Guest Speaker 
Free solo supplement 
35-year offer 
Deluxe Stateroom Deck 3
30% Ponant Bonus
19 m²
2
Celtic Secrets & Landscapes
London - Glasgow, Scotland
Dates:
11/5/2024
to
18/5/2024
days
nights on board
PONANT invites you aboard Le Champlain for a 8-day cruise to discover the British and Irish treasures along the coastlines of the Channel and the Celtic and Irish seas.
From London, the cosmopolitan capital of the United Kingdom boasting a rich historical heritage and an exceptional avant-garde art scene, Le Champlain will set a course eastward through the waters of the mythical Channel to reach the Isle of Portland. Succumb to the charms of this limestone-rich island covered in lush vegetation. Here, serenity and a gentle way of life reign.
You will then sail along the Jurassic Coast. Listed as World Heritage by UNESCO due to the importance of its geology, this coastal region will offer you an exceptional panorama composed of spectacular rock formations, lush hills, small, wild inlets and gorgeous sand or pebble beaches.
Then, you will make your way to Dartmouth, a charming town tucked away in the heart of the stunning décor formed by the mouth of the Dart. You will discover its old pastel-coloured fishermen’s houses and some half-timbered buildings.
Your ship will then sail towards the Isles of Scilly, a strange little archipelago whose landscapes seem to have come straight out of Enid Blyton's famous story, The Rockingdown Mystery. Here, long sandy beaches lie alongside green fields, while ruins of old castles stand proud on hilltops.
Next, Le Champlain will sail towards Dublin, the Irish capital brimming with convivial atmosphere and authentic charm.
Before you disembark in Glasgow, your ship will call at Belfast, where you can visit the Giant's Causeway. This massive geological formation is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and features over 40,000 basalt columns.
Ref : EC110524
Your itinerary
A cruise off the British and Irish coasts to discover the treasures of these ancestral lands. UNESCO World Heritage Sites: from Belfast, the mysterious Giant's Causeway site, Dublin, city of literature, the...
View detailed itinerary
Your trip in detail
Choose your stateroom
Choose your stateroom
Complete your trip
Complete your trip
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.
You may also like...
You may also like...
LE LYRIAL
7/11/2023 to the 22/11/2023
LE LYRIAL
1/10/2023 to the 8/10/2023
LE PAUL GAUGUIN
LE COMMANDANT CHARCOT
6/2/2024 to the 3/3/2024
LE BORÉAL
7/7/2024 to the 20/7/2024
*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.
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
- Dyptique 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
- A cruise off the British and Irish coasts to discover the treasures of these ancestral lands.
- UNESCO World Heritage Sites: from Belfast, the mysterious Giant's Causeway site, Dublin, city of literature, the Jurassic Coast, famous for its fossils and its dinosaur footprints.
- A brand-new stop on the Isle of Portland, where landscapes include limestone coastline and verdant plains.
- Dartmouth, a small, peaceful English town located on the banks of the Dart estuary.
- Discover the Giant’s Causeway and its thousands of basalt columns.
Ports of Call & Excursions
11 May 2024 - London
Embarkation 11/5/2024 from 3:30 pm to 4:30 pm
Departure 11/5/2024 at 5:30 pm
The main residence of the British monarch, financial hub and seat of British government, London is the economic and cultural heart of the country. A city of contrasts, attached to its traditions while buzzing with modernity, the capital of the United Kingdom has countless historic districts and notable sites to explore. From Hyde Park to the City through Westminster and Trafalgar Square, get ready to take on London's frenetic tempo. In between a visit to the National Gallery, a stroll through Covent Garden and a trip to Tower Bridge, you can take a quiet breather in one of London's many beautiful parks and gardens.
12 May 2024 - At sea
Arrival 12/5/2024
Departure 12/5/2024
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.
13 May 2024 - Isle of Portland
Arrival 13/5/2024 early morning
Departure 13/5/2024 late evening
Lying along the steep shores of the Channel, at the southernmost point of the county of Dorset, in south-west England, the limestone-rich island of Portland surprises visitors with its wild and unspoiled natural environment, its easy way of life, and its mild seaside climate. The island was the site of the first Viking raid on British soil in 789 and still bears traces of a rich history. One of these is its castle, built in the 16th century, at the request of Henry VIII, to counter the French attempts to invade. The British island welcomes numerous species of migratory birds. It also stands out for its environment combining sheer cliffs, carved by the waves, and a rich biodiversity. This is an unforgettable port of call, where the accent is on tranquillity, elation and discovery.
14 May 2024 - Sailing along Jurassic Coast
Arrival 14/5/2024
Departure 14/5/2024
In southern England, discover the coastline of Dorset and East Devon, also called the Jurassic Coast in reference to the many fossils from that period found there. Stretching more than 150 km, the “Pearl of Dorset” is a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its geological interest. Aboard your ship, admire the site’s spectacular white chalk cliffs, home to many sea birds. The scenery, constantly changing with the light, and the different creeks and beaches situated at the feet of these gigantic rock formations, will give you the opportunity to take superb photos. Perhaps you will also be able to glimpse Durdle Door, this natural arch carved out of the rock by erosion.
14 May 2024 - Dartmouth
Arrival 14/5/2024 midday
Departure 14/5/2024 evening
Succumb to the charming setting of the small town of Dartmouth in the county of Devon, South-East England. Set in the heart of lush scenery, on the banks of the River Dart’s estuary, the town’s magnificent landscapes are typical of English countryside. Its picturesque paved streets will let you discover sumptuous half-timbered houses dating back to the 15th and 16th centuries while, on the northern bank of the river, you will be able to admire former fishermen’s houses in their pastel colours. Now a popular tourist destination, this small port town has nonetheless managed to retain its relaxing and romantic atmosphere.
15 May 2024 - Isles of Scilly
Arrival 15/5/2024 early morning
Departure 15/5/2024 midday
Nestling in the clear waters of the Atlantic Ocean, at the south west tip of Cornwall, the Isles of Scilly form a small British island chain whose climate, landscapes and lifestyle are unlike any other and seem to have come straight from an Enid Blyton story. Here, everything resembles a tropical paradise. The long sandy beaches run alongside lush green meadows teeming with semi-exotic flowers, whilst the ruins of ancient castles loom from the tops of the hills. Veritable havens of peace that inspired the legendary Avalon of King Arthur, they are today listed as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the rugged coastline plays host to wildlife that is as varied as it is exceptional, including the very rare Atlantic grey seal.
16 May 2024 - Dublin
Arrival 16/5/2024 early morning
Departure 16/5/2024 evening
The Irish capital stretches along the banks of the Liffey to Dublin bay, on the East coast of Ireland. Discover Ireland’s warm conviviality in the pedestrian district of Temple Bar. Its cobbled streets are brimming with fabulous shops, pubs and arts centres. Next to Trinity College, famous for its 18th century library, you can stroll along Grafton Street: in one of its famous tea shops, try a delicious scone and clotted cream served hot and melt-in-the-mouth with jam. Not far from here, the majestic O’Connell bridge leads you to the avenue with the same name, on which Spire, a luminous contemporary sculpture presides.
17 May 2024 - Belfast, Northern Ireland
Arrival 17/5/2024 early morning
Departure 17/5/2024 early evening
The capital city of Northern Ireland is located on the very tip of Belfast Lough, in the north-east of the Emerald Isle. Along the waterfront, the building shaped like a fragmented liner is non other than the Titanic Belfast, a homage to the famous transatlantic liner, with full-scale reconstructions making for an insightful experience of the Belle Epoque. In the historical centre, you’ll also travel back in time when you see the majestic Edwardian columns of the City Hall, and the imposing neo-gothic towers of Queen’s University for example. The carved wooden façades of the Victorian pubs will certainly entice you in for a pint of beer or chilled cider.
18 May 2024 - Glasgow, Scotland
Arrival 18/5/2024 early morning
Disembarkation 18/5/2024 at 8:00 am
In the heart of the Clyde Valley, the bustling city of Glasgow contrasts starkly with the wild beauty of the surrounding countryside. Scotland's biggest city overflows with landmarks from its extensive artistic heritage and outstanding architectural tradition. The city's chequerboard layout makes walking through the major pedestrian thoroughfares easy: go with the flow and let the lively street atmosphere take you past the many Victorian monuments. Don't miss the collections on display in the numerous museums and art galleries. The Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum is an outstanding example.
Lulworth Cove & Corfe Castle
From the pier, board your local coach and depart Portland. Pass by the seaside town of Weymouth, made famous by King George III, before heading east towards Corfe Castle.
Enjoy a brief stop at Lulworth Cove, on the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site. The cove is one of the world's finest examples of this type of landform. Take time to admire the views and a stroll along the beach before re-boarding the coach and continuing the journey to Corfe Castle, passing through the beautiful Dorset countryside en route.
The Castle is one of the most impressive and romantic medieval ruins in England and its marvellous hilltop position offers magnificent views of the surrounding countryside. Listen to your guide explain how it was originally built by order of William the Conqueror in 1080 and commands a gap in the Purbeck Hills on the route between Wareham and Swanage. In the 11th century the wooden Norman castle was rebuilt in stone, and over the following centuries additions were made, particularly by King John and Henry III. Discover how, by the 13th century, the castle was being used as a royal treasure storehouse and prison, and it remained a royal fortress until 1572, when it was sold by Elizabeth I to her Lord Chancellor, Sir Christopher Hatton. During the English Civil War, the castle twice came under siege by Parliamentarian forces and finally fell in 1645. Parliamentarian engineers then proceeded with a systematic demolition, using explosives to try and bring down the walls. Their work has left the castle as it looks today.
Following the guided tour, there will be free time to explore at leisure before departing for the return journey to the ship.
-
This tour involves walking approximately 1 hour on uneven surfaces and steps. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and bring a raincoat.
Total : €130
According to availability, price per passenger.
Jurassic coastal walk
From the pier, board your local coach and depart Portland to stunning Durdle Door in Dorset, with its vast rock arch, set right on the Jurassic Coast.
Caves, dramatic rock strata, rugged chalk cliffs and pebble beaches dominate this stretch of the Dorset Coast Path. The natural arch of Durdle Door is a physical feature of the area, which has retained its name for more than 1000 years, showing that the coast does not change very rapidly. The name is derived from an Old English word "thirl", meaning to pierce (as in "nostril"). The main feature of this is the natural arch, known as the "Barn-door", formed in Purbeck Limestone and sufficiently high for a good-sized sailing boat to pass through.
After seeing Durdle Door, enjoy a walk with your guide along the coastal path to Lulworth Cove. With its thatched cottages, fishing boats, lobster pots, wildflowers, quaint little gift shops - the charm of Lulworth Cove is timeless.
On arrival at Lulworth Cove, continue the coastal path walk with its fascinating geology and spectacular views, past the Lulworth Crumple and Stair Hole, on the way to the beach. There will be time to take photographs before re-joining the coach for the return to Portland.
-
This tour involves walking approximately 1,8 mile (3 km) on gravel paths and slopes. We recommend you wear comfortable hiking shoes and bring a raincoat.
Total : €150
According to availability, price per passenger.
Abbotsbury gardens & Swannery
From the pier, board your local coach and depart Portland to visit the beautiful Abbotsbury Sub-tropical Gardens where you will have time to wander at your leisure.
Established in 1765 by the first Countess of Ilchester as a kitchen garden for her nearby castle, the gardens have been developed since then into a magnificent 20 acres filled with rare & exotic plants from all over the world. Many of these plants were first introductions to this country, discovered by the plant-hunting descendants of the Countess. Since the restoration after the great storm of 1990, many new exotic and unusual plants have been introduced. The Garden is now a mixture of formal & informal, with charming walled garden walks & spectacular woodland valley views; newly designed this year is a viewpoint over the Jurassic coastline. Today, the Gardens are world famous for its Camellia Groves & Magnolias and noted for its Rhododendron and Hydrangea collections.
Then, continue to the Abbotsbury Swannery, a unique centre and the only place in the world where you are able to walk through the heart of a colony of nesting Mute Swans. From mid-May to late June, hundreds of fluffy cygnets hatch from eggs in nests on or near the pathways. The Swannery was established by Benedictine Monks who built a monastery at Abbotsbury during the 1040's. The monks farmed the swans to produce food for their lavish banquets, and although St Peter's monastery was destroyed in 1539 during the dissolution, some of the ruins are still visible around St Nicholas' Church in the village.
Following your visit to the Swannery, re-join your coach and return to Portland.
-
This excursion involves walking on mostly level gravel pathways. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and a raincoat.
Total : €130
According to availability, price per passenger.
Greenway House & gardens
Depart from the pier by boat and make the delightful journey up the river Dart. After a 30-minute sailing, arrive at Greenway House and Gardens.
Agatha Christie made Greenway her holiday home from 1938 until 1959. Take the opportunity to view the many personal collections and mementoes of our best-loved mystery writer and her family in a house that portrays the spirit of a holiday home in its 1950s heyday. Here, Agatha Christie gathered with her family and friends for long summer days together, often to celebrate a novel just completed for publication. Visit the house before taking a stroll around the gardens.
The most nostalgic and magical of gardens, evoking a past world of long summer holidays and secret places waiting to be discovered, was described by previous owner Agatha Christie as “the loveliest place in the world”. The beautiful garden is renowned for its rare half-hardy plants, under planted with drifts of native wild flowers. Among the many corners to explore are a Victorian fernery, an exquisitely restored vinery and the enigmatic “Raleigh’s boathouse”.
- The walk from Greenway quay to visitor reception is steep in places along a winding bark chip path through the Greenway woodland. The 750 metres (800 yards) walk takes about 10 minutes and there are plenty of benches for resting or admiring the view on the way. This tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility due to the steep hill and getting on and off the boats. Walking in the gardens is at guest’s discretion. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and waterproof clothes. The tour is limited to 40 participants.
Total : €85
According to availability, price per passenger.
Steam train & river cruise
This lovely tour of Devonshire’s “English Riviera coast” will give you a real feel for the village life and delightful countryside in this part of the world. Start with a short walking tour of Dartmouth. This ancient port is perhaps best known for Britannia Royal Naval College which stands imposingly on the hill above. It has been the centre of naval training for centuries and so the town itself has a strong maritime history, which is echoed in its ancient taverns and well-preserved shops.
Then join a public boat for a transfer up the pretty River Dart, passing stunning scenery all the while. Agatha Christie’s House, Greenway, sits here on the banks of the river in its idyllic setting.
After 1h15 hour of sailing, arrive in medieval Totnes. Explore this town with your guide before travelling by coach to the pretty seaside resort town of Paignton. Here, board a traditional steam train for a picturesque ride through the rolling scenery to Kingswear, nestled on the banks of the river Dart. Then a short ferry crossing brings you into the town centre of Dartmouth.
- As the 2022 timetable is not available at the moment we are publishing, please note the tour may need to be extended slightly, depending on what time the trains and river cruises are running. This tour is conducted in English only.
Total : €150
According to availability, price per passenger.
Buckfast Abbey & Totnes
Visit a fascinating abbey lovingly rebuilt in recent times and travel to a nearby medieval town that remains to this day a flourishing market town.
On the edge of the moor lies Buckfast Abbey, a thriving community of Benedictine monks. The original 11th century Buckfast Abbey fell into ruin after the dissolution of the monasteries. In 1882, four monks returned and in 1906 they began the monumental task of rebuilding the church themselves. It took them 31 years; a feat made even more remarkable by the fact that only one of them had previous building experience. Now only the absence of the patina of age distinguishes this splendid church, a mix of early English and Norman styles, from original fabric.
A presentation and exhibition explains the monks’ achievement and their present-day work. Famed for its stained glass, fine examples of the monk’s own work adorn the abbey. You will explore at leisure and visit the garden sensory and the lavender gardens before visiting the produce shop which sells everything from bees wax to the much-enjoyed monastic beverage: mead!
Afterwards you will head to the thriving medieval town of Totnes and explore with your guide as you are taken on a short-guided walking tour of the town. Spend some time at leisure exploring the shops of Totnes before re-boarding your coach and returning to the pier.
- This tour involves approximately 800 metres (0.5 mile) of walking on flat terrain with a gentle incline in places. Total walking distance in Totnes is at guests’ discretion. This tour is not recommended for guests with limited mobility. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and a waterproof. Please note the order of the visits may be reversed to avoid congestion.
Total : €100
According to availability, price per passenger.
Tresco Abbey gardens
The Isles of Scilly are a sub-tropical haven for plants and wildlife. In this walking tour, visit the lovely island of Tresco and tour one of the most remarkable gardens in the world, the glorious Tresco Abbey Gardens, containing 20,000 exotic plants flourishing in the warm Gulf Stream climate of these parts.
Meet your local guide who will take you on a walk around the island.
The stunning Tresco Abbey Gardens were created nearly 170 years ago by Augustus Smith around the remains of the 12th century Saint Nicholas Priory. Succeeding generations of the Dorrien-Smith family and their gardeners have collected one of the most fascinating and varied botanical collection of plants from all around the world. These include hotter, drier terraces at the top to suit Australian and South African plants, whilst the bottom ones provide the humidity that favours flora from New Zealand and South America.
Fringing the lush grid of paths criss-crossing the gardens are cacti, date-palms and rarities like lobster claw and shocking-pink drifts of pelargonium. The Valhalla museum reminds the visitor of the shipwrecks that surround the islands and the storms that caused many of them.
Enjoy some time at leisure before returning to your ship.
- As this excursion is entirely done on foot, we advise you wear comfortable shoes and take waterproof clothes. This tour is only conducted in English. The visit of the garden is not guided. If available, gardeners would be more than happy to answer questions.
Total : €60
According to availability, price per passenger.
Garrison walking tour
Your walking tour on the lovely Island of St Mary’s, the largest of the Isles of Scilly, will take you to The Garrison. This walk, offering lovely views of the other islands, was voted the best coastal walk in Britain in a Times survey in 2010.
Depart the quayside in Hugh Town towards the Garrison promontory. The Garrison is deemed to be of national importance “for the complexity and survival of its fortifications, representing successive periods of raiding, hostility and war.” The Garrison dates back to Elizabethan times and goes on through the Civil War years (it became the last Royalist stronghold), and the Spanish Wars of the 18th century.
You will enter The Garrison through the old garrison gateway, and follow the coastal footpath. Your guide will point out the various islands surrounding the Garrison as well as giving you some historical background while passing the various batteries.
Towards the end of the walk, climb the hill up to Star Castle so that you may enjoy sweeping panoramas of the islands. Star Castle is now a hotel, but it was built as an impregnable fortress back in 1593 and gets its name from the shape of its eight-sided central keep, curtain wall and dry moat. Here you will have some refreshments before returning to your ship.
- This tour is entirely done on foot and involves walking over uneven paths, as well as some steep up and down hill footpaths. Paths can be narrow at some places. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes. This tour is not recommended for guests with walking problems. This tour is only conducted in English.
Total : €60
According to availability, price per passenger.
Literature of Dublin
From the pier, board your local coach for a short transfer to EPIC, the Irish Emigration Museum, located on the banks of the River Liffey, in the vaults of the magnificently-restored CHQ building in Dublin's Docklands. This is one of the capital's most historic locations and was the original departure point for many Irish emigrants when they left their homeland during the Famine. Dating back to 1820, the CHQ building was originally a wine and tobacco warehouse that famously hosted the Crimean War Banquet.
EPIC is an interactive experience that tells the fascinating stories of more than 300 Irish people and more than 1,500 years of history. It relives some of the greatest achievements in the world of Irish sport, music, art, culture, politics, food, fashion and science. Equiped with your audio-guide, discover Irish people heritage and history.
After your visit, continue to your lunch location before beginning a walk through Dublin, focussing on its literature heritage. Dublin is a UNESCO City of Literature and is associated with four Nobel prize winners: WB Yeats, George Bernard Shaw, Samuel Beckett and Seamus Heaney. Discover the streets on foot through these famous writers eyes before arriving at MoLI, the Museum of Literature Ireland.
Opened in 2019 and housed in Newman House, the museum celebrates Ireland’s world-renowned literary culture from the past to the present, inspiring visitors of all ages to create, read and write. Drawing its core inspiration from the work of Ireland’s most famous writer James Joyce and named after his best known female character, Molly Bloom, the museum features immersive multimedia exhibitions, priceless literary artefacts from the Irish state collections (including “copy n°1” of Ulysses), events and performances, creative workshops, cross-disciplinary artistic commissions, cutting-edge education programmes and a café set in one of the city’s most beautiful and tranquil gardens. Explore at your own pace this treasure trove of artistry before rejoining your coach for your return journey to port.
-
This tour involves 0,6 mile (1 km) walking on mostly flat ground, and sometimes uneven and gravel ground and steps. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes. The inside visit to EPIC Museum is made with audio-guide. The inside visit to Museum of Literature Ireland (MoLI) is self-guided. Order of the visits may be reversed.
Total : €170
According to availability, price per passenger.
Monastic ruins of Glendalough
Departing from the pier, board your coach and travel towards the County of Wicklow, just south of Dublin. It has a great variety of scenery within its borders and it is known as the “Garden of Ireland”. Central Wicklow is a mass of domed granite mountains, penetrated by deep glens and wooded valleys; it contains some of the finest scenery in Ireland.
Your first destination is Glendalough, or the “Glen of two Lakes”. It is one of the most important sites of monastic ruins in Ireland. It is also known as the city of the seven Churches. Fourteen centuries have passed since the death of its founder, St. Kevin, when the valley was part of Ireland’s Golden Age.
The two lakes, which gave the valley its name, came into existence thousands of years ago, after the Ice Age, when great deposits of earth and stone were strewn across the valley in the area where the Round Tower now exists. The mountain streams eventually formed a large lake.
Step out into the monastic ruins and enjoy a guided tour of this historic site. Established by St. Kevin in the 6th century, its ruined churches are scattered around the two lakes. At this time, Glendalough became a famous school of learning, inhabited by thousands of students from Ireland, Britain and Europe. One of Europe’s finest examples of round tower architecture can be found here, as well as a cathedral, stone churches and decorated crosses. The stunning natural beauty of this wondrous place is evident in its mountains, glens and lakes.
Having enjoyed the beauty of this peaceful and picturesque valley, reboard your coach for your scenic return drive to Dublin and your awaiting ship.
-
This tour includes 1 hour of visit of the ruins and involves walking on uneven ground. We recommend you wear comfortable shoes and protect yourself from the rain.
Total : €65
According to availability, price per passenger.
Historic Dublin
From the pier, head for the heart of the Irish capital. You will pass in front of the Customs House, completed in 1791 and designed by the architect James Gandon who was also responsible for some of Dublin’s loveliest buildings. Crossing the river Liffey to Dublin’s south side, the Bank of Ireland stands proudly, a 18th-century building which housed the Irish Parliament until its abolition as a result of the Union Act in 1800. On the opposite side, is the impressive gateway to Trinity College, the University of Dublin founded in 1592 at the instigation of Queen Elizabeth I.
A first stop is made to visit Christ Church Cathedral, one of Dublin’s most famous monuments. Dating back to 1038, it is the country’s oldest and most important cathedral. The cathedral has resisted the trials and tribulations of time and history. The building underwent extensive restoration work in the Victorian era and is an active religious centre.
Next, discover Dublin Castle. The castle played an important role from the Middle Ages up until 1922 as it was the residence of representatives of the British monarchy. It has survived numerous rebellions during its history, such as the 1916 uprising, and is today the theatre of official ceremonies such as the investiture of the President of the Republic. It was here that the 1998 peace agreements with Northern Ireland were signed.
After the visit, reboard your coach for the return journey to the pier and your ship.
-
This excursion involves walking on uneven ground and cobblestones at the Dublin Castle. Please note the castle may close with little to no notice due to State functions. Order of the visits may be reversed. We reommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and bring a raincoat.
Total : €70
According to availability, price per passenger.
Charms of Belfast
This excursion offers the chance to experience firsthand the festive spirit of Irish hospitality as it has been shared through the ages.
Begin with a guided walking tour of Belfast center, where you will learn something of the history of this elegant Victorian city as you discover iconic buildings and monuments, including the Albert Memorial Clock Tower, erected in memory of Queen Victoria's beloved husband; Ulster Hall, an imposing 19th-century music hall now used for concerts and recitals of all kinds; and the emblematic Belfast City Hall, whose magnificent 300-foot-long façade of Portland stone makes it impossible to mistake.
But the highlight of your tour is certain to be your stop in a local pub, where you will spend time in the company of world champion Irish dancers and musicians. Enjoy a pint as you are entertained with dancing, stories, songs and music played on harp, uilleann pipes, bodhrán, guitar, flute, fiddle, concertina, and whistles. You may even try your hand at sean-nós and céilí dancing as your entertainers sing and play melodies and street songs that would have been heard in the ship-yards, mills, and markets of old.
-
This is a moderate excursion with a total walking distance of approximately 1,2 mile (2 km) of flat and even terrain. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and a waterproof jacket if weather conditions suggest it. Order of visits may vary.
Total : €120
According to availability, price per passenger.
A day along the Antrim Coast
Depart from the port of Belfast and drive along Northern Ireland's Antrim Coast. Some of the world's most unspoilt scenery is to be found in the county of Antrim. From the rugged cliffs of the coast to the Glens, here is the best of what Northern Ireland has to offer.
Travel via the Coast Road to reveal different seascapes, towering cliffs, white sandy beaches, tranquil glens and lush forest parks, as you make your way northwards. From the vantage point at Fair Head and Murlough Bay you can enjoy views of Scotland's Mull of Kintyre, as well as the wild and mysterious island of Rathlin just seven miles (11 km) off the coast.
Stop to enjoy tea/coffee and scones at a local hotel along the coastal route before continuing to photograph Carrick A Rede Rope Bridge. Spanning a chasm some eighty feet (25 m) deep, its construction once consisted of a single rope handrail and widely spaced slats, which the fishermen would traverse across with salmon caught off the island.
Continue to a local establishment to enjoy lunch before venturing to the UNESCO World Heritage Giants' Causeway site. The summer of 2012 marked the opening of the new Visitor Centre at the Giant's Causeway. This new interpretative centre allows you to decide for yourself which explanation of how the causeway's 40,000 basalt stones were formed is most likely. For centuries, visitors have marvelled at its stone formation. To stroll the Giants Causeway is to voyage back in time. Your imagination will travel along stepping-stones that lead to either the creative turbulence of a bygone volcanic age or into the myths and legends of the past. You can board the "Causeway Coaster" minibus to bring you to the causeway itself.
On your way back to Belfast, a photo stop will be made at Dunluce Castle, before returning to your ship.
- This excursion is mainly a panoramic tour which includes 2 hours at the Giant's Causeway, the amount of walking is at guest's discretion. This tour includes a snack with tea or coffee and scone and a 3-course lunch.
Total : €140
According to availability, price per passenger.
In the hull of Titanic
From the pier, embark your local coach for a short transfer to Belfast city centre.
Firstly, visit Titanic Belfast. Opened in April 2012, the new signature building telling the story of Titanic contains nine galleries containing a variety of interpretative materials and media including film and video, audio, archival materials and scale models; a high point will be a ride through the Titanic under construction. The adventure begins the moment you walk through the door and into the building's giant atrium surrounded by the four-high impact “hull” shaped sections which house the experience. As you wander up through Titanic Belfast, you will experience a thrilling ride through the reconstruction of the shipyards and the Titanic under construction. The stories of passengers, crew and the heroes of the day will be told in an exciting and modern way. At the conclusion, you can visit the wreck at her resting place on the floor of the North Atlantic.
After your immersion in the hull of the Titanic, take a short stroll to the Titanic Hotel where you will enjoy a typical snack while your guide tells the story of the making of Titanic. Titanic Hotel was the original drawing offices for Harland and Wolff, where the Titanic began its journey to life. The drawing offices were built in the late 1880s when the company was emerging as one of the world's leading shipbuilders. Here, decisions were made which changed the course of shipbuilding.
Then, re-board your coach for a panoramic tour of Belfast, city of industry and elegance with a rich and varied past. Its origins go back to an ancient fort controlling the ford across the River Lagan which flows through the city. The panoramic tour of the city will introduce you to the many varied features of Northern Ireland's largest city. Built with 19th century industrial money, many fine buildings from this era grace the city still and are reminders of its prosperous past. You will drive past the Grand Opera House and the Albert Memorial before passing Queen's University, the Botanic Gardens and Belfast City Hall - an impressive building with a 91 metres (300 feet) long façade of Portland stone, which dominates Donegall Square. A stop here will allow you photograph what is perhaps the most noteworthy of the statues in the grounds. It is the marble figure of “Thane” on a granite pedestal, sculpted by Sir Thomas Brock and commemorating the sinking in 1912 of the R.M.S Titanic, the ill-fated Belfast built liner.
-
This excursion involves walking on mostly flat ground with many steps (approximately 200 steps). Guests can choose to walk the stairs throughout Titanic Belfast or use the lifts. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes. Order of the visit may vary.
Total : €100
According to availability, price per passenger.
Giant's Causeway clifftop experience
Departing from the pier in Belfast, you will travel inland through the Northern Counties of Down and Antrim passing en route Ballymoney and Ballymena, to the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Giants’ Causeway.
For centuries, visitors have marvelled at its majesty and mystery. The unique rock formations have, for millions of years, stood as a natural rampart against the unbridled ferocity of the Atlantic storms and the rugged symmetry of the columns never fail to intrigue and inspire. To stroll the Giants Causeway is to voyage back in time. Your imagination will travel along stepping stones that lead to either the creative turbulence of a bygone volcanic age or into the myths and legends of the past.
Upon arrival, experience the Giant’s Causeway like never before and take the road less travelled and see for a stunning five-mile hike along the thrilling clifftop path. It is the perfect option for hikers and walkers. Follow your hiking guide and listen to fascinating stories of the Giant’s Causeway, to its history and geology. En route, enjoy few photostops at the most stunning viewpoints in Northern Ireland, such as Hamilton’s Seat.
The hike ends at the Giant's Causeway, where you can climb the legendary basalt columns before exploring the interactive exhibition within the Visitor Centre.
Then, get back to your coach for your transfer back to the pier.
-
This excursion involves hiking approximately 6 miles (10 km) on natural paths, grass and uneven grounds. The path may be muddy. We recommend you wear good hiking shoes, layered clothing and a raincoat. We also recommend you bring water from the ship. The tour depends on the weather. This tour will be conducted in English only and is limited to 18 participants.
Total : €200
According to availability, price per passenger.
Ulster Folk Museum experience
From the pier, board your local coach for a short transfer to the 20th century. Today, you will enjoy a journey back in time to rediscover Ulster as it was over a century ago.
Upon arrival at the Ulster Folk Museum, in the charming town of Holywood, meet your local guide who will give you an introduction before taking you on a guided tour of the Folk Museum. During your tour explore 'rolling hills of countryside' and a 'bustling town' filled with authentic period buildings. Visit various buildings throughout your tour where you will have the opportunity to see daily demonstrations of traditional crafts from basket weaving to printing and meet the inhabitants bringing it all to life. An immersive trip into the past awaits you.
Then, enjoy some free time to explore the park independently before saying goodbye to your new old friends and travelling the short journey to Belfast City.
Belfast is a city of industry and elegance and boasts a rich and varied past. Its origins go back to an ancient fort controlling the ford across the River Lagan, which flows through the city. A brief panoramic tour of the city will introduce you to the many varied features of Northern Ireland’s largest city. Built with 19th century industrial money, many fine buildings from this era grace the city still and are reminders of its prosperous past.
Finally, rejoin the port and your awaiting ship.
-
This excursion involves walking approximately 1 hour on uneven grounds and some steps. We recommend you wear confortable walking shoes, layered clothes and a raincoat. The Folk Museum guide may conduct the tour in English only.
Total : €85
According to availability, price per passenger.
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.
Up to 184 Guests
92 staterooms & suites
118 crew members
Spa
2 restaurants
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.
Free solo supplement
FREE SOLO SUPPLEMENT *
*The supplement for single usage of a double cabin is waived, according to availability and staterooms categories.
35-year offer
35 years ago, Le Ponant, the company’s iconic flag-ship vessel, welcomed her very first guests on a journey to discover exclusive destinations. To celebrate 35 years of sailing, exploration and discoveries at sea, we are offering you an additional 10% savings for 35 days on more than 200 departures when you book by 5 July 2023!
To take advantage of the 35th-anniversary offer and all your benefits, we invite you to contact your cruise advisors or your travel agency by phone or email, and mention the offer code PONANT35.
Offer available from 01/06/23 until 05/07/2023 with code « PONANT35 » - Discount of 10% for the thirty-fifth anniversary of PONANT.
Offer non combinable with Flight credit offers, Free Single supplement, Webinar, Onboard sale or Ponant event discounts.
Shore excursions, Pre/Post & Overlands
Lulworth Cove & Corfe Castle
From the pier, board your local coach and depart Portland. Pass by the seaside town of Weymouth, made famous by King George III, before heading east towards Corfe Castle.
Enjoy a brief stop at Lulworth Cove, on the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site. The cove is one of the world's finest examples of this type of landform. Take time to admire the views and a stroll along the beach before re-boarding the coach and continuing the journey to Corfe Castle, passing through the beautiful Dorset countryside en route.
The Castle is one of the most impressive and romantic medieval ruins in England and its marvellous hilltop position offers magnificent views of the surrounding countryside. Listen to your guide explain how it was originally built by order of William the Conqueror in 1080 and commands a gap in the Purbeck Hills on the route between Wareham and Swanage. In the 11th century the wooden Norman castle was rebuilt in stone, and over the following centuries additions were made, particularly by King John and Henry III. Discover how, by the 13th century, the castle was being used as a royal treasure storehouse and prison, and it remained a royal fortress until 1572, when it was sold by Elizabeth I to her Lord Chancellor, Sir Christopher Hatton. During the English Civil War, the castle twice came under siege by Parliamentarian forces and finally fell in 1645. Parliamentarian engineers then proceeded with a systematic demolition, using explosives to try and bring down the walls. Their work has left the castle as it looks today.
Following the guided tour, there will be free time to explore at leisure before departing for the return journey to the ship.
-
This tour involves walking approximately 1 hour on uneven surfaces and steps. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and bring a raincoat.
Total : €130
According to availability, price per passenger.
Jurassic coastal walk
From the pier, board your local coach and depart Portland to stunning Durdle Door in Dorset, with its vast rock arch, set right on the Jurassic Coast.
Caves, dramatic rock strata, rugged chalk cliffs and pebble beaches dominate this stretch of the Dorset Coast Path. The natural arch of Durdle Door is a physical feature of the area, which has retained its name for more than 1000 years, showing that the coast does not change very rapidly. The name is derived from an Old English word "thirl", meaning to pierce (as in "nostril"). The main feature of this is the natural arch, known as the "Barn-door", formed in Purbeck Limestone and sufficiently high for a good-sized sailing boat to pass through.
After seeing Durdle Door, enjoy a walk with your guide along the coastal path to Lulworth Cove. With its thatched cottages, fishing boats, lobster pots, wildflowers, quaint little gift shops - the charm of Lulworth Cove is timeless.
On arrival at Lulworth Cove, continue the coastal path walk with its fascinating geology and spectacular views, past the Lulworth Crumple and Stair Hole, on the way to the beach. There will be time to take photographs before re-joining the coach for the return to Portland.
-
This tour involves walking approximately 1,8 mile (3 km) on gravel paths and slopes. We recommend you wear comfortable hiking shoes and bring a raincoat.
Total : €150
According to availability, price per passenger.
Abbotsbury gardens & Swannery
From the pier, board your local coach and depart Portland to visit the beautiful Abbotsbury Sub-tropical Gardens where you will have time to wander at your leisure.
Established in 1765 by the first Countess of Ilchester as a kitchen garden for her nearby castle, the gardens have been developed since then into a magnificent 20 acres filled with rare & exotic plants from all over the world. Many of these plants were first introductions to this country, discovered by the plant-hunting descendants of the Countess. Since the restoration after the great storm of 1990, many new exotic and unusual plants have been introduced. The Garden is now a mixture of formal & informal, with charming walled garden walks & spectacular woodland valley views; newly designed this year is a viewpoint over the Jurassic coastline. Today, the Gardens are world famous for its Camellia Groves & Magnolias and noted for its Rhododendron and Hydrangea collections.
Then, continue to the Abbotsbury Swannery, a unique centre and the only place in the world where you are able to walk through the heart of a colony of nesting Mute Swans. From mid-May to late June, hundreds of fluffy cygnets hatch from eggs in nests on or near the pathways. The Swannery was established by Benedictine Monks who built a monastery at Abbotsbury during the 1040's. The monks farmed the swans to produce food for their lavish banquets, and although St Peter's monastery was destroyed in 1539 during the dissolution, some of the ruins are still visible around St Nicholas' Church in the village.
Following your visit to the Swannery, re-join your coach and return to Portland.
-
This excursion involves walking on mostly level gravel pathways. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and a raincoat.
Total : €130
According to availability, price per passenger.
Greenway House & gardens
Depart from the pier by boat and make the delightful journey up the river Dart. After a 30-minute sailing, arrive at Greenway House and Gardens.
Agatha Christie made Greenway her holiday home from 1938 until 1959. Take the opportunity to view the many personal collections and mementoes of our best-loved mystery writer and her family in a house that portrays the spirit of a holiday home in its 1950s heyday. Here, Agatha Christie gathered with her family and friends for long summer days together, often to celebrate a novel just completed for publication. Visit the house before taking a stroll around the gardens.
The most nostalgic and magical of gardens, evoking a past world of long summer holidays and secret places waiting to be discovered, was described by previous owner Agatha Christie as “the loveliest place in the world”. The beautiful garden is renowned for its rare half-hardy plants, under planted with drifts of native wild flowers. Among the many corners to explore are a Victorian fernery, an exquisitely restored vinery and the enigmatic “Raleigh’s boathouse”.
- The walk from Greenway quay to visitor reception is steep in places along a winding bark chip path through the Greenway woodland. The 750 metres (800 yards) walk takes about 10 minutes and there are plenty of benches for resting or admiring the view on the way. This tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility due to the steep hill and getting on and off the boats. Walking in the gardens is at guest’s discretion. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and waterproof clothes. The tour is limited to 40 participants.
Total : €85
According to availability, price per passenger.
Steam train & river cruise
This lovely tour of Devonshire’s “English Riviera coast” will give you a real feel for the village life and delightful countryside in this part of the world. Start with a short walking tour of Dartmouth. This ancient port is perhaps best known for Britannia Royal Naval College which stands imposingly on the hill above. It has been the centre of naval training for centuries and so the town itself has a strong maritime history, which is echoed in its ancient taverns and well-preserved shops.
Then join a public boat for a transfer up the pretty River Dart, passing stunning scenery all the while. Agatha Christie’s House, Greenway, sits here on the banks of the river in its idyllic setting.
After 1h15 hour of sailing, arrive in medieval Totnes. Explore this town with your guide before travelling by coach to the pretty seaside resort town of Paignton. Here, board a traditional steam train for a picturesque ride through the rolling scenery to Kingswear, nestled on the banks of the river Dart. Then a short ferry crossing brings you into the town centre of Dartmouth.
- As the 2022 timetable is not available at the moment we are publishing, please note the tour may need to be extended slightly, depending on what time the trains and river cruises are running. This tour is conducted in English only.
Total : €150
According to availability, price per passenger.
Buckfast Abbey & Totnes
Visit a fascinating abbey lovingly rebuilt in recent times and travel to a nearby medieval town that remains to this day a flourishing market town.
On the edge of the moor lies Buckfast Abbey, a thriving community of Benedictine monks. The original 11th century Buckfast Abbey fell into ruin after the dissolution of the monasteries. In 1882, four monks returned and in 1906 they began the monumental task of rebuilding the church themselves. It took them 31 years; a feat made even more remarkable by the fact that only one of them had previous building experience. Now only the absence of the patina of age distinguishes this splendid church, a mix of early English and Norman styles, from original fabric.
A presentation and exhibition explains the monks’ achievement and their present-day work. Famed for its stained glass, fine examples of the monk’s own work adorn the abbey. You will explore at leisure and visit the garden sensory and the lavender gardens before visiting the produce shop which sells everything from bees wax to the much-enjoyed monastic beverage: mead!
Afterwards you will head to the thriving medieval town of Totnes and explore with your guide as you are taken on a short-guided walking tour of the town. Spend some time at leisure exploring the shops of Totnes before re-boarding your coach and returning to the pier.
- This tour involves approximately 800 metres (0.5 mile) of walking on flat terrain with a gentle incline in places. Total walking distance in Totnes is at guests’ discretion. This tour is not recommended for guests with limited mobility. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and a waterproof. Please note the order of the visits may be reversed to avoid congestion.
Total : €100
According to availability, price per passenger.
Tresco Abbey gardens
The Isles of Scilly are a sub-tropical haven for plants and wildlife. In this walking tour, visit the lovely island of Tresco and tour one of the most remarkable gardens in the world, the glorious Tresco Abbey Gardens, containing 20,000 exotic plants flourishing in the warm Gulf Stream climate of these parts.
Meet your local guide who will take you on a walk around the island.
The stunning Tresco Abbey Gardens were created nearly 170 years ago by Augustus Smith around the remains of the 12th century Saint Nicholas Priory. Succeeding generations of the Dorrien-Smith family and their gardeners have collected one of the most fascinating and varied botanical collection of plants from all around the world. These include hotter, drier terraces at the top to suit Australian and South African plants, whilst the bottom ones provide the humidity that favours flora from New Zealand and South America.
Fringing the lush grid of paths criss-crossing the gardens are cacti, date-palms and rarities like lobster claw and shocking-pink drifts of pelargonium. The Valhalla museum reminds the visitor of the shipwrecks that surround the islands and the storms that caused many of them.
Enjoy some time at leisure before returning to your ship.
- As this excursion is entirely done on foot, we advise you wear comfortable shoes and take waterproof clothes. This tour is only conducted in English. The visit of the garden is not guided. If available, gardeners would be more than happy to answer questions.
Total : €60
According to availability, price per passenger.
Garrison walking tour
Your walking tour on the lovely Island of St Mary’s, the largest of the Isles of Scilly, will take you to The Garrison. This walk, offering lovely views of the other islands, was voted the best coastal walk in Britain in a Times survey in 2010.
Depart the quayside in Hugh Town towards the Garrison promontory. The Garrison is deemed to be of national importance “for the complexity and survival of its fortifications, representing successive periods of raiding, hostility and war.” The Garrison dates back to Elizabethan times and goes on through the Civil War years (it became the last Royalist stronghold), and the Spanish Wars of the 18th century.
You will enter The Garrison through the old garrison gateway, and follow the coastal footpath. Your guide will point out the various islands surrounding the Garrison as well as giving you some historical background while passing the various batteries.
Towards the end of the walk, climb the hill up to Star Castle so that you may enjoy sweeping panoramas of the islands. Star Castle is now a hotel, but it was built as an impregnable fortress back in 1593 and gets its name from the shape of its eight-sided central keep, curtain wall and dry moat. Here you will have some refreshments before returning to your ship.
- This tour is entirely done on foot and involves walking over uneven paths, as well as some steep up and down hill footpaths. Paths can be narrow at some places. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes. This tour is not recommended for guests with walking problems. This tour is only conducted in English.
Total : €60
According to availability, price per passenger.
Literature of Dublin
From the pier, board your local coach for a short transfer to EPIC, the Irish Emigration Museum, located on the banks of the River Liffey, in the vaults of the magnificently-restored CHQ building in Dublin's Docklands. This is one of the capital's most historic locations and was the original departure point for many Irish emigrants when they left their homeland during the Famine. Dating back to 1820, the CHQ building was originally a wine and tobacco warehouse that famously hosted the Crimean War Banquet.
EPIC is an interactive experience that tells the fascinating stories of more than 300 Irish people and more than 1,500 years of history. It relives some of the greatest achievements in the world of Irish sport, music, art, culture, politics, food, fashion and science. Equiped with your audio-guide, discover Irish people heritage and history.
After your visit, continue to your lunch location before beginning a walk through Dublin, focussing on its literature heritage. Dublin is a UNESCO City of Literature and is associated with four Nobel prize winners: WB Yeats, George Bernard Shaw, Samuel Beckett and Seamus Heaney. Discover the streets on foot through these famous writers eyes before arriving at MoLI, the Museum of Literature Ireland.
Opened in 2019 and housed in Newman House, the museum celebrates Ireland’s world-renowned literary culture from the past to the present, inspiring visitors of all ages to create, read and write. Drawing its core inspiration from the work of Ireland’s most famous writer James Joyce and named after his best known female character, Molly Bloom, the museum features immersive multimedia exhibitions, priceless literary artefacts from the Irish state collections (including “copy n°1” of Ulysses), events and performances, creative workshops, cross-disciplinary artistic commissions, cutting-edge education programmes and a café set in one of the city’s most beautiful and tranquil gardens. Explore at your own pace this treasure trove of artistry before rejoining your coach for your return journey to port.
-
This tour involves 0,6 mile (1 km) walking on mostly flat ground, and sometimes uneven and gravel ground and steps. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes. The inside visit to EPIC Museum is made with audio-guide. The inside visit to Museum of Literature Ireland (MoLI) is self-guided. Order of the visits may be reversed.
Total : €170
According to availability, price per passenger.
Monastic ruins of Glendalough
Departing from the pier, board your coach and travel towards the County of Wicklow, just south of Dublin. It has a great variety of scenery within its borders and it is known as the “Garden of Ireland”. Central Wicklow is a mass of domed granite mountains, penetrated by deep glens and wooded valleys; it contains some of the finest scenery in Ireland.
Your first destination is Glendalough, or the “Glen of two Lakes”. It is one of the most important sites of monastic ruins in Ireland. It is also known as the city of the seven Churches. Fourteen centuries have passed since the death of its founder, St. Kevin, when the valley was part of Ireland’s Golden Age.
The two lakes, which gave the valley its name, came into existence thousands of years ago, after the Ice Age, when great deposits of earth and stone were strewn across the valley in the area where the Round Tower now exists. The mountain streams eventually formed a large lake.
Step out into the monastic ruins and enjoy a guided tour of this historic site. Established by St. Kevin in the 6th century, its ruined churches are scattered around the two lakes. At this time, Glendalough became a famous school of learning, inhabited by thousands of students from Ireland, Britain and Europe. One of Europe’s finest examples of round tower architecture can be found here, as well as a cathedral, stone churches and decorated crosses. The stunning natural beauty of this wondrous place is evident in its mountains, glens and lakes.
Having enjoyed the beauty of this peaceful and picturesque valley, reboard your coach for your scenic return drive to Dublin and your awaiting ship.
-
This tour includes 1 hour of visit of the ruins and involves walking on uneven ground. We recommend you wear comfortable shoes and protect yourself from the rain.
Total : €65
According to availability, price per passenger.
Historic Dublin
From the pier, head for the heart of the Irish capital. You will pass in front of the Customs House, completed in 1791 and designed by the architect James Gandon who was also responsible for some of Dublin’s loveliest buildings. Crossing the river Liffey to Dublin’s south side, the Bank of Ireland stands proudly, a 18th-century building which housed the Irish Parliament until its abolition as a result of the Union Act in 1800. On the opposite side, is the impressive gateway to Trinity College, the University of Dublin founded in 1592 at the instigation of Queen Elizabeth I.
A first stop is made to visit Christ Church Cathedral, one of Dublin’s most famous monuments. Dating back to 1038, it is the country’s oldest and most important cathedral. The cathedral has resisted the trials and tribulations of time and history. The building underwent extensive restoration work in the Victorian era and is an active religious centre.
Next, discover Dublin Castle. The castle played an important role from the Middle Ages up until 1922 as it was the residence of representatives of the British monarchy. It has survived numerous rebellions during its history, such as the 1916 uprising, and is today the theatre of official ceremonies such as the investiture of the President of the Republic. It was here that the 1998 peace agreements with Northern Ireland were signed.
After the visit, reboard your coach for the return journey to the pier and your ship.
-
This excursion involves walking on uneven ground and cobblestones at the Dublin Castle. Please note the castle may close with little to no notice due to State functions. Order of the visits may be reversed. We reommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and bring a raincoat.
Total : €70
According to availability, price per passenger.
Charms of Belfast
This excursion offers the chance to experience firsthand the festive spirit of Irish hospitality as it has been shared through the ages.
Begin with a guided walking tour of Belfast center, where you will learn something of the history of this elegant Victorian city as you discover iconic buildings and monuments, including the Albert Memorial Clock Tower, erected in memory of Queen Victoria's beloved husband; Ulster Hall, an imposing 19th-century music hall now used for concerts and recitals of all kinds; and the emblematic Belfast City Hall, whose magnificent 300-foot-long façade of Portland stone makes it impossible to mistake.
But the highlight of your tour is certain to be your stop in a local pub, where you will spend time in the company of world champion Irish dancers and musicians. Enjoy a pint as you are entertained with dancing, stories, songs and music played on harp, uilleann pipes, bodhrán, guitar, flute, fiddle, concertina, and whistles. You may even try your hand at sean-nós and céilí dancing as your entertainers sing and play melodies and street songs that would have been heard in the ship-yards, mills, and markets of old.
-
This is a moderate excursion with a total walking distance of approximately 1,2 mile (2 km) of flat and even terrain. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and a waterproof jacket if weather conditions suggest it. Order of visits may vary.
Total : €120
According to availability, price per passenger.
A day along the Antrim Coast
Depart from the port of Belfast and drive along Northern Ireland's Antrim Coast. Some of the world's most unspoilt scenery is to be found in the county of Antrim. From the rugged cliffs of the coast to the Glens, here is the best of what Northern Ireland has to offer.
Travel via the Coast Road to reveal different seascapes, towering cliffs, white sandy beaches, tranquil glens and lush forest parks, as you make your way northwards. From the vantage point at Fair Head and Murlough Bay you can enjoy views of Scotland's Mull of Kintyre, as well as the wild and mysterious island of Rathlin just seven miles (11 km) off the coast.
Stop to enjoy tea/coffee and scones at a local hotel along the coastal route before continuing to photograph Carrick A Rede Rope Bridge. Spanning a chasm some eighty feet (25 m) deep, its construction once consisted of a single rope handrail and widely spaced slats, which the fishermen would traverse across with salmon caught off the island.
Continue to a local establishment to enjoy lunch before venturing to the UNESCO World Heritage Giants' Causeway site. The summer of 2012 marked the opening of the new Visitor Centre at the Giant's Causeway. This new interpretative centre allows you to decide for yourself which explanation of how the causeway's 40,000 basalt stones were formed is most likely. For centuries, visitors have marvelled at its stone formation. To stroll the Giants Causeway is to voyage back in time. Your imagination will travel along stepping-stones that lead to either the creative turbulence of a bygone volcanic age or into the myths and legends of the past. You can board the "Causeway Coaster" minibus to bring you to the causeway itself.
On your way back to Belfast, a photo stop will be made at Dunluce Castle, before returning to your ship.
- This excursion is mainly a panoramic tour which includes 2 hours at the Giant's Causeway, the amount of walking is at guest's discretion. This tour includes a snack with tea or coffee and scone and a 3-course lunch.
Total : €140
According to availability, price per passenger.
In the hull of Titanic
From the pier, embark your local coach for a short transfer to Belfast city centre.
Firstly, visit Titanic Belfast. Opened in April 2012, the new signature building telling the story of Titanic contains nine galleries containing a variety of interpretative materials and media including film and video, audio, archival materials and scale models; a high point will be a ride through the Titanic under construction. The adventure begins the moment you walk through the door and into the building's giant atrium surrounded by the four-high impact “hull” shaped sections which house the experience. As you wander up through Titanic Belfast, you will experience a thrilling ride through the reconstruction of the shipyards and the Titanic under construction. The stories of passengers, crew and the heroes of the day will be told in an exciting and modern way. At the conclusion, you can visit the wreck at her resting place on the floor of the North Atlantic.
After your immersion in the hull of the Titanic, take a short stroll to the Titanic Hotel where you will enjoy a typical snack while your guide tells the story of the making of Titanic. Titanic Hotel was the original drawing offices for Harland and Wolff, where the Titanic began its journey to life. The drawing offices were built in the late 1880s when the company was emerging as one of the world's leading shipbuilders. Here, decisions were made which changed the course of shipbuilding.
Then, re-board your coach for a panoramic tour of Belfast, city of industry and elegance with a rich and varied past. Its origins go back to an ancient fort controlling the ford across the River Lagan which flows through the city. The panoramic tour of the city will introduce you to the many varied features of Northern Ireland's largest city. Built with 19th century industrial money, many fine buildings from this era grace the city still and are reminders of its prosperous past. You will drive past the Grand Opera House and the Albert Memorial before passing Queen's University, the Botanic Gardens and Belfast City Hall - an impressive building with a 91 metres (300 feet) long façade of Portland stone, which dominates Donegall Square. A stop here will allow you photograph what is perhaps the most noteworthy of the statues in the grounds. It is the marble figure of “Thane” on a granite pedestal, sculpted by Sir Thomas Brock and commemorating the sinking in 1912 of the R.M.S Titanic, the ill-fated Belfast built liner.
-
This excursion involves walking on mostly flat ground with many steps (approximately 200 steps). Guests can choose to walk the stairs throughout Titanic Belfast or use the lifts. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes. Order of the visit may vary.
Total : €100
According to availability, price per passenger.
Giant's Causeway clifftop experience
Departing from the pier in Belfast, you will travel inland through the Northern Counties of Down and Antrim passing en route Ballymoney and Ballymena, to the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Giants’ Causeway.
For centuries, visitors have marvelled at its majesty and mystery. The unique rock formations have, for millions of years, stood as a natural rampart against the unbridled ferocity of the Atlantic storms and the rugged symmetry of the columns never fail to intrigue and inspire. To stroll the Giants Causeway is to voyage back in time. Your imagination will travel along stepping stones that lead to either the creative turbulence of a bygone volcanic age or into the myths and legends of the past.
Upon arrival, experience the Giant’s Causeway like never before and take the road less travelled and see for a stunning five-mile hike along the thrilling clifftop path. It is the perfect option for hikers and walkers. Follow your hiking guide and listen to fascinating stories of the Giant’s Causeway, to its history and geology. En route, enjoy few photostops at the most stunning viewpoints in Northern Ireland, such as Hamilton’s Seat.
The hike ends at the Giant's Causeway, where you can climb the legendary basalt columns before exploring the interactive exhibition within the Visitor Centre.
Then, get back to your coach for your transfer back to the pier.
-
This excursion involves hiking approximately 6 miles (10 km) on natural paths, grass and uneven grounds. The path may be muddy. We recommend you wear good hiking shoes, layered clothing and a raincoat. We also recommend you bring water from the ship. The tour depends on the weather. This tour will be conducted in English only and is limited to 18 participants.
Total : €200
According to availability, price per passenger.
Ulster Folk Museum experience
From the pier, board your local coach for a short transfer to the 20th century. Today, you will enjoy a journey back in time to rediscover Ulster as it was over a century ago.
Upon arrival at the Ulster Folk Museum, in the charming town of Holywood, meet your local guide who will give you an introduction before taking you on a guided tour of the Folk Museum. During your tour explore 'rolling hills of countryside' and a 'bustling town' filled with authentic period buildings. Visit various buildings throughout your tour where you will have the opportunity to see daily demonstrations of traditional crafts from basket weaving to printing and meet the inhabitants bringing it all to life. An immersive trip into the past awaits you.
Then, enjoy some free time to explore the park independently before saying goodbye to your new old friends and travelling the short journey to Belfast City.
Belfast is a city of industry and elegance and boasts a rich and varied past. Its origins go back to an ancient fort controlling the ford across the River Lagan, which flows through the city. A brief panoramic tour of the city will introduce you to the many varied features of Northern Ireland’s largest city. Built with 19th century industrial money, many fine buildings from this era grace the city still and are reminders of its prosperous past.
Finally, rejoin the port and your awaiting ship.
-
This excursion involves walking approximately 1 hour on uneven grounds and some steps. We recommend you wear confortable walking shoes, layered clothes and a raincoat. The Folk Museum guide may conduct the tour in English only.
Total : €85
According to availability, price per passenger.