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Thanks to the spectacular setting on the mighty Sognefjord, the King of the Fjords, the village of Balestrand is a gem of a village.. We know for certain the site has been inhabited for a very long time, as there are two burial mounds from the year 800 A.D. Nearer to our time many artists/painters settled here, and had villas built in the so-called dragon-style. A walk through the village will make us aquainted with this charming and tranquil settlement. We will visit the nearby St Olav's church, known as the English church locally. The church was built at the beginning of this century for the many English tourists who came here as regular guests year after year. It is entirely constructed of wood and looks very much like a traditional Norwegian "stavechurch". Continuing the walk and we pass the burial mounds where a statue of King Bele has been erected, a gift from the German emperor Wilhelm II " who was among the many celebrities that came here regularily in the old days. We will also pass several of the characteristic wooden villas that in former days was built as summer houses for the many artists that gathered here every summer. These villas are all built in wood with dragonheads and other ornaments on the roofs. The return to the centre of Balestrand goes via a somewhat different route and we can admire the beautiful surroundings, the characteristicly shaped mountains, the fjord and peaceful, green pastures dotted with farms. Finally, we wil visit the traditional Kvikne's hotel, built in the late 1800's. The hotel contains art by many of Norway's painters from the so-called "Golden Age Period".. Also the characteristic furniture in dragon-style is of great interest

Notes Please wear comfortable walking shoes. A minimum participation is required to operate all Yachting Land Adventures and some have limited capacity. All adventures and prices in the SeaDream Yachting Land Adventures program are subject to change.

Duration 2 hours

Norway has a long tradition in glacier- and polar scientific research. In our industrial world where pollution is an increasing problem this research is of great importance. The aim is also to obtain better knowledge of the nature surrounding us. Most Norwegians are keen nature lovers, and living in pact with nature is an important part of the culture. Surrounded by steep mountainsides and numerous tiny waterfalls, the FjU¦rlandsfjord, a narrow branch of the mighty Sognefjord, stretches some 25 km to the north. This little community with it's neighbour Mundal, where former American vice-president Walter Mondale's forefathers came from, lies at the foot of a branch of the mighty Jostedalsbreen Glacier, mainland Europe's largest, and this is where the Norwegian Glacier Centre has been built. Shortly after the coaches leave the landing stage you will arrive at the Glacier Centre - where the general idea is to give information about glaciers and their activity. A film will show you most of the 24 glacier tongues that descend from the Jostedal glacier as well as skiing activities on the glacier. A walk through the centre will give you the opportunity to make your own small experiments with real glacier ice and a glacier model has been constructed to give you the feeling of being under the glacier in simulated ice caves and crevasses. After this visit we proceed to the end of the valley where there is a good view to the BU¸ya Glacier, an arm of the Jostedalsglacier that stretches down the steep mountainside towards the valley below. A short coffeestop is made at the attractive BrU¦vasshytta where you can sit and watch the scenery through panoramic windows before continuing to a viewing point for another glacier-arm " the Supphelle Glacier, also "hanging" up on the mountainside.

Notes A minimum participation is required to operate all Yachting Land Adventures and some have limited capacity. All adventures and prices in the SeaDream Yachting Land Adventures program are subject to change.

Duration 3 hours

The Flam railroad is one of the most interesting stretches of railroad engineering in the world. Only 12 miles in length it runs from sea level to Myrdal Station at an altitude of almost 3,000 feet. Leaving by train from the station situated in Flam at the head of the Aurlandsfjord, we travel along the Flam river, one of the best salmon-rivers in the West Country. On the right hand side is the Rjoande Waterfall with a sheer drop of 500 feet and the impressive peak of Vibmesnosi. After passing through the longest tunnel at Naali, a most fantastic sight is revealed. To climb the 300 m. high Myrdalsberg the line is built on 4 levels. From here we can view 3 of them, the train standing on the 4th. We can also see the old road that was constructed in 1895 96, in connection with the building of the Bergen Oslo Railroad that was opened in 1909. The road ascends the steep hills in 21 narrow hairpin bends with an attractive waterfall next to it. We will make a brief stop at Kjosfossen Waterfall to let all passengers off the train in order to photograph the spectacular waterfall. We stay on the train to the top at Myrdal and then travel back down to Berekvam station, over half way down the Flam Railway. Here you will leave the train where your bikes and equipment are waiting for you. Now we continue to Flam by bike. The downhill bike ride follows a narrow gravel road along the river with spectacular views of the waterfalls, mountains and valley. If you like you can even fill your water bottle from the river and streams along the way.

Notes Guests should be appropriately dressed and wear comfortable shoes like sneakers. It is recommended to bring a light back pack with bottled water and some wind/waterproof clothing. Helmet and bikes are provided. Max weight per person 150 kg. Guests must be able bikers and in physically capable of participating. A minimum participation is required to operate all Yachting Land Adventures and some have limited capacity. All adventures and prices in the SeaDream Yachting Land Adventures program are subject to change.

Duration 3 hr 45 min

Our tour begins in FlU¥m, a small village at the head of the Aurlandsfjord, one of the many arms of the Sognefjord. Here we take the FlU¥m train that in the course of a mere approx. 50 minutes brings us from sea level up to a height of nearly 3,000 feet with an ascent of 1 in 18 over a distance of only 12 miles. This railway line is a masterpiece of engineering. The line winds its way through the steep and narrow FlU¥msdalen Valley with several viewpoints where the train either stops or goes slowly " like at Kjosfossen Waterfall. High in the mountains at Myrdal there is a change of trains. As we approach the town of Voss, the landscape changes to that of a high mountain valley. After having enjoyed lunch in Voss we continue the tour by bus to Vinje, making a photo stop on the way at the Tvinne waterfall, that cascades down the cliff side. We pass through the hamlets Vinje and Oppheim with the idyllic Oppheims lake, past farms and orchards, lakes and rivers, before we arrive at the well known Stalheim Hotel, perched on a cliff with thundering waterfalls on either side that drop down to the valley floor. Near the hotel is the impressive open-air Stalheim Folk Museum consisting of buildings spanning a time period from the late middle ages through pre-war rural Norway. It offers a glimpses of the everyday life in rural Norway from the late middle ages. At Stalheim we have refreshments and can afterwards enjoy a spectacular view of the NU¦rU¸y valley from the terrace before we begin the descent of Stalheimskleivene Serpentine Road, Europe's steepest road with a drop of 1 in 5, 13 hairpin bends and a great view. We then proceed along the NU¦rU¸y river and arrive in Gudvangen to rejoin the yacht.

Notes Please wear comfortable walking shoes. A warm jacket is also recommended. A minimum participation is required to operate all Yachting Land Adventures and some have limited capacity. All adventures and prices in the SeaDream Yachting Land Adventures program are subject to change.

Duration 7 hours

The Rosendal Manor House from 1665 gives a fascinating glimpse into the period when Norway was under Danish rule. In 1658, a destitute Danish noble by the name of Ludvig Rosenkrantz struck it lucky in marrying Karen Mowat, Norway's richest hieress. Her money was soon put to use building the Rosendal Manor House in a stunning setting between mountain and fjord. Today, the Manor House and the gardens from 1850 are a living museum. Prior to dinner onboard this evening, we will enjoy a tour of the Manor House and a short concert in the Red Room. The walk from the pier to the Manor House takes about 15 minutes in beautiful surroundings.

Duration 1 Hour 30 mins.

We were originally planning to offer a tour up this impressive fjord by catamaran sightseeing boat. But then, in typical SeaDream yachting style, the Captain suggested we take the yacht into the Lysefjord after our departure from Stavanger. That way everybody can enjoy the Lysefjord and the Pulpit Rock which may be one of the most impressive sights of all of the Norwegian fjords. The well-known protruding rock formation called "the Pulpit" is situated on the north side of the fjord and our yacht will pass underneath while you enjoy pre-dinner cocktails.

Duration 3 hours

The area around the city of Stavanger is recognised as the heart of what became the Norwegian Viking kingdom. It was here that the first kings of a unified Norway lived after Harald Haarfagre (the Fairhaired) in 872 defeated the last of the regional princes and united 29 small kingdoms under one crown. We start our tour by driving through the center towards the outskirts, passing fertile land on the way to Ullandhaug where we visit reconstructed farmhouses from the Iron Age. In one of the low houses with turf roof we learn more about the living conditions around the year 500 A.D. A local guide will demonstrate how they made flour, wove their clothes etc. From Ullandhaug viewpoint close by we can observe the fertile farmland of JU¦ren with the Ryfylke mountains as a backdrop. To the West we have a magnificent view over Hafrsfjord, where the Harald Haarfagre's victorius naval battle was fought. We drive on to MU¸llebukta (Mill bay) a popular bathing resort. Here stands the monument "Swords in rock" which was raised to commemorate the unification under King Harald. It consists of three Viking swords more than 9 m high forced into the ground. The monument was by the Norwegian sculptor Fritz RU¸ed. During the excursion we also pass over bridges to some of the islands, which are today part of modern Stavanger. We will see the different types of homes and get an impression of the living conditions nowadays. We pass some of the other city highlights before arriving back at the dock.

Notes A minimum participation is required to operate all Yachting Land Adventures and some have limited capacity. All adventures and prices in the SeaDream Yachting Land Adventures program are subject to change.

Duration 3 hours

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 "Petroleum city" in Norway due to its geographical position. This tour will introduce some of it's history and scenery, and will include: Breidablikk Mansion " modest as most buildings in Norway compared to abroad " however, it is the best preserved Mansion house in the country - dating from the 1880's, and with authentic interior. The latest member of the family who grew up in the house was the daughter Olga who died in 1965 " and she hardly changed anything, she kept the house and furniture and traditions the way they always been. Ledaal Manor " Royal Residence and Manor House Museum built in 1799/1803 as the summer residence for a prominent local family. Today it serves as a Residence for the Royal Family when they visit Stavanger. Swords in Rock Monument " was built to commemorate the battle of Hafrsfjord, which King Harald HU¥rfagre (Fairhair) won and thereby united Norway into one Kingdom in 872 AD. The monument stand on the shore of Hafrsfjord, and the 3 Swords represent Peace, Unity and Freedom. Sola Ruin Church " is built on the ruins of a Romanesque stone Church dating from about the year 1120 AD. During WW2 most of the Church was demolished " but later reconstructed and re-opened in 1995. It is now constructed partly of old stones and partly with modern materials like glass. It is popular for weddings and concerts. Situated close to the 2,3 km. long Sola Beach " chosen as one of the best beaches in the world by Sunday Times. Old Stavanger - consists of small well preserved white-painted wooden cottages surrounded by tiny, colourful gardens, dating back to the 18th and 19th century. It is no museum area, most of the houses are inhabited and narrow lanes with paving stone and old gas lanterns are a charming sight. The houses were mostly built by seafaring people, craftsmen and trading people. This particular area is today considered to be unique and the city's most important rehabilitation project.

Notes Note: Guests should wear low heeled, comfortable walking shoes. Some walking will be over cobblestone surfaces with inclines. A light jacket is recommended. A minimum participation is required to operate all Yachting Land Adventures and some have limited capacity. All adventures and prices in the SeaDream Yachting Land Adventures program are subject to change.

Duration 3 hours 30 min