This 7-night itinerary combines the exciting cities of Gothenburg and Stockholm with a relaxing and atmospheric cruise along the Gota Canal. The canal leads from the mouth of the River Gota at Gothenburg to the Baltic Sea at Stockholm, negotiating 8 lakes and 66 locks and travelling through some of the most picturesque landscapes in the country. All you need to do is sit back and relax!
The 3 night Classic Canal Cruise between Gothenburg and Stockholm departs on the following dates:
- 20 May 2020
- 28 May 2020
- 06 June 2020
- 14 June 2020
- 23 June 2020
- 02 July 2020
- 10 July 2020
- 18 July 2020
- 27 July 2020
- 04 August 2020
- 13 August 2020
- 21 August 2020
The 3 night Classic Canal Cruise between Stockholm and Gothenburg departs on the following dates:
- 24 May 2020
- 01 June 2020
- 10 June 2020
- 18 June 2020
- 27 June 2020
- 06 July 2020
- 14 July 2020
- 22 July 2020
- 31 July 2020
- 08 August 2020
- 17 August 2020
- 25 August 2020
Note: The cruise departs from Gothenburg/Stockholm at 09:00 and arrives at its destination at 16:00 on Day Four.
Board Basis: Bed & Breakfast, Full Board
Day 1 - Day of arrival
On arrival at Gothenburg Landvetter airport, a transfer is included to take you to the Hotel Vanilla.
Overnight at the Vanilla Hotel, Gothenburg and The West Coast.
Vanilla Hotel, Gothenburg and The West Coast
Day 2 - Day at leisure
Free time in Gothenburg to explore the city. Gothenburg boasts six Michelin starred restaurants, as well as many more superb cafes and restaurants, serving fresh local cuisine and innovative menus. For lunch the bustling Feskekorka (fish market) or the Saluhall (food market), offer the opportunity to sample local, seasonal produce as well as savoury and sweet delights. Here, tasty fish soups and open crayfish sandwiches are the order of the day.
Overnight at the Vanilla Hotel, Gothenburg and The West Coast.
Local seafood, Gothenburg and The West Coast
Day 3 - Day of travel
After breakfast, self-transfer to the Gota Canal pier in Gothenburg. Depart Gothenburg at 09:00 and cruise along the canal to the town of Trollhattan, 70km north east of Gothenburg. The cruise then continues to Lake Vanern - Sweden’s largest lake and the third largest lake in Europe. At Trollhattan there is the opportunity to visit the Canal Museum or to spend time wandering along the canal banks and around the beautiful old lock area. The cruise then continues to Lake Vanern – Sweden’s largest lake and the third largest lake in Europe.
Overnight on the Gota Canal Boat
Gota Canal Boat The Classic Canal Cruise, Gothenburg and The West Coast
Day 4 - Day of exploring
Crossing Lake Vanern during the night, guests will wake to find themselves entering the Gota Canal. Throughout the day the cruise gently travels along the canal, passing Lake Viken before resting by Karlsborg Fortress on Lake Vattern. A guided tour of the fortress is available. The cruise continues across the lake to Motala, the capital of the Gota Canal, where guests can visit the Motor Museum and the grave of Baltzar von Platen – the canal was his brainchild.
Overnight on the Gota Canal Boat
Gota Canal Cruise, Gothenburg and The West Coast
Day 5 - Day of exploring
After an early departure from Motala, the cruise stops at Berg, home to the old convent church of Vreta. In the afternoon the cruise continues to the spa town Soderkoping (free time to explore) before reaching the Baltic Sea. A guided tour of the church and the remains of the original convent are on offer to guests. Alternatively, there is time to enjoy a stroll along the canal or a swim in the waters of Lake Roxen.
Overnight on the Gota Canal Boat
Gota Canal Cruise, Gothenburg and The West Coast
Day 6 - Viking town of Birka
Early risers can enjoy the sight of the cruise boat weaving its way through the archipelago and negotiating the Sodertalje lock, the largest lock in Scandinavia. At 09:00, the cruise reaches the island of Bjorko in Lake Malaren renowned for its rich flora and beaches as well as for the Viking town of Birka, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A guided tour of the island is available. The cruise ends in the old town of Stockholm at 14:30. Self-transfer from the Gota Canal pier in Stockholm to the Hotel Freys.
Overnight at the Freys Hotel, Stockholm
Freys Hotel, Stockholm and surrounding countryside
Day 7 - Day at leisure
Free time in Stockholm. Opportunity to explore the city’s museums, shopping streets, food markets, open parkland and extensive archipelago. For a first time visitor to Sweden’s capital, we would recommend the 50-minute Royal Canal cruise which passes the National Museum, Strandvagen (one of Stockholm’s most exclusive addresses), the Eco Park at Djurgarden, the Vasa Museum and the Royal Palace. Not only is this a great way to orientate yourself and inspire further explanation, but the audio guide provides interesting facts about the city.
Overnight at the Freys Hotel, Stockholm
Stockholm waterfront, Stockholm and surrounding countryside
Day 8 - Day of departure
Morning at leisure. In the afternoon, a transfer is included to take you from the Hotel Freys to Stockholm Arlanda airport.