Join PONANT and Smithsonian Journeys for an extraordinary 8-day Baltic Sea voyage aboard the luxury small ship Le Champlain. A highlight of this journey is an exclusive onboard discussion with former Polish President and Nobel laureate Lech Wałęsa in Gdansk, offering profound insight into Poland’s path to independence.
Begin in Helsinki, then sail to Tallinn’s UNESCO-listed Old Town, Stockholm’s Gamla Stan, and medieval Visby on Gotland. Explore the UNESCO-listed Curonian Peninsula from Klaipeda, experience Bornholm’s medieval charm, and conclude in Copenhagen, home to Christiansborg Palace.
Enjoy excursions in each port, discussions with two Smithsonian Journeys Experts, and visits to four UNESCO sites. Savor regional cuisine, explore centuries-old architecture, and engage with local traditions, from Hanseatic history to Baltic folklore. With seamless transfers and thoughtfully curated experiences, this voyage offers an unparalleled exploration of Northern Europe’s rich heritage.
Extend your trip on either end with a pre-Tour in Helsinki, or a post-tour in Copenhagen.
Trip Itinerary
Day 1. August 2nd - Depart Gateway
Day 2. August 3rd - Arrive Helsinki, Finland/Embark Le Champlain
Day 3. August 4th - Tallinn, Estonia
Day 4. August 5th - Stockholm, Sweden
Day 5. August 6th - Visby/Gotland, Sweden
Day 6. August 7th - Klaipeda, Lithuania
Day 7. August 8th - Gdansk, Poland
Day 8. August 9th - Gudhjem/Bornholm, Denmark
Day 9. August 10th - Copenhagen, Denmark / DisembarkTrip Highlights
- Engaging onboard discussions with two Smithsonian Journeys experts.
- Exclusive presentation and discussion with former President of Poland and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Lech Wałęsa in Gdansk.
- Voyage through six countries along the Baltic Sea: Finland, Estonia, Sweden, Lithuania, Poland, and Denmark.
- Visit four UNESCO World Heritage sites:
- The Historic Center (Old Town) of Tallinn
- Drottningholm Palace near Stockholm
- The natural Curonian Peninsula in Lithuania
- The Hanseatic Town of Visby.