Arrive in Denmark's royal capital, Copenhagen, in time for lunch and a brief stop to see and photograph the famed statue of The Little Mermaid. (L,D)

Today we explore lovely Lübeck, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site and once the medieval capital of the Hanseatic League, Europe’s first Common Market. A boat ride along the canals gives us an overview of the Hanseatic and Renaissance architecture. After lunch, join a guided walk exploring this culturally rich city. (B,L,D)

These small islands off southern Sweden have belonged to Denmark since 1522. Today we land by Zodiac at tiny Christiansø. The bastion that stood here in the 18th century is now in ruins; its castle and cannons have made way for a charmingly lazy artists' village. Continue to the verdant island of Bornholm, rich in natural history. Starting at the picturesque fishing port, we visit the ruins of ancient Hammershus Castle, the largest in northern Europe. (B,L,D)

Homeland to our notable guest speaker Lech Walesa, Nobel Peace Prize winner and former President of Poland, Gdansk is known as the birthplace of Solidarity, the pivotal democratic movement that helped shape the changes throughout Eastern Europe. We dock at the historic shipyards with its moving Solidarity Monument, and stroll the lively streets of Old Town, with superb examples of Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architecture. Explore the old merchant’s houses and 15th-century Artus Court, and have ample time to explore on your own. (B,L,D)