This is a wonderful tour for exploring the South Isles of Orkney and sampling some local produce. You will leave Orkney’s biggest island and follow the coast of Scapa Flow on a 30-minute drive to the smaller South Isles. Drive over the first of the Churchill Barriers, built during the Second World War to protect Scapa Flow. You will visit the beautiful, hand-painted Italian Chapel, built by Italian prisoners of war who were interned on this small island during World War Two. The chapel stands as a lasting memorial to peace.  You will then continue south across two further Churchill Barriers to the island of Burray and stop for delicious refreshments in the lovely small fishing town of Burray Village for a taster plate of some local produce including Bere Bannocks (local bread) and local farmhouse cheese, and Orkney Fudge Cheesecake.  The tour will also include a glass of wine or beer. You will then continue to the Fossil and Heritage Centre.  Here you will learn more about the heritage of Orkney and the building of the Churchill Barriers in addition to an opportunity to learn more about Orkney’s geological history before returning to the ship.

Please note: Dress in warm, comfortable clothes and bring along waterproof things like an umbrella or rain poncho. This tour is wheelchair accessible.

Depart Kirkwall and head into the west of Mainland, Orkney’s largest island. This tour passes through gentle rolling landscape and into the Neolithic Heartland of Orkney; an area designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its wealth of pre-historic archaeology.  Passing the Standing Stones of Stenness you will stop at the Ring of Brodgar; a huge ceremonial circle of stones dating back almost 5,000 years.  You then continue on to the 5000-year-old village of Skara Brae, beautifully interpreted in the visitor center.  See the remarkable dwellings revealed from beneath the sand dunes by storms only 150 years ago.  From here it is only a 656-foot walk to visit Skaill House, Orkney’s finest manor.  Skaill was built by Bishop George Graham in 1620 on the site of a farmstead thought to date to the Norse period.  In its 400 year history all 12 of its Lairds have been related and all have contributed to the history and collection in the house. Return to your coach and continue this circular route following the coastline of Scapa Flow, made famous for its role in both World Wars.

Please note: The ground around the Ring of Brodgar is very soft and not suitable for wheelchairs or people with mobility issues.  Wear comfortable walking shoes and warm clothing.

Explore at your leisure with a private vehicle, driver, and English-speaking guide. This exclusive tour will allow you to customize your time ashore and explore the most interesting sites in the comfort and privacy of your own car. With your private vehicle, and the personalized attention of your driver and English-speaking guide, you will have the flexibility and independence to design your itinerary ashore. See the iconic sites of the city, or create your own personal stops to make the experience your own. 

Please note:  Capacity: 1-2 guests. Private cars are ordered per vehicle (not per person). This tour includes transport in a private car, driver and English Speaking Guide. Itinerary can be adjusted with tour guide as long as it’s in the area and does not exceed the duration of 4 hours.  Recommended for physically challenged guests.

Explore at your leisure with a private vehicle, driver, and English-speaking guide. This exclusive tour will allow you to customize your time ashore and explore the most interesting sites in the comfort and privacy of your own van. With your private vehicle, and the personalized attention of your driver and English-speaking guide, you will have the flexibility and independence to design your itinerary ashore. See the iconic sites of the city, or create your own personal stops to make the experience your own. 

Please note:  Capacity: 3-6 guests. Private vans are ordered per vehicle (not per person). This tour includes transport in a private van, driver and English Speaking Guide. Itinerary can be adjusted with tour guide as long as it’s in the area and does not exceed the duration of 4 hours.  Recommended for physically challenged guests.

Alesund, the largest town on the Northwest coast, has a beautiful setting, built on several islands stretching out into the ocean. A large part of Alesund was destroyed by fire in 1904 and rebuilt in the Art Nouveau style.  Today, it is a bustling town where the fish and fish processing industry are the main sources of income.   You will take a stroll through the many rooms in the listed building known as "The Swan Pharmacy," and be mesmerized by the beautiful and authentic décor. The tour continues through the Jugend (Art Nouveau) quarters of the town center and inner harbor, through the attractive park at the foot of  Mount Aksla and back to the pier and your ship.

Please note: This tour is a walking tour with steps, cobblestones and uneven ground and is not recommended for people with mobility issues.  Wear comfortable walking shoes. 

After a short walk to the bicycle center your guide will give a brief safety instruction before you begin your adventurous and scenic ride to Hess Island. You will set off bicycling through Ålesund, riding past delightful stone buildings and churches carved with enchanting art nouveau décor.  Riding over Asp Island and around the outer edge of Hess Island you will see beaches, pasturelands, and historic installations from World War ll.  Arriving at Sugar Summit trailhead you will leave your bicycles and begin your 35-minute hike up to some breathtaking panoramic views of the sea, surrounding islands, Sunnmøre Alps and the city of Ålesund.  The view is worth every step, making this the highlight of your tour.  On your return bicycle ride you will get another chance to enjoy the scenic views that Ålesund has to offer.

Please note:  Participants must be 10 years of age and children must be accompanied by an adult.  It is recommended that guests wear layered clothing and flat shoes.  Take a bottle of water and backpack for your belongings.

The community of Giske consists of four islands. Two of them will be visited on this tour - the Giske and Godøy Islands, which lie further to the west. The tour to the islands will take you via bridges and underwater tunnels, the longest being 2.6 miles (4.2 km). Giske is known as the Saga Island for the fact that the Viking Chieftain Rollo was born here. This island is fairly flat and fertile. On the island you will visit the old stone church dating back to 1150, originally a chapel belonging to the mighty Giske family. From Giske you will continue over to Godøy Island. On the northwestern side of the island you will drive towards the small but picturesque fishing village of Alnes, situated facing the Atlantic Ocean. Take a closer look at the old lighthouse, climb the stairs to the very top and enjoy refreshments at the visitor center. On the way back to the ship visit the viewpoint Mt. Aksla, with a spectacular view of Ålesund and the islands that have just been visited.

Please note:  Giske church is a working church and due to unforeseen church services, an inside visit to the church cannot be guaranteed. Wear comfortable walking shoes as the ground is uneven in places.

Discover Ålesund’s stunning coastline during an exciting RIB adventure.  A short walk from your ship you will find your captain waiting for you, where he will give you the necessary equipment and a brief safety talk. After boarding the RIB, your adventure beings as your captain takes you to the area’s most scenic spots. Once aboard, prepare to feel the adrenaline rush of the RIB boat’s speed and be awe-inspired by the scenery. You will venture to the island of Runde, with close-up views of Sunmøre’s beautiful coastline en route. Keep an eye out for the Grasøyane and Runde lighthouses, along with natural wonders such as interesting caves and abundant bird life. In fact, Runde is famous for its staggering number of birds, with between 500,000 and 700,000 of the winged creatures inhabiting the isle. Among the species you might  spy are puffins, common guillemot, fulmar and razorbill. 

Please note: Participants must be at least 12 years of age, 4-1/2 feet  tall, and children must be accompanied by an adult. This tour is not recommended for pregnant women or guests with back or neck problems.  All participants will be given a weatherproof suit which is also a life jacket.  Wear flat shoes, heels are not permitted.  You may get wet!

 

This is the perfect kayak  experience for those interested in a more adventurous introduction of the Art Nouveau town of Ålesund.  After a short 10-minute walk to the kayak center you will be outfitted with the proper equipment and given a brief safety talk before you board your 2-person sea kayak.  This leisurely kayak trip will take you along Ålesund’s Jugend-style architecture where your guides will share stories about the area.  You will be given an interpretation of the history and culture of this Art Nouveau city perched on the Atlantic.  You will also paddle through the scenic maze of islands offering views of Ålesund’s coastline that you can only enjoy from the vantage point of a kayak.

Please note:  Participants must be at least 6 years of age and children must be accompanied by an adult.  It is recommended that guests dress in layered clothing and wear flat shoes.  You may get wet! Two- person (tandem) sea kayaks will be used. Not suitable for disabled people.  Excursion is dependent on weather.

This scenic drive will take you all the way inland towards Valldal, where you will leave the fjords behind and make your way into the high mountains of the Romsdals Alps. You will make a stop at Gudbrandsjuvet, an 82-foot high ravine through which the Valldøla River has formed a complex of deep potholes and intricate formations. You will continue your drive into the high mountains of the Troll Road. At the 2,625-foot-high plateau, you will make a short stop to enjoy the magnificent view overlooking the valley. You will have an amazing view of the snowy peaks and the steep waterfall. Descending into the valley along the famous 11 hairpin turns you will follow the river towards Trollstigen Guesthouse where a delicious lunch is awaiting you. Surrounded by beautiful nature you will have enough time to enjoy your lunch before continuing your journey to the Troll Wall.  The Troll Wall is the tallest vertical rock face in Europe, measuring over 3,281 feet from its base to the summit of its highest point. At its steepest, the summit ridge overhangs the base of the wall by nearly 164 feet. The ridge is and has been a prestigious goal for rock climbers and its summit was only first climbed in 1965. The Troll Wall is also considered a mecca for base jumpers , but has been  made illegal, although some daredevils still attempt the jump after a 5-hour hike from the Trollstigen Plateau. After having admired the steep mountain ridge you will make your way back to Ålesund and the ship following a scenic drive along the Romsdalfjord and through the valleys and villages of the region.

Please note: This tour is not wheelchair accessible and there are many stairs. Wear comfortable walking shoes.

Explore at your own pace with a private vehicle, driver and English-speaking guide at your service. You will have the flexibility and independence to design your itinerary according to your own interests. On this half day option you can choose an itinerary in Molde.

Please note:  Capacity: 1-2 guests. Private cars are ordered per vehicle (not per person). This tour includes transport in a private car, driver and English Speaking Guide. Itinerary can be adjusted with tour guide as long as it’s in the Molde area and does not exceed the duration of 4 hours. Recommended for physically challenged guests.

Explore at your own pace with a private vehicle, driver and English-speaking guide at your service. You will have the flexibility and independence to design your itinerary according to your own interests. On this half day option you can choose an itinerary in Molde..

Please note:  Capacity: 3 - 6 guests. Private vans are ordered per vehicle (not per person). This tour includes transport in a private van, driver and English Speaking Guide. Itinerary can be adjusted with tour guide as long as it’s in the Molde area and does not exceed the duration of 4 hours. Recommended for physically challenged guests.

Explore at your own pace with a private vehicle, driver and English-speaking guide at your service. You will have the flexibility and independence to design your itinerary according to your own interests. On this half day option you can choose an itinerary in Molde.

Please note:  Capacity: 1-2 guests. Private cars are ordered per vehicle (not per person). This tour includes transport in a private car, driver and English Speaking Guide. Itinerary can be adjusted with tour guide as long as it’s in the Molde area and does not exceed the duration of 8 hours. Recommended for physically challenged guests.

Explore at your own pace with a private vehicle, driver and English-speaking guide at your service. You will have the flexibility and independence to design your itinerary ashore according to your own interests. On this full day option you can create a unique itinerary in Molde.

Please note: Capacity: 3 - 6 guests. Private vans are ordered per vehicle (not per person).This tour includes transport in a private van, driver and English Speaking Guide. Itinerary in the Molde area for 8 hours.

Enjoy a magical visit to the magnificent Bergtatt Marble Caves. After a 45-minute scenic drive north your adventure will begin on board a small, open-air boat taking you deep into the glistening caves, crisscrossing an underground lake. The caves are decorated with beautiful lighting reflecting on the water, giving you a mystical experience. Your knowledgeable guide will inform you of the mining operations which were active from 1938-1987.  You will also see a short film of how this marble mine is still operating in other parts of the mountain.  During your visit you will have time to capture photos of this unique marble cavern. Continuing on by motor coach you will pass the village of Eide before entering one of the masterpieces of Norwegian engineering, the Atlantic Ocean Road. The road workers experienced 12 hurricanes during construction of the road before it was opened in 1989. In a distance of 5 miles, 8 different bridges have been built from islet to islet connecting Averøya Island with the mainland. Your scenic drive will conclude along the Moldefjorden on your way back to Molde and the ship. 

Please note: Walking is very limited, however guests must be able to embark transportation both for the motor coach and the boat independently.

Hike to Northern Europe’s highest and most impressive waterfall, cascading 974 feet. You will board your motor coach for a 1.5-hour scenic drive to Mardals Waterfall trail head.   The Eikesdals Lake sits at the base and is just 85 feet above sea level, while the surrounding mountains tower to heights of 5-6,000 feet straight up from the lake. After an approximate 1.25 mile hike to the waterfall you will have time to enjoy the spectacular view and feel the power of the water plunging down with great force.  Be sure to bring rain gear if you wish to get up-close and personal with the waterfall - you will get wet! On board the bus again you will make a stop in the charming town of Eikesdalen to enjoy lunch before returning to your ship.

Please note:  It is recommended that guests dress in layered clothing and wear proper walking shoes.  This hike involves uneven ground and gradual slopes.

Your tour will start with a  brief sightseeing tour of Molde including the Molde Church, the City Hall and the Museum of Romsdalen Valley before you head to the Varden Viewpoint with  its impressive view of Molde, Romsdalsfjorden and the  87 peaks of the Romsdals Alps. Then you will continue your scenic drive passing the village of Eide before entering one of the masterpieces of Norwegian engineering, the Atlantic Road. Opened in 1989, the road covers a distance of 5 miles including 8 bridges from islet to islet connecting Averoya Island to the mainland.  Your tour will continue to the fishing village of Bud, where you will have a photo stop then pass by the Church of Bud, built in 1717, before returning to Molde.

Please note: Places of interest may be visited in a reverse order.