London to Stockholm: A journey through the Baltic

Welcome to London. With its iconic landmarks, rich history and vibrant cultural mix, the UK capital has an irresistible allure. Your voyage begins at Greenwich, a World Heritage-listed site steeped in maritime history and cultural significance.

This afternoon, board your ultra-luxury Discovery Yacht, Scenic Eclipse II. Be warmly welcomed by the Captain and crew before meeting your butler and settling into your spacious suite.

Scenic Eclipse II will remain docked in London overnight, so you may choose to go ashore for a drink in a traditional English pub or stroll along the river at dusk. Or soak in the breathtaking views from the ship's Sky Deck.

Please book your flight to arrive into London prior to 02:00 PM.

Greenwich, a borough of London, is home to the Royal Observatory. From here, the world’s longitude is measured from the prime meridian, and Greenwich Mean Time sets the global time standard. At the port, the clipper ship Cutty Sark, one of Greenwich’s renowned historic landmarks, is preserved as a fascinating museum. Upriver, London is home to Buckingham Palace, the Houses of Parliament and Westminster Abbey. In addition, this major economic and cultural hub boasts a long tradition of arts and architectural innovation—from Shakespeare’s Globe Theater to West End musicals.

Oostende, a historic Belgian coastal city on the North Sea, boasts sandy beaches, a lively promenade, and a rich maritime heritage. Stroll along the bustling seafront, explore the 19th-century Fort Napoleon, or uncover the city’s fascinating history at its museums and landmarks.

As the seaport for Bruges, Oostende provides easy access to one of Europe’s most picturesque medieval cities. Wander through Bruges’ cobblestone streets and canals, admire the Belfry of Bruges, and discover Flemish masterpieces at the Groeningemuseum.

This morning, Scenic Eclipse II’s elegant and sleek design will take you where other ocean cruise ships are unable to reach, sailing inland along the majestic Elbe River. You’ll be immersed in the breathtaking vistas of lush landscapes and charming towns. Watch the world slip by from your private verandah or join your fellow guests in the Observation Lounge.

As the sun begins to set, sail into Hamburg, Germany's bustling maritime metropolis. Glide past historic landmarks and modern marvels as you approach the vibrant port city. Scenic Eclipse II will be docked here overnight, so you may like to go ashore and visit a traditional beer hall.

Explore the rich heritage of Hamburg, from its maritime history to its modern architectural marvels. Wander along the picturesque waterfront, lined with charming cafes and bustling markets. Delight in the city's cultural treasures, from world-class museums to lively entertainment venues. Dine at cosmopolitan restaurants and trendy cafes where you can experience the city’s innovative food scene.

This evening, picturesque landscapes await as we sail the Elbe River towards Brunsbüttel. Overnight the ship will sail through the famed Kiel Canal, a 98-kilometre marvel of engineering that connects the North Sea and the Baltic Sea.

Hamburg is Germany’s second-largest city with a history dating back to Charlemagne. A major port, this vibrant city is home to art and culture, extensive shopping facilities, Baroque buildings and waterfront vistas. With its well-known fish market, art galleries and Museums together with several beautiful parks including a botanical garden, this is a city with something for everyone. British visitors who remember the Swinging Sixties may like to visit the streets around Grosse Freiheit, where an unknown pop group called The Beatles gave their first public performances in various local clubs before achieving worldwide fame.

By the 11th century, Copenhagen was already an important trading and fishing centre and today you will find an attractive city which, although the largest in Scandinavia, has managed to retain its low-level skyline. Discover some of the famous attractions including Gefion Fountain and Amalienborg Palace, perhaps cruise the city’s waterways, visit Rosenborg Castle or explore the medieval fishing village of Dragoer. Once the home of Hans Christian Andersen, Copenhagen features many reminders of its fairytale heritage and lives up to the reputation immortalised in the famous song ‘Wonderful Copenhagen’.

Today, we arrive in Binz, a picturesque seaside resort on Rügen, Germany’s largest island. Nestled along the Baltic Sea, Binz is famed for its white sand beaches, elegant 19th-century villas, and classic spa-town charm.

Stroll along the Kurhaus Binz and its lively promenade, visit local galleries and museums, or unwind while taking in the stunning coastal scenery. Follow a coastal walk with breathtaking views of the Baltic Sea, or venture into Jasmund National Park, home to the iconic Königsstuhl (King’s Chair) chalk cliffs and ancient beech forests.

One of the oldest cities in Poland, Gdansk dates to the 10th century and has long been at the crossroads of cultures trading across the Baltic Sea. The city was almost completely destroyed during WWII and the old town was painstakingly rebuilt to capture its former beauty. The vibrant facades are adorned with intricate details, while craft shops and boutique amber jewellers offer tempting treasures. The Church of Saint-Mary showcases the city's rich heritage, while the Long Market square features the Artus Court and the Gdansk History Museum.

Gdańsk is widely known as the city of glowing amber and Gothic cathedrals. Its luster harkens back to medieval times when it was one of the most prosperous cities in the Hanseatic League, the mercantile powerhouse of the Baltic. The city’s rich history is on display in the remarkably restored old town, a splendid mix of Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque styles—from the royal residence of Green Gate to the 15th-century Artus Court, a merchant’s palace. Traditional Polish pierogies or a glass of Goldwasser, a liqueur created here during the 16th century, round out any visit.

Come ashore at Visby and you’ll feel as if you’ve stepped into a fairytale. This World Heritage-listed town on the island of Gotland is an exquisite example of Hanseatic architecture and its well-preserved medieval streets will transport you to another time. Explore its narrow laneways lined with timbered houses, winding rose bushes and ancient churches. Marvel at the grand Visby Cathedral, dating to the 13th century, and walk along the striking city walls. There’s also a fascinating Viking history to uncover, with hundreds of graves and treasure hordes discovered near the harbour.

Gotland is Sweden's main holiday island, a place of ancient history, a relaxed summer-party vibe, wide sandy beaches, and wild cliff formations called raukar (the remnants of reefs formed more than 400 million years ago). Measuring 125 km (78 miles) long and 52 km (32 miles) at its widest point, Gotland is where Swedish sheep farming has its home. In its charming glades, 35 varieties of wild orchids thrive, attracting botanists from all over the world.

Mariehamn is the capital of the Aland Island, an autonomous region of Finland. Explore its quaint streets adorned with colourful wooden houses and lush greenery or stroll along the picturesque waterfront promenade. Admire the historic ships at the Maritime Quarter, including the four-masted sailing vessel Pommern, and visit the excellent Aland Maritime Museum.

After lunch, Scenic Eclipse II will set sail to cruise through the breathtaking Stockholm Archipelago, made up of more than 30,000 islands and islets. Arriving in Stockholm, an early dinner at one of up to 10 all-inclusive world-class dining experiences on board could be in order as you prepare to discover the vibrant heart of Sweden's capital city tomorrow.

Mariehamn is the capital of the fractured Åland Islands, an autonomous region of Finland, which encompasses some 6,700 islands and skerries, which spray out across the Gulf of Bothnia towards Sweden. There's ample opportunity to stretch your legs here, with every outdoor activity imaginable available, and you can breathe in the freshest sea air you’ve ever tasted, as you kayak between islands, stroll flower-speckled fields, and sizzle in outdoor hot tubs. Known for being one of the Baltic’s sunniest destinations, you’ll also find a healthy supply of charming beaches, where you can lap up the rays. The region serves as a gateway to the Gulf, and has been a key witness to countless struggles and tussles over the years. It has a proud maritime heritage, and you can take a voyage through the exhibitions of the Aland Maritime Museum to learn more. See the genuine pirate flag on display - which is one of only three known to still be in existence. Its ominous skull and crossbones are sure to shiver your timbers. You can also experience life aboard an ocean-faring ship from Mariehamn's past, as you climb aboard the mighty, four-masted Pommern windjammer ship, which was donated to the museum once World War II had concluded.

Cruising through the Stockholm Archipelago is a breathtaking experience, offering panoramic views of thousands of picturesque islands, charming fishing villages, and lush forests scattered across the Baltic Sea. As the ship glides through these tranquil waters, guests can admire colorful waterfront cottages, historic lighthouses, and the region's unspoiled natural beauty. The peaceful journey provides countless opportunities for photography, wildlife spotting, or simply relaxing on deck while taking in the ever-changing scenery. This scenic passage is often considered one of the highlights of a Baltic cruise, combining serenity, culture, and spectacular Nordic landscapes.

The remarkable city of Stockholm is spread across 14 islands connected by 57 bridges. The capital of Sweden, it’s a place of sophistication and history with each island neighbourhood offering its own unique charm. Spend the day exploring its treasures, from the enchanting medieval streets of Gamla Stan to the imposing Royal Palace and the fascinating Vasa Museum, home to the world’s only intact 17th century ship. Learn about Swedish traditions at Skansen Ecomuseum, join the band at the entertaining and interactive ABBA Museum, and ride the Skyview, a glass-encased gondola, for incredible panoramic views over the city.

Stockholm is a city in the flush of its second youth. Since the mid-1990s, Sweden's capital has emerged from its cold, Nordic shadow to take the stage as a truly international city. What started with entry into the European Union in 1995 gained pace with the extraordinary IT boom of the late 1990s, strengthened with the Skype-led IT second wave of 2003, and solidified with the hedge-fund invasion that is still happening today as Stockholm gains even more global confidence. And despite more recent economic turmoil, Stockholm's 1 million or so inhabitants have, almost as one, realized that their city is one to rival Paris, London, New York, or any other great metropolis.With this realization comes change. Stockholm has become a city of design, fashion, innovation, technology, and world-class food, pairing homegrown talent with an international outlook. The streets are flowing with a young and confident population keen to drink in everything the city has to offer. The glittering feeling of optimism, success, and living in the here and now is rampant in Stockholm.Stockholm also has plenty of history. Positioned where the waters of Lake Mälaren rush into the Baltic, it’s been an important trading site and a wealthy international city for centuries. Built on 14 islands joined by bridges crossing open bays and narrow channels, Stockholm boasts the story of its history in its glorious medieval old town, grand palaces, ancient churches, sturdy edifices, public parks, and 19th-century museums—its history is soaked into the very fabric of its airy boulevards, built as a public display of trading glory.