Sweden: Island Hopping Walk

On arrival in Stockholm make your way to your joining hotel where check-in is from 3pm (bags may be dropped earlier). The remainder of the day is free to explore this picturesque city. Often referred to as the ‘Venice of the North’, Stockholm is unquestionably a unique and beautiful city all year round, not only due to its location on 14 islands with its infinite presence of water, but also because of its combination of nature, colourful architecture and ancient history. And you need never walk far to appreciate the impressive views stretching across the Baltic water as it winds past the city walls. Furthermore, stroll through 13th century Gamla Stan, Stockholm’s charming old town, where you cannot help but feel its medieval atmosphere as you wander through the cobblestone streets past narrow, colourful houses of yesteryear. If you are keen to start walking, we suggest taking a hike through Stockholm's unique national city park - the world's first National Park to be located within a bustling city. The city park is 27 km2 and is a green oasis combining cultural heritage and natural features. Here you can hike through ancient forests, visit palaces and bathe from waterside rocks.

Today your walk begins from your hotel. It takes you on a historical and picturesque tour of Stockholm’s southern island, Södermalm. Explore the district’s narrow cobblestone alleys, timber cottages dating back to the 1600s, and grand churches. Not to mention stunning views across lake Mälaren towards the old town, city hall and Djurgården. Feel free to take a break during your walk for a spot of shopping or why not pop into one of the museums you pass en route. You will be collected from your hotel in Stockholm and transferred to the ferry terminal, at this time you will be briefed on your trip and are free to ask any questions you may have. You then take the late afternoon boat to the idyllic village of Dalarö, passing houses of the rich and famous lining the shore as you leave Stockholm and then into a unique landscape of pine-covered islands as you weave your way through this archipelago of 30,000 islands. Dalarö is your first taste of archipelago village life, as the village starts to enjoy its first guests in the spring months and wind down after a hectic summer in the autumn months. Walking distance: flexible 4-10 km/2.5-6.2mi Accommodation: Dalarö

This morning you have a chance to explore the picturesque village of Dalarö, with its narrow streets of colourful wooden houses, before taking the boat out to Fjärdlång island. Here you can hike around the island and up to its highest point, TystaKlint, for wonderful views over the islands. There is also the option to island hop to Kymmendö on either your way to Fjärdlång or way back to Dalarö, where August Strindberg spent many a summer and inspired his novel Hemsöborna. Walking distance: flexible 7-14km/4.4-8.7mi Accommodation: Dalarö *Day 3 and 4 may be swapped around depending on the seasonal ferry schedules.

This morning you take the ferry over to Ornö for the start of your hike along the western shore of Ornö. Ornö is the largest island in the southern archipelago and has traditionally been less exploited for tourism than some of its neighbouring islands and remains today an island with a living community yet to be discovered by large scale tourism. Your hike today takes you through the nature reserve, passing forest, open landscape and coastal scenery and beautiful viewpoints along the way, including the very impressive Telegrafberget view tower, the southern archipelago’s highest point. At the end point, Sundby gård, you take the bus to Ornö Kyrka, Ornö's small village with its picturesque church and local museum, (spring itinerary), afterwards take the boat back to Dalarö from Ornö Kyrka. Or direct to the ferry for your return to Dalarö (autumn itinerary). Time permitting you can also hike picturesque Levassastigen heritage trail with information boards explaining the cultural history of the island (spring itinerary) or a loop around Lake Maren (autumn itinerary). You then take the boat back to Dalarö from Ornö. Walking distance: flexible 12-14km / 7.5-8.8mi Accommodation: Dalarö *Day 3 and 4 may be swapped around depending on the seasonal ferry schedules.

Today a taxi transfers you to Skälåker on Gålö peninsula where there is a spectacular loop passing through a changing scenery of woodland and coast with views at every turn. Your hike ends at a beautiful sandy beach, the perfect place to rest your weary feet. Enjoy the scenery and calmness until the taxi collects you and takes you to the jetty at Årsta Brygga, where you meet the boat that takes you to the holiday island of Utö Walking distance: flexible 5-12km / 3-7.5mi Accommodation: Utö An extra night on Utö can be added - to be requested at the time of booking (subject to availability).

Enjoy the calmer pace that Utö offers in the spring and autumn seasons and walk the loop in the nature reserve around the northern end of the island, stopping to enjoy the smooth waterside rocks, white sandy beaches and breathe the fresh, pure archipelago air. The small village of Gruvbyn also has something to offer with its mine, museum and windmill high up on the hilltop. Shops and restaurants give it a friendly atmosphere. You then say farewell to the islands and catch your late afternoon boat back to mainland. You then take the connecting bus and train back to Stockholm. Walking distance: flexible 6-15km /3.75-9.3mi Accommodation: Stockholm

Depending on your time of departure you could enjoy a walk down Stockholm's fanciest boulevard, Strandvägen, passing extravagant apartments and boats galore. This leads to Djurgården, an island of parkland crisscrossed with walking trails, plus many of Stockholm's top museums including the Vasa Museum. Alternatively, you can do the optional self guided walk mentioned on day 1. walking distance: optional