Gothenburg, Sweden: Sweden’s second city is a pleasant whirl of parks and canals, and proud maritime traditions. The grand Maritime Museum celebrates this, and even its modern opera house resembles a classic ocean liner.

Sail into Helsinki, past the island fortress of Suomenlinna, to find a clean and bustling capital city of neo-classical architecture. Take in the fabulous Senate Square and copper dome of Rock Church.

Russia’s great imperial city, St. Petersburg, never fails to leave lasting impressions. This is a wonderful opportunity to discover the jewel in the Tsarist crown, still sparkling as brightly as ever. From the magnificent Winter Palace, to the Hermitage and the Peter and Paul Museum, a visit to St. Petersburg guarantees a truly classic experience.

Tallinn is Estonia’s capital and cultural hub. It is a busy Baltic Sea port with a walled Old Town made of cobblestones, cafés and shops. Plus there’s Kiek in de Kök, its 15th-century defensive tower.

Founded in the 12th century, Copenhagen is strikingly modern and richly traditional in equal measure, bringing you the ramparts of Hamlet’s Elsinore along with the latest in Scandinavian design style. Copenhagen is one of the world’s great food capitals and although the city’s outer boroughs offer foodie destinations with their own unique identities, you won’t have to look farther than the cultural center for somewhere excellent to eat.