Own travel arrangements to Gothenburg and the Radisson Blu Scandinavia Hotel. As an alternative to flying, guests have the option to cross by ferry from Kiel to Gothenburg. We meet for dinner in the evening.

On a city tour, we explore Gothenburg – Sweden’s second-largest city in terms of population but its most sprawling. Looking at the grand boulevards, it is clear to see why this pearl on the Kattegat is often referred to as “Little Paris”. The seamen’s church with its magnificent view of the skerries, the vibrant old town and market halls are the perfect place for a stroll. After lunch, the remainder of the day is yours to do as you please.

Our canal cruise begins: we settle in to enjoy a couple of days’ rest and relaxation against a constantly changing backdrop. The nostalgic M/S Juno departs the port of Gothenburg at 9 a.m. In the afternoon, we pass the imposing Trollhättan lock staircase and visit the canal museum. Towards evening we cross Lake Vänern, Sweden’s largest lake, passing Läckö Castle on a promontory. The M/S Juno continues on through the night, without docking.

The Göta Canal begins at Sjötorp. Here, our ship passes the first of 58 locks. For early risers, there is the prospect of an invigorating morning walk from Godhögen to Riksberg. We traverse the enchanting Lake Viken. In Karlsborg, we visit the fortress before continuing across Lake Vättern, the second-largest body of water in Sweden, towards Motala, where our ship docks. The city is considered the birthplace of Swedish industry and the heart of the canal. Our vessel remains at the quayside overnight.

Today, we rise early so as not to miss the Borenshult lock staircase. We continue via aqueducts and the striking Berg system of no less than 15 locks. Here, we have the chance to walk to Vreta Convent. M/S Juno crosses Lake Roxen, negotiating further flights of locks before reaching the old spa town of Söderköping, where there is time to explore on your own. Shortly before reaching the lake of Slätbaken, the ship passes through the last of the small canal locks. During the night, we cross the Baltic Sea without making landfall.

In Södertälje, we pass Scandinavia’s largest lock before reaching Lake Mälaren. On its shores are two UNESCO World Heritage sites: Drottningholm Palace and the Viking city of Birka. At around 4 p.m., our nostalgic journey on board M/S Juno ends in Stockholm’s old town. Transfer to the Hotel Radisson Blu Waterfront. Stockholm, Sweden’s capital, is renowned for its picturesque location direct on the Baltic Sea and its many attractions, and is dominated by museums, monuments and captivating architecture. Narrow houses in a kaleidoscope of colours line the shore and make up the wonderful old town, known as Gamla Stan. Evening at leisure.

On today’s city tour, we take in the many highlights of Stockholm along with a few lesser-known gems. As we tour the city hall, we are reminded that this is where, every year, the banquet in honour of the Nobel Prize winners is held. Many more sights await us in the Swedish capital. We pass by elegant buildings, cross romantic bridges and discover Stockholm’s green side. Then, we walk through the city’s fashionable Östermalm district and visit the old town. Venturing along the ancient cobbled streets, we hear stories, facts and anecdotes from more than 1,000 years of history. After lunch, we visit the Vasa maritime museum, where we are transported back to the 17th century: the principal exhibit is the restored warship which sank on its maiden voyage in 1628.

After breakfast, we visit the Royal Palace of Stockholm, one of Europe’s largest and most vibrant palaces. The official residence of His Majesty the King of Sweden, it is the venue for important ceremonial events and is a combination of royal home, workplace and historic monument. There is also plenty to see within the palace, including the Treasury with the State Regalia, the Three Crowns Museum of medieval history, and of course the Royal Apartments with their magnificent state rooms. Afternoon at leisure. Farewell dinner at a good restaurant.

After breakfast, departure as per your personal travel arrangements. As an alternative to flying, guests have the option to travel by train via Hamburg.