Visiting captivating cities outside of peak season, when there are fewer sightseers around, you’re in for a relaxing and immersive Baltic exploration. An overnight stay in St Petersburg will be especially sweet, with smaller crowds and queues at this Russian gem’s iconic attractions. Enjoy more time and space to see spectacular sites, such as Peterhof Palace, the Church of Our Saviour on the Spilled Blood and much more by day with ease; and experience the magic of an evening at the Russian ballet, with a chance to meet the soloist after their performance, too. Your Baltic discovery also includes an opportunity for a less-crowded exploration of Tallinn, to marvel at the medieval castles, cathedrals and churches of the Estonian capital’s fairytale-esque Old Town, and meet one of the local bell ringers; and a visit to Riga, with Balmoral docking close to the heart of another attraction-packed historic centre. In Scandinavia, there’s a visit to the culture-rich Swedish city of Gothenburg, while your smaller ship will dock centrally in Copenhagen, where you’ve time to see the famous Little Mermaid statue and mighty royal palaces; explore the colourful Nyhavn district; or even learn how to make authentic Danish pastries.