Exploring Dalarna: In The Heart of Sweden

Continue on the north-westerly route towards Tallberg (approximately two hours).

Stay for three nights in one of the oldest guest houses in the village. With a warm family atmosphere, and splendid views of Lake Siljan, it is also known for its traditional and refined homemade food.

Enjoy two full days of relaxation. Sit back and enjoy the lake, venture into Dalarna, stop by untouched time-forgotten villages and relax on the shores of Lake Siljan.

Hike or cycle round the lake, hire a boat and enjoy an afternoon fishing or having a drink (or two) in the hotel’s lounge. Explore Tallberg and discover the village of Leksand with its beautiful traditional houses and Mora with its church, museum and house of Zorn. Drive to Sollerön and visit its fascinating Viking graves, head to Nusnäs to its red horse workshop, Rattvik for its wonderful panorama from the Vidablick observation tower and not forgetting Scandinavia's longest wooden pier.

Leaving the shores of Lake Siljan, we head south through lush forest landscapes dotted with lakes. These lakes are often bordered by charming villages. On the way you will find Borlange, a small student town and the only real urban centre on the route to Skinnskatteberg (a little over two hours). As night falls, head to the Bergslagen Forest to spot elks and perhaps even lynxes and owls. Enjoy a picnic by the fire, where the guide will explain the techniques for recognising the prints and calls of elk. Your overnight stay will be a just outside Skinnskatteberg, in an old property with neat gardens and comfortable rooms. The spa and the quality of the cuisine deserve a special mention.

Today you’ll leave Skinnskatteberg to reach the capital; around a two-hour drive that passes through Vasteras – one of the oldest cities in the country.

Spend two nights on the island of Sodermalm in an old-cinema-turned-hotel in the peaceful square of Mariatorget, created by none other than ABBA’s Benny Andersson.

Discover Stockholm like a local with a private guide. Start in the old town Gamla Stan. A charming medieval city founded in the 13th century, it is home to beautiful cobblestone alleyways, buildings in pastel and ochre tones and pretty squares. Then head to the Sodermalm peninsula, a verdant corner of Stockholm that has become one of the city's trendiest neighbourhoods with designer shops, alternative galleries and nocturnal attitude. To wrap up this discovery tour, visit the Vasa Museum, which is home to a beautifully preserved 17th-century warship.

If you have spare time on your hands, catch the changing of the guard at the Royal Palace, rummage through the legendary record store Pet Sounds Records and shop to your hearts content at the Ostermalms Saluhall. Dance in a chic bar in Stureplan, go sailing to Fjaderholmarna, stroll through the colourful little streets of the old town and discover the fjord by boat...