chairs, and a TV. Bathrooms are also generously sized with a roomy glass-walled shower stall.
Category SA (solo)
$31,390 AUD pp
#309-311, 329-334 — These cabins feature one single bed and a large window, a writing desk, reading lamp, bathroom with a roomy glass-wall shower stall, and a TV.
Category SB (solo)
$32,550 AUD pp
Veranda Deck
#105-106 — These cabins feature one single bed and a large window, a writing desk, reading lamp, bathroom with a roomy glass-walled shower stall, and a TV.
Upper Deck
#203, 208 — These cabins feature one single bed and a large window, a writing desk, reading lamp, bathroom with a roomy glass-walled shower stall, and a TV.
Category 5
$32,750 AUD pp
#209, 211, 214, 216, 218, 220-222, 224 — Cabins feature a balcony with sliding glass doors, feature one queen-sized bed, a writing desk and chairs, climate controls, a TV. Bathrooms are also generously sized with a roomy glass-walled shower stall. (Cabin 221 has two single beds that can convert to an Olympic-sized queen.)
Category 6
$37,420 AUD pp
Veranda Deck
#101-102 — These spacious cabins can be converted into triples. They have two single beds that can be converted into a queen, a writing desk, double closet, bookcase, sofa-bed, chairs, two large windows, and a TV. The sleeping area can be closed off with the glass partition. Bathrooms are generously sized with a roomy glass-walled shower stall and twin sinks.
Upper Deck
#213 — This spacious cabin has a private balcony, two single beds that can be converted into a queen, a writing desk, double closet, bookcase, chairs, and a TV. The sleeping area can be closed off with the glass partition. Bathrooms are generously sized with a roomy glass-walled shower stall and twin sinks.
Category 7
$44,430 AUD pp
#215, 219, 230 — These large cabins with private balconies have two single beds that can convert to an Olympic-sized queen. They have seating areas with a sofa-bed and can be converted to triples. Cabins also include a desk with chairs, coffee table with sitting chair, and a small table. Bathrooms are generously sized with a roomy glass-walled shower stall and twin sinks.
| 23 June, 2024 to 07 July, 2024 | Book now |
Category 1
$23,740 AUD pp
#301-308 — Cabins feature one or two portholes. Most cabins feature two single beds that can be converted to a queen. Cabins #301-306 feature one queen-sized bed. All cabins feature a writing desk, floor length mirror, reading lamps, well-appointed bathrooms with a roomy glass-wall shower, and a TV.
Category 2
$25,190 AUD pp
#317-320, 335-336 — Cabins feature two single beds (some can convert to a queen-sized bed), and one large window. They offer a writing desk, floor length mirror, reading lamps, sitting chair, well-appointed bathrooms with a roomy glass-wall shower, and a TV.
Category 3
$26,150 AUD pp
#313-316, 321-328, 337-350 — Cabins feature two single beds (some can convert to a queen-sized bed), one large window, and two sitting chairs and a small table and ample storage. They have a writing desk, floor length mirror, reading lamps, well-appointed bathrooms with a roomy glass-wall shower, and a TV. Cabins 341 & 343 have a sofa bed for a triple.
Category 4
$27,780 AUD pp
Veranda Deck
#103-104, 107-108 — Cabins feature two single beds than can convert to a queen-sized bed, and at least one large window, climate controls, sitting chair, and a TV. Bathrooms are also generously sized with a roomy glass-walled shower stall.
Upper Deck
#201-202, 204-207, 210, 212, 217, 226, 228 — Cabins feature two single beds and at least one large window. All cabins can convert between two single beds to a queen, except Cabins 217, 226 & 228 that feature one queen-size bed only. All cabins feature climate controls, sitting chairs, and a TV. Bathrooms are also generously sized with a roomy glass-walled shower stall.
Category SA (solo)
$31,390 AUD pp
#309-311, 329-334 — These cabins feature one single bed and a large window, a writing desk, reading lamp, bathroom with a roomy glass-wall shower stall, and a TV.
Category SB (solo)
$32,550 AUD pp
Veranda Deck
#105-106 — These cabins feature one single bed and a large window, a writing desk, reading lamp, bathroom with a roomy glass-walled shower stall, and a TV.
Upper Deck
#203, 208 — These cabins feature one single bed and a large window, a writing desk, reading lamp, bathroom with a roomy glass-walled shower stall, and a TV.
Category 5
$32,750 AUD pp
#209, 211, 214, 216, 218, 220-222, 224 — Cabins feature a balcony with sliding glass doors, feature one queen-sized bed, a writing desk and chairs, climate controls, a TV. Bathrooms are also generously sized with a roomy glass-walled shower stall. (Cabin 221 has two single beds that can convert to an Olympic-sized queen.)
Category 6
$37,420 AUD pp
Veranda Deck
#101-102 — These spacious cabins can be converted into triples. They have two single beds that can be converted into a queen, a writing desk, double closet, bookcase, sofa-bed, chairs, two large windows, and a TV. The sleeping area can be closed off with the glass partition. Bathrooms are generously sized with a roomy glass-walled shower stall and twin sinks.
Upper Deck
#213 — This spacious cabin has a private balcony, two single beds that can be converted into a queen, a writing desk, double closet, bookcase, chairs, and a TV. The sleeping area can be closed off with the glass partition. Bathrooms are generously sized with a roomy glass-walled shower stall and twin sinks.
Category 7
$44,430 AUD pp
#215, 219, 230 — These large cabins with private balconies have two single beds that can convert to an Olympic-sized queen. They have seating areas with a sofa-bed and can be converted to triples. Cabins also include a desk with chairs, coffee table with sitting chair, and a small table. Bathrooms are generously sized with a roomy glass-walled shower stall and twin sinks.
National Geographic Explorer
Vessel Type: Luxury Expedition
Length: 108 meters
Passenger Capacity: 148 (single & twin cabins)
Built / Refurbished: 1982 / 2008
National Geographic Explorer is a state-of-the-art expedition ship. It is a fully stabilized, ice-class vessel, enabling it to navigate polar passages while providing exceptional comfort. It carries kayaks and a fleet of Zodiac landing craft. An Undersea Specialist operates a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) and sophisticated video equipment, extending access to the underwater world.
Public areas: Bistro Bar; Chart Room; Restaurant; Global Gallery; Library, Lounge with full service bar and state-of-the-art facilities for films, slideshows and presentations; Mud Room with lockers for expedition gear, and Observation Lounge. Our “Open Bridge” provides guests an opportunity to meet our Officers and Captain and learn about navigation.
Meals: Served in single seatings with unassigned tables for an informal atmosphere and easy mingling. Menu is international with local flair.
Cabins: All cabins face outside with windows or portholes, private facilities and climate controls.
Expedition Equipment: Zodiac landing craft, kayaks, Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV), hydrophone, SplashCam, underwater video camera, Crow’s Nest remote controlled camera, video microscope, snorkeling gear.
Special Features: A full-time doctor, Undersea Specialist, LEX Photo Specialist and Video Chronicler, Internet Cafe and laundry.
Wellness: The vessel is staffed by two Wellness Specialists and features a glass enclosed Fitness Center, outdoor stretching area, two LEXspa treatment rooms and Sauna.
Special Offers
BACK-TO-BACK SAVINGS. Save 10% on any consecutive journeys taken on board one of our expedition ships. This savings is applicable on voyage fares only, and are not valid on extensions or airfare.
TRAVELING AS A GROUP. Save 5% when traveling as a group of 8 or more people. Take advantage of these great savings, while enjoying traveling with your friends and family. This savings is applicable to voyage fares only, and is not valid on extensions or airfare. Deposit, final payments, and cancellation policies for group travel vary from our regular policies.
COMBINING OFFERS. Certain offers may be combinable, up to two savings opportunities, except where noted otherwise. For example, travel with a group of 8 or more on back-to-back expeditions, and take advantage of both savings.
FREE BAR TAB AND CREW TIPS INCLUDED. We will cover your bar tab and all tips for the crew on all National Geographic Resolution, National Geographic Explorer, National Geographic Endurance, and National Geographic Orion voyages.
Inclusions
• Voyage on board in selected cabin category
• All meals while on board
• Non alcoholic beverages
• Experienced expedition team and leader
• All excursions
• Zodiac and kayak exploration
• Snorkeling, including wetsuits, masks, fins & snorkel where relevant
• Lectures and presentations on board
Exclusions
• International and domestic flights unless otherwise stated
• Travel insurance
• Passport and visa costs if applicable
• Alcoholic beverages on board unless otherwise stated
• Gratuities unless otherwise stated
• Wifi on board
• Any items of a personal nature including laundry
Luxury Expedition
15 Days from
$23,740 AUD pp
Our Associates Include
