Iconic Capitals and Towns of the Baltic Luxury Cruise

Connected to the far eastern side of Sealand island, a few kilometres away from the Swedish coasts, Copenhagen offers you the high colour of Scandinavian capitals. You can discover the city's riches that weaves through the canal networks through the historical districts of Christiansborg and Nyhavn. Many palaces provide an apercu of Danish history. For eating, you can try out the smorrebrod, traditional danish sandwiches made with ham, cheese or smoked fish.

Lying in the south-west of the Baltic Sea, the medieval village of Gudhjem, on the island of Bornholm, is one of the most visited and most popular villages in Denmark. As you stroll along its picturesque streets, you will fall under the spell of its varied landscapes, its easy way of life, and the authenticity of this charming town with half-timbered houses topped with red roofs, in the Danish tradition. It is here, along these charming streets, that the first herring smokehouses were built in the mid-19th century, attracting all the region’s fishermen. Tucked away in a gorgeous natural setting composed of rocky cliffs, dense forests and beaches of white sand, Gudhjem will provide an unforgettable interlude where time will seem to stand still.

This ravishing city on the Baltic sea is nicknamed “the golden door of Poland”, and you’ll understand why when you see its beautiful Hanseatic architecture. You’ll be charmed by the mouldings and gables that enhance the colourful façades of the houses. Along the Vistula Quays, you can take a pleasant stroll among the crafts shops. In elegant Mariacka street, the amber jewellers will most certainly tempt you into their boutiques. You can visit the church of Saint-Mary and its astronomic clock. Not far, the majestic Long Market square offers the famous Artus Court and the rich Gdansk History Museum.

This old Hanseatic city lies to the west coast of Gotland, a Swedish island in the Baltic sea. Pass through the spectacular Visby fortifications and visit the old town, a UNESCO World Heritage site. You’ll discover the grand Visby homes of rich merchants as well as the lovely low wooden houses in the little cobbled streets. Don’t miss Saint Mary’s cathedral with its octagonal steeples, as well as Powder tower along the fortifications. Make sure you stop over in one of the rose-adorned cafés; indeed roses abound in this town where you can taste one of the island’s specialities, namely saffron pancakes with red fruit.

The capital of Sweden occupies an archipelago in the east of the country at the junction of Mälar Lake and the Baltic sea. In Gamla stan, meaning “old town” in Swedish, you can stroll at your leisure in picturesque medieval streets until you reach the majestic Royal Palace. On the green island of Djurgården, you can visit several very different kinds of cultural centres: the Vasa museum is dedicated to a 17th century three-mast, the ecomuseum of Skansen presents traditional customs, and the ABBA museum is dedicated to the legendary pop group. For a fantastic, all-encompassing view of Stockholm, you can take a ride in SkyView, a glass-encased sphere gondola that takes you to the top of the world’s largest building, the Ericsson Globe, a Stockholm landmark.

Welcome to Estonia’s largest island, Saaremaa, with its age-old history and mysterious charm. Located in the Baltic Sea, it closes off the Gulf of Riga. The episcopal castle, a medieval fortress and preserved witness of the rich history of the Baltic States, stands proudly in the island’s capital, Kuressaare. The island’s soils and mild climate give it abundant and diverse nature, where forests, cliffs, dunes and beaches flourish, becoming a haven for thousands of migratory birds every year. The island offers many treasures, between wild nature, nature reserves, meteor craters and windmills.

Opening onto the Baltic sea, to the far north of Estonia, the town of Tallinn will win you over with the picturesque charm of its architecture. You can meander through its little streets in the heart of the medieval centre where its gothic town hall has been standing since 1404. The Kiek in de Kök tower, the Orthodox Alexander Nevski cathedral, or Toompea castle give visitors a taste of this town’s rich past. The city was particularly active during the medieval period, as is demonstrated by the very beautiful monuments from this period that are still visible. Don't hesitate to lose yourself in the heart of Tallinn, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Seated in the southern peninsula of Finland, Helsinki offers the buzz of a cosmopolitan city that has opted for both elegance and beauty. Explore its historical centre where the soft hues of neoclassical buildings are juxtaposed with spectacular modern constructions. The bustling Kallio district is teeming with boutiques and restaurants where you can taste some local specialities like graavilohi - a sweet, marinated, aromatic salmon dish. Keskuspuisto park, a stone’s throw from the centre, is a good place to sit and unwind.

Itineraries are subject to change.

Vessel Type: Luxury

Length: 127 metres

Passenger Capacity: 92 cabins

Built: 2017/2018

Le Champlain, part of the prestigious PONANT EXPLORERS series, masterfully blends the spirit of adventure with refined comfort. Designed to navigate some of the world’s most remote destinations, she offers guests the intimacy of a private yacht alongside discreet luxury and elegant French styling. Her 92 staterooms and suites, all with private balconies, are bathed in natural light, providing a serene retreat after a day of Zodiac® expeditions or fine dining. Every element, from the stylish interiors to the attentive service, reflects PONANT’s dedication to creating a truly authentic voyage.

Built with a strong focus on eco-friendly innovation, Le Champlain incorporates the latest environmental technologies to minimise her impact on the oceans she explores. At 430 feet long with a guest capacity of up to 184, she maintains a sense of exclusivity while offering spacious public areas, exceptional cuisine, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Whether gliding through polar waters or sailing to tropical shores, she delivers an unforgettable combination of exploration, sophistication, and respect for the natural world.

Vessel Type: Luxury

Length: 127 metres

Passenger Capacity: 92 cabins

Built: 2017/2018

Le Lapérouse is the first vessel in the PONANT Explorers series, designed to bring refined luxury to the world’s most remote destinations. With a maximum of 184 guests and 92 beautifully appointed staterooms and suites, the ship combines modern elegance with an intimate atmosphere. Expansive lounges, a theatre, and an infinity pool create inviting spaces for relaxation and connection, while panoramic windows throughout the ship ensure constant connection to the sea. Guests can embark directly from the marina platform for Zodiac excursions or water activities, blending adventure with comfort.

On board, Le Lapérouse celebrates the art of French living with world-class gastronomy, serene wellness facilities, and understated sophistication in every detail. The vessel was built with advanced environmental technology, reflecting a commitment to responsible exploration and preservation of the natural world. Whether cruising through Nordic fjords, Mediterranean coastlines, or tropical archipelagos, Le Lapérouse offers an immersive travel experience where discovery, comfort, and elegance converge.