Historic Cities of the Baltic Sea

PONANT invites you to discover the historical cities along the Baltic Sea. You will embark on Le Champlain for an 10-day cruise about the cultural wonders of the Hanseatic League.

Throughout your journey, you will benefit from an excursion included per person per port of call, to choose from a selection offered by PONANT. During this cruise, enjoy a visit to Gdansk and fall under the spell of the music at a Chopin concert, savour the delights of Estonian cuisine in Tallinn, or wander around the famous Suomenlinna sea fortress from Helsinki. The diversity of experiences on offer promises you intense and varied moments (to discover the full range of excursions, go to the itinerary tab).The diversity of experiences on offer promises you intense and varied moments (to discover the full range of excursions, go to the itinerary tab).

From Copenhagen, you will first set a course for Karlskrona. This city, whose history is intrinsically linked to the Swedish Navy, boasts exceptional UNESCO-listed architecture that is characteristic of late-17th-century European naval cities. 

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 also discover Riga, capital of Latvia. A unique blend of different architectural styles, the old town will open itself up to you like the pages of a history book.

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.

You will then head to 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 have remarkably well-preserved public buildings, merchant houses and warehouses.

Your ship will finally head for Stockholm, your disembarkation port.