Day 1
Mon 10 May · Embarkation 12:00 – 15:00 · Departure 18:00
Day 3
Wed 12 May, 08:00 – 17:00
Helsinki fuses urban design with a nourishing dose of nature. Nordic architecture merges with an archipelago of over 300 islands, an eco-friendly farm and a National Park. Get your Scandi style fix in Design District and feast on the neoclassical architecture of Senate Square, crowned by the frosted peaks of Helsinki Cathedral. Sustainability is central to Helsinki, where wellbeing thrives with inviting beaches, coastal kayaking and lake-side hiking. Roam to neighbouring Haikko, cook on a private island, fly by helicopter, feed reindeer and seek wellbeing in verdant Finnish forests.
Day 4-5
Stockholm, Sweden
Overnight
Thu 13 May, Arrival 09:00 · Fri 14 May, Departure 16:00
Spanning 14 islands linked by more than 50 bridges, Sweden’s capital is often called the Venice of the North. A city where waterways and heritage blend effortlessly, Stockholm invites exploration on foot or by bicycle. Discover the cobbled charm of Gamla Stan, home to the narrow Mårten Trotzigs Gränd and the stately City Hall. Step inside the remarkable Vasa Museum to see the 17th-century warship that lay beneath the sea for over 300 years, or visit Skansen — the world’s first open-air museum — for a glimpse into Swedish traditions. Across the water at Drottningholm Palace, the royal residence, the 18th-century Court Theatre still preserves its original stage machinery. Finally, stroll along the elegant Strandvägen waterfront, lined with grand townhouses and yachts gently swaying in the harbour.
Day 6
Sat 15 May, 09:00 – 17:00
Romantic and revered, Tallinn boasts one of the best-preserved UNESCO old towns bursting with medieval magic. Hundreds of years of conquests and cross-culture history all fuel its current burgeoning status as one of Europe’s most desirable jewels. Stoll cobbled alleys; squeeze through St. Catherine’s Passage; scout the 13th century Toompea Castle. Hop two wheels to explore the national park and shore then have a Soviet flashback in the posh Kadriorg Palace (built for Catherine I) or below the black domes of Alexander Nevsky Cathedral.
Day 7
Sun 16 May, 09:00 – 18:00
Visit Visby on the island of Gotland for authentic Swedish riches. Well-preserved walls protect the city and set the scene for what lies within. You’ll be warmly welcomed with cuisine, culture, nature and Viking archaeology. With a long history and UNESCO World Heritage ruins dating back to the 12th century, this orderly medieval town rejoices in being one of Scandinavia’s best-preserved towns. Roam peaceful streets on foot or by bike to boutiques selling warm woollens for winter and shelves laden with local crafts. Visit the lengthy Lummelunda Cave in a nature reserve, experience the traditional Swedish coffee ritual and taste beer at the local brewery. Soak up the history and atmosphere in well-groomed Visby for a slice of time gone by.
Day 8
Mon 17 May, 09:00 – 20:00
The beautiful harbour town of Rønne is housed on the rocky island of Bornholm, home to narrow streets lined with merchant timber houses and small craft shops proudly displaying creative passion. Gently stroll to the heart of the art scene at Hjorths Fabrik museum and join workshops to create your own ceramic artefacts. In contrast to the bustling harbour, discover the fascinating street food market and cruise across waters in a private yacht. Charming and romantic, use a bike and roll around this pretty town at your own pace.
Day 9
Tue 18 May, 08:00 – 20:00
Rejoice in one of the happiest and most vibrant capital cities in the world. Relax like a local alongside joyful Danes and varied culture; the Gefion Fountain, the Little Mermaid statue, Old Citadel, the Amalien Palace with four Rococo buildings, medieval history, charming fishing villages, leading examples of sustainable living and – of course – flaky Danish pastries. Cycling is the preferred way to shuttle across town and it’s well worth the pedal to enjoy the trendy, cosy neighbourhood of Norrebro, Christiansborg Palace and the waterfront home of Christian Andersen. Genuine, vibrant and welcoming… rather like the smiles of those that live here.
Day 10
Wed 19 May, 08:00 – 18:00
A historic Nordic hub that lives like a quaint neighbourhood, Aarhus is Denmark’s second-largest city where old-world charms mingle with vibrant modern marvels. See where art and engineering intersect at ARoS Art Museum, a free space for unequalled creativity that goes beyond traditional thinking. Travel into the past in Den Gamle By (The Old Town) which recreates Denmark’s long history or head to the architecturally dramatic Moesgaard Museum with a mummified bog body man and Iron Age artifacts. Hop a bike and pedal to picture-perfect places including cobbled Møllestien Street, The Dome Skyspace, or cosy Latin Quarter for cool Scan designs. Cap off the day with a stroll up high-street Strøget for rooftop cocktails at fashionable Salling.
Day 11
Thu 20 May, 08:00 – 20:00
Once a quasi-pirate lair, quaint Lysekil awaits nestled amongst a leeward network of inlets and fjords on Sweden’s wild western shore. Today, this fanciful fishing village begets a civilised sanctuary of sustainable culinary, wellness, and natural riches to explore. Set off on an oyster safari, wend through an organic vineyard, take a traditional “fika” break of coffee, tea and biscuits. Plunge into cold waters of Gullmaren then warm up in wood-fired sauna or climb red bohus granite formations at Stångehuvud Nature Reserve. Touch starfish and urchins at Havets Hus Saltwater Aquarium or stroll through its tunnel that teases with views of sharks and octopuses. Find peace beneath the rose window of the hand-honed granite Church or imagine yourself as a well-heeled Swedish socialite frequenting the burnt-orange Curman Villas.
Day 12
Fri 21 May, 08:00 – 23:55
Not many cities are greener – in habitat or sustainability – than Oslo. With over half Norway’s capital city being covered by forests and parks, it’s only natural that the fjord creeps into the city centre. Nature aside, there’s so much more to explore; music, museums, opera, the Vigeland Sculpture Park and one of the world’s most beautiful libraries. Learn about the works of Edvard Munch and the importance of climate change or attend a private aquavit tasting and the Royal Palace. Embark on an aquatic safari, boat jaunt or bike tour. Then consider concluding your day with a classic finish – plunge fjord deep in for some stimulating cold-water therapy. They say these organic city waters are as clean as they are unique.
Day 14
Sun 23 May, 08:00 – 23:00
Known as the gateway to the world and bearing the most bridges, immerse yourself with Hamburgers to the sound of canals and cuisine, architecture and music. Prepare to be submerged in culture; from affluent villas to modest Almshouses, the last castle, an inner-city lake, a floating landing platform, the neo-Renaissance Town hall, an industrial underground tunnel and baroque masterpiece, St Nicholas Church. Wander to the solid brick warehouse district of UNESCO Hafen City; touch the shining wave of glass of the futuristic Elbphilharmonie, listen to crystal clear acoustics that pair with Sydney’s Opera House and enjoy views of the River Elbe. Hamburg offers unique, memorable entertainment – for all your senses.
Day 15
Mon 24 May
With more time to reflect, rejuvenate, and embrace the Ocean State of Mind, days at sea with Explora Journeys invite moments of unhurried exploration. Against a backdrop of endless blue, indulge in a varied programme of wellness, dining and entertainment, enriching the mind and indulging the senses, designed to satisfy even the most curious of minds. These moments at sea offer a rare chance to disconnect from the outside world and reconnect with yourself and your loved ones. With so many onboard experiences, each day at sea is unique and memorable.
Day 16
Southampton, United Kingdom
Tue 25 May· Arrival 07:00 · Disembarkation 08:15 – 09:30
Sail into this vibrant quay with enough shops and entertainment to form its own village. Modern and lively, this coastal town bustles with waterfront restaurants, heritage charm, bars, cinemas and offers great access to other spots in the South of England. Sit back and drift through heavenly countryside to ancient Stonehenge, see if the King is at home in Windsor, learn secrets from the Bombay Sapphire gin distillery or slip up to London for some rich British culture. Then enjoy a cup of tea as you reflect on formal traditions, perfect your cockney accent and recall England’s green and pleasant lands.
