The island of Gotland, half way between Sweden and Latvia, has to be Sweden’s best-kept secret. One of the richest historical regions in the country, it boasts around 100 medieval churches and an untold number of prehistoric and Viking sites, including burial mounds and the remains of hilltop fortresses. Visby is the only real town and thus the logical place to stay. We recommend the Strand Hotel, surrounded by cobbled streets and Hanseatic merchants’ houses. Besides the history, Swedes flock to Gotland for its natural beauty. All along the coast are attractive beaches, rocky cliffs and secluded spots for swimming. Perhaps most spectacular is the southern cape, Sudret, known for its characteristic rauks – natural stone sculptures, some with very human expressions. Then there’s Faro, a storm-tormented island loved by master director, Ingmar Bergman, who long had a home here, drawn by the magic of the light.
PRICES & DATES
Price is based on 2 people traveling and includes return flights to Visby via Stockholm, 3 nights at Strand Hotel in Visby, 3 nights at Clarion Hotel Stockholm and breakfasts every day. From price is based on travel between 28 June and 29 August.
Departures daily from May-September 2011.
ITINERARY
Day 1
Fly to Visby via Stockholm and check in to Strand Hotel for 3 nights.
Days 2 and 3
Days at leisure in Gotland.
Visby is a very well preserved medieval city with a network of narrow, cobbled streets. Visby is also included on the UNESCO World Heritage list of the best preserved city walls in Europe. In August, visitors can travel 700 years back in time in Visby medieval week. When we encounter knights, musicians and jesters. You can see knights' games, scenes and visit modern markets, a tradition that has attracted tourists for over twenty years.
Day 4
Breakfast and flight back to Stockholm. Check in to Clarion Hotel Stockholm for 3 nights.
Days 5 and 6
Days at leisure in Stockholm.
Stockholm, as a city, is over 700 years old and spreads across 14 islands as it faces proudly out to the Baltic Sea. You can get to just about all of Stockholm’s many wondrous sites on foot, which is the perfect way to see the city. You can also take a boat trip that will give you a different facet of Scandinavia’s largest and probably most beautiful city.
Day 7
Breakfast and self transfer to the airport and flight home.
Hotel, Activity and Local Information
Clarion Hotel Stockholm is located in Södermalm, a district known for its cultural heritage, boutiques, restaurants, galleries and parks. The Swedish architect Agency White Architects designed the spectacular property. In cooperation with the Norwegian design and architecture Agency Aavik & Helling, a magnificent building filled with light and space was created. The hotel is characterized by music, art and design to create a vibrant and lively meeting place. Through “Clarion Living” our ambition is to raise your quality of your life when you stay at the hotel.
A first class hotel with a service minded staff and environmental certification. The hotel is located in the middle of the town, near the sea inside the city wall of the World Heritage town of Visby. Beautiful medieval houses and alleys in Visby surround the hotel. Strand Hotel is the old Visby Brewery who became a hotel in 1982.
• City Nobel tour
• Day cruise to Drottningholm
• Viking tour from Stockholm