Stockholm- A Beauty On The Water: Old Town Walking Tour and Boat Trip Combined

You will begin this picturesque journey with a short introduction to Sweden and Stockholm. The formal name of Sweden is “Kingdom of Sweden”. Many of the buildings you will see at this point have a Royal connection. The majestic Royal Palace in front of you was built at the beginning of the 18th century in the magnificent Baroque style. The Opera house figured in the opera "The Masked Ball" composed by Guiseppe Verdi about the Swedish king Gustav III. The beautiful house in the classic style on the other side of the square, which now houses the Ministry of Foreign affairs, was once the Heir Presumptive palace.

Next, explore the history of the Swedish government. The Parliament Building was designed in the Neo-Renaissance style, with a Neo-Baroque style facade section. The parliament building was constructed between 1897 and 1905. The predecessor of the parliament (riksdagen) was the “Riksdag of the Estates” (Ståndsriksdagen) where Nobility, Clergy, Burghers, and Peasants met separately for discussions before meeting the King in the palace. Until its dissolution in 1866, this institution was the highest authority in Sweden next to the King. In 1866 a parliament with two chambers was introduced, but without equal voting rights for all citizens. The first elections with general suffrage were held in 1921. This was after a long political struggle led by liberals and socialists. In 1975 the constitution was changed, and the two chambers of the parliament were merged into one. It was also confirmed that the king has only a representative role and no real power.

From the Riksbron bridge, you can marvel at the Knights Island, the Prime Minister's residence, the Government building, and the House of Nobility. You can also see the City Hall, where the yearly Nobel prize banquet is held.

"Lejonbacken" is on the north side of the Royal Palace. Lejonbacken is one of the most popular photo spots in Stockholm. During the 17th and 18th centuries, Sweden was a great power in Northern Europe. You will see the Royal Garden with a statue of Karl XII, the last of the Swedish warrior kings. To the right of the park, you will see the Financial District, built at the turn of the 20th century - the period of the flowering of architectural styles. You also see the Grand Hotel, the most prestigious hotel in Stockholm where the Nobel laureates stay when they come for the Nobel prize awarding ceremonies.

You will pass the inner courtyard of the Royal Palace and make a short visit to Palace Chapel, where the Royal family baptizes their children. Outside the Royal Palace is a statue of Carl XIV Johan, who made an outstanding career in the Napolean army and then was adopted into the Swedish royal family. He was the first from the Bernadotte dynasty - the longest royal dynasty in the world, still ruling! Carl XIV Johan was imported to Sweden from France to win back what we lost to the Russians in the Napolean wars. Instead, he put his efforts into diplomacy, building infrastructure and developing education. In 2014, 200 years of peace were celebrated in Sweden. The industrial revolution, natural resources and great Swedish inventions created a foundation for a welfare state.

Stortorget is the central square in Old Town and the most photographed place in Stockholm. The square is surrounded by beautiful houses in 17th-century Scandinavian Renaissance and 18th-century Classicism styles. At Stortorget "The Bloodbath of Stockholm" took place in November 1530. Around 100 noblemen and priests were beheaded by the Danish king Christian II. He is since known as Christian the tyrant in Sweden. The Nobel Prize Museum is situated at Stortorget. The Swedish Royal Academies and other committees designate the winners of the most prestigious prizes in many important fields of science and art.

From Stortorget you walk Köpmangatan, Merchants Street. This street has been mentioned in written material since 1350. You are guided through some narrow alleyways to feel the atmosphere of medieval times! You walk along Österlånggatan and down to Skeppsbron, where ships have loaded cargo since the seventeen’s century.

At Strömkajen the Royal Canal Tour, operated by Stromma Group, begins. There are headphones available for audioguides in English and several other languages, including Spanish, Chinese, Estonian, Finnish, French, German, Italian and Russian. The boat will take you on a fascinating tour through the "Djurgårdsbrunn" Canal and give you fabulous views of the Stockholm skyline. Swedish fika (coffee and cinnamon roll), tea, soft drinks and pastries are available in the bar on board. Beer, wine, sandwiches and snacks are also offered.