Sweden/Finland/Estonia/Latvia/Denmark
A Baltic History Voyage: From the Vikings to the Russian Tsars
Program No. 24913RJ
Bon Voyage! Embark on a voyage around the Baltic Sea and discover the cities and cultural landmarks of a region rich with hundreds of years of history and heritage.
Enroll with Confidence
We want your Road Scholar learning adventure to be something to look forward to—not worry about. Learn more
Protecting the Environment
We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Learn more
13 days
12 nights
32 meals
11B 10L 11D
1
In Transit to Program
In Flight
4
Stockholm, Vasa Museum
Stockholm
5
Helsinki, Finland
At Sea
8
Riga, Old Town
At Sea
10
Copenhagen, Christiansborg Palace
Copenhagen
13
Copenhagen, Program Concludes
In Flight
At a Glance
Set sail across the Baltic Sea for an educational voyage through Northern Europe! From Stockholm to Helsinki to Copenhagen and beyond, experience the cultural gems and history of the Baltics through famed museums, walking explorations and visits to the Old Towns of fascinating cities. Wander the gardens and halls of historic palaces such as the Kadriog Palace in Estonia and the Christianborg Palace in Denmark and admire their architecture and ornate interiors. Onboard your ship, your learning continues with discussions and activities that will help you connect with your fellow Road Scholars and expand on what you discover at each port.
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
Walking up to 3 miles per day, standing for up to 2 hours on field trips. Many cobbled streets in city centers, some hilly and uneven terrain in rural areas. Getting on/off motorcoach and climbing in/out of tender.
What You'll Learn
- Visit the Djurgården Museums in Stockholm, home to the Vasa Museum and the preserved 1628 warship Vasa.
- Come into port at Visby, a town with fascinating Viking history that doubles as a UNESCO World Heritage Site on the Swedish island of Gotland.
- Enjoy full days in Stockholm and Copenhagen prior to and after your voyage to allow for extended learning and independent exploration.
Suggested Reading List
(17 books)
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
A Baltic History Voyage: From the Vikings to the Russian Tsars
Program Number: 24913
Winter's Tales
A collection of 11 haunting short stories by the Danish writer most famous as Karen Blixen. With their Nordic settings, the Gothic tales draw upon the folk tradition and myths of Denmark. Originally published in 1942.
DK Eyewitness Top Ten Stockholm
A compact, illustrated guide in the popular series, featuring favorite attractions.
Stockholm, City of My Dreams
Young Henning Nilsson arrives in Stockholm on the eve of the Industrial Revolution, eager for success, love and a fully experienced life in this Swedish classic of historical realist fiction, happily now available in an English translation.
The Northmen, The Viking Saga
Viking historian John Haywood delves into the Vikings’ age of expansion (793 CE -1241 CE). His magisterial chronicle answers myriad questions about the Vikings, their technology, their society and why it went into decline.
The Almost Nearly Perfect People, Behind the Myth of the Scandinavian Utopia
Guardian journalist Booth writes with laugh-out-loud humor and brutal candor about the Scandinavians, mixing history and his own experiences in Nordic regions in this searing cultural portrait.
Baltic Lenin: A Journey Into Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania's Soviet Past
Travel journalist Ruffles recounts his first hand experiences traversing the little known countries of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. The non-fiction work is meant to convey what life is like in the Baltic states today and how Soviet rule has had a profound impact on the region. Furthermore, a broader viewpoint is taken on the future of the region as prior tensions between Russia and the West resurface.
How to Be Danish, A Journey to the Cultural Heart of Denmark
Patrick Kingsley interviews Danes, from Copenhagen to a variety of places, including the so-called "happiest town in the world," introducing a homogenized yet highly intricate Danish culture.
Stockholm, A Cultural History
A literary, cultural guide to the art, architecture, traditions and history of Stockholm.
DK Eyewitness Top Ten Copenhagen
A compact, illustrated guide in the popular series, featuring favorite attractions in Copenhagen and a pull-out map.
The Baltic, A History
In his erudite history of the "Nordic Mediterranean," North covers over 1,000 years of trade, politics, architecture, cultural exchange and conflict in the Baltic. His main point: the Baltic's coastal nations have always been an interconnected economic unit.
The Nordic Theory of Everything: In Search of a Better Life
In The Nordic Theory of Everything, Partanen compares and contrasts life in the United States with life in the Nordic region, focusing on four key relationships—parents and children, men and women, employees and employers, and government and citizens.
Missing
Set in contemporary Stockholm, this tautly constructed tale marks the U.S. debut of Karin Alvtegen -- Sweden's Queen of Crime. Intricately plotted and emotionally complex.
The Little Book of Hygge: Danish Secrets to Happy Living
Why are the Danes so happy? Some contribute it to the emphasis on the sense of comfort and community known as Hygge (pronounced hoo-ga). Wiking teaches readers about this national philosophy with practical, attainable suggestions of how to incorporate hygge into everyday life.
The Vikings
This well-written look at Norse civilization goes beyond the limited view of the ruthless Viking invaders, creating a full picture of the vibrant, artistic, agricultural and exploratory culture
Helsinki, A Cultural and Literary History
A literary guide to Helsinki, its history and culture, organized into three sections: city of architects and engineers; city of music and arts; and city of hospitality. With maps and black-and-white illustrations.
The Messiah of Stockholm, A Novel
Set in the dark of Stockholm's winter, this atmospheric short novel follows the peregrinations of Lars Andemeing -- and his search for his father Bruno Schulz.
A History of Scandinavia: Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland and Iceland
Scandinavia from prehistory to the present with chapters on the Viking and Lutheran kingdoms, medieval times, monarchies, the World Wars and modern period, emphasizing the common cultural, political and social backgrounds.
Meals
32 Meals
11 Breakfasts
10 Lunches
11 Dinners
The following choices may be available when requested in advance:
Lodging
Lodgings may differ by date. Select a date to see the lodgings specific to that date.
Display
- Jul 27, 2025 - Aug 08, 2025
- Jul 05, 2025 - Jul 17, 2025
- Jul 27, 2025 - Aug 08, 2025
1 night
Stockholm
Hilton Stockholm Slussen is located in the hip Södermalm area, with views overlooking the Riddarfjärden waters and the Stockholm City Skyline. Near the historic Old Town (Gamla Stan) and within walking distance from the city center.
8 nights
Los Angeles
Highly personalized service with some of the industry's leading passenger-to-crew ratios. Award-winning cuisine is created and influenced by pioneers in the global food scene, with nine distinct complimentary venues to choose from. Enjoy open seating with extensive dining options.
2 nights
Copenhagen
Located on Bredgade, in the middle of the historic and vibrant Frederiksstaden quarter. With its central location in the heart of Copenhagen, the hotel is surrounded by high-profile art galleries, well-known fashion stores, fine dining and cultural attractions. Iconic Nyhavn, the main residence of the Danish Royal Family, The Little Mermaid and the famous pedestrian street Strøget are within a very short walking distance from the hotel.
1 night
Stockholm
Hilton Stockholm Slussen is located in the hip Södermalm area, with views overlooking the Riddarfjärden waters and the Stockholm City Skyline. Near the historic Old Town (Gamla Stan) and within walking distance from the city center.
8 nights
Los Angeles
Highly personalized service with some of the industry's leading passenger-to-crew ratios. Award-winning cuisine is created and influenced by pioneers in the global food scene, with nine distinct complimentary venues to choose from. Enjoy open seating with extensive dining options.
2 nights
Copenhagen
Located on Bredgade, in the middle of the historic and vibrant Frederiksstaden quarter. With its central location in the heart of Copenhagen, the hotel is surrounded by high-profile art galleries, well-known fashion stores, fine dining and cultural attractions. Iconic Nyhavn, the main residence of the Danish Royal Family, The Little Mermaid and the famous pedestrian street Strøget are within a very short walking distance from the hotel.
Recommended For You
