A Taste Of West Sweden
A Taste Of West Sweden
Explore the cultural and culinary gem that is Gothenburg then embark on a ‘voyage of discovery’ along the west coast of Sweden on the historic M/S Wilhelm Tham. Gothenburg welcomes you to parks bursting with colour, glistening waterways and trams that trundle through a historic centre, crammed with cafés and restaurants renowned for their culinary prowess. Whereas the M/S Wilhelm Tham, only demands you enjoy the food and company of your fellow guests as the countryside slips by in all its picturesque glory.
DAY 1 Gothenburg
Fly to the west coast of Sweden and its second largest city, Gothenburg. Make your way to your hotel, The Elite Plaza Hotel Gothenburg. Housed in a former bank, dating from 1889, the hotel successfully combines a warm contemporary feel, whilst retaining all the original features of this impressive building. The remainder of your day is free for you to familiarise yourself with this bustling maritime city.
DAY 2 Gothenburg
Originally built in the 1600’s by the Dutch, Gothenburg boasts a canal system reminiscent of Amsterdam and a city tour on a Padden boat that winds you around the moat and canals of the city is a must, as is a visit to the Liseberg Amusement Park. Liseberg has something for everyone and is not only noted for its botanical gardens but also ‘Balder’, twice voted the ‘Best Wooden Tracked Roller Coaster in the World’.
An Impressive Nordic art collection dating from the 15th century is housed in the Gothenburg Museum of Art and Gothenburg’s archipelago is but a 35 minute tram ride away and the car free southern islands are ideal for walks and bike rides.
Food is a real speciality in Gothenburg. ‘Feskekorka’ is an indoor market where you can sample all sorts of freshly caught seafood delicacies and ‘Haga’ is where you can try a giant cinnamon bun. Both sit comfortably alongside the seven Michelin starred restaurants that have placed Gothenburg on the culinary map.
DAY 3 M/S Wilhelm Tham and to Marstrand
Enjoy an early breakfast, before checking out and heading to the M/S Wilhelm Tham. The pier is just a short distance from the hotel. There is time to settle into your historic cabin before the ship departs at 10.00. In preserving the historic nature of the ship, cabins are compact, but there is plenty of room elsewhere on board for you to relax, get to know your fellow travellers and watch the world go by.
The first stop is Känsö Island, a former quarantine station. Here, an informative guided tour will detail the history surrounding this part of Sweden’s national heritage. The journey continues on to Vinga, one of Sweden’s most famous light-houses. Here you are free to discover the area and maybe even take a dip in the sea.
Finally, you stop at Marstrand. King Oscar II popularised the region in the 1800’s and his former favourite summer destination still enjoys playing host to the A-list Swede’s as well as an enthusiastic sailing fraternity. Your Wilhelm Tham host’s will take you on a guided tour around the well-preserved houses and cobbled streets. Both lunch and dinner are served on board M/S Wilhelm Tham. There is time to enjoy a night-cap before retiring to your cabin.
DAY 4 M/S Wilhelm Tham and to Gullhomlen
Todays leisurely journey along the west coast incorporates a visit to Skärhamn. A guided bridge walk presents an opportunity to learn how a place with a few non-owning tenants or squatters in the late 1700s became today’s community. This is followed by a visit to the Nordic Watercolour Museum.
Next stop is Gullholmen, one of the oldest fishing hamlets in Bohuslän. Visit the Skepparhuset Museum built in 1893 and meet two oyster and mussel farmers and hear about these ocean delicacies. This evening you are moored at Lysekil with ample time to enjoy dinner and the special atmosphere on this historic vessel.
DAY 5 Fjällbacka and return to the UK.
This small, idyllic fishing hamlet of Fjällbacka is located in a cove surrounded by tall cliffs. It was a haven for some of Sweden’s best known artists. Ingrid Bergman, had her summer paradise on Dannholmen Island in the Fjällbacka archipelago and the Swedish writer, Camilla Läckberg, grew up here and used the hamlet as the scene for her books. A gentle guided walk will explain more about this area.
Lunch on board, before disembarking at Grebbestad around 1400. You will be transferred back to Gothenburg by bus, where you can choose to extend your stay or self-transfer to the airport in time for an early evening return flight to the UK.
What's Included
- Return flights from London to Gothenburg
- 2 nights at the Elite Plaza Hotel Gothenburg BB in a twin room with private WC/shower
- 2 nights on board the Wilhelm Tham in a Category C (main deck) cabin on a FB basis. Shared facilities
- Guided walking tours whilst travelling on the Wilhelm Tham as described
- Return bus transfer from Grebbestad-Gothenburg
- Please note that the timing of your return flight home may mean an additional night in Gothenburg. Alternatively we can amend your itinerary to included 1 night pre and post your coastal cruise.
Departure Dates
July - August
Price per Adult
£1235 Prices are 'from' and are subject to availability
