Deluxe Stateroom Deck 3
15% Ponant Bonus
204 ft²
2
Iconic Capitals & Towns of the Baltic
Copenhagen - Helsinki
Dates:
8/10/2026
to
8/18/2026
days
nights on board
At the heart of the Baltic Sea, discover the emblematic towns and capitals of the region, a blend of History and sumptuous landscapes. During this 9-day cruise aboard Le Champlain, fall under the spell of the majestic panoramas of northern Europe.
Over the course of your trip, at every port of call each guest will be able to choose one included excursion from the selection offered by PONANT. During this cruise, enjoy a visit to Gdansk and fall under the spell of the music at a Chopin concert; dive into the history and tunes of ABBA from Stockholm; or attend a folkloric show in Tallinn. The range of experiences on offer promises intense and varied moments (for the full list of excursions, click on the Itinerary tab).
Leaving from Copenhagen, you will set a course for the charming fishing village of Gudhjem. Located on the small Danish island of Bornholm, it is very popular among the Danes for its gentle way of life and its beautiful landscapes of rock formations.
You will set a course for the charming fishing village of Gudhjem. Located on the small Danish Island of Bornholm, it is very popular among the Danes for its gentle way of life and its beautiful landscapes of rock formations.
Your ship will then call at Gdansk, famous for its amber stone and its shipyards. The former Hanseatic city will reveal some of its architectural treasures, in Gothic and Baroque styles, restored or rebuilt.
Le Champlain will then sail to the Swedish island of Gotland and call at Visby, a site that was important for the Hanseatic League in the Baltic Sea around the 13th century. UNESCO Heritage Site, this once opulent city still has remarkably well-preserved ramparts, public buildings, merchant houses and warehouses.
Le Champlain will then chart a course for Stockholm. Built on water, the Swedish capital embraces nature, which is omnipresent there. Its blend of medieval architecture, colourful houses and trendy neighbourhoods makes it a particularly enjoyable city to visit.
On Saaremaa, dive into the complex history of this island, Estonia’s largest. First invaded by the Vikings, it became Danish then Swedish before being taken by the Russian Empire and later occupied by the Germans. In 1991, it finally became Estonian when the country gained its independence.
You will visit Tallinn, emblematic city of the Hanseatic League, the large trading network that dominated the Baltic Sea for several centuries. Listed as UNESCO Heritage Site, this once opulent city still have remarkably well-preserved public buildings, merchant houses and warehouses.
Your cruise will end at Helsinki. Located on a peninsula surrounded by almost 300 islands, the verdant capital of Finland will charm you with its Art Nouveau architecture.
Ref : EC100826
Your itinerary
The Baltic Sea, via five countries (Finland, Estonia, Sweden, Poland, Denmark), featuring lively capitals (Tallinn, Stockholm [overnight stay]) and rich heritage. Discovery of UNESCO World Heritage Sites:...
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Your trip in detail
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Additional services
For more peace of mind, PONANT selects stays and flights then takes care of your transfers for your trip as well as shore visits before and after the cruise.
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L'AUSTRAL
LE LAPÉROUSE
4/2/2026 to the 4/12/2026
LE CHAMPLAIN
12/3/2025 to the 12/13/2025
LE BORÉAL
5/14/2026 to the 5/24/2026
LE COMMANDANT CHARCOT
*Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability, and subject to change at any time. The category of stateroom to which this price applies may no longer be available.
Discover all destinations
Services provided
- 24-hour room service
- Inclusive Wifi internet access (availability dependent on navigation and latitude)
- Individually-controlled air conditioning
- Dressing room with shelves and closet
- Dressing table and hairdryer
- Diptyque Paris top-of-the-line bath products
- Minibar
- Nespresso coffee maker and boiler
- Electronic safe
- Direct line telephone
- Bose Bluetooth speaker
- Flat screen TV, international channels (availability dependent on navigation) and videos on demand
- 110V American (two flat pins)/220V European (round sockets with two round pins)
- Two ADA staterooms
Select your stateroom category
Ideal clothes for life on board:
During the days spent on board, you are advised to wear comfortable clothes or casual outfits. The entire ship is air-conditioned, so a light sweater, a light jacket or a shawl may be necessary. When moving about in the public areas of the ship and the decks, light but comfortable shoes are recommended.
Informal evening:
In the evening, you are advised to wear smart-casual attire, especially when dining in our restaurants where wearing shorts and tee-shirts is not allowed.
For women:
- Simple dress
- Skirt or trousers
- Blouse
- Polo
For men:
- Pleated trousers or chinos
- Sports jacket
- Shirt
- Polo
Officer’s evening:
For all cruises longer than 8 nights, an Officer’s Evening with a white dress code may be organized. Therefore, we encourage you to bring a stylish white outfit for the occasion (otherwise black and white).
Gala evening:
During the cruise, two gala evenings will be organised on board. Thus, we recommend that you bring one or two formal outfits.
For women:
- Cocktail attire
- Evening dress (if you wish to)
For men:
- Dark suit
- Tie recommended, possibly bow tie (if you wish to)
SHOP:
A small shop is available on board offering a wide range of outfits, jewellery, leather goods and many accessories.
A laundry service (washing/ironing) is available on board, but unfortunately there are no dry cleaning services. For safety reasons, your cabin is not equipped with an iron.
ACCESSORIES:
- Polarized sunglasses
- Swimsuit (for the Spa on board)
- Gym wear (fitness)
- Battery charger and memory cards for your camera
- Mobile phone charger
- Hat/cap
HEALTH CARE:
- Sunscreen and after-sun lotion
- Medications and prescriptions
OUTFITS ON BOARD:
- Casual outfits for the day
- Smarter outfits for dinners
- Elegant outfits for Gala evenings
- White or black and white outfit
PRECAUTIONS:
In your hand luggage, remember to bring any medicines that you need, and possibly a small spare bag of toiletries (in case of delay in the delivery of your baggage by the airline). Remember to always have your travel documents with you in case you need them: hotel vouchers, cruise vouchers, return flight tickets... Never leave them in your hold luggage.
All our cabins have a safe. We recommend not to go ashore with valuable jewellery.
PONANT activities
Highlights
- The Baltic Sea, via five countries (Finland, Estonia, Sweden, Poland, Denmark), featuring lively capitals (Tallinn, Stockholm [overnight stay]) and rich heritage.
- Discovery of UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Suomenlinna Sea Fortress, Tallinn's Old Town, the Hanseatic town of Visby.
- Among your included excursions: a visit of Gdansk and a Chopin concert, the Vasa Museum, a folk show in Tallinn, etc.
Ports of Call & Excursions
August 10, 2026 - Copenhagen
Embarkation 8/10/2026 from 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Departure 8/10/2026 at 6:00 PM
Connected to the far eastern side of Sealand island, a few kilometres away from the Swedish coasts, Copenhagen offers you the high colour of Scandinavian capitals. You can discover the city's riches that weaves through the canal networks through the historical districts of Christiansborg and Nyhavn. Many palaces provide an apercu of Danish history. For eating, you can try out the smorrebrod, traditional danish sandwiches made with ham, cheese or smoked fish.
August 11, 2026 - Gudhjem, Bornholm
Arrival 8/11/2026 early morning
Departure 8/11/2026 midday
Lying in the south-west of the Baltic Sea, the medieval village of Gudhjem, on the island of Bornholm, is one of the most visited and most popular villages in Denmark. As you stroll along its picturesque streets, you will fall under the spell of its varied landscapes, its easy way of life, and the authenticity of this charming town with half-timbered houses topped with red roofs, in the Danish tradition. It is here, along these charming streets, that the first herring smokehouses were built in the mid-19th century, attracting all the region’s fishermen. Tucked away in a gorgeous natural setting composed of rocky cliffs, dense forests and beaches of white sand, Gudhjem will provide an unforgettable interlude where time will seem to stand still.
August 12, 2026 - Gdansk
Arrival 8/12/2026 early morning
Departure 8/12/2026 late afternoon
This ravishing city on the Baltic sea is nicknamed “the golden door of Poland”, and you’ll understand why when you see its beautiful Hanseatic architecture. You’ll be charmed by the mouldings and gables that enhance the colourful façades of the houses. Along the Vistula Quays, you can take a pleasant stroll among the crafts shops. In elegant Mariacka street, the amber jewellers will most certainly tempt you into their boutiques. You can visit the church of Saint-Mary and its astronomic clock. Not far, the majestic Long Market square offers the famous Artus Court and the rich Gdansk History Museum.
August 13, 2026 - Visby, Gotland
Arrival 8/13/2026 midday
Departure 8/13/2026 late afternoon
This old Hanseatic city lies to the west coast of Gotland, a Swedish island in the Baltic sea. Pass through the spectacular Visby fortifications and visit the old town, a UNESCO World Heritage site. You’ll discover the grand Visby homes of rich merchants as well as the lovely low wooden houses in the little cobbled streets. Don’t miss Saint Mary’s cathedral with its octagonal steeples, as well as Powder tower along the fortifications. Make sure you stop over in one of the rose-adorned cafés; indeed roses abound in this town where you can taste one of the island’s specialities, namely saffron pancakes with red fruit.
August 14, 2026 August 15, 2026 - Stockholm
Arrival 8/14/2026 early morning
Departure 8/15/2026 late evening
The capital of Sweden occupies an archipelago in the east of the country at the junction of Mälar Lake and the Baltic sea. In Gamla stan, meaning “old town” in Swedish, you can stroll at your leisure in picturesque medieval streets until you reach the majestic Royal Palace. On the green island of Djurgården, you can visit several very different kinds of cultural centres: the Vasa museum is dedicated to a 17th century three-mast, the ecomuseum of Skansen presents traditional customs, and the ABBA museum is dedicated to the legendary pop group. For a fantastic, all-encompassing view of Stockholm, you can take a ride in SkyView, a glass-encased sphere gondola that takes you to the top of the world’s largest building, the Ericsson Globe, a Stockholm landmark.
August 16, 2026 - Saaremaa
Arrival 8/16/2026 early morning
Departure 8/16/2026 early evening
Welcome to Estonia’s largest island, Saaremaa, with its age-old history and mysterious charm. Located in the Baltic Sea, it closes off the Gulf of Riga. The episcopal castle, a medieval fortress and preserved witness of the rich history of the Baltic States, stands proudly in the island’s capital, Kuressaare. The island’s soils and mild climate give it abundant and diverse nature, where forests, cliffs, dunes and beaches flourish, becoming a haven for thousands of migratory birds every year. The island offers many treasures, between wild nature, nature reserves, meteor craters and windmills.
August 17, 2026 - Tallinn
Arrival 8/17/2026 early morning
Departure 8/17/2026 late afternoon
Opening onto the Baltic sea, to the far north of Estonia, the town of Tallinn will win you over with the picturesque charm of its architecture. You can meander through its little streets in the heart of the medieval centre where its gothic town hall has been standing since 1404. The Kiek in de Kök tower, the Orthodox Alexander Nevski cathedral, or Toompea castle give visitors a taste of this town’s rich past. The city was particularly active during the medieval period, as is demonstrated by the very beautiful monuments from this period that are still visible. Don't hesitate to lose yourself in the heart of Tallinn, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
August 18, 2026 - Helsinki
Arrival 8/18/2026 early morning
Disembarkation 8/18/2026 at 8:00 AM
Seated in the southern peninsula of Finland, Helsinki offers the buzz of a cosmopolitan city that has opted for both elegance and beauty. Explore its historical centre where the soft hues of neoclassical buildings are juxtaposed with spectacular modern constructions. The bustling Kallio district is teeming with boutiques and restaurants where you can taste some local specialities like graavilohi - a sweet, marinated, aromatic salmon dish. Keskuspuisto park, a stone’s throw from the centre, is a good place to sit and unwind.
The best of Bornholm
From Gudhjem, you will board your coach and begin your scenic tour through the picturesque farmlands of the small Baltic island of Bornholm belonging to Denmark. On the way, you will enjoy the coastal landscape, heading to the Baltic Sea Glass workshop, located a few kilometers from Gudhjem. Baltic Sea Glass is Denmark's largest glass blowing studio, for which the island is famous. The studio and gallery are set in a converted chicken coop. Today, Baltic Sea Glass welcomes between 100,000 and 120,000 visitors every year. Although they mainly design and produce functional tabletop glassware, the workshop also creates unique pieces for galleries and museum exhibitions.
At the end of the tour, you will continue to Almindingen, on the other side of the island. In one of Denmark's largest forest areas, you will discover Oesterlars round church, one of the four round churches located on Bornholm (representing half of all round churches in Denmark). A visit inside the church is planned, provided that no religious services are scheduled.
The next stop is at Hammershus, an ancient fortress built on the northern tip of Bornholm. These are the largest castle ruins in Northern Europe. The oldest part was built in the early 12th century to consolidate the power held by the Archbishop of Lund (then part of Denmark) over the island and obtained through an agreement with the Danish king, Svend Grathe. For the next 500 years Hammershus was home to various rulers of the island. Hammershus has been rebuilt and expanded several times. In 1743, Hammershus was finally abandoned as a fortress.
You visit will end with a stop in the charming village of Allinge where you will visit one of the smokehouses for that the island is also renowned. During this visit, you can taste smoked herring and an icecold beer before making the short return trip to the village of Gudhjem to board your ship.
· Approx 2 km - gravel, concrete, mostly flat - but there are stairs at Hammershus. The stairs to go on the roof of the church are narrow and dark. Guests are advised to wear comfortable walking shoes. Please note, there is no guarantee that the glassblowers will be working at the time of the visit.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Nature and villages of Bornholm
From the pier, board your bus for a 30-minute drive and start your adventure around the island and through the lush Danish countryside. Drive along the northern coast of this little island situated far from the rest of Denmark in the Baltic Sea. Enjoy the unspoiled landscape and cliffs along the coast and drive through the little village of Allinge before reaching your first stop, the ruins of Hammershus.
Hammershus is the largest ruined castle in Northern Europe. The oldest part of the ruin dates back to the early 12th century and was erected to consolidate control of the island by Archbishop of Lund in the south of Sweden, which also used to be a part of Denmark. Enjoy the magnificent view of the ruin from the viewing point and explore the visitor center where you can learn more about the ruin and the kings who ruled the island.
Next, enjoy the journey to the south of Bornholm, arriving at its biggest town Rønne. Rønne is the largest town on the Danish island of Bornholm. Owing to its natural harbour and its strategic position in the Baltic Sea, Rønne has an interesting history, falling under both German and Swedish influence during its development as a herring fishing port. You will take a stroll along the cobbled streets and enjoy the coloured timbered and half-timbered houses. Rønne is now one of the most visited and popular villages in Denmark. Enjoy time exploring the capital on your own.
Along the northern coast, you will travel into the countryside passing the famous round church of Østerlars , where a uick photo stop will be made (outside visit), which dates back to 1150. It was used both as a place of worship and as protection against enemies from the sea.
Taking the coastal road, you will then travel back to Gudhjem, where you will have the opportunity to walk from the top of the village down the winding narrow streets with your guide before your journey ends where it began.
· Please note the order of the visits may be reversed.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Gdansk city tour & Chopin concert
From the pier in Gdansk, you will board your coach for a drive through the suburban and commercial sections of Gdansk on your way to the Old Town.
The city’s 1,000 years of history have left a collection of buildings and monuments designed in Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque styles. Your guided walk will bring you to the heart of the city - the Old Town. You will see buildings decorated with elaborate facades crowded by ornate gables. You will pass by the Town Hall, Long Market and the beautiful 15th century merchant’s Palace of Artus Court. Pause at Neptune’s Fountain to admire this monumental symbol of Gdansk’s Hanseatic past and its connection with the sea before walking down to the waterfront canal. Then take Mariacka or St. Mary’s Street, which delight its visitors with its lively atmosphere, quaint shops and lovely terraced buildings.
Continue to St. Mary’s Church, the pride of Gdansk. Gothic St. Mary’s is the world’s largest brick church, accommodating some 25,000 worshippers. Situated in the centre of Old Town, this medieval church took 159 years to build, and its deceivingly plain exterior belies a bright, spacious interior with large windows and more than 30 beautifully decorated chapels. The floor is covered with ancient tombstones, and the northern transept holds an amazing 15th-century astronomical clock, complete with the zodiac cycle and a calendar of the saints. Enjoy some time at leisure to shop for amber jewellery, artwork and souvenirs in the Old Town of Gdansk.
Next, drive to the Polish Baltic Philharmonic and enjoy an exlusive concert of Polish classical music, which presents the most famous pieces of classical music written by Frédéric Chopin, as well as other great masters that continued his tradition: Edward Grieg, Fritz Kreisler, Wojciech Kilar (a contemporary film music composer) and Henryk Wieniawski. The entire programme will be performed by a renowned Polish pianist Rafal Lewandowski.
After the concert, re-board your coach for the return drive to the pier and your ship.
· This tour involves approximately 2.5 km (1.24 mile) of walking, some over cobblestone streets. We recommend you wear comfortable shoes. Appropriate dress is recommended to enter religious sites (shoulders and knees must be covered). A welcome drink before the concert will be offered.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Malbork Castle
Discover the beauty of Poland and visit the castle that has remained an object of European fascination since its mediaval origins.
Meet your guide, then board your bus for a one-hour ride to the town of Malbork.
Follow your guide and get immersed in medieval Poland, the time of the Teutonic Knights and the largest medieval fortress in Europe.
Malbork Castle, also known as the Castle of the Teutonic Order of Malbork, is the most complete and elaborate example of a Gothic brick castle complex in the characteristic and unique style of the Teutonic Order. Moreover, in 1997 it was included in the list of UNSECO World Heritage Sites. A large part of the original structure remains in Malbork and testifies to the high standard and exceptional quality of craftsmanship practiced in the region throughout the 14th century. Construction along the Nogat River began in 1274, when the Teutonic Knights created this massive stone fortress that includes formidable defensive walls, towers, a labyrinth of chambers, keeps and wonderful architectural details. In 1309, the headquarters of the knights left Venice to settle here. In 1466, the castle and town became part of Royal Prussia, a province of Poland, and served as the royal residence of Polish kings for the next 300 years. Extensive conservation work on the castle was carried out in the 19th and early 20th centuries. After the severe damage it suffered during the final phase of World War II, the castle was renovated once again. Today, the castle serves as a museum, with large exhibition halls, which display collections of armour, ceramics, sculptures and spectacular Baltic amber.
At the end of this exceptional tour, you will return, by bus, to your ship in Gdansk.
· This tour involves approximately 1km of walking with 150 steps to negotiate at the Castle. We recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Stockholm city tour & Vasa Museum
From the pier, board your coach for a 30-minute drive towards the City Hall.
The imposing City Hall is beautifully situated by the shores of the Lake Mälaren. Inaugurated in 1923 after 12 years of work, it is renowned for its architecture, murals, and mosaics, as well as for being the site of the annual Nobel Prize banquet. Experience the grandeur and spaciousness of the impressive Blue Hall and Golden Chamber and enjoy the beautiful view from the Garden.
Witness the historic elegance of the exterior of the Royal Palace, dating from the 18th century but built on the remains of the old castle "Three Crowns", which dates as far back as the 12th century. Built on a hill in the Old Town, the Royal Palace has no less than 608 rooms.
Continue with your guide for a walk along the narrow streets of the Old Town and experience the medieval intimacy of what is today a living historical monument of international renown. Savour the bohemian atmosphere and the sense of age in houses dating from the 16th to the 19th centuries with Baroque doorways and coats of arms. You will pass by Stockholm Cathedral (the oldest church in Stockholm) and the Great Square in the centre of the Old Town, which is dominated by the old Stock Exchange, today housing the Nobel (Prize) Museum and the Swedish Academy.
Next, reboard your coach and continue the panoramic sightseeing en route to the Vasa Museum, for a guided visit. The museum was built around a 17th century warship, which sank in Stockholm's inner harbour on its maiden voyage in 1628. Salvaged in 1961 and today restored to its former glory, the Vasa represents an authentic piece of living history.
After the visit, reboard your coach for the panoramic return drive to the pier and your ship.
· This moderate tour involves some steps and approximately 2 km (1.24 mile) of walking on uneven terrain (cobblestone streets in the old town). We recommend you to wear good and comfortable shoes. Please note the City Hall may close on short notice due to special events. If so, a guided tour of the Royal Armory will be offered.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Stockholm beauty land and water
Covering the city districts of Södermalm, Gamla Stan, Norrmalm, Östermalm and Djurgården, this tour offers an excellent introduction to Stockholm from land and from the water.
Drive through the enchanting medieval Old Town, the Gamla Stan, with the Royal Palace dating from the 18th century, overlooking Stockholm's inner harbor. It is surrounded by many other magnificent old houses and palaces.
Continue past the Royal Opera House and through the modern shopping and business areas at Hamngatan and Sergels Torg.
Leave the coach and board a motor launch for a 50-minute Royal Canal tour into the Stockholm's National City Park.
Cruise along Strandvägen, one of the most exclusive areas in Stockholm, and through the green and lush park areas of Djurgården. Once a Royal hunting area, today Djurgården functions as Stockholm's amusement and recreation center. It is home to great parklands, beautiful gardens, cafés and restaurants, the Gröna Lund Tivoli, the Skansen Open-Air Museum and the well-known Vasa Museum, which houses the 17th-century warship Vasa.
Out on more open water, you will pass Fjäderholmarna, the Feather Islands. Continue past Prince Eugen's Waldemarsudde.
After the visit, reboard your coach for the panoramic return drive to the pier and your ship.
· This moderate tour involves some steps and approximately 200 meters of walking on uneven terrain (cobblestone streets in the old town). We recommend you wear good and comfortable shoes.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Stockholm city tour & Vasa Museum
From the pier, board your coach for a 30-minute drive towards the City Hall.
The imposing City Hall is beautifully situated by the shores of the Lake Mälaren. Inaugurated in 1923 after 12 years of work, it is renowned for its architecture, murals, and mosaics, as well as for being the site of the annual Nobel Prize banquet. Experience the grandeur and spaciousness of the impressive Blue Hall and Golden Chamber and enjoy the beautiful view from the Garden.
Witness the historic elegance of the exterior of the Royal Palace, dating from the 18th century but built on the remains of the old castle "Three Crowns", which dates as far back as the 12th century. Built on a hill in the Old Town, the Royal Palace has no less than 608 rooms.
Continue with your guide for a walk along the narrow streets of the Old Town and experience the medieval intimacy of what is today a living historical monument of international renown. Savour the bohemian atmosphere and the sense of age in houses dating from the 16th to the 19th centuries with Baroque doorways and coats of arms. You will pass by Stockholm Cathedral (the oldest church in Stockholm) and the Great Square in the centre of the Old Town, which is dominated by the old Stock Exchange, today housing the Nobel (Prize) Museum and the Swedish Academy.
Next, reboard your coach and continue the panoramic sightseeing en route to the Vasa Museum, for a guided visit. The museum was built around a 17th century warship, which sank in Stockholm's inner harbour on its maiden voyage in 1628. Salvaged in 1961 and today restored to its former glory, the Vasa represents an authentic piece of living history.
After the visit, reboard your coach for the panoramic return drive to the pier and your ship.
· This moderate tour involves some steps and approximately 2 km (1.24 mile) of walking on uneven terrain (cobblestone streets in the old town). We recommend you to wear good and comfortable shoes. Please note the City Hall may close on short notice due to special events. If so, a guided tour of the Royal Armory will be offered.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Stockholm beauty land and water
Covering the city districts of Södermalm, Gamla Stan, Norrmalm, Östermalm and Djurgården, this tour offers an excellent introduction to Stockholm from land and from the water.
Drive through the enchanting medieval Old Town, the Gamla Stan, with the Royal Palace dating from the 18th century, overlooking Stockholm's inner harbor. It is surrounded by many other magnificent old houses and palaces.
Continue past the Royal Opera House and through the modern shopping and business areas at Hamngatan and Sergels Torg.
Leave the coach and board a motor launch for a 50-minute Royal Canal tour into the Stockholm's National City Park.
Cruise along Strandvägen, one of the most exclusive areas in Stockholm, and through the green and lush park areas of Djurgården. Once a Royal hunting area, today Djurgården functions as Stockholm's amusement and recreation center. It is home to great parklands, beautiful gardens, cafés and restaurants, the Gröna Lund Tivoli, the Skansen Open-Air Museum and the well-known Vasa Museum, which houses the 17th-century warship Vasa.
Out on more open water, you will pass Fjäderholmarna, the Feather Islands. Continue past Prince Eugen's Waldemarsudde.
After the visit, reboard your coach for the panoramic return drive to the pier and your ship.
· This moderate tour involves some steps and approximately 200 meters of walking on uneven terrain (cobblestone streets in the old town). We recommend you wear good and comfortable shoes.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Landscapes and heritage of Saaremaa
Fall under the spell of Estonia’s largest island through its typical villages, windmills, lake and large town.
Your visit of the island will begin with a scenic bus tour of its typical landscapes. You will drive through an old local village, Leisi, to the Angla windmill hill, where you will be able to admire an impressive exhibition of five windmills which have survived since the start of the last century.
You will then visit the charming little Karja Church, dating from the Middle Ages and famous for its decorative elements and its wall frescoes.
You will get back on the road for a short trip to Kaali Lake, at the bottom of a crater caused by a meteorite falling thousands of years ago. It is estimated that the meteorite fell here in 700 BC, forming a lake that is 16 metres (50 feet) deep and is considered Saaremaa’s most extraordinary geological marvel.
Enjoy a little free time in the centre of Kuressaare, the largest town on the island. You will be able to buy pretty local handicrafts or have a cup of coffee in one of the town’s many cafés.
· This visit involves walking on uneven and cobbled surfaces with some steps to negotiate. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and clothing.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Traditional farm, folk show and visit of Kuressaare
Dive into the island’s agricultural past by visiting an 18th century farm and attend a folk show before touring the main sites of Kuressaare.
Start your visit with a journey through the island’s beautiful countryside to the Mihkli Farm Museum. Founded in the 18th century, this farm was converted into a museum in 1959, when the last owner transferred the buildings and all their contents to the Saaremaa Museum.
A typical farm to the west of Saaremaa, Mihkli Farm contains many everyday objects such as an old loom, hand-made furniture, and also tableware: bowls for soup or porridge, beer mugs (the oldest dates back to 1816), tins for butter and salted fish, etc.
After exploring the farm, you will attend a colourful folk show on the farm’s premises.
Continue your visit to Kuressaare, the island’s capital and largest town. You will visit it by bus, stopping off at the most important sites.
· We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and clothing.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Saaremaa, pearl of the Baltic Sea
Set off to discover Estonia’s largest island, where wild nature and ancestral history co-exist in a unique atmosphere. With its sea, lakes, forests, windmills and medieval castles, Saaremaa will not leave you indifferent as it unveils its breathtaking scenery.
Your adventure will begin in a car driving through the island’s magical landscapes, between forests and fields, passing via the pretty village of Leisi and the hill adorned with windmills in Angla, where you will stop to admire cinq typical wooden windmills that date back to the last century and are considered to be some of the main symbols of the island.
The excursion will continue with a visit to Saaremaa’s veritable geological curiosity, Lake Kaali, with its atmosphere full of mystery. In reality, the lake is a crater caused by a meteorite falling to Earth almost 7,000 years ago and forming a lake with a 110- metre (360-foot) diameter.
In the island’s capital, Kuressaare, you will visit the medieval castle, one of the town’s most important sites, dating back to the 14th century. Now converted into a museum, it has kept its original form and is perfectly conserved. A little walk in the castle park will enable you to admire this beautiful building, which bears witness to Saaremaa’s rich past. After a short wander around the old town, you will be able to enjoy lunch in a typical and charming restaurant, in the heart of the medieval city.
The day will end with a visit to the Mihkli Farm Museum. Created in 1959, it recreates the activities of a typical 19th-century Estonian farm; everything here has been made by the inhabitants of the six generations living there for 200 years. It is an extraordinary testimony to rural life on the island in the past.
· The level of difficulty of this excursion is medium. The ground is flat, with uneven surfaces and some stairs.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Tallinn & folklore
Tallinn is a wonderfully preserved city of the Hanseatic League with its old town entered in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Departing from the pier, your coach will circle around the Old town, offering magnificent views of the medieval city wall.
You will start your guided walking tour in the Upper Town with its watch-towers, graceful spires and winding, cobbled streets. Visit the Russian Orthodox Church, inaugurated in 1900 and filled with a stunning array of superb icons. You will view the exterior of the castle which is now the seat of Estonia's parliament. Built on a cliff top the Upper Town provides superb vantage point from which to view the red gabled roofs and spires of the Lower Town.
Your tour will continue as you follow your guide down Long and Short Leg Streets to the Lower Town. The first visit here will be to a historical building in the city centre where you will be treated to a delightful Estonian folk show.
Once you are rested and ready to resume your touring, you will continue with a walking tour of the Lower Town. Among the highlights is the apothecary, which opened in 1422, the Great Guild House, Holy Ghost Church and the 15th century Gothic Town Hall (all from outside). Here in the heart of Tallinn, you will enjoy some free time before rejoining your coach and returning to the pier.
· This tour involves 4 km (2.48 miles) of walking, mostly on cobblestone streets, and some steps to climb. We recommend that you wear comfortable shoes. Appropriate dress is recommended to enter religious sites (shoulders and knees must be covered). Please note that the church may be closed on Sundays due to religious service. It is not recommended for persons with walking difficulties.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Gothic treasures of Tallinn
Immerse yourself in the medieval history of the Estonian capital through its emblematic monuments.
From the pier, your coach will take you through the modern part of the city before reaching the Old Town and stopping at the tall Pikk Hermann tower for a panoramic view of the imposing castle to which it is attached. You will then walk to the Kiek in de Kok tower to enjoy a superb view of the upper town’s towers and bell towers.
You will continue your visit on foot from the Hanseatic Old Town, past the Church of the Transfiguration, the Nun’s Gate, and the many merchant houses. On the way, admire the stunning Gothic facades of the guild houses as well as the Church of the Holy Spirit, home to Tallinn’s oldest clock.
Sitting in the centre of the square, the 15th-century town hall is one of few Gothic monuments from that period to be found in Europe. You will visit the Citizens’ Hall, now used for hosting receptions and concerts, as well as the Council Hall with its 15th-century furniture.
You will then admire the other buildings lining the square, including the shopfront of the apothecary, which is probably the oldest pharmacy in Europe, having been trading since 1422. After some free time, you will return to your coach via the Viru Gate, one of three gates that remain from the old city wall.
· This tour involves around 4 km (2.5 miles) of walking on a mainly flat, cobbled surface, and some twenty stairs. This tour is not recommended for people with difficulties walking. The coach trip takes approximately 15 minutes. We recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Le Champlain
Like the rest of the PONANT EXPLORERS series, Le Champlain successfully manages to subtly combine the desire to explore the remotest regions of the planet with the comfort and privacy of a cosily intimate ship.
To the innovative and environmentally friendly equipment are added elegant design and a unique atmosphere in keeping with the whole PONANT universe. Your dream of a cruise onboard a cosily intimate ship is thus made possible through the combination of an authentically genuine voyage experience together with discreet luxury.
Decks
Guest Speaker
Aboard your ship, an English-speaking lecturer will enlighten you about the culture and history of your destination to deepen your knowledge of the origins of local traditions, the history of emblematic sites, and stories involving famous personalities and those of major historical significance. During on-board lectures or on your shore visits, this expert will be there to share their precious knowledge with you throughout your PONANT cruise.
Timeless
With one included excursion per day and per guest, and the presence of expert lecturers on board, Timeless Explorations blend cultural curiosity, immersive experiences, and serene relaxation. A refined way to journey far from the everyday, both in mind and in spirit.
- Activities: One included excursion per day and per guest. Optional paid excursions are also available depending on the port of call.
- Landings (depending on the destination): By dock, tender boat, or aboard local vessels.
- Your experts on board: The dedicated excursion team and one or more guest lecturers.
- Children: Children from one year of age are welcome on board (from 8 years old on board Le Commandant Charcot).
The full program of all excursions, both included and optional, is available eight months prior to departure. Reservations open approximately two months before departure.
No single supplement
FREE SINGLE SUPPLEMENT *
*The supplement for single usage of a double cabin is waived, according to availability and staterooms categories.
Shore excursions, Pre/Post & Overlands
PANORAMIC TRANSFER TO THE PORT OF COPENHAGEN
Travel with peace of mind as PONANT organises your transfer between the airport and your port of embarkation.
Copenhagen
Meet at Copenhagen airport in the Arrival hall. Look for PONANT sign. You will be greeted by our local representative off the flight selected by PONANT.
You will then be transferred to the pier to embark on your ship.
Your programme includes:
· Transfer as mentioned in the programme.
· Services of a local English-speaking guide.
Your programme does not include:
· Tips for the driver and local guide.
· Personal expenses.
· Other services not mentioned in the programme.
To know your PONANT flight schedule, please contact your travel agent; it is also indicated on your electronic ticket included in your travel documents.
In the event of schedule changes of PONANT’s selected flight, your programme will be adapted to ensure the most seamless and enriching experience. The content of your revised programme will be updated on the PONANT website, in My Ponant space and on the PONANT app. The final programme will also be sent to you along with your cruise documents.
Kindly note that a minimum number of participants is required for this trip to proceed. As a result, both the price and itinerary may be adjusted based on the final number of participants. Should the minimum number not be met, we will offer you an alternative arrangement.
Total : $150
Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.COPENHAGEN CITY OF ART AND HISTORY (2 NIGHTS)
Enhance your cruise and extend your trip with a carefully designed programme.
Day 1 – Copenhagen
Meet at Copenhague airport in the Arrival hall. Look for PONANT sign. You will be greeted by our local representative off the flight selected by PONANT or any other flight (provided that you have previously communicated your flight schedule to your travel agent).
Transfer of around 30 minutes, from the airport to the Nobis Hotel 5*, not far from the Tivoli Gardens, in the very heart of the historic center of Copenhagen.
Afternoon and evening at leisure.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 2 – Copenhagen
Breakfast.
Your morning will be dedicated to discovering the royal grandeur of Denmark. You will begin with Christiansborg Palace, a symbol of tradition, power, and continuity that embodies the quintessence of elegance and sophistication. The Palace houses the royal representation rooms, where events of paramount importance take place. It was here, on January 14, 2024, that the Prime Minister proclaimed the new King of Denmark, marking a new era for the Danish monarchy.
Then, you will walk to the iconic house of Royal Copenhagen, refined and prestigious, which has embodied Danish elegance since 1775. This establishment is a porcelain factory that marries traditional craftsmanship with timeless design, creating pieces that transcend eras and trends. The porcelain collections of Royal Copenhagen have adorned royal tables and elegant homes around the world.
Lunch in a local restaurant.
After lunch, you will go to visit the famous Frederiksborg Castle, around 30 kilometres (19 miles) north of Copenhagen, which was built by King Christian IV at the beginning of the 17th century on three islets surrounded by a lake. You will be able to admire its Baroque Park and its romantic landscaped gardens, as well as a remarkable collection of portraits, historic paintings, tapestries and decorative arts.
You will then return to your hotel for some free time before heading out again to dine in a local restaurant.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 3 – Copenhagen
After breakfast and check-out, you will head off to visit the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art, located half an hour away from Copenhagen. You will discover its very beautiful sculpture garden offering a magnificent panorama over the Baltic Sea as well as many masterpieces by Giacometti, Andy Warhol, Calder, Francis Bacon or Asger Jon, one of the prominent figures in the CoBrA avant-garde movement. This architectural jewel is perfectly integrated into its environment and will delight art lovers.
After lunch in a local restaurant, you will be driven to the Little Mermaid, symbol of Copenhagen for an essential photo stop. This work of art, created by sculptor Edvard Eriksen in 1913, is a true artistic masterpiece blending delicacy and emotion. Her graceful silhouette is perched on a rock in the city's harbor, gazing out towards the horizon.
You will then be transferred to the pier of Copenhagen to embark on board your ship.
Your hotel:
The Nobis 5*, a member of Design hotels, is ideally located in the historic heart of Copenhagen. Its rooms are elegantly decorated with Scandinavian furniture in a sleek and contemporary spirit, with bathrooms in grey marble. You will be able to enjoy access to its fitness centre as well as its relaxation area, with a swimming pool, sauna and hammam.
Upgraded rooms are also available depending on availability and on a supplement basis. Contact your travel professional for further detail.
Your programme includes:
· 2-nights accommodation in Deluxe room Nobis 5* hotel (local standard) or similar, breakfast included.
· Meals as mentioned in the programme.
· Beverage package during meals (bottled water + 1 soft drink or 1 local beer or 1 glass of wine and 1 coffee or tea).
· Transfers, visits, and entrance fees as mentioned in the programme.
· The services of a local English-speaking guide.
Your programme does not include:
· Dinner on day 1.
· Personal expenses.
· Visa if necessary.
· Tips for the driver and local guide.
· Early check-in and late check-out.
· Other services not mentioned in the programme.
Please note:
· It is imperative that the details of your departure flight are provided to your travel agent, no later than 30 days before the start date of your cruise, to secure the proper private transfer.
· Early check-in or late check-out might be available depending on availability and on a supplement basis.
· Official hotel check-in time is 3:00 p.m.
· Official hotel check-out time is 11:00 a.m.
· This program requires to be able of walking to reach the house of Royal Copenhagen. We recommend wearing light clothing and comfortable walking shoes.
· Denmark’s unit is Danish Krone.
Contact of your hotel:
NOBIS hotel
Niels Brocks Gade 1
1574 København, Denmark
Telephone : (45) 78 74 14 10
Duration and order of the visits may vary. To know your PONANT flight schedule, please contact your travel agent; it is also indicated on your electronic ticket included in your travel documents.
Kindly note that a minimum number of participants is required for this trip to proceed. As a result, both the price and itinerary may be adjusted based on the final number of participants. Should the minimum number not be met, we will offer you an alternative arrangement.
Total : $2,970
Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.The best of Bornholm
From Gudhjem, you will board your coach and begin your scenic tour through the picturesque farmlands of the small Baltic island of Bornholm belonging to Denmark. On the way, you will enjoy the coastal landscape, heading to the Baltic Sea Glass workshop, located a few kilometers from Gudhjem. Baltic Sea Glass is Denmark's largest glass blowing studio, for which the island is famous. The studio and gallery are set in a converted chicken coop. Today, Baltic Sea Glass welcomes between 100,000 and 120,000 visitors every year. Although they mainly design and produce functional tabletop glassware, the workshop also creates unique pieces for galleries and museum exhibitions.
At the end of the tour, you will continue to Almindingen, on the other side of the island. In one of Denmark's largest forest areas, you will discover Oesterlars round church, one of the four round churches located on Bornholm (representing half of all round churches in Denmark). A visit inside the church is planned, provided that no religious services are scheduled.
The next stop is at Hammershus, an ancient fortress built on the northern tip of Bornholm. These are the largest castle ruins in Northern Europe. The oldest part was built in the early 12th century to consolidate the power held by the Archbishop of Lund (then part of Denmark) over the island and obtained through an agreement with the Danish king, Svend Grathe. For the next 500 years Hammershus was home to various rulers of the island. Hammershus has been rebuilt and expanded several times. In 1743, Hammershus was finally abandoned as a fortress.
You visit will end with a stop in the charming village of Allinge where you will visit one of the smokehouses for that the island is also renowned. During this visit, you can taste smoked herring and an icecold beer before making the short return trip to the village of Gudhjem to board your ship.
· Approx 2 km - gravel, concrete, mostly flat - but there are stairs at Hammershus. The stairs to go on the roof of the church are narrow and dark. Guests are advised to wear comfortable walking shoes. Please note, there is no guarantee that the glassblowers will be working at the time of the visit.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Nature and villages of Bornholm
From the pier, board your bus for a 30-minute drive and start your adventure around the island and through the lush Danish countryside. Drive along the northern coast of this little island situated far from the rest of Denmark in the Baltic Sea. Enjoy the unspoiled landscape and cliffs along the coast and drive through the little village of Allinge before reaching your first stop, the ruins of Hammershus.
Hammershus is the largest ruined castle in Northern Europe. The oldest part of the ruin dates back to the early 12th century and was erected to consolidate control of the island by Archbishop of Lund in the south of Sweden, which also used to be a part of Denmark. Enjoy the magnificent view of the ruin from the viewing point and explore the visitor center where you can learn more about the ruin and the kings who ruled the island.
Next, enjoy the journey to the south of Bornholm, arriving at its biggest town Rønne. Rønne is the largest town on the Danish island of Bornholm. Owing to its natural harbour and its strategic position in the Baltic Sea, Rønne has an interesting history, falling under both German and Swedish influence during its development as a herring fishing port. You will take a stroll along the cobbled streets and enjoy the coloured timbered and half-timbered houses. Rønne is now one of the most visited and popular villages in Denmark. Enjoy time exploring the capital on your own.
Along the northern coast, you will travel into the countryside passing the famous round church of Østerlars , where a uick photo stop will be made (outside visit), which dates back to 1150. It was used both as a place of worship and as protection against enemies from the sea.
Taking the coastal road, you will then travel back to Gudhjem, where you will have the opportunity to walk from the top of the village down the winding narrow streets with your guide before your journey ends where it began.
· Please note the order of the visits may be reversed.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Gdansk city tour & Chopin concert
From the pier in Gdansk, you will board your coach for a drive through the suburban and commercial sections of Gdansk on your way to the Old Town.
The city’s 1,000 years of history have left a collection of buildings and monuments designed in Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque styles. Your guided walk will bring you to the heart of the city - the Old Town. You will see buildings decorated with elaborate facades crowded by ornate gables. You will pass by the Town Hall, Long Market and the beautiful 15th century merchant’s Palace of Artus Court. Pause at Neptune’s Fountain to admire this monumental symbol of Gdansk’s Hanseatic past and its connection with the sea before walking down to the waterfront canal. Then take Mariacka or St. Mary’s Street, which delight its visitors with its lively atmosphere, quaint shops and lovely terraced buildings.
Continue to St. Mary’s Church, the pride of Gdansk. Gothic St. Mary’s is the world’s largest brick church, accommodating some 25,000 worshippers. Situated in the centre of Old Town, this medieval church took 159 years to build, and its deceivingly plain exterior belies a bright, spacious interior with large windows and more than 30 beautifully decorated chapels. The floor is covered with ancient tombstones, and the northern transept holds an amazing 15th-century astronomical clock, complete with the zodiac cycle and a calendar of the saints. Enjoy some time at leisure to shop for amber jewellery, artwork and souvenirs in the Old Town of Gdansk.
Next, drive to the Polish Baltic Philharmonic and enjoy an exlusive concert of Polish classical music, which presents the most famous pieces of classical music written by Frédéric Chopin, as well as other great masters that continued his tradition: Edward Grieg, Fritz Kreisler, Wojciech Kilar (a contemporary film music composer) and Henryk Wieniawski. The entire programme will be performed by a renowned Polish pianist Rafal Lewandowski.
After the concert, re-board your coach for the return drive to the pier and your ship.
· This tour involves approximately 2.5 km (1.24 mile) of walking, some over cobblestone streets. We recommend you wear comfortable shoes. Appropriate dress is recommended to enter religious sites (shoulders and knees must be covered). A welcome drink before the concert will be offered.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Malbork Castle
Discover the beauty of Poland and visit the castle that has remained an object of European fascination since its mediaval origins.
Meet your guide, then board your bus for a one-hour ride to the town of Malbork.
Follow your guide and get immersed in medieval Poland, the time of the Teutonic Knights and the largest medieval fortress in Europe.
Malbork Castle, also known as the Castle of the Teutonic Order of Malbork, is the most complete and elaborate example of a Gothic brick castle complex in the characteristic and unique style of the Teutonic Order. Moreover, in 1997 it was included in the list of UNSECO World Heritage Sites. A large part of the original structure remains in Malbork and testifies to the high standard and exceptional quality of craftsmanship practiced in the region throughout the 14th century. Construction along the Nogat River began in 1274, when the Teutonic Knights created this massive stone fortress that includes formidable defensive walls, towers, a labyrinth of chambers, keeps and wonderful architectural details. In 1309, the headquarters of the knights left Venice to settle here. In 1466, the castle and town became part of Royal Prussia, a province of Poland, and served as the royal residence of Polish kings for the next 300 years. Extensive conservation work on the castle was carried out in the 19th and early 20th centuries. After the severe damage it suffered during the final phase of World War II, the castle was renovated once again. Today, the castle serves as a museum, with large exhibition halls, which display collections of armour, ceramics, sculptures and spectacular Baltic amber.
At the end of this exceptional tour, you will return, by bus, to your ship in Gdansk.
· This tour involves approximately 1km of walking with 150 steps to negotiate at the Castle. We recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Stockholm city tour & Vasa Museum
From the pier, board your coach for a 30-minute drive towards the City Hall.
The imposing City Hall is beautifully situated by the shores of the Lake Mälaren. Inaugurated in 1923 after 12 years of work, it is renowned for its architecture, murals, and mosaics, as well as for being the site of the annual Nobel Prize banquet. Experience the grandeur and spaciousness of the impressive Blue Hall and Golden Chamber and enjoy the beautiful view from the Garden.
Witness the historic elegance of the exterior of the Royal Palace, dating from the 18th century but built on the remains of the old castle "Three Crowns", which dates as far back as the 12th century. Built on a hill in the Old Town, the Royal Palace has no less than 608 rooms.
Continue with your guide for a walk along the narrow streets of the Old Town and experience the medieval intimacy of what is today a living historical monument of international renown. Savour the bohemian atmosphere and the sense of age in houses dating from the 16th to the 19th centuries with Baroque doorways and coats of arms. You will pass by Stockholm Cathedral (the oldest church in Stockholm) and the Great Square in the centre of the Old Town, which is dominated by the old Stock Exchange, today housing the Nobel (Prize) Museum and the Swedish Academy.
Next, reboard your coach and continue the panoramic sightseeing en route to the Vasa Museum, for a guided visit. The museum was built around a 17th century warship, which sank in Stockholm's inner harbour on its maiden voyage in 1628. Salvaged in 1961 and today restored to its former glory, the Vasa represents an authentic piece of living history.
After the visit, reboard your coach for the panoramic return drive to the pier and your ship.
· This moderate tour involves some steps and approximately 2 km (1.24 mile) of walking on uneven terrain (cobblestone streets in the old town). We recommend you to wear good and comfortable shoes. Please note the City Hall may close on short notice due to special events. If so, a guided tour of the Royal Armory will be offered.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Stockholm beauty land and water
Covering the city districts of Södermalm, Gamla Stan, Norrmalm, Östermalm and Djurgården, this tour offers an excellent introduction to Stockholm from land and from the water.
Drive through the enchanting medieval Old Town, the Gamla Stan, with the Royal Palace dating from the 18th century, overlooking Stockholm's inner harbor. It is surrounded by many other magnificent old houses and palaces.
Continue past the Royal Opera House and through the modern shopping and business areas at Hamngatan and Sergels Torg.
Leave the coach and board a motor launch for a 50-minute Royal Canal tour into the Stockholm's National City Park.
Cruise along Strandvägen, one of the most exclusive areas in Stockholm, and through the green and lush park areas of Djurgården. Once a Royal hunting area, today Djurgården functions as Stockholm's amusement and recreation center. It is home to great parklands, beautiful gardens, cafés and restaurants, the Gröna Lund Tivoli, the Skansen Open-Air Museum and the well-known Vasa Museum, which houses the 17th-century warship Vasa.
Out on more open water, you will pass Fjäderholmarna, the Feather Islands. Continue past Prince Eugen's Waldemarsudde.
After the visit, reboard your coach for the panoramic return drive to the pier and your ship.
· This moderate tour involves some steps and approximately 200 meters of walking on uneven terrain (cobblestone streets in the old town). We recommend you wear good and comfortable shoes.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Landscapes and heritage of Saaremaa
Fall under the spell of Estonia’s largest island through its typical villages, windmills, lake and large town.
Your visit of the island will begin with a scenic bus tour of its typical landscapes. You will drive through an old local village, Leisi, to the Angla windmill hill, where you will be able to admire an impressive exhibition of five windmills which have survived since the start of the last century.
You will then visit the charming little Karja Church, dating from the Middle Ages and famous for its decorative elements and its wall frescoes.
You will get back on the road for a short trip to Kaali Lake, at the bottom of a crater caused by a meteorite falling thousands of years ago. It is estimated that the meteorite fell here in 700 BC, forming a lake that is 16 metres (50 feet) deep and is considered Saaremaa’s most extraordinary geological marvel.
Enjoy a little free time in the centre of Kuressaare, the largest town on the island. You will be able to buy pretty local handicrafts or have a cup of coffee in one of the town’s many cafés.
· This visit involves walking on uneven and cobbled surfaces with some steps to negotiate. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and clothing.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Traditional farm, folk show and visit of Kuressaare
Dive into the island’s agricultural past by visiting an 18th century farm and attend a folk show before touring the main sites of Kuressaare.
Start your visit with a journey through the island’s beautiful countryside to the Mihkli Farm Museum. Founded in the 18th century, this farm was converted into a museum in 1959, when the last owner transferred the buildings and all their contents to the Saaremaa Museum.
A typical farm to the west of Saaremaa, Mihkli Farm contains many everyday objects such as an old loom, hand-made furniture, and also tableware: bowls for soup or porridge, beer mugs (the oldest dates back to 1816), tins for butter and salted fish, etc.
After exploring the farm, you will attend a colourful folk show on the farm’s premises.
Continue your visit to Kuressaare, the island’s capital and largest town. You will visit it by bus, stopping off at the most important sites.
· We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and clothing.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Saaremaa, pearl of the Baltic Sea
Set off to discover Estonia’s largest island, where wild nature and ancestral history co-exist in a unique atmosphere. With its sea, lakes, forests, windmills and medieval castles, Saaremaa will not leave you indifferent as it unveils its breathtaking scenery.
Your adventure will begin in a car driving through the island’s magical landscapes, between forests and fields, passing via the pretty village of Leisi and the hill adorned with windmills in Angla, where you will stop to admire cinq typical wooden windmills that date back to the last century and are considered to be some of the main symbols of the island.
The excursion will continue with a visit to Saaremaa’s veritable geological curiosity, Lake Kaali, with its atmosphere full of mystery. In reality, the lake is a crater caused by a meteorite falling to Earth almost 7,000 years ago and forming a lake with a 110- metre (360-foot) diameter.
In the island’s capital, Kuressaare, you will visit the medieval castle, one of the town’s most important sites, dating back to the 14th century. Now converted into a museum, it has kept its original form and is perfectly conserved. A little walk in the castle park will enable you to admire this beautiful building, which bears witness to Saaremaa’s rich past. After a short wander around the old town, you will be able to enjoy lunch in a typical and charming restaurant, in the heart of the medieval city.
The day will end with a visit to the Mihkli Farm Museum. Created in 1959, it recreates the activities of a typical 19th-century Estonian farm; everything here has been made by the inhabitants of the six generations living there for 200 years. It is an extraordinary testimony to rural life on the island in the past.
· The level of difficulty of this excursion is medium. The ground is flat, with uneven surfaces and some stairs.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Tallinn & folklore
Tallinn is a wonderfully preserved city of the Hanseatic League with its old town entered in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Departing from the pier, your coach will circle around the Old town, offering magnificent views of the medieval city wall.
You will start your guided walking tour in the Upper Town with its watch-towers, graceful spires and winding, cobbled streets. Visit the Russian Orthodox Church, inaugurated in 1900 and filled with a stunning array of superb icons. You will view the exterior of the castle which is now the seat of Estonia's parliament. Built on a cliff top the Upper Town provides superb vantage point from which to view the red gabled roofs and spires of the Lower Town.
Your tour will continue as you follow your guide down Long and Short Leg Streets to the Lower Town. The first visit here will be to a historical building in the city centre where you will be treated to a delightful Estonian folk show.
Once you are rested and ready to resume your touring, you will continue with a walking tour of the Lower Town. Among the highlights is the apothecary, which opened in 1422, the Great Guild House, Holy Ghost Church and the 15th century Gothic Town Hall (all from outside). Here in the heart of Tallinn, you will enjoy some free time before rejoining your coach and returning to the pier.
· This tour involves 4 km (2.48 miles) of walking, mostly on cobblestone streets, and some steps to climb. We recommend that you wear comfortable shoes. Appropriate dress is recommended to enter religious sites (shoulders and knees must be covered). Please note that the church may be closed on Sundays due to religious service. It is not recommended for persons with walking difficulties.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Gothic treasures of Tallinn
Immerse yourself in the medieval history of the Estonian capital through its emblematic monuments.
From the pier, your coach will take you through the modern part of the city before reaching the Old Town and stopping at the tall Pikk Hermann tower for a panoramic view of the imposing castle to which it is attached. You will then walk to the Kiek in de Kok tower to enjoy a superb view of the upper town’s towers and bell towers.
You will continue your visit on foot from the Hanseatic Old Town, past the Church of the Transfiguration, the Nun’s Gate, and the many merchant houses. On the way, admire the stunning Gothic facades of the guild houses as well as the Church of the Holy Spirit, home to Tallinn’s oldest clock.
Sitting in the centre of the square, the 15th-century town hall is one of few Gothic monuments from that period to be found in Europe. You will visit the Citizens’ Hall, now used for hosting receptions and concerts, as well as the Council Hall with its 15th-century furniture.
You will then admire the other buildings lining the square, including the shopfront of the apothecary, which is probably the oldest pharmacy in Europe, having been trading since 1422. After some free time, you will return to your coach via the Viru Gate, one of three gates that remain from the old city wall.
· This tour involves around 4 km (2.5 miles) of walking on a mainly flat, cobbled surface, and some twenty stairs. This tour is not recommended for people with difficulties walking. The coach trip takes approximately 15 minutes. We recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
DISCOVER PORVOO FROM HELSINKI
Travel with peace of mind as PONANT organises your day time between the airport and your port of embarkation.
Day 1 – Helsinki - Porvoo
After disembarkation procedures are completed, you will be greeted at the port by our local representative.
You will be drive through the Finnish countryside to the medieval town of Porvoo for a one hour drive.
Begin with a panoramic drive through Helsinki, past the bustling open-air market and several grand works of architecture. Watch for the Uspenski Orthodox Cathedral, the Presidential Palace, and expansive Senate Square in the heart of the city. A 45-minute drive cross-country brings you to the township of Porvoo.
At a local porcelain factory, watch a demonstration of whichever phase of production is currently underway. Find out about the techniques and history unique to this factory and company. There will be free time to browse at the factory shop during your visit.
Return to the coach for the short drive to Old Porvoo.
Take a leisurely walk with your guide through the precinct, absorbing the profound history of this special place. Settled in the Middle Ages, Porvoo is the second oldest town in Finland. It was chartered in 1346 by Swedish King Magnus Eriksson. See the medieval cathedral where Tsar Alexander I convened the legislative Diet of Porvoo in 1809, proclaiming Finland a Russian Grand Duchy. Enjoy some free time to admire on your own the impressive gardens and browse among the handicraft and antique stores before rejoining your coach for a short drive to Haikko Manor (or similar) where 3 course lunch is served.
Enjoy lunch in the historical atmosphere and have some time to stoll around the grounds of the manor before being transferred to the airport in time for check-in for the PONANT selected flight.
Your programme includes:
· Transfers, visits, and entrance fees as mentioned in the programme.
· Meals as mentioned in the programme.
· Beverage package during meals (bottled water + 1 local glass of bier or 1 soft drink and 1 coffee or tea).
· The services of a local English-speaking guide.
Your programme does not include:
· Personal expenses.
· Visa if necessary.
· Tips for the driver and local guide.
· Other services not mentioned in the programme.
Please note:
· This programme is not suitable for people with reduced mobility.
· A minimum of 10 guests is required to operate the tour.
Duration and order of the visits may vary. To know your PONANT flight schedule, please contact your travel agent; it is also indicated on your electronic ticket included in your travel documents.
In the event of schedule changes of PONANT’s selected flight, your programme will be adapted to ensure the most seamless and enriching experience. The content of your revised programme will be updated on the PONANT website, in My Ponant space and on the PONANT app. The final programme will also be sent to you along with your cruise documents.
Kindly note that a minimum number of participants is required for this trip to proceed. As a result, both the price and itinerary may be adjusted based on the final number of participants. Should the minimum number not be met, we will offer you an alternative arrangement.
Total : $260
Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.