Shore excursions program for below cruises

Your sightseeing tour of Sweden’s capital begins in Fjällgatan, a street in the city’s Södermalm quarter whose slight elevation makes for beautiful views over Stockholm and the harbour. Stockholm’s old quarter – the so-called Gamla stan – is next for a guided walk along its pretty cobbled streets, after which a 1-hour coach drive will take you to Drottningholm Palace, the primary private residence of the Swedish royal family. Originally constructed in the 16^th century, the beautiful Palace was later destroyed by fire in 1661 and then rebuilt in a Baroque style – an endeavour that took some 20 years to complete. After the visit, the coach will return you to Stockholm, passing in front of the city hall where the Nobel Prize ceremonies are held on the way.

Your excursion will begin with a visit to the City Hall, a magnificent fortress-like building that has become the symbol of Stockholm; it is here that the annual banquet takes place following the presentation of the Nobel Prize. Walk through the opulent rooms and you are sure to be struck by the grandeur and enormity of the impressive Blue and Golden Halls. Our day trip continues with a visit to some of the rooms in the Royal Palace, from where the King of Sweden currently conducts his royal duties. An homage to the Baroque architectural style, the Royal Palace is a huge compound of buildings set on a hill in the old town and boasts no fewer than 608 rooms. After sightseeing we will walk around the old town before having time at leisure to shop or have lunch on your own. Our outing also includes a visit to the Vasa Museum built during the XVII century and which houses a Swedish warship that sank in Stockholm's harbour on her maiden voyage in 1628. The vessel was discovered in 1956 and raised from the seabed in 1961.