| DAY 1: Monday, December 8
Departure from U.S.A. (B on flight)
Depart on your overnight transatlantic flight for Stockholm, Sweden.
DAY 2: Tuesday, December 9
Stockholm - Rättvik (D)
Arrive at Stockholm-Arlanda Airport where you will be met by your tour host. Transfer to your motorcoach for the ride through the beautiful Swedish countryside to Rättvik in the tradition rich province of Dalarna. Check-in at Hantverksbyn/Vidablick Hotel, your home for the next four nights. Your hosts Billy and Lena Höglund and their staff are here to help you to experience the traditions of a Swedish Christmas in this small community of cozy log cabins, quaint shops and beautiful scenery. Your days and nights will be filled with the delightful sights and sounds of Sweden at Christmas time. Enjoy!
DAY 3, 4 & 5: Wednesday, Thursday & Friday, December 10, 11 & 12
Rättvik - Lake Siljan area
Spend the next three days exploring the Lake Siljan area. Visit the workshops of Nils and Grännas Olsson, where genuine Mora Dala Horses are made. Enjoy plenty of time for shopping in the extensive gift shops. Day trips also include a visit to Tomteland (the Swedish version of Santa’s North Pole). A tour of the home and studio of beloved artist Carl Larsson, and the home of renowned artist Anders Zorn. Near the town of Mora, visit the island of Sollerön on Lake Siljan to shop at Johnson’s Hemslöjd. At your hotel enjoy the outdoors by building a snow man or take a sleigh ride through the beautiful winter forest. Inside the cozy warmth of the main lodge, learn the etiquette of drinking Glögg, make your own Swedish style Christmas decorations, and learn to carve your own Dala Horse and paint in the traditional “kurbits” style. There will be Christmas dance games and music. In the mid-afternoon of the last day in Rättvik (Friday, December 12), enjoy a huge Christmas Smörgåsbord with five enormous courses of delicious Swedish cuisine.
DAY 6: Saturday, December 13
Rättvik - Stockholm (B, D)
This morning, depart the province of Dalarna where you have experienced so many special Swedish Christmas traditions. On the way to Stockholm, stop at Avesta to see the worlds largest Dala Horse. Upon arrival in Stockholm enjoy the delightful Christmas atmosphere on a visit to the “Christmas Market” in Gamla Stan (Old Town), the oldest part of Stockholm. Free time until late afternoon. Of interest on your own, the Royal Crown Jewels can be viewed in the basement vault of the Royal Palace, museums and shopping. In late afternoon attend the Julgran (Christmas Tree) concert at the Filadelfia Church. After the concert, depart for check-in at the Clarion Collection Hotel Tapto, your home for the next three nights. Dinner at the hotel.
DAY 7: Sunday, December 14
Stockholm (B, D)
Today visit the famous open-air museum of Skansen as you attend the Skansen Christmas Fair. Enjoy traditional handcrafts, homemade breads, cakes, sausages, candles, music and dancing. Church services and advent music will be held at the Seglora Church. You will be free to enjoy the day at your leisure. In the late afternoon delight in the Christmas Smörgåsbord at Hasselbacken Restaurant located within Skansen. After dinner, return to hotel. Other seasonal evening entertainment available at an additional cost. Free time this evening.
DAY 8: Monday, December 15
Stockholm (B, D)
Today will be your last fun filled day in Sweden. This morning a tour of Stockholm includes the City Hall, the Wasa Ship Museum and a view from the highest point in the city where you can look out over the archipelago and the city to get a true view of this island city. Free time this afternoon. Your Stockholm tour host will be happy to help you with free time arrangements. Farewell dinner tonight will be a special holiday meal at the hotel.
DAY 9: Tuesday, December 16
Departure to U.S.A. (B, lunch on flight)
This morning transfer by motorcoach to Stockholm/Arlanda Airport for departure to the U.S.A.
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