Founded as a fortress in the 13th century, Stockholm spans 14 islands and is considered one of the world’s most beautiful capitals.
A Taste of Ice Cold Sweden
Departs: 1:00 pm A
pproximately 3 Hours
Price $129 In Stockholm’s Old Town (Gamla Stan), you will stroll along the narrow, twisting alleys and cobblestone streets to see some of the city’s finest sights. Savor the Bohemian atmosphere among houses that date from the 16th to the 19th centuries—complete with Baroque doorways and regal coats of arms. As you wander through Stortorget (Great Square) in the hub of the Old Town, look for the old Stock Exchange, which now houses the Nobel Museum and the Swedish Academy. Your tour will include time to stroll in the atmosphere of Gamla Stan, which is indeed a living historical monument. At the Nordic Hotel, in the heart of the city, you’ll find the year-round “Ice Bar.” Inside, the temperature is a cool -5° C, and the entire interior (including the drinking glasses) is made of pure ice from the Torne River. Before entering, you’ll put on a warm fur poncho and mittens. A vodka drink in an ice glass will be served as the staff explains the concept of the bar and its construction. Please note: Guests under the age of 18 will be served a nonalcoholic beverage.
Historic Stockholm & Sigtuna
Departs: 9:15 am
Approximately 7 Hours
Adult $149; Child $99 From the pier, drive up to Fjallgatan for a splendid panoramic view of the city and the inner harbor of Stockholm. Descending, you’ll cross to the island of Gamla Stan, the enchanting, medieval Old Town. Enjoy the historic elegance of the exterior of the dominating Royal Palace and stroll along the narrow, twisting alleys and cobblestone streets of Stockholm’s oldest quarter. Experience the medieval intimacy and, as you wander with your guide, savor the romantic atmosphere and the sense antiquity of buildings dating from the 16th and 17th centuries with Baroque doorways and regal coats of arms. You will also see Stortorget (Great Square), which is the hub of the Old Town, and the Stock Exchange that is now the home of the Swedish Academy. Passing through the city center, continue to the nearby island of Djurgården, once the royal family’s private hunting grounds. Here you will visit the stunning Vasa Museum. In its day, the early 17th century, the Swedish battleship Vasa was the pride of Sweden’s mighty navy. While preparing to set out on her maiden voyage in 1628, she capsized and sank in Stockholm’s inner harbor. In 1961, 333 years after the tragic mishap, a Swedish team succeeded in salvaging the great ship, which was astonishingly well preserved. Painstakingly restored to much of its original magnificence, the resurrected Vasa today is the dramatic centerpiece in the Vasa Museum—an authentic piece of living history, profoundly worth a visit. Leaving the Vasa Museum, continue approximately 45 minutes through the northern outskirts of the city into the scenic countryside en route to Sigtuna, an idyllic little town with wooden houses, narrow alleys and the smallest Town Hall in Scandinavia, dating from 1744 and constructed in wood. Sigtuna is situated on the shores of Lake Mälaren. It was founded about 1,000 years ago by the first Christian King of Sweden and even today, the real strength of Sigtuna lies in its religious and educational foundations, which flourish on the heights above the town. During your visit, tour the major points of interest including the oldest Street in Sweden, the Stora Gatan. The town is surrounded by historic landmarks, which bear countless traces of old cultural traditions.
Historical Walk on a Rooftop
Departs: 8:45 am
Approximately 3 Hours
Price $199 Try something sensational and unique to Stockholm—a guided walk conducted along the roofs of the city! Buckle up in your safety harness and take your first steps along the narrow rooftop path that only we will follow. You will be stunned over the fantastic views and the fascinating stories that your guide will narrate! This rooftop tour is conducted according to rigorous safety standards. Even though many may view the height (up to 130 feet) as a challenge, it is not this aspect that is the main aim of the tour but rather a unique historical experience with a magnificent view. The tour will begin with a drive from the pier to Riddarholmen, the small neighboring island of the Old Town. During the 13th century, Franciscan monks built a monastery here—parts of which still remains in the cellar vaults of many impressive buildings that stand here today. Riddarholmen Church is the final resting place of most Swedish Kings. Next to the Church is the Old Parliament Building which you’ll enter and take the elevator up to the top floor and, via the attic, step out into the open. You will now find yourself at the perfect starting point to learn of the history of Stockholm as well as be presented with the most breathtaking Stockholm views. After your rooftop tour continue to the Old Town for a ground-level walk through Stockholm’s oldest quarter, Gamla Stan. On this island of antiquity in the heart of the city, experience the medieval intimacy of what is today a living historical monument of international renown. Witness the historic elegance of the exterior of the dominating Royal Palace, combined with the narrow streets, past a wide variety of smart boutiques, handicraft workshops, art galleries and antique shops. See the Stortorget (Great Square)—the hub of the Old Town where Stockholm’s Blood Bath occurred in 1520—and the former Stock Exchange, now the home of the Swedish Academy that meets each year to decide the laureate of the Nobel Prize for Literature. Leaving the Old Town, return to the ship. Please note: Minimum age is 18 years. Maximum weight is 250 lbs.
Old Town & City Hall
Departs: 1:30 pm
Approximately 3 hours
Adult $69; Child $39 Passing through the southern residential district of Södermalm, drive west along Soder Malarstrand to cross the Western Bridge spanning Riddarfjärden and offering extensive views of the city skyline. In the distance the three crowns atop the imposing City Hall can be seen. This magnificent red brick building is the result of a 12-year effort by the combined elite of Swedish construction workers, sculptors, artists and craftsmen, and is renowned for its architecture, murals and mosaics, and as the site of the Nobel Prize Banquet. During your visit, experience the grandeur and spaciousness of the impressive, stately Blue and Golden Halls. Pass through the city center to finally reach Stockholm’s oldest quarter, the Old Town (Gamla Stan). Witness the historic elegance of the exterior of the dominating Royal Palace combined with the possibility to stroll along the narrow, twisting alleys and cobblestone streets. Experience the medieval intimacy of what is today a living historical monument of international renown. As you wander with your guide, savor the romantic atmosphere of the buildings dating from the 16th to the 19th centuries, with Baroque doorways and regal coats of arms. Visit Stortorget (Great Square)—the hub of the Old Town on which the Stock Exchange stands—now the home of the Swedish Academy. Notes: There are 40 steps at City Hall. Please note: There are 40 steps at City Hall.
Panoramic Stockholm
Departs: 9:30 am
Approximately 2 Hours
Adult $49; Child $24
Stockholm is dramatically situated at a point where Lake Malaren meets the Baltic Sea. The city is divided into the districts of Sodermalm, Gamla Stan, Norrmalm, Östermalm and Djurgården —each with its own special character. Crossing Gamla Stan, the enchanting, medieval Old Town, you will pass the Parliament Building, the Cathedral and the Royal Palace overlooking Stockholm’s inner harbor. See the Royal Opera House, and via the narrow canal at Slussen, you will cross to Sodermalm Island on Stockholm’s south side. Take a photo at Fjallgatan with its magnificent panoramic view of the city. The Western Bridge spanning Riddarfjarden offers extensive views of the city skyline and City Hall. You’ll drive through the diplomatic area and through Östermalm, a fashionable neighborhood of stately buildings, en route back to the ship. Please note: This tour has been designed for scenic viewing from the motor coach only; however, the coach will make photo stops.
Royal Palace & Old Town
Departs: 1:15 pm
Approximately 3 Hours
Adult $69; Child $39
Gamla Stan, the Old Town, is the historical heart of Stockholm, the island stronghold where the city’s roots were first planted. Explore on foot this charming district with its twisting alleys, quaint cobblestone squares and medieval palaces. Arches, stairways and lanes link the winding streets. Baroque doorways with elaborate cartouches lead to medieval cellars bearing regal coats of arms. Boutiques, antique shops, restaurants and galleries line the streets today. View the 18thcentury Royal Palace—a massive testament to the Baroque period, a compound of buildings sprawled atop a hill. With 608 rooms, this is the Swedish King’s workplace, whereas Drottningholm Palace, located just outside of Stockholm, is the residence of the Royal Family. Nearby is Stortorget or Great Square, the hub of the Old Town, and the Stock Exchange, home to the Swedish Academy. Please note: There are 150 steps over two floors. The Royal Palace is not airconditioned.
Stockholm Sights & the Vasa Museum
Departs: 8:30 am
Appoximately 3 Hours
Adult $69; Child $39
Begin with a short drive from the ship to Fjallgatan for a splendid panoramic view of the city. Cross Gamla Stan, the enchanting, medieval Old Town, passing the Royal Palace overlooking Stockholm’s inner harbor. Proceed past the Royal Dramatic Theatre along Strandvägen to the island of Djurgården. On Djurgården, visit the warship Vasa, the pride of ancient Sweden’s mighty navy. The present museum is built around the 17th-century warship that sank in Stockholm’s inner harbor on her maiden voyage in 1628. Its discovery in 1956, and subsequent salvage in 1961, is one of the most important events in maritime archaeology. Painstakingly restored to much of its original magnificence, the Vasa is an authentic piece of history. Continue your tour through Diplomat Town to Ostermalm—a fashionable neighborhood of stately apartment buildings—to Hamngatan and Sergels Torg, the focal point of modern Stockholm. Proceed south past the Royal Opera and the Parliament Building. Via the narrow canal at the lock called Slussen, cross to Sodermalm, the largest of Stockholm’s islands which contains a number of small, closely integrated neighborhoods, en route back to the ship. Please note: The Vasa Museum is wheelchair accessible.
Stockholm by Land & Water
Departs: 8:45 am
Approximately 3 Hours
Adult $79; Child $49
Covering the city districts of Sodermalm, Gamla Stan, Norrmalm, Ostermalm and Djurgården each with its own special character, this tour gives an excellent introduction to Stockholm seen from land as well as from the water. Fjällgatan with its magnificent view of the city is a must as well as the enchanting medieval Old Town, “Gamla Stan,” with the Royal Palace overlooking Stockholm’s inner harbor, surrounded by numerous other magnificent old houses and palaces. The island of Riddarholmen is connected to the Old Town by a bridge. It is dominated by the 13thcentury church in which royal burials take place. The Old Wrangel Palace, once known as the King’s House, today houses the Court of Appeals. Take in a wonderful view of the impressive City Hall, site of the annual Nobel Prize Banquet. Continue past the Royal Opera House and through the modern shopping and business areas at Hamngatan and Sergels Torg before leaving your coach to board a motor-launch for an approximately 50-minute Royal Canal tour into the Eco Park, Stockholm’s National City Park. Cruise along Strandvägen, one of the most exclusive areas in Stockholm and on through the green and lush park areas of Djurgården. Once a Royal hunting area, today Djurgården functions as Stockholm’s amusement and recreation center. It is home to great parklands, beautiful gardens, cafés and restaurants, the Gröna Lund Tivoli, the Skansen Open-Air Museum and the wellknown Vasa Museum which houses the 17th century warship Vasa. Out on more open water, you will pass Fjäderholmarna, the Feather Islands. Continue past Prince Eugen’s Waldemarsudde before leaving the boat to rejoin your coach. Relax for some panoramic sightseeing before returning to the pier.
The Best of Stockholm
Departs: 9:15 am
Approximately 7 Hours
Adult $149; Child $99
Start with a splendid panoramic view of Stockholm’s inner city and harbor. Then, cross the Western Bridge to City Hall, renowned for its architecture, courtyard and the Blue Hall where the Nobel festivities unfold each year. Perhaps the most interesting sight in Stockholm is the 17thcentury warship perfectly preserved and on display at the Vasa Museum. Raised from Stockholm’s inner harbor in the 1960s and painstakingly restored, the Vasa and the salvage exhibits speak eloquently of Sweden’s inspired maritime heritage. Now, get to know Stockholm on your own. You may choose to dine at an outdoor café in the city, or simply spend the time shopping. Meet up with your guide for a visit to the Royal Palace--this relatively young monument of grace and symmetry dates only from the 1800s. The Royal Palace boasts no fewer than 608 rooms, and you will visit the State Apartments displaying magnificent Baroque and Rococo interiors. Wander through the streets of the Old Town, savoring the Bohemian atmosphere among houses dating from the 16th and 17th centuries, with Baroque doorways and regal coats of arms. See the exterior of the Coronation Church and Stortorget (Great Square)--hub of the Old Town. Please note: There are 150 steps at the Royal Palace over three floors, and 40 steps at the City Hall. Lunch is not included.
Vikings & the Gold Room
Departs: 9:00 am
Approximately 3 Hours
Adult $59; Child $29
What was life like in the Viking era? Become familiar with the Vikings, their lives and travels by visiting the Viking Exhibition at the Museum of National Antiquities. More than 4,000 objects from that time are on display. Additionally, visit the fabulous Gold Room, opened in 1994, containing Sweden’s most prized gold and silver treasures, 114 pounds of gold in total, and an even greater quantity of silver. Admire the skill of ancient goldsmiths and listen to the stories behind the objects. Let yourself be captivated by the magic of gold! Before you leave the museum, there will also be time to visit the museum shop where you can find smaller mementos to take home, as well as copies of prehistoric jewelry. Following the visit to the museum, continue with panoramic sightseeing of Stockholm. Drive through the city center, the focal point of modern Stockholm, proceed south passed the Royal Opera, the Parliament Building, and across to Gamla Stan, the enchanting, medieval Old Town, passing the Royal Palace overlooking Stockholm’s inner harbor.
