Ultimate Sweden

Stockholm is the epiphany of style and sophistication. The Grand Hôtel just reinforces this fact, with its impeccable service, beautiful décor, incredible food and world-class spa; it is the go-to hotel and has become something of an institution. With a stunning riverside location, the harbour view rooms are equipped with their own sets of binoculars, so you can sit back and soak up the vista.

You will find a city steeped in history, from cobblestone streets to gothic churches. Take time to trawl the range of designer boutiques before sipping coffee in one of the many chic cafes. Spend a day exploring this gothic city with an exclusive private tour where you will be transported through a world of brightly coloured buildings that line the waterfronts with Cathedrals spotted boldly in the distance. Visit city districts such as Södermalm, Kungsholmen and Djurgården, all boasting mesmerising buildings and intervals of luscious green landscapes. Famous sights including the Royal Palace, Parliament Buildings and the Cathedral will be sure to leave a lasting impression as you continue your tour through the enchanting streets of Stockholm.

Start your magical Lapland adventure with a quick flight from Stockholm across the Arctic Circle to arrive into Luleå Airport. From here, travel to Arctic Retreat hidden away deep in the forest of Gunnarsbyn. Made up of a handful of traditional log cabins, Arctic Retreat offers a truly exclusive and mesmerizing escape. The Råne River winds its way around this tiny peninsula, with the Raven Rapids thundering just a few hundred metres away from the cabins. Other than the lapping of the water, here you can enjoy almost complete silence and serenity. The cabins boast cosy log burners, floor-to-ceiling windows, and private hot tubs, from where you can relax and soak up the incredible views of the Lappish wilderness. Dinner is served in one of the camp’s traditional log cabins and is a sumptuous affair where Liza, the owner, shows off her incredible flair for cooking, regularly using locally sourced ingredients.

There is a superb choice of thrilling ways to enjoy the winter wonderland during your stay at Arctic Retreat. Husky sledding is a joy to take part in, with your guide you can either take a seat and sit back and enjoy the ride or take the helm and drive the sled yourself, feel the experience wash over you from the beauty of the energetic pack as you watch the landscape fly past you. Take part in the adrenaline-fuelled snowmobile safari, as you whip your way through the pine forests to a mountain peak for a spectacular view over the river valley, perhaps spotting a few wild reindeer along the way. You can also choose to visit a local Sami family, where the head of the family will enlighten you with their stories of surviving the harsh Arctic winters, their traditions, and the close bond they hold with the reindeer.

The most magical experience to behold whilst you are here is to spot the awe-inspiring Northern Lights, with a professional photographer on hand they share their skills on how best to capture their beauty. Using your own camera equipment our professional photographer will guide you on the techniques and enlighten you on the skills of capturing the illuminating skies.

Your next stop is the stunning and luxurious Arctic Bath, a unique concept of a floating hotel, surrounded by water that freezes over in the winter. At the centre of the main floating building is a plunge pool, carved into the ice during winter. With a choice of gorgeous overwater or land cabins, each featuring a private terrace perfect for watching the Northern Lights. Take time to relax in the saunas along with treatment rooms with a range of therapies including massages and cleansing and detox therapies. Enjoy the lounge area, bar, and first-class restaurant to add another level to your stay.

Explore the wilderness with one of the more traditional methods of transport – snowshoes! Your private guide will teach you how to walk before leading you into the Taiga Forest where wild moose and reindeer reside. You’ll be completely off-the-beaten-track, walking through the fresh snow, keeping an eye out for the local wildlife. Along the way, you’ll stop for a traditional Swedish fika – hot drinks and delicious pastries.

This morning, say goodbye to Swedish Lapland and board the quick 70-minute flight back to Stockholm for your final evening of this Swedish adventure. Check in to the glorious Ett Hem, a stunning 12-room townhouse purposefully designed to feel more like a home than a hotel. Guests are made to feel like old friends at Ett Hem with well-thought-out personal touches such as the open kitchen and charming chef who whips up a delicious daily tea time treat. The house is filled with a balanced mix of classic Scandinavian, bespoke 21st century and vintage pieces that make Ett Hem feel truly lived in, yet as individual as you would expect for a privately owned home.

The house is conveniently situated in the Lärkstaden area of Stockholm, just a 15-minute walk from the city centre and metres away from the designer shopping and lively nightlife of Stureplan. Enjoy an optional walking tour of this district this evening complete with a bar-hopping tasting tour complete with snacks before having dinner on your own afterwards.

The house is conveniently situated in the Lärkstaden area of Stockholm, just a 15-minute walk from the city centre and metres away from the designer shopping and lively nightlife of Stureplan. Enjoy an optional walking tour of this district this evening complete with a bar-hopping tasting tour complete with snacks before having dinner on your own afterwards.

Private transfers to Stockholm International Airport for return flight home.