The Great Swedish Cruise

A perfect holiday for those seeking the leisurely, relaxing

pace of an historic means of transportation combined with

gentle scenery and good company.

 

Created through hard work and ingenious engineering the Göta Canal meanders through fertile fields and verdant woods connecting two of Sweden's major cities, Gothenburg and Stockholm.

Although the journey does not offer the fastest trip between the two cities, it does offer one of the most memorable experiences. In completing the journey you will have passed one river, three canals, eight lakes, 66 locks, travelled on two seas and risen 91 metres!

Three historical vessels operate the service, each designed to fit the smallest lock on the canal and all carefully maintained and preserved to ensure a unique travel experience with interiors kept in the original style, mainly of mahogany and brass.

The ship's guide holds daily information meetings regarding the day's events and provides general information on the history of the canal and local sites.

The tour can begin in either Stockholm or Gothenburg as the itinerary operates back and forth.

View From Coast to Coast in a larger map

Day 1

Fly from the UK to Gothenburg. Airport bus to hotel/city centre.

1 night GOTHENBURG - Clarion Collection Hotel Odin (BB)

Day 2

The first day takes us through Lilla Edet lock and off to Trollhättan, where the impressive lock staircase boasts a 32 m difference in water level and 3 parallel lock systems - the largest of which is still in use. Pass Vännersborg before heading onto Lake Vänern. The boat moors for the night in Vänersborg.

1 night ONBOARD - Cabin accommodation (FB)

Day 3

Begin the journey across Lake Vänern towards Läcko Castle for a guided tour. Enter the first of Göta Canal's 58 small locks at Sjötorp, and you can walk between the locks here. Pass through a series of 4 different lock systems, and be entertained by a group of musicians after dinner. Moor in Hajstorp for the night.

1 night ONBOARD - Cabin accommodation (FB)

Day 4

At Föreboda we see Lina, Sweden's tiniest ferry. Pass the Bergn stretch and Tåtorp lock before reaching the enchanting Lake Viken. Navigate through two of the canal's narrowest parts. The Kindblom family welcomes us to Forsvik, before passing Karlsborg and heading off across Lake Vättern to Vadstena and Motala.

1 night ONBOARD - Cabin accommodation (FB)

Day 5

The boat departs from Göta Canal's 'capital' Motala, and sets off for the Borenshult locks and the hand-operated lock at Bornesberg. Coffee and waffles are served at Göta Hotell. Pass the aqueducts at Kungs Norrby and Ljungsbro before beginning our descent down through the locks at Berg. 15 locks later, we reach Lake Roxen. Moor for the night by Klämman's picturesque control lock.

1 night ONBOARD - Cabin accommodation (FB)

Day 6

From Klämman we sail towards Karlsborg, and continue our cruise towards Söderköping where you are free to explore under your own steam. Leave the canal in Mem and continue towards the Baltic Sea, calling in for an exciting tour of Stegeborg Castle ruins and herb garden. Moor for the night at the jetty at Såvsundet's old pilor station.

1 night ONBOARD - Cabin accommodation (FB)

Day 7

Pass through the Nordic Region's biggest lock in Södertälje, and then contnue across Lake Mälaren twoards Birka for a guided tour of Björkö Island and the ancient remains of what is thought to be Sweden's first town. Time permitting, pass Drottningholm Palace, home of the Swedish Royal Family, before passing through Hammarby lock and mooring at our journey's final quay, Skeppsbrokajen in Stockholm.

1 night STOCKHOLM - Clarion Hotel Sign (BB)

Day 8

Airport train to airport for return flight to the UK. NB. Itineraries operate in reverse when beginning in Stockholm.

Price based on departures from London Heathrow Airport

From Gothenburg:  12, 21 & 25 Jun; 8 & 21 Jul; 3, 16 & 29 Aug 2011
From Stockholm:  31 May; 18 Jun; 1, 14 & 27 Jul; 22 Aug*; 4 Sep*

N. B. Flights supplements for alternative departure airports available. Please call.

 

Wildlife Safari with Stockholm Adventures

Description:  In Stockholm there isn't just natural forest vegetation but also wild animals close to the city. Reserve an evening for a comfortable tour out into the beautiful and historical Swedish landscape. Here you have the chance to meet the true forest inhabitants, elk, deer and wild pigs as well as a rich birdlife, at an excitingly close range. Expert guides show and help interpret the animals, nature and the rich history the nearby buildings evoke. They know where the kings of the forest, the elks usually wander at dusk to graze and search for water. This tour navigates through rural landscapes, meadows, pastures and hillsides, with typical red cottages and well-preserved, classic manor houses. From here developed the nation of Sweden, here lived the Vikings who raised their runestones – many of them are still standing. You travel in small, comfortable buses, departing from Stockholm city. Included are refreshments and snacks at sunset.
Operates:  Thursday - Monday, 31 May - 27 August. No tours 22 and 23 June.
Duration:  3-4 hours, depending a little on what the animals do.
Departure Point:  Scandic Sergel Plaza Hotel, meeting time 15 minutes prior to departure.
Departure Times:   31 May - 16 July = 2030; 19 July - 6 August = 2000; 9 - 13 August = 1930 and 16 - 27 August = 1900.
Price:  £59 per adult, students and children under 16 years £35. Recommended minimum age 12

---

Please view our Terms & Conditions for this holiday.