NEW! Icons of the Viking Age

Experience a civil engineering marvel as you cross the country’s longest suspension bridge on a panoramic drive. Take in the views of Gothenburg as you travel by motor coach over the 3,060-foot-long Älvsborg Bridge. Pause for photos at the Ramberget viewpoint, then continue to Götaplasten, the cultural hub of the city. Pass by the Gothenburg Museum of Art, the Gothenburg City Theater and the concert hall and library. See the commanding sculpture of the Greek god Poseidon, created by Carl Milles in 1923, and catch a glimpse of Avenyn, with its cheerful sidewalk restaurants and boutique shops. Gaze upon the wooden houses in the Haga district and visit the historic Feskekörka, Gothenburg’s famous fish market, before concluding your drive in the city center. From here, you may choose to continue exploring on your own and head back to your ship independently, or return directly via coach.

See why western Sweden is a premier vacation destination during a panoramic tour of its coast and small villages. Travel north by motor coach toward Kungälv, built on the site of one of Scandinavia’s oldest urban settlements. Pause for photos along Västra Gatan, then continue to the town of Stenungsund. From here, cross a series of bridges, including the impressive Tjörn Bridge, en route to the island of Tjörn. As you journey through the rocky landscape, you will learn about the herring industry and why the fishing village of Klädeholmen is famous for this pickled snack. Upon arrival, visit a local restaurant for a taste of this iconic treat and gain further insight into its origins at the House of Herrings. Finally, continue to Skärhamn to tour the Nordic Watercolour Museum. Cap your day with free time to explore more of this harbor village on your own before returning to your ship.

Be captivated by the beauty of the island of Marstrand and the landscape of Sweden’s west coast. Your journey begins with a scenic drive north of Gothenburg to the historic town of Kungälv, built on the site of one of Scandinavia’s oldest urban settlements. Pass the impressive Bohus Fortress, a 14th-century medieval stronghold, and continue through the streets of Västra Gatan, lined with traditional wooden houses. Next, head to the island of Marstrand via a short ferry ride. Here, call at Carlstens Fortress and enjoy a guided tour of the site—built during the 17th century, it sits atop a rocky hill and is visible for miles across the Swedish archipelago. After your visit, set out on foot to explore Marstrand. Return to the mainland via the ferry, then cap your excursion with a lunch of local flavors at a nearby hotel before beginning the journey back to your ship.

Leave the noise of Gothenburg behind for the beauty and countryside tranquility of the Gunnebo House and Gardens. Located between Stensjön and Rådasjön Lakes and dating from the late 18th century, the neoclassical-style house and its surrounding gardens were designed by renowned Swedish architect Carl Wilhelm Carlberg—Gothenburg’s first city architect—as a summer residence for a wealthy merchant family. Meet your guide and learn about the house’s history as you tour the manor, which includes many of the original furnishings. After your guided tour, sit and sip a cup of coffee or tea and nibble on a homemade pastry at Gunnebo’s coffeehouse. Then, enjoy free time to admire the idyllic surroundings; perhaps stroll through beautiful terraced gardens dotted with old oak trees and ornamental plants, or visit the gift shop to browse unique Gunnebo products before returning to your awaiting ship.

Discover the history and evolution of Volvo during an excursion to the World of Volvo exhibition. Founded in 1927 to manufacture automobiles that could withstand the cold climate and rough roads of Sweden, Volvo has expanded through the years to also produce heavy-duty trucks, construction equipment, and marine and industrial engines. The World of Volvo exhibition, opened in 2024 and jointly run by both the Volvo Group and Volvo Car Group, showcases the history, innovation and future of this iconic Swedish brand. See historical vehicles, including the ÖV4—the company’s first automobile—as well as current production models of cars, trucks and more. Gain insight into Volvo’s ongoing innovations in the industry, including developments in sustainable mobility, through interactive displays and immersive experiences. After your tour, you will return to your ship.

Visit the Gothenburg Botanical Garden, renowned for its rare plant collections and enveloped in wild nature. Meet your expert guide at the pier and board your motor coach for the short transfer to the Botanical Garden. This world-class facility is one of Northern Europe’s largest and famed for its vast array of rare plants and bulbs. Enjoy a presentation followed by a guided walk amid a stunning setting. Your guide will describe each area as you explore. See the herb garden, stroll through the bamboo thickets and rhododendron valley and visit the rock garden and Japanese glade; each area is tended by talented botanists. Enjoy a lunchtime aperitif in the garden as you admire the beauty of your surroundings. After a delicious lunch, see the perennials and enjoy free time to explore on your own, or visit the gift shop before returning to your ship.

Take to the seas for a crab fishing experience and savor a tasty crab meal. Meet your guide and enjoy a scenic drive to the idyllic fishing harbor on Marstrand, an island in the Gothenburg archipelago. Upon arrival, meet your captain and climb on board your exclusively chartered motor boat for a Scandinavian fishing treat. Don your waterproof gear and life jacket, and set sail with your expert fisherman on a quest for crab. Your fisherman will demonstrate the technique used to haul up your catch and you will be able to assist in gently lifting the crab from their cages. Afterward, it is time to reload the cages with bait and drop them back into the sea in preparation for the next catch. Return back to dry land and bid farewell to your fellow crew before heading to a local restaurant for a delicious crab meal. Your appetite sated, return to your ship.