Sign up for the paNOW newsletter

Baltic Cruise and Islandic Stopover

Feb 1, 2015 | 7:41 AM

Have you ever considered doing a Baltic Cruise with a stopover in Iceland! This would be an experience of a life time to travel to a part of the world so spectacularly unique.

 Iceland is special mixture of old and new. Reykjavik is the capital city of Iceland and where the majority of the Icelandic population live and work. The cities major attractions include the old town centre, Parliament buildings, the Cathedral, magnificent harbour, the national museum and the city’s main landmark called Hallgrimskirkja. This is the tallest and largest church in Iceland. This church began construction in 1945 and continued for forty five years. The design structure and sheer size of this church is a momentum achievement.

Iceland is home to the largest waterfall in Europe and the biggest geyser. In this area called Geysir  you will discover bubbling  mud pools  and numerous hot springs. Visit the many glaciers and see floating icebergs and possibly curious seals. The southern part of Iceland is home to fertile farmland. It is one of the main dairy producing regions in the country. This is where you will find sheep, cattle and horses wondering the fields. There is also a farm further east called Porvaldseyri, the only place where wheat is grown in Iceland. You can buy it straight from the farmer.

What an interesting place to visit with all the diverse activites to explore from Fjords, volcanoes and black volcanic beaches, waterfalls, glaciers and of course, the famous Blue Lagoon.  This is a short forty minute drive from Reykjavik and open until 8pm at night.  It is a geothermal spa, where you can bath in the warm florescent blue waters and enjoy the mineral rich qualities that are believed to have curative powers. Find your own private spot, to get that weightless sensation as you float in the water. What a great and relaxing way to finish up your Icelandic visit.

From Iceland fly to Copenhagen, Denmark where you will begin your Baltic cruise. Consider staying for a few extra days to enjoy this fascinating city. Copenhagen is characterized by parks, promenades and waterfronts. Famous landmarks such as Tivoli Gardens, the Little Mermaid Statue and the Royal Palaces are significant tourist attractions. Now with the completion of the Oresund Bridge Denmark has become more integrated with Sweden.

Tallinn, Estonia is situated in the Gulf of Finland. Tallin Old Town is famous for its architecture dating back to the 11th Century. Stroll along narrow cobblestone streets, visit galleries or enjoy one of the many cafes or restaurants in this area.

St Petersburg, Russia is located on the Neva River at the head of the Gulf of Finland. It is Russia’s second largest city after Moscow and has a population of five million inhabitants. This city is Russia’s cultural heart and famous for its ballet and opera.

Helsinki is a dynamic, lively city and the capital of Finland.  It is easily explored on foot or on one of the City Tours with an English guide. You will then fully appreciate the historical center of Helsinki and the stunning architectural buildings in this Nordic city.

Stockholm, Sweden’s capital city spreads over fourteen islands and looks out to the Baltic Sea. The metro system is well known for its decoration of the stations and often called the longest art gallery in the world. Walk around “Stockholm Old Town “on cobblestone streets, shop or sit in one of the many cafes with its display of delicious baked goods and coffee choices. Take a Royal Canal Tour to appreciate the many surrounding areas of Stockholm. A Baltic cruise is a great way to experience Scandinavia and Iceland.

Put this part of the world on your bucket list of things to do and places to go.

Lynda Spriggs / Lobstick Tours

Prince Albert.