Swedish Waterways with a Taste of Denmark

Like Gullsmarsfjord, Saltkallefjorden is part of a huge marine conservation area and is home to a huge number of unique marine fauna, including colourful fish, large crabs and shrimp. On either side of the fjord, the lush green fields, dense woodlands, rolling hills and steep cliffs are a stunning backdrop against the serene azure waters, creating beautiful sights to admire as you enjoy a relaxing cruise through Gullsmarsfjord and Saltkallefjorden.

With quaint red and orange buildings scattered along its picturesque harbour, Lysekil has a distinctly ‘homely’ feel from the moment you call into the town.

Although small, Lysekil still has a number of attractions which are well worth a visit, such as the charming church from 1901, the Havets Hus aquarium and the Vikarvets Museum which delves into the history of the town’s stonemasonry and fishing industries.

Lysekil did in fact begin as a tiny fishing village, and today delicious, locally caught seafood such as crabs and mackerel can still be enjoyed in many fantastic restaurants.

Situated at the mouth of the beautiful Gullmarn Fjord, Lysekil is also a popular with keen kayakers and scuba divers, as the waters here are clear and still. Why not have a go yourself, or perhaps take a boat tour to appreciate the fjord’s scenery.  

A cruise through the mesmerising Stockholm Archipelago is always a memorable experience. En route to Stockholm you'll pass by and between some 30,000 beautiful islands and islets, taking in unforgettable views from the decks of your smaller cruise ship. Each rocky isle is unique; some are inhabited and feature ancient villages and colourful wooden houses, others are untouched and boast rugged woodland, craggy cliffs and sandy beaches. This ensures that there's always something new to see, whichever way you look.

Sweden’s beautiful capital owes much of its appeal to its unique location. Spread across 14 islands at the head of a vast archipelago that stretches out into the Baltic, Stockholm’s swathe of parks, gardens and canals are a joy to discover via the city’s large network of bridges.

Founded over 700 years ago, the city’s harbour is the epitome of elegance and Stockholm’s history is writ large across its wide boulevards. Gamla Stan, Stockholm's charming Old Town district, is home to historic, ochre-coloured buildings and monuments. Dating back to the 13th century, the island is surrounded by water and offers beautiful waterfront views. Along its divine cobbled streets, the 13th century Storkyrkan Cathedral, the gorgeous Riddarholm Church and the Nobel Prize Museum can all be found and appreciated.

The choice of museums is extensive and includes the Vasa Maritime Museum, the unique Skansen Open Air Museum and of course, the ABBA Museum. The stunning Royal Palace and the Drottningholm Palace are also well worth seeing.

The vibrant Norrmalm and Östermalm districts in the city centre are ideal for those looking for a more modern cultural experience. Here, an array of upmarket shops sell goods from globally-known brands, and there are trendy cafes next to the Science and Technology Museum. Stockholm’s beauty and fashion sense are legendary, and its no-fuss functional, minimalistic approach to style provides the city with an unmistakable look.

Given its bountiful seas and farmland, Stockholm is a city of foodies and food trends. From açai breakfast bowls to truffle cheeseburgers, trying the cuisine is an exploration all of its own. Traditional Swedish cooking still holds its own, though: fried herring, meatballs and toast skagen remain menu classics.

A cruise through the mesmerising Stockholm Archipelago is always a memorable experience. En route to Stockholm you'll pass by and between some 30,000 beautiful islands and islets, taking in unforgettable views from the decks of your smaller cruise ship. Each rocky isle is unique; some are inhabited and feature ancient villages and colourful wooden houses, others are untouched and boast rugged woodland, craggy cliffs and sandy beaches. This ensures that there's always something new to see, whichever way you look.

Sweden’s southernmost town, and one of the country’s most charming, Trelleborg combines a wonderful mix of old and new. Today, the town provides an important link between Sweden and the rest of Europe, with its busy commercial harbour and port, and is known for its art and culture, but it is actually most famous for its rich Viking history.

Trelleborg is home to the impressive Trelleborgen, the only reconstruction of a Viking-age ring castle on Swedish soil. Built on the remains of the town’s original Viking fort, using some of the materials excavated from the site during archaeological digs, Trelleborgen is a fascinating insight into Sweden’s Viking history and a ‘must-visit’ attraction.

Aside from the famous fortress, Trelleborg’s other highlights include its beautiful gardens, palm-lined avenue – the only one of its type in Sweden, and a great variety of shopping, from trendy boutiques to artisan markets, plus a number of insightful and inspirational museums.

With its vibrant atmosphere, modern culture and beautiful architecture, Copenhagen is the essence of Scandinavian cool. One of Europe's oldest and most popular cities, Copenhagen is also one of the cleanest and most cosmopolitan. Its narrow streets are always busy with welcoming locals and are lined with colourful cafes, bars, shops and places to eat. Its bridges ring with cycling commuters and the pristine waterways make visiting this city a wonderful experience.  

The historic centre of Denmark’s capital, an 18th-century rococo district, is home to the Royal Family’s Amalienborg Palace, Christiansborg Palace and Rosenborg Castle, surrounded by beautiful gardens and is the home of the Danish crown jewels. The Little Mermaid sculpture at Langelinje Pier is a must-visit attraction too. 

Take a wander through pretty Nyhavn – Copenhagen’s 17th century waterfront and canal district – and you'll revel postcard-perfect scenes of historic wooden ships set to a backdrop of brightly coloured 17th and 18th century townhouses, many of which have been converted into bars and restaurants.