Sweden : Discovering Skane

Day 1 UK-Copenhagen-Malmo-Trelleborg fly from the UK to Copenhagen and take the train from the airport across the Oresund Bridge to Malmo. Collect your vehicle from Malmo city centre and head down the west coast, perhaps taking a detour off the main road to the Naset Peninsula with its picturesque resorts of Skanor and Falsterbo, nature reserve and a bird station that attracts large numbers of ornithologists in spring and autumn. Continue on to Trelleborg and check in to Hotel Duxiana Dannegarden for one night.

Day 2 Trelleborg-Ystad you may want to return to the Naset Peninsula to visit the Foteviken Viking Museum, an authentic working Viking-style village comprising houses, workshops, a sacrificial temple and shipyard. There is also a Viking fortress nearby for those interested in more Viking history. Continue along the pretty coastal road to the medieval town of Ystad, one of the best preserved cities in Skane, with a charming central square surrounded by twisted cobbled streets and picturesque old houses. Check in to your hotel for two nights, Ystad Saltsjobaden.

Day 3 exploring the Osterlen Region explore Ystad and the Osterlen region, an area of splendid beauty, with gently rolling hills, long white beaches and lush apple groves, famous for its unparalleled light. It’s this light, and the unique beauty and atmosphere of Osterlen, which has made many of Sweden’s leading authors, artists, musicians and other creative people move here. Around Valleberga and Peppinge there are plenty of galleries to visit and a trip to this region would not be complete without visiting the Viking ruin of Ales Stenar, an awe-inspiring Swedish Stonehenge shrouded in mystery.

Day 4 Ystad-Kristianstad leave Ystad and take the coastal road via the pretty fishing town of Simrishamn to Kivik, Sweden’s apple-growing region with forests and meadows giving way to endless orchards. Perhaps visit the Apple House, a museum devoted to everything and anything to do with apples, each room infused with a different smell from cider to apple pie! Continue north to Kristianstad, on the way passing through Ahus, home to the world famous Absolut vodka. Arrive at your home for the next two nights, Tomarps Gardhotell, 15 km from Kristianstad.

Day 5 around Kristianstad spend the day exploring this diverse area; Kristianstad with its central squares and broad streets flanking the wide river, beautiful Renaissance Holy Trinity Church and interesting regional museum. Head north to the lake region where boat and canoe trips can be organised, or south to the internationally acclaimed Vattenrike Biosphere Reserve, a protected swamp area providing habitat for a large number of endangered species of birds and fish.

Day 6 Kristianstad-Angelholm head north west across the province of Skane, perhaps stopping en route to visit a castle or a moose park. Continue to Angelholm, situated in the region famed for its ceramics industry, and which itself has a musical clay cuckoo mascot! Arrive at Margretorps for a two night stay.

Day 7 exploring the Kullaberg Peninsula day at leisure exploring the area. The scenic Kullaberg peninsula boasts the sculptural creation of Nimis - a sensational living sculpture built out of driftwood creating a fantastical structure over which you can clamber -and one of the prettiest waterfront villages, Arild. Or head to the more dramatic and wild Hovs Hallar on the Bjare Peninsula, some of the most rugged coastline in this part of Sweden. Visit the towns of Angelholm, with its 7km of popular golden beach, and the famous tennis town of Bastad.

Day 8 Angelholm-Lund visit the Royal Gardens of Sofiero, a Mecca for rhododendron enthusiasts showcasing the world’s best collection of these colourful plants, almost 500 different varieties. Wander through the gardens and then visit the palace which features different exhibitions throughout the year. Continue on to the ancient university city of Lund, with a mix of architectural grandeur and the buzz of student life it’s full of character and atmosphere. There is much to offer those interested in history and culture, in particular the fascinating open-air Kulturen museum and the twelfth-century Romanesque cathedral. Overnight at the Grand Hotel Lund.

Day 9 Lund-Malmo continue south to Malmo and drop off the rental car. Why not hire a bicycle to explore the city; you will not be alone as the city prides itself on its ecological outlook. Or stay on foot and explore this cosmopolitan city where almost everything is located within easy walking distance. Stay at Hotel Noble House for two nights.

Day 10 around Malmo plenty of time to discover Malmo - a city with fascinating architectural offerings, from the Gothic St Peter’s Church with its roots in the fourteenth century to the modern Turning Torso, a spectacular twisting skyscraper. There are beaches and expansive public parks for rest and relaxation, and the sixteenth century square Lilla Torg where people congregate to have a leisurely drink in one of the many bars.

Day 11 Malmo-Copenhagen-UK take the short journey by train across the Oresund Bridge to Copenhagen airport for your return flight to the UK. Alternatively, perhaps extend your trip by adding a couple of extra nights in Copenhagen, to explore Denmark’s capital city and the surrounding area.