Pick-up at the airport and transfer to hotel. Rest of the day free. Scandic Malmen Hotel 4* or similar

Tour of Stockholm, a city built on 14 islands and hailed as a masterpiece of waterside architecture. Sightseeing trip around the city’s various canals, including the Diplomat City, the Western Bridge, the Royal Palace and “Gamla Stan,” the old town district whose origins date back to the 13th century. Visit to the City Hall, built on the water in 1911, and its famous Golden Room, where Nobel Prize winners are celebrated each year. Afternoon free. (B-L)

Departure for Sigtuna, an ancient medieval village and Sweden’s first capital. Continuation to Uppsala for a sightseeing tour of this university city, famous for its library and cathedral. Then, on to Örebro with a stop at the imposing Svartån Castle, erected in the 13th century. Arrival in Värmland, a region renowned for its forested landscapes scattered with ten thousand lakes, to reach the shores of one of Europe’s largest lakes, the Vänern, and the city of Karlstad. Good Morning Karlstad Hotel 3* or similar (B-D)

Departure for the Swedish west coast. Along the way, stop to visit the Tanum rock carvings site, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Continuation to the Bohuslän archipelago, with its thousand islands of idyllic charm and quaint villages with centuries-old red wooden houses and picturesque alleyways. Nature at its most paradise-like, and a quiet, old-fashioned way of life. Boarding for a one-hour cruise through this gorgeous archipelago, then on to the small town of Uddevalla. BW Carlia Hotel 3* or similar (B-D)

Onward to Marstrand to discover one of the most beautiful towns on the coast. Sailing capital of Sweden, it is notorious for its historical contribution and the Carlsten Fortress. Short ferryboat crossing for a stroll around the island. Off to Gothenburg for a guided tour of the city including its famous Götaplatsen square, inaugurated for the 1923 World Exhibition and flanked by outstanding monuments such as the Concert Hall, the City Theatre and the Museum of Art. At its heart stands a statue of Poseidon sculpted by Carl Milles in 1931, which since then has become a symbol of the city. Comfort Hotel Göteborg 3* or similar (B-L)

Trip to the country’s southeast to explore the southern region of Skåne, steeped in Viking and medieval history. First stop in Lund to marvel at the Romanesque cathedral, one of Skåne’s most popular landmarks. Arrival in Malmö for a guided tour of the country’s third-largest city: a glimpse of the Renaissance Castle of Malmöhus, the new sustainable district of Västra Hamnen and the breathtaking architecture of the Turning Torso, Scandinavia’s tallest tower. Elite Hotel Savoy 3* or similar (B-L)

Crossing of the magnificent Øresund Bridge linking Sweden and Denmark. Arrival in Copenhagen, capital of Europe’s oldest kingdom. Guided tour of the Danish capital: City Hall, Christiansborg, Charlottenborg Palace, the aristocratic district of Kongens Nytorv, the old seafarers’ neighbourhood of Nyhavn, Amalienborg Royal Palace, Rosenborg Castle, home to the crown jewels, the Little Mermaid, the Cathedral, the University district and the Round Tower. Scandic Spectrum Hotel 4* or similar (B-L)

After breakfast, transfer to the Stockholm Airport. (B)