Overview
Explore the incredible scenery of Sweden’s coast as you kayak and sail through the Gothenburg Archipelago, hike and bike along the shore in Kalmar, and relax on the beautiful beaches of Öland Island. See Stockholm from every angle as you sail among the islands of this upbeat capital city, and then head to Finland for an alluring glimpse of Helsinki’s highlights.
Days: 13
Best time to visit: May-October
Ideal for: Couples, Families
Trip Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrive in Sweden
Arrive in the morning in Gothenburg and head into this youthful and exciting port city. World-class museums feature everything from modern art to the world’s only mounted blue whale, and canals, leafy boulevards, and gardens lend scenic charm. Shop and eat your way through the Haga quarter, visit the Feskekôrka fish market, and take a stroll through the woodlands and hothouses of the 19th-century Garden Society of Gothenburg.
Day 2 – Explore the Gothenburg Archipelago
Hop on a boat and tour the fishing villages and wildlife refuges along the coast and islands of the northern archipelago, or opt for a birdwatching or kayaking adventure among islands of the southern archipelago. Pristine and peaceful, this environment of rocky islands will transport you a world away from the city.
Day 3 – Glassworks & Historic Kalmar
Get on the road after breakfast this morning and drive south along Sweden’s west coast towards Halmstead. Heading inland, stop into the small town of Växjö for lunch and a quick visit to the Swedish Glass Museum—or you can stop at the glassworks in the town of Orrefors to see the process in action—before continuing eastward to Kalmar. Settle into your hotel and then explore Kalmar’s historic center, its well-preserved Renaissance castle, and 17th-century houses.
Day 4 – Outdoors in Småland
Spend a relaxing day hiking part of the 20-mile-long Östra Sigfridsleden, a pilgrim path that winds its way through the tranquil fields and forests of Småland. Starting in the coastal meadows of Södermöre, the path follows the river Hagbyån inland to the town of Källebäcksmåla. If you’d rather, cycle along the shore or join a kayak tour and explore the coastline.
Day 5 – Öland Island
Drive across the nearly 4-mile-long bridge that connects Kalmar with Öland Island, and spend the day exploring the island’s sun-bathed, sandy shores. The island’s interior is dotted with historic windmills and fields filled with wildflowers, and is home to the unique ecosystem of the limestone Stora Alvaret plateau. Enjoy Öland’s beautiful beaches, saving time to visit Borgholms Castle and the ancient Gettlinge burial ground.
Day 6 – Öland to Stockholm
Drive back to Kalmar and catch a mid-morning train to Stockholm, one of Scandinavia’s most elegant and avantgarde cities. Spread across 14 islands on the shimmering waters of Lake Mälaren, the hip and historic Swedish capital is wreathed in natural beauty. Visit the Vasa Ship Museum, browse designer shops, and then enjoy the lively bar and restaurant scene as the sun goes down.
Day 7 – Old Town Tour
This morning, enjoy a private, 3-hour Stockholm city tour through Old Town, home to the Royal Palace and Stockholm Cathedral, and to City Hall in the city center. In the afternoon, visit a few of the city’s many museums and parks, or cover more ground on a cycling tour exploring Stockholm’s distinctive neighborhoods.
Day 8 – Sail through the Stockholm Archipelago
Enjoy a relaxing morning in town before heading out to sea on a full-day sailing excursion. This cruise is an amazing way to experience Stockholm’s natural beauty, cruising out of the city through the inner islands and into the more remote outer islands of the archipelago. Take guided tours of the islands and learn about the region’s history while enjoying a day of fine food on the water.
Day 9 – Explore Stockholm
Today, visit the 15th-century Drottningholm Palace by boat—a complex combining a Chinese Pavilion, pleasure palace, theater, and magnificent gardens. Or you can explore outside of the city and take mountain biking lessons in the Nacka Nature Reserve, play a round of golf, or enjoy the rides or concerts at Gröna Lund amusement park.
Day 10 – Overnight Ferry to Helsinki
Spend the morning visiting the Fotografiska museum, strolling through Old Town, or relaxing in the therapeutic Centralbadet spa. In the afternoon, board the overnight ferry to Helsinki.
Day 11 – Helsinki Highlights
Arriving in Helsinki harbor, meet your guide and driver who will take you on a highlights tour of the city. Explore the harbor and Senate Square, the Lutheran Cathedral, and Mannerheim Street, which is lined with government buildings, museums, and monuments. The city lies on the shores of the Gulf of Finland and its architecture and aesthetic artfully encompasses its beautiful natural setting, with numerous parks, forests, and miles of waterfront. Stop into the National Museum of Finland to see its impressive collection of artifacts stretching back to prehistoric times.
Day 12 – Nuuksio National Park
Take a half-day tour with a biologist in Nuuksio National Park, only a short ride by train or car from the city center, and walk through this landscape of tranquil forest and pristine lakes. In the afternoon, get acquainted with Finnish style at the Design Museum and then stroll through Helsinki’s neoclassical center, modeled on the imperial grandeur of St. Petersburg. Compact, cosmopolitan, and trendy, this is the perfect place to end your Scandinavian adventure.
Day 13 – Departure from Helsinki
Fly home from Helsinki.
Remarkable Journeys has partnered with Lost World Adventures to create this journey. We partnered with Lost World due to their well-mannered relationships with tour guides, hotellers, airlines, and ground management services in the region. In our opinion, they offer the best value and experience in the region.
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