Day 1
Day 1
Arrival to Sweden & Welcome Dinner in Malmö
Arrive in Copenhagen and travel by train across the Öresund Bridge to Malmö. Settle into your charming boutique hotel and enjoy a light walking introduction to the historic center, with its colorful squares and graceful canals. This evening, gather for a warm and welcoming Swedish dinner at Bullen – Två Krögare, a classic Malmö institution known for traditional flavors and convivial atmosphere.
🍽️ (D)
🛏️ MJ’s Hotel (or similar, based on availability and size of group)
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Day 2
Day 2
Malmö to Växjö — Lakeside Charm & First Fika
After breakfast, journey north to Växjö, surrounded by forests and lakes. Upon arrival, stroll to the serene Växjö Cathedral and enjoy views of the water. Visit the Smålands Museum and Swedish Emigration Museum to begin the story of the region’s connection to America. In the afternoon, enjoy your first Swedish fika at a traditional konditori. Tonight, attend a concert or live music performance in Växjö, followed by a casual night outing to experience local cafés or bars.
🍽️ (B)
🛏️ PM & Vänner Hotel (or similar)
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Day 3
Day 3
Heritage Routes of Småland
Today is dedicated to countryside heritage — traveling among preserved farmsteads, rural churches, and landscapes once home to families who later emigrated to the United States. The history of leaving and the memory of those who stayed is woven through the fields, forests, and stories shared today. Return to Växjö for a relaxed evening, perhaps enjoying a quiet dinner at PM & Vänner Bistro.
🍽️ (B)
🛏️ PM & Vänner Hotel (or similar)
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Day 4
Day 4
Växjö to Huskvarna & Jönköping — Industry & Tradition
Depart Växjö for Huskvarna and visit the storied Husqvarna Industrial Museum, where centuries of Swedish craftsmanship come to life. Lunch is at a local korvkiosk, such as Huskvarna Grillen, for a beloved everyday Swedish classic — korv med bröd. Continue to Jönköping, a town framed by Lake Vättern and gentle hills. Evening at leisure.
🍽️ (B, L)
🛏️ Grand Hotel Jönköping (or similar)
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Day 5
Day 5
Gränna — Candy Craft & Lake Vättern Views
Travel to Gränna, a charming lakeside town of colorful houses and steep cobblestone streets. Visit a traditional polkagris candy kitchen to watch warm sugar being hand-pulled into the iconic red-and-white twists. Take time to explore or, weather permitting, ferry to Visingsö for quiet island paths and castle ruins. Dine independently this evening with views of vast Lake Vättern.
🍽️ (B)
🛏️ Hotel Gyllene Uttern (or similar)
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Day 6
Day 6
Arrival in Stockholm — First Impressions of the Capital
Travel from Gränna to Stockholm and check into your boutique hotel. Spend the afternoon on a historic half-day walking tour of Gamla Stan, exploring medieval streets, small squares, and historic sites, learning about Stockholm’s past. Evening at leisure to enjoy Stockholm’s waterfront or neighborhood bistros.
🍽️ (B)
🛏️ Hotel Rival, Södermalm (or similar)
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Day 7
Day 7
Stockholm Museums & Royal Castle Tour
Begin the day at Kungliga Slottet - The Royal Castle, touring its grand halls and state apartments with a guide to learn about Sweden’s long monarchy, including its rights and responsibilities. Continue to the Nordic Museum for insight into Swedish traditions. Lunch today is at Giro Pizzeria Napoletana, known for its exceptional craft pizza. Mid-afternoon and evening free to explore Norrmalm, Kungsholmen, Gamla Stan and Södermalm, four of Stockholms seven islands.
🍽️ (B, L)
🛏️ Hotel Rival, Södermalm (or similar)
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Day 8
Day 8
Stockholm / Djurgården
Start the morning with a short ferry ride to Djurgården, the park-like island home to several of Stockholm's most visited museums. Enjoy a guided tour of the Vasa Museum, followed by a walk along the canals to Rosendal's Trädgård for lunch. Afternoon free to continue exploring Djurgården's many outdoor attractions, like the open air museum at Skansen, or why not a joyride at Gröna Lund amusement park! Evening free to explore Stockholm nightlife on your own.
🍽️ (B, L)
🛏️ Hotel Rival, Södermalm (or similar)
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Day 9
Day 9
Norrtälje — Morning Forest Hike on Roslagsleden & Coastal Town
Begin the day with a refreshing guided forest hike along a section of Roslagsleden, breathing in pine-scented air and coastal views. Afterward, enjoy lunch at Café Hörnan, a local favorite serving traditional Swedish dishes. Continue into Norrtälje town center and check into your hotel. Spend the afternoon exploring wooden streets, small shops, and the waterfront. Stop for fika at Tösse Konditori if desired. Evening free.
🍽️ (B, L)
🛏️ Åtellet Hotell (or similar)
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Day 10
Day 10
Roslagen Archipelago — Islands & Cliffside Swimming
Venture by boat into the northern Stockholm archipelago. Walk island trails, visit small fishing hamlets, and swim from the granite cliffs if weather permits. Return to Norrtälje in the evening. Dinner on your own or at a local casual option.
🍽️ (B)
🛏️ Åtellet Hotell (or similar)
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Day 11
Day 11
Grisslehamn Havsbaden & Leisure
Spend the day at Grisslehamn Havsbaden, a seaside spa with saltwater pools, saunas, and serene coastal surroundings. Optional coastal walks or reading by the water. Return to Norrtälje in the late afternoon and enjoy an early evening at leisure.
🍽️ (B)
🛏️ Åtellet Hotell (or similar)
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Day 12
Day 12
Good bye Sweden!
We bid Sweden farewell, or extend our journey to Norway or Denmark! (see add-ons below).
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Day 1

Arrival to Sweden & Welcome Dinner in Malmö

Elena B.

Meg B.

Donna P.

The food was amazing! Very healthy and I loved having a chef make us meals each day. The retreat center was serene and the massages were wonderful. I loved the herbalogy and the tinctures made on site. Where else could you have ripe mangos falling from trees?! Kat and Cila were the best! They took care of our every need. The yoga with Kat was superb. She modified each class according to the group's needs. Very restorative and an opportunity to go within while basking in paradise. The family constellations session lead by Cila was amazing. Very healing and an interesting concept. The excursions were great. We saw the rain forests, mountains, beaches and lots of animals. Ziplining was a once in a lifetime experience. The people that attended were lovely as well. Lots of great stories were told and lots of laughter. Overall, it was a great week. Thanks so much Kat and Cila! I thoroughly enjoyed this experience! Carol Huie

By carol h for Finding Pura Vida: Costa Rica Wellness Retreat on Apr 30, 2025

Beautiful retreat center with incredible food and a totally welcoming atmosphere. Be forewarned of many stairs to different levels of the facility. Good variety of outings and more quiet moments at the retreat center itself. Excellent yoga sessions. Good health and well being services such as health counseling, and massage. I found Costa Rica to b hot and humid, but could be comfortable with shade, room fans, and a swimming pool. My retreat was coordinated through Cultural Journeys and held at Amatierra.

By Elena B for Finding Pura Vida: Costa Rica Wellness Retreat on Apr 28, 2025

The experience in Tikal where we actually visited the ruins was wonderful. However, the experience working with Cross Cultural Journeys (who organized this trip) was very frustrating. Logistics and communication were challenging - we had to ask for a detailed itinerary (e.g. times, dates, names, transit info, contact info, etc.). Additionally, we were told upon payment that we would have individual rooms only to find out later that we we sharing rooms (at the same cost...). I would recommend people organize this kind of trip themselves in the future.

By Joshua K for UW Foster School of Business | Tikal Extension on Apr 06, 2025

Joshua, thank you for your constructive feedback. While we are so happy you enjoyed the visit itself, we sincerely apologize for the communication challenges leading up to the trip. We learned a valuable lesson that sending emails and updates through our travel portal sometimes prevents valuable information from being seen. We have emailed you directly so please feel free to reply so we can discuss your concerns further.

By Cross Cultural Journeys on Apr 10, 2025

I enjoyed this trip very much. It was very well organized with timely communication and updates. The hotels were very clean and the meals provided offered great variety & were delicious.

By Catherine A for Momentum Music School on Jul 17, 2024

We loved our trip! Our tour guide Kat was amazing, she was so personable and on top of everything (and special bonus, she offered yoga on the beach at sunrise - one of my trip highlights). We also loved the Spanish tour guides! I would definitely use Kat and Cross Cultural Journeys for future travel plans!