Arrive Gothenburg and transfer to your hotel. A friendly city on the west coast of Sweden, you’ll find a vibrant cultural scene, world-class restaurants, sustainable living and a fascinating history – all within walking distance of your hotel.

Private transfer to the port and embark at 9am. Have the morning cruising the canal and just after lunch is the first lock, Lilla Edet, followed by Trollhättan Locks. In late afternoon, we enter the Lake Vånern, 44 metres above sea level, Sweden’s largest lake and the third largest lake in Europe, after the Ladoga and Onega lakes in Russia.

The ship passes Läckö Castle, which was built in 1298 as a bishop’s residence. Its golden age was during the reign of Magnus Gabriel de la Gardie, who transformed it into a baroque castle in 1652. You will be needing a late glass of wine on the deck for this castle as we pass by around 11pm, remembering that there are long summer nights.

As you enjoy your cabin, we enter the first of the 58 narrow locks on the Göta Canal. At dawn, we pass a lock system consisting of four locks in beautiful surroundings. In 1822 the western section of the Göta Canal was inaugurated at Hajstorp. For "early birds" walking is possible from Godhögen to Riksberg, app. 1 km.

Throughout the morning, we pass historical monuments and fabulous scenery before entering the beautiful Lake Viken (91.8 metres above sea level) which serves as a water reservoir for the western section of the Göta Canal.

At around 4pm, we visit Karlsborg Fortress, initiated by Baltzar von Platen and built 1819-1909. The guided tour is a journey through time and space, full of surprises and special effects.

At 9pm this evening, arrive at Motala. It was Baltzar von Platen who drew up the plans for Motala, and today it is called "the Capital of the Göta Canal". In 1822 an engineering works, Motala Werkstad, was established here to serve the Göta Canal and is today considered to be the cradle of Swedish industry. Here you also find the head office of the Gota Canal Company, responsible for operation and maintenance. You can also walk to see Baltzar von Platen’s grave, about 1 km along the left side of the canal. Overnight stop.

Today is a leisurely day spent enjoying the rhythm of the ship as it passes many locks. In the afternoon, we stop alongside the idyllic town Söderköping which was founded in the early 1200s and was very important during the Hanseatic period. The town also has a long and interesting history as a spa. Söderköping is yours to explore on your own. Don’t forget to try the famous ice cream!

Late in the evening, we leave the Göta canal and travel into the Baltic Sea.

In the early morning light, we weave through the archipelago as we head towards Stockholm. Our first stop is the Viking community of Birka on the island of Björkö, often referred to as Sweden's first town. The town was then an important harbour for international shipping and trade. It was in use for about 250 years and was abandoned before the year 1000. Birka features on UNESCO’S World Heritage list. The tour guide will show us around on the island (app. 3 km, uneven terrain). We also visit the museum.

If time allows, we will pass the Drottningholm Castle, home of the Royal family since 1981 and found on the World Heritage list.

Our cruise ends at Skeppsbrokajen 103, in the Old Town of Stockholm around 4pm. Private transfer to your hotel. Sweden's capital is charming, vibrant and surrounded by beauty and water - hence its nickname, Venice of the North! Stockholm offers interesting museums and castles; the city offers a warm atmosphere and the old town has charming small alleyways boasting several famous restaurants.

Be sure to make time for a visit to the ABBA museum with great interactive exhibits - a glass of champagne (for Dutch courage to get on stage & the pure fun of it) to accompany your tour is recommended! On the other hand, take the serious option & visit the Nobel Prize museum in the Old town.

Take your time to enjoy one of the world's best hotel breakfasts before departing to the airport. Happy travels.