Göta Canal Steamship Company cruises into the summer season

April 26, 2011 - PRLog -- Its summer season kicks off on 30 April with the first four-day ‘From Coast to Coast’ cruise of 2011 departing from Gothenburg to Stockholm, and this year will also see guests aboard selected three-day cruises, treated to new fine wine masterclasses and tastings led by world-leading wine experts.

Departing throughout May to September, six of the three-day luxury cruises between Söderköping and Töreboda, an inland cruise part-way along the canal, with closer proximity to Stockholm, will see guests indulge in, and learn all about, a variety of exquisite wines in exclusive evening classes. These cruises will be aboard the historic vessel M/S Diana which dates from 1931, with traditional cabin-style accommodation.

The classes will be led by some of the best wine connoisseurs, including Lauren Snyman from the Neethlingshof Estate in South Africa, focusing on classic grape wines such as Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Sauvignon (20-22 May); Magnus Holmgren, an expert importer of premier Bordeaux wines, revealing why Bordeaux is the best quality wine region in France (27-29 May) and Gianni Righetti from Italy's Luigi Righetti vineyard sharing the secrets behind the Rolls Royce of wines, Amarone (26-28 August).

There's even a chance to enjoy one of the most prestigious champagnes in the world, Champagne Pol Roger, with a class led by Ward Wines (17-19 June). Immerse yourself in the wonderful bubbly, originating from Epernay, France - a place Winston Churchill called the “The most drinkable address in the world!”.

The three-day cruises offer a very relaxing, soothing pace of life. As you travel unhurriedly through the idyllic Swedish countryside, you’ll encounter the nine locks of the 2km Dufkullen-Mariehov-Carlsborg passage, enjoy a guided tour of Karlsborg Fortress, an evening swim in Lake Roxen, and explore the historic Göta Canal itself.

What's more, all of these cruises have a culinary focus. Menus include seasonal offerings from local suppliers along the canal, including specialities such as Lake Vattern char, smoked lavaret and crayfish. Breakfasts are a high point, with a selection of Brunneby marmalades and jams, as well as bread fresh from the Slattergubben Sourdough Bakery.

Priced from 6725 SEK (£683)pp based on two sharing a double cabin, the ‘The Good Life on Board’ trip includes two nights’ full board accommodation (two breakfasts, three two-course lunches and two three-course dinners, served in the elegantly-equipped dining room), wine or champagne masterclass (selected weekends only) and return transfer to the departure port.

More cruises from the Göta Canal Steamship Company:

The Great Swedish Cruise – Six days between Gothenburg and Stockholm. Relax as you journey between Sweden’s west and east coasts through a river, three canals, eight lakes and 66 locks. Many stops en route include a tour of fairytale-like Läckö Castle, built in 1298 and reflected in the waters of Lake Vänern, and a visit to the Viking community of Birka on the island of Björkö, believed to be Sweden's first town. Departures from June to September. From 15,775 SEK (£1516)pp including five nights’ full board accommodation and ten stops and tours en route.

From Coast to Coast – Four days between Gothenburg and Stockholm. Stops include the historic town of Vadstena, with pretty cobbled streets and traditional Swedish wooden buildings, and a visit to Motala’s fascinating Motor Museum. Departures from April to September. From 9775 SEK (£958)pp including three nights’ full board accommodation and six stops along the way.

Mini Canal Cruise – Two days between Motala and Söderköping. A taste of the Göta Canal waterway taking in the ‘capital of the canal’, Motala, and a visit to Runstorp Manor House. Departures from June to August. From 4,295 SEK (£385)pp including one night’s full board accommodation and return travel by bus.

All cruises operate in both directions (east to west and vice-versa). Prices are based on two sharing a double cabin. Extra beds and single cabins are also available.

SAVINGS: Göta Canal Steamship Company is offering 20% off the regular cabin rates on the following cruises in May and June:

Three-day cruise, Töreboda to Söderköping, departing 27 May - now costs from 5580 SEK (£549)pp (per two sharing double cabin).

Four-day cruise, Gothenburg to Stockholm, departing 26 and 30 May, 4 and 8 June and Stockholm to Gothenburg, departing 30 May, 8 June and 12 June - now costs from 7820 SEK (£769)pp (per two sharing double cabin).

For further information visit www.gotacanal.se. To book call + 46 (0)31 80 63 15.

Or alternatively a number of tour operators offer Göta Canal cruise trips including Sunvil Discovery, Simply Sweden, Best Served Scandinavia, Mighty Fine and Discover the World. For more information, visit www.westsweden.com

Ends
26 April

Note to Editors: The Göta Canal Steamship Company offers old-fashioned extravagance aboard three elegant, white steamers - M/S Diana (recently totally refurbished), M/S Wilhelm Tham and M/S Juno. The M/S Juno is the world’s oldest registered passenger-carrying ship at over 130 years old.

Press: For further information, contact Stephanie Reed at Travel PR on 020 8891 4440 or email s.reed@travelpr.co.uk

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