Journey back into Visby's past during a walking tour through this Medieval city, and a visit to Gotland's Fornsalen Museum.

Visby, the Capital of Gotland, boasts a swashbuckling history that began in the Viking Age, and was followed by a flourishing Medieval period and the growth of the powerful Hanseatic League. Today, however, Visby is best known as the Town of Roses and Ruins, and one of Sweden's most popular vacation resort destination.

From the inner harbor proceed to Almedalen, the site of the Hanseatic Harbor. See the powder tower, the oldest remaining structure in Visby and nearby, stroll through the lovely Botanical Gardens. Continue your walk through the narrow winding, medieval streets to the evocative ruins of one of the medieval churches. Visit the Cathedral of St. Mary's which at one time belonged to the Germans and is the only one of the town's many medieval Churches still in use. Via Stora Torget, the main square, continue to Gotland's History Museum. In the museum, see the world's largest Viking Silver hoard and get an in-depth insight into all aspects of life on Gotland through the ages.

OVERVIEW

Ride the sole remaining railway on the island of Gotland and enjoy extraordinary views of the idyllic countryside. On the way to the train station, you will pause at one of the many medieval churches in this part of Sweden. Upon reaching Dalhem, you will board a restored vintage carriage on the Gotland Hesselby railway, which dates to 1878. The diesel-powered train will follow an incredibly scenic route on a narrow-gauge track across the island’s pastoral landscape. A stop will be made along the way, so you can learn about the history of the railway and how the train was renovated to offer an authentic nostalgic experience. After detraining? in Roma, you will settle in for a leisurely drive to the fishing village of Gnisvärd, where you will see an ancient gravesite outlined in large stones that form a large ship’s hull. During the Bronze Age, cremated remains were buried within the boat-shaped monument.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Settle in for a scenic ride through Gotland’s interior on a restored vintage railway.
• Stop along the way to learn how the railway has evolved over the past century.
• See an unusual Bronze Age burial site made of stones in the shape of a ship’s hull.
• Enjoy a short stop at the picturesque fishing village of Gnisvärd.
• Pause for photos of one of Sweden’s many characteristic medieval churches.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

Experience life in the Swedish countryside during this scenic visit to Gotland.

The Swedish Province of Gotland is the largest island in the Baltic Sea. Depart the capital city Visby for the drive to the northern part of the countryside, where you'll visit one of the 92 interesting Medieval churches. Amidst the beautiful surroundings at Stafva Farm, the friendly owners will invite you into their home to taste some locally-produced delicacies such as cheese and jam.

Continue on to the beautifully situated fishing port of Gnisvard for expansive views over the coast. Your tour concludes back in Visby, where you'll take a short walk among the beautiful roses, ruins and alleyways before rejoining your coach for the return drive to the ship.

Discover Visby's stunning beauty and storied past during this visit to the Island of Gotland's capital city.

Visby, the Capital of Gotland, boasts a swashbuckling history that began in the Viking Age, followed by a flourishing Medieval period and the growth of the powerful Hanseatic League. Today, however, Visby is best known as the Town of Roses and Ruins, and one of Sweden's most popular vacation resort destinations.

Drive along Visby's coast to Hogklint. From this dramatic cliff-top viewpoint, you will gain a geographical perspective of the walled city, and enjoy marvelous views and photo opportunities of Visby and the Baltic Sea.

Head back towards town by way of the old Hanseatic harbor of Almedalen. Along the way, you will pass by the Kruttornet, a powder tower that has the distinction of being Visby's oldest structure, before stopping for a stroll through the Botanical Gardens.

Your scenic drive follows the 13th-century city walls past the Maiden's Tower, part of the remaining 1.5-mile-long, 13th-century city wall. Stop at Dalmansporten, one of the gates through the wall surrounding Visby, where you will start an approximately 1-hour guided walk down its narrow, winding streets. See the evocative ruins of Dalmasnsporten's many Medieval churches, before reaching the impressive St. Mary’s Cathedral.

After a short walk to the dock, this tour starts from the harbor where you will be equipped with your bicycle.

Your ride makes a stop at Almedalen park, pass the Powder Tower and the Botanical Garden and continue uphill by bike to Klinten where you stop for a panoramic view of the medieval town and the cathedral. Through narrow lanes you pass the eastern gate and go about 3-miles south of Visby to Fridhem. This boarding house used to be the summer palace of the Princess Eugenie and here you will enjoy coffee, or tea and biscuits.

On the return to Visby stop at Gallows Hill for a great panoramic photo opportunity.