Sweden: From Coast to Coast
Travel in style aboard these opulent ships.
These stylish and tastefully decorated ships sail back and forth across the breadth of Sweden between Gothenburg in the west and Stockholm in the east. You will find Swedish luxury cruises to be the ultimate in relaxation, effortlessly allowing you to see so much of Sweden in one holiday. Compact and charismatic, the ships are your floating hotel for the week and the atmosphere on board is warm and welcoming. Fine dining coupled with a fantastic selection of excursions make Swedish luxury cruises so alluring to the inquisitive traveller. An international mix of like-minded individuals will accompany you on Göta Canal luxury cruises and there is always the opportunity to socialise in the comfy lounge areas. On this relaxing Swedish holiday you will encounter the country’s two largest cities, numerous lakes, rivers and canals and plenty of small towns and charming villages. Explore historic buildings, intriguing museums and curious shops as the ship sails from place to place, and gaze in admiration at the ever-changing scenery. Enjoy four fantastic days sailing this fabulous route with additional overnight stays in Gothenburg and Stockholm too. Read the itinerary below for details of each place that is visited on Swedish luxury cruises.
***PLEASE NOTE THAT THE ITINERARY IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE***
Day 1 -
Arrive Gothenburg
Fly from the UK to Gothenburg and check into your chosen accommodation. A city that reflects the transformation from industrial seaport to contemporary cultural centre, Gothenburg is bursting with inspirational architecture and has gained a well-deserved reputation for its innovative gastronomy. Before embarking on your Swedish luxury cruise, spend the day visiting galleries or museums, sample the local dishes at quality restaurants and discover what Gothenburg has to offer in the way of nightlife.
Day 2 -
Gothenburg to Läckö Castle
Swedish luxury cruises depart from Packhuskajen 10 in the morning. Take your time unpacking and familiarising yourself with the ship as you embark on a journey that is packed with cultural discovery and superb scenery. Relax and watch the world go by as the ship sails at a leisurely pace past quaint villages and rolling countryside. Enjoy a freshly prepared lunch before docking at your first port of call, Trollhätten, where you can visit the interesting Canal Museum. Swedish luxury cruises continue past the town of Vänersborg in the afternoon and out into lovely Lake Vänern. After dinner, the ship arrives at the impressive Läckö Castle where you can admire its delightful Baroque style architecture.
*Variation for departures on 28th Aug and 6th Sept 2011*
Swedish luxury cruises depart Gothenburg by bus this morning, taking you on a scenic journey to Trollhätten where you can look around the Canal Museum and learn about the exceptional history of the waterways that you are about to sail along. Continuing by bus, we arrive at Vänersborg where you will board your ship. Take some time to unpack, explore the ship and enjoy a welcome lunch that is freshly prepared by the on-board chef. This afternoon, Swedish luxury cruises allow you to enjoy spectacular views across Lake Vänern, Sweden’s largest lake, before docking at the fascinating Läckö Castle for a guided tour in the evening.
Meals included:
Breakfast
,
Lunch
,
Dinner
Day 3 -
Läckö Castle to Motala
Day three of Swedish luxury cruises begins with a lock system, giving you an opportunity for an early morning stroll along this particularly pretty section of towpath. Just before lunch you will pass the highest point on Swedish luxury cruises at 91.5 metres above sea level. From here it is downhill towards Stockholm. The afternoon is spent sailing along exceptionally picturesque waterways, including Lake Viken and pools of water lilies. The excursion today is an exciting guided tour of the Karlsborg Fortress which took almost a hundred years to build and was finally finished in 1909. This evening we dock at Motala where you have the opportunity to visit the Motor Museum.
Meals included:
Breakfast
,
Lunch
,
Dinner
Day 4 -
Motala to the Baltic Sea
Enjoy breakfast with spectacular views as you cross two aqueducts on day four of Swedish luxury cruises. Whilst the ship navigates a lock system at Berg, take the opportunity to visit the convent at Vreta which dates back to the 1100s. Enjoy a guided walking tour of the historic remains or simply relax on the shores of Lake Roxen where you can take a refreshing dip in its crystal waters. In the afternoon your Swedish luxury cruise continues at its leisurely pace before reaching the charming town of Söderköping in the evening. There you are free to explore at leisure before returning to the ship to navigate the final lock of the Göta Canal and sail out into the Baltic Sea.
Meals included:
Breakfast
,
Lunch
,
Dinner
Day 5 -
The Baltic Sea to Stockholm
Wake up to stunning views of Lake Mälaren on the final morning of Swedish luxury cruises. Docking at the island of Björkö after breakfast, you have the exciting opportunity to visit the ancient Viking community of Birka which was once used as an important harbour for trade. Back on board we pass Drottningholm Castle, home to the royal family, before arriving in Stockholm’s Old Town – the final destination on Swedish luxury cruises. Check into your hotel and spend the rest of the day exploring this exquisite capital city at leisure. Most of Stockholm’s main sights are easily accessible on foot and there are plenty of museums, galleries, chic cafés and enticing restaurants for you to enjoy.
Meals included:
Breakfast
,
Lunch
Day 6 -
Depart Stockholm
After breakfast at the hotel, enjoy your remaining time in Stockholm before making your way to the airport for your flight home.
Meals included:
Breakfast
You will not find the equivilence of our historical canal boats anywhere else in the world, and the canal itself is unique.
Each of our three handsome, historical ships is designed to fit the most narrow lock on the canal like a hand in a glove. Built in 1874, Juno is the oldest ship still in regular service. The Wilhelm Tham was built in 1912 and our youngest ship, Diana, in 1931.
They have been carefully refurbished and preserved to reflect the times when they were built.
There are three cabin classes, one on each of the ship's decks - the bridge, shelter and main decks. Most of the cosy, small cabins are fitted with bunk beds and a washbasin. There are shared WCs and showers on each deck. Meals are enjoyed in the mahogany and brass decorated dining room. The salon is a place for socialising, conversing or reading one of the books in our small ship's library.
***PLEASE NOTE THAT THE ITINERARY IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE***