Copenhagen to Stockholm Ultra Luxury Voyage

Perched upon a rock in the harbor, the Little Mermaid welcomes all to this lively, fun-loving city of Danes, said to be some of the happiest people in the world. From the fabulous food and fresh water to free education, free healthcare and a 37-hour work week, this is a society firmly focused on the good life, and its capital is a joy to explore. From an outstanding assembly of modern architecture, world-class museums and charming canals to the lively streets of the Old Town that wind through the world's oldest kingdom, Copenhagen has it all, not to mention 15 Michelin-starred restaurants and the Stroget, the world's longest pedestrian shopping street offering the very best in Scandinavian design.

Located on Germany's Baltic shore at the mouth of the Trave River, this seaside resort town feels charmingly nostalgic with rows of striped wicker beach chairs, wide sands, and a breezy promenade lined with ice cream stalls and cafes. Maritime history is close at hand; the Passat, a four-masted barque from 1911, is moored as a floating museum. Travemunde also serves as a gateway to Lubeck, just 30 minutes inland, whose red-brick Gothic gables and spires earned UNESCO World Heritage status. Here, the legacy of the Hanseatic League lives on in merchant houses, medieval warehouses, and the Holstentor gate, while renowned marzipan shops sweeten the city's story.

Military-maritime heritage, friendly ambiance, and easy access to outdoor adventures are all part of the urban fabric and Karlskrona. Only here, for example, can you paddle around a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve while admiring the well-preserved architecture and fortifications of a 17th-century UNESCO World Heritage City. In 1680, King Karl XI chose Sweden's most southern archipelago for a new base for his Royal Navy, stretching over 33 islands. The island of Trosso stands as the Baroque heart of the city with the elegant and expansive town square at its highest point, including landmarks such as the Town Hall, Fredrik's Church, and The Church of the Holy Trinity with its ornately domed ceiling. Many sights are walking distance from the town center and the pier, including the modern Naval Museum and the charming Bjorkholmen district, once home to many dockworkers and shipbuilders.

With a day at sea, enjoy the unique opportunity to unplug and relax into the unhurried life on board. Enjoy a workout with a view at the gym, indulge in a relaxing spa treatment, watch the sky transform at sunset from The Observation Lounge, or find an intimate alcove in The Living Room and lose yourself in a favorite book.

The capital and largest city of Finland, Helsinki is a rich cultural hub filled with museums, galleries and theaters, including the Ateneum's collection of nearly 30,000 masterpieces of visual art. When Russia took control of Finland from Sweden in the 19th century, Helsinki was rebuilt with a neoclassical city center featuring handsome boulevards, plentiful parks and expansive squares with spectacular architecture, most notably Senate Square. The bustling Market Square on the waterfront sells local crafts and produce and is a great place to stop into a cafe for some traditional salmon soup with a side of dark rye bread. The islands that constitute the surrounding archipelago are as integral to Helsinki as the mainland, all protected by the imposing 18th-century fortress of Suomenlinna. A 20 minute ferry ride brings visitors to this UNESCO World Heritage site that includes multiple museums and lush parkland.

Designated a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Old Town of Tallinn is one of the best-preserved medieval cities in Europe. An entire day can easily be spent exploring the churches, homes and public buildings constructed from the 13th to 16th centuries by wealthy German merchants of the Hanseatic League. Other periods of history are represented by the soaring spire of St. Olafs Church, dating to the 12th century and dedicated to the King of Norway, and the distinctive onion domes of Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, built in the late 19th century under the reign of the Russian Empire. Across from the cathedral, Toompea Castle rises over the Upper Old Town, while in the Lower Old Town, the Gothic town hall anchors a maze of streets filled with artisan shops, monasteries and guild halls. After exploring the medieval city, enjoy a relaxing stroll through the well-manicured gardens of Kadriorg Park and stop into the art museum housed there in an 18th century Russian palace.

You'll want to be on deck when sailing in and out of the Aland Islands, as this Finnish archipelago of more than 6,500 islands is simply spectacular. Mariehamn is the capital, a picturesque, laid-back town of 11,000 residents with a hospitable islander lifestyle and a strong maritime culture. Mariehamn was once the home of the worlds largest fleet of oceanic sailing ships, and a stroll through the Maritime Quarter reveals boat building workshops and smithy and craft shops. Named Finland's best museum in 2016, the Maritime Museum offers excellent insight into Aland's maritime heritage. Moored beside it is the Pommern, one of the world's last merchant sailing ships, just waiting to be explored. Or visit the Bomarsund Fortress ruins just a half hour from town. Together with Kastelholm Castle, the fortress bears witness to the heyday of the Swedish Kingdom and the golden years of the Russian Empire.

The approach to Sweden's capital city of Stockholm, through the untouched nature of the archipelago, is breathtaking. Spread over 14 islands, Stockholm is called "The City That Floats on Water." Not surprisingly, 57 bridges traverse the city. Start your tour at Djurgarden, an island that was once the hunting grounds of the king and is now home to the fascinating Vasa Museum, housing the world's only preserved 17th-century warship. Stockholm has 70 museums, including the world's oldest open-air museum, the Skansen. Explore the narrow streets and medieval buildings of Gamla Stan, the Old Town founded in the 13th century. Stockholm also gives you access to three UNESCO World Heritage sites: the Viking outpost of Birka, the unique cemetery of Skogskyrkogarden, and Drottningholm Palace, which has been home to the royal family since 1662.