Specialist tour operator lines up forest and coastal breaks for autumn

The changing colours of Scandinavia's mighty forests are just one of the authentic autumn experiences now being offered by Simply Sweden (01427 700115; simplysweden.co.uk).

Character of Sweden offers the chance to enjoy the spectacle of the colourful autumn foliage in Dalarna, a rural region rich in folk culture, just four hours north-west of Stockholm. The self-guided tour immerses guests in this landscape of forests, valleys and lakes, where leisurely walks on bright, warm autumn days can be enjoyed beneath a vibrant red and gold canopy while gathering Chanterelles and cloudberries along the way. 

The two-centre holiday is based at Tällberg, a community of traditional red wooden houses on the edge of Lake Siljan, and Fryksås, a hamlet with more than 150 fäbodar, timber buildings dating from the 1500s. Other diversions include sampling local foods such as moose, perch and berries, as well as music and folk dancing, arts and crafts exhibitions, and the chance to visit Northern Europe's largest bear conservation park at Orsa. A six-night, self-drive break costs £1,350 per person, based on two sharing, including flights, car hire and half-board accommodation.

Lobster safaris, a floating hotel and the world's fastest sauna boat are some of the more unusual experiences of an autumn tour of Sweden's most westerly islands with Simply Sweden.

Island-hopping – West Sweden is a self-drive holiday showcasing the best of the Bohuslän archipelago, just 45 minutes' drive from Gothenburg. Stopovers include the floating Salt & Sill Hotel on Klädesholm (Herring Island), while coastal walks and bicycle rides, sea-kayaking, seal spotting and fishing are among other activities to enjoy here in the autumn sun. A five-night, self-drive break costs £1,295 per person, based on two sharing, including flights, car hire, boat transfers and a mixture of B&B and half-board accommodation.

For more information and prices, 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. Simplynorthernlights.co.uk is the tour operator's dedicated website for winter holidays beneath the Northern Lights corridor.