Fjords & Iceland

About Stavanger

The gateway to Norways spectacularly scenic fjordland, Stavanger is also a town with its own rich heritage as it is regarded as the ‘Cradle of the Vikings’. Your ship will dock right next to Gamle Stavanger, the old quarter, with its collection of 200-year-old white wooden houses (considered national heritage monuments in their own right), 12th century cathedral modelled on Winchester Cathedral, markets, craft stores and art galleries.

Look out, too, for the Three Swords monument in the Hafrsfjord rock recalling the Viking sea battle won by King Harald the Fairhair to create Norway as one kingdom back in the 9th century. This is on the way to a recreation of an Iron Age Farm at Jernaldergarden. The other major landmark is a short boat trip away through the delightful Stavanger archipelago to the 2,000ft high Pulpit Rock (Preikestolen).

About Eidfjord

The Norwegian cruise port Eidfjord is just a small sleepy village but it stands on the edge of huge scale attractions including the largest high mountain plateau (Hardangervidda) and Norways largest national park.

Eidfjord stands on the banks of the fjord, from which it takes its name, and has attractions of its own including a 14th century church and the largest collection of ancient graves in western Norway at its Viking Burial Place.

A couple of miles away is the Hardangervidda Nature Centre, which is an unusual adventure centre with all kinds of interactive ways of illustrating the rich natural, cultural and historical heritage of the region. Equally unusual is the Troll Train, which travels through the Mabodalen Valley to Norways most famous waterfall - Voringsfossen, which free falls nearly 500 feet.

About Bergen

A former ‘European City of Culture’ with a string of fascinating art galleries facing its Lille Lungedgardsvann Lake, Bergen cruise port nestles amongst the magnificent mountains strung along Norway’s western coastline and is a gateway to Fjordland.

This 13th century Hanseatic – and now World Heritage - city was built on the site of an original Viking settlement and is full of historic sites, the best known of which is Bryggen. A collection of 11th century wooden buildings along the harbourfront, this is a World Heritage Site in its own right and has its own museum to tell its fascinating story.

To enjoy the best views of this picturesque city, take the funicular railway to the top of Mount Fløyen, which overlooks both Bergen and the surrounding region.

Also the birthplace of composer Edvard Grieg, Bergen is easily walkable and has a lively fish market and an even better general market along the harbourfront as well as many attractive bars and cafes.

About Alesund

Because it was completely rebuilt after being destroyed by fire in 1904, Alesund looks quite different to other Norwegian towns along the countrys west coast now better known as simply ‘Fjordland’.

Stretching across three islands at the mouth of the magnificent Geirangerfjord, Alesunds architecture is now an eclectic mixture of mock-Gothic and neo-classical with more than a dash of Art Nouveau.

Turrets and spires dot the skyline and you can trace the towns trend setting style development at the Art Nouveau Centre, one of several fascinating museums in the town.  The pick is the open-air Sunnmøre while the Atlantic Sea-Park is also worth a visit as one of the largest aquariums in northern Europe

About Akureyri

A genuine ‘Midnight Sun’ destination, Akureyi cruise port is a charming Icelandic town with a stunning location on the countrys longest fjord - Eyjafjordur. There are several interesting museums and churches but the most amazing feature of Akureyi is its botanical garden - not surprisingly, the most northerly in the world.  That this glorious display of flowers and plants thrives is a tribute to the local microclimate which is remarkably mild for somewhere so close to the Arctic Circle.

Less surprising is the range of tours to appeal to nature-lovers from whale watching (18 species from minkes to killers have been spotted) to the spectacular ‘Waterfall of the Gods’ at Godafoss.

Along the way, you will also see age-old glaciers, beautiful lakes, bubbling sulphur mud-pits, hidden caves and coves, dormant volcanoes and lava which has turned into bizarre-shaped sculptures.

About Isafjordur

The Icelandic fishing port of Isafjordur is the perfect starting point for those who want to experience the magnificent natural beauty of the West Fjords, and its two valleys of Tungudalur and Engidalur lend themselves well to outdoor pursuits. Surrounded by steep sloping mountains you can indulge in a spot of skiing, golfing, or hiking - just some of the activities on offer.

The town is also rich in art, culture and historical significance. Main points of interest include the Slunkariki Art Gallery and the West Fjords Folk Museum which houses a remarkable collection of traditional tools and relics. Nearby Neostikaupstaour consists of the oldest buildings in Iceland, including four from the 18th century, which belonged to Danish merchants.

The town centre is interesting to walk around as it has a selection of old streets, small shops and a unique array of houses. Known for its quirky peculiarities don’t be surprised to see the barber playing his accordion, the baker training for the marathon or see the goldsmith paddling around in his kayak!

About Reykjavik

The name means ‘Smoky (or Steamy) Bay’ but these days the Icelandic capital Reykjavik is even hotter than that. Its reputation now as a truly cultural, cosmopolitan city, with great restaurants and lively nightlife, has made it a hugely popular destination.

Another big attraction is the opportunity to swim in open-air pools heated by the very geothermal springs that inspired Reykjavik’s name.

Not that Reykjavik - or most of Iceland for that matter - is actually icy at all.  It may be the most northerly capital in the world and in the ‘Land of Fire and Ice’, but if you want ice, you have to travel away from the capital on one of the exciting glacier safari tours. But the most popular destination remains the nearby Blue Lagoon geothermal spa, where minerals bubble up from 5,000ft below the earth’s surface.

About Greencastle

There’s no denying that Londonderry has seen its fair share of conflict dating back to the 17th century when walls were built to fortify the city. They still stand today having withstood numerous attacks, including the Great Siege of 1689 by King James. The layout of the city remains relatively unchanged since the 17th century.

You’ll find a historic centre with the gothic St. Columb Cathedral at its heart. The four main streets radiate out from the ‘Diamond’ and lead to the four gateways; Bishop’s Gate, Ferryquay Gate, Shipquay Gate and Butcher’s Gate. From the quay behind the Guildhall hundreds of thousands of Irish emigrants sailed for a new life in the New World.

Located just outside the walls is the attractive Town Hall or, if you want beautiful scenery, then the nearby Sperrin Mountains will provide a refreshingly energetic stroll. Alternatively, head for the famous Giant's Causeway, built, as the story goes, by 52 foot Finn MacCool to enable neighbouring giant Benandonner to cross the sea of Moyle and compete in a show of strength.

About Dublin

The Irish capital Dublin has undergone an incredible transformation in the last decade with many modern buildings springing up to add to its historical and cultural appeal.

Dublin’s pubs and bars are world-renowned from the city’s oldest, The Brazen Head, to the newest wine bar. A visit to the Guinness Storehouse and Brewery provides an insight into the history of Ireland’s favourite tipple.

Grafton Street is a shopper’s paradise with a stop at Bewley’s historic coffee house a must for people-watching.

The library at Trinity College is home to the eighth-century Book of Kells, with the National Museum housing exhibits dating back from the Irish Bronze and Iron ages. The city’s literary heritage is celebrated at the adjoining National Library with works of famous Irish writers such as Beckett, Joyce, Swift and Yeats collected together.