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Simply Sweden

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Göta Kanal - Classic Swedish Cruise

This three night Swedish cruise takes you between two seas, along three canals, across eight glorious lakes and through 66 locks.

Overview

Travel on the world's oldest ship with overnight accommodation.

The Göta Kanal (Gota Canal) may not be the fastest way to travel between Stockholm and Gothenburg but this is certainly one of the most gracious, beautiful and relaxing forms of transport.

In 2015 the Classic Swedish Cruise will be almost exclusively served by M/S Juno also known as 'The Grand Old Lady'. She was launched in 1874 and is the world’s oldest registered ship with overnight accommodation. In 2004 she was 'listed' and is now a floating museum. The dining room offers delicious traditional Swedish meals and a different view each evening. You will be catered for on a full board basis whilst on the ship; breakfast buffet, two course lunch and three course supper. 

The cabins are small, comfortable and tastefully decorated. Most are fitted with bunk beds (some have double beds) and each has a hand basin; WCs and showers are in the corridor. As there is plenty to see and do most guests are only in their cabins to sleep. All cabins are above the waterline with a port hole or window. All bridge and shelter deck cabins open on to the deck.

There are several shore excursions included in every cruise and the ship’s guide is never far away to offer expert advice. This is a shortened version of the Great Swedish Cruise, with the ship travelling through two nights and mooring up for one night. There are plenty of opportunities to get off and explore the Göta Kanal by foot or bicycle (the ship has a couple you can borrow), especially when passing through locks.

Itinerary

Gothenburg to Stockholm

Day 1
Fly from UK to Gothenburg
Self transfer to the centre of Gothenburg
Check into your hotel
Time to explore some of Gothenburg
You may decide to travel a day or 2 earlier to see more of Gothenburg

Day 2
Breakfast at your hotel
0830 boarding for your Göta Kanal cruise
0900 Departure
The impressive Trollhätten lock staircase, the Canal Museum & a walk through the beautiful Old Lock area
Cruise across Europe's 3rd largest lake, Vänern.
Sail past Läckö Castle built in 1298

Day 3
In the early hourse you pass through the Sjötorp lock system (8 locks)
Sweden's smalles ferry, "Lina", at Töreboda
At 91.5m above sea level this part of the Canal is called "Berg Kanal" and is the highest point of the Göta Kanal.
Afternoon guided tour of Karlsborg Fortress, built between 1819 & 1909 and the beautiful Garrison Church.
During the evening cross Sweden's 2nd largest lake, Vättern.
Motala is the overnight stop. Motala is recognised as the capital of the Göta Kanal with HQ responsible for operations & maintenance.

Day 4
Pass through the 2nd hand operated lock at Borensberg.
2 more modern additions to the Göta Kanal are the Kungs Norrby & Ljungsbro aqueducts.
As the boat descends through the Berg lock system - 15 locks, you visit the famous convent town of Vreta.
Guided tour of Vreta Church and the ruins of Vreta Convent.
A swim in Lake Roxen perhaps?
Time for an evening stroll through Söderköping
Late in the evening. The final lock, Mem, before leaving the Göta Kanal for the Baltic Sea. Weave through the southern parts of the Stockholm archipelago

Day 5
Enter the Södertälje lock - Scandinavia's largest.
Enter Lake Mälaren - Sweden's 3rd largest and an impressive archipelago of green islands.
Visit the Viking community at Birka.
Birka is recognised as Sweden's first town and is now on the UNESCO world heritage list.
Pass by Drottningholm Castle, home to the Royal Family
Pass through Hammarby Lock and into Stockholm Harbour
Approx. 1600 arrival in the famous Old Town.
Self transfer to your Stockholm Hotel. Your crew will be able to assist with booking a taxi.
Check in to your hotel

Day 6
Relaxing breakfast at your hotel.
Perhaps add a night or 2 to see more of Stockholm
Self transfer to the airport
Flights back to the UK

Activities / excursions on the Göta Kanal may be subject to change


Stockholm to Gothenburg

Day 1
Fly from UK to Stockholm
Self transfer to the centre of Stockholm
Check into your hotel
Time to explore some of Stockholm
You may decide to travel a day or 2 earlier to see more of Gothenburg

Day 2
Breakfast at your hotel
0830 boarding for your Göta Kanal cruise
0900 Departure
Through Hammarby Lock and into Lake Mälaren.
Pass by Drottningholms Castle, home to the Royal Family
Södertälje lock - Scandinavia's largest and into the Baltic Sea.
A late afternoon walk through the beautiful archipelago town of Trosa

Day 3
During the early hours you enter the Göta Kanal at Mem.
Cruise across Lake Roxen and perhaps a swim?
Guided tour of Vreta Church and the ruins of Vreta Convent, as the boat climbs through the Berg lock system - 15 locks
2 more modern additions to the Göta kanal are the Kungs Norrby & Ljungsbro aqueducts.
Motala is the overnight stop.
Motala is recognised as the capital of the Göta Kanal with HQ responsible for operations & maintenance

Day 4
Early crossing of Sweden's 2nd largest lake, Vättern.
Morning guided tour of Karlsborg Fortress, built between 1819 & 1909 and the beautiful Garrison Church.
The 2nd hand operated lock at Tåtorp
At 91.5m above sea level this part of the canal is called "Berg Kanal" and is the highest point of the Göta Kanal.
Sweden's smallest ferry, "Lina", at Töreboda
The Sjötorp lock system (8 locks), and the history of this part of the Göta Kanal. Time for a walk around!
Cruise across Europe's 3rd largest lake, Vänern.

Day 5
The impressive Trollhätten lock staircase, the Canal museum & a walk through the beautiful Old Lock area
The final lock is Lilla Edet. Oringally built in 1607 and refurbished in 1916.
Approx 1600 arrival in Gothenburg centre close to the spectacular Opera House
Self transfer to your Gothenburg hotel. Your crew will be able to assist with booking a taxi.
Check in to your hotel

Day 6
Relaxing breakfast at your hotel.
Perhaps add a night or 2 to see more of Gothenburg
Self transfer to the airport
Flights back to the UK

Activities / excursions on the Göta Kanal may be subject to change

Accommodation

Clarion Hotel Sign - Stockholm

Stockholm's largest hotel is located in the heart of Stockholm city adjacent to the Central Station and Arlanda Express as well as near all the best of Stockholm’s favourite spots. It all started with the idea to create a unique, timeless, first-class hotel. By combining the best of Scandinavian architecture and design it would create a source of inspiration for the guests.

Click on the image for more photos.

 

 

Göta Kanal Cruise - Sweden

Three magnificent ships (M/S Diana, M/S Juno and M/S Wilhelm Tham) dating back to the 1800s, offer stunning views over the Swedish countryside. Each ship has a meticulously maintained lounge and dining room, offering delicious traditional Swedish meals and a different view each evening. You will be catered for on a full board basis whilst on the ship; breakfast buffet, two course lunch and three course supper.  

The cabins are small, comfortable and tastefully decorated. Most are fitted with bunk beds (some have double beds) and each has a hand basin; WCs and showers are in the corridor. As there is plenty to see and do most guests are only in their cabins to sleep. All cabins are above the waterline with a port hole or window. All bridge and shelter deck cabins open onto the deck.

In 2016 the M/S Diana will serve The Great Swedish Cruise, the M/S Juno will serve The Classic Canal Cruise and the M/S Wilhelm Tham will serve both the West Sweden Coastal Cruise and the Cost to Coast Cruise.

Please click on the image for deck plans and interior pictures.

Hotel Royal - Gothenburg

A small and personal hotel, with just 77 rooms, in the heart of Gothenburg that is bursting with character in an Art Nouveau style. The building dates from 1852 and now houses recently renovated individually decorated rooms across 4 floors.

During the afternoon and early evening you will always find complimentary tea, coffee and cake (known locally as afternoon ‘fika’). Your stay in Sweden is not complete without ‘fika’! Gothenburg Central Station is just 350m away and the shops, bars and restaurants are even closer. 

Click on the image for more photos.

Activities & Excursions

Göta Kanal

Please check the itinerary. Excursions are subject to change.

Dates

Please note the dates below are the actual cruise dates. Don’t forget to add your nights in Stockholm or Gothenburg at the beginning and end!

The M/S Juno will be serving the Classic Swedish Cruise in 2016.

2016 Gothenburg to Stockholm
May
Tuesday 24th

June
Sunday 5th
Tuesday 14th
Wednesday 22nd

July
Friday 1st
Saturday 9th
Monday 18th
Wednesday 27th

August
Thursday 4th
Saturday 13th
Sunday 21st


2016 Stockholm to Gothenburg
May
Sunday 29th

June
Thursday 9th
Saturday 18th
Monday 27th

July
Tuesday 5th
Wednesday 13th
Friday 22nd
Sunday 31st

August
Monday 8th
Wednesday 17th
Thursday 25th

Prices

2016 prices from 

Book before 15th March 2016
2 adults in a double / twin
Main deck      £1495 per person
Shelter deck  £1940 per person
Bridge deck   £2350 per person

1 adult single cabin / room
Main deck      £1960 per person
Shelter deck  £2495 per person
Bridge deck   £3020 per person

 

Book after 15th March 2016
2 adults in a double / twin
Main deck      £1610 per person
Shelter deck  £2095 per person
Bridge deck   £2560 per person

1 adult single cabin / room
Main deck      £2115 per person
Shelter deck  £2715 per person
Bridge deck   £3290 per person

Price includes
return flights from the UK
1 night b&b in Stockholm
1 night b&b in Gothenburg
3 nights full board on board

Gallery

Information

Overview

Travel on the world's oldest ship with overnight accommodation.

The Göta Kanal (Gota Canal) may not be the fastest way to travel between Stockholm and Gothenburg but this is certainly one of the most gracious, beautiful and relaxing forms of transport.

In 2015 the Classic Swedish Cruise will be almost exclusively served by M/S Juno also known as 'The Grand Old Lady'. She was launched in 1874 and is the world’s oldest registered ship with overnight accommodation. In 2004 she was 'listed' and is now a floating museum. The dining room offers delicious traditional Swedish meals and a different view each evening. You will be catered for on a full board basis whilst on the ship; breakfast buffet, two course lunch and three course supper. 

The cabins are small, comfortable and tastefully decorated. Most are fitted with bunk beds (some have double beds) and each has a hand basin; WCs and showers are in the corridor. As there is plenty to see and do most guests are only in their cabins to sleep. All cabins are above the waterline with a port hole or window. All bridge and shelter deck cabins open on to the deck.

There are several shore excursions included in every cruise and the ship’s guide is never far away to offer expert advice. This is a shortened version of the Great Swedish Cruise, with the ship travelling through two nights and mooring up for one night. There are plenty of opportunities to get off and explore the Göta Kanal by foot or bicycle (the ship has a couple you can borrow), especially when passing through locks.

Itinerary

Gothenburg to Stockholm

Day 1
Fly from UK to Gothenburg
Self transfer to the centre of Gothenburg
Check into your hotel
Time to explore some of Gothenburg
You may decide to travel a day or 2 earlier to see more of Gothenburg

Day 2
Breakfast at your hotel
0830 boarding for your Göta Kanal cruise
0900 Departure
The impressive Trollhätten lock staircase, the Canal Museum & a walk through the beautiful Old Lock area
Cruise across Europe's 3rd largest lake, Vänern.
Sail past Läckö Castle built in 1298

Day 3
In the early hourse you pass through the Sjötorp lock system (8 locks)
Sweden's smalles ferry, "Lina", at Töreboda
At 91.5m above sea level this part of the Canal is called "Berg Kanal" and is the highest point of the Göta Kanal.
Afternoon guided tour of Karlsborg Fortress, built between 1819 & 1909 and the beautiful Garrison Church.
During the evening cross Sweden's 2nd largest lake, Vättern.
Motala is the overnight stop. Motala is recognised as the capital of the Göta Kanal with HQ responsible for operations & maintenance.

Day 4
Pass through the 2nd hand operated lock at Borensberg.
2 more modern additions to the Göta Kanal are the Kungs Norrby & Ljungsbro aqueducts.
As the boat descends through the Berg lock system - 15 locks, you visit the famous convent town of Vreta.
Guided tour of Vreta Church and the ruins of Vreta Convent.
A swim in Lake Roxen perhaps?
Time for an evening stroll through Söderköping
Late in the evening. The final lock, Mem, before leaving the Göta Kanal for the Baltic Sea. Weave through the southern parts of the Stockholm archipelago

Day 5
Enter the Södertälje lock - Scandinavia's largest.
Enter Lake Mälaren - Sweden's 3rd largest and an impressive archipelago of green islands.
Visit the Viking community at Birka.
Birka is recognised as Sweden's first town and is now on the UNESCO world heritage list.
Pass by Drottningholm Castle, home to the Royal Family
Pass through Hammarby Lock and into Stockholm Harbour
Approx. 1600 arrival in the famous Old Town.
Self transfer to your Stockholm Hotel. Your crew will be able to assist with booking a taxi.
Check in to your hotel

Day 6
Relaxing breakfast at your hotel.
Perhaps add a night or 2 to see more of Stockholm
Self transfer to the airport
Flights back to the UK

Activities / excursions on the Göta Kanal may be subject to change


Stockholm to Gothenburg

Day 1
Fly from UK to Stockholm
Self transfer to the centre of Stockholm
Check into your hotel
Time to explore some of Stockholm
You may decide to travel a day or 2 earlier to see more of Gothenburg

Day 2
Breakfast at your hotel
0830 boarding for your Göta Kanal cruise
0900 Departure
Through Hammarby Lock and into Lake Mälaren.
Pass by Drottningholms Castle, home to the Royal Family
Södertälje lock - Scandinavia's largest and into the Baltic Sea.
A late afternoon walk through the beautiful archipelago town of Trosa

Day 3
During the early hours you enter the Göta Kanal at Mem.
Cruise across Lake Roxen and perhaps a swim?
Guided tour of Vreta Church and the ruins of Vreta Convent, as the boat climbs through the Berg lock system - 15 locks
2 more modern additions to the Göta kanal are the Kungs Norrby & Ljungsbro aqueducts.
Motala is the overnight stop.
Motala is recognised as the capital of the Göta Kanal with HQ responsible for operations & maintenance

Day 4
Early crossing of Sweden's 2nd largest lake, Vättern.
Morning guided tour of Karlsborg Fortress, built between 1819 & 1909 and the beautiful Garrison Church.
The 2nd hand operated lock at Tåtorp
At 91.5m above sea level this part of the canal is called "Berg Kanal" and is the highest point of the Göta Kanal.
Sweden's smallest ferry, "Lina", at Töreboda
The Sjötorp lock system (8 locks), and the history of this part of the Göta Kanal. Time for a walk around!
Cruise across Europe's 3rd largest lake, Vänern.

Day 5
The impressive Trollhätten lock staircase, the Canal museum & a walk through the beautiful Old Lock area
The final lock is Lilla Edet. Oringally built in 1607 and refurbished in 1916.
Approx 1600 arrival in Gothenburg centre close to the spectacular Opera House
Self transfer to your Gothenburg hotel. Your crew will be able to assist with booking a taxi.
Check in to your hotel

Day 6
Relaxing breakfast at your hotel.
Perhaps add a night or 2 to see more of Gothenburg
Self transfer to the airport
Flights back to the UK

Activities / excursions on the Göta Kanal may be subject to change

Accomodation

Clarion Hotel Sign - Stockholm

Stockholm's largest hotel is located in the heart of Stockholm city adjacent to the Central Station and Arlanda Express as well as near all the best of Stockholm’s favourite spots. It all started with the idea to create a unique, timeless, first-class hotel. By combining the best of Scandinavian architecture and design it would create a source of inspiration for the guests.

Click on the image for more photos.

 

 

Göta Kanal Cruise - Sweden

Three magnificent ships (M/S Diana, M/S Juno and M/S Wilhelm Tham) dating back to the 1800s, offer stunning views over the Swedish countryside. Each ship has a meticulously maintained lounge and dining room, offering delicious traditional Swedish meals and a different view each evening. You will be catered for on a full board basis whilst on the ship; breakfast buffet, two course lunch and three course supper.  

The cabins are small, comfortable and tastefully decorated. Most are fitted with bunk beds (some have double beds) and each has a hand basin; WCs and showers are in the corridor. As there is plenty to see and do most guests are only in their cabins to sleep. All cabins are above the waterline with a port hole or window. All bridge and shelter deck cabins open onto the deck.

In 2016 the M/S Diana will serve The Great Swedish Cruise, the M/S Juno will serve The Classic Canal Cruise and the M/S Wilhelm Tham will serve both the West Sweden Coastal Cruise and the Cost to Coast Cruise.

Please click on the image for deck plans and interior pictures.

Hotel Royal - Gothenburg

A small and personal hotel, with just 77 rooms, in the heart of Gothenburg that is bursting with character in an Art Nouveau style. The building dates from 1852 and now houses recently renovated individually decorated rooms across 4 floors.

During the afternoon and early evening you will always find complimentary tea, coffee and cake (known locally as afternoon ‘fika’). Your stay in Sweden is not complete without ‘fika’! Gothenburg Central Station is just 350m away and the shops, bars and restaurants are even closer. 

Click on the image for more photos.

Excursions

Göta Kanal

Please check the itinerary. Excursions are subject to change.

Dates

Please note the dates below are the actual cruise dates. Don’t forget to add your nights in Stockholm or Gothenburg at the beginning and end!

The M/S Juno will be serving the Classic Swedish Cruise in 2016.

2016 Gothenburg to Stockholm
May
Tuesday 24th

June
Sunday 5th
Tuesday 14th
Wednesday 22nd

July
Friday 1st
Saturday 9th
Monday 18th
Wednesday 27th

August
Thursday 4th
Saturday 13th
Sunday 21st


2016 Stockholm to Gothenburg
May
Sunday 29th

June
Thursday 9th
Saturday 18th
Monday 27th

July
Tuesday 5th
Wednesday 13th
Friday 22nd
Sunday 31st

August
Monday 8th
Wednesday 17th
Thursday 25th

Prices

2016 prices from 

Book before 15th March 2016
2 adults in a double / twin
Main deck      £1495 per person
Shelter deck  £1940 per person
Bridge deck   £2350 per person

1 adult single cabin / room
Main deck      £1960 per person
Shelter deck  £2495 per person
Bridge deck   £3020 per person

 

Book after 15th March 2016
2 adults in a double / twin
Main deck      £1610 per person
Shelter deck  £2095 per person
Bridge deck   £2560 per person

1 adult single cabin / room
Main deck      £2115 per person
Shelter deck  £2715 per person
Bridge deck   £3290 per person

Price includes
return flights from the UK
1 night b&b in Stockholm
1 night b&b in Gothenburg
3 nights full board on board

Gallery More Info