Sweden | 07 Nights

About the destination: Sweden's capital - a Nordic vision of waterways, parks and spire-filled skylines - is rightly celebrated as one of the most attractive cities in Europe. Spread across no fewer than 14 islands and surrounded by literally thousands of smaller, rocky islets, it blends the drama and open skies of Scandinavia with the energy, dynamism and urban cool of Western Europe. The soul of the place lies in its many facets: the stucco walls of the Old Town, the contemporary pulse of the galleries, the consumerist hum of the shopping districts, the deep tranquillity of the parklands, the thumping bass of the nightlife and, increasingly, the gourmet allure of the restaurants. Stockholm's location on the shores of the Baltic Sea means seasonal variations hit hard, and many locals will tell you that the only thing to rival the beauty of a summer's evening in Stockholm is the winter charm of its frozen lakes and snow-fringed skylines. It's certainly true that Stockholm's unique character is a major reason for its popularity among travellers and, in a continent where charismatic urban destinations are plentiful, it says a lot that the city's cultural scene is vibrant enough to rival anywhere else in northern Europe. In addition to its exhibitions, museums and concerts, it's also a deeply romantic setting in which to spend a long weekend - you'd have to be hard-hearted not to fall for the mix of preserved medieval architecture, sweeping water vistas and consistently intense nightlife. Most importantly though, it's worth emphasising just how much this is a city apart. It's the most populated urban area in Scandinavia, yet two thirds of it are still made up of water and greenery. And if this doesn't seem likely, well, you've got the perfect excuse to go and check.

About the destination: Gothenburg is Sweden's second city and the largest port in Scandinavia. Despite this, a wonderful blend of city hustle and small town friendliness has made it renowned as Sweden's friendliest city for years. In essence, Gothenburg is a vibrant city with interesting sights and an unmatched seaside atmosphere. Poseidon governs the city, the gigantic bronze sea god statue flexes his muscles in the heart of Gotaplatsen, the city’s art centre, but his realm extends much further. Seafarers auction their catch weekday mornings at the Fiskekorka, or fish church. It's an indoor fish market that got its name from the building's resemblance to a Gothic church. Although Gothenburg is a bustling city, it can be quite pretty and peaceful, especially in the many parks. Slottsskogen has lakes, birds, and a zoo with Swedish animals. Just beyond are the famous Botanical Gardens, with collections from all around the world. Museums are plentiful, but two are of particular interest. The Röhsska Museum, the national museum of Swedish design and applied art and the Gothenburg Art Museum, housed in a magnificent building flanked by the theatre and concert hall, it features a world-class collection of Nordic art. Gothenburg's Cathedral, Domkyrkan, was built in 1815 on the ruins of two earlier churches which burnt down in 1721 and 1802. The neo-classical building is located at Vastra Hamngatan in the heart of the city centre. Gothenburg is not at all an industrial city as such but more a logistic centre. No grim environments or tall chimneys at all. Instead you have a huge amount of green areas, archipelago and loads of sport and culture. The hustle and bustle of crowds, the cosmopolitan restaurants, the cafes along the popular Avery, and the nearby western coast of Sweden make this city a buzzing one.

About the destination: Sweden's capital - a Nordic vision of waterways, parks and spire-filled skylines - is rightly celebrated as one of the most attractive cities in Europe. Spread across no fewer than 14 islands and surrounded by literally thousands of smaller, rocky islets, it blends the drama and open skies of Scandinavia with the energy, dynamism and urban cool of Western Europe. The soul of the place lies in its many facets: the stucco walls of the Old Town, the contemporary pulse of the galleries, the consumerist hum of the shopping districts, the deep tranquillity of the parklands, the thumping bass of the nightlife and, increasingly, the gourmet allure of the restaurants. Stockholm's location on the shores of the Baltic Sea means seasonal variations hit hard, and many locals will tell you that the only thing to rival the beauty of a summer's evening in Stockholm is the winter charm of its frozen lakes and snow-fringed skylines. It's certainly true that Stockholm's unique character is a major reason for its popularity among travellers and, in a continent where charismatic urban destinations are plentiful, it says a lot that the city's cultural scene is vibrant enough to rival anywhere else in northern Europe. In addition to its exhibitions, museums and concerts, it's also a deeply romantic setting in which to spend a long weekend - you'd have to be hard-hearted not to fall for the mix of preserved medieval architecture, sweeping water vistas and consistently intense nightlife. Most importantly though, it's worth emphasising just how much this is a city apart. It's the most populated urban area in Scandinavia, yet two thirds of it are still made up of water and greenery. And if this doesn't seem likely, well, you've got the perfect excuse to go and check.