Swedish summer story: cities, glass & islands
Discover a different side of Sweden on this 10-day journey combining vibrant city life, island landscapes, wonderful wildlife, and age-old Swedish craftsmanship. Begin in culture-packed Stockholm, before heading into the Stockholm Archipelago for a kayaking adventure and evening wildlife safari.
Continue to Gotland and the medieval town of Visby, where ancient walls, charming streets and coastal scenery offer a wonderful change of pace. Explore the fascinating Lummelunda Cave before traveling onwards to Kosta in the forests of Småland. Here, immerse yourself in Sweden’s celebrated glassmaking tradition through guided visits and demonstrations, followed by a hands-on glassblowing experience.
With a mix of culture, nature, adventure and authentic local experiences, this journey offers a memorable introduction to Sweden beyond the usual highlights.
Services
Included:
- 9 nights accommodation in double rooms in 4 or 5-star hotels
- Daily breakfast, 1 lunch, 1 dinner
- Private airport transfer in Stockholm
- Train transfer Stockholm-Nynäshamn
- Ferry transfer Nynäshamn-Visby
- Ferry transfer Visby-Oskarshamn
- Private transfer Oskarshamn-Kosta
- Private Sedan transfer Kosta-Kalmar Öland Airport
- English-speaking driver on private transfers
- English speaking guide on excursions
- Activities & admission fees to sites as per the itinerary
Excluded:
- International flights
- Travel insurance
- Visa fees
- Any meals & drinks not mentioned in the itinerary
Optional:
- Speak to your local expert if there's an experience that you'd really love to include in your trip
Itinerary at a Glance
Stockholm
Welcome to Stockholm!
Stockholm
Take a kayaking tour of the Stockholm Archipelago
Stockholm
Dive into the local history & wildlife
Stockholm - Nynashamn - Visby
Journey to Visby
Visby
Dive into the heart of Visby
Visby
Underground cave discoveries
Visby - Oskarshamn - Kosta
Journey into the Kingdom of Crystal
Kosta
Dive into the world of Swedish glassworks
Kosta
Join a hands-on glassblowing workshop
Kosta
Goodbye, Sweden
Detailed Itinerary
Stockholm
Day 1: Welcome to Stockholm!
Arrive in the Swedish capital, where you'll transfer to your hotel and settle in for a relaxing start to your trip. Use the rest of the day to get your bearings and enjoy the atmosphere nearby at your leisure.
The moment you set foot in Stockholm, you'll feel the thrill of a city built on water — 14 islands connected by bridges, each one offering its own adventure. From medieval alleyways to modern design, royal palaces to food halls and charming boutiques, there's much to explore in this city of striking contrasts.
Stockholm
Day 2: Take a kayaking tour of the Stockholm Archipelago
Today, you'll head out to explore the Stockholm Archipelago on a kayaking tour among its islands. There is no better vantage point for experiencing the city's unique geographical features.
Paddle your way across the incredible, world-renowned Stockholm Archipelago, marveling at the abundant flora and fauna as you go, before stopping for a freshly prepared lunch on a private island. Refresh your senses with a Baltic Sea swim, and if you're feeling brave, try your hand at cliff diving!
Later on, return to your centrally-located hotel for a comfortable evening back in the city.
Stockholm
Day 3: Dive into the local history & wildlife
Today, you'll have the chance to discover Sweden's maritime history on a guided visit to the Vasa Museum. Witness the museum's main event, a mighty intact warship from the 1600s, and learn its full story on a day wrapped up in tales of Sweden's age of empire.
Later in the evening, join a moose and wildlife safari to experience Sweden’s nature and animals up-close. This wonderfully immersive tour includes a campfire meal and quiet forest exploration on the city's outskirts, perfect for a change of scene.
Stockholm - Nynashamn - Visby
Day 4: Journey to Visby
Today, pack your bags and check out of your hotel for a journey on to Visby, with a train transfer via Nynäshamn.
As you arrive into Visby, you'll come to find that time here slows down to a quiet, relaxed pace. Known as the City of Roses and Ruins, this UNESCO-listed site is well located on the island of Gotland, and offers a step back in time with its many medieval attractions.
Visby
Day 5: Dive into the heart of Visby
On your first full day in Visby, join a guided walk to take in the town's medieval ring wall, fragrant rose gardens, and atmospheric ancient ruins. Age-old secrets reveal themselves to you along the way, on a day spent fully immersed in the local history and culture.
You'll have the rest of the day at leisure to wander the cobbled streets, relax by the water, or return to your hotel for some well-earned rest.
Visby
Day 6: Underground cave discoveries
Today, you'll set out to venture deep beneath Gotland’s surface on a private cave tour, exploring hidden passages, dramatic rock formations, and ancient underground landscapes shaped over millions of years.
A short drive from Visby, Lummelunda Cave's dramatic formations are truly unmissable, and today's tour offers a remarkable coastal getaway filled with insights into geology and history.
Visby - Oskarshamn - Kosta
Day 7: Journey into the Kingdom of Crystal
Today you'll leave Visby behind, traveling via Oskarshamn onward to Kosta. Check into your art-focused hotel and settle into Sweden’s famed glass district.
Kosta is a sensory masterpiece hidden in the woods. There, you'll get to watch world-class glassblowers transform glowing lava into fine art, then retire to a hotel made entirely of glass and stone. Nestled deep within the dense pine forests of Småland, Kosta is the beating heart of Sweden’s Kingdom of Crystal (Glasriket). It is a place where industrial grit meets delicate artistry, and where the scent of woodsmoke mingles with the glow of molten glass.
Kosta
Day 8: Dive into the world of Swedish glassworks
Today will be spent immersing yourself in the wonderful world of Swedish glass!
Enjoy a guided small-group tour and demonstration at Kosta Boda: the moment you step into the glassworks in Småland, the roar of the furnaces and the intense glow of molten glass pull you right into the heart of Sweden’s oldest working glassworks.
As you watch the masters and Orrefors work in perfect rhythm, you’ll feel like you are witnessing a living piece of history, where centuries-old tradition is still shaped by hand every single day.
Kosta
Day 9: Join a hands-on glassblowing workshop
Today, experience the magic of the furnace with a glassblowing tour at Kosta Glasbruk, where you can book a hands-on session to craft your own unique glass art.
Under the guidance of skilled instructors, learn the fundamental techniques of glassblowing and transform molten glass into a personal masterpiece that you can take home with you. More than a simple workshop, this is an opportunity to learn about age-old crafting traditions and deeply enrich your time in Sweden.
Kosta
Day 10: Goodbye, Sweden
All good things must come to an end: on your last day in Sweden, pack your bags and check out of your hotel for a transfer to Kalmar Öland Airport, about an hour's drive away, for your onward journey. Have a safe flight and visit again soon!
