A FULLY ESCORTED GROUP TRIP WITH ENGLISH SPEAKING TOUR LEADER
TRIP LENGTH: 5 Days

ACTIVITIES:
Downhill skiing/snowboarding
Curling
Cross country skiing
Ice Sailing
Ice Bar
OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES
Ice Hockey Match (if available)
Floating Sauna/Sauna

MAX GROUP SIZE: 14 PEOPLE
FULL ITINERARY

Day 1: Stockholm
‘A SPORTING TAKE ON A WINTRY CITY BREAK’ starts in Stockholm where we meet at our accommodation for a thorough trip briefing. Before heading out together for dinner, we acquaint ourselves with the Nordic wintry environment by including a visit to the extraordinary Absolut Ice Bar, built entirely of ice from the purest of rivers in Lapland! Here we enjoy an Absolut Vodka cocktail warmly wrapped up in these unusual surroundings! We then continue on to one of Stockholm’s most established restaurants, famous for its Swedish meatballs and other local fare.

Stockholm itself 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, a stroll through Gamla Stan, Stockholm’s charming old town, is guaranteed to take you a step back in time.

Day 2: Stockholm

This morning, we prepare our warm winter clothing and head off out of town to Stockholm’s best ski slopes at Flottsbro ski centre. Flottsbro is a recreation area just south of Stockholm located in the pretty natural location on the shores of Lake Alby. During the winter it is  home to the largest ski resort in Stockholm with five ski/snowboard runs of mixed ability, a toboggan run plus a beautiful setting with hiking trails through the woods. Flottsbro is greatly appreciated by Stockholmer’s who appreciate the opportunity to ski in a true skiing environment just a short drive from the city.
After our morning out in the fresh air, we head back to Stockholm where you will have a free afternoon to enjoy the city.

Recommended is a visit to see the famous Vasa Ship which despite over 300 years lying at the bottom of the Baltic, is extremely well preserved thanks to the Baltic’s brackish waters. Alternatively, visit Stockholm’s open air museum, Skansen, which is famous for its Nordic Zoo and living history exhibition. Explore delightful Djurgården, a part of Stockholm’s unique Ekopark, the world’s first national city park. There is plenty to see and do in this lively, nature loving city.
Late this afternoon, we head off to a local sports centre for a chance to try out the popular and enjoyable sport, curling. Curling is a fun sport to play and the basics are quick to be learnt so after 30 mins of instruction, you are ready to compete on the ice! Dinner follows during which you can eagerly discuss your best tactics.

Day 3: Stockholm → Tällberg (Dalarna)

This morning we leave Stockholm far behind as we head north to seek out the true winter that Sweden is so famous and loved for. Our destination is Tällberg, a small picturesque village located on the shore of Lake Siljan in the county of Dalarna. It is a true winter idyll where the snowy scenes are like pictures from a book and the timber cottages  remind us of a time gone by.
After our journey, we stretch our legs with a visit to the local mountains and try our efforts at one of Sweden’s most popular winter sports – cross country skiing. An introduction to Nordic winter sports would not be complete without it. Cross country skiing is a great way to come close to the nature as you make your way through forests, up and down hills and admire magnificent mile wide views across lakes and countryside. The combination of wonderful landscape and tranquillity is what makes the sport so special. After a day out in the fresh, crisp air, we offer you the option of having a wood fired floating sauna  – a heart warming experience on a cold winter night.

For those of you who would prefer another day of downhill skiing, the option is open for you instead of cross country skiing as the pistes are located in the same resort.

Tonight you stay in a charming and personal timber hotel in the centre of Tällberg. A real chance to unwind and capture the relaxed, calm environment that the region offers.

Day 4: Tällberg (Dalarna) → Stockholm
Today we offer you an activity that we can almost guarantee you have never tried before! A thrilling, adrenalin filled chance to sail over stunning frozen lakes. Ice sailing is exhilarating, unique and so easy to learn. After proper instruction and a run through the importance of ice safety and background of ice sailing, your guide will accompany you out onto the ice and into the world of ice sailing to enjoy the action packed adventure amidst the wintry views. With the right weather conditions, high speeds can be reached as you cut your way over the frozen lake and feel the cold winter air against your warm skin. Home is sure to feel a long, long way away as you enjoy the exotic surroundings and experience of a lifetime.
Ice sailing does require a certain amount of wind to sail the crafts which is something that can never be guaranteed. However, if the situation arises when the wind is not strong enough, we will continue our day out on the ice with a day’s cross country skating or trip skating. This sport takes place on the ice and is a magical experience when you hear the sound of the skates cutting into the mirrored ice and admire the vast expanse of ice waiting to be explored.
After your day out, you settle back down as we journey back to the buzz of the city where we enjoy together a final meal out at a restaurant reminiscent of the year 1435 with traditional medieval fare and atmosphere.

Day 5: Stockholm

Today you are free to enjoy Stockholm on your last day. Visit one of the respected museums, or explore the trendy clothing and design shops that Stockholm is becoming so respected for. Alternatively, take to the waters and take a boat trip to one of the glorious 24,000 islands lying on your doorstep!