NZZ Reader Trip: Opera in Sweden's Countryside at Historic Venues 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 ride you will enjoy a delicious lunch. Upon arrival, you will experience Verdi's MACBETH at this remarkable 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 old town walk. Our modern and attractive tour begins with a panoramic view of Stockholm. From the shore of Lake Mälaren, we pass City Hall, venue of the Nobel Prize banquet, and cross Västerbron bridge to lively Södermalm. There, at Fjällgatan, we enjoy a breathtaking view over the city. 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 is 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 mystique of the Vasa ship and a visit to the popular food hall. We head to the island of Djurgården, Stockholm's green oasis, and experience the special flair of the island. What once served as a royal hunting ground is now a popular destination for excursions. This is home to 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 lion heads carved into the wood. We round off the day with a visit to Östermalms Saluhall, a culinary gem since 1888. The food hall offers delicacies on three levels and appeals with a mix of tradition and modern flair. A perfect place to discover Swedish specialities. The tour ends here at the food hall. You are free to explore and enjoy the food hall at your leisure.

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 wonderful memories of a journey full of music, culture and Scandinavian charm.

Music expert

Margitta Rosales

Her first theatre tears were shed at the opera house in her home town of Wuppertal. It was here that Mimì's last breath drifted across the orchestra and almost broke her heart, and here 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 State Conservatoire in Sofia and her Master's at the Zurich University of the Arts. Since 2022 she has accompanied Car Rouge trips to major opera houses and concert halls. From Milan to Paris and Vienna, she shares her love of music and the incomparable experience of immersing yourself in the fascinating cosmos of a concert hall, the sound of voices and instruments that carry us off into other dimensions of time.