Shore excursions program for below cruises

Stavanger, Norway's fourth largest city, is a charming blend of antiquity and modernity. Towards the end of the 18th century Stavanger became a leading commercial and industrial town; the herring fisheries were a key commercial activity and canning factories flourished, as did shipbuilding. Today oil-related activities have grown in importance both in and around Stavanger. Our excursion begins with a drive along the Dirdal River to Byrkjedals-tunet, a former 1920s cheese factory which today houses a restaurant, a candle maker’s workshop and shops selling souvenirs and traditional handicrafts. Refreshments will be served with time afterwards to browse the area. Continue by bus to the nearby Gloppedalsuren, Norway's largest field of boulders - some as big as houses. We will drive through the farming area of Jaeren and past the beaches at Sola before arriving at Stavanger for a short city sightseeing tour before returning to Stavanger pier.

A short sightseeing excursion that covers the highlights of Stavanger. We will pass Stavanger Cathedral, built in 1125 and the only Cathedral in Norway to retain all of its original architectural features. In front of the Cathedral lies the colourful market square. We will drive through Eiganes Road lined with elegant villas and pass Ledaal Manor, the King’s residence when in town. The excursion continues towards the sandy beaches of Jæreb before returning to the city through Stavanger’s old town, home to the best-preserved wooden village in Europe which dates back to the XVI and XVII centuries.