Superior Stateroom
20% Ponant Bonus
226 ft²
3
From the dreamlike landscapes of the British archipelago to the spellbinding rocky and snow-covered islets of the Arctic Circle, PONANT invites you aboard Le Lyrial for an all-new 10-day journey, discovering the natural marvels and age-old heritage of Scotland and Norway, lands of Celtic and Viking legends.
Departing from Edinburgh, city of history and labelled city of literature by UNESCO you will head for the Orkney archipelago and its windswept moorland landscape. Stromness, a small fishing port with stone houses, reveals a rich history of Vikings, merchants and sailors.
You will then reach Scrabster, Scotland’s northernmost port. Here you will discover wild nature, made of lush moors, and monumental granite cliffs where many bird species come to find refuge. In addition to its preserved aspect, the charming little town is distinguished by its rich history. It was on these hilly lands that Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother had the neo-Gothic Castle of Mey restored, after the death of King George VI.
Further north, Le Lyrial will sail towards the jagged Norwegian coastlines. Witness this breath-taking spectacle of vertiginous cliffs, immaculate coniferous forests and majestic fjords, and let yourself fall under the spell of these geological masterpieces produced by Mother Nature. Anchored at the entrance to the eponymous fjord and encircled by lush valleys, the picturesque mediaeval city of Trondheim, founded in the 10th century by the Viking King Olaf I, still retains traces of this opulent past, like its emblematic Nidaros Cathedral, an interesting blend of Gothic and Roman influences constructed at the end of the 11th century.
Surrounded by numerous rocky, verdant and snow-covered islets, your ship will approach the charming and historic Bronnoysund. A former Viking city, it is the gateway to the fascinating Vega Archipelago, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Formed of dozens of islands, reefs and isolated rocks, it is a veritable nature sanctuary for many colonies of seabirds, particularly eider ducks, during their nesting period.
The Arctic Circle draws increasingly close and this pristine nature unfolds before you. The deep blue water contrasts with the land and the season’s verdant vegetation.Your ship will then make its way south where you will witness the mysterious charm of the Lofoten archipelago. These islands have landscapes of surreal beauty alternating between sea, spectacular fjords, mountain slopes and bright-coloured huts on stilts.
Just north, at the gateway to the Vesterålen and Lofoten archipelagos, Hinnoya will surprise, captivate and fascinate. At the northern tip of this island, the fourth-largest in Norway, Harstad stands proudly in the centre of a veritable natural setting, between grandiose fjords and mountain chains that feature prominent curves. The former centre of power during the Iron Age, the charming city unveils its Viking culture through its picturesque alleyways and museums tracing this past, rich in legends, traditions and discoveries.
Your trip will end in Tromso, renowned for the architecture of its church, nicknamed the Arctic Cathedral.
Ref : ET015 - LY110524
An all-new cruise discovering the natural wonders and Celtic and Viking heritage of Scotland and Norway. UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the Heart of Neolithic Orkney, from Bronnoysund, Vega island (Vega...
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Included in your cruise
For more peace of mind, PONANT organizes your trip before or after the cruise. This package is included in the price of your cruise.
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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*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.
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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:
For men:
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:
For men:
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:
HEALTH CARE:
OUTFITS ON BOARD:
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
Embarkation 5/11/2024 from 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Departure 5/11/2024 at 6:00 PM
Situated on the southern shore of the Firth of Forth opposite to Rosyth, the great city of Edinburgh has served as Scotland’s capital since the 15th century. Although no longer the largest city in the country, it remains the political, religious, and cultural focus of Scottish pride. Edinburgh Castle, in the very center of the city, is one end of the world famous Royal Mile that leads through the Old Town to the Palace of Holyrood, the Queen’s official residence in Scotland. A UNESCO World Heritage site, it is a wonderful place to shop and to sample local delicacies, like haggis and the whisky for which Scotland is renowned.
Arrival 5/12/2024 midday
Departure 5/12/2024 evening
The stone houses stand proudly facing the sea in the charming town of Stromness, the second most populous town in Scotland’s Orkney Islands. Long ago called Hamnavoe – meaning “safe harbour” – because of the safety it provided to Viking travellers, sailors and merchants sailing around Great Britain, the town has retained its gentle way of life. Strolling along its picturesque streets will immerse you in the history of the fishermen and whale hunters, but also allow you to discover a lively town with a living culture.
Arrival 5/13/2024 early morning
Departure 5/13/2024 early afternoon
Fall under the spell of the charming little town of Scrabster, anchored in Thurso Bay, in the mythical Highlands of Northern Scotland. Scotland’s northernmost port, it is a strategic site for the region’s fishing industry. During hikes, you will be captivated by this wild and enigmatic nature, composed of verdant moors, sheer granite cliffs and fine sandy beaches. These hilly lands are home to certain Royal treasures of the British archipelago. For example, discover the neo-Gothic Castle of Mey, restored at the request of Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother after the death of King George VI.
Arrival 5/14/2024
Departure 5/14/2024
During your journey at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This journey without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, depending on the activities offered, or to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.
Arrival 5/15/2024 mid morning
Departure 5/15/2024 late afternoon
Nestling at the end of the sumptuous Trondheimsfjord, at the mouth of the River Nidelva, and surrounded by green valleys, the mediaeval city of Trondheim will not fail to amaze you. You will be captivated by the natural and cultural riches offered by Norway’s third city, which was founded by the Viking King Olaf I in the 10th century. As you stroll the cobbled streets of its old town, you will discover atypical architecture. An example is its emblematic Nidaros Cathedral, an architectural jewel of the 11th century and an interesting blend of Gothic and Roman influences.
Arrival 5/16/2024 midday
Departure 5/16/2024 early evening
Nestling on the Torget peninsula a short distance from the Arctic Circle, not far from the mythical Torghatten granite dome, Bronnoysund invites you on an unforgettable journey into the heart of wild nature, between chains of rocky, green and snow-covered islets. The port of call in this former Viking city will also be an opportunity to discover the Vega archipelago, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its 6,500 or so islands will offer you indelible moments in this natural setting, where time seems to stand still. Surrounded by high mountains that drop sharply into the Norwegian Sea, these insular natural sanctuaries are home to many species of seabirds, like the common eider.
Arrival 5/17/2024 early morning
Departure 5/17/2024 late evening
Way beyond the Arctic Circle, Lofoten Islands are truly considered to be in “another world”. A jewel of nature in its most pristine state, this archipelago with its jagged coastline offers you majestic settings of high alpine summits, sandy beaches, green prairies and fjords of a deep blue, where countless bird colonies make their nests. Whether you visit Å, or Nusjford, listed by UNESCO, enjoy authentic and memorable moments.
Arrival 5/18/2024 early morning
Departure 5/18/2024 early evening
Located on the island of Austvågøy, in the county of Nordland, Svolvær will be your ideal entry point for discovering the Lofoten islands. An important stopover to the north of Norway, fishing is one of the town’s main features. And its speciality is? Cod. A picturesque white Lutherian church rests atop a hillside ridge, overlooking the town's multi-coloured houses. Still higher, the “The Solvær Goat” mountain looks over the town from its rocky heights. Topped with two peaks like the horns of an animal, it is one of the region’s must-see natural attractions.
Arrival 5/19/2024 early morning
Departure 5/19/2024 evening
Beyond the Arctic Circle, north of the Norwegian Sea and at the gateway to the Vesterålen archipelago and the sumptuous Lofoten islands, surprising Harstad enjoys an extraordinary natural setting. A favoured destination for its gentle way of life, the small town and surrounding area are a concentrate of the northern Norway’s finest features: majestic coniferous forests, rugged mountains, bewitching fjords and preserved archipelagos. As inhospitable as they are magnificent, these lands still bear traces of the Bronze Age. For example, work tools, jewels and cairns sheltering many tombs that date back several millennia have been discovered during archaeological excavations.
Arrival 5/20/2024 early morning
Disembarkation 5/20/2024 at 8:00 AM
In the north of the Arctic circle you’ll discover Tromsø, a secluded town located in the county of Troms. Norwegians call it the “Paris of the north”. You’ll soon see why when you discover its extensive neoclassical architectural heritage. A stunning example is the Arctic cathedral, a major monument whose stylistic purity echoes the outline of the mountains surrounding the town.
During this scenic circular tour, explore the beautiful West Mainland of Orkney, location of one of the greatest concentrations of World Heritage prehistoric sites in Britain.
Passing through an area of rich farmland, rolling hills and moorland, fringed by magnificent cliffs, visit the great ceremonial Standing Stones of Stenness and Ring of Brodgar.
Further on, you will arrive at Skara Brae, the most exciting and best-preserved Neolithic village in Northern Europe. The remains of this 5,000-year-old Neolithic village are beautifully preserved and interpreted in a modern visitor centre. Lying beside the pretty, sandy crescent of the Bay of Skaill, this Stone Age settlement was completely buried under sand for thousands of years, until suddenly revealed during a fierce storm in 1850. Amongst the fascinating relics found here are tools, beads, pottery, and whalebone artefacts, spanning over a period of approximately 600 years of occupation, all based on the tough maritime economy. Looking across the village, it gives a good idea of how it looked all those centuries ago, and close inspection of the houses gives a unique insight into how our ancient ancestors lived.
The hardship of life in Skara Brae can be directly contrasted to Orkney's finest manor house, Skaill House, which is located nearby and constitutes the next stop of our journey through ancient Orkney. A powerful bishop built it on an ancient graveyard in 1620.
Finally, return to your ship via Historic Scapa Flow, where you will pause to take photos from the coach. Hear stories of dramatic wartime experiences that make this one of the most renowned stretches of water in world.
Total : $130
According to availability, price per passenger.From the pier, board your local coach and head towards the Mull Head nature reserve. Along the way, enjoy a panoramic ride through the Viking town and past the magnificent St Magnus Cathedral before heading out into the rural landscape of Orkney’s East Mainland.
Orkney has a number of stretches of coastline that are fantastic to explore, but Mull Head is very special indeed. Mull Head is the furthest point of Deerness and offers one of the finest coastal circuits on Mainland Orkney. Enjoy a walk on the coastal parth which allows for many photo opportunities and bird watching. Special points of interest include "The Gloup", a collapsed sea cave, and the remains of a church on the Brough of Deerness. On a clear day you will also be able to see the Covenanter's Memorial further along the coast.
Total : €170
According to availability, price per passenger.Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother first saw what was then known as Barrogill Castle in 1952, while mourning the death of her husband, King George VI. Falling for its ruined, isolated charm, and hearing it was to be abandoned, she decided to save it.
Her Majesty purchased the Castle, returned it to its original name of Castle of Mey, and spent 2 years renovating the castle and its parkland. Included in her restoration was the delightful walled garden that, thanks to 12-foot high ‘Great Wall of Mey’, is protected from the fierce winds and salt spray that blow in from the Pentland Firth. She even managed to nurture her favourite old rose, Albertine, into scented abundance behind the Great Wall of Mey.
Enjoy your tour of the Castle and her gardens today with your guide and learn more about why this property was so close to The Queen Mother’s heart and about Prince Charles’ commitment to the future of Castle of Mey.
Total : €120
According to availability, price per passenger.From the pier, board your local coach for a nice panoramic drive to the most northerly point of mainland Britain, Dunnet Head nature reserve, a craggy peninsula in Caithness on Scotland's north coast. Here, you will witness this seabirds sanctuary, including Puffins, Razorbills, Guillemots, Fulmars and Kittiwakes.
From there, you will be transferred to John O'Groats, for a photo and comfort stop at the famous John O'Groats sign, before carrying on the Duncansby Head.
Although John O’ Groats takes the fame, Duncansby Head is the ‘real’ northeastern tip of mainland Britain by a mile or two. You will be greeted with spectacular views over the coast and you may get the chance to see puffins and seals. Discover the beautiful view of the lighthouse and enjoy the Duncansby Stacks, a collection of sea stacks jutting out of the North Sea.
Total : €120
According to availability, price per passenger.From the pier, board your local coach for a 1-hour drive to John O’Groats, one of the UK mainland’s most northernly points. It's a small coastal village scattered over a large area and is mainly a rural farming community. John O’Groats as a destination has a name far bigger than the village itself so sometimes people expect a ‘town’ or more. John O’Groats isn’t a Disney World, an Alton Towers, a theme park or even like Land’s End. It is a fantastic, unspoilt location from which the adventurous can see the wonderful landscape and wildlife that is so special to this area and is the real star of the show. For the less adventurous there is still plenty to do and see at ‘the end of the road’.
Upon arrival, follow your guide for a visit of the John O’Groats brewery. Allan, Simon and John have been keen individual home brewers for many years. They started off with kits bought from shops then progressed to all grain brewing using cobbled together ranges of pots and pans in their kitchens and garages. The three combined forces with local hotelier Andrew and set up a 4 barrel brewery in the Old Fire Station in John o Groats in 2015. From there they started producing a range of cask ales, starting by selling bottles locally and then distributing across the north of Scotland. Learn about their brewing process before enjoying a taster of the ales.
Then, enjoy a live blacksmith demonstration. Watch how the Blacksmith makes objects from wrought iron or steel, a truly original skill!
Before returning to the pier, you will be able to explore John O’Groats on your own.
Total : €160
According to availability, price per passenger.Trondheim is one of Norway's oldest cities, founded by the Viking King Olav Tryggvason in 997. Today, the city has a population of approximately 190,000.
From the pier, the tour heads through the busy city centre, past the market square with the statue of the Viking King who founded the city, to Nidaros Cathedral. This church, dating from the 12th century, is one of the finest and largest in Gothic style in Scandinavia and was one of Europe's most important pilgrimage-churches. Behind the cathedral lies another stone-building dating back to the Middle Ages, the Archdiocese. The head of the Catholic Church in Norway had his fortified residence here until the Reformation in 1537, when the last archbishop had to flee the country.
After having visited the Cathedral, you will board the coach and head out to a viewpoint where you will have the opportunity to admire the old winding bridge and the old warehouses along the river.
Your tour will continue with a visit to the Folk Museum at Sverresborg. The museum displays, among other things, the urban and rural culture of Trøndelag county. Buildings have been brought to the site from all over the area and re-assembled to provide an authentic cross-section of life and architecture, and we shall visit some of these during our stay.
From the Folk Museum, we will return to the pier.
Total : €90
According to availability, price per passenger.Enjoy a nostalgic tram ride and discover the main sights of Trondheim. Head to St Olav Street in the city centre, where you will board a vintage Grakall-banen, the only tram line left in Trondheim. The 5½-mile tram line, originally opened in 1924, runs downhill from the town centre, through the outskirts, passing green parks and picturesque old wooden houses painted in vivid colours, to Lian, Trondheim’s recreation area.
The tram has been a familiar part of everyday life in Trondheim and, as you trundle along, you will have the opportunity to see how the local people live. You will also pass the old fortifications, dating back to the 16th century, before climbing Byasen Hill for splendid views of the calm River Nid, Nidaros Cathedral, the fjord and neighbouring fertile valleys.
Changing transportation back to a coach, you will drive through new and old Trondheim and pass the Market Square's impressive statue of Viking King Olav Tryggvason, before stopping at the Sverresli Viewpoint to absorb the surrounding panorama of the city and the harbour.
Total : €90
According to availability, price per passenger.Trondheim was founded in 997 AC and was the first capital of Norway. Today, it is Norway’s 3rd largest city, but it is still the location where new kings and queens receive their ceremonial blessing. The city centre is framed by Trondheimsfjord - around the bends at the mouth of the River Nidelva - and is a blend of old and new.
From the pier, you will walk to the town centre, passing through the pedestrian areas towards NIdaros Cathedral. The Cathedral was built on the gravesite of Norway’s patron Saint, and is therefore the original St. Olav’s Church, an important destination for pilgrims before the reformation. The West Wall is richly ornamented in stone. You will continue via the Old City Bridge to Bakklandet. In the Bakklandet area, most of the houses are small and built from wood by sailors, fishermen and labourers. The charming surroundings close to the City Centre have been recognized by modern people, who have restored the old buildings and moved in, breathing new life into the area, which now includes small Café’s and Shops. Among the curiosities in the area is a special bicycle lift – called Trampe – that takes you up the steep Brubakken Hill.
Afterward your visit, you will return to the pier.
Total : €90
According to availability, price per passenger.Board your coach with a guide for a sightseeing tour of Bronnoysund and the herb farm.
Since its inception in 1988, the herb farm has grown herbs at Hildurs. The herb garden is a magnificent sight and will be an absolute pleasure both for your own kitchen and you as a guest.
The contents of the herb garden vary from week to week as we grow and harvest many of the herbs ourselves for our own kitchen. There are separate sections for culinary herbs, medicinal herbs, poisonous plants, and a biblical garden. Roses, perennials and rhododendrons in just the right proportions form a colourful frame around the farm.
After enjoying some refreshments in the coziness of the farm, you will drive back to the pier in Bronnoysund.
Total : €130
According to availability, price per passenger.From the pier, board your local coach and enjoy your trip through the beautiful Brønnøysund before reaching your hiking spot.
Today's walk will take you to the top of Torghatten mountain. With the characteristic hole right through the mountain, this is one of the most recognizable and iconic places along the Norwegian coast. According to local legend, the mountain was once the hat of a sorcerer king, which he used to save a young sorceress from an arrow.
Spend around half an hour getting up the hilly path to where the hole starts. The hole is 35 metres high, 160 metres long, and between 15 and 20 metres wide - it is actually large enough for one of Hurtigruten's ships to pass through. Once you get up to the hole, you will be rewarded with a fantastic panoramic view of the islands off the Helgeland coast. You will take the same route down from the mountain, and finish with a bite to eat and something hot to drink.
Total : €140
According to availability, price per passenger.After a sightseeing tour by bus around the cute town of Brønnøysund, enjoy impressive scenery as you cross the magnificent bridge to the Norwegian Aquaculture Centre in Toft.
Upon arrival, your guide will tell you all about salmon fishing culture in Norway. You will see the salmons and you will take part in feeding these fascinating creatures. You will also hear about the technology that contributes to growing salmon from egg to fish. There is even an opportunity to see the fish from up close with an underwater camera.
The Norwegian coast's cool and clear waters offer prime conditions for sustainable and responsible aquaculture. As a result, Norway is one of the world’s largest exporters of fish and seafood with around 37 million people around the globe enjoying the country’s produce.
Sample it yourself as you end the tour with a taste of the salmon that is so internationally loved.
Total : €140
According to availability, price per passenger.From the pier, embark your coach and head to the village of Borg.
Upon arrival, enjoy a visit to the Lofotr Museum. Here at Borg, archaeologists have found a chieftain’s farmstead with sensational objects bearing witness to a centre of power during the Viking period. The main house is the largest Viking building ever discovered, measuring 83 metres long and 9 metres high (270 and 30 feet). A copy has been built next to the excavation ground and you will feel as if you were transported back to the year 900, whilst farm animals are grazing peacefully outside.
Then, get back to your coach and head to Flakstad Island for a photostop at the Flakstad church built in 1780, a red little church made of driftwood, believed to have come from Siberia.
Enjoy the drive back to Reine, on charming Lofoten roads.
Total : €140
According to availability, price per passenger.Spend a leisurely day learning about the maritime history of the Lofoten Islands. Discover the architecture of the fishermen's dwellings, which today serve as popular holiday homes for visitors who want to take part in the region's many outdoor activities.
From the pier, embark your coach for a scenic drive to Å. This village is an open-air museum, representing the Lofoten's fisheries and displays 150 year old coastal building environments. Upon arrival, you will be free to discover the village at your own pace for 30 minutes
Continue your scenic drive to Flakstad Bay to explore the charming 18th-century red church. It is the second oldest church in Lofoten and built in the shape of a cross.
Then, you will take the direction of Sund to visit the interesting Fishery Museum and Smithy. The museum was originally established in 1964, in the idea of a unique and lively museum, depicting the history of boats and fishing equipment. You will be able to take a closer look at the blacksmith at work, perhaps creating a cormorant, an important fishermen's symbol. Discover various objects including boats, utensils from fishermen's homes and working boat engines, from the beginning of this century.
Reboard the coach and return to Reine.
Total : €130
According to availability, price per passenger.Immerse yourself in the tranquil beauty of the Lofoten Islands in search of sea eagles in a RIB (rigid inflatable boat). A short transfer will take you to the nearby RIB pier, where your guide will fit you with a protective waterproof suit. As you set off with your experienced helmsman, you will whisk across the sparkling waters, perhaps leaping over the wake of a passing ferry and sidling up to vertical cliffs rising from the water.
The RIB tour will take you around Reinefjord. You will take a break along the way see sea eagles. With a wingspan of more than six feet, these birds of prey are an impressive sight. Fish will be used to attract them, so there is a good chance you will see one. Afterward, you will return to your ship by RIB.
Afterwards you will return to your awaiting ship.
Total : €210
According to availability, price per passenger.For this walking tour, you will meet your guide on the pier. The first part of the tour is conducted through the centre of town, while your guide informs you about the history, architecture, nature and culture of the city. Then proceed to the 1,178 feet (359 m) long Svinøy Bridge - opened in 1964.
From the middle of the bridge, you can admire the view of the island, the town and the scenic surroundings with steep mountains.
At Svinøya Island - originally the oldest part of Svolvær - you will be learn about the importance of Lofoten and especially Svolvær for artists, especially painters. Here they find inspiration from the wild nature, intense colours and light - and there are several galleries.
See the colourful fishermen's cabins, originally built to house fishermen coming from all over the coast to the rich Lofoten fisheries, now modernized as holiday homes. Have a look at the characteristic stock fish racks - often referred to as Stock Fish Cathedrals. They are used to dry fish into stock fish during winter. Since there are no fish drying during summer, the guide will explain their use.
Continue the walk to the breakwater where you can see the statue of the "Fisherman's Wife" located on a cliff in the sea.
Walk back via the same road to Svolvær centre and the pier.
Total : €60
According to availability, price per passenger.Svolvær became a transit harbour in 1918 and today it has about 4,290 inhabitants. It is one of Northern Norway's most important harbours for maritime service.
From the pier, drive through the city and past the Lofoten Cathedral, as the Vågan church is often called. This yellow wooden church has room for 1,200 people, as it was built to accommodate the many fishermen staying for long periods in Lofoten during the fishing season.
Then head for the village of Henningsvær, often referred to as "the Venice of Lofoten". Henningsvær is one of Lofoten's largest fishing villages with approximately 470 inhabitants.
You will visit the Gallery Lofoten House, one of the area's most popular tourist attractions. In addition to paintings by Karl Erik Harr, it has a collection of paintings by other well-known 19th and 20th century artists from Nordland. There is also an exhibition of photographs taken in Lofoten at around the turn of the 19th century by the well-known photographer Wilse. Henningsvær has many interesting workshops and outlets for glass and ceramics on Engelskmannsbrygga (The Englishmen's Dock), as well as a candle making workshop.
Experience Frank A. Jenssen's fabulous multimedia show with pictures, music and sounds from nature, that show the changing seasons of Lofoten as well as his unique photos of sea eagles. Leaving the gallery, there will be a short walk to the town square, where you will take your coach and return to Svolvær.
Total : €110
According to availability, price per passenger.After a short walk, board your boat for a panoramic cruise. Experience the magnificent landscapes and views of the island of Skrova, in complete silence and comfort onboard a hydro-electric boat.
Discover white sandy beaches, crystal clear waters and the rich wildlife living side-by-side with ancient fishing communities, with your onboard local guide. Thanks to the hybrid-electric engine, there is minimal noise and vibration that interfere with nature and marine life. Don't forget your binoculars! Skrova dwells many of Lofoten’s majestic white-tailed eagles.
Another advantage of your modern boat: the underwater drone will be deployed to bring you closer to the marine life that inhabits the Skrova pristine waters.
Then, disembark at Skrova harbour and visit the small, but lively village surrounded by mountains. Explore its galleries, history and nature on foot. Inaccessible by car, Skrova is home to an ancient fishing community. Here you will find just below 200 locals, but also an active industry including salmon-farming, fishing, and whale-hunting as the primary sources of income.
Finally, re-embark your boat for your return trip to Svolvær.
Total : €150
According to availability, price per passenger.Only 6 kilometres from Harstad, surrounded by beautiful countryside, discover the historic property that has been run by the Kulseng family since 1673, Rokenes Gard. Today, the tenth generation welcomes you to the farm.
You will be greeted by your host and the guide will take you around their beautiful old houses. The atmosphere makes one feel like home, kept through many generations of the same family, an incredible hospitality, professional cuisine with tasty home-cooked food, paintings and art gallery. The main building from 1750 is a wonderful example of the typical architecture of the region of Trøndelag, while the cow barn, now housing the Harr gallery, dates back to 1899.
After the guided tour you will be served delicious homemade waffles and hot drinks.
Total : €70
According to availability, price per passenger.In terms of inhabitants, Harstad is the third largest city in Northern Norway, with approximately 23,000 persons living in the area. Situated approximately 200 km north of the Arctic Circle, the main industries are shipbuilding, fishing and trading. The town is also of cultural importance. Every year at the end of June, the Festival of Northern Norway is arranged with concerts, theatre performances and exhibitions of various kinds.
Departing from the pier, you will first take a scenic drive through the centre of the town as you head towards the Trondenes Peninsula. Here, you will stop for a visit at the Trondenes church, erected in 1250 in late Roman style. The oldest piece in the church is the baptismal font, and it is here where the first Christians of Northern Norway were baptized. The three beautiful triptychs were made in Northern Germany in medieval times and the organ is in late baroque/rococo style. Around the church building runs a wall that dates back to mediaeval times and you can even see the remains of two watchtowers that overlook the sea.
From the church, you will walk approximately 250 metres to the Historical Centre, which was opened in May, 1997. Here, the history of the Haalogaland Region is told through pictures, displays, special lighting and even smells. The Centre focuses on tales from the Norse Period and the Viking Period, and enlightens visitors on the power of the church, Norwegian heroes and old Norwegian customs.
Travelling back to the pier, your return route will take you through the suburbs to see how people live up here, far beyond the Arctic Circle.
Total : €70
According to availability, price per passenger.This excursion starts at the pier where you will be picked up and escorted to the RIB boat (a rigid-hulled inflatable buoyancy).
Your guide will give you equipment, both water and wind proof. Following a short introduction and briefing, you will sit astride a comfortable seat allowing everyone to enjoy the views. Take a deep breath, and start your exploration of the archipelago by speed boat with a well-known guide and ex-military expert.
The round-trip tour itinerary goes to Harstad - Bjarkøy - Meløyvær - Grøtavær - Harstad. This 90-minute tour is full of enthralling beauty. Animals, landscape, nature, the ocean and its creatures…
Afterwards you will return to the pier.
Total : €155
According to availability, price per passenger.The tour starts with a drive from the pier to the Mt. Aune, which lies approximately 8 km northwest of Harstad.
Upon arrival, a hike to the Mt. Aune’s peak, Keipen, some 490 metres above sea level, will begin. The trail to the top is mild and a little marshy at the start. The trail rises at a constant angle to the top, where we find a place to light a fire at the idyllic Lake Keipen. The trail continues on the right-hand path of the lake and up to the next plateau, where you will find a steep escarpment descending into the sea, providing fantastic views to the West!
At the top, enjoy coffee and “lefse”. After a well-deserved break, return down the same path back to the vehicle for a short drive to the pier.
Total : €120
According to availability, price per passenger.For your serenity, PONANT selects a flight and organises the transfer between the port and the airport. This package is included in your cruise fare.
Disembarkation Day - Tromso/Paris
Disembarkation.
Meet and greet at the port by our local English-speaking representative.
Transfer to the airport in time for check-in of flight Tromso/Paris selected by PONANT.
Flight Tromso/Paris selected by PONANT.
Approximate flight duration: 4 hours
We highly recommend you stay one night in Paris after this flight.
This programme includes:
This programme does not include:
Please note:
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.
Shore excursions, Pre/Post & Overlands
Explore the wild and majestic scenery of the Scottish Highlands’ enchanting landscape, as you venture into historic cities, discover quaint villages and gaze at tranquil lochs.
Day 1 – Edinburgh
Meet at Edinburgh 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).
You will be transferred to the hotel InterContinental Edinburgh The George 5*.
Dinner at leisure.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 2 – Edinburgh/Portree
Your journey starts with a scenic drive to the picturesque village of Luss, which sits on the western shore of Loch Lomond. Enjoy free time here to take a gentle walk along the banks of Loch Lomond, visit the National Park visitor centre, shop in local craft shops exhibiting the work of local artists, or visit the coffee shop that also sells its very own Loch Lomond tartan.
Continue your drive through magnificent Highland scenery en route to Glencoe – once a scene of the infamous 1692 massacre and now a centre for serious mountaineering, providing some of the finest climbing and walking in Scotland. Stop here for a light lunch.
Re-join your coach and continue to the village of Glenfinnan - best known for the stunning railway viaduct which featured in a Harry Potter movie, it is part of the legendary West Highland Line which operates between the towns of Fort William and Mallaig. You will pause here for a photo stop of the Glenfinnan Monument - erected in 1815 as a tribute to the Jacobite clansmen who fought and died in the cause of Prince Charles Edward Stuart.
The beautiful journey to Mallaig, passes Britain’s most westerly mainland railway station, Arisaig; passes close by the deepest freshwater loch in Britain, Loch Morar and the shortest river in Britain, River Morar, finally arriving next to the deepest sea-water loch in Europe, Loch Nevis! The views are breath-taking on this scenic coastal road named “The Road to the Isles”.
Board your ferry for the short crossing over to Scotland’s second largest island ‘The Isle of Skye’, also known as ‘Cloud Island’ in old Norse.
Stay overnight in Portree and enjoy dinner at your hotel Cuillin Hills 4*.
Day 3 – Isle of Skye
Begin your day at the enchanting Fairy Pools, known worldwide for their crystal-clear blue waters. This scenic hiking trail passes over small bridges and tranquil rivers, fed by a series of cascading waterfalls from the Cuillin Mountains. Listen to the legendary tales of these mystical pools and learn about the historic battle of clans that took place in 1601.
A short drive takes you to a local restaurant for lunch.
Continue your journey across the island, taking in the panoramic views of this wild and rugged scenery, heading towards Quiraing – an ancient landslip on the northernmost summit of the Trotternish, offering one of the best views of the island on a clear day. The whole of the Trotternish Ridge escarpment was formed by a great series of landslips; the Quiraing is the only part of the slip still moving. The name Quiraing comes from Old Norse Kví Rand, which means 'Round Fold'. It is said that the fold was used to conceal cattle from Viking raiders.
Follow the dramatic coastline along the east of the island to Kilt Rock – a sea cliff with basalt columns the resemble the pleats of a kilt. This spectacular geological feature sits next to the Mealt Falls, which dramatically fall 55 metres from the clifftop into the rock-laden shoreline below. If you listen closely, you can hear the whistle of the falls that sound like the eerie tunes of a bagpipe.
South of Kilt Rock under the summit of The Storr sits The Old Man of Storr. Famous for its magnificent scenery and views overlooking the Sound of Rassay. The hill presents a steep rocky eastern face contrasting with gentler grassy slopes to the west. Legend has it that the Old Man of Storr was a giant who resided on the Trotternish Ridge. When he was laid to rest upon his death, his thumb - the “Old Man” - remained partially above ground.
Conclude your day by returning to your hotel for dinner.
Day 4 – Portree/Inverness
Start your day with a drive to the picturesque village of Dornie, where Eilean Donan Castle majestically stands at the meeting point of three sea lochs. Eilean Donan is arguably one of the most recognisable castles in the world. Located strategically on a little island in the midst of some of Scotland’s most dramatic scenery, it is no wonder that the castle has featured in many films. The Castle is named for the 6th century Irish saint who set up the first community on the island. There has been a fortified castle on this site since the 13th century, although it has been destroyed and rebuilt several times in its long and turbulent history.
Continue to Drumnadrochit to enjoy lunch in a local restaurant.
After lunch, head to famous Loch Ness, home to the legend of the Loch Ness Monster. Visit the wonderful Urquhart Castle - a critical strategic stronghold in the highlands, positioned on the banks of Loch Ness, which would have been a main route through the Great Glen of the highlands. Its chequered history came to a dramatic demise in 1692 when the castle was blown up to stop it falling into Jacobite hands. What remains are picturesque and impressive ruins, surrounded on three sides by the cold deep waters of Loch Ness. During your visit learn about the rich history of the castle and its clansmen and take in the stunning views.
Journey to Muir of Ord, home to the Glen Ord Distillery, the only remaining single malt scotch whisky distillery on the Black Isle. The Singleton team welcome you into a world of extraordinary taste and flavour. Enjoy a tour of one of the Highland’s hidden treasures, producing liquid gold all year round. Watch a short video of the distilleries history and taste a dram of their Whisky.
Stay overnight in Inverness and enjoy dinner at your hotel Ness Walk 5*.
Day 5 – Inverness/Leith
Take in the mountainous beauty of the Cairngorms National Park as you journey from Inverness to Pitlochry. This scenic drive is scattered with off grid distilleries and hills strewn with castles. The Cairngorms National Park is home to one-quarter of Scotland's native forest and a quarter of the rare and endangered species in the UK.
Blair Castle is nestled in the landscape of Highland Perthshire and has been home to 19 generations of Stewarts and Murrays of Atholl. The current Duke still retains his own private army, the Atholl Highlanders, the only private army in Europe. Inside the castle, you can visit up to 30 rooms, which are fully preserved with their original furnishings and fittings, Jacobite relics and fine art. Explore Blair Castle’s extensive landscaped gardens which feature a nine-acre walled garden, a wooded grove, a kirk ruin, and deer park.
Continue to Stirling, the original Capital of Scotland, to enjoy lunch in a local restaurant.
From its spectacular setting, high on a volcanic rock above the River Forth, Stirling Castle has controlled one of the main routes between the Scottish Highlands and the lowlands for centuries, earning the title “key to the kingdom”. Earlier fortifications have given way to today's palatial and beautifully furnished 15th-century residence, the home of the Stuart kings and birthplace of James II. Have a photo stop at Stirling Castle.
You will then be transferred to the pier of Leith to embark on board your ship.
Your hotels:
Boasting an ideal location in the Edinburgh city centre, the hotel InterContinental Edinburgh The George, is close to Edinburgh Castle, Princes Street Gardens and Holyrood Palace. At its heart are five listed Georgian townhouses, built in 1775 as homes for the city's most prosperous citizens. It has elegant and comfortable rooms. The rooms take their colour palette from 19th century Scottish landscape paintings. The Printing Press Bar & Kitchen serves seasonal Scottish produce.
The Cuillin Hills hotel enjoys some of the finest and most spectacular views of any hotel in Scotland. Set within fifteen acres of mature private grounds overlooking Portree Bay, it has magnificent views over the Sound of Raasay to the Cuillin mountain range. The hotel is only a 10-minute walk from Portree town centre. The rooms blend comforting tradition with modern simplistic style and are layered with classic furniture to provide and preserve the elegant interior of the hotel.
Located on the banks of the River Ness, the Ness Walk is an idyllic 5-star retreat hotel. Originally a 19th century house, the building still retains many of its period features. Each room has its own unique personality.
Upgraded rooms are also available depending on availability and on a supplement basis. Contact your travel professional for further detail.
Your programme includes:
Your programme does not include:
Please note:
Contact of your hotels:
InterContinental Edinburgh The George
19-21 George Street, Edinburgh EH2 2PB
United Kingdom
Telephone: 0044 131 225 1251
Cuillin Hills Hotel
Portree, Isle of Skye
Scotland, UK, IV51 9QU
Telephone: 0044 1478 612003
Ness Walk Hotel
12 Ness Walk, Inverness
IV3 5SQ, UK
Telephone: 0044 1463 215215
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.
Total : $6,580
Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.Enhance your trip with a pre-cruise stay in the capital city of Scotland, Edinburgh. The capital of Scotland, steeped in history and home to a range of historical and cultural attractions, is a popular destination for visitors looking to get a taste of Scotland. From its charming medieval Old Town to the elegance of the New Town, Edinburgh is unquestionably a one-of-a-kind city full of contrasts and surprises. On this 1-night extension, you will be able to experience all the highlights of the city, as well as enjoy an exclusive tasting at the Scotch Malt Whisky Society.
Day 1 - Edinburgh
Meet at Edinburgh 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).
You will be transferred to the Virgin Hotel Edinburgh 5*.
Day and dinner at leisure.
Day 2 - Edinburgh/Rosyth
Your full day tour begins with a panoramic tour of the city. See the Georgian architecture of Princes Street in New Town and drive down parts of the famous medieval Royal Mile with the imposing Edinburgh Castle at one end and the 17th century Palace of Holyroodhouse at the other. The Palace was the home of Mary Queen of Scots from 1561 to 1568 and was occupied by Bonnie Prince Charlie in 1745. The scene of many a great historical drama including notorious murders, and power-hungry personalities, the Palace is now the Queen's official residence in Scotland.
Lunch will be served in a local restaurant.
After lunch, take a journey through the history and alchemy of whisky. Here you will enjoy a dram.
You will then be transferred to the port of Rosyth, to embark on board your ship.
Your hotel:
Boasting an ideal location in the Edinburgh city centre, the Virgin Hotel Edinburgh is close to the old town. With its sober, elegant decor, you'll love staying at this ideally located hotel.
Upgraded rooms are also available depending on availability and on a supplement basis. Contact your travel professional for further detail.
Your programme includes:
Your programme does not include:
Please note:
Contact of your hotel:
Virgin Hotels Edinburgh
1 India Buildings, Victoria Street,
Edinburgh EH1 2EX
Telephone: 0131 526 4810
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.
Total : $1,170
Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.During this scenic circular tour, explore the beautiful West Mainland of Orkney, location of one of the greatest concentrations of World Heritage prehistoric sites in Britain.
Passing through an area of rich farmland, rolling hills and moorland, fringed by magnificent cliffs, visit the great ceremonial Standing Stones of Stenness and Ring of Brodgar.
Further on, you will arrive at Skara Brae, the most exciting and best-preserved Neolithic village in Northern Europe. The remains of this 5,000-year-old Neolithic village are beautifully preserved and interpreted in a modern visitor centre. Lying beside the pretty, sandy crescent of the Bay of Skaill, this Stone Age settlement was completely buried under sand for thousands of years, until suddenly revealed during a fierce storm in 1850. Amongst the fascinating relics found here are tools, beads, pottery, and whalebone artefacts, spanning over a period of approximately 600 years of occupation, all based on the tough maritime economy. Looking across the village, it gives a good idea of how it looked all those centuries ago, and close inspection of the houses gives a unique insight into how our ancient ancestors lived.
The hardship of life in Skara Brae can be directly contrasted to Orkney's finest manor house, Skaill House, which is located nearby and constitutes the next stop of our journey through ancient Orkney. A powerful bishop built it on an ancient graveyard in 1620.
Finally, return to your ship via Historic Scapa Flow, where you will pause to take photos from the coach. Hear stories of dramatic wartime experiences that make this one of the most renowned stretches of water in world.
Total : $130
According to availability, price per passenger.From the pier, board your local coach and head towards the Mull Head nature reserve. Along the way, enjoy a panoramic ride through the Viking town and past the magnificent St Magnus Cathedral before heading out into the rural landscape of Orkney’s East Mainland.
Orkney has a number of stretches of coastline that are fantastic to explore, but Mull Head is very special indeed. Mull Head is the furthest point of Deerness and offers one of the finest coastal circuits on Mainland Orkney. Enjoy a walk on the coastal parth which allows for many photo opportunities and bird watching. Special points of interest include "The Gloup", a collapsed sea cave, and the remains of a church on the Brough of Deerness. On a clear day you will also be able to see the Covenanter's Memorial further along the coast.
Total : €170
According to availability, price per passenger.Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother first saw what was then known as Barrogill Castle in 1952, while mourning the death of her husband, King George VI. Falling for its ruined, isolated charm, and hearing it was to be abandoned, she decided to save it.
Her Majesty purchased the Castle, returned it to its original name of Castle of Mey, and spent 2 years renovating the castle and its parkland. Included in her restoration was the delightful walled garden that, thanks to 12-foot high ‘Great Wall of Mey’, is protected from the fierce winds and salt spray that blow in from the Pentland Firth. She even managed to nurture her favourite old rose, Albertine, into scented abundance behind the Great Wall of Mey.
Enjoy your tour of the Castle and her gardens today with your guide and learn more about why this property was so close to The Queen Mother’s heart and about Prince Charles’ commitment to the future of Castle of Mey.
Total : €120
According to availability, price per passenger.From the pier, board your local coach for a nice panoramic drive to the most northerly point of mainland Britain, Dunnet Head nature reserve, a craggy peninsula in Caithness on Scotland's north coast. Here, you will witness this seabirds sanctuary, including Puffins, Razorbills, Guillemots, Fulmars and Kittiwakes.
From there, you will be transferred to John O'Groats, for a photo and comfort stop at the famous John O'Groats sign, before carrying on the Duncansby Head.
Although John O’ Groats takes the fame, Duncansby Head is the ‘real’ northeastern tip of mainland Britain by a mile or two. You will be greeted with spectacular views over the coast and you may get the chance to see puffins and seals. Discover the beautiful view of the lighthouse and enjoy the Duncansby Stacks, a collection of sea stacks jutting out of the North Sea.
Total : €120
According to availability, price per passenger.From the pier, board your local coach for a 1-hour drive to John O’Groats, one of the UK mainland’s most northernly points. It's a small coastal village scattered over a large area and is mainly a rural farming community. John O’Groats as a destination has a name far bigger than the village itself so sometimes people expect a ‘town’ or more. John O’Groats isn’t a Disney World, an Alton Towers, a theme park or even like Land’s End. It is a fantastic, unspoilt location from which the adventurous can see the wonderful landscape and wildlife that is so special to this area and is the real star of the show. For the less adventurous there is still plenty to do and see at ‘the end of the road’.
Upon arrival, follow your guide for a visit of the John O’Groats brewery. Allan, Simon and John have been keen individual home brewers for many years. They started off with kits bought from shops then progressed to all grain brewing using cobbled together ranges of pots and pans in their kitchens and garages. The three combined forces with local hotelier Andrew and set up a 4 barrel brewery in the Old Fire Station in John o Groats in 2015. From there they started producing a range of cask ales, starting by selling bottles locally and then distributing across the north of Scotland. Learn about their brewing process before enjoying a taster of the ales.
Then, enjoy a live blacksmith demonstration. Watch how the Blacksmith makes objects from wrought iron or steel, a truly original skill!
Before returning to the pier, you will be able to explore John O’Groats on your own.
Total : €160
According to availability, price per passenger.Trondheim is one of Norway's oldest cities, founded by the Viking King Olav Tryggvason in 997. Today, the city has a population of approximately 190,000.
From the pier, the tour heads through the busy city centre, past the market square with the statue of the Viking King who founded the city, to Nidaros Cathedral. This church, dating from the 12th century, is one of the finest and largest in Gothic style in Scandinavia and was one of Europe's most important pilgrimage-churches. Behind the cathedral lies another stone-building dating back to the Middle Ages, the Archdiocese. The head of the Catholic Church in Norway had his fortified residence here until the Reformation in 1537, when the last archbishop had to flee the country.
After having visited the Cathedral, you will board the coach and head out to a viewpoint where you will have the opportunity to admire the old winding bridge and the old warehouses along the river.
Your tour will continue with a visit to the Folk Museum at Sverresborg. The museum displays, among other things, the urban and rural culture of Trøndelag county. Buildings have been brought to the site from all over the area and re-assembled to provide an authentic cross-section of life and architecture, and we shall visit some of these during our stay.
From the Folk Museum, we will return to the pier.
Total : €90
According to availability, price per passenger.Enjoy a nostalgic tram ride and discover the main sights of Trondheim. Head to St Olav Street in the city centre, where you will board a vintage Grakall-banen, the only tram line left in Trondheim. The 5½-mile tram line, originally opened in 1924, runs downhill from the town centre, through the outskirts, passing green parks and picturesque old wooden houses painted in vivid colours, to Lian, Trondheim’s recreation area.
The tram has been a familiar part of everyday life in Trondheim and, as you trundle along, you will have the opportunity to see how the local people live. You will also pass the old fortifications, dating back to the 16th century, before climbing Byasen Hill for splendid views of the calm River Nid, Nidaros Cathedral, the fjord and neighbouring fertile valleys.
Changing transportation back to a coach, you will drive through new and old Trondheim and pass the Market Square's impressive statue of Viking King Olav Tryggvason, before stopping at the Sverresli Viewpoint to absorb the surrounding panorama of the city and the harbour.
Total : €90
According to availability, price per passenger.Trondheim was founded in 997 AC and was the first capital of Norway. Today, it is Norway’s 3rd largest city, but it is still the location where new kings and queens receive their ceremonial blessing. The city centre is framed by Trondheimsfjord - around the bends at the mouth of the River Nidelva - and is a blend of old and new.
From the pier, you will walk to the town centre, passing through the pedestrian areas towards NIdaros Cathedral. The Cathedral was built on the gravesite of Norway’s patron Saint, and is therefore the original St. Olav’s Church, an important destination for pilgrims before the reformation. The West Wall is richly ornamented in stone. You will continue via the Old City Bridge to Bakklandet. In the Bakklandet area, most of the houses are small and built from wood by sailors, fishermen and labourers. The charming surroundings close to the City Centre have been recognized by modern people, who have restored the old buildings and moved in, breathing new life into the area, which now includes small Café’s and Shops. Among the curiosities in the area is a special bicycle lift – called Trampe – that takes you up the steep Brubakken Hill.
Afterward your visit, you will return to the pier.
Total : €90
According to availability, price per passenger.Board your coach with a guide for a sightseeing tour of Bronnoysund and the herb farm.
Since its inception in 1988, the herb farm has grown herbs at Hildurs. The herb garden is a magnificent sight and will be an absolute pleasure both for your own kitchen and you as a guest.
The contents of the herb garden vary from week to week as we grow and harvest many of the herbs ourselves for our own kitchen. There are separate sections for culinary herbs, medicinal herbs, poisonous plants, and a biblical garden. Roses, perennials and rhododendrons in just the right proportions form a colourful frame around the farm.
After enjoying some refreshments in the coziness of the farm, you will drive back to the pier in Bronnoysund.
Total : €130
According to availability, price per passenger.From the pier, board your local coach and enjoy your trip through the beautiful Brønnøysund before reaching your hiking spot.
Today's walk will take you to the top of Torghatten mountain. With the characteristic hole right through the mountain, this is one of the most recognizable and iconic places along the Norwegian coast. According to local legend, the mountain was once the hat of a sorcerer king, which he used to save a young sorceress from an arrow.
Spend around half an hour getting up the hilly path to where the hole starts. The hole is 35 metres high, 160 metres long, and between 15 and 20 metres wide - it is actually large enough for one of Hurtigruten's ships to pass through. Once you get up to the hole, you will be rewarded with a fantastic panoramic view of the islands off the Helgeland coast. You will take the same route down from the mountain, and finish with a bite to eat and something hot to drink.
Total : €140
According to availability, price per passenger.After a sightseeing tour by bus around the cute town of Brønnøysund, enjoy impressive scenery as you cross the magnificent bridge to the Norwegian Aquaculture Centre in Toft.
Upon arrival, your guide will tell you all about salmon fishing culture in Norway. You will see the salmons and you will take part in feeding these fascinating creatures. You will also hear about the technology that contributes to growing salmon from egg to fish. There is even an opportunity to see the fish from up close with an underwater camera.
The Norwegian coast's cool and clear waters offer prime conditions for sustainable and responsible aquaculture. As a result, Norway is one of the world’s largest exporters of fish and seafood with around 37 million people around the globe enjoying the country’s produce.
Sample it yourself as you end the tour with a taste of the salmon that is so internationally loved.
Total : €140
According to availability, price per passenger.From the pier, embark your coach and head to the village of Borg.
Upon arrival, enjoy a visit to the Lofotr Museum. Here at Borg, archaeologists have found a chieftain’s farmstead with sensational objects bearing witness to a centre of power during the Viking period. The main house is the largest Viking building ever discovered, measuring 83 metres long and 9 metres high (270 and 30 feet). A copy has been built next to the excavation ground and you will feel as if you were transported back to the year 900, whilst farm animals are grazing peacefully outside.
Then, get back to your coach and head to Flakstad Island for a photostop at the Flakstad church built in 1780, a red little church made of driftwood, believed to have come from Siberia.
Enjoy the drive back to Reine, on charming Lofoten roads.
Total : €140
According to availability, price per passenger.Spend a leisurely day learning about the maritime history of the Lofoten Islands. Discover the architecture of the fishermen's dwellings, which today serve as popular holiday homes for visitors who want to take part in the region's many outdoor activities.
From the pier, embark your coach for a scenic drive to Å. This village is an open-air museum, representing the Lofoten's fisheries and displays 150 year old coastal building environments. Upon arrival, you will be free to discover the village at your own pace for 30 minutes
Continue your scenic drive to Flakstad Bay to explore the charming 18th-century red church. It is the second oldest church in Lofoten and built in the shape of a cross.
Then, you will take the direction of Sund to visit the interesting Fishery Museum and Smithy. The museum was originally established in 1964, in the idea of a unique and lively museum, depicting the history of boats and fishing equipment. You will be able to take a closer look at the blacksmith at work, perhaps creating a cormorant, an important fishermen's symbol. Discover various objects including boats, utensils from fishermen's homes and working boat engines, from the beginning of this century.
Reboard the coach and return to Reine.
Total : €130
According to availability, price per passenger.Immerse yourself in the tranquil beauty of the Lofoten Islands in search of sea eagles in a RIB (rigid inflatable boat). A short transfer will take you to the nearby RIB pier, where your guide will fit you with a protective waterproof suit. As you set off with your experienced helmsman, you will whisk across the sparkling waters, perhaps leaping over the wake of a passing ferry and sidling up to vertical cliffs rising from the water.
The RIB tour will take you around Reinefjord. You will take a break along the way see sea eagles. With a wingspan of more than six feet, these birds of prey are an impressive sight. Fish will be used to attract them, so there is a good chance you will see one. Afterward, you will return to your ship by RIB.
Afterwards you will return to your awaiting ship.
Total : €210
According to availability, price per passenger.For this walking tour, you will meet your guide on the pier. The first part of the tour is conducted through the centre of town, while your guide informs you about the history, architecture, nature and culture of the city. Then proceed to the 1,178 feet (359 m) long Svinøy Bridge - opened in 1964.
From the middle of the bridge, you can admire the view of the island, the town and the scenic surroundings with steep mountains.
At Svinøya Island - originally the oldest part of Svolvær - you will be learn about the importance of Lofoten and especially Svolvær for artists, especially painters. Here they find inspiration from the wild nature, intense colours and light - and there are several galleries.
See the colourful fishermen's cabins, originally built to house fishermen coming from all over the coast to the rich Lofoten fisheries, now modernized as holiday homes. Have a look at the characteristic stock fish racks - often referred to as Stock Fish Cathedrals. They are used to dry fish into stock fish during winter. Since there are no fish drying during summer, the guide will explain their use.
Continue the walk to the breakwater where you can see the statue of the "Fisherman's Wife" located on a cliff in the sea.
Walk back via the same road to Svolvær centre and the pier.
Total : €60
According to availability, price per passenger.Svolvær became a transit harbour in 1918 and today it has about 4,290 inhabitants. It is one of Northern Norway's most important harbours for maritime service.
From the pier, drive through the city and past the Lofoten Cathedral, as the Vågan church is often called. This yellow wooden church has room for 1,200 people, as it was built to accommodate the many fishermen staying for long periods in Lofoten during the fishing season.
Then head for the village of Henningsvær, often referred to as "the Venice of Lofoten". Henningsvær is one of Lofoten's largest fishing villages with approximately 470 inhabitants.
You will visit the Gallery Lofoten House, one of the area's most popular tourist attractions. In addition to paintings by Karl Erik Harr, it has a collection of paintings by other well-known 19th and 20th century artists from Nordland. There is also an exhibition of photographs taken in Lofoten at around the turn of the 19th century by the well-known photographer Wilse. Henningsvær has many interesting workshops and outlets for glass and ceramics on Engelskmannsbrygga (The Englishmen's Dock), as well as a candle making workshop.
Experience Frank A. Jenssen's fabulous multimedia show with pictures, music and sounds from nature, that show the changing seasons of Lofoten as well as his unique photos of sea eagles. Leaving the gallery, there will be a short walk to the town square, where you will take your coach and return to Svolvær.
Total : €110
According to availability, price per passenger.After a short walk, board your boat for a panoramic cruise. Experience the magnificent landscapes and views of the island of Skrova, in complete silence and comfort onboard a hydro-electric boat.
Discover white sandy beaches, crystal clear waters and the rich wildlife living side-by-side with ancient fishing communities, with your onboard local guide. Thanks to the hybrid-electric engine, there is minimal noise and vibration that interfere with nature and marine life. Don't forget your binoculars! Skrova dwells many of Lofoten’s majestic white-tailed eagles.
Another advantage of your modern boat: the underwater drone will be deployed to bring you closer to the marine life that inhabits the Skrova pristine waters.
Then, disembark at Skrova harbour and visit the small, but lively village surrounded by mountains. Explore its galleries, history and nature on foot. Inaccessible by car, Skrova is home to an ancient fishing community. Here you will find just below 200 locals, but also an active industry including salmon-farming, fishing, and whale-hunting as the primary sources of income.
Finally, re-embark your boat for your return trip to Svolvær.
Total : €150
According to availability, price per passenger.Only 6 kilometres from Harstad, surrounded by beautiful countryside, discover the historic property that has been run by the Kulseng family since 1673, Rokenes Gard. Today, the tenth generation welcomes you to the farm.
You will be greeted by your host and the guide will take you around their beautiful old houses. The atmosphere makes one feel like home, kept through many generations of the same family, an incredible hospitality, professional cuisine with tasty home-cooked food, paintings and art gallery. The main building from 1750 is a wonderful example of the typical architecture of the region of Trøndelag, while the cow barn, now housing the Harr gallery, dates back to 1899.
After the guided tour you will be served delicious homemade waffles and hot drinks.
Total : €70
According to availability, price per passenger.In terms of inhabitants, Harstad is the third largest city in Northern Norway, with approximately 23,000 persons living in the area. Situated approximately 200 km north of the Arctic Circle, the main industries are shipbuilding, fishing and trading. The town is also of cultural importance. Every year at the end of June, the Festival of Northern Norway is arranged with concerts, theatre performances and exhibitions of various kinds.
Departing from the pier, you will first take a scenic drive through the centre of the town as you head towards the Trondenes Peninsula. Here, you will stop for a visit at the Trondenes church, erected in 1250 in late Roman style. The oldest piece in the church is the baptismal font, and it is here where the first Christians of Northern Norway were baptized. The three beautiful triptychs were made in Northern Germany in medieval times and the organ is in late baroque/rococo style. Around the church building runs a wall that dates back to mediaeval times and you can even see the remains of two watchtowers that overlook the sea.
From the church, you will walk approximately 250 metres to the Historical Centre, which was opened in May, 1997. Here, the history of the Haalogaland Region is told through pictures, displays, special lighting and even smells. The Centre focuses on tales from the Norse Period and the Viking Period, and enlightens visitors on the power of the church, Norwegian heroes and old Norwegian customs.
Travelling back to the pier, your return route will take you through the suburbs to see how people live up here, far beyond the Arctic Circle.
Total : €70
According to availability, price per passenger.This excursion starts at the pier where you will be picked up and escorted to the RIB boat (a rigid-hulled inflatable buoyancy).
Your guide will give you equipment, both water and wind proof. Following a short introduction and briefing, you will sit astride a comfortable seat allowing everyone to enjoy the views. Take a deep breath, and start your exploration of the archipelago by speed boat with a well-known guide and ex-military expert.
The round-trip tour itinerary goes to Harstad - Bjarkøy - Meløyvær - Grøtavær - Harstad. This 90-minute tour is full of enthralling beauty. Animals, landscape, nature, the ocean and its creatures…
Afterwards you will return to the pier.
Total : €155
According to availability, price per passenger.The tour starts with a drive from the pier to the Mt. Aune, which lies approximately 8 km northwest of Harstad.
Upon arrival, a hike to the Mt. Aune’s peak, Keipen, some 490 metres above sea level, will begin. The trail to the top is mild and a little marshy at the start. The trail rises at a constant angle to the top, where we find a place to light a fire at the idyllic Lake Keipen. The trail continues on the right-hand path of the lake and up to the next plateau, where you will find a steep escarpment descending into the sea, providing fantastic views to the West!
At the top, enjoy coffee and “lefse”. After a well-deserved break, return down the same path back to the vehicle for a short drive to the pier.
Total : €120
According to availability, price per passenger.For your serenity, PONANT organises your transfer and select for you an ideally located hotel.
Day 1 - Disembarkation Day
After landing of your flight selected by PONANT in Paris, meet and greet at the airport and transfer to the Pullman Roissy CDG hotel.
Check-in in your room.
Evening and dinner at leisure.
Day 2 – Roissy CDG
Breakfast on your own followed by check-out.
Your hotel:
The Pullman Roissy CDG hotel is a four stars property located in Roissy. Located at 2 minutes walking from Roissypole, RER and CDGVal station, you will easily be able to join it.
Upgraded rooms are also available depending on availability and on a supplement basis. Contact your travel professional for further detail.
This programme includes:
This programme does not include:
Please note:
Contact of your hotel:
Pullman Roissy CDG Airport
3 Bis Rue de la Haye
93290
Roissy-en-France
Phone: +33 01 70 03 11 63
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.
Total : $240
Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.