Santa Barbara Choral Society – Sweden and The Baltics Extension

Arrive early in Stockholm and give your travelers a smoother start to the journey. This optional 3-night pre-tour extension (June 15-19) is designed to ease the time change, add cultural context, and build momentum before the full ensemble itinerary begins. With an Encore Tour Manager guiding the experience, the group will enjoy iconic Stockholm highlights, relaxed pacing, and meaningful time together before rejoining the main tour.

Tour Highlights

  • Arrive early and settle in with a guided orientation and welcome dinner in central Stockholm

  • Boat trip to Drottningholm Palace, the Royal Family’s residence and a UNESCO World Heritage Site

  • Vasa Ship Museum visit, home to the world’s only preserved 17th-century ship

  • Skansen Open-Air Museum for an immersive look at Swedish history and culture

  • Built-in free time for cafés, markets, and independent exploring before the main tour begins

Itinerary

The pre-tour extension offers an easy, welcoming start to the program. By arriving a few days early, travelers can adjust to the time difference, explore Stockholm with a comfortable pace, and enjoy classic experiences that deepen the context for the performances and cultural discovery that follow.

Departure from the United States.

Welcome to Sweden. Upon arrival in Stockholm, meet your Encore Tour Manager and transfer to your downtown hotel. Enjoy a brief orientation tour to get acquainted with the city. This evening, gather for a festive welcome dinner to celebrate the start of your experience. (D)

This morning, enjoy a boat trip to Drottningholm Palace, one of Sweden’s best-preserved 17th-century castles and the Royal Family’s residence. Lunch is on your own. In the afternoon, visit the Vasa Ship Museum, then continue to Skansen Open-Air Museum for a vivid look at Swedish life and traditions across the centuries. Dinner is on your own this evening. (B)

After breakfast on board, depart for a day trip to Uppsala, one of Sweden’s most historic and culturally rich cities. Begin your visit at the magnificent Uppsala Cathedral, whose construction began around 1260 and was consecrated in 1435 after 175 years of careful work. As the largest cathedral in Scandinavia, it boasts awe-inspiring Gothic architecture, intricate details, and an extensive collection of artistic treasures spanning eight centuries, offering a fascinating glimpse into Sweden’s religious and cultural history. Your tour also includes entrance to the Carolina Rediviva Library, one of Sweden’s oldest and most prestigious libraries, housing priceless manuscripts and historical collections. Learn about its significance in Swedish education and scholarship—a perfect highlight for adult travelers interested in history, literature, and architecture. Enjoy an independent lunch and free time to explore Uppsala at your own pace, whether strolling through charming streets, visiting local shops, or simply taking in the city’s serene atmosphere. Return to Stockholm in the afternoon, completing a day of cultural discovery and historical exploration. (B.D)

After breakfast, enjoy a relaxed morning in Stockholm before reuniting with the main tour group. Following a seamless transition, continue together as your full ensemble begins the core journey through Sweden and the Baltics, building on the cultural context and shared experiences established during the pre-tour extension.

Sample Customizations*

General Changes Icon

GENERAL CUSTOMIZATIONS

  • Add an extra free morning for shopping, cafés, or the waterfront
  • Swap in a museum focus day (Vasa, Nordic Museum, Fotografiska)
  • Add a city walk focused on architecture and neighborhoods
  • Adjust included meals to match your group’s needs
  • Build in additional rest time for an easier adjustment to the time change

ADD A MUSICAL HIGHLIGHT

  • Add a rehearsal block in Stockholm before the main tour begins
  • Organize a casual sing-through in a rehearsal-friendly space
  • Add a guided sacred music and acoustics walk (church-focused)
  • Include a local music talk or cultural lecture when available
  • Add an optional listening experience or concert outing

ADD AN ACTIVITY OR EXCURSION

  • Stockholm archipelago cruise add-on
  • Gamla Stan food walk or market visit
  • ABBA Museum experience
  • Royal Armory or City Hall tour
  • Evening scenic viewpoints and photo stops
*All customizations subject to operational feasibility and availability

Pre-Tour Extension Pricing

Per-person pricing for the 3-night Stockholm pre-tour extension. No free places included.

TravelersPrice
40$1097
30$1169
20$1349