Culture & Relaxation in Stockholm, Jönköping & Kalmar - 10 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Stockholm, Explore

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 busy Norrmalm downtown and 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. Finally, 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.

Day 2: Experience Fika, Old Town Walk & Sunset Kayaking

Start the day by practicing the Swedish tradition of fika: coffee or tea accompanied by a sweet treat, typically a cinnamon bun or cookie, with friends or family. Some of the top cafés in Stockholm to enjoy fika include Konditori Vete-Katten, which has been serving baked goods since 1928, Chokladkoppen in the heart of the Old Town, and Konditori Ritorno, where you can experience classic "grandma" style fika.

Fueled up, take a guided walking tour of Stockholm's Old Town. Learn Swedish history and culture with a guide, starting at the striking 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. End your trip on the picturesque island of Riddarholmen, known as "The Island of Nobility." 

End the day with a sunset kayaking session to see Stockholm from the water. Set off with a guide to the Långholmen island, taking in views of the city's buildings bathed in a sunset glow as birds circle overhead and fishermen haul in their catch. The trip culminates with a delicious barbecue dinner on a secluded beach.

Day 3: Nordic Food Walk

This morning you'll embark upon a Nordic food walk, starting in the Östermalm area, a popular destination for the rich and famous. Here, you'll taste a variety of exquisite cheeses, game meat, and a beer crowned "The Gold of the North." You'll also visit the buzzing Östermalm Market Hall, which specializes in high-end Swedish cuisine. The tour continues to the heart of Stockholm, where you'll feast on a Swedish lunch of meatballs and potatoes. Wander through the beautiful Kings Garden to the Old Town next, where you'll sample some traditional Swedish candy to end the experience.

Spend the rest of the day as you please. If you're after some quality personal time, head to Centralbadet, an Art Nouveau palace transformed into a spa mecca. You can enjoy everything from Roman baths to saunas, a gym, and an organic restaurant. Centralbadet is the perfect place to escape the hustle of city life and recharge your batteries.

Day 4: Transfer to Jönköping & Guided Food Walk

Today you'll travel south to Jönköping, a city steeped in history and natural beauty. Set on Lake Vättern, Jönköping is known for its canals and ancient landmarks. It's also a magnet for outdoor lovers, with hiking, biking, and boating adventures on its doorstep. Just east of the city, you'll find the old mining town of Huskvarna, where weapons, appliances, and vehicles have been manufactured under the world-famous Husqvarna brand since the 17th century.

This evening, you'll take a guided food walk of Jönköping with a local, who'll take you to their favorite restaurants and share stories of the city's food history. You'll get to sample typical Swedish dishes, which may include pickled herring, falukorv sausage, meatballs with lingonberry sauce, and kroppkakor (potato dumplings). Afterward, return to your hotel for a relaxing evening.

Day 5: Skullaryd Moose Park & Rosenlundsbadet Aquatic Center

This morning, head to Skullaryd Moose Park for a thrilling tractor safari. The park dates back to the Viking area and features buildings from the mid-1800s. As you traverse acres of forest and marshland on the safari, look out for roaming red deer and majestic moose–known as the king of the forest.

Next, experience the epitome of wellness at Rosenlundsbadet in Jönköping. This aquatic center offers everything from an adventure pool with diving boards to 10 peaceful pools. Indulge in a rejuvenating massage and then detox in the sauna, or if you're feeling more active, work out in the state-of-the-art gym.

Day 6: Gränna Day Trip Including Polkagris Tour

Take a day trip to nearby Gränna, a charming Swedish town surrounded by rolling hills and tranquil lakes that's famed for producing polkagris candy. Take a stroll through the quaint streets lined with ancient architecture, relax by the lake, and have lunch at a local café, soaking up the atmosphere of this historic gem.

Spend an hour at a polkagris factory in Gränna, where you'll learn from the experts how to make the town's iconic red-and-white-striped candy sticks. Watch as they carefully mix, roll, twist, and shape the sugar, then have a go at making your own unique polkagris to take away as a souvenir of your time in Gränna. Afterward, return to Jönköping for a restful evening.

Day 7: Transfer to Kalmar & Glassblowing Workshop

Say goodbye to Jönköping and travel east to Kalmar. The city's oldest landmark is the imposing, moat-encircled Kalmar Castle which dates back to the 1200s. Spend time wandering the cobbled, medieval Old Town and stop by Krusenstiernska Gården for coffee and homemade cakes. Other highlights include the 1682 cathedral and bustling city harbor.

This afternoon, take a trip to nearby Orranäs Glasbruk, where you'll learn the art of glassblowing. Join a skilled glassblower, who'll teach you how to create your own masterpiece from hot glass, be it a bowl, vase, or glass ball, which you'll take away as a souvenir. Return to Kalmar afterward, where you can dine in the Old Town.

Day 8: Kalmar Boat Tour

Spend today exploring Kalmar. Start with a guided boat trip, where you'll take in the city's key sites, including the castle, from the water. Along the way, your guide will share stories of Kalmar's history and culture, pointing out city hotspots. The rest of the day is yours to discover Kalmar independently.

Take a castle tour or peruse the Kalmar Country Museum, where you can marvel at the man-of-war Kronan, the Swedish Empire's mightiest ship. Art fans will love the Kalmar Art Museum, which has a stellar display of local and international pieces. Take some time to people-watch in a café or amble through Kalmar's streets, surrounded by Swedish architecture.

Day 9: Grand Hôtel Nordic Spa

This morning you'll return to Stockholm for a final night in the city. Head to the Grand Hôtel Nordic Spa for a relaxing end to your trip. Inspired by the stunning waterside location of Stockholm and its archipelago, this spa offers a truly immersive experience. Unwind with a bespoke spa treatment, soak in one of the pools, and bask in the sauna. Finish the day with a little souvenir shopping and a final feast of Swedish dishes.

Day 10: Depart

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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