STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN

From the pier, our tour commences with a drive up to Fjällgatan, for a splendid panoramic view of the city and the inner harbour. We then descend to cross to the island of Gamla Stan, where the enchanting, medieval Old Town is located.

From the pier, our tour commences with a drive up to Fjällgatan, for a splendid panoramic view of the city and the inner harbour. We then descend to cross to the island of Gamla Stan, where the enchanting, medieval Old Town is located. Here we will see the elegant exterior of the Royal Palace, and stroll through the narrow, twisting alleys and cobblestone streets of this oldest and cosiest quarter of Stockholm. Walking with our guide, we will savour the Bohemian atmosphere created by the ancient houses with their baroque doorways and rusting coats of arms. We shall also see Stortorget (the Great Square) which is the heart of the Old Town and the Stock Exchange – now home of the Swedish Academy. Passing through the city centre, we journey to the nearby island of Djurgården – once the Royal Family’s private hunting grounds – to visit the Vasa Museum. In its day (the early 17th century), the battleship Vasa was considered to be the largest battleship in the world, and it was to be the pride of Sweden’s Navy. However, setting out on her maiden voyage in 1628, she capsized and sank in Stockholm’s inner harbour. In 1961, 333 years after the tragic event, a Swedish team succeeded in salvaging the great ship, which was astonishingly well preserved. It was then painstakingly restored to much of its original magnificence, and today forms the dramatic centrepiece of the museum. We will be guided through the Museum before having some free time. A 45 minute drive through the northern outskirts of Stockholm and some scenic countryside will take us to our next stop – the idyllic little town of Sigtuna, with its wooden houses, narrow alleys and pocket size museum focusing on the past days of Viking glory. Set on Lake Mälaren, it was founded around 1,000 years ago by the first Christian King of Sweden, and even today, the real strength of Sigtuna lies in its religious and educational foundations which flourish on the heights above the town. During our visit, we will tour the major points of interest, including Stora Gatan, ‘the oldest street in Sweden’. Lunch will be in Sigtuna with some free time afterwards, before taking a panoramic route back to the pier in Stockholm.

Please note that this tour involves quite a lot of walking – approximately 25 minutes in the Old Town (over sloping, cobblestone streets), 75 minutes at the Vasa Museum and 80 minutes in Sigtuna (over cobblestone streets). Not recommended for passengers with limited mobility. There are toilet facilities at the Museum. Lunch will typically be a two course meal followed by a cake, with a low alcohol beer or mineral water.

DESCRIPTION CORRECT FOR 2008 SCANDINAVIA & BALTIC CRUISES