Take to the water in a more leisurely fashion than the draining boat race with a cruise across Sweden. Traverse the heart of the country aboard a historic vessel – the oldest of which is 134 years - on an old-fashioned, luxurious journey from Gothenburg to Stockholm.

Four and six-day cruises give passengers a relaxing experience as they pass through the beautiful landscapes along the Göta Canal, and there are stops at sites of interest along the way – from Karlsborg Fortress to a tour by archaeologists of the former Viking community Birka.

The traditional ships operated by the Göta Canal Steamship Company provide nostalgic cabin accommodation and meals, with two-course lunches and three-course dinners following breakfast, that are as much a highlight as the scenery.

Running from May to September, four-day cruises cost from 8,975 SEK pp (about £730 pp) and six-day cruises cost from 14,575 SEK (about £1,190 pp) on a full board basis, including stops along the way. To book visit www.gotacanal.se.