Day 2: Castles on the way to Örebro

From Stockholm, you will drive west through an area famous for its many castles and manor houses, and explore the 16th-century Gripsholm Castle—enjoy the art exhibition inside and the castle’s well-preserved interiors from different eras. You may also want to take a leisure ride on the train at Mariefred Railroad Museum, dating back to the end of the 19th century. Continue towards Eskilstuna, where you can visit the Rademachersmedjorna, a 17th-century blacksmith community, where the smiths are still busy with their craft. Head on to Örebro where you will spend the night.

Driving distance approx. 210 km 

Day 4: Karlstad – The city of sunshine

The city of Karlstad, also known as the city of sunshine, lies on the river delta where two of Sweden’s great natural waterways meet; the 500 km long Klara River and the mighty Lake Vänern, with its archipelago of 22,000 islands. Where river meets lake, you can enjoy this unique delta environment on its hiking trails or on a boat trip. Karlstad is also home to Värmland’s Museum, containing the world’s premier exhibition of the Värmland artists, as well as international artists and a fascinating multimedia presentation of the province Värmland’s history. We also recommend a visit to Sangrundsparken, with its new sun terraces and expanded gardens. After leaving Karlstad you will continue to Trollhättan where the next two nights will be spent. If the weather allows why not stop for a swim on the way?

Driving distance approx. 175 km

Day 6: Going to Gothenburg

Enjoy a generous breakfast buffet before it is time to get going again. Drive south towards Gothenburg, Sweden’s second largest city. You could take a detour to Marstrand, also referred to as Sweden´s very own little St. Tropez, especially during the great sail races that takes place here. Enjoy a nice lunch or take a dip in the ocean from the cliffs. When continuing to Gothenburg, make sure you don’t miss the Bohus Fort with is impressive walls and dark dungeons. If you arrive early to Gothenburg we highly recommend a visit to the amusement park Liseberg, located in the middle of the city or a stroll at “Avenyn” the main shopping and restaurant street. Spend the night in Gothenburg

Driving distance approx. 80 km (with detour to Marstrand approx. 125 km)

Day 8: South Sweden in miniature

For wildlife explorers and anyone who likes to go for a swim, the island Hallands Väderö is well worth a visit. The ferry from Torekov takes only 30 minutes and on the island guided tours and seal-watching tours are available (needs to be booked well in advance), as well as sandy beaches and rocks to jump in the deep blue from.

Back on main land make a stop at the Fredriksdal Museums and Gardens in Helsingborg. This is the province Skåne in miniature with 360,000 square metres of unique settings, buildings and gardens. Here, the history and diversity of the countryside are caringly kept alive. Take an explanatory walk, watch the animals grazing or join the manor maids for an interesting tour. Buy a bag of old fashioned sweets in the old town quarter, or your favorite rose in the flower shop. Find answers to your questions on nature or folklore, or just lie back and relax in a hammock. After the visit, continue to Malmö where you will stay the night.

Driving distance approx. 180 km 

Day 10: Sweden’s south coast 

After a nice breakfast, take a look around Ystad, one of the most picturesque cities in Sweden with more than 300 idyllic half timbered houses. Today’s drive takes you northeast and the first stop is Ales Stenar, a giant stone formation more than 1,000 years old. As you drive along the coast, don´t miss Glimmingehus, one of the best-preserved medieval forts in Scandinavia, dating back to 1499 and the 13th-century village of Mörrum, known for its river salmon, and pay a visit to the salmon museum, Laxens hus, for some historic information. In Karlshamn there are many nice restaurants suitable for lunch and you can also visit the Swedish Punsch museum, containing exhibits from one of the two largest Punsch factories in the 1800s. You can also see how snus (snuff) and cigars were made in the tobacco storehouse in the days when tobacco was grown in the area. Continue north and enter the Kingdom of Crystal where you will spend the next two nights.

Driving distance approx. 300 km 

Day 12: Fairytales and Candy Canes

Enjoy another wonderful Swedish breakfast before it is time to drive north towards Vimmerby. This is the home town of the world famous Swedish author Astrid Lindgren. Here you will find a specially built village for Pippi Longstocking and other famous characters featured in her books. On the way north we also recommend a stop in Gränna where the striped candy canes were invented 1859. Visit one of the shops and see how this delicious candy is made. End the drive in Vadstena, beautifully situated by Lake Vättern. In the centre of Vadstena, right beside Lake Vättern, you will find Vadstena Castle, one of Sweden’s best-preserved Renaissance castles. Spend the night in Vadstena.

Driving distance approx. 335 km

Day 14: Departure

Enjoy one last Scandinavian breakfast before it is time to check out from your hotel. Transfer to Arlanda Airport is provided by private taxi. Passengers departing with the afternoon flight will have time for some last-minute shopping, a perfect way to end your holiday.

Note: Extra days and activities in Stockholm before or after the tour can easily be added to this package; contact us for details.