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Travel from Stockholm to the historic town of Kalmar. Explore the Kingdom of Crystal and visit some of Sweden's impressive castles; Kalmar-, Vadstena-, Gripsholm- and Drottningholm Castle.

The selected tour can commence in Stockholm.

Day 01: Arrival in Stockholm

Arrival in Stockholm, the capital of Sweden. Stockholm is built on 14 islands and you are never far from the water. Well-preserved medieval buildings stand alongside modern architecture, and just outside the city, the archipelago of 24 000 islands is waiting to be explored. Sights of interest are the Vasa Museum, Skansen Open Air Museum, City Hall and the Old Town (Gamla Stan). Accommodation in Stockholm.

Day 02: Stockholm - Linköping (200 km)

Breakfast at the hotel. This morning is at your own leisure in Stockholm. Drive from Stockholm via Norrköping to Linköping, Sweden’s fifth largest city. When approaching the city you can see the tower of the Cathedral rise above the plain from miles away. The Cathedral is one of the finest buildings in Scandinavia and Sweden’s best preserved medieval cathedral. Just north of the city you will find the Berg Locks of the Göta Canal, with more than 7 levels and a height difference of 18 metres. Accommodation in Linköping.

Day 03: Linköpimg – Kalmar (250 km)

Breakfast at the hotel. Today we recommend a detour to Vimmerby to visit Astrid Lindgren’s World, the fairy tale park based on the stories of Astrid Lindgren. Here you can meet Pippi Longstocking, Emil, Ronja the Robbers daughter and many more. Also recommended is a visit to Astrid Lindgren Gården, a museum where you can find out more about Astrid Lindgren’s life and artistry. Continue to the historic town of Kalmar, one of Sweden’s oldest cities. History is waiting around each corner. We recommend a walk down the cobbled streets in the Old Town and a visit to Kalmar Castle, which has a history dating back 800 years. Today the castle is a living renaissance palace with room for both banquets and conferences. Accommodation in Kalmar.

Day 04: Kalmar / Excursion to the Kingdom of Crystal

Breakfast at the hotel. This day is at your own leisure in Kalmar. We recommend an excursion to the Kingdom of Crystal, where you can experience a close-up view of skilled glassblowers transforming the syrupy molten glass into beautiful works of art. There are 11 glassworks in the Kingdom of Crystal, all located within a short distance of each other in the Småland region. Included are several of the most famous glassworks in the world; like Kosta Boda and Orrefors. Today Swedish glass is world-famous for its design and production. Accommodation in Kalmar.

Day 05: Kalmar / Excursion to Öland

Breakfast at the hotel. This day is at your own leisure in Kalmar. We recommend an excursion to Öland Island, the smallest province in Sweden. The island is 137 km long and has a width that varies from 4 to 16 km. On this island you will find 400 windmills, 34 churches, 16 ancient fortifications, 34 orchid species, the highest lighthouse in Sweden, the largest windmill in Scandinavia, one of Europe's longest bridges and the largest castle ruin in northern Europe, the Alvaret - a bare limestone biotype not found anywhere else in the world. In addition Öland offers more sun than any other Swedish province, drenching an endless variety of beaches and more than 50 places to swim. Accommodation in Kalmar.

Day 06: Kalmar – Visingsö Island – Motala (275 km)

Breakfast at the hotel. Drive from Kalmar in north western direction via Nybro, Vetlanda and Jönköping to Gränna, located by Lake Vättern. From Gränna it is possible to go by ferry to Visingsö Island, called the pearl of Lake Vättern. Sights of interest are Visingsborg Herb Garden with more than 900 different species, Tempelgården Art Centre, the Brahe Church and the castle ruins of Visingsö- and Visingsborg Castle. Also recommendable is a ride with the Remmalag starting from the harbour (horse and carriage). After returning to Gränna the route along the shoreline of Lake Vättern will take you to Motala. If you have sufficient time we recommend a stop in Vadstena, just before reaching Motala. In Vadstena we recommend a visit at Vadstena Castle, one of Sweden’s best-preserved castles from the Vasa period (approx. 1520-1650). In Vadstena you will also find plenty of well-preserved buildings from the 13th - 16th Century, the new Sancta Birgitta Convent Museum, opened 2003 and Vadstena Abbey Church. The town also offers several galleries and museums and an exhibition on the town’s history. Accommodation in Motala.

Day 07: Motala / Cruise on the Göta Canal

Breakfast at the hotel. This day is at your own leisure in Motala. We recommend a cruise on the Göta Canal from Motala to Borensberg and back again to Motala. The Göta Canal was one of the largest civil engineering projects ever undertaken in Sweden. The Canal stretches from Sjötorp on Lake Vänern to Mem on the east coast. The length of the canal is 190 kilometres and has a total of 58 locks. 87 kilometres of the canal is man-made whilst the remaining 103 kilometres passes through lakes. Accomodation in Motala.

Day 08: Motala – Gripsholm Castle – Stockholm (250 km)

Breakfast at the hotel. Return to Stockholm by car. It is possible to make a detour to Mariefred to visit Gripsholm Castle, a lavishly built Vasa fortress located on an island. The former royal barn which at one time housed cattle, horses and a hay-loft has now been beautifully renovated and has become the home of Grafikens Hus (the House of Graphics), an internationally important centre for the graphic arts. Accommodation in Stockholm.

Day 09: Departure from Stockholm

Breakfast at the hotel. Departure from Stockholm according to your own itinerary.

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