NZZ Reader Tour: Opera in Sweden's Countryside on Historic Stages Opera performances at Drottningholm and På Skäret

Day 1: Zurich – Stockholm

Flight from Zurich to Stockholm. After arriving in the afternoon and checking in to your rooms, you will discover the enchanting old town of Gamla Stan on a guided walk. Narrow lanes, colourful houses and historic squares give you a first impression of the special charm of the Swedish capital. Dinner together at the hotel.

Day 2: Opera på Skäret | Verdi's «Macbeth»

Enjoy an unforgettable day at the unique "Opera på Skäret", one of the most extraordinary opera houses in the world, renowned for its outstanding acoustics. Set in a former sawmill idyllically situated on the shore of an expansive lake, nature and culture merge here into an impressive overall experience. Your journey begins in nostalgic railway carriages from Stockholm. During the train journey you will enjoy a delicious lunch. After your arrival, you will experience Verdi's MACBETH at this extraordinary venue. On the return journey to Stockholm, you can round off this special day with a fine dinner on the train.

Day 3: Drottningholm Palace

Stockholm panoramic tour and walk through the old town. Our modern and attractive tour begins with a panoramic view of Stockholm. From the shore of Lake Mälaren, we pass City Hall, the setting for the Nobel Prize ceremony, and cross the Western Bridge to lively Södermalm. There, we enjoy a breathtaking view over the city from Fjällgatan. We then continue to Stockholm's old town, Gamla Stan. Here we leave the coach and explore the historic heart of the city on foot together with our guide. On a short walk through the narrow, winding lanes, we experience the charming atmosphere of the old town, discover historic squares and buildings and learn more about the history of Stockholm. At the same time, Gamla Stan today presents itself as a lively and diverse district with small shops, cafés and restaurants. The tour ends in the old town. Opera evening at the Drottningholm Palace Theatre.

Day 4: Stockholm & Archipelago

The splendour of Djurgården, the mystery of the Vasa ship and a visit to the popular market hall. We head to the island of Djurgården, Stockholm's green oasis, and experience its special flair. What once served as a royal hunting ground is now a popular destination for outings. This is where you will find the impressive warship “Vasa” and its museum. We visit the museum, where the imposing galleon, built in 1628 and sunk on its maiden voyage, rises out of the darkness before our eyes and takes us back to the age of war fleets and cannons. Thanks to careful conservation, we can even make out individual details, such as the lions' heads carved into the wood. The finale is a visit to Östermalms Saluhall, a culinary gem since 1888. The market hall offers delicacies on three levels and attracts visitors with a blend of tradition and modern flair. A perfect place to discover Swedish specialities. The tour ends here at the market hall. You will have the opportunity to explore and enjoy the market hall at your own pace.

Day 5: Stockholm – Zurich

After breakfast, you will still have time for a last stroll or a leisurely coffee in Stockholm. In the afternoon, return flight to Zurich with many fond memories of a journey full of music, culture and Scandinavian charm.

Music expert

Margitta Rosales

Her first tears in the theatre were shed at the opera house in her home town of Wuppertal. It was there that Mimì's last breath drifted across the orchestra and almost broke her heart, and it was there that her fascination with the drama of opera was ignited, a fascination that has never let go of her since. Margitta Rosales completed her studies as a scholarship holder at the Sofia State Conservatoire and her Master's at the Zurich University of the Arts. Since 2022 she has accompanied Car Rouge guests to major opera houses and concert halls. From Milan to Paris and Vienna, she conveys her love of music and the incomparable experience of immersing oneself in the fascinating cosmos of a concert hall, the sound of voices and instruments that transport us into other dimensions of time.