Silversea Luxury Cruises A STAVANGER

The town of Stavanger is the centre of the oil industry, and is the fourth largest town in Norway. It lies at the entrance to the Gandsfjord, protected from the North Sea, of which the town is very dependent. Many of the islands in the area are today part of the town and connected to the central parts by bridges. Here you find both industry areas as well as charming suburbs with attractive homes.

Depart the pier via boat in the direction of Lysefjord. It cuts almost 31 miles (50 kilometres) deep into the country surrounded by steep mountainsides, polished by glaciers and waterfalls. There are only a few small farms located here. On the southern side of the fjord is "Helleren" - an overhanging cliff that in former days gave shelter to the people that fished and hunted in this area. On the northern side of the fjord the well-known protruding rock formation" the Pulpit" is situated. On top it is completely flat with an extension of 82 x 82 feet (25 x 25 metres). The height above sea level is more than 1800 feet (549 metres).

A stop will be made en route to go ashore for refreshments.

The tour will conclude at the pier.

Stavanger and the surrounding areas have for centuries played a leading part in Norway's maritime history, from the time when the Viking Kings battled in Hafrsfjord, through the period of the "white sails" and the steamships up to modern super-tankers. Stavanger is also the most important "oil-city" in Norway due to its geographical position.

Ullandhaug

This tour will show you much of the city's history. Board the coach for a 30 minute drive to the Iron Age Farm. We start by driving through the center towards the outskirts, passing fertile land on the way to Ullandhaug where we shall visit the reconstructed farmhouses from the Iron Age. In one of the low houses with turf roof you will learn more about the living conditions around the year 500 A.D. A local guide will demonstrate how they made flour, wove their clothes and many other things. From Ullandhaug viewpoint, observe the fertile farmland of Jaeren with the Ryfylke Mountains as a backdrop. To the West have a magnificent view over Hafrsfjord, where the Viking-King Harald Haarfagre (the Fair-haired) in 872 defeated the last of the regional princes and united the 29 small kingdoms under one crown. A monument was recently raised to commemorate this event, called "Sword in Rock". There are three Viking swords more than 30 feet (9 metres) high and forced into the ground.

Petroleum Museum

Next board the bus for a short ride to visit to the Petroleum Museum which opened in 1999. The striking building is situated on a small island in the middle of the harbour and the museum enables you to get a glimpse of "offshore" life in the North Sea!

On the way back to the ship, you have the option to walk on foot through "Old Stavanger". The picturesque, well-preserved wooden houses are in narrow lanes, dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries. The houses were mostly built for seafaring people, craftsmen or businessmen. This particular area is today considered to be unique and the city's most important rehabilitation project. It is situated only minutes away from where your ship is docked.

Follow the path of the Vikings on this fast and exciting ride through the majestic and impressive Lysefjord, one of the southernmost of the great fjords of Norway. This trip is for physically fit guests only who are ready to sustain a fast and bumpy boat ride.

Lysefjord

Lysefjord is 26 miles long and its name means "light fjord" for the multiple, light shades of granite rock found along its steep sides. Considered one of Stavanger's most iconic destinations, it is filled with exquisite and imposing scenery that takes visitors back to the adventure-filled time of the seafaring Vikings.

Today's excursion s a chance to race through Lysefjord at a breathtaking pace for the full 90 action-packed minutes of your ride. Arrive at the landing stage for your Rigid Inflatable Boat (RIB Boat) to receive a safety briefing on your boat and be fitted with a life vest and survival suit. Then embark on your boat ride along the waves in waters that are legendary in Norse mythology.

Gain a sense of the Vikings' experiences on their raids and missions aboard your water craft as you are taken speeding through one of Norway's most grand and awe-inspiring fjords. You may find yourself catching your breath at the beauty of the enchanting landscapes that unfold before you that make you feel transported into ancient and mythical times.

Lucky visitors may see an eagle taking flight, or seal sunning themselves along the high and rocky ledges of the fjord. Get up close to the Hengjane waterfall that cascades along a nearly vertical mountain wall. Referred to as the "water of wisdom" in Norse mythology, these drops of water are thought to be just what turns visitors into real Vikings.

At the conclusion of your thrilling ride, make your way back to the pier.

Explore Stavanger at your leisure during your full-day (8-Hour) sightseeing tour via private van. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your Driver and English Speaking Guide in an air-conditioned van and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Explore Stavanger at your leisure during your full-day (8-Hour) sightseeing tour via private car. Customize your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your Driver and English speaking Guide in an air-conditioned car and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier

Explore Stavanger at your leisure during your half-day (4-Hour) sightseeing tour via private van. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your Driver and English Speaking Guide in an air-conditioned van and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Explore Stavanger at your leisure during your half-day (4-Hour) sightseeing tour via private van. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your Driver and English speaking Guide in an air-conditioned van and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Stavanger, the fourth largest city in Norway, has always played an important role in our history. Especially when it comes to the history of navigation, from the time when the Viking Kings fought in the Hafrsfjord, via the times of the white sails and the steamships and up to the present day with the oil- and gas industry as the most important income source.

Old Stavanger

You will explore the city by foot. Your first visit will be "Old Stavanger". This is an area of the town consisting of well-preserved wooden houses surrounded by tiny, colorful gardens, dating back to the 18th and 19th century. It is not a museum area; on the contrary, it is a part of the city very much alive. Narrow lanes with paving stone and old gas lanterns are a charming sight. The houses were mostly built for seafaring people, craftsmen and trading people. This particular area is today considered to be unique and the city's most important rehabilitation project.

Old Canning Museum

Next visit the old Canning Museum and savor samples of the King Oscar Sardines. A short walk takes you to the market square at the head of the harbor bay. It is a pleasant sight during summer with fruit and vegetables as well as colorful flowers and seafood for sale. Just behind stands the cathedral, the best preserved of Norway's Mediaeval churches, built around 1125 by Bishop Reinald of Winchester. You will take a closer look at the cathedral (outside visit only) which was built with the aid of British masons in Anglo-Normannic style and dedicated to St Svithun. Carry on through the adjacent pedestrian street with many tempting shops and a bustling life.

Valberg Tower

At the far end you reach the Valberg tower, situated on a little hill overlooking the central parts of the city and the harbor. In former days it was used as a watchtower in case a fire should start somewhere in one of the many wooden buildings. Nowadays the tourists flock here to enjoy the view over the city and harbor. The tower was built in the years 1850-53 and was in use up to 1922 when the last watchman left his duty. Entrance to the tower is not included, but there are wonderful views from the site.

Øvre Holmegate

Before returning to the ship you will make a stop in the colorful Øvre Holmegates.Your tour ends back at the pier.