Viking Homelands

Explore the history and streets of Gamla Stan, the old town of Stockholm, on this engaging walking excursion. Concentrated primarily on the island of Stadsholmen, Gamla Stan was founded in 1252 and is the oldest section of the Swedish capital. Your guided walking tour will take you along the narrow, cobblestone streets to Stortorget, a historic square surrounded by old merchant homes built in the North German style and the Stockholm Stock Exchange Building. Pass by the narrowest alleyway in Stockholm—Mårten Trotzigs Gränd—which decreases to less than three feet wide. See the baroque-style Royal Palace, built in the 18th century and consisting of more than 600 rooms; and neighboring Storkyrkan Church, Gamla Stan’s oldest church and the former coronation site for Swedish kings before returning to your ship.

Take in the sights of Stockholm, one of the world’s most beautiful cities, stunningly set on Sweden’s east coast. Also known as the "Venice of Scandinavia," this vibrant city is made up of 14 islands, connected to the mainland by 57 bridges. Begin your journey with a guided drive by motor coach. Hear stories about Swedish life and culture as you travel through the city streets, passing by famous sights including the City Hall, Parliament, the Royal Palace and the Royal Opera. Continue your journey on foot through the old town, calling at a local café to enjoy a Swedish fika, a traditional coffee break accompanied by a cinnamon bun. Cap your day with more time to explore the cobblestone streets of the old town on your own, returning to your ship either independently or with the complimentary shuttle. Alternatively, re-board your coach and take a scenic drive back to your ship.

Visit the remarkably preserved 17th-century Swedish warship Vasa and see Stockholm’s cityscape from the water. Begin at the Vasa Museum, home to a historic warship that sank in Stockholm Harbor in 1628 and was raised, incredibly preserved, 300 years later. Use your free time to explore here before taking a short walk on the green island of Djurgården and enjoying a traditional Swedish meal at the Villa Godthem restaurant, set in the home of a former opera singer. Embark your exclusively chartered motor vessel and set sail among the channels, canals and quays that unite this incomparable city. During your cruise, pass the medieval Gamla Stan, or old town, whose old guild houses and narrow streets spread across the city’s original three islands. Admire the Stockholm Palace, the distinguished Royal Dramatic Theater and the Royal Swedish Opera, the national stage for opera and ballet.

See Drottningholm Palace’s magnificently decorated state apartments and Court Theater, and stroll its baroque park. Drottningholm Court Theater, also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a treat for the senses. One of the world's most famous theatrical venues, it was rediscovered after a period of more than 100 years and restored during the last century. Fashioned after the original 18th-century sets, the stage machinery and props are all in perfect working order and still in use today. Visit the shop and small Theater Museum to see historic pictures and costumes. Your glimpse of royal opulence and theatrical history comes to a close onboard a historic ship that will take you on a beautiful cruise back to central Stockholm. Upon arrival at Stadshusbron, a motor coach will transport you back to your awaiting ship.

Kayak around the verdant island of Långholmen, then enjoy a delicious traditional Swedish breakfast. Today, Långholmen is a picturesque island frequented by locals and visitors alike for picnics, swimming and recreation—but this was not always the case. Originally rocky and barren, it was home to one of Sweden’s largest prisons until 1974. During the 19th century, prisoners covered the island in mud dredged from the surrounding waterways; soon, it became covered in lush and exotic vegetation. Upon arrival, you will receive instructions from your guide on how to safely operate your kayak; then, head out to explore the waterways of Stockholm. Follow along the shores of Långholmen into the Riddarfjärden for stunning views of Stockholm’s Gamla Stan, or old town, among others. After, return to shore and enjoy a traditional Swedish breakfast at a local café.

Discover authentic local flavors during a guided walk through one of Stockholm’s leading culinary destinations. Take a short drive from your ship to Stockholm’s dynamic Södermalm neighborhood, home to a wide array of innovative restaurants and cafes. Here, you will meet your guide and set out on foot to sample a range of Swedish treats while gaining insight into local culture and food traditions. During your walk, you will have the opportunity to taste specialties including pickled herring, cured salmon, reindeer, regional cheeses and more. Participate in a Swedish fika, a beloved ritual centered around slowing down and socializing over coffee and pastries, and try aquavit, Scandinavia’s signature spirit. Cap your walk with a sit-down tasting of traditional Swedish meatballs served with lingonberries, pickled cucumber and creamy mashed potatoes, then return to your awaiting ship.

Visit the Nobel Prize Museum, a celebration of creativity during the 20th century, and see City Hall. Journey to the old town, Gamla Stan, where you will wander the picturesque narrow streets en route to the Nobel Prize Museum. During a guided tour, learn about this prestigious international award, introduced by Swedish entrepreneur and inventor Alfred Nobel, that recognizes individuals and organizations for their contribution to the world of physics, chemistry, medicine, literature, economic sciences and peace. Each year, Nobel laureates are invited to join other prize recipients and members of the royal family for an exquisite banquet at the grand City Hall. After your museum visit, set out on a vigorous walk to the City Hall to view the Blue Hall and its opulent interior. You will also see the Golden Hall and gaze upon the 18 million golden tiles on display. After your tour, return to your ship.

Immerse yourself in local culture and cuisine as our Executive Chef leads you on an interactive culinary adventure. Journey by mini-coach to the local market to handpick ingredients under the guidance of our Chef. Later this evening, you will dine on regional dishes prepared by our experienced culinary team, using produce from the market. As you and your fellow guests enjoy this delicious creation at The Kitchen Table, you will also observe the art of plating with each dish. From fresh market fare to cooking techniques and elegant presentation, experience firsthand how your ship’s world-class culinary staff brings distinct, local flavors from the market to your taste buds. It is an unforgettable, one-of-a-kind opportunity to shop, interact and dine with the masters.

Explore the historic sites around Stockholm, from the charming town of Sigtuna to the majestic Skokloster Castle. Board your motor coach and pass through Gamla Stan, Stockholm’s Old Town, glimpsing some of its iconic sites as you leave the city. Travel through the countryside to the town of Sigtuna, Sweden’s oldest town, founded more than a millennium ago. Stroll along the main street with your guide, admiring the town’s colorful wooden houses and the 13th-century Maria Church. Pause for a delicious lunch at a local restaurant before enjoying free time to explore Sigtuna. Reboard your coach for a panoramic drive to the stunning baroque-style Skokloster Castle set against an idyllic countryside backdrop. Wander through its expansive halls to visit its fascinating library and armory, and view its collection of historic artifacts.

Set off on a refreshing hike through a fascinating old-growth forest and learn about its complex ecosystem. Meet your guide at the pier and travel south from Stockholm to Tyresta National Park, the largest ancient forest in southern Sweden. Here, set out on a walk through the knotty pines and towering spruces to see picturesque lakeshores and verdant landscapes. Take in the tranquil atmosphere of the park’s untouched nature and listen as your guide points out the local flora and fauna that can be found here, in addition to sparse evidence of human activity. Learn about the importance of old-growth forests and the role they play in both the local ecosystem and the global climate. Keep an eye out for wildlife; deer, beavers, foxes and an array of birds call this park home. Cap your visit with a traditional Swedish fika at a local café, then return to your awaiting ship.

Explore Mariefred, a charming town built around the stately Gripsholm Castle. Drive through the countryside to Mariefred, a charming town that sits along the shores of Mälaren Lake. The town dates back to the Middle Ages, when it was known as an important trade port. Today, it is best known for the Gripsholm Castle, an impressive structure that rises above the town and was built entirely of brick during the 16th century. Wander through its many rooms and winding corridors to discover more than 400 years of Swedish history and visit the National Portrait Gallery, one of the oldest portrait collections in the world. Then, stroll through the castle’s grounds to admire its grand exterior before heading into town to enjoy lunch at a local inn. After a guided walk around Mariefred, enjoy free time to explore on your own before returning to your ship.

See the highlights of the “Venice of Scandinavia” as you drive through its streets and sail its waterways. Begin your exploration of Stockholm at its heart, where you will meet your guide and set off by motor coach to see the sites of the central islands. Learn about the history of the city as you drive past some of its most famous sights, including the City Hall, Parliament Building and the Royal Palace on your way to the docks. Here, board a local vessel and cast off to discover Stockholm’s waterways. Pass through the Old Town before setting course to Fjäderholmarna. On your way, cruise past the site where the famed warship Vasa sank on her maiden voyage and the stately mansions that line the shores. Glimpse the old royal hunting grounds on Djugården Island before circling Fjäderholnarba, the innermost island of the Stockholm Archipelago, and returning to your ship.

Visit Sweden’s oldest Rococo theater to hear a performance of Vivaldi and taste local sweet treats. Drive by motor coach to the Confidencen, also known as the Ulriksdal Palace Theater, nestled in the gardens surrounding the Ulriksdal Palace. The oldest theater in Sweden, the Confidencen was built during the mid-18th century and gifted to Louisa Ulrika of Prussia by her husband, King Adolf Frederick. Upon arrival, you will have a light refreshment before settling in for a performance of Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons by Sweden’s leading musicians from the Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra—originally composed during the period of the theater’s construction, these concerti are Vivaldi’s best-known works. During a short break, enjoy a tasting of locally made, seasonally inspired pralines. At the end of the concert, your visit will conclude with a guided tour of the premises.

Hear a performance of Vivaldi beneath the dome of a church and taste locally made chocolates. Begin your journey with a guided drive around the old town, where you will learn about Stockholm’s rich history, before arriving at your concert venue. Upon arrival, you will have a light refreshment before settling in to hear a performance of Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons by Sweden’s leading musicians from the Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra. Originally composed during the 18th century, these concerti are the best known of Vivaldi’s works. Accompanied by Vivaldi’s own sonnets, the music offers a poetic narrative that brings the seasons to life. During a short break, indulge in a chocolate tasting featuring locally made, seasonally inspired pralines, before returning to your seat to enjoy the rest of the performance. At the end of the concert, return to your awaiting ship.