• Gustav Adolfs torg - Begin this scenic journey with a brief introduction to Sweden and its capital, Stockholm. Officially known as the “Kingdom of Sweden,” many of the structures you’ll encounter here have royal ties. The grand Royal Palace before you was constructed in the early 18th century, showcasing the splendid Baroque style. The Opera House is featured in Giuseppe Verdi’s opera “The Masked Ball,” which is about the Swedish King Gustav III. Across the square, the elegant classical-style building, now home to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, was once the Heir Presumptive Palace.
• Parliament Building (Riksdagshuset) - The predecessor to the current parliament (riksdagen) was the “Riksdag of the Estates” (Ståndsriksdagen), where Nobility, Clergy, Burghers, and Peasants met separately for discussions before convening with the King at the palace. Until its dissolution in 1866, this institution was Sweden’s highest authority next to the King. In 1866, a two-chamber parliament was introduced, though it still lacked equal voting rights for all citizens. The first elections with universal suffrage were held in 1921, following a prolonged political struggle led by liberals and socialists.
• Riddarhuset - We pause outside Riddarhuset, the House of Nobility, to admire the statue of Gustav Vasa, “the father of Sweden.” Here begins Chapter Two of our history of Stockholm and Sweden. Since Gustav Vasa’s march into Stockholm in 1523, Sweden has remained a sovereign state, never occupied by foreign powers. After his father and between 80 to 100 other noblemen were killed in “The Bloodbath of Stockholm,” Gustav organized a rebellion against the southern neighbor who had seized control of Sweden. He also transformed Sweden’s religion from Catholicism to Lutheran Protestantism.
• Riddarholmen Church - The story continues… Outside Riddarholmen Church, we encounter the presumed founder of Stockholm, Birger Jarl, or at least a statue of him. The year 1252 marks the first recorded mention of “Stockholm” in a document that has survived to this day. Birger Jarl signed this document…
• Royal Palace - Our next stop is at “Lejonbacken” on the north side of the Royal Palace. Here, we begin Chapter Three of our story of Sweden. Peter the Great of Russia ended Sweden’s aspirations of being a major power in Northern Europe. Karl XII, the last of our warrior kings, is still depicted pointing east (i.e., the statue is pointing), where he and his army, the Caroleans, initially achieved significant victories but were ultimately defeated by Peter the Great at Poltava in 1709.

The Age of Enlightenment, with its growing interest in arts and sciences, influenced Sweden. Gustav III, an enlightened despot with a keen interest in theatre, made several contributions in these areas.

• Stockholm Old Town - Beneath the statue of Carl XIV Johan, we continue the story of Sweden. This king, the first of the Bernadottes, was brought to Sweden from France in the early 19th century to reclaim what was lost to the Russians. Instead, he focused on diplomacy, infrastructure development, and education! In 2014, Sweden celebrated 200 years of peace. The industrial revolution, natural resources, and significant Swedish inventions laid the foundation for a welfare state, with numerous entrepreneurs advancing development in the 20th and 21st centuries.
• Stortorget - The conclusion of our tour! The Nobel Prize Museum is located at Stortorget. The Swedish Royal Academies select the winners of the most prestigious prizes in various important fields of science and art. After the tour, it’s just a 5-minute walk to the Royal Palace if you’d like to witness the changing of the guards.

• Guided tour of Stockholm Highlights and Old Town

Discover the wonders of Stockholm! Situated on 14 islands where Lake Mälaren meets the Baltic Sea, this city is renowned for its stunning beauty. Stockholm’s Old Town is celebrated as the best-preserved medieval city center globally.

The journey begins at the Opera House, following “Stockholm Ström,” the brief river linking Lake Mälaren to the Baltic Sea. Next, embark on a walking tour through the charming cobblestone streets of Old Town. This tour offers an opportunity to delve into the rich history of Stockholm and Sweden.

Marvel at numerous historic and picturesque buildings, including the City Hall, the Parliament building, the Royal Palace, and Stortorget in Old Town. Stroll through the medieval streets of Old Town, with the tour concluding at Stortorget.

Afterward, enjoy a short five-minute walk to the Royal Palace to witness the changing of the guards!

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.