Experience Sweden's Wild Coast and Unique Cuisine

Pick up the hire car and head west to the Bohuslan coast. This wild coastline is home to thousands of islands and small, authentic fishing villages, which have grown over centuries on this granite coast, thanks to waters rich in herring.

The beautiful fishing village of Fjallbacka, renowned for its cobblestone alleyways and red boathouses, is also the setting for crime novels by writer Camilla Lackberg. We stay there for two nights in an old boathouse converted into a charming hotel, where we are welcomed as friends in a warm atmosphere, like the one that reigns in this typical village on the west coast.

To see and do - On sunny days, you can reach the islands of the archipelago by boat, enjoy the best seafood on the terrace, kayak past the seals, hike in the hinterland and discover the beaches hidden between the rocks.

In the itinerary - A boat ride followed by a traditional Swedish lunch on a beautiful wilderness island in the Fjallbacka archipelago. Great food in a magical setting.

Road to Varmland. Varmland is an immense natural attraction. The forest landscapes of this region are dotted with ten thousand lakes and the country's longest river, the Klaralven, divides the province into two halves before flowing into one of Europe's largest lakes, the Vanern, located near Karlstad. The Glaskogen Nature Reserve is a true adventure playground with vast forests and 80 lakes. Canoeing is the best way to see this area. With family or friends, navigate down the Klaralven River. Dense forests, sparkling lakes, fishing and hunting, or hiking and biking. What's not to love? The town of Karlstad is at the intersection of two major Swedish rivers – in the 311 miles long Klaralven River delta, which flows into Lake Vanern with its archipelago of 22,000 islands.

Overnight accommodation in Saffle, in a lovely mansion surrounded by a beautiful park and gardens. We love the elegant setting and the elegant food menu.

Road back to Dalarna.

Three-night stay in a small family hotel on Lake Siljan in Tallberg. We love the elegant menu and panoramic view of the lake.

In the mountainous province of Dalarna, the city of Tallberg is home to the charming red-coloured chalets of Falun. Lake Siljan and the surrounding forests complete the perfect postcard scenery. Tallberg is also a perennial cultural stronghold with striking architecture. On Saint John's Eve, on the summer solstice, its inhabitants dress in traditional costume and dance joyfully around flower-covered poles.

Discover Dalarna, a Swedish region steeped in tradition. Imagine a red wooden cottage with a sparkling lake in the foreground, a lush forest in the background, brightly coloured little wooden horses, Swedes dressed in traditional costumes to celebrate Saint John by dancing joyfully around poles adorned with flowers… It's a perfect Scndinavian scene.

To see - The copper mine of Falun, the (superb) beaches of Lake Siljan, the Zorn Museum (famous Swedish painter) in Mora.

Now it's off to Stockholm. Stop at Sala on the way. Thia small town grew up around its silver mine, which is open to the public on weekends. Its mining past has permanently altered the centre's characteristics, including the creation of canals and other ponds, adding a bucolic twist to the place. Then stop in Uppsala, home of filmmaker Ingmar Bergman. Its imposing Gothic cathedral, home to the tombs of 16th century Swedish King Gustav Vasa and scientist Carl von Linne, is the most famous in the country. The student town is home to many cultural attractions.

Arrival in Stockholm, three-night stay in the Ostermalm residential area. The hotel is in an Art Nouveau style period building which dates back to 1911. The interiors of the hotel were designed by the architect Per Oberg and the result is a harmonious mix between a classical atmosphere and more contemporary style.

Built on 14 islands, the capital can be discovered on foot through old lanes and pedestrian streets, or by ferry for crossings of the archipelago that fill your lungs with salty fresh air.

Must-sees - The Royal Palace (Kunglika Slotett) and its Treasure, Alexander Tyska Kyrkan Church, the Museum of National Antiquities, the National Museum of Fine Arts, the Vasa Museum, Gustav III's Pavilion.

Things to do - Watch the changing of the guard, a light brunch in the tearoom, look out over the city from Katarina Hissen, grab a bite to eat at Cafe String, shop at the market in Ostermalms Saluhall, dance in one of Stureplan's bars, sail to the Feather Islands, skate outdoors, stroll through the colourful alleys of the old town...



In the itinerary - Stockholm, off the beaten track with a private guide. We start with the old town: Gamla Stan, a charming medieval city founded in the 13th century, it houses a superb interlacing of cobblestone alleyways, buildings in pastel and ochre tones and pretty squares. Then reach the Sodermalm peninsula, this little green corner of Stockholm has become one of the city's trendy neighbourhoods, with its small designer shops and alternative galleries as well as its fun nocturnal energy. To wrap up this discovery tour, visit the Vasa Museum, home to a beautifully preserved 17th-century warship.

The Stockholm Archipelago is a collection of around 30,000 islands, islets, and reefs, which extends into the Baltic up to 50 miles east of the city. There are large uninhabited islands known for their summer social scene, but also simple rocky or grassy reefs visited sometimes by a lone seal, sometimes by a kayaker. It's easy to find a peaceful place to recharge. The air is clean, the nature is beautiful and it is dotted with typical red clapboard houses.

Departure by ferry from the Strokajen dock to reach an island in the archipelago. On site: swimming, kayaking, cycling, or relaxing. Return in the afternoon in the centre of Stromkajen.