R008: Baltic

This 12 night cruise on board Aurora takes you to the beautiful cities of Copenhagen, Stockholm, Helsinki, St Petersburg, Tallinn and Bruges.

Experience the fairytale magic of Copenhagen as you soar above Tivoli Gardens in a suspended hot air balloon – or explore Kronberg Castle, the original Elsinore in Shakespeare’s Hamlet. Stockholm is often described as the ‘Venice of the North’ due to its topography, spanning 14 separate islands and myriad small islets, while Helsinki boasts stunning architecture and luscious parks.

In St Petersburg, where you’ll enjoy two full days, you can seek out Catherine the Great’s Palace with its breathtaking white, blue and gold facade, while The Hermitage Museum holds some of Europe’s greatest art. This is Russia at its most dramatic, flamboyant and captivating. Tallinn, in Estonia, offers a fascinating mix of architectural styles, from the spectacular onion domes of the Nevski Russian Orthodox Cathedral to the baroque Toompea Castle in the old town. After experiencing the master chocolatiers and exquisite lace shops of romantic medieval Bruges, you’ll sail home refreshed and rejuvenated.

This is a family cruise which means it coincides with the school holidays, making it ideal if you want to get away with your children.