* Baltic States - Baltic Sea, from Scandinavia to the Baltic States

Guided tour of Hamburg with its 17th and 18th century traders' houses which nowadays are home to numerous taverns. Red brick is the material of choice for the town buildings such as the Gothic St Catherine's Church. On to Lubeck for lunch, then leave for Denmark. Ferry crossing from Puttgarden to Rodby. Dinner. Overnight in Copenhagen.

Walking tour of the Danish capital, taking in the old town and the Town hall, the Little Mermaid and the Tivoli. Lunch then on to Malmo across Europe's longest bridge linking Denmark to Sweden. Continue towards Stockholm, stopping for dinner and overnight in the region of Jönköpping.

First stop Gränna, and free time to discover this charming little village with its wooden houses painted different colours and paved avenues. Try some "polkagrisar", a local speciality made form barley sugar and mint. A visit to a factory is an option. Next stop the pretty mediaeval village of Vadstena, whose Abbey was founded in 1360 by Saint Brigitte, Sweden's patron saint. A visit to the Abbey is optional. Lunch en route. Dinner and overnight in Stockholm.

Guided tour of Sweden's capital, nicknamed the Venice of the north as she in fact lies across some14 islets. Lake Malar lies to the west, and the Baltic Sea to the east. Stroll in the picturesque streets of the old town, admire the Cathedral and the Royal Castle. Lunch then mid-afternoon set off on a ferry cruise for Helsinki. Dinner and overnight on board.

Breakfast on board. Arrive in Helsinki mid-morning. Guided sightseeing tour of the "Baltic's daughter" taking in the Senate and the Lutheranian Cathedral, the Orthodox Cathedral, the Temple under the Rock, and the Ice Breaker. Lunch then a free afternoon to explore. Dinner and overnight in Helsinki.

Direction Saint Petersburg, undoubtedly one of the world's most graceful cities, founded by Peter the Great. Lunch en route. Dinner and overnight in Saint Petersburg.

A day given over to a guided tour of Saint Petersburg and its numerous attractions such as Nevski Perspective, the Admiralty, St Isaac's Cathedral, Smolny Convent, and of course the Hermitage Museum housing a sumptuous collection of works of art. Lunch during our visit. Dinner and overnight in Saint Petersburg.

Enjoy a boat ride on the canals of Saint Petersburg before we head for Tallinn, a delightful little town full of mediaeval streets, full of business headquarters and hanseatic houses. Lunch en route. Dinner and overnight in Tallinn.

Guided tour of Tallinn along the mediaeval walls and into the heart of the old town to admire the Toompea Castle, the Alexander Nevski Orthodox Cathedral, the Church of the Dome, the mediaeval Town Hall. Lunch then we depart for Riga. Dinner and overnight.

Largest of the three Baltic capitals, enjoy a guided tour of Riga which boasts an extraordinary range of architectural styles. Admire the Swedish Gate, the Powder Tower, the Big and small Guilde buildings, the "Three Brothers" group of houses, St Peter's Church, and the Freedom Monument. Lunch then we set off for Vilnius. Dinner and overnight.

Vilnius' fame comes from its innumerable mediaeval buildings and churches, some 1200 and 48 respectively! Guided tour of the old town with its Cathedral, Gediminas Castle, St Peter and St Paul Church, the University, and the Dawn Gate. Nest stop Kaunas, the old capital of Lithuania. Lunch and on to Klaipeda where we embark for Kiel. Dinner and overnight on board.

Free day on the ferry with full board. Arrive in Kiel early evening. Dinner and overnight in the Kiel region.