Day 1: Arrive in Stockholm, Explore the City

Welcome to Sweden! Touchdown and take the Arlanda Express train into Stockholm. Settle into your hotel and then explore the country’s innovative capital. The tolerant, tech-forward city is known for its Pride Festival and creative startups like Spotify.

Spread across an archipelago of 14 islands connected by 57 bridges that stretch over Lake Mälaren and the Baltic Sea, it’s easy to see why Stockholm is nicknamed the “Venice of the North.” Hop on a ferry to discover various districts, from laid-back Södermalm to the vibrant Norrmalm downtown and historic Gamla Stan (Old Town), a medieval wonder of cobbled streets and colorful buildings. Tour key landmarks like the Kungliga Slottet (Royal Palace), 13th-century Storkyrkan cathedral, and Vasa Museum. You can also visit the Art Nouveau palace Centralbadet, now a spa-like center where you can enjoy Roman baths and saunas.

End the day with typical Swedish cuisine. Choose from 14 different types of classic meatballs, from elk to beef varieties, at Meatballs for the People, try toast skagen (toasted bread topped with prawn salad) and apple pie at popular Tradition restaurant, and pickled herring and gravlax (cured salmon) at trendy Sillkaféet.

Day 2: Morning Coffee Hunt & Old Town Walking Tour

Start the day by visiting Stockholm’s finest coffee spots, which include local favorite Kaffeverket in St. Eriksgatan, Johan & Nyström in Odenplan, and Java Whiskers, a unique café and cat sanctuary where you can sip a coffee with some feline company. To complete your breakfast, stop by Ritorno, a pastry shop established in 1959, and Lillebrors Bageri for some of the city’s best seasonal semla pastries.

Fueled up, embark upon a guided walking tour of Stockholm’s Old Town. Learn Swedish history and culture with a guide, starting at the stunning Stortorget square. Along the way, you’ll hear the fascinating story behind the Royal Palace and how a gym owner and reality TV star became royalty. Savor a piece of Swedish candy, wander the narrowest alley in Stockholm, and pass grand noble palaces. End your trip on the picturesque island of Riddarholmen, known as “The Island of Nobility.” 

Day 3: Stockholm Archipelago Boat Tour

This morning you’ll set sail on a charming Edwardian-era boat, the restored MS Östanå I, to sail around the Stockholm archipelago. Soak up panoramic views of Stockholm’s islands while your guide points out famous landmarks and shares stories about the city. Extend your trip by booking an additional lunch on board so you can dine with views of Stockholm’s watery landscapes. The rest of the day is yours to continue exploring the city; people watch in a café, tour a museum, and have dinner in the atmospheric Old Town.

Day 4: Sturebadet Spa Visit

It’s time to relax today with a visit to the opulent Sturebadet Spa. Set in the central Östermalm district, the spa was founded by doctor Carl Curman in 1885, who believed in healing the body and mind through the power of water. Take a swim in the ornate Turkish-bath-style pool, followed by steam and sauna sessions, ending with a dunk in the cold baths. 

You can also work out in the spa’s two state-of-the-art gyms or pamper yourself with a treatment. Choose from a menu of facials, massages, body scrubs, and wraps. For some Swedish culture, book a Sámi Zen treatment inspired by native Sámi culture. You’ll spend 80 minutes in a Sámi tent, followed by a body scrub and hot lava stone massage. Finish with lunch and Champagne in Sturebadet’s restaurant and relish a final afternoon and evening in the city.

Day 5: Depart Stockholm

Today your Swedish adventure comes to an end. Catch the Arlanda Express back to the airport in time to board your onward flight. Safe travels!

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