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.


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This three night Swedish cruise takes you between two seas, along three canals, across eight glorious lakes and through 66 locks.
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 2017 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.
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. Originally 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
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.
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.
An excellent small and personal award winning hotel located in a listed building from 1780 and on the fashionable island of Södermalm. This is where the locals live. Just 10 mins walk from the centrally located Gamla Stan (Old Town) and 2 mins from the nearest underground station at Medborgarplatsen.
Folkungagatan is a street with a laid back atmosphere on Södermalm. This has been the focal point for artisan, cool and creative design, shops and music. Split into 2 areas, SOFO (south of Folkungagatan) and NOFO (north of Folkungagatan) this is a great location from which to experience the real Stockholm.
We recommend an upgrade to Superior Rooms where possible.
Click on the image for more photos.
Please check the itinerary. Excursions are subject to change.
Gothenburg is a welcoming city and Sweden's biggest port and Sweden's second city. It is also the gateway to the Bohuslän Archipelago. Local recommendations include numerous excellent restaurants, a coffee in a cosy cafe in Haga and a boat trip on the Göta River. Liseberg, Scandinavia's largest amusement park and home to an excellent Christmas market, is just a stone's throw away from the city centre.
Gothenburg Tourism website - the Gothenburg Tourist card offers great value for money.
We don't have any set activities here as there is such a variety of activities and excursions that appeal to a range of tastes. Recommendations include a boat trip through the archipelago, a visit to the Vasa Museum and a walk around Gamla Stan (The Old Town).
We suggest you visit the Stockholm Tourism website.
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 2017.
2017 Gothenburg to Stockholm
May
Thursday 25th
June
Monday 5th
Wednesday 14th
Thursday 22nd
July
Saturday 1st
Monday 10th
Tuesday 18th
Thursday 27th
August
Friday 4th
Sunday 13th
Monday 21st
2017 Stockholm to Gothenburg
May
Tuesday 30th
June
Friday 9th
Sunday 18th
Monday 26th
July
Wednesday 5th
Friday 14th
Saturday 22nd
Monday 31st
August
Tuesday 8th
Thursday 17th
Friday 25th
2017 prices from
2 adults in a double / twin
Main deck £1810 per person
Shelter deck £2085 per person
Bridge deck £2470 per person
1 adult single cabin / room
Main deck £2295 per person
Shelter deck £2560 per person
Bridge deck £2915 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
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 2017 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.
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. Originally 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
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.
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.
An excellent small and personal award winning hotel located in a listed building from 1780 and on the fashionable island of Södermalm. This is where the locals live. Just 10 mins walk from the centrally located Gamla Stan (Old Town) and 2 mins from the nearest underground station at Medborgarplatsen.
Folkungagatan is a street with a laid back atmosphere on Södermalm. This has been the focal point for artisan, cool and creative design, shops and music. Split into 2 areas, SOFO (south of Folkungagatan) and NOFO (north of Folkungagatan) this is a great location from which to experience the real Stockholm.
We recommend an upgrade to Superior Rooms where possible.
Click on the image for more photos.
Please check the itinerary. Excursions are subject to change.
Gothenburg is a welcoming city and Sweden's biggest port and Sweden's second city. It is also the gateway to the Bohuslän Archipelago. Local recommendations include numerous excellent restaurants, a coffee in a cosy cafe in Haga and a boat trip on the Göta River. Liseberg, Scandinavia's largest amusement park and home to an excellent Christmas market, is just a stone's throw away from the city centre.
Gothenburg Tourism website - the Gothenburg Tourist card offers great value for money.
We don't have any set activities here as there is such a variety of activities and excursions that appeal to a range of tastes. Recommendations include a boat trip through the archipelago, a visit to the Vasa Museum and a walk around Gamla Stan (The Old Town).
We suggest you visit the Stockholm Tourism website.
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 2017.
2017 Gothenburg to Stockholm
May
Thursday 25th
June
Monday 5th
Wednesday 14th
Thursday 22nd
July
Saturday 1st
Monday 10th
Tuesday 18th
Thursday 27th
August
Friday 4th
Sunday 13th
Monday 21st
2017 Stockholm to Gothenburg
May
Tuesday 30th
June
Friday 9th
Sunday 18th
Monday 26th
July
Wednesday 5th
Friday 14th
Saturday 22nd
Monday 31st
August
Tuesday 8th
Thursday 17th
Friday 25th
2017 prices from
2 adults in a double / twin
Main deck £1810 per person
Shelter deck £2085 per person
Bridge deck £2470 per person
1 adult single cabin / room
Main deck £2295 per person
Shelter deck £2560 per person
Bridge deck £2915 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