A lovely relaxing holiday but with plenty to get excited about! This is your opportunity to explore some of southern Sweden's most popular and picturesque towns and cities.
Malmö, Ystad, Lund, Kalmar and Stockholm are all very different from one another and yet complement on another perfectly. Ancient, modern, international, traditional, bustling, tranquil - words to describe all of them, but most of all southern Swedish - a slice of southern Sweden.
Transportation between destinations is by rail giving you the luxury of being able to just sit back and enjoy the view whilst someone else does the driving.
Day 1
Arrive Copenhagen Airport by air from the UK. Take the train directly from the airport across the fabulous Öresund Bridge into the cosmopolitan city of Malmö in Sweden, featured in the critically acclaimed Nordic Noir series, The Bridge. Afternoon and evening free to explore the beautiful medieval old town of Malmö with the famous Lilla Torg square, before possibly heading over to Western Harbour, Malmö's modern harbour development overlooking the Öresund and bridge. Malmö has a fine collection of quality restaurants to choose from and some excellent bars for a cosy pre or post dinner drink.
2 nights MALMÖ - Elite Hotel Savoy (B)
Day 2
Morning departure by train for Ystad. Ystad is one of Skåne's most popular and picturesque coastal towns, not least due to a certain fictional detective called Kurt Wallander from the Henning Mankell series! Browse the numerous handicraft shops, perhaps take the guided Wallander tour, relax on the beach with a picnic or take a walk to experience the nature and scenery. There is a nice harbour and marina and the town has a medieval centre. Return to Malmö at your leisure.
Day 3
Morning departure by train for the town of Kalmar on Sweden's southeast coast. Why not visit Kalmar County Museum or Kalmar Art Museum - both are excellent.
3 nights KALMAR - Clarion Collection Hotel Packhuset (B)
Day 4
Kalmar is a lovely city which overlooks the Baltic Sea. Kalmar is known for the beautiful Renaissance-style Kalmar Castle, with its ornate turrets and drawbridge. A visit to the castle for a guided tour is a must and for something really extra special we recommend having dinner in the castle's restaurant (see Info+ for more details).
Kalmar's old town has cobbled streets and numerous well-preserved 17th and 18th Century buildings housing an excellent selection of restaurants, shops, cafes and bars - perfect for a relaxing day and evening of exploration. The city also has a catherdral with a baroque altar and a 17th-century pulpit by the sculptor Baltzar Hoppenstedt and a lovely city park with gardens and trees.
Day 5
Kalmar Castle's history is legendary and dates back over 800 years. The castle and grounds are open daily and we highly recommend a visit.
Day 6
Late morning train from Kalmar to Stockholm (via Alvesta). Arrive Stockholm during the afternoon and have the remainder of the evening free to find somewhere for a cosy drink followed by dinner.
3 nights STOCKHOLM - Clarion Hotel Sign or similar (B)
Days 7 & 8
Two full days to explore glorious Stockholm! Stockholm is quite simply 'Beauty on Water' and could be an entire holiday in itself! We strongly recommend visit Skansen, the world's first open-air museum, Fotografiska, Stockholm's fabulous contemporary photography museum, Moderna Museet, the Modern Art Museum and, of course, the Vasa Museum, Scandinava's most visited museum. All of these have free entry with your included Stockholm Card. We also recommend The Abba Museum for a good old singalong!! See Excursions for more information
Day 9
Independent transfer to Stockholm Airport for your return flight to the UK. See Info+ for more information regarding transfers in Stockholm.
Departure Day: Daily
Departure Dates: May - Sep 2017
Duration: 8 nights
Price from: £1525 per person, single supplement on request
Price includes: Prices are based on two people travelling together and sharing a twin/double room with shower and WC.
Clarion Hotel Sign, Stockholm ****
Stockholm's largest hotel is located in the heart of Stockholm city adjacent to the Central Station and Arlanda Express facing the Norra Bantorget Square. The hotel is brand new, built in 2008, and is a spectacular building dominated by granite and glass, leaning over the square reflecting the green park. The hotel has a wonderful Aquavit Grill & Raw Bar, contributed by Marcus Samuelsson of New York’s Aquavit restaurant. The eighth floor of the hotel holds Selma CitySpa+ where you can indulge yourself in the sauna, gym, spa with a spa treatment and/or in the heated outdoor pool, all with a fantastic view of Stockholm. All rooms are non-smoking and have TV, telephone, hair dryer, Internet access and some of the most comfortable beds we have ever slept in in the whole of Scandinavia! Lift to all floors.
Clarion Collection Hotel Packhuset
Clarion Collection Hotel Packhuset is a unique gem of a hotel by the harbour in Kalmar. This hotel is filled with character, maintaining an old harbour warehouse appearance, with exposed wooden beams, vintage photos depicting Kalmar's maritime history and a sea view. Whilst staying in this historic harbour setting, you'll truly feel like you're on holiday. In summer the nearby harbour comes to life as yachts glide by and a lovely regatta feeling fills the atmosphere.
All rooms are en suite with wifi and modern facilities to ensure your stay in comfortable and enjoyable.
Elite Hotel Savoy, Malmö
Elite Hotel Savoy, in the very heart of Malmö, is a modern hotel with an intriguing history dating back to the 14th century. It is well known for its beautiful rooms and suites, which have been carefully restored to fulfill the needs of today.
The bright and beautiful lobby welcomes you with an elegant blend of modern design and classic furnishings. The hotel is located opposite the Central train station within short walking distance from airport buses and trains to Copenhagen. The hotel also houses The Bishops Arms pub as well as a gym and a sauna. All guests can enjoy wifi throughout the whole hotel.
A Slice of South Sweden
We know there is only so much you can do on holiday and that inevitably some things are going to have to wait until your next visit. But here are a few of the things that simply musn't with an occasional 'Why Not? thrown in for good measure!
Western Harbour, Malmö
Formerly a polluted old shipyard but now Malmö's beautiful new stylish area of the city. There is a lovely boardwalk alongside the Öresund with a great view of the Öresund Bridge plus there are shops, cafes and restaurants and a rather trendy residential area plus the Turning Torso. But that's not all - Western Harbour is powered by 100% local, renewable energy!
Dine with a local family in Malmö
A Slice of Swedish Hospitality is a special dining concept. Basically you dine with local people in their homes; food is a 2-course meal (either starter and main or main and dessert) and is always something they would eat themselves at home - locally produced and locally eaten! All the participating hosts love entertaining and talking about local life and the best things to see and do in and around their town. They also love to hear your stories too... For more information and to book visit the website here.
Kulturen, Lund
Kulturen is an open-air museum filled with historic buildings and gardens for you to visit. Step into the houses and experience life in the city and the countryside from the Middle Ages to the 1930s, with guides dressed in costume and in character. You can also choose from among 20 exhibitions - from folk art to modern design, from medieval history to the present day, from local culture to world culture. For details of entrance fees and opening times click here.
Meet...Kurt Wallander in Ystad!!
Well OK, perhaps not the man himself (he's fictional you know!), but rather follow In the Footsteps of Wallander. There is a great website providing details of all the locations in Ystad which featured in Henning Mankell's popular books and the subsequent TV series. Go on, have a browse or visit the local Tourist Information Office during your visit - they love telling visitors about it!
Kalmar Castle, Kalmar
Kalmar Castle traces its origins back to the 12th century. It was here that the Kalmar Union was signed in 1397, and it was during the 16th century and the time of the Vasa kings that the castle acquired its current design - that of a Renaissance palace, furnished and decorated in continental fashion. The castle has numerous rooms and halls - all with a story to tell - and a rather sobering Womens's Prison where women were imprisoned and tortured when superstition was sufficient to convict. For details of guided tours in English, opening times and entrance fees, click here.
Skansen, Stockholm
The world's first open-air museum, founded in 1891, and a living exhibition of five centuries of Swedish history with a real sense of the past represented in historical buildings and dwellings and by people as characters in period dress. Free with your Stockholm Card! Take a closer look here.
Fotografiska, Stockholm
Stockholm's fabulous contemporary photography museum exhibits work by world-renowned photographers, and holds a variety of provoking exhibitions throughout the year. Free with your Stockholm Card! Take a closer look here.
The Vasa Museum, Stockholm
It is no surprise why this is the most visited museum in the whole of Scandinavia. Upon entering you are greeted with the imposing vision of the Vasa, a magnificent war ship that sank on her maiden voyage in 1628 after sailing less than 1300 metres from Stockholm harbour! It was only discovered again in 1961 and since then a team of archaeologists and scientists have been carefully reconstructing the events of that fateful day. Tip: Don't miss the bottom floor where you can find skeletal remains salvaged from those onboard! Free with your Stockholm Card! Take a closer look here.
The Abba Museum, Stockholm
'Dancing Queen, young and sweet, only 17...'. We absolutely loved it - especially Suzel who knows the words to every song! This museum appeals to all ages and in addition to providing the history of their careers before, during and after, it also gives you the opportunity to have your photo taken with them, dance with them, sing with them and come away wearing the T-shirt! Priceless and timeless. Take a closer look here.
Here's a little bit of extra information you will find useful if you are considering this holiday or have already booked it. Let us know if we have missed something and we'll add it to the list.
Who is this holiday suitable for?
Everyone! It is aimed at those who like gentle sightseeing in villages, towns and cities - visiting museums, galleries, shops, bars and restaurants. It is also perfect for those who enjoy architecture, both ancient and modern, and enjoy the delightful inevitable contrast you experience when visiting a city which offers both. Children will also find much to keep them happy on this holiday - the beaches of Ystad are fabulous, the castle at Kalmar could be haunted, the Vasa Museum is awesome, Skansen is magical and the Abba Museum will have them laughing at Mum and Dad dancing and singing!
This holiday is based on bed and breakfast - is it expensive to eat out?
Well, first of all in both Malmö and Kalmar you have a free evening meal included in your stay as all Clarion Collection Hotels feature this for their guests. The included meal is usually a variety of salads with cold meats and fish and vegetarian options, plus one or two hot dishes with a dessert. It is more substantial than you would probably expect for a free meal and is usually served between 1800 and 2100. Please note that if we are unable to confirm one of our featured hotels in Malmö and Kalmar then this service would NOT be included.
In Stockholm you have a very large variety of restaurants available to choose from for most budgets. Expect to pay London prices for gourmet dining, however you also have a broad selection of more reasonably priced options. One of our favourites is Herman's, a wonderful and relaxed vegetarian restaurant, which serves a fabulous buffet (meat eaters won't miss it, believe us!) - and it's situated virtually next door to Fotografiska, the photography museum, so combining the two makes practical use of your time!
For those who like to mingle with the locals then we recommend you consider booking A Slice of Swedish Hospitality...see Excursions for more details.
What is travelling by rail like in Sweden?
Very comfortable indeed. Trains are generally very modern and have a snack bar on board. All our featured rail travel is with Second Class, reserved seats, however, we can quote for upgrading to First Class for those who wish. You will be issued with a Swedish Rail Pass for your holiday which will be clipped each time you travel, but hang on to it as you will use it for all your journeys.
What sort of clothing will I need?
This is a summer holiday in southern Sweden where, generally, you will find temperatures a little bit warmer than in the UK and with plenty of sunshine. As with a holiday in the UK though, be prepared for anything! In Scandinavia, as a rule, there are no rules when it comes to dressing up. You will find that most Scandinavians live in jeans, whether dressing casually or more dressed up! Stockholm can be a little bit more 'high brow' though, so if you've decided to eat gourmet then we would recommend something a little bit smarter for the occasion. All of the featured destinations are made for walking about and exploring but bear in mind that in the old towns you will find predominantly cobbled streets and uneven pavements (wonderful!) - flat shoes or boots tend to cope with this much better...
We're just back from our Swedish holiday, and I wanted to drop you a quick note to thank you for your recommendations and organisation of our trip. We enjoyed our week long glimpse of a lovely country. Particular highlights were Ystad, Kalmar Castle & the Stockholm Archipelago, and we were blessed with some sunny weather! Once again many thanks to you and the rest of the team at Taber Holidays.
3rd October 2016
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