This 10-day private driver-guided tour is designed for travelers who want to experience Sweden’s natural charm, timeless villages, and coastal beauty—all with comfort and ease.
Beginning in Stockholm, you’ll explore the city’s royal landmarks and peaceful archipelago before journeying south to the storybook landscapes of Småland. Visit glassblowing studios, lakeside towns, and Sweden’s best-preserved wooden villages. Then continue west to the stunning Bohuslän coast and lively Gothenburg, with seafood cruises, scenic drives, and cultural stops along the way.
With just three hotel bases and thoughtful pacing, this itinerary offers the perfect balance of nature, culture, and local flavor for a relaxed yet enriching Swedish escape.
Destinations on Our 10-Day Sweden Itinerary
Days 1-3: Base in Stockholm
Gamla Stan, Royal Palace, Stockholm Archipelago, Vasa Museum, Sigtuna & Uppsala or rooftop walk + culinary tour
Days 4-6: Base in Småland
Julita Manor, Kingdom of Crystal (Kosta Boda), Eksjö wooden town, Astrid Lindgren’s World, forest lakes
Days 7-9: Base in Fjällbacka or Gothenburg)
Lake Vättern, Bohuslän Archipelago cruise, seafood tasting, Gothenburg Gardens & Feskekörka, Volvo Museum or Fjällbacka village tour
Day 10: Return to Stockholm or depart via Gothenburg Airport
Day 1: Arrival in Stockholm & Private Highlights Tour
Begin your Swedish journey in the capital with a personalized introduction to the city’s old-world charm, royal landmarks, and waterside elegance.
Private Airport Transfer & Orientation Drive
Upon arrival, meet your driver-guide for a smooth transfer into the city. As you travel to your centrally located hotel, your guide will offer a relaxed orientation of Stockholm’s neighborhoods, parks, and waterside promenades.
This gentle introduction offers context to the city’s layout and history while allowing you to ease into the Scandinavian pace of life.
Walking Tour of Gamla Stan – Stockholm’s Storybook Old Town
Join your guide for a private stroll through Gamla Stan, Stockholm’s beautifully preserved Old Town.
You’ll visit Stortorget, the city’s oldest square, and hear stories of Viking traders, medieval guilds, and royal dramas that shaped the Swedish kingdom.
Stop by charming artisan shops, admire the 18th-century Royal Palace, and peek into hidden courtyards—your guide will tailor the walk to your interests, whether historical intrigue or architectural curiosities.
Harborside Visit to the Vasa Museum
Conclude your day with a private visit to the Vasa Museum on Djurgården Island, home to the world’s only preserved 17th-century warship. The Vasa sank on its maiden voyage and was recovered nearly intact 333 years later—a captivating tale of maritime ambition, engineering misjudgment, and underwater preservation.
Your guide will walk you through the ship’s intricately carved hull and exhibitions, offering insights into life aboard and Sweden’s imperial past. Afterward, return to your hotel or enjoy dinner nearby at your guide’s recommended harborside restaurant.
Day 2: Stockholm Archipelago Escape – Private Day Trip by Boat
Trade the city for the sea today as you explore the tranquil beauty of Stockholm’s archipelago with a local boat guide.
Private Cruise to Vaxholm or Sandhamn
After breakfast, your private boat guide will meet you at a nearby marina for a day cruise through the Stockholm Archipelago—a magical sprawl of 30,000 islands stretching into the Baltic Sea. Glide past pine-covered islets, red cottages, and summer houses tucked among the rocks, learning about island life and maritime history.
Stop at Vaxholm, the “gateway to the archipelago,” for a relaxed village walk, or travel farther to Sandhamn, a historic island popular with sailors and artists. The route can be tailored to your preferences—whether scenic, cultural, or culinary.
Island Exploration with Guide
Once ashore, take a private guided walk to discover the island’s character. Explore a coastal fortress in Vaxholm or browse boutique shops and cafés overlooking the sea. On Sandhamn, wander sun-drenched paths lined with lilacs, visit the marina, and enjoy the peaceful island pace.
Your guide will share local lore—from pirate history to modern island traditions—and ensure the day feels immersive without ever being strenuous.
Seaside Lunch & Return Cruise
Pause midday for a seafood lunch at a local restaurant, with options for freshly caught Baltic fish, shrimp sandwiches, or vegetarian specialties with a Nordic twist. Dine on an open terrace as boats drift by, and seabirds call overhead.
After lunch, return by private boat, enjoying the sea breeze and serenity before docking back in the city. The rest of the evening is yours to relax or dine at leisure.
Day 3: Sigtuna & Uppsala Heritage Tour or Rooftop Walk & Culinary Evening
Choose between a day trip into Sweden’s early history or a more urban adventure featuring panoramic views and food culture.
Option 1: Private Day Trip to Sigtuna & Uppsala
Meet your driver-guide for a scenic countryside journey to Sigtuna, Sweden’s oldest town. Walk cobblestone streets lined with wooden houses, visit medieval church ruins, and discover Viking-era runestones—reminders of a time when this lakeside village was a royal stronghold.
Continue to Uppsala, a university town rich in spiritual and intellectual history. With your guide, visit Uppsala Cathedral, Scandinavia’s largest church, and the Botanical Gardens originally cultivated by Carl Linnaeus. Pause for lunch at a garden café or riverside bistro before returning to Stockholm in the late afternoon.
Option 2: Rooftop Walk & Culinary Evening Tour
Begin your day with a thrilling yet safe guided rooftop walk across the historic ridges of Stockholm. Outfitted with safety harnesses and expert supervision, you’ll enjoy panoramic views over the city’s rooftops, spires, and waterways—an unforgettable way to see the capital from a unique vantage point.
In the evening, meet your food-savvy guide for a private culinary tour through Östermalm or Södermalm. Sample Swedish specialties—such as elk salami, cloudberry jam, artisanal cheeses, and aquavit—while hopping between indoor markets, local eateries, and stylish cafés.
It’s a flavorful, easy-paced end to your time in Stockholm, offering a delicious window into Swedish life and hospitality.
Day 4: Scenic Drive South & Countryside Arrival
Today, your journey leads from Stockholm to the storybook landscapes of Småland, stopping in historic harbor towns and elegant manors along the way.
Guided Village Stroll in Trosa or Nyköping
Depart the city with your driver-guide and head south along the scenic Södermanland coast. Mid-morning, pause in Trosa—a serene waterfront village with clapboard houses and flower-lined canals—or in Nyköping, known for its riverside castle ruins and cozy market square. On a private walking tour, explore winding lanes, marina promenades, and artisan boutiques housed in centuries-old buildings. Your guide will highlight historic churches, local legends, and the region’s maritime legacy.
Stroll past charming courtyards, peek into family-run shops selling local crafts, and pause at viewpoints overlooking the harbor where sailboats sway gently in the breeze.
Visit to Julita Manor or Regional Estate
Continue your drive with a cultural stop at a historic manor estate such as Julita Gård, the former summer home of a prominent collector. On a private guided tour, explore furnished salons, personal libraries, and decorative period kitchens that once entertained Sweden’s upper class. You’ll walk through manicured gardens filled with heirloom roses and view heritage outbuildings like the schoolhouse and smithy that reflect 19th-century life on the estate.
Inside the main house, admire hand-painted wallpaper, antique furniture, and curated objects that reveal the daily rhythm of aristocratic Swedish life in the countryside.
Check-In at a Country Hotel or Lakeside Retreat
Arrive in Småland by late afternoon and check in to a boutique countryside manor or woodland lodge surrounded by meadows or nestled beside a lake. Your hotel offers scenic walking paths, gourmet dining, and thoughtfully designed interiors that blend rustic charm with modern comfort. Settle in with a welcome drink, enjoy a stroll under the canopy of birch trees, or relax on your veranda with views over the water.
In the evening, dine on local specialties—perhaps lake fish with dill cream, forest mushrooms in butter, or reindeer tartare with lingonberry glaze.
Day 5: Glass, Art & Craft in the Kingdom of Crystal
Venture into Småland’s artistic heart today to witness Sweden’s renowned glassmaking tradition in action.
Glassblowing Experience at Kosta Boda or Målerås
This morning, head into the Kingdom of Crystal (Glasriket) for a private tour of celebrated glassworks such as Kosta Boda or Målerås. Inside the workshop, watch as master artisans shape glowing molten glass into vases, bowls, or sculptural pieces. Your guide will walk you through the tools, heat techniques, and design language that have defined Swedish glassmaking since the 18th century.
You’ll explore artist galleries displaying limited-edition designs, witness the moment a piece is cooled and polished, and, if desired, participate in crafting a small ornament to take home.
Scenic Nature Walk or Lakeside Reflection
On your way back, stop for a private nature walk along a wooded lake trail or through a mossy forest glade. Your guide will help you identify native trees like spruce and silver birch and point out edible wild berries or birdsong from overhead treetops. If you prefer to relax, your driver can take you to a quiet lakeside dock where you’ll sit with warm coffee and cinnamon pastries while the water laps gently beneath your feet.
You’ll witness mirror-like reflections of the trees on the lake’s surface and perhaps spot a lone heron standing on a distant rock.
Day 6: Folk Culture & Storybook Sweden
Today brings beloved literary settings and perfectly preserved towns that bring Sweden’s rural heritage to life.
Private Tour of Astrid Lindgren’s World
After breakfast, journey with your guide to Astrid Lindgren’s World in Vimmerby, where the beloved Swedish author’s childhood home and character-themed park await. On a private tour, step into recreated village scenes from Pippi Longstocking and Emil of Lönneberga, walking between painted cottages, haylofts, and miniature stage shows.
You’ll also visit Lindgren’s actual family home, filled with period furnishings and memorabilia, while your guide shares insight into her life, values, and how her upbringing in rural Småland shaped stories cherished across the globe.
Walking Tour of Eksjö – Sweden’s Best-Preserved Wooden Town
In the afternoon, travel to Eksjö, known as Sweden’s finest intact wooden town, for a privately guided stroll through its 17th-century streets. Your guide will point out over 50 protected timber homes, the ornate town hall, and hidden courtyards where tradespeople once lived and worked.
You’ll explore local museums or heritage shops and see preserved interiors with original beams, wallpapers, and hand-painted signage—offering a vivid picture of Sweden’s merchant past and architectural resilience.
Afternoon Lake Visit & Fika
Conclude your time in Småland with a visit to a tranquil local lake, such as Lake Nömmen or Lake Sommen. Walk a gentle shoreline trail with your guide, or relax at a shaded dock with a thermos of strong coffee and a box of freshly baked cardamom buns.
Watch the shifting reflections of pine trees ripple across the water, listen for woodpeckers in the distance, and admire the stillness that defines Sweden’s peaceful inland wilderness.
Day 7: Lakeside Villages & Scenic Drive to West Sweden
Travel west through tranquil landscapes and historic towns as you enter Sweden’s shimmering Bohuslän coast or vibrant Gothenburg.
Visit to Gränna – Sweden’s Candy Cane Capital
Depart Småland in the morning and journey through the Gränna region, perched above the shores of Lake Vättern. On a private walking tour, explore this hilltop town famous for its red-and-white polkagris candy canes, handmade in charming family-run bakeries. Step inside a traditional confectionery workshop to watch the rolling and twisting process up close—and even try crafting your own.
Wander cobbled streets lined with wooden houses, browse artisan boutiques, and enjoy sweeping views of Visingsö Island across the lake.
Lunch & Lakeside Stroll in Hjo or Vadstena
Midday, stop in Hjo, a picturesque spa town known for its timber villas and English-style park along the waterfront, or Vadstena, home to a 14th-century castle and abbey. Your guide will lead a short walking tour tailored to your interest—history, gardens, or photography—followed by a relaxing lunch at a lakeside café featuring smoked fish, crayfish, or Swedish meatballs.
See rowboats drift past the marina and geese gather by the water’s edge as you enjoy the still beauty of central Sweden’s lake region.
Check-In at Fjällbacka or Gothenburg Hotel
Arrive by late afternoon at your final base for the tour: either Fjällbacka, a serene seaside village on the Bohuslän coast, or Gothenburg, a culturally rich port city. Your chosen hotel will offer sea views, spa options, or easy access to marina strolls and sunset dinners. Settle in, sip something local, and prepare for the coastal adventures ahead.
Day 8: Bohuslän Archipelago Adventure & Seafood Traditions
Experience Sweden’s rugged west coast with a day of marine exploration through rocky islets, historic harbors, and salt-kissed cuisine.
Private Seafood Cruise or Island-Hopping by Boat
This morning, join your skipper-guide for a private archipelago cruise through the Bohuslän coast, a region of sun-bleached granite islands and traditional fishing villages. Glide past sea-sculpted cliffs and lighthouses, with the chance to disembark on a car-free island like Käringön or Väderöarna for a short walk and coffee stop.
Your guide will share stories of sea pilots, herring trade, and island life while pointing out seabirds, seals, and local boat culture.
Hands-On Seafood Experience with Local Fishermen
At midday, join a private shellfish experience with a local fisherman—learning how lobster pots, mussel lines, or oyster baskets are sustainably harvested. Depending on the season, you may help haul in the catch or sample fresh oysters straight from the sea, accompanied by seaweed butter and crisp white wine.
This is a truly immersive way to connect with Sweden’s culinary traditions and coastal identity.
Lunch at a Waterfront Smokehouse or Deck Café
Conclude your outing with lunch at a harborside smokehouse or dockside restaurant, where the day’s catch is served simply and beautifully. Options may include buttery langoustines, grilled mackerel with fennel salad, or creamy seafood stew paired with sourdough bread.
Return to your hotel in the afternoon with time to relax or enjoy a spa session overlooking the harbor.
Day 9: Cultural Highlights of Gothenburg or Fjällbacka
Today invites you to explore the cultural richness of West Sweden’s cities and gardens—with private tours tailored to your pace and interests.
Gothenburg’s Botanical Garden & Palm House
Begin your day with a guided tour of the Gothenburg Botanical Garden, one of Europe’s largest, home to more than 16,000 species. Meander through rock gardens, orchid greenhouses, and blooming meadows as your horticultural guide explains native Swedish flora and imported exotics.
Continue to Trädgårdsföreningen, a 19th-century garden park in the city center, where you’ll step inside the grand Palm House—a Victorian glasshouse filled with tropical trees and exotic blooms.
Feskekörka & the Art of West Coast Seafood
Join your guide for a culinary walk to Gothenburg’s famed Feskekörka, or “Fish Church.” This historic seafood hall, shaped like a Gothic chapel, has served as a marketplace since 1874. On a private tasting tour, sample smoked shrimp, gravlax, or cold-smoked eel while learning about local fishing traditions and modern sustainability efforts.
Stop for lunch at an elegant seafood bistro nearby or along the canal with a plate of poached cod and dill sauce.
Volvo Museum or Art & Design Galleries
In the afternoon, choose between a private tour of the Volvo Museum, tracing the evolution of Sweden’s most iconic car brand, or a curated visit to one of Gothenburg’s contemporary galleries or design spaces.
View industrial-era car prototypes or sleek minimalist Nordic interiors as your guide weaves together themes of innovation, form, and function. If staying in Fjällbacka, opt for a walking tour of Camilla Läckberg’s literary settings or visit a coastal lookout for panoramic views and photography.
Day 10: Departure or Return to Stockholm
Wrap up your Swedish journey with a relaxed morning and scenic journey back—or onward.
Private Transfer to Gothenburg Airport
If you’re departing from Gothenburg, enjoy a seamless private airport transfer, with optional stops at scenic points or craft shops en route. Your guide will assist with departure formalities, luggage, and timing.
Drive or Train Return to Stockholm
For those flying out of Stockholm, return with your driver via a comfortable 4–5 hour countryside drive, or opt for a first-class train journey through rolling landscapes, with light refreshments on board. Your guide can also suggest a lunch stop along Lake Vättern or a final castle visit near Enköping.
