Cruising the Great Port Cities of Scandinavia and Russia

 
Gracious European capitals steeped in culture await you on a cruise of the major Scandinavian and Russian cities that rim the North and Baltic Seas.

 
A cruise is a truly ideal way to see these northern cities: after you check into your stateroom or suite, you can simply relax and sail between cities in style and comfort. Popular ports of call include Oslo, Copenhagen, Stockholm, Helsinki and St. Petersburg, with time in each to see the sights, sample local cuisine and shop for souvenirs.

 
Many visitors find Oslo, Norway, to be surprisingly green, surrounded by forested hills. While the city has been destroyed by fire several times, some remnants of its medieval past remain, along with beautiful modern churches, museums and parks. You can see real Viking ships in one of the three fascinating museums on the Bygdoy Peninsula just south of the city.

 
Copenhagen, Denmark, is situated where the North and Baltic Seas join. A simple fishing village when it was founded in 1167, Copenhagen’s castles, cathedrals and fountains now co-exist with a very modern lifestyle. One of the city’s most famous sights is Tivoli Gardens and Amusement Park, decorated with thousands of colored lights.

 
Water views abound in Stockholm, Sweden, which is built on 14 islands. The narrow cobblestone streets of the Gamla Stan neighborhood are lined with historic buildings that house boutiques, cafés and restaurants. Old Town and the City Hall, site of the annual Nobel Prize banquet, are worth exploring, too.

 
The city of Helsinki reflects the Finnish love of graceful, imaginative architecture. While two magnificent cathedrals are landmarks, a third church worth seeing – the Temppeliaukio or Rock Church – is not so obvious, having been built inside a huge granite boulder.

 
In 1703, Peter the Great laid the cornerstone of a fortress on the Neva River. By 1712, the city of St. Petersburg emerged as the Russian capital and home of the royal family. The city’s imperial past is still echoed by its breathtaking cathedrals and palaces. The Hermitage, which includes the Winter Palace, is an exceptional museum with scores of exhibits. Royal Caribbean and Celebrity ships dock overnight in St. Petersburg, allowing more time to experience the city.

 
With all these cities and more to see on a cruise to Scandinavia and Russia, contact Cruise Holidays for additional information and let’s start planning your next cruise vacation.