Organ and concert tour
Scandinavia and Baltic concert tour
Scandinavian Performance Tour
SWEDEN – FINLAND – (LATVIA)
(For cultural groups and individually)
Day 1) TO SCANDINAVIA
Departure via scheduled airline/ferry service to Stockholm, Sweden.
Day 2) STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN
L= drinks and sandwich, included D = included
Welcome to Stockholm, the Royal Capital of Sweden. Stockholm city tour by coach and then check in at the hotel in Stockholm downtown. Discover a city like no other – a city built on 14 islands, where you are never far from the water. Well-preserved medieval buildings stand alongside modern architecture. Stockholm is also home of the Nobel Prize. Stockholm is a city of contrasts – water and islands, history and innovation, small town and big city, short winter days and long, light summer nights – with a dazzling array of impressions. Thanks to the city’s compact size, you can see and do most things in a short space of time.
Walking tour of Stockholm‘s historic section Gamla Stan, (Old Town). Go back 750 years in time and feel the medieval atmosphere of the Old Town as you wander through the narrow streets.
Remainder of the afternoon free to recover from jet leg or explore the local area.
Welcome dinner.
Day 3) STOCKHOLM
B = breakfast buffet, included L = on your own D = included
After breakfast the day will be dedicated to some of the most magnificent churches and organs of Stockholm.
Stockholm churches attract the most visitors. The churches in Stockholm are among the city’s most majestic buildings. It is therefore not strange that as a group they are the most visited sights in the city. The impressions that visitors gather in a church are many. There are beautiful art treasures, monuments, memorials and decorations that bear witness to the history of the building itself as well as the history of Stockholm.
Storkyrkan, the cathedral of Stockholm, is the oldest church in the city. It was originally built as a small parish church in the 13th century by Birger Jarl, who founded Stockholm.
Today, the cathedral houses countless art treasures such as the famous statue of St.George and the Dragon, a wooden sculpture carved by Bernt Notke in 1489 and regarded as one of the finest medieval monuments in Scandinavia.
The gothic interiors of the cathedral date back to the 1280ies, but numerous additions have been made since and the present exterior is from the middle of the 18th century.
On one wall hangs the oldest known oil painting showing medieval Stockholm. Another noteworthy work of art is Ehrenstrahl’s gigantic canvas depicting heaven and hell.
Stockholm’s Storkyrkan has two pipe organs, both by Marcussen & Son of Denmark.
The main organ case is ornately decorated and gilded, dating from Olof Schwan’s 1796 instrument.
The German Church, is a baroque church and was built around 1640 by German merchants.
The interior of the church is different from many other churches. The organ is a replica of a 17th century Dübel renaissance organ, a beautiful pulpit of ebony and alabaster and a pompous King’s loge.
The original organ from Germany Church was built 1607-09 and sold to Övertorneå church in Northern Sweden 1779.
Day 4) STOCKHOLM
B = breakfast buffet, included L = included D = on your own
After breakfast visit The City Hall of Stockholm. It is one of the most beautiful and well known buildings in the world and the most exclusive ballroom in Stockholm, frequently used for e.g. the yearly Nobel Banquet.
The Blue Hall houses one of Northern Europe’s largest organs which has some 10 000 pipes and 138 stops. The Blue Hall is probably best known as the venue for the world-famous Nobel Banquet which takes place on December 10 every year. Following the Nobel Prize ceremony at Stockholm’s Concert Hall some 1,300 guests make their way to City Hall for the sumptuous banquet.
Guided tour and then lunch at the City Hall.
In the evening optional concert at Hedvig Eleonora Church in central Stockholm. The church was built between 1669 – 1737 but it was´nt finished until 1737 due to
financial problems caused by Sweden’s constant wars during these years.
Hedvig Eleonora Church is a s.c round church. The church is one of Stockholm’s most popular for weddings, christenings and funerals.
The fine organ of Hedvig Eleonora Church, is build by Grölunds Orgelbyggeri, Gammelstad Luleå, 1975-76.
Day 5) LULEÅ
B = breakfast buffet, included L = on your own D = on your own
Before we fly to Luleå you may visit the Music museum founded in 1899 and home of app. 6000 musical instruments. Western art music is especially well represented with the museum’s instruments during the period 1600-1850.
In the afternoon by air to Luleå and the land of the midnight sun. Luleå city tour by coach and then check in at the hotel. Time to explore the city by your own.
However, although the city of Luleå has much to offer, it is the surrounding countryside which makes the region into a world-class travel destination. The nearest country area is the Luleå archipelago which, with its 700 islands, lies like a string of pearls off the coast. In contrast to the Stockholm archipelago, for example, it is largely undeveloped and is the ideal place to visit under your own steam. During the long summer days the sea is full of small boats, canoes and families enjoying the pleasures of swimming.
Day 6) ÖVERTOERNEÅ
B = breakfast buffet, included L = included D = on your own
Visit to Gammelstad Church Town, included in UNESCO´s World Heritage List.
Gammelstad is an outstanding example of a Northern Scandinavian church town. More than 400 cottages, which were used on Sundays and during major religious festivals, markets and local courts, are grouped around the late medieval stone church in Gammelstad. The cottages served as overnight stop for parishioners who lived too far away to make the journey to the church and back in one day. Today Gammelstad consists of a unique assortment of church cottages, year-round dwellings and public buildings. The church cottages are still used in a traditional way.
By coach to Övertoreneå for Music in the land of the Arctic Circle Circle
Övertorneå and Ylitornio are situated in the Valley of Torne River, a special place where Sweden and Finland are connected with a short bridge. In this region, residents and visitors to the Arctic Circle celebrate the 13th month of the year – the magic spring and summer months when the sun never sets. To see the sun shining over the fells, rivers and sea at midnight is a remarkable experience.
Övertorneå Church is one of the best-preserved 17th century wooden churches in Sweden. The church was built in 1617 and renovated as a cruciform church in 1737. The church has an historic organ, dating back to 1608, which is one of the few playable 17th century organs in Sweden. The church treasures also include wooden sculptures from the late mediaeval era, the most valuable of which is the 14th century ”Robed Madonna”.
Övertorneå church organ is one of the 17th century monumental organs, and is one of a few playable organs with original components from that era. Paulus Müller (Spandau, Germany) made the organ in 1608-1609 for the German Church in Stockholm. The richly ornamented façade was probably built by Mårten Redtmer and Marcus Hebel (1620-49). The organ was bought from the German Church in 1780 or 1781, but was too high for Övertorneå Church and was therefore divided between the churches in Övertorneå and Hietaniemi.
Optional midnight-concert, Övertorneå church in the light of the midnight sun.
Day 7) ÖVERTOERNEÅ
B = breakfast buffet, included L = included D = on your own
Spend the day at the festivals activities and perform a concert at the festival. Or enjoy a day tour to Rovaniemi in north Finland.
To the Midnight Sun in Rovaniemi Finland by coach.
The natural essence of Lapland: the scenery of the Arctic Circle, the midnight sun and the northern lights is absolutely breathtaking.
Besides as a gateway to Lapland, with many options for adventure, Rovaniemi itself offers many class restaurants, hotels, and museum options. Get a great understanding of the Lapland peoples, nature and history, and cultures of all things north of the Arctic Circle at the The Arktikum or the Rovaniemi Art Museum. In Rovaniemi we finish the day and go by a wooden riverboat and it takes us along Ounasjoki-river to the beautiful countryside. We will make a campfire, have a real outdoor barbecue and enjoy the warmth of fire. Raise a toast to Midnight Sun in a luminous Lappish summer night!
After the country tour, around midnight, we will go back to Övertoerneå and our hotel.
Day 8) UPPSALA
B = breakfast buffet, included L = included D = on your own
Early breakfast and then by air to Stockholm/Arlanda airport. To Uppsala (40 miles north of Stockholm), the city of inspiration and knowledge, including a tour of Uppsala Cathedral.
Construction began around 1260, with consecration taking place in 1435 after 175 years of work. Now the largest church in Scandinavia, with several unique architectural details here and a large number of exquisite artistic objects from eight centuries. Pilgrims have made their journey to the reliquary of Erik the Holy ever since the cathedral was new. Here lie the graves of many famous Swedes: King Gustav I (Vasa), Carolus Linnaeus, Nathan Söderblom, and others.
Also, visit Old Uppsala.
According to the myth, Old Uppsala was the place where the king of Svea had his throne and the most important cult center up until 1000 AD, when the Svea dynasty died out and Christianity took precedence over pagan beliefs. In Old Uppsala you can hear the exciting history of the old Viking burial mounds and visit the church from the 12th century. Here is also the Old Uppsala Historical Center, which contains a permanent Viking Age exhibition with original items from the mounds and from boat burials from nearby Viking Age settlements.
Day 9) ÖREGRUND and LÖVSTABRUK
B = breakfast buffet, included L = on your own D = included.
From Uppsala to Öregrund and Lövstabruk.
Öregrund is a region of islands and idylls. Picturesque wooden houses with lovely gardens blend with boutiques, restaurants and cafés. Art, music and other events fill the calendar during cheery summer months.
Öregrund Church was built when the town was founded in the 1490s. The oldest church inventories include the altar screen, dating from the 15th century. Hanging in the western part of the nave are two votive ships from the 18th century.
Lövstabruk, the largest ”forging village” in the region. It was founded by Louis De Geer during the 1620-ties. The buildings you see today are from the 18th century. Manor, park inn, store houses.
The church with the world famous baroque organ built by Johan Niclas Cahman 1728.
It is today in almost the same state as it was from the beginning, with it´s entire registry of 28 voices intact. The recent restauration, completed in 2006, has left it in a splendid condition and it is considered as one of Sweden´s finest historical organs.
Optional concert in Lövstabruk or Öregrund church.
Farewell dinner and overnight in Uppsala.
Day 10) STOCKHOLM – TO HOME
B = breakfast buffet, included
Breakfast buffet and then transfer to Stockholm International Airport for return flight to home.
Scandinavian Performance Tours. EMJ, Högbergsgt 5, 742 31 Östhammar Sweden.
emj.roger@swipnet.se www.emj-travels.com
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OPTIONAL!
Day 10 Optional Itinerary STOCKHOLM – RIGA, LATVIA
B = breakfast buffet, included L = on your own D = on your own
In the afternoon departure for overnight cruise to Riga, Latvia. Sailing through the unbelievably beautiful Finnish and Swedish archipelago viewing thousands of picturesque islands.
On board there are among other things, restaurants, a disco, a night-club, relaxing saunas, in-door swimming pool and jacuzzi.
Day 11) RIGA
B = breakfast buffet, included L = on your own D = included
Welcome to Riga, the ship arrives in Riga Latvia at 11.00 in the morning.
Riga, the capital of Latvia, lies on the banks of the River Daugava on the shores of the Gulf of Riga. The city is rich in history, culture and political life. Visitors will admire buildings of remarkable Gothic, Baroque, Classicism and Art Nouveau architecture.
Today Riga is called the City of Inspiration and often compared to the Paris of the 1930´s, when writers and artists found inspiration sitting in the cafes of that wonderful city.
After lunch we will have a wonderful sightseeing tour of Riga. The tour consists of two parts; a tour by bus in the city centre of Riga and a walking tour in the Old Town of Riga. The duration of the tour is three hours.
The rest of the day is free, with dinner on your own.
Day 12) RIGA
B = breakfast buffet, included L = on your own D = included
After a good night’s rest and breakfast, we will visit the Riga Dome Cathedral. The cathedral was started in 1211 as a catholic cathedral of archibishop of Riga. Later the cathedral was rebuilt and expanded more than once, therefore it is an original mixture of various, sometimes contradictory tendencies of Late Romanesque, Early Gothic and Baroque architecture.
Riga Dome is well known for its organ that was built in 1884 by the firm Walcker & Co of Ludwigsburg, Germany. It consists of 6718 wooden and metal pipes. At the time when the organ was built it was the largest instrument in the world. When in 1884 the new organ was installed, the ancient 16th-18th centuries` ornamental front-piece was preserved. Today the organ of the Dome Cathedral is known as the most romantic organ in Europe.
We’ll have some time for shopping and lunch, before it is time to sail back to Sweden at 5:00 pm.
Day 13) RIGA TO STOCKHOLM
B = breakfast buffet, included L = on your own D = included
Transfer from the harbour to Stockholm city and hotel check in. You will have time to browse and enjoy this wonderful city before returning to our hotel for a farewell dinner.
Day 14) STOCKHOLM – TO HOME
B = breakfast buffet, included
Breakfast buffet and then transfer to Stockholm International Airport for return flight to home.
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