Helsinki, Porvoo and Countryside

Helsinki, the capital of Finland, is famous for the Nordic Jugendstil/Modern architecture of the early 20th century. Being a part of the Russian Empire for more than a hundred years, Helsinki is a multi-religious city with two dominant buildings of Lutheran and Orthodox cathedrals in the city center.

Finnish composer Sibelius is world-known, as well as the legendary architect Eliel Saarinen, whose son, Eero Saarinen constructed the St. Louis Arch and several airports in the USA.

After meeting your local, friendly and knowledgeable guide and driver, you will make your way to the city center. You will be shown the most charming parts of this area such as the embassy quarter, Rock Church, Sibelius Monument, and more. See both main cathedrals and the main railway station, which is a unique piece of architecture on its own.

View the main street of the city and visit Senate Square. Learn how Helsinki was founded on the oldest square of the city center, Kauppatori, the Market Square. Walk along the Esplanade, which serves as the main boulevard of the city center and a favorite place for locals to come for an evening walk.

Re-board your comfortable transportation and drive to the old merchant town of Porvoo, located only 30 miles away, to discover the enchanting Finnish countryside.

Admire Mother Nature's magnificence and explore the small, cozy and very authentic old merchant town of Porvoo. View the historic red colored storehouses along the riverbank, see the early 1800's Town Hall and walk the historic streets of Old Town.

Your guide will advise you about places to visit on your own, such as restaurants, museums, and interesting sites, and show you the location where you'll meet for your return to the port.

Please Note: The entrance to the Rock Church is optional, and should cost approximately 3 EUR per person.

Medieval Riga by Land and Guided Boat Ride

Latvia's capital, Riga, is set at the mouth of the River Daugava. Established in 1201 by Bishop Albert and granted city status in 1225, the city's history is associated with Germanic and Christian cultures. Local Liiv tribes first inhabited this marshy territory on the banks of the river. In 1282, Riga became a member of the Hanseatic League, which strengthened its position as an important trading city in the region.

Begin your excursion with a walking tour of Old Town Riga. Explore the Art Nouveau district's buildings from the early 20th century and admire the inventive spirit of Riga architects.

View the Dome Cathedral (founded in the 13th century), the ancient Order Castle, St. Peter's Church, Town Hall Square, the House of the Blackheads, the Guild Houses of Liela Gilde and Maza Gilde, Riga Cathedral, the "Riga Bourse" Art Museum, the parliament building, and others.

In one of the city corners, discover the powder tower and part a of medieval town wall. We will not forget Roland, the patron saint of the city, and the magnificent house of the guild of the Blackheads. You will walk the crooked streets of old Riga to the Freedom Monument, and see the moat and park belt of the old town.

Over the centuries, the city has developed as a center for trade and transit, and later also became an industrial center. Up until the 19th century, Riga developed as a Germanic city, even though it had been previously under Swedish, Polish and Russian control. In more modern times, Latvians began to take a larger role in the city.

Join your guide on a boat ride and enjoy the best of Riga's majestic panoramic views. During the journey along the River Daugava, you will take in awe-inspiring views of the Riga Castle, the National Library, TV Tower and more.

The tour will conclude in the Old Town, where you have free time for exploring on your own, visiting museums, lunch or souvenir shopping. Return to your ship when you are ready, as the port area is approximately 15 minutes away on foot.