15 Night Ultimate Denmark, Germany & Sweden Cruise

Bruges offers the best of both worlds: a European cultural hub and, not far beyond, a seafront paradise. Often called the Venice of the North, the capital of Belgium's West Flanders province is lined with canals, bridges and historic buildings. One of Europe's best-preserved medieval towns, Bruges' historic town center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Belgium cruises give you access to the lively market square and see the Belfry of Bruges, a popular piece of Middle Ages architecture. Encounter the city's other personality in Zeebrugge — or "Bruges on sea." This international port and seafront resort is home to cafes, a beach and a marina.

In Skagen, Denmark's northernmost town, you'll find a wind-swept region with pure white-sand beaches. Called the Land of Light, the area's natural beauty and unique light has long attracted artists. Skagen's lively town center is full of shops, museums and cafes serving up famous Danish open-faced sandwiches topped with horseradish cream, pickled herring and fresh shrimp. Duck into to the Skagen Museum, where you'll find paintings, graphics and ceramics by regional artists. Cruise to Skagen, Denmark and stop by the famous Sand-Covered Church, Denmark's largest migrating dune, which is continually re-shaped due to the strong and often competing winds coming off the seas. Then, explore the town by bike: With a flat landscape, Skagen is perfect for discovering on two wheels.

Soak up some sun in Warnemunde, home to some of Germany's best beaches. The fine, sugar-white sand goes on for 15 kilometers along the pristine blue waters of Baltic Sea. Head to popular West Beach and relax in one of the many striped Strandkorben — canopied wicker chairs. Or check out quieter East Beach, lined by high sand dunes. Cruise to Berlin, Germany to watch the waves crash against 19th-century Warnemunde Lighthouse. Then, make your way to the Alte Strom, where you can stroll along the quaint promenade and buy fresh fish straight off the fishing cutters. Take in the salty air of this sleepy fishing village, and savor the relaxed pace of life. Sample fresh-caught seafood, try a local brew and do some people-watching in one of the outdoor beer gardens.

Latvia's historical capital is an architecture buff's dream come true. The Gothic structures in the Old Town and the Art Nouveau buildings scattered around the city meld together to create a modern-day fairy tale. Wander the narrow cobblestone streets, and step back into the 14th century. Stroll into the bustling Riga Central Market and sample the bright, colorful produce and local products like hemp butter and amber jewelry. Or wander through the street stalls to taste some traditional Latvian cuisine — fried lampreys, a prehistoric jawless fish that's flavor is less scary than it looks. Cruise to Riga and don't miss the city's iconic site, the House of the Blackheads, the former home of a merchant's guild and expression of Riga's medieval roots.

Tallinn's fairy-tale castles, cobbled streets and warm hospitality remain one of Europe's best-kept secrets. Head to the city's Old Town, where you can see medieval Raekoja Plats (Town Hall Square) and wander hidden passageways between 17th- and 18th-century earthwork forts. Tour the ornate Orthodox Cathedral of St. Alexander Nevsky, full of detailed mosaics and traditional icons. Take a foray to the unspoiled Baltic coastline just outside Tallinn — check out popular Pirita or quiet Kakumae. Later, stop into one of Tallinn's iconic cellar restaurants to fuel up on hearty Estonian fare like mulgipuder, a porridge of barley and potatoes flavored with smoky bacon.

Finland's capital is a laid-back but vibrant seaside city, surrounded on three sides by sea and tiny islands. Stroll to the heart of Helsinki to its bustling kauppatori, or market square. Admire the graceful 19th-century buildings and Havis Amanda, the lovely mermaid statue commonly regarded as the symbol of Finland. Continue to Temppeliaukio, an astonishing rock-carved church. Finish the day at a local restaurant with a dish of fresh-caught white fish with new potatoes. Join a Helsinki cruise and head to the hip Kallio neighborhood to explore Helsinki's nightlife — you'll discover a host of spots ranging from cocktail lounges to rock music venues all within walking distance from each other.

As you explore Stockholm — the stylish Swedish capital, built across 14 islands connected by 57 bridges — you'll notice water and green space are never far away. Stroll through Gamla Stan, the colorful medieval Old Town, with its imposing royal palace and looming cathedrals. Browse the little shops and art galleries that line the narrow streets, or take a break in one of the many trendy cafes. Visit the large City Hall, the site of the Nobel Prize banquet, with its austere brick exterior accented by playful Venetian turrets and decorated balconies. Don't miss the grand Vasa Ship Museum — you'll see an almost-intact 17th-century warship — and Skansen, the world's first open-air museum, both located on the island of Djurgarden.

A small town on the island of Gotland in the Baltic Sea, Visby was a popular trading spot during the Viking Age. Today, it's Sweden's sunniest vacation destination and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Explore the 3.5 km Ringmuren (Ring Wall), built in the 13th Century, and see its 50 towers and surrounding moats. Snap shots of the idyllic red rose-covered cottages, the ruined Gothic churches and the 13th-century Saint Maria Cathedral. If would like to know more about the island's history, don't miss the excellent Gotland Museum. Cruise to Visby and head 20 kilometers south to the Tofta Viking Village, a Viking-era settlement reconstructed around authentic ancient monuments.

When your cruise docks Klaipeda, on Lithuania's Curoanian coast, you might feel as if you've stepped into another world. One of Europe's best-kept beach secrets, Klapeida is as much about pristine scenery as it is the intricate Fachwerk architecture of its charming Old Town. Here you'll find the Curonian Spit sandbar and the sparkling Curoanian Lagoon just behind it. The smell of fresh sea air will invigorate you as you ascend the 13th-century remains of Klaipeda Castle with Baltic cruises. Later, dig into a plate of fish dumplings at a charming portside restaurant.

Nestled in the glittering blue waters of the Baltic Sea between Denmark, Sweden, Germany and Poland, Bornholm is a favorite getaway among Scandinavians craving a break from the bustle of city life. This idyllic Danish isle goes by many names, too — some call it “Sunshine Island” because of its clear blue skies and mild weather, and “Rock Island” because of its dramatic granite formations, which store heat during the summer. You won’t find any big towns or crowds here, even during season — just quaint dairy farms, colorful half-timbered houses, Nordic round churches, and beautiful windswept coasts. The busiest spot on the island is Rønne, your gateway to the rest of Bornholm, but even this main port moves at slow, serene pace.

Kiel's identity has always been linked to the sea. While the city was officially founded in 1242 CE, it had been used as a port long before. Hidden at the end of a long, protective fjord, Kiel is a natural refuge for ships and their weary sailors. Every year, the waters host Kiel Week, the largest sailing event in the world, with thousands of sailboats in the Kiel Fjord ready to celebrate and race in regattas. Watching the race is one of the best things to do in Kiel, Germany. Boats both big and small can be admired from the Kiel Harbor, Kiel Canal and Kiel Maritime Museum. The seafood found here is some of the freshest in Germany, and charming fish houses welcome travelers with a plate of smoked delicacies and a glass of cold beer. When it's time to unwind, long stretches of white sand beaches await along the Kiel Fjord, where there's enough space for beachcombers to find a spot to themselves. Most of Kiel was destroyed during World War II, making it one of the most modern cities in Northern Germany, but you'll find its old town flair tucked in between the shops, restaurants and the Kiel City Museum on Dänische Straße.