Scandinavia – Sweden – 9N/10

Itinerary:

Day 1 & 2 : Stockholm:

Explore the old town, Gamla Stan, and its glorious labyrinth of cobbled streets, alleyways, faded mustard coloured town houses and handsome meeting squares. See the beauty of the Vasa wooden ship at the Vasa Museum, and stroll through 5 centuries of Swedish history at Skansen – the world’s first open-air museum.

Day 3 & 4 : Gothenburg:

Gothenburg has a coastline and archipelago to die for. Take a short boat ride out to the islands of Styrso, Vrango and Donso for a bit of island life culture, beauty and bathing. Take in the city’s cultural high spots at the Concert Hall and the Museum of World Culture, or simply relax in the beautiful surroundings of the Gothenburg Botanical Garden.

Day 5 : Kayaking in the archipelago of Lysekil:

Join a spectacular kayak tour in the archipelago of Lysekil. There are tours for beginners and more experienced paddlers and safety always comes first. Set off for the Korn islands past blue shell and oyster ‘farms’, the only way to reach Korn is by kayak. If you’re lucky you may see some seals.

Day 6 : Day trip by kayak to the Fjallbacka archipelago:

The Fjallbacka archipelago is one of the most beautiful and exotic coastal regions in Sweden, at the centre is the dream-like fishing village of Fjallbacka. With crystal clear waters and sheltered islets this stretch is simply made for paddling. Join a tour and take a packed lunch, or simply set off on your own, and don’t forget your swimming gear you’ll be tempted to take a dip or snorkel.

Day 7 : Day trip to the nature reserve of Bassholmen With beautiful scenery and narrow passages through rocky islands, the island of Bassholmen is a tranquil haven of farmland, meadows and nature reserves. Great for beginners and families, take time to paddle through the inner archipelago, and stop off for lunch and a stroll through the beautiful meadows and pastures.

Day 8 & 9 : Nature trips to the wilderness of Bohuslan Sweden’s Bohusland is perfect terrain for trekking, hiking, walking, climbing, canoeing and kayaking. Enjoy a picnic and experience the fantastic wildlife of this region, there are three National Parks. Visit Tiveden, between Lake Vanern and Lake Vattern and the Tamekulle caves. Or Djura, a group of islands rich in bird life in the middle of Lake Vanern, and don’t miss the harbour of Malbergshamn.

Things To Do:

The Royal Palace, Stockholm: Marvel at a 600 room royal residence and cultural/historical treasure sitting atop the Old Town of Stockholm.

Old Town (Gamla Stan), Stockholm:Explore tight, winding, cobblestone streets, gorgeous leafy squares, Sweden’s narrowest alley at Marten Trotzigs grand, and lots of cafes, bars and shops of Smaland studio art.

The Day Of The Herring:Herring is so big on Sweden’s west coast that locals celebrate with a special day each year on June 6th. Join them for feasting and festivities.

National Marine Park: Explore Sweden’s first national marine park at Kosterhavet, centred on the car-free Koster islands with a unique coastline of sheltered beaches and rocky islands.

Seafood Safaris At Grebbastad: This is where 90% of Sweden’s oysters originate. Enjoy an eco-friendly seafood safari at Evers Sjobod, a restored 19thcentury boathouse.

Go On A Lobster Safari: Get up early and out into the darkness in Bohuslan to catch lobster in September. Travel out to sea, help haul up lobsterpots, and savour the catch at supper.

Mountain Biking In Western Sweden: Imagine yourself on a mountain bike, off-road on a beautiful track in the Swedish forest. Ride in dense forests or on bare flat rocks beside the ocean.

Charter A Fishing Boat: Sail out with a fishing boat on to the western seas north of Gothenburg and fish for sea trout, salmon, garfish, mackerel, cod, wolf-fish and much more.

Feskekorka (The Fish Church), Gothenburg: For some fishy architectural history and delicious west coast Sweden seafood visit the Fish Church at Rosenlundsgaten.

Trendy Old Haga: Once the oldest area of Gothenburg, it is now officially ‘cool’ with renovated low-rise wooden houses and cobblestone streets, home to cafes, bars and vintage stores.

Itinerary:

Day 1 & 2 : Stockholm:

Explore the old town, Gamla Stan, and its glorious labyrinth of cobbled streets, alleyways, faded mustard coloured town houses and handsome meeting squares. See the beauty of the Vasa wooden ship at the Vasa Museum, and stroll through 5 centuries of Swedish history at Skansen – the world’s first open-air museum.

Day 3 & 4 : Gothenburg:

Gothenburg has a coastline and archipelago to die for. Take a short boat ride out to the islands of Styrso, Vrango and Donso for a bit of island life culture, beauty and bathing. Take in the city’s cultural high spots at the Concert Hall and the Museum of World Culture, or simply relax in the beautiful surroundings of the Gothenburg Botanical Garden.

Day 5 : Kayaking in the archipelago of Lysekil:

Join a spectacular kayak tour in the archipelago of Lysekil. There are tours for beginners and more experienced paddlers and safety always comes first. Set off for the Korn islands past blue shell and oyster ‘farms’, the only way to reach Korn is by kayak. If you’re lucky you may see some seals.

Day 6 : Day trip by kayak to the Fjallbacka archipelago:

The Fjallbacka archipelago is one of the most beautiful and exotic coastal regions in Sweden, at the centre is the dream-like fishing village of Fjallbacka. With crystal clear waters and sheltered islets this stretch is simply made for paddling. Join a tour and take a packed lunch, or simply set off on your own, and don’t forget your swimming gear you’ll be tempted to take a dip or snorkel.

Day 7 : Day trip to the nature reserve of Bassholmen With beautiful scenery and narrow passages through rocky islands, the island of Bassholmen is a tranquil haven of farmland, meadows and nature reserves. Great for beginners and families, take time to paddle through the inner archipelago, and stop off for lunch and a stroll through the beautiful meadows and pastures.

Day 8 & 9 : Nature trips to the wilderness of Bohuslan Sweden’s Bohusland is perfect terrain for trekking, hiking, walking, climbing, canoeing and kayaking. Enjoy a picnic and experience the fantastic wildlife of this region, there are three National Parks. Visit Tiveden, between Lake Vanern and Lake Vattern and the Tamekulle caves. Or Djura, a group of islands rich in bird life in the middle of Lake Vanern, and don’t miss the harbour of Malbergshamn.

Things To Do:

The Royal Palace, Stockholm: Marvel at a 600 room royal residence and cultural/historical treasure sitting atop the Old Town of Stockholm.

Old Town (Gamla Stan), Stockholm:Explore tight, winding, cobblestone streets, gorgeous leafy squares, Sweden’s narrowest alley at Marten Trotzigs grand, and lots of cafes, bars and shops of Smaland studio art.

The Day Of The Herring:Herring is so big on Sweden’s west coast that locals celebrate with a special day each year on June 6th. Join them for feasting and festivities.

National Marine Park: Explore Sweden’s first national marine park at Kosterhavet, centred on the car-free Koster islands with a unique coastline of sheltered beaches and rocky islands.

Seafood Safaris At Grebbastad: This is where 90% of Sweden’s oysters originate. Enjoy an eco-friendly seafood safari at Evers Sjobod, a restored 19thcentury boathouse.

Go On A Lobster Safari: Get up early and out into the darkness in Bohuslan to catch lobster in September. Travel out to sea, help haul up lobsterpots, and savour the catch at supper.

Mountain Biking In Western Sweden: Imagine yourself on a mountain bike, off-road on a beautiful track in the Swedish forest. Ride in dense forests or on bare flat rocks beside the ocean.

Charter A Fishing Boat: Sail out with a fishing boat on to the western seas north of Gothenburg and fish for sea trout, salmon, garfish, mackerel, cod, wolf-fish and much more.

Feskekorka (The Fish Church), Gothenburg: For some fishy architectural history and delicious west coast Sweden seafood visit the Fish Church at Rosenlundsgaten.

Trendy Old Haga: Once the oldest area of Gothenburg, it is now officially ‘cool’ with renovated low-rise wooden houses and cobblestone streets, home to cafes, bars and vintage stores.