Sweden: Palaces, Castles and Canals

Fly to Stockholm Airport and transfer to the locally rated 4-star Clarion Hotel Amaranten (3Q+) where you will stay for the next three nights. Enjoy a drinks reception and a welcome dinner. D

Your day begins with a city tour of Stockholm, to learn a little about its history - from the days of the prosperous Swedish Empire to those of 19th-century industrial boom - and see several of its notable landmarks. During your tour, you will visit the Vasa Museum.

In 1625 building work began on ‘Vasa’. It was to be the most powerful warship in the Baltic, however, upon launch in 1628, it travelled just 1,300 metres before sinking to the bottom of the shallow Baltic Sea. It was top-heavy. Visiting the museum, you will view the impressively preserved shipwreck, and several modern exhibitions telling its tale.

Continue the tour to Stockholm City Hall. Built between 1911 and 1923 using approximately eight million bricks, it is one of the city’s most famous buildings. Stockholm City Hall is also home to the stunning Golden Hall, a highlight of many tours of the city. Wander through the grand ceremonial halls, flanked by unique pieces of art, and perhaps capture the lakeside beauty on your camera.

In the afternoon, enjoy a cruise to Drottningholm Palace - on UNESCO’s World Heritage list for good reason! It is a 17th-century royal castle heavily influenced by sumptuous French design. Revel in the extravagance of the reception halls before taking a stroll through the palace gardens, featuring a charming Chinese pavilion. B

Enjoy a day at leisure or take a an optional cruise to Vaxholm, the unofficial capital of the Swedish archipelago. B

Following breakfast, it’s all aboard the historic S/S Mariefred!

She was commissioned in 1903 and this paddle steamer has been puffing along the route between Stockholm and Mariefred ever since. After an enjoyable journey, taking in the slowly passing scenery, you will disembark in Mariefred, a small picturesque town overlooked by the domed towers of Gripsholm Castle. Enjoy a visit to the castle, which has seen 400 years of history, before continuing to Linkoping. It is a city famous for its impressive medieval cathedral and is where you will stay for the next three nights.

Your accommodation is the locally rated three-star Quality Ekoxen Hotel (3Q), located near Linkoping’s city centre. B, D

This morning, visit Vadstena Castle, a splendid example of early Renaissance architecture.

Constructed in 1545 with gun turrets, moats and ramparts, the fortification was at the forefront of defensive technology. Its current appearance is owed to Johan III’s audacious 75-year plan to turn it into a palace. Spend some time exploring the castle, filled with 16th and 17th-century furniture and portraits. To learn about the history of what was once a formidable fortification, visit the castle museum located on the first floor.

In the afternoon you are invited to cruise along the Gota Canal between Berg and Borensberg aboard M/S Wasa Lejon. B

Your ‘little ship’ for today is M/S Sandon. She was built in 1910 and will today transport you from Karlsborg - the fortress of which is impressive to say the least - to Toreboda. The Gota Canal was a huge construction project completed between 1810 and 1832. Despite quickly being made redundant by the speed of railways, the canal system continues to impress those who pass along it today. B

Travel to Stockholm airport for your flight back to the UK. B