Sweden’s Scenic Waterways & Cities
This cruise has now set sail.
Mixing calls at fascinating destinations with explorations of scenic fjords and spectacular archipelagos, this Swedish showcase is a wonderful example of what cruising is all about, packing plenty of memorable sights and experiences – uncovered during time spent ashore and on board Balmoral – into one very special holiday.
Thanks to Newcastle’s close proximity to Scandinavia, most of your cruise will be spent discovering the best of the Sweden, rather than sailing to and from this stunning country. After just one relaxing day at sea, Malmö makes for an invigorating start to your journey. A culturally diverse, classically Swedish city, Malmö boasts a harmonious blend of old and new; charming historical sites including Malmöhus Slott Castle and the gothic-style Sankt Petri Church compete for your attention alongside modern marvels such as the Turning Torso – Scandinavia’s tallest building – here. Then, on the island of Gotland, UNESCO-listed Visby awaits. The wonderfully well-preserved Old City of Visby presents an interesting glimpse into Sweden’s Hanseatic history, with its merchants houses and magnificent churches. St Mary’s Cathedral and the ruins of St Nicolai and St Karin are not-to-be-missed. Gotland’s glorious coastlines are yours to explore on tour from Visby too. [ReadMore]
The following morning Balmoral will carve a route through the craggy islands and islets of the breathtaking Stockholm Archipelago en route to the capital – a simply unforgettable journey to experience from your ship’s decks. In Stockholm, an overnight stay will afford you time to explore the city at leisure and in-depth. Perhaps take your pick of the fantastic museums, including the Skansen Open-air Museum and ABBA: The Museum; witness the changing of the guard at the Royal Palace in the historic Gamla Stan district; or even take to the city’s waters and see the sights from a different perspective on a boat tour. After Stockholm, your final call is Gothenburg, the culture-rich second city. There is a plethora of attractions to fill your full-day here. Among the best are Maritiman – the world’s largest floating ship museum; Götaplatsen Square; and the Volvo Museum, where you’ll find 8,000 square metres of cars, buses, machines, engines and some unique concepts. A canal cruise aboard a ‘Paddan’ sightseeing boat is a must during your time in Gothenburg. For a memorable parting shot, scenic cruising of picturesque Swedish fjords completes this incredible adventure, passing scenes of charming villages and sprawling landscapes for you to savour.