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Estonia’s capital is a fascinating mix of Scandinavian sleek, Soviet-era concrete and medieval Hanseatic city. Tumbling down Toompea Hill, the historic Old Town is a maze of narrow, cobblestone streets and alleyways, turrets and spires. Wrapped within the original medieval wall, which is studded with imaginatively named towers, the Castle, onion-domed Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Town Hall Square and Gothic Town Hall survive along with the aura of the 14th and 15th centuries. Just outside the city Rocca al Mare is an open-air museum of Estonia’s rural architecture from the 18th to the 20th centuries.

Peter the Great founded St. Petersburg in 1703 as his ‘Window on the West’. Drawing inspiration from Europe, the Russian Tsar and his successors created an extraordinary city on the banks of the River Neva with opulent palaces, ornate churches and splendid parks all part of the supremely elegant architectural ensemble. The magnificent Hermitage and its priceless treasures of art, grandeur of Catherine’s Palace at Pushkin and gilded fountains in the gardens at Peterhof illustrate the lavish lifestyle of Russia’s former ruling elite. The birthplace of Russian ballet, St. Petersburg is the perfect place to take in the performing arts.

Lying on the southern tip of Södertörn, Nynäshamn only took shape in 1898 with the start of the building of the Nynäsbanan railway, which connected the then Parish of Ösmo with Stockholm. Today’s modern town is a gateway to Sweden’s 700-year old capital and optional excursions feature the highlights of the city often described as ‘beauty on water’. Discover Gamla Stan the enchanting medieval Old Town, Stockholm’s magnificent fortress-like City Hall and the marvellous Vasa Museum built around the 17th century warship that sank in Stockholm’s inner harbour on its maiden voyage.
 

The largest city in Scandinavia, capital of Denmark for over 600 years and home to the world’s oldest monarchy, Copenhagen is the most charming of Baltic cities. Beautiful parks and gardens, attractive 17th and 18th century buildings, grand castles and the elegant Amalienborg Palace – home to the reigning Queen Margrethe II, grace the city that is laced with a labyrinth of winding canals. Cafes and restaurants spill out of brightly coloured townhouses onto the cobblestone streets in historic Nyhavn. The atmospheric waterfront area is a popular meeting place along with the world’s oldest entertainment park Tivoli Gardens.