Scandinavian Capitals

The first stop on your cruise is Gothenburg, Sweden – Scandinavia's most important port. Situated on the west coast of the country at the outlet of the Gota Canal that links the city to the Baltic Sea and Stockholm, Gothenburg was founded in 1621 by King Gustav II Adolf to secure access to the Atlantic, but the city was mainly settled and planned by Dutch merchants who used it as their base for trade.

Visby, located on the Swedish island of Gotland, is a picturesque medieval town that offers visitors a unique combination of historical charm, natural beauty, and cultural experiences. 
Visby's history dates back to the Viking Age, and it became an important trading center during the Hanseatic League in the 12th century. The town's medieval heritage is beautifully preserved within its city walls, which are among the best-preserved in Northern Europe and have been recognised as by UNESCO as a World Heritage site.

You'll quickly fall in love with Stockholm, which is not only Scandinavia's largest city, but also it's most enchanting.

Most tourists are initially drawn to the quaint Gamla Stan (Old Town), a warren of narrow cobblestone streets overshadowed by historic houses. It radiates out from the sumptuous Royal Castle, where Swedish monarchs have resided since the 13th century.

This historic metropolis with a small town heart boasts a multitude of museums, restaurants, parks, fun fairs, a never-ending nightlife, and a rich cultural tradition. There's never a dull moment, particularly in the summer when the sun virtually never sets because of the city's position in the far northern latitudes.

The average temperature in Helsinki hovers around a chilly 6ºC, but this does not mean visitors need expect a cold welcome.

The city, spread across a cluster of promontories and peninsulas, is almost 500 years old. Its clean, wide avenues are lined with buildings echoing centuries of architectural excellence from Gothic through Art Deco to cutting-edge contemporary. It all fits together in total harmony with nature, which invades the urban environment with green spaces when it is not blanketed in snow. Trees, flowers, hares, squirrels, pheasants and even the odd elk are often spied in the myriad parks in the centre of the city. On the whole, the city is surrounded with crisp, unpolluted air and the bright blue waters of the Baltic Sea.

But if it does all get a little too cold for you, why not spend your time tucked in a rug outside one of the many street-side bars sipping hot (spiced wine) and watch the wintry world go by. The city is also ideal for walking, with the sights all concentrated in the central area beneath the towering cathedrals.

The ancient coastal capital of Tallinn exudes a sense of romantic history. Recognised as one of the most completely preserved medieval cities in Europe, it is a gem on the UNESCO World Heritage List that is slowly being discovered by delighted visitors of all ages. A spirit of mystery still pervades the cobbled courtyards of the picturesque Old Town, where visitors can wander along winding alleys overhung with original 12th- and 13th-century merchant's houses, and view a perfectly preserved medieval church.

Ystad is a town in Skåne, on Sweden's southern coast. Its medieval town center features cobblestone streets and half-timbered houses. It’s also home to Klostret i Ystad, a centuries-old Franciscan monastery and museum. Close by, St. Mary’s Church has a silver collection and is known for its night watchman's horn signal.

The coastal city of Copenhagen is packed with old-world charm alongside avant-garde architecture. It's a vibrant and modern city, with a long and fascinating history. It has been the capital of Denmark for nearly 600 years and is home to the oldest resident monarchy in the world.

Visitors are often first struck by the cleanliness and orderliness of this busy and dynamic capital. This is epitomised in the suburb of Christianshavn, with its picturesque canals and old cobbled streets all in pristine condition.

Most of the attractions in Copenhagen are situated within one square mile of flat terrain in the centre, making it easy to explore on foot or by bicycle, the vehicle of choice for locals. Five streets in the heart of the city have been merged to provide the world's longest pedestrian mall of Strøget, running between Rådhuspladsen and Kongens Nytorv. It's packed with historic gabled buildings, dynamic department stores, numerous interesting little shops, restaurants, pavement cafes, theatres and world-class museums and galleries.

Skagen is a town in Denmark that is known for its beautiful beaches and picturesque scenery. Many tourists come to Skagen to enjoy the sun and the sand, but there is much more to this town than meets the eye.

Skagen is home to a number of historical and cultural attractions, as well as a variety of shops and restaurants. The town has a long history dating back to the Viking era, and there are many interesting museums and monuments to explore.

The beaches in Skagen are some of the best in Denmark, and there are plenty of activities to keep you busy. If you’re looking for a relaxed vacation, Skagen is the perfect place to visit.

After two weeks of exploring some of Europe's most idyllic scenery, you'll dock in Dover, bringing your Saga journey to a close.

But you'll still have a little more time to relax, as return chauffeur transport is included as standard with all Saga bookings.