Get to know the charms of Gothenburg through its architectural landmarks as the guide elaborates on the history of the city that King Gustav II founded in 1621. Masthugg Church will offer one of the best overall views of Gothenburg, especially the area around the harbor. A leisurely walk through the 17th-century Haga district will really bring the history to life, as it is Gothenburg’s first suburb. Few places are better for people-watching than the public square Järntorget as you will discover while pausing for photos of this popular hub for shopping and dining. Similarly, Götaplatsen square is recognized as the cultural hub of Gothenburg because it is home to theaters, museums and the iconic Poseidon statue that has become a symbol of the city. The leafy main boulevard Avenyn stretches from Götaplatsen square to the oldest section of Gothenburg and provides various perspectives of daily life.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Gain an overall understanding of Gothenburg on a panoramic drive through the city.
• Enjoy a bit of free time to walk around the historical Haga district.
• Pause in Götaplatsen square, Gothenburg’s city center and cultural hub.
• Learn about Gothenburg’s founding in 1621 and the history of its Dutch-like canals.

Explore Sweden's picturesque fjords, islands, inlets and fishing villages via coach and on foot during this tour of the country's sunny west coast.

Depart the pier for the panoramic drive to Sweden's delightful west coast, which has become the country's most popular holiday region. The area is dotted with picturesque fishing villages, inlets and idyllic coastal resorts. Your drive will proceed north of Gothenburg to peaceful Kungälv, a historical town in the foreground of the ruins of the 14th-century Bohus Fortress. Further north, you will pass through the modern town of Stenungsund en route to the lovely islands of Tjörn and Orust, which are connected to the mainland by impressive bridges. The longest is the Tjörn Bridge, which passes over the Askerö Fjord and offers spectacular views of Southern Bohus County.

Next, you will drive through the island's rural landscape to the charming fishing village of Klädesholmen, where your tour will continue on foot. This brief walking tour will introduce you to Klädesholmen's history, which is linked to the herring fishing industry. You will then re-board your coach for the transfer to the main village of Skärhamn. Upon arrival, some time will be made available for you to explore the village at your leisure before commencing the return drive to Gothenburg.

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.

OVERVIEW

Hop aboard an amphibious vehicle known as an Ocean Bus and see Gothenburg’s most iconic attractions by land and by sea. This unusual sightseeing adventure will begin by driving from Gustav Adolf’s Square, which is named for the king that founded the city in 1621. As you continue along city streets such as Avenyn, you will pass landmarks that include the iconic Poseidon statue, a beloved symbol of Gothenburg. It rises above Götaplatsen square, which is considered the cultural hub of Gothenburg. The boulevard Avenyn stretches from Götaplatsen to the oldest section of Gothenburg, which commentary will describe in detail. As soon as the Ocean Bus – which weighs a hefty 10 tons – enters the water and converts into a boat, you will enjoy a different but complementary perspective of Gothenburg. One of the more impressive sights will be the Eriksberg Crane, a soaring bright-red crane that stands as a reminder of Gothenburg’s rich shipbuilding heritage.

HIGHLIGHTS

• See Gothenburg from land and sea while touring on an amphibious Ocean Bus.
• Drive past landmarks such as the Poseidon statue and Götaplatsen square.
• Cruise under the Älvsborg Bridge and by the towering Eriksberg Crane.
• Hear enlightening commentary about each attraction as you pass by.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Explore the enchanting town of Marstand on the island of the same name and walk through the pristine nature reserve that borders it. A short ferry ride will bring you to Marstrand, which was founded in the 13th century to take advantage of its mostly ice-free, wind-sheltered port. The city still revolves around the sea as sailing is prevalent in the summer and herring fishing thrives year-round. While walking around the pedestrianized cobbled streets of Marstrand, you can’t help but notice the prisoner-built, 17th-century Carlsten Fortress looming over the cityscape. On the outskirts of town, you will follow a hiking trail through the serene nature reserve that covers the majority of the island. The trail offers a view of Skallens Lighthouse on Marsten’s rocky northwestern tip. Back in town, you will enjoy free time to browse the one-of-a-kind boutiques or to indulge in a Swedish fika – a refreshing break for coffee and a sweet.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Enjoy a short but scenic ferry ride to and from Marstrand Island.
• Follow a guide through Marstrand town and explore its cobbled streets later on your own.
• Take a leisurely walk through the nature reserve that blankets most of the island.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.