Swedish winter wonderland

Spend the day exploring Stockholm's Christmas markets, some of the most impressive in Europe. Start in the old town, Gamla Stan, at Stortorget Square where you can enjoy a glass of glögg among the patchwork houses, before heading over to the century-old markets at Skansen, the world's oldest outdoor museum.

Journey out of Stockholm on a full-day tour of two of Sweden’s oldest towns, Sigtuna and Uppsala. Start by exploring Sigtuna, a charming historical town established over 1,000 years ago. Today it has more runestones than anywhere in the world, along with castles, abundant nature, historical houses, museums, and the oldest street in Sweden. From here you will head onto Uppsala, Sweden’s fourth-largest city and oldest university town. Here, you'll have a chance to see Sweden’s largest cathedral (Uppsala Domkyrka), an array of boutique shops and eateries, and the university museum (Museum Gustavianum).

You'll be driven to the airport for your flight north into Swedish Lapland, then transferred to the Arctic Bath. Join a professional photographer and nature guide for a group excursion chasing the northern lights. While you enjoy the spectacle, you can pick up some photography tips and advice on how best to capture the phenomenon.

Today, you'll head north, into the Arctic Circle, to spend time with a Sámi family and learn about their long-standing traditions and lives as reindeer herder. You'll be welcomed into their home to be regaled with stories as you join the family for a three-course lunch round the crackling fire. After lunch meet some of the reindeer before you head back to your hotel.

The best way to explore Swedish Lapland during the winter is by snowmobile. You'll head out with a small group, led by an experienced guide to see some of the wider winter landscape beyond the forest. Whizz across frozen lakes and follow tracks through the dense pine forest, keeping a look-out for wildlife as you go. Finish the day with a special dinner under the stars, in a tipi tent on an ice-covered lake.

You'll be transferred to the airport in time for your flight down to Stockholm to connect with your flight home. Your return flight will arrive the same day.