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Day 1: Copenhagen, Denmark
Arrive in Copenhagen. Enjoy lunch and stop to see the famous "Little Mermaid" statue, which honours the work of Denmark's favourite author, Hans Christian Andersen. Embark the National Geographic Explorer and enjoy a welcome dinner on board tonight. L D
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Day 2: Lübeck, Germany
Today the ship turns toward the northern coast of Germany, and makes its way into the canals of Lübeck, the medieval capital of the Hanseatic League. Glide along the canals on a boat ride, examine the Hanseatic and Renaissance architecture, and take a walking tour after lunch. B L D
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Day 3: Christiansø and Bornholm Islands, Denmark
Travel by Zodiac to the small island of Christiansø. Wander through an artists' village that occupies the site of an 18th-century castle. Continue to the larger island of Bornholm, and explore the ruins of Denmark's largest fortress. B L D
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Day 4: Gdansk, Poland
Poland's Solidarity movement was born in the Gdansk shipyards. Today, visit the Monument to the Fallen Shipyard Workers and a museum detailing the history of the fall of communism in Poland. In Gdansk's charming Old Town, tour Artus Court, a magnificent 15th-century guildhall. Then, by special arrangement, meet with the former President of Poland and Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Lech Walesa. B L D
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Day 5: Klaipeda, Lithuania
Arrive in Klaipeda, the primary port with red-roofed 19th century buildings. Travel to Palarga, visiting a lavish estate which houses the celebrated Amber Museum. B L D
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Day 6: Riga, Latvia
A member of the Hanseatic League, Riga is renowned for its architectural diversity—a combination of romantic, art nouveau, neo- Gothic, neo-baroque, and ultramodern styles. Venture into its 14th-century castle, and take a walk around the Great Guild Hall Square in the heart of the old city. B L D
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Day 7: Visby, Sweden
Known as the "city of ruins and roses," Visby was once an important Viking trading post and has been inhabited for more than 5,000 years. Browse an impressive collection of Viking artifacts at the Fornsal Museum, explore the walled old city, and wander through a display of local flora at the botanical gardens. B L D
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Day 8: Swedish Archipelago
We navigate the enchanting islands of the archipelago, then go ashore and soak up the Swedish landscape. B L D
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Day 9: Stockholm, Sweden
Visit the famed Vasa Museum to see its notorious 17th-century warship, and stroll the cobbled streets of Old Town Gamla Stan. B L D
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Day 10: Mariehamn, Aland Islands, Finland
Politically part of Finland, linguistically Swedish, and culturally autonomous, the Aland islanders are proud inhabitants of a naturally beautiful archipelago that is also home to a wonderful maritime museum. Explore by foot, as well as Zodiac and kayak. B L D
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Day 11: Tallinn, Estonia
Enclosed by walls and turrets, Tallinn's Hanseatic Old Town is one of the Baltics' best preserved medieval cities. On a walking tour of this UNESCO World Heritage site, stroll past the bustling cafés and galleries of the Town Hall Square, and visit the Church of St. Nicholas. From the top of Dome Hill, gaze at a skyline that bristles with pointed gables and spires. If you wish, have dinner ashore and explore the city by night. B L D
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Day 12: St. Petersburg, Russia
As the Explorer noses into the port of St. Petersburg, take in views of this glorious city. Visit the opulent Catherine Palace in Pushkin, and attend an optional musical performance in Catherine the Great's private theatre at the Hermitage this evening. B L
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Day 13-14: St. Petersburg, Russia
Experience Peter the Great's spectacular "window to the West" during the next two days. Step into the Peter and Paul Fortress, the burial place of most modern tsars, and visit the golden-domed St. Isaac's Cathedral. Admire the treasures of the Hermitage Museum and explore the cascading fountains of the summer palace at Petrodvorets. B L D
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Day 15: St. Petersburg, Russia
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for onward arrangements. B