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    6 days - Cruise the Göta Canal, stunning landscapes and timeless towns of Sweden's countryside.

    Our classic canal cruise between Sweden's two biggest cities is where you will experience a voyage on board one of the historic ships of Göta kanal. Travelling in the same manner as it has been done for more than 140 years, forces you to leave your everyday life behind.

    This is a pleasurable trip where the journey is more important than the destination. Every now and then we make shore excursions of historical or cultural interest to places along this beautiful canal. Naturally, it is your choice if you prefer a guided tour ashore during our stops, or if you'd rather enjoy a relaxing drink on the bridge deck.

    NOTE: This cruise can be done in reverse and therefore there are more dates available which run off the back of the listed voyages. Please note all meals included on the cruise - three breakfasts, four two-course lunches and three three-course dinners.

    Read about the MS Juno experience here.Screen Shot 2023-05-08 at 3.38.16 pm

    Day 1
    Arrive Gothenburg
    Day 2
    Embark your ship in Gothenburg and start exploring the Göta locks
    Day 3
    Cruise from Sjötorp to Motala
    Day 4
    The day of locks and icecream, then travel into the Baltic Sea
    Day 5
    The enchanting waterways and archipelago of islands
    Day 6
    Depart Stockholm
    Start Place
    Gothenburg, Sweden
    End Place
    Stockholm, Sweden
    Country Visited
    Sweden
    Duration
    6 Days
    Start Date
    Scheduled
    Travel Style
    Cruising
    Travel Style
    Independent
    Suitability
    Easy independent voyage suitable for singles & couples with no luggage handling
    Code
    50DN0300

    As a Certified B Corporation, 50 Degrees North has designed this tour using handpicked local hoteliers and suppliers who share our ethos of delivering services and activities of high social and environmental standards.

    The CO2-e per person per day of all tours is carefully measured following each season. We fully offset all emissions of our tours on your behalf, and we constantly look at ways to reduce emissions where possible.

    Details

    Transportation

    Three handsome, historical ships is designed to fit the most narrow lock on the canal like a hand in a glove. Built in 1874, Juno is the oldest ship still in regular service. The Wilhelm Tham was built in 1912 and our youngest ship, Diana, in 1931.

    They have been carefully refurbished and preserved to reflect the times when they were built.

    There are three cabin classes, one on each of the ship's decks - the bridge, shelter and main decks. Most of the cosy, small cabins are fitted with bunk beds and a washbasin. There are shared WCs and showers on each deck - please consult the deck plan when you speak to us to arrange for a cabin that suits your needs - either close to the facilities or at a distance. Meals are enjoyed in the mahogany and brass decorated dining room. The salon is a place for socialising, conversing or reading one of the books in our small ship's library.

    Minimum Age is 7 years old and children need to have their own bed.

    Included
    • 3 x breakfasts, 4 x two-course lunches and 3 x three-course lunches on cruise
    • 2 nights in hotel accommodation in shared double/twin room with private facilities, breakfast included
    • Private transfers to the port before cruise or hotel after cruise
    • Four days and three nights on board, including one night at quayside - cabin price based on Category B
    • The impressive lock staircase in Trollhättan with a total drop of 32 metres and the Canal Museum
    • Sweden’s smallest ferry, ”Lina”, in Töreboda
    • Forsvik with the oldest lock in the canal, built in 1813
    • Karlsborg Fortress, offering a journey through time and space
    • Motala, the capital of the Gota Canal, although the motor museum tour will no longer be included due to time restrictions
    • The convent church of Vreta and the remains of Sweden's first convent
    • The Viking community of Birka, Sweden’s first town
    • The boat makes six stops for excursions/sightseeing
    • 24-hour emergency service
    • Taxes and service fees
    Not Included
    • Arrival and departure transfer at the start and end of the trip
    • Meals not specified in the itinerary
    • Gratitudes and items of personal nature
    • Domestic or international flights
    • Travel insurance

    Itinerary

    Day 1 - Arrive Gothenburg

    Arrive Gothenburg and transfer to your hotel. A friendly city on the west coast of Sweden, you’ll find a vibrant cultural scene, world-class restaurants, sustainable living and a fascinating history – all within walking distance of your hotel.

    Accommodation
    Clarion Hotel Gothenburg or similar
    Restaurants
    Koka

    Day 2 - Embark your ship in Gothenburg and start exploring the Göta locks

    Private transfer to the port and embark at 9am. Have the morning cruising the canal and just after lunch is the first lock, Lilla Edet, followed by Trollhättan Locks. In late afternoon, we enter the Lake Vånern, 44 metres above sea level, Sweden’s largest lake and the third largest lake in Europe, after the Ladoga and Onega lakes in Russia.

    Our ship passes Läckö Castle, which was built in 1298 as a bishop’s residence. Its golden age was during the reign of Magnus Gabriel de la Gardie, who transformed it into a baroque castle in 1652. You will be needing a late glass of wine on the deck for this castle as we pass by around 11pm, remembering that there are long summer nights.

    Meals
    1 Lunch
    1 Dinner
    Accommodation
    Historic cruise boat
    Restaurants
    Koka
    Gunnebo House

    Day 3 - Cruise from Sjötorp to Motala

    As you enjoy your cabin, we enter the first of the 58 narrow locks on the Göta Canal. At dawn, we pass a lock system consisting of four locks in beautiful surroundings. In 1822 the western section of the Göta Canal was inaugurated at Hajstorp. For "early birds" walking is possible from Godhögen to Riksberg, app. 1 km.

    Throughout the morning, we pass historical monuments and fabulous scenery before entering the beautiful Lake Viken (91.8 metres above sea level) which serves as a water reservoir for the western section of the Göta Canal.

    At around 4pm, we visit Karlsborg Fortress, initiated by Baltzar von Platen and built 1819-1909. The guided tour is a journey through time and space, full of surprises and special effects.

    At 9pm this evening, arrive at Motala. It was Baltzar von Platen who drew up the plans for Motala, and today it is called "the Capital of the Göta Canal". In 1822 an engineering works, Motala Werkstad, was established here to serve the Göta Canal and is today considered to be the cradle of Swedish industry. Here you also find the head office of the Gota Canal Company, responsible for operation and maintenance. You can also walk to see Baltzar von Platen’s grave, about 1 km along the left side of the canal. Overnight stop.

    Meals
    1 Breakfast
    1 Lunch
    1 Dinner
    Accommodation
    Historic cruise boat

    Day 4 - The day of locks and icecream, then travel into the Baltic Sea

    Today is a leisurely day spent enjoying the rhythm of the ship as it passes many locks. In the afternoon, we stop alongside the idyllic town Söderköping which was founded in the early 1200s and was very important during the Hanseatic period. The town also has a long and interesting history as a spa. Söderköping is yours to explore on your own. Don’t forget to try the famous ice cream!

    Late in the evening, we leave the Göta canal and travel into the Baltic Sea.

    Meals
    1 Breakfast
    1 Lunch
    1 Dinner
    Accommodation
    Historic cruise boat

    Day 5 - The enchanting waterways and archipelago of islands

    In the early morning light, we weave through the archipelago as we head towards Stockholm. Our first stop is the Viking community of Birka on the island of Björkö, often referred to as Sweden's first town. The town was then an important harbour for international shipping and trade. It was in use for about 250 years and was abandoned before the year 1000. Birka features on UNESCO’S World Heritage list. The tour guide will show us around on the island (app. 3 km, uneven terrain). We also visit the museum.

    If time allows, we will pass the Drottningholm Castle, home of the Royal family since 1981 and found on the World Heritage list.

    Our cruise ends at Skeppsbrokajen 103, in the Old Town of Stockholm around 4pm. Private transfer to your hotel. Sweden's capital is charming, vibrant and surrounded by beauty and water - hence its nickname, Venice of the North! Stockholm offers interesting museums and castles; the city offers a warm atmosphere and the old town has charming small alleyways boasting several famous restaurants.

    Be sure to make time for a visit to the ABBA museum with great interactive exhibits - a glass of champagne (for Dutch courage to get on stage & the pure fun of it) to accompany your tour is recommended! On the other hand, take the serious option & visit the Nobel Prize museum in the Old town.

    Meals
    1 Breakfast
    1 Lunch
    Accommodation
    Hotel Rival or similar
    Restaurants
    Restaurant Mathias Dahlgren

    Day 6 - Depart Stockholm

    Take your time to enjoy one of the world's best hotel breakfasts before departing to the airport. Happy travels.

    Meals
    1 Breakfast
    Dates & Prices

    All prices listed are per person, twin share, based on Superior = Category B (Shelter deck). Upgrades possible to the Suite = Category A (Bridge Deck including champagne, fruit & bathrobe).

    Departure for 2024:

    5th August, 14th August and 22nd August. All of these departures are on M/S Juno.

    Departure for 2025:

    12th May, 20th May, 29th May, 6th June, 14th June, 23rd June, 1st July, 10th July, 18th July, 27th July, 5th August, 14th August and 22nd August. All of these departures are on M/S Juno.

    15 % early booking discount for 2025 on regular cabin prices if booked by 15th January 2025. This discount cannot be combined with any other offers.

    Dates
    Start Date
    End Date
    From Price
    Status
    Accommodation
    13 May 2024
    23 Aug 2024
    13 May 2024
    23 Aug 2024
    GBP 2,580
    On request
    Standard
    14 May 2024
    23 Aug 2024
    14 May 2024
    23 Aug 2024
    GBP 839
    On request
    Extra for Single
    12 May 2025
    22 Aug 2025
    12 May 2025
    22 Aug 2025
    GBP 2,626
    On request
    Standard
    12 May 2025
    22 Aug 2025
    12 May 2025
    22 Aug 2025
    GBP 938
    On request
    Extra for Single

    Important Information

    The cabins are elegant but small. The cabins are fitted with bunk beds and are about the same size as a sleeping compartment on a train. As the berths vary in length, we ask that you tell us ahead of time if you are above medium height. The cabins are fitted with a washbasin with hot and cold water. There are showers on all decks, and toilets on all. Please consult the deck plan to arrange for a cabin that suit your needs - either close to the facilities or at a distance.

    None of the cabins have private facilities. There is one cabin with a Queen bed - please check with us to see if this is available.

    This trip can be done as a 6 day journey, following the same route, however, the ships stay docked throughout the evening.

    This trip links well with the Stockholm to Gothenburg or reverse self drive itinerary.

    Interactive Tour Map

    Inspiration

    Göta Canal Cruise - treasured memories

    Our guest writer, Barry Stone crosses Sweden on the M/S Juno & enjoys a slower pace of life.

    Read Article

    Touring Sweden - off the beaten track

    ABBA, Ikea, Volvos . . . Wilderness? Find the hidden treasures of Sweden.

    Read Article

    Göta Canal the complete cruise excursions

    Enjoy an unforgettable 6-day cruise on the most spectacular waterway through the heartland of Sweden plus eat out in Sweden's two great 'foodie' cities, Stockholm and Gothenburg.

    Read Article
    View all Inspiration

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