Cruise Northern Europe’s Cultural Capitals

From neoclassical architecture in Helsinki to lavish palaces in Saint Petersburg — discover a luxury new cruise offering the ultimate Nordic adventure

Home to culture, opulence and immaculate ancient cities, Russia and Scandinavia are two vast areas as glittering in grandeur as they are flush with adventure. But it can be difficult to plan a trip that incorporates it all. Celebrity Apex, a luxury 12-night cruise, weaves through seven cultural capitals in Northern Europe, making it possible to explore frozen lakes in Stockholm one day and indulge in Helsinki’s delectable Finnish cuisine the next. Here are three highlights.

STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN

The Swedish capital of Stockholm is the first stop on your Northern European tour. Coming to life across 14 islands, connected by 50 bridges, this city is a maze of water and technicolour land. Spend the day exploring the city’s many green spaces, such as the green island of Djurgården famed for being a tranquil oasis in the middle of the city, before venturing into the picturesque Old Town on the compact island of Gamla Stan.

HELSINKI, FINLAND

Next up, the Finnish capital of Helsinki, which is home to the largest concentration of art nouveau buildings in Northern Europe making it an architecture lover’s dream. Bask in the beauty of its neoclassical buildings and vibrant neighbourhoods, including the Design District, before sampling some of the city’s locally sourced, seasonal cuisine such as roasted reindeer smoked with pine.

TALLINN, ESTONIA

Estonia’s capital of Tallinn is destination number three. Spend the day strolling through the remarkably preserved streets of Tallinn’s UNESCO-listed, labyrinthine Old Town before heading up to Toompea Hill to admire the palatial Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and sensational city views. If there’s time before boarding the cruise, head to the new Iglupark to try their black-wood saunas and round it off with a plunge into the icy Baltic Sea.

PLAN IT

Starting from £2,268 per person, the 12-night Scandinavia and Russia cruise with Celebrity Apex offers two-story villas and 29 restaurants onboard. Celebrity Cruises expeditions are sailing at a reduced capacity and all guests must present a negative Covid-19 test prior to departure. For more information and to book, visit celebritycruises.com

Celebrity Apex cruise ABOVE: St. Nicholas’ Church and the St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral in Tallinn, Estonia