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Iconic Capitals & Towns of the Baltic

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Balcony
$7,880
Suite
$13,360
* Port charges, taxes and fees included
 Cruise Length
9 Days
 Cruise Starts
Helsinki
 Cruise Finishes
Copenhagen
9 Day Iconic Capitals & Towns of the Baltic Itinerary (Ponant)
Countries Explored: Finland, Estonia, Sweden, Poland, Denmark
Cruise Line
Ponant
Ship
Ship Class
Ponant Explorers
Departures
Passengers
184
Crew
118
Launched
2018
Cruise Code
HELCPH8.1

Overview

At the heart of the Baltic Sea, discover the emblematic towns and capitals of the region, a blend of History and sumptuous landscapes. During this 9-day cruise aboard Le Champlain fall under the spell of the majestic panoramas of northern Europe.

Over the course of your trip, at every port of call each guest will be able to choose one included excursion from the selection offered by PONANT. During this cruise, enjoy a visit to Gdansk and fall under the spell of the music at a Chopin concert; dive into the history and tunes of ABBA from Stockholm; or attend a folkloric show in Tallinn....read more The range of experiences on offer promises intense and varied moments (for the full list of excursions, click on the Itinerary tab).

Your cruise will start at Helsinki. Located on a peninsula surrounded by almost 300 islands, the verdant capital of Finland will charm you with its Art Nouveau architecture. You will visit Tallinn, emblematic city of the Hanseatic League, the large trading network that dominated the Baltic Sea for several centuries. Listed as UNESCO Heritage Site, this once opulent city still has remarkably well-preserved public buildings, merchant houses and warehouses.

On Saaremaa, dive into the complex history of this island, Estonia’s largest. First invaded by the Vikings, it became Danish then Swedish before being taken by the Russian Empire and later occupied by the Germans. In 1991, it finally became Estonian when the country gained its independence. Le Champlain will then chart a course for Stockholm. Built on water, the Swedish capital embraces nature, which is omnipresent there. Its blend of medieval architecture, colourful houses and trendy neighbourhoods makes it a particularly enjoyable city to visit.

You will then sail to the Swedish island of Gotland and call at Visby, a site that was important for the Hanseatic League in the Baltic Sea around the 13th century. UNESCO Heritage Site, this once opulent city still has remarkably well-preserved ramparts, public buildings, merchant houses and warehouses.

Your ship will then call at Gdansk, famous for its amber stone and its shipyards. The former Hanseatic city will reveal some of its architectural treasures, in Gothic and Baroque styles, restored or rebuilt. You will set a course for the charming fishing village of Gudhjem. Located on the small Danish island of Bornholm, it is very popular among the Danes for its gentle way of life and its beautiful landscapes of rock formations. Your ship will finally reach Copenhagen, where you can explore its canals and historic districts.

Cruise Itinerary

Departs: 18:00

Finland's capital is a laid-back but vibrant seaside city, surrounded on three sides by sea and tiny islands. Helsinki is a city of graceful neoclassical buildings, striking modern architecture and spacious boulevards dotted with squares and parks. Ships will dock in either South Harbour or West Harbour.

Top Things to Do in Helsinki:

  • take the ferry to the fortress of Suomenlinna
  • visit the Kiasma Modern Art Museum
  • see the rock church, Temppeliaukio
  • shop at Market Square
  • stroll through Sibelius Park

Departs: 19:00

Tallinn's fairy-tale castles, cobbled streets and warm hospitality remain one of Europe's best-kept secrets. Ancient convents, steepled churches and handsome guild houses are all preserved as they were in Tallinn’s Old Town area, which was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Ships will dock at the Old City Harbour.

Top Things to Do in Tallinn:

  • admire the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
  • take in the city views from Toompea Hill
  • visit the Open Air Museum
  • stroll the gardens of Kadriorg Park

Arrives: 07:00 Departs: 18:00

Arrives: 08:00 Departs: 23:00

Stockholm, Sweden's charming capital, spans 14 islands connected by picturesque bridges. Begin your exploration in Gamla Stan, the city's historic old town, where cobblestone streets lead to the majestic Royal Palace and the medieval Storkyrkan Cathedral.

For a dose of modern culture, visit the ABBA Museum on Djurgården Island, celebrating Sweden's iconic pop group. Nearby, the Vasa Museum showcases a remarkably preserved 17th-century warship. Stroll along the waterfront promenade of Strandvägen for stunning views and vibrant cafes. Don't miss the Stockholm City Hall, renowned for its striking architecture and the annual Nobel Prize banquet. Enjoy Swedish cuisine at a local bistro, featuring dishes like meatballs and herring.

Departs: 18:00

Stockholm, Sweden's charming capital, spans 14 islands connected by picturesque bridges. Begin your exploration in Gamla Stan, the city's historic old town, where cobblestone streets lead to the majestic Royal Palace and the medieval Storkyrkan Cathedral.

For a dose of modern culture, visit the ABBA Museum on Djurgården Island, celebrating Sweden's iconic pop group. Nearby, the Vasa Museum showcases a remarkably preserved 17th-century warship. Stroll along the waterfront promenade of Strandvägen for stunning views and vibrant cafes. Don't miss the Stockholm City Hall, renowned for its striking architecture and the annual Nobel Prize banquet. Enjoy Swedish cuisine at a local bistro, featuring dishes like meatballs and herring.

Arrives: 08:00 Departs: 13:00

A small town on the island of Gotland, Visby was a popular trading spot during the Viking Age. Today, this pretty medieval city is Sweden's sunniest vacation destination and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Ships will dock at the Visby Cruise Quay.

Top Things to Do in Visby:

  • visit the Gotlands Museum
  • walk along the medieval Visby Ring Wall
  • take in the view from Gallows Hill
  • stroll through the Botanic Gardens
  • pass through Dalmansporten's gate to explore the medieval city

Arrives: 07:30 Departs: 17:45

Lying on the Baltic coast of Poland, the port city of Gdansk is known for its beautiful Hanseatic architecture and colourful Old Town. The city was left in ruins after World War II and has been masterfully restored. Most ships will dock in the neighbouring town of Gydnia, while some small ships will dock at the Oliwskie Pier in Gdansk.

Top Things to Do in Gdansk:

  • visit the Malbork Castle and museum
  • stroll along Long Street
  • shop for Amber on Mariacka Street
  • tour Stutthof Camp
  • visit the Oliwa Cathedral

Arrives: 13:30 Departs: 19:00

Bornholm boasts a wealth of scenic beauty ranging from bucolic farms to one of Denmark's largest forests. The island also features sandy beaches, quaint fishing ports and a rugged coast crowned by the ruins of the largest medieval fortress in Northern Europe. Ships will dock at the Port of Ronne.

Top Things to Do on Bornholm:

  • explore the medieval Hammershus fortress
  • sample the local beer in Svaneke
  • tour the Baltic Sea Glass studios
  • cycle in and around the city of Ronne
  • visit the islands famed round churches

Arrives: 07:00

Copenhagen captivates with its blend of royal history and modern Scandinavian cool. Visit the 17th-century Rosenborg Castle, home to Denmark’s crown jewels, or stroll through the picturesque Nyhavn harbor with its colorful townhouses and lively cafés.

The iconic Little Mermaid statue sits serenely by the waterfront, while Tivoli Gardens, one of the world’s oldest amusement parks, offers charming rides and lush gardens in the heart of the city. Your ship will dock at the Port of Copenhagen, which is a 30 minute drive to Copenhagen Airport and a 15 minute drive into the city centre.

Note: Ship ports may not be located in the starting & ending cities listed. Port and transfer details will be provided in your travel documentation. The provided itinerary is for informational purposes only. Activities and sightseeing attractions listed may not be available or achievable within the time in port.

Life Onboard Le Champlain

 Le Champlain
Le Champlain

You will love the onboard innovations, French gastronomy and sophisticated chic when you cruise on Le Champlain. Read more

Expedition Comfort
Expedition Comfort

Your ocean facing accommodation provides you a well appointed luxurious home as you explore the seas. Read more

Infinity Pool Days
Infinity Pool Days

Enjoy the views as you take a dip or swim in the resistant currents of the infinity pool. Read more

Inside The Blue Eye
Inside The Blue Eye

The chic innovative underwater lounge offers guests a chance to view and hear marine life. Read more

Nightlife and Entertainment
Nightlife and Entertainment

Enjoy the convivial social life in the main lounge or take in a show in the theatre. Read more

Relaxed Dining Settings
Relaxed Dining Settings

The two restaurants offer exquisite French gastronomy, both with outdoor settings and Ponant's impeccable service. Read more

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Availability USD USD Port charges, taxes and fees included.

Thursday 16 Jul 2026
Friday 24 Jul 2026
Ship Le Champlain
Balcony
$7,880
View Cabins
Suite
$13,360
View Cabins
Tuesday 18 Aug 2026
Wednesday 26 Aug 2026
Ship Le Champlain
Balcony
$8,400
View Cabins
Suite
$14,270
View Cabins
Thursday 16 Jul 2026
Friday 24 Jul 2026
Ship Le Champlain
Balcony
SOLD OUT
Unavailable
Suite
$11,237
View Cabins
Tuesday 18 Aug 2026
Wednesday 26 Aug 2026
Ship Le Champlain
Balcony
SOLD OUT
Unavailable
Suite
$11,997
View Cabins
Thursday 16 Jul 2026
Friday 24 Jul 2026
Ship Le Champlain
Balcony
$11,510
View Cabins
Suite
$19,720
View Cabins
Tuesday 18 Aug 2026
Wednesday 26 Aug 2026
Ship Le Champlain
Balcony
$12,290
View Cabins
Suite
$21,090
View Cabins
Note
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Ponant. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from Ponant. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.

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