Visby

Upon reaching the upper wall entrance of Dalmansporten, you’ll begin a guided walk of Visby through the winding, narrow streets. Stop to visit St Mary’s Cathedral, built at the beginning of the 13th century and the only remaining example of the town’s many medieval churches. Then, continue past some of the old medieval church ruins, through the charming, narrow alleys flanked by picturesque old houses, where you can admire the beautiful roses that cover them. Take a look at the Botanical Gardens, which, because of the mild winters here, have specimens of almond trees, magnolias and acacias besides vivid displays of flowers.

Back on board your coach, you’ll drive up to the cliffs of Högklint for an excellent view over the coastline and Visby. Visby is an outstanding example of a Northern European walled Hanseatic town, which has uniquely preserved its townscape and extremely valuable buildings. The town wall, dating back to the 13th century, is almost 2 miles long and encircles the old stone houses, churches and street system.

As you set off, you’ll pass by the old Hanseatic harbour at Almedalen, where the Powder Tower can be seen.

Enjoy a guided walk through the narrow streets of Visby. Visit St Mary’s Cathedral and continue past old medieval church ruins. All the while charming medieval alleyways surround you with houses covered in roses.

Rejoin your coach at Almedalen for a drive through the countryside. Visit one of the many fine examples of a medieval countryside church that can be found on Gotland. Continue to Gnisvärd, a picturesque old fishing village from the 1700’s. Nearby you’ll see the Ship Grave - consisting of stones standing on their edge in the shape of a ship. It was believed that the ship would carry the departed Chieftains on their voyage to eternity.

On the return to Visby, make a stop at the massive cliffs of Högklint for an excellent view over the precipitous coastline and Visby.

Your tour starts out at the old Hanseatic harbour at Almedalen, where the Powder Tower can be seen and the large medieval Maiden’s Tower rises above the city wall.

Driving through the countryside south of Visby, you’ll stop off to visit one of the many fine examples of the medieval churches which can be found in Gotland. At the imposing burial place, the Ship Grave, marvel at the stones standing on their edge in the shape of a ship. It was believed that the ship would carry the departed chieftains on their voyage to eternity. The location of the grave, by the coast, with the magnificent view of the sea is impressive.

On the return journey, pause at the picturesque fishing village of Gnisvärd, dating back to the 1700’s. You’ll also make a stop at the massive cliffs of Högklint for an excellent view over the precipitous coastline and Visby.

Pick-up your bikes right by the pier and you’re ready to cycle off towards Almedalen, the old Hanseatic Harbour, where you can see the Powder Tower ‘Kruttornet’. Pedal along Strandgatan to the Botanical Gardens, before skirting alongside the city wall past Jungfrutornet, the Maiden’s Tower. Cycle up to Klinten, where you will have a good view over the old ruins, the harbour and the Baltic.

Leave the city behind as you head south into the Gotland countryside and on to Högklint and the cliffs. Take a break to enjoy the excellent view over the precipitous coastline and Visby.

Top up your energy with tea or coffee and local pastries served at Princess Eugenie’s Summer Residence called Fridhem, before returning pedal-power back to Visby and the harbour.

Leaving the walled city of Visby behind you’ll wind your way through the forest to Stafva Gård. The estate has been in the von Cornswant family since 1862 and is well known for its dairy farming and cheese production. Of course a visit wouldn’t be complete without sampling some of the delicious cheese.

Continuing east and passing through picturesque villages and stunning coastlines, you’ll reach Ljugarn. The area is a treasure trove for the cultivation of truffles. Lunch will be served at a local restaurant, and this local delicacy will certainly be one of the highlight ingredients.

Heading west, enjoy views of Folhammar and the amazing limestone stacks, ‘raukar’ looming impressively upon the coastline. At a local Wine Yard find out more about how the mild climate is perfect for wine production and enjoy a little wine tasting.

Gotland is renowned for its Bronze Age riches, and at the ‘Gannarve Skeppssättning’ burial site hear how the stone ship formations were believed to help the departed on the voyage to eternity.

Before returning to Visby a stop will be made at Högklint, to enjoy magnificent views over the coastline and hanseatic city.