Visit two islands of the vast community of Giske, Giske Island and the more westerly, Godoy Island.
Your tour starts with a short city panoramic experience by coach driving through the Art Nouveau quarters of Ålesund. The city's architectural character is in fact the result of a catastrophe - the great fire in 1904 and those young architects who participated in the rebuilding of the city were inspired by the Art Nouveau style.
Then, drive up to Mount Aksla from where you have a beautiful view of the city, the islands and the Sunnmøre Mountains. Leaving the city you will drive through some of the world's largest sub-sea tunnels connecting the islands with the mainland. Today, the approximately 6,300 inhabitants have a ferry-free connection'with the rest of Norway. To reach the islands you must traverse bridges and undersea-tunnels, the longest being 2 1/2 miles.
Giske, a fairly flat and fertile island, is known as the Saga Island and for the fact that the Viking King Gangerolv or Rollo was born here. He conquered Norway in 911 and later settled on the northern coast of France, a landscape today known under the name Normandie. Later, he became the ancestor of William the Conqueror, sire to the English Royal Family. With its powerful families, Viking Kings and heirs, the island was a seat of power during the Viking Age. A stop will be made to view the exterior of the Giske Chapel - a Roman marble church dating from 1135. The church was built as a private church for the famous Viking Giske family. The interior of the church was restored in 1756 and has a beautifully carved and painted alter-piece and a pulpit.
From Giske, continue over to Godoy Island where you will drive towards the small fishing village of Alnes, situated facing the Atlantic Ocean. Here, the tour will continue on foot to enjoy a stroll around the village and take a closer look at, or perhaps climb to the top the old lighthouse where a fantastic view awaits. Following your time in Godoy, you will re-board your coach and return to Alesund.
Please note: This tour involves moderate walking over mostly even surfaces and some gravel paths. It is not recommended for wheelchair guests and those with mobility concerns should evaluate their personal level of stamina and ability. An interior visit of the Giske Chapel may not be possible if church services are taking place. Guests are encouraged to wear closed toe, sturdy shoes and casual, weather appropriate clothing. Guests choosing to make the optional walk to the top of the lighthouse should use caution, as only portions of the stairs are railed, and watch your head as there are low ceilings within the lighthouse. The order of sites visited may vary.