Costa Diadema: KEL - KEL - KEL07A30

Copenhagen, the capital of Denmark, delights everyone – from history lovers eager to explore magnificent Baroque palaces to gourmands looking to indulge in Michelin-starred restaurants.

In the city center, you’ll find three impressive royal landmarks: Christiansborg Palace (seat of the Danish Parliament), Rosenborg Castle (home to the Danish crown jewels), and Amalienborg Palace (residence of the Danish royal family).

Culture and history enthusiasts can enjoy numerous museums and galleries, while those seeking relaxation will appreciate the city's laid-back pace, extensive cycling paths, and beautiful parks – we recommend a leisurely coffee along the Nyhavn canal or the thrill of historic rides at the Tivoli Gardens amusement park. The city’s symbol, The Little Mermaid statue, pays homage to the fairy tales of Hans Christian Andersen and is a must-see photo spot.

Whether you're looking for an urban adventure, royal grandeur, world-class dining, or simply want to soak up the atmosphere of Scandinavian life – Copenhagen will win you over with its effortless elegance and warm hospitality.

     The ancient port of Gdansk, formerly known as Danzig, is both a busy industrial centre and a city of culture and history. The story of Gdansk is one of self-pride and determination overcoming adversity. In the period between 997AD and 1150AD the city enjoyed a period of prosperity, becoming the capital of Pomerania. At the end of the 1200s it became part of Poland and a few years later fell under the rule of the Teutonic Knights.
     By the 15th Century, when it was again independent, Gdansk voluntarily accepted Polish protection and was influenced by Poland for more than three centuries. In 1814, after the reign of Napoleon, Gdansk was annexed to Prussia and in 1819 was declared closed territory. During World War II, the city came under heavy bombing, first by the invading Germans and then by the Allies, both of whom realised the importance of Gdansk as the key to gaining control of the Baltic. After the war, it was a devastated city that was eventually returned to Poland and it took some 20 years to restore the maritime and commercial activities of the city, once one of the wealthiest in Europe. Fortunately, great attention was paid in the restoration process to respecting the city's traditions. The result today is a delightful city centre dotted with elegant buildings once inhabited by aristocrats and wealthy merchants, particularly along Dluga Street and Dlugi Terg Street.
     There are many historical sights to enjoy in Gdansk. The main access to the city is gained through the Brama Wyzynna gate that leads to Royal Avenue. The old Town Hall in Dluga Street is now a History Museum and offers a magnificent view of the city from its tower.
     The city is rich in grand religious buildings, such as Saint Mary Church, the largest Christian religious centre in Poland, originally completed in 1502. Two other important religious centres are the Oliwa Cathedral, built by the Cistercians in the 12th Century, and the baroque Royal Chapel. Also of special note is the Zlota Kamieniczka, built during the Renaissance and decorated with gold.
     Traditional Polish cuisine is simple and wholesome. Meat with cabbage and potato is a popular local dish as is cabbage soup. Other notable broths are liver soup and beer and ricotta soup. Barszcz, a broth of beetroot and lamb, flavoured with pepper, is also very popular. Game dishes are quite common, including boar, deer, bear or elk meat. Among the popular cakes to sample at a kawiarnie - a roadside tavern - are cheese and orange sernik and babaka, or grandmother cake, made with flour, milk, butter, raisins and almonds.

     The origins of the Swedish island of Gotland, simply translated as 'God's land', are steeped in legend. The ancient Swedes believed that Viking gods blessed the island with great beauty and natural wealth.
     The island, which enjoys a relatively mild climate, has a population of some 60,000 inhabitants, a third of whom live in and around the charming walled city of Visby, the most important port in the region. Visby is sometimes called the 'city of roses and of ruins'. Roses grow in abundance in the area and several times a year bloom into a colourful extravaganza. The ruins are particularly well preserved and date back to the Middle Ages when Gotland was inhabited by a deeply religious and civil people. Visby keeps this tradition alive with several performances that pay homage to its cultural origins.
     Visby's city walls date back to the 1300s and are one of the top attractions of the area. Built of calcareous stone, the walls extend for nearly 4km and feature 44 towers standing up to 20 metres high. Several of the towers are the subject of legend. One tells of a young girl shut away in the tower called Jungfrutornet, after her love for an enemy forced her father to betray the city.
     The city centre features the remains of two ancient churches, St. Peter and St. Hans, where recent archaeological investigation revealed the presence of three even older churches. The Gotlands Museum is renowned for its runic displays and exhibits from the mediaeval and Viking eras.

     The first human presence in Sweden dates back to 3000BC, when settlers following the retreating ice-floes to the north arrived on the coastline near Stockholm.
     The writings of Tacitus, the first clearly to mention the Swedes, described them as 'a population on the northern coasts, devoted to farming, fishing and cattle raising'. The Vikings, who originated in Norway, did not make their presence felt until some 4,000 years later. These legendary sailors then went on to reach the coastline of distant lands including England, Iceland, Greenland and perhaps even North America. They also sailed east towards Russia.
     In 1397, Sweden formed a union with Norway and Denmark under Danish Queen Margareth II. There followed a lengthy period of growing Swedish nationalism, culminating in severe bloodshed when an uprising in Stockholm was crushed by Denmark and many of the rebels were beheaded. This dark period in Sweden's history came to be known as the 'November Days'. A few years later, in 1525, Gustav Vasa was crowned king of Sweden.
     Stockholm's roots go back to the arrival of Christian missionaries after 1000AD. This was followed by a period of rapid development, including the building of many churches. The city grew steadily until it became the capital of Sweden in the middle of the 17th Century. The next 200 years saw the city become rich in beautiful buildings and consolidate its position as the cultural, political and administrative centre of the country. Of Sweden's nine million inhabitants, one million live in Stockholm.
     The city stretches from the Maelaren Lake to the Baltic Sea, built on an archipelago of 14 islands connected by at least 40 bridges. Gamla Stan, the mediaeval city, is particularly charming, with picturesque narrow alleyways and pretty squares. One of the most attractive is Stortorget, the site of the 'Stockholm Blood Bath' in 1520 when more than 80 Swedish nobles were beheaded, their heads piled up in the middle of the square. The 600-room Royal Palace, which was previously home to the court of Queen Christine, but is no longer the residence of Sweden's Royal Family, includes impressive state rooms, a treasury and arms museum. The ceremonial changing of the guards is a particular attraction. Nearby is the cathedral and ancient church of Storkyrkan, where many Swedish kings were crowned. The most visited museum in is the ancient ship, Wasa, which sank in Stockholm bay in about 1600. After it was discovered in 1956, the ship was brought to the surface and restored. It now resides at Wasavarvet Pavilion on Djurgaarden island, a former royal hunting preserve. Another major attraction is the palace at Drottningholm, built on an island in Maelaren lake, and the current residence of the Swedish Royal Family. It features a beautiful Baroque garden and an historic theatre. Distinctive features of Stockholm are the areas of Norrmalm and Sergels Torg, which have a tradition of democratic demonstration.

When it comes to the sea, there is no more important place in Germany – and arguably in Northern Europe – than Kiel. This port city in Schleswig-Holstein is a vital link between the Baltic and North Seas, located at the head of the Kiel Canal.

Kiel is also one of Northern Europe’s major cruise and shipbuilding centers, and it is especially known for Kieler Woche (Kiel Week), one of Europe’s largest regattas. Don’t miss a visit to the Kiel Aquarium, with its rich collection of marine life from the Baltic and North Seas.

Nature lovers can enjoy the expansive Baltic Sea beaches, seaside promenades, and picturesque botanical gardens with over 14,000 plant species. For those seeking historical and cultural experiences, fascinating open-air museums in Molfsee and the Baroque fortress in Eutin are located not far from Kiel.

Choose a Kiel cruise for unforgettable adventures in this captivating part of Germany.