Baltic Sea Cruise - from Leith / Edinburgh - 119108

Leith is the name of Edinburgh's port. Proud Edinburgh Castle, where visitors can view the regalia of the Scottish kings, stands tall over the city. From here you can go down the Royal Mile to the medieval old town with its impressive houses. This fine street leading from the castle is a real "high" street. Well-preserved medieval buildings line the cobble stoned streets, so steeped in history, that lead down to Holyrood Castle. St. Giles cathedral lies on the way, the cathedral of John Knox and "Kill Joy", the great Scots of the Reformation. It was here that Knox preached his "Book of Discipline", which became one of the foundations upon which the Scots presbyterian church was built.

The Venice of the North! Along the canals and waterways and in the winding streets between the stepped gable houses, Amsterdam has a cosy but cosmopolitan flair. Idyllic pavement cafés, lively flea markets, the Anne Frank House, the Rijks- or Van-Gogh-Museum and many, many galleries and shops selling products designed and made by young designers and artists.

Copenhagen is not only the capital of Denmark, but also the most multifaceted city in Scandinavia. A quarter of all Danes live in and around Copenhagen and yet the city remains, essentially, clearly laid out and easy to navigate. The massive bridge over the Bresund connecting Denmark with Sweden means Copenhagen has become an even more important hub in Scandinavia in the new millenium. Visitors from all over the world come to Copenhagen to have fun at Tivoli, to see the mermaid, the changing of the guard at the Queen's castle and much much more besides. Sights include: Vor Frelser Kirke (Our Saviour's Church), the round tower, the town hall, the little mermaid, Tivoli, the commodity exchange, Denmark's Royal Library, Thorvaldsen Museum, Amalienborg castle, and Tycho Brahes Planetarium.

The medieval capital of the island of Bornholm is steeped in history. Even today, there are many relics that remind us of the age of the Vikings. Pearly beaches in the South and the craggy coastline of the North, made entirely of granite, shape the Danish island in the Baltic sea. Bornholm's landmark are the four round fortified church towers dating from the 12th century. The cityscape of Rönnes is characterised by the large number of well-preserved half-timbered houses, which are a must-see. Shops, galleries, cafés and restaurants can be found all around the busy squares of Lille Torv and Store Torv. At the Bornholm Museum, visitors can discover the history of the farmers, sailors and fishermen and gain an insight into their many longstanding traditions.

The port of Gdynia is famous for its large wharfs and the vibrant streets lined with many designer boutiques, bars and cafés. The town is built atop seven hills and is bordered by the long North Sea beach and the forests of Poland. The cultural capital of Poland hosts the international jazz festival "Gdynia Summer Jazz Days" in June and the Polish Film Festival at the end of September. It also holds frequent sailing regattas during the summer months. Sights include: the pier at "Skwer Kosciuszki", the war ship "Blyskawica" (which has been converted into a museum), the frigate "Dar Pomorze" and the Oceanographic Museum.

Visby's picturesque half-timbered houses nestle enclosed by the 3.6 km long medieval city wall - the only one in Scandinavia The imposing warehouses dating from the Hanseatic area, ruins covered in ivy and the high towers of St. Mary's church all stand taller than the city wall. Visby does not simply dwell on its historic past; it is a very vibrant town with many festivals, a busy yacht and ferry port and a sandy beach directly by the gates of the defensive wall. The sights are close to one another and the best way to explore this old Hanseatic city is on foot. The wide range of cultural activities, festivals and other events, ranging from traditional folk dancing to rock concerts, from mystery plays to avantgarde music, from antiques markets to art exhibitions, mean there is something to suit every taste. Sights include: the city wall, Fornsal museum, St. Mary's church, church ruins.

The Latvian capital of Riga has been restored to its former glory. Its old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Old merchants' houses, the National Opera and splendid Art Nouveau buildings have been renovated and restored and now adorn the broad avenues and boulevards. The symbol of Latvian freedom and the town's landmark is the statue "Milda", which sits enthroned on a magnificent obelisk. Latvian specialities are on offer in the five lively market halls. At night, the old town, which is a car-free zone, reverberates with life. Wide white beaches are also a part of Riga's city area. Sights include: the old town, St. Peter's church, "Blackheads' house", the new guild hall, the town hall and the cathedral.'

Stockholm with its fantastic location at the mouth of the Mälaren at the Baltic Sea is a mixture of illustrious beauty and regal splendour, a vibrant modern city with a historical charm. Built over 14 islands, it is considered to be one of the most beautiful capital cities in Europe. Opulent buildings, park areas, an inner city with countless old alleyways and historic sites and a rich cultural heritage are what make Stockholm so special. In addition, the water in Stockholm is so clean that you can even go swimming and fishing in the middle of the city! The old town is surrounded by beautiful old houses and the royal palace, which has been the home of the Swedish kings and queens since the 12th century. Sights include: Stor Church and Riddarholm Church, the old town, the castle, the parliament building, the town hall, Drottningholm castle, the Wasa Museum with the wreck of the "Wasa" ship and the outdoor museum at Skansen.