Tjolohom Manor

Enjoy a taste of Sweden's beautiful and historic past during this visit to the glaciers near Lake Lygnem, and the manor house of Tjolöholm, one of the country's most renowned attractions.

Your tour begins with a drive to Fjärås Bräcka, a 25-mile long ridge near beautiful Lake Lygnern that formed when land receded inland between 12-13,000 years ago. It is one of the most remarkable and impressive glacial sea formations in the country, and home to spectacular panoramic views.

Continue on to a peninsula 25 miles south of Gothenburg for a visit to Tjolöholm, a beautiful Elizabethan-styled manor house and one of Sweden's greatest attractions. The house, erected from 1898-1904, fascinates thousands of visitors each year. The front is reminiscent of the 16th century and Tudor era, while the interior is a brilliant example of Art Nouveau and craftsmanship in the spirit of William Morris. The estate had its own electric generator, and the manor concealed many comforts far beyond the standards of the day. It was heated by a piped hot air system, in spite of its many fireplaces, and the three bathrooms were fitted with showers and sunken baths. In order to keep the wall-to-wall carpets clean, a horse-drawn vacuum cleaner was pulled around outside the house, and the thick hoses were pushed into the rooms through the windows.

After your tour, some free time will be allowed to enjoy the grounds of the Castle before rejoining your coach for the return drive to Gothenburg and the ship.