Visby
Inhabited since the Stone Age, this 13th- century walled city is the capital of Gotland, Sweden's second largest island. A favorite destination of vacationing Swedes, the island is ringed by white cliffs and features beautiful beaches. Be sure not to miss the dramatic Lummelunda Caves.
Excursions that bring the spirit of travel to life
WEST COAST EXPLORATION AND MEDIEVAL WONDERS
Excursion details<-strong><-p> Begin your journey with a 20-minute drive south from Visby, traversing the fertile agricultural districts. Your first 20-minute stop is one of Gotland¿s remarkable 92 medieval churches. These sanctuaries, many of which date back to the 12th and 13th centuries, provide insight into the island¿s spiritual and architectural heritage, with interiors adorned by centuries-old decorations.<-p> Arrive at Gnisvärd shipstone setting and pause for a 15-minute photo stop at the ship-shaped stone settings, remarkable relics from the Bronze Age. These ancient monuments, including one exceeding 4 metres in length, offer a tangible connection to Gotland¿s prehistoric past and the island¿s maritime traditions, believed to honour chieftains or serve as symbolic vessels for the afterlife.<-p> Spend around 15 minutes in the fishing village of Gnisvärd. Stroll among traditional wooden cottages and soak in the tranquil atmosphere of a community that has thrived on fishing for generations. Your route back to Visby includes a detour to the dramatic cliff of Gallows Hill providing panoramic views over the Baltic Sea and continue to Dalman¿s Gate, one of the ancient entrances to Visby¿s medieval city wall.<-p> On arrival, enjoy a 75-minute old town visit, of which approximately 30 minutes will be free time for independent exploration. Discover the labyrinth of narrow streets, lined with medieval houses and the iconic city wall, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy moments to connect with local culture before returning to the ship via a 15-minute coach transfer.<-p> Important Information:<-strong>This tour includes approximately 1.5 km of walking, at times over uneven ground and involving some steps, and is not suitable for guests using a wheelchair. Guests of limited mobility are requested to evaluate their personal level of stamina and ability before taking part. Guests are requested to wear appropriate attire for visiting religious sites. Please note that the church may be closed due to scheduled religious services. Participants travelling with infants that do not have their own baby seat, will be asked to sign a waiver prior to having children traveling on the lap. Booster seats may be available for children aged 3 years and above upon request and subject to availability. Should you require assistance or have any questions, please contact the Shore Excursions Desk onboard.<-p>
PROTECTOURS: WALKING TOUR OF VISBY
Excursion details<-strong><-p> Your excursion begins with a 30-minute stroll from the port to Almedalen, once the bustling Hanseatic harbour and now a peaceful, green oasis in the heart of Visby. This area is historically significant as a centre of trade during the Hanseatic era, shaping much of Gotland¿s rich cultural heritage.<-p> Your guide will then lead you for 90 minutes through the cobbled streets of Visby. As you walk along Strandgatan, admire the well-preserved medieval granaries that stand as reminders of the town¿s prosperous trading past. Pause at the Kruttornet, or Powder Tower, which is the oldest surviving non-religious building in Scandinavia, dating back to the 12th century. Continue towards Visby¿s renowned Botanical Gardens, where you can appreciate a variety of exotic plants, vibrant bird life, and the roses for which Visby is famed. The gardens were established in 1855 and continue to be a place of tranquillity and beauty.<-p> Marvel at the ancient city walls - stretching almost 3.5 kilometres and rising 11 metres high. With 36 towers and three main gates, these fortifications have protected Visby for centuries and are among the best-preserved medieval city walls in Europe. The tour also includes a visit to the 13th-century Cathedral of St Mary, still in use today and a fine example of medieval architecture. As you wander through the Old Town, you will see merchants¿ homes, atmospheric church ruins, and winding streets that evoke Visby¿s storied past. During your 30 minutes of free time, you can browse local shops or relax with a slice of cake in a café, soaking in the unique atmosphere of this UNESCO World Heritage site. The tour concludes with a 30-minute walk back to the port.<-p> Important Information:<-strong>This tour involves approximately 6 km of walking, including sections over uneven ground and some steps, and is therefore not suitable for guests with walking difficulties or those using a wheelchair. A good level of physical fitness is recommended, as the tour includes extended periods of walking at a sustained pace. Guests are requested to wear appropriate attire for visiting religious sites. Please note that the church may be closed due to scheduled religious services.<-p>
GOTLAND LANDMARKS & VINTAGE TRAIN ADVENTURE
Excursion details<-strong><-p> Begin by boarding a coach at the pier, travelling southwards for approximately 20 minutes to visit one of Gotland¿s remarkable 92 medieval churches. These sanctuaries, many of which date back to the 12th and 13th centuries, provide insight into the island¿s spiritual and architectural heritage, with interiors adorned by centuries-old decorations.<-p> Continue your journey with a 25-minute drive through the tranquil countryside to Dalhem parish and the Gotland Railway Museum. Here, you will step back in time and board a historic train for a 45-minute ride through peaceful, green landscapes. As you pass Tule Station on your way to Roma, the gentle rhythm of the train offers a glimpse into early 20th-century travel, a tradition preserved by local enthusiasts since the original railway opened in the late 1800s.<-p> Rejoin your coach for a 30-minute drive back towards Visby, passing through picturesque agricultural and wooded scenery unique to Gotland. On arrival, experience the best of Visby¿s UNESCO World Heritage-listed old town with a 60-minute guided walk. Enter through Dalmans Gate, meander narrow medieval streets, and admire a distant view of the majestic cathedral. Built by German merchants in the late 11th century, the cathedral is still active and stands as a testament to Visby¿s Hanseatic past.<-p> Descend to the cathedral doors before heading to the Big Square and along charming cobblestoned alleyways, ending at Almedalen, the old medieval harbour now a peaceful park. Here, enjoy 30 minutes of free time to take in views of town walls, historic houses, and evocative church ruins. Your tour concludes with a short 10-minute transfer back to the pier.<-p> Important Information:<-strong>This tour includes approximately 1.5 km of walking, at times over uneven ground and involving some steps, and is not suitable for guests using a wheelchair. Guests of limited mobility are requested to evaluate their personal level of stamina and ability before taking part. The duration of the train journey may vary by approximately 10 minutes, depending on the train s operating speed. Guests are requested to wear appropriate attire for visiting religious sites. Please note that the church may be closed due to scheduled religious services. Participants travelling with infants that do not have their own baby seat, will be asked to sign a waiver prior to having children traveling on the lap. Booster seats may be available for children aged 3 years and above upon request and subject to availability. Should you require assistance or have any questions, please contact the Shore Excursions Desk onboard.<-p>
HIKING ADVENTURE & MEDIEVAL OLD TOWN DISCOVERY
Excursion details<-strong><-p> Leave the pier and start your tour with a 15-minute coach transfer to the scenic outskirts of Visby, where your 90-minute guided hike commences. Along the way, you will be immersed in the tranquil beauty of Gotland¿s diverse landscapes, a setting that has inspired artists and writers for centuries. Enjoy the invigorating fresh air as you traverse trails lined with wildflowers and ancient trees, offering ample opportunities for memorable photographs. Gotland is renowned for its unique limestone cliffs and biodiversity, making every step a discovery.<-p> Following your hike, return to Visby by coach for the next part of your excursion. During the 90-minute guided walk through Visby¿s charming Old Town, you will stroll along narrow cobblestone streets, passing well-preserved merchants¿ houses, historic church ruins, and the iconic Sankta Maria Cathedral, built in the 12th century. This Cathedral has been a spiritual centre for the island¿s community for over 800 years. The Old Town itself is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its intact mediaeval walls and towers. As you explore, your guide will share stories of Visby¿s Hanseatic heritage, once a thriving trade centre in the Baltic Sea before returning to the port.<-p> Important Information:<-strong>This tour involves approximately 3.5 km of walking, including sections over uneven ground and some steps, and is therefore not suitable for guests with walking difficulties or those using a wheelchair. Guests are requested to wear appropriate attire for visiting religious sites. Please note that the church may be closed due to scheduled religious services. Participants travelling with infants that do not have their own baby seat, will be asked to sign a waiver prior to having children traveling on the lap. Booster seats may be available for children aged 3 years and above upon request and subject to availability. Should you require assistance or have any questions, please contact the Shore Excursions Desk onboard.<-p>
MEDIEVAL MARVELS & CITY OF ROSES DISCOVERY
Excursion details<-strong><-p> A 15-minute scenic drive takes you from the port to Almedalen, the former Hanseatic harbour that once saw traders from across Europe. From here, enjoy a leisurely 15-minute walk to Visby¿s renowned Botanical Gardens. Here, you will have around 20 minutes to admire Mediterranean flora flourishing in Gotland¿s unique climate. The gardens, famed for their roses, offer a rare blend of beauty and tranquillity - making Visby one of Sweden¿s most romantic destinations. Roses have long been a symbol of the city, and their presence in local art and culture is celebrated each summer during the traditional Medieval Week.<-p> A short 10-minute transfer brings you to Dalman¿s Gate, where your guided walking tour of the Old Town begins. Spend an hour exploring cobbled lanes, passing medieval arches and fortifications. Your guide will lead you to St. Mary¿s Cathedral, an impressive 13th-century Gothic church that stands as a testament to Visby s religious heritage. Continue to the Gunpowder Tower, the oldest structure in the city, constructed in the 11th century to protect the harbour from invaders. Continue to Stora Torget, where the haunting ruins of the St. Katarina convent dominate the square. Take 30 minutes of free time to explore local boutiques, medieval alleyways, or simply enjoy the vibrant atmosphere that draws visitors from around the world.<-p> Conclude your tour with a visit to Gallows Hill, Northern Europe¿s only preserved execution site. Although its past is sombre, the hill now provides breathtaking panoramic views of Visby and the Baltic Sea - a memorable vantage point for reflection and photographs. Return to the port with a final 15-minute drive.<-p> Important Information:<-strong>this excursion involves long periods of walking on uneven ground including a total of 74 steps on the walk down to the Cathedral. Guests of limited mobility are requested to evaluate their personal level of stamina and ability before taking part. The tour is unsuitable for guests using a wheelchair. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended. Guests are requested to wear appropriate attire for religious visits. If St. Mary s Cathedral is closed due to religious services, guests will visit a medieval church. Participants travelling with infants that do not have their own baby seat, will be asked to sign a waiver prior to having children traveling on the lap. Booster seats may be available for children aged 3 years and above upon request and subject to availability. Should you require assistance or have any questions, please contact the Shore Excursions Desk onboard.<-p>
VISBY BY BIKE
Excursion details<-strong><-p> Accompanied throughout by MSC¿s onboard bike leaders, you embark on your adventure from the port, where you can choose between a regular bike (VISBK1) or an e-bike (VISBK2). These leaders are present to ensure safety, handle logistics, and share key information about the route and its highlights. Setting off, you soon admire the tranquil Almedalen Park, once a bustling medieval harbour, and take in the majestic Visby City Wall, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best-preserved medieval city walls in Northern Europe.<-p> Pedal along the Gotland Coastline, where the Baltic Sea¿s crisp air and beautiful vistas offer moments of reflection and fun. You reach the scenic Coastal Path at Lilla Varholmen, an area dotted with historic windmills that recall the island s agricultural past. Pause at Vidhave, a tranquil stretch perfect for socialising and gentle fitness activity, before continuing towards the Galgberget Viewpoint. Here, you are rewarded with panoramic views over Visby and the surrounding sea¿a great spot for memorable photographs and bonding moments.<-p> The route leads you to the atmospheric Limestone Kiln Ruins, reminders of Gotland¿s long history with stone quarrying, and then to the evocative remains of St. George s Church (S:t Görans Kyrkoruin), which once served as a hospital church in medieval times. Returning towards Visby, you glimpse the elegant spires of Visby Cathedral and pass through Österport (East Gate) and the historic Kajsar Gate.<-p> Your journey continues through the Södra Hällarna Nature Reserve, a unique landscape with rare flora and limestone cliffs, before circling back to Lilla Varholmen and its iconic windmills. With every stop, you immerse yourself in Gotland¿s rich culture and varied landscapes, creating lasting memories with your loved ones. By joining this tour, you step into the role of an MSC Bike Adventurer, embracing discovery, gentle fitness, and the joy of social connection in one of the Baltic¿s most storied destinations.<-p> Important Information:<-strong>This tour is available in two options: BK1 (regular bike) and BK2 (e-bike). Regardless of the bike chosen, all participants follow the same route, enjoy the same highlights, and ride together at a shared pace. Minimum age to participate: 8 years, and children must be at least 155 cm tall with written parental or guardian consent. The tour covers approx. 22 km with an elevation gain of around 120 meters, suitable for participants with moderate level of fitness. All participants must complete and sign a safety waiver before the tour. Comfortable sports clothing, closed-toe shoes, sun protection, and a reusable water bottle are recommended. Please help protect the local environment by minimizing waste and avoiding single-use plastics. The itinerary may be adjusted depending on traffic and weather conditions..<-p>
VISBY BY E-BIKE
Excursion details<-strong><-p> Accompanied throughout by MSC¿s onboard bike leaders, you embark on your adventure from the port, where you can choose between a regular bike (VISBK1) or an e-bike (VISBK2). These leaders are present to ensure safety, handle logistics, and share key information about the route and its highlights. Setting off, you soon admire the tranquil Almedalen Park, once a bustling medieval harbour, and take in the majestic Visby City Wall, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best-preserved medieval city walls in Northern Europe.<-p> Pedal along the Gotland Coastline, where the Baltic Sea¿s crisp air and beautiful vistas offer moments of reflection and fun. You reach the scenic Coastal Path at Lilla Varholmen, an area dotted with historic windmills that recall the island s agricultural past. Pause at Vidhave, a tranquil stretch perfect for socialising and gentle fitness activity, before continuing towards the Galgberget Viewpoint. Here, you are rewarded with panoramic views over Visby and the surrounding sea¿a great spot for memorable photographs and bonding moments.<-p> The route leads you to the atmospheric Limestone Kiln Ruins, reminders of Gotland¿s long history with stone quarrying, and then to the evocative remains of St. George s Church (S:t Görans Kyrkoruin), which once served as a hospital church in medieval times. Returning towards Visby, you glimpse the elegant spires of Visby Cathedral and pass through Österport (East Gate) and the historic Kajsar Gate.<-p> Your journey continues through the Södra Hällarna Nature Reserve, a unique landscape with rare flora and limestone cliffs, before circling back to Lilla Varholmen and its iconic windmills. With every stop, you immerse yourself in Gotland¿s rich culture and varied landscapes, creating lasting memories with your loved ones. By joining this tour, you step into the role of an MSC Bike Adventurer, embracing discovery, gentle fitness, and the joy of social connection in one of the Baltic¿s most storied destinations.<-p> Important Information:<-strong>This tour is available in two options: BK1 (regular bike) and BK2 (e-bike). Regardless of the bike chosen, all participants follow the same route, enjoy the same highlights, and ride together at a shared pace. Minimum age to participate: 8 years, and children must be at least 155 cm tall with written parental or guardian consent. The tour covers approx. 22 km with an elevation gain of around 120 meters, suitable for participants with moderate level of fitness. All participants must complete and sign a safety waiver before the tour. Comfortable sports clothing, closed-toe shoes, sun protection, and a reusable water bottle are recommended. Please help protect the local environment by minimizing waste and avoiding single-use plastics. The itinerary may be adjusted depending on traffic and weather conditions..<-p>
