A Girl, a Dragon Tattoo, and travel to Sweden
I’m a little tired this morning. It happens when you make a habit of late nights and early mornings. You see, this past week I have found myself reading the novel, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, into the wee hours. I know the book has been out for awhile and that there is even a movie based on it but for those of you who haven’t heard of it, the award-winning crime novel by the late Swedish author and journalist Stieg Larsson is an edgy, suspenseful whodunit layered with masterful characters and corporate intrigue.
Of course, being in the travel biz I am intrigued by the Swedish towns that are mentioned, many with names I can’t even pronounce. With the exception of the fictional Hedestad, the Swedish towns are existing ones and some are described in glorious detail. Of course, this all led to me wanting to visit Sweden (fictional serial killers aside) which I could do on Collette’s Spectacular Scandinavia with Estonia tour.
This 10 day tour includes visits to 5 countries – Finland, Norway, Denmark and Estonia in addition to Sweden, where a Baltic mini-cruise crosses the sea from Helsinki, Finland, to Stockholm, Sweden’s capital. Here you can spend two nights enjoying Stockholm’s city sights like City Hall, where the Nobel Prizes are awarded annually; the Gamla Stan (Old Town); Riddarholm Church; and the Royal Palace and the Parliament. Two of my favorite pastimes (food and history) combine during a meal of Swedish cuisine at Fem Sma Hus, a charming cellar furnished like a private castle that dates from the 17th century.
Here’s a quick rundown of other experiences just waiting to be enjoyed:
- A journey on the Flam Railway past some of the world’s most scenic wilderness.
- A cruise of one of Norway’s most well-known fjords, the majestic Geirangerfjord, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
- Bergen’s picturesque Hanseatic Wharf, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
- A hydrofoil across the sea to Tallinn, Estonia’s historic capital, is where a local expert provides a leisurely-paced walking tour of the old town.
- The Vasa Ship Museum.
- Overnight at the renowned Stalheim Hotel, with a view that has inspired many artists.
Are there any readers out there willing to share impressions of Sweden, either on a Collette tour or doing it on your own?
But please don’t give away the book’s ending…I’m hoping to finish it by the time my alarm sounds for work tomorrow.
posted by Sublime Muse
Melissa McKee, Public Relations Specialist
Collette Vacations
Tags: Destination Spotlight, Escorted Tours, Europe, Pop Culture, Sweden
6 Comments to “A Girl, a Dragon Tattoo, and travel to Sweden”
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That’s it now I have to read these books. And maybe visit Sweden.
Funny that I just got that book in the mail yesterday
Scandinavia was my first trip with Collette, and one of my first trips to Europe, & I absolutely loved it! The Flam Railway was definitely the highlight (we were there just at the start of winter & it had snowed, so it was like a winter wonderland), but to this day Bergen (Norway), Stockholm, & Copenhagen are still three of my favorite cities. Vigeland Sculpture Park in Oslo was also amazing! The statues are so lifelike. I wish we’d had more time there and I would love to go back someday.
The year my brother graduated from Villa Nova (many years ago!), he traveled with a buddy throughout Europe and I remember when he came home 6 weeks later and I asked, “what was your favorite destination?” and he said Norway and Sweden and that whole region. That really surprised me back then but not anymore. I so want to go there. Thanks for reaffirming…
I did finish it and now am on to the second book. Looks like I am going to be very tired this summer! They are hard to put down…
Maybe we should get a group together and go on the Spectacular Scandinavia tour!
Definately recommend the book – I am now on the second one.