Stavanger

Step back in time at the Iron Age Farm, as you wander around the reconstructed buildings with their stone exterior walls, wooden interior, original hearths and roofs made of peat and bark. The farm has been erected on the original site which contributes to its authenticity and provides an excellent insight into how life was 1,500 years ago.

From the farm, a short drive will bring you to Ullandshaug Viewpoint for magnificent views of Hafrsfjord and the surrounding area. Hafrsfjord is where the Kingdom of Norway was founded in 872 after the Viking King, Harald Hårfagre, defeated the last of the regional princes and united the 29 small kingdoms under one crown.

Enjoy a visit to the pretty Stavanger Cathedral, Norway’s oldest church and the only one constructed during the Middle Ages to have retained its original features. The cathedral has direct links with England, as its first bishop was Bishop Reinald, an English Benedictine monk from Winchester.

At the end of the tour, you will have the option of walking through the narrow cobbled lanes of Old Stavanger. This charming area with its picturesque, wooden houses dates back to the 18th and 19th century.

Lysefjord, Norway’s most southern major fjord, stretches 25 miles and was formed more than 10,000 years ago during the last ice age. Experience a leisurely cruise along the scenic Lysefjord, as you pass steep mountains with their cascading waterfalls and the occasional dwelling clinging to its rocky terrain.

There will be a limited commentary providing information about the various points of interest including Preikestolen, better known as the Pulpit Rock. The ‘Pulpit Rock’ is a famous natural rock formation which protrudes vertically from the mountainside. On a clear day, you will be able to see the rock with its flat plateau proudly jutting out above you.

Lysefjord, Norway’s most southern major fjord, stretches 25 miles and was formed more than 10,000 years ago during the last ice age. Experience a leisurely cruise along the scenic Lysefjord, as you pass steep mountains with their cascading waterfalls and the occasional dwelling clinging to its rocky terrain. There will be a limited commentary providing information about the various points of interest including Preikestolen, better known as the Pulpit Rock. The ‘Pulpit Rock’ is a famous natural rock formation which protrudes vertically from the mountainside. On a clear day, you will be able to see the rock with its flat plateau proudly jutting out above you. During the tour, a stop will be made for refreshments of tea or coffee and freshly-made waffles.

Your exploration begins in Old Stavanger, a lively area that hosts well-preserved 18th and 19th century wooden houses, mostly built for seafarers, craftsmen and traders. An important rehabilitation project has meant that this is now northern Europe’s largest and best-preserved ‘wooden house’ settlement.

Your stroll through Stavanger continues to the market square at the head of the harbour bay. A colourful scene greets you where fruit and vegetables, flowers and seafood are laid out on sale. The 12th century Stavanger Cathedral forms an impressive backdrop.

Looking towards the harbour is the statue of the former mayor and well-known writer, Alexander Kielland. The pedestrian street leads you to the Valberg Tower, situated on a small hill and overlooking the central part of the city and harbour. It was once used at a watchtower in case fire broke out in the wooden buildings of Stavanger.

Following the Dirdal River and valley, you will reach Byrkjedalstunet. The re-constructed cheese factory in Byrkjedalstunet dates back to 1920 and now houses a restaurant and a candle-maker’s workshop. Enjoy a tea or coffee and some traditional 'lapper' (thick pancakes) with jam and sour cream. Take some time to visit the colourful candle workshop, to see the wide variety of candles produced here, before browsing the gift shop with its array of Norwegian handicrafts, woollens, souvenirs and candles.

Venture onwards to see the Gloppedalsuren Boulder Field, Norway's largest field of boulders, with some as big as houses.

Continue via the flat, fertile farming area of Jæren and the beaches at Sola before some city sightseeing in Stavanger.

Enjoy a scenic boat trip through the Gandsfjord, which is dotted with several picturesque islands. On arrival at the lovely harbour on the private island of Sør Hidle, there is a short walk to the Flor and Fjære Garden which is set in a protected harbour making it a place of peaceful tranquillity, colourful flowers and great sea views.

You’ll be given a guided walk of the gardens with one of the knowledgeable garden guides before having free time to explore the exotic gardens at your own leisure. See the world’s most northerly plantation of tropical palm trees, bamboo and banana trees; smell the fruit trees and bountiful flowers all set against the backdrop of majestic mountains and deep fjords.

Stavanger and the surrounding areas have for centuries played a leading part in Norway's development. As you approach Hafrsfjord you’ll hear how King Harald Haarfagre defeated the regional princes here in 872, thus founding the Kingdom of Norway. Nearby at Møllebukta you’ll pass the monument of 3 giant swords which commemorate this battle and symbolise the fight is over.

Your leisurely drive will continue along the coast of south west Norway, where you’ll pass the attractive 12th century Church of Sola, as it sits on the hill overlooking Sola Bay. Hear about life in Stavanger as you pass the long sandy coastal stretches of Jæren and travel by fertile farmland. As you approach Eiganes, you’ll travel down the narrow road with its pretty villas and past Ledaal Manor, once the home of the writer Alexander Kielland and today the King’s residence when he visits Stavanger.

Back in Stavanger, you’ll see the impressive medieval Cathedral, and the characteristic, colourful facades of the buildings which overlook the harbour. En route back to the ship, you’ll pass ‘Old Stavanger’, for a glimpse of its charming, picturesque, wooden houses which date back to the 18th and 19th centuries. This area is considered unique and the city's most important rehabilitation project.

The people of Stavanger are proud of their city and are keen to share it with you so visiting a private home is a relaxed and informal way to immerse yourself in Norwegian culture.

The Norwegian people are known for their friendly and outgoing nature and your host is no exception. On arrival, you will be welcomed into their home to discover what Norwegian life is really like.

The groups have been kept small to provide an informal and relaxed environment where a range of conversations can develop. As you can imagine subjects can vary from personal anecdotes, to the unusual home furnishings, to what plants grow well in the garden! Your host will also talk about the Norwegian customs including their colourful and intricate Norwegian National Costume which will be on display.

Experience true Norwegian hospitality as you are served tea, coffee and delicious homemade waffles in the relaxing homely atmosphere. During your visit, you’ll have the opportunity to ask your host any questions that you may have and take a tour of the house and garden.

Visiting a private home is something that most people seldom have the opportunity to do, so it will truly be a unique and memorable experience.