Stockholm Tour for 8?

[hillbil]

Our group of 8 arrives in Stockholm July 8 2011 from 9 - 5 on the Eclipse. We would like a tour to include the Vasa Museum, Gamla Stan, and lunch at Rosendals on Djurgarden. Suggestions?

Thanks, The Crazy 8's

[Giantfan13]

Our group of 8 arrives in Stockholm July 8 2011 from 9 - 5 on the Eclipse. We would like a tour to include the Vasa Museum, Gamla Stan, and lunch at Rosendals on Djurgarden. Suggestions?

Thanks, The Crazy 8's

 

What suggestions are you looking for??

 

this is entirely doable, just make sure you start at Vasa. Either do the HoHo bus or boat (look around this site and you will find exact directions to each and the pros and cons of either)

 

We were on NCL Jewel last year and we had less time in Stockholm than that, but we did that and made time for the Changing of the Guard ceremony also. We didn't stop for a big lunch, but we did stop, relaxed for a bit (ate a magnificent chocolate something) and moved on.

 

Do leave at least 1 1/2 hours for Vasa, and Gamla Stan is something you can explore all day. But for say, 2-3 hours, you can explore Gamla Stan, get a great feel for it, and have so much fun exploring back streets and shops.

 

Stockholm was our favorite port on the entire cruise. I really can't put my finger on it, but it was a city I would just love to go back to.

 

here are a few of my pix of this charming and magnificent city

Here is a short video shot at the Vasa Museum. Remember, the ship was there and they built the museum around it.

http://s834.photobucket.com/albums/zz267/Giantfan13/baltics/?action=view&current=europemaster1357.flv

 

There are many wonderful bridges that cross all over the city

http://i834.photobucket.com/albums/zz267/Giantfan13/baltics/europemaster1235.jpg

 

A square inside Gamla Stan where there are a plethora of restaurants, cafes and shops where you can just enjoy the atmoshepe

http://i834.photobucket.com/albums/zz267/Giantfan13/baltics/europe1265.jpg

 

Some of the many, narrow, cobblestone back streets in Gamla Stan. some are overwhelmed with people, while others are almost empty. Wonderful to explore

http://i834.photobucket.com/albums/zz267/Giantfan13/baltics/europe1270.jpg

 

At the start of Gamla Stan you can watch the very entertaining changing of the Guard ceremony

http://i834.photobucket.com/albums/zz267/Giantfan13/baltics/europe1306.jpg

 

Don't forget the harbor area either

http://i834.photobucket.com/albums/zz267/Giantfan13/baltics/europemaster1318.jpg

 

 

 

Have a great time

 

Cheers

 

Len

[TLCOhio]

Our group of 8 arrives in Stockholm July 8 2011 from 9 - 5 on the Eclipse. We would like a tour to include the Vasa Museum, Gamla Stan, and lunch at Rosendals on Djurgarden. Suggestions?

Thanks, The Crazy 8's

 

Len has correctly noted that it's all possible in Stockholm. BUT, it was unclear from your question on whether this is something you plan to do on your own . . . OR . . . through a hired van . . . OR . . . with a van and private guide. What are seeking and want to pay/can afford. Private guides are very costly in Stockholm. Nice, but about $100 a hour or so, plus, plus. What are your needs and logistics? Tell us more!

 

Here are a few of my visual highlights for this great and wonderful city. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

For more details, great visuals, etc., from our July 1-16 Norway Coast/Fjords/Arctic Circle Silver Cloud experiences:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1227923

 

 

Connected to the main harbor in Stockholm, here is a view from the bridge to the Vasa Museum of the many different buildings along this grand Strandvagen boulevard. Completed in time for the 1897 Stockholm World’s Fair, it became known as one of the most prestigious addresses in town.:

 

 

 

In the heart of Stockholm’s historic old city with many outdoor dining places:

 

 

 

At the Vasa Museum with this large salvaged ship from the 1600’s:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

From the harbor in Stockholm, here is a view of the Royal Palace, the historic Saint Nicolaus Church, or as commonly known Storkyrkan:

 

[Cornishpastyman1]

If it's any help I did this in two hours in the Vasa Museum

and then had another 2 hours just walking around the harbour

 

Because we docked at Nynasham(groan) our day was much shorter than I'd hoped, but with more time I'd have either gone into the Royal palace or the Nordic museum, which is right next to the Vasa Museum.

[hillbil]

-we are thinking of a guided tour...unless talked out of it. Once again we are arriving July 25 from 9 to 5 on the Celebrity Eclipse - not sure what port we're docking at yet. So.... can someone recommend a guided tour?

[Giantfan13]

-we are thinking of a guided tour...unless talked out of it. Once again we are arriving July 25 from 9 to 5 on the Celebrity Eclipse - not sure what port we're docking at yet. So.... can someone recommend a guided tour?

 

Unless talked out of it--------- Ha, you've come to the right place for that

 

I would say most of the posters here have done most of the Baltic stops on their own, except, of course, St Petersburg. They are all very, very easy to do on your own. Yes, if you prefer a tour, you can always book one from the ship, or go to the Stockholm tourist page and there will be arranged tours you can try, but unless you need to be chaperoned around this city, it really isn't necessary.

From what you have asked, you want to do Vasa and Gamla Stan, the two most popular places to visit in the city. As I said previously, it is very easy to do on your own, and will save you some money.

Depending on where your ship docks, you can either do public transportation or the HoHo bus or boat. Vasa and Gamla Stan are not THAT far apart (walking would take too long, but if you had time, very possible). You will not spend more than 2 hours at Vasa, and after eating you have the good part of the afternoon to explore Gamla Stan. You can even take in the Changing of the Guard Ceremony as it is right there by Gamla Stan.

If you are leaning more towards having a guide and feel more secure with one, go for it, but really, it just isn't necessary to see this city.

 

You have seen some wonderful pix of Stockholm by several of our posters. Just a wonderful city for pictures, and shopping.

 

Here are a few extra pix of Stockholm to better help you mange the city

 

A Royal guardsman, at his post, looking out over the city

http://i834.photobucket.com/albums/zz267/Giantfan13/baltics/europemaster1255.jpg

 

Some of the original wood carvings from the Vasa

http://i834.photobucket.com/albums/zz267/Giantfan13/baltics/europe1206.jpg

 

You might want to consider the Nobel Museum, right in the heart of Gamla Stan

http://i834.photobucket.com/albums/zz267/Giantfan13/baltics/europe1272.jpg

 

One of the main streets in Gamla Stan. If you look close there is even a 7/11 where you can get a fruit slurpee

http://i834.photobucket.com/albums/zz267/Giantfan13/baltics/europe1271.jpg

 

I know you mentioned a restaurant you want to visit, but there are so many other wonderful little cafes and restaurants, beautifully decorated

http://i834.photobucket.com/albums/zz267/Giantfan13/baltics/europe1288.jpg

 

But do not forget, on leaving Stockholm, is the sailing thru the archipelago

http://i834.photobucket.com/albums/zz267/Giantfan13/baltics/europe1344.jpg

 

Cheers

 

Len

[Drifting Happily]

You could definitely do this on your own, but the logistics of moving 8 people around are much different than moving two! You may be able to hire a taxi to get to the Vasa--do go first thing--and if you can beat those on your ship, you'll do great.

The Vasa is on Djurgarden, so go from there to Rosendals. We walked along the water, and it took us (I think?) 45 minutes, though it's only 2 1/2 km. It was a beautiful day, and a lovely walk, and you're out in nature for a while which is a nice change of pace.

From there, you would need another ride to Gamla Stan. I would think you could call a taxi, but I doubt that there'd be one there waiting. It's only 4.8 km from there to Gamla Stan. It's the trip to and from Rosendals that makes what you're doing hard, because I don't believe it's served by public transportation. Which is what makes it a fun, local, spot to go to.

[TLCOhio]

-we are thinking of a guided tour...unless talked out of it. Once again we are arriving July 25 from 9 to 5 on the Celebrity Eclipse - not sure what port we're docking at yet. So.... can someone recommend a guided tour?

 

Don't want to talk you out of doing what you want. The question is "how much CASH do you want walked out of your wallet?" For the cost of a private guide, plus driver and van, I would guess you would easily have $1200-1400 in cost. Maybe more. Is that in your range?

 

Doing a couple of cabs for each leg to get from the ship to the Vasa might be more affordable. Then from your dining palace to the Gamla Stan. Then back from the Gamla Stan to your ship. Maybe you walk from the Vasa to the your dining place. How big and flexible would your budget be? Mobility of those in your party?

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

For more details, great visuals, etc., from our July 1-16 Norway Coast/Fjords/Arctic Circle Silver Cloud experiences:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1227923

[Al_Frescoe]

You could definitely do this on your own, but the logistics of moving 8 people around are much different than moving two! You may be able to hire a taxi to get to the Vasa--do go first thing--and if you can beat those on your ship, you'll do great.

The Vasa is on Djurgarden, so go from there to Rosendals. We walked along the water, and it took us (I think?) 45 minutes, though it's only 2 1/2 km. It was a beautiful day, and a lovely walk, and you're out in nature for a while which is a nice change of pace.

From there, you would need another ride to Gamla Stan. I would think you could call a taxi, but I doubt that there'd be one there waiting. It's only 4.8 km from there to Gamla Stan. It's the trip to and from Rosendals that makes what you're doing hard, because I don't believe it's served by public transportation. Which is what makes it a fun, local, spot to go to.

 

Definitely a nice walk, but as you pointed out, quite a time consuming trek to Rosendals from the Vasa. With the time constraints put on cruisers I would consider a taxi from that area to Rosendals.

 

Al

[hillbil]

-we appreciate all the information - idealy, we would like to be picked up at the ship by a van for 8 and transported to the various venues as we have done in many other ports of call - Stockholm doesn't seem to fit the norm in that respect since no one has suggested a tour company/individual that caters to such excursions. A group of 8 also is difficult for taxiing about. Further suggestions are welcome!

Crazy 8's

[TLCOhio]

-we appreciate all the information - idealy, we would like to be picked up at the ship by a van for 8 and transported to the various venues as we have done in many other ports of call - Stockholm doesn't seem to fit the norm in that respect since no one has suggested a tour company/individual that caters to such excursions. A group of 8 also is difficult for taxiing about. Further suggestions are welcome!

Crazy 8's

 

Help us help you!!! Tell us more on your budget flexibility and range. Do you just need a van and driver? Or, a guide, too? Is cost and budget that big of a concern or issue for you?

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

For more details, great visuals, etc., from our July 1-16 Norway Coast/Fjords/Arctic Circle Silver Cloud experiences:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1227923

[hillbil]

-we were hoping for a budget of $500 for van & guide for 5 hours.

[TLCOhio]

-we were hoping for a budget of $500 for van & guide for 5 hours.

 

We can all "hope" and have wishes, but a $500 budget for van and guide in Stockholm seems unrealistic. The guide alone in this very costly city runs about $100 a hour. Stockholm is among the top ten in the world for the most costly. You might check and contact the tourism office in this town for their suggestion for what you might get on a van and driver only as that would more likely be closer to your budget range. I would e-mail them with what you are seeking:

info@svb.stockholm.se

 

You could check this websites for options and added info:

http://www.citysightseeing.com

http://www.evaguide.se

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

For more details, great visuals, etc., from our July 1-16 Norway Coast/Fjords/Arctic Circle Silver Cloud experiences:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1227923

[hillbil]

-took your advice and emailed the two sites you suggested.

[TLCOhio]

-took your advice and emailed the two sites you suggested.

 

Keep us posted on what you find out and as your planning progresses. It's good to share info and get added comments and suggestions.

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

For more details, great visuals, etc., from our July 1-16 Norway Coast/Fjords/Arctic Circle Silver Cloud experiences:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1227923

[sammiedawg]

6 of 8 in our family toured Stockholm independently. It was very easy. We were in line to get off the ship as soon as we were cleared, we walked to the ferry, went straight to Vasa, then back on board to the Gamla Stan, then took a cab back to the ship to save time. We had a great day and spent a fraction of what a private guide would have cost. 2 family members did not go to Vasa but spent the day in the Gamla Stan and loved it.

The cruise ship has shuttle buses running to the Gamla Stan.

The Gamla Stan is easy to walk.

 

Save your $ and hire a great tour guide/ company for St Petersburg or some of the other Baltic ports.