Simply Sweden is preparing for the onset of the midnight sun with a new summer holiday that takes guests to the Lofoten Islands on board the Hurtigruten Coastal Steamer. The new trip is one of a selection being offered by the specialist tour operator to help travellers make the most of Scandinavia's long summer days, from late May to early August, when the sun sets briefly. For several weeks either side of Midsummer's Eve, 20 June, the sun even remains above the horizon for the full 24 hours.

“Across the Arctic Circle” begins in Bergen, with time to discover this handsome Hanseatic city on Norway's fjords. Guests then board one of the 11-strong Hurtigruten fleet, a lifeline for the coast's communities, having carried passengers and freight along these waters since the late 19th century. The cruise tours the quaint waterside settlements, including the Ålesund region, and visits the vast Geiranger Fjord, a Unesco World Heritage Site. The final destination is Svolvaer in the Lofoten Islands, where guests will stay at the water's edge in a cosy rorbeur – the traditional red clapboard fisherman's cabin – spending their days exploring these far-flung Arctic islands, with excursions including hikes, cycle rides and sea kayaking.

“Across the Arctic Circle” costs from £2,080 per person, based on two sharing, including return flights into Bergen and out of Svolvaer, one night's B&B in Bergen, three nights' half board in an outside cabin on board ship, and three nights in a rorbeur in Svolvaer.

Summer in the wild…

Simply Sweden has just launched a new tour for nature-lovers in Norway's northern wilderness of the Svalbard archipelago. Highlights of the trip include boat safaris to see polar bears and other exciting Arctic wildlife in the fjordal landscape, as well lodgings at Isfjord Radio, a boutique hotel set in an historic telecommunications station. “Magic of the Arctic – Svalbard” costs from £2,295 per person, based on two sharing, including international and internal flights, eight nights' B&B, some meals, and boat safaris.  

Summer on the beach…

Also new this year, a self-catering holiday at Christinehof Ekopark in Skåne. The trip, based in a nature reserve in the grounds of a castle, allows visitors to enjoy a genuine Swedish experience, staying in traditional 19th-century lodgings, uncovering the history of the southern coast, and enjoying the area's renowned sandy beaches and local farm-to-fork cuisine, with lots of family-friendly activities on offer, too.

Seven nights' self-catering costs from £965 to £1,095 per person, based on two sharing, including return flights to Copenhagen and car rental (drive time 1.5 hours). From £295 per extra person sharing the accommodation.

Summer in the city…

Spend Sweden Day (6 June) in Gothenburg, when the city marks this national holiday with fun events including a free open-air afternoon concert by the Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra at Slottsskogen City Park. Simply Sweden offers a seven-night Three Cities rail tour that takes in Gothenburg as well as Malmö and Stockholm, from £1,115 per person, based on two sharing, including return flights, B&B, train travel and tourist passes.  

For more information visit www.simplysweden.co.uk or to book call 01427 700115. Follow developments on Twitter @Simply_Sweden and facebook.com/simplysweden. 

To request images or further information, please contact Little Black Book Creative: Simone Kane on 07811 161839 and simone@lbbcreative.co.uk, or Kate Simon on 07939 526109 and kate@lbbcreative.co.uk. 

Notes to editors:

Simply Sweden began selling holidays in 2006 and has become one of the UK's leading tailor-made tour operators to Sweden and Norway. The company, founded by Chris and Karin Graham, draws on the inside knowledge of its small Sweden-based team, gained from travelling extensively across the territories, to create itineraries that offer customers the best experiences and deliver a genuine insight into the Scandinavian way of life.