Deluxe Stateroom Deck 3
15% Ponant Bonus
19 m²
2
Scottish Isles and Norwegian Fjords Voyage – with Smithsonian Journeys
Glasgow, Scotland - Bergen
Dates:
30/5/2025
to
6/6/2025
Other available dates
days
nights on board
Shore excursion in each port of call + transfers included
In alliance with Smithsonian Journeys.
This cruise is part of a collection of PONANT voyages that are specially-tailored for English-speaking travelers who want to engage with the world. In addition to the usual elements of the PONANT experience, the listed price for these voyages includes transfers to and from the ship, talks and discussions aboard ship by world class experts, and a shore excursion or activity in each port of call that encourages guests to embrace the sights, sounds, tastes, and smells of the local environment and culture.
Join PONANT aboard Le Bellot for an 8-day cruise on an exceptional itinerary to discover the rugged landscapes of the Scottish Isles and the beauty of the Norwegian fjords .
Begin your journey in Glasgow , Scotland's cultural capital with a rich artistic and architectural heritage.
Your ship will first sail to Fort William , from where you can immerse yourself in local lore during a cruise of fabled Loch Ness or take a tour and enjoy a dram of scotch whiskey.
From Portree , spend a day on the unparalleled Isle of Skye. Or, not to be missed on the mainland is Eilean Donan , one of the most recognizable castles in the world and an iconic symbol of Scotland.
Your ship sails next towards Kirkwall , capital of Orkney , where numerous seabirds, such as gannets and European shags, take residence. The Standing Stones of Stenness , built around 5,400 years ago, are a designated UNESCO World Heritage site.
Le Bellot then sails for Lerwick , the main port in the Shetland Islands. Nearby is the Jarlshof prehistoric and Norse settlement, where Neolithic people first settled more than 4,000 years ago – it is one of the most spectacular excavated sites in the British Isles.
Next cross the North Sea and sail towards Nordfjordeid . From this small and charming town, drive further along the fjord to Jostedalsbreen National Park, home to one of the last ice caps in Europe, to admire the magnificent Briksdal Glacier .
End your journey in Flåm where you will board the Flåm Railway to take a beautiful train journey high into the mountains of western Norway. View stunning rivers, waterfalls, and cultural landscapes around every corner.
You will disembark in Bergen , famous for its Hanseatic wharf, Bryggen, a UNESCO World Heritage site which still carries traces of the rich historic past of the city founded by the Vikings.
Ref : GB2545US - EE300525
Your itinerary
Your itinerary
A voyage specially-tailored for English-speaking travelers including discussions with experts, transfers before and after your cruise, and an included excursion in each port of call. Engaging lectures and...
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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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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
- Selection of Clarins 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
Smithsonian Journeys
Smithsonian Journeys is the travel program of the Smithsonian Institution, the world’s largest museum, education and research complex, consisting of 21 museums, the National Zoological Park, education centers, research facilities, cultural centers, and libraries. Drawing on Smithsonian's resources dating back 175 years, these sailings will feature notable experts and experiences that embrace local cultures and dive deeper into a destination’s history, cuisine, language, environment, and wildlife. For more than 50 years, Smithsonian Journeys has been rooted in and focused on cultural immersion and discovery – with a goal of inspiring guests to become global citizens through travel.
Subject to withdrawal in case of force majeure
Highlights
- A voyage specially-tailored for English-speaking travelers including discussions with experts, transfers before and after your cruise, and an included excursion in each port of call.
- Engaging lectures and discussions on board with two Smithsonian Journeys Experts, including Scandinavian scholar Lauren Poyer and Tom Dawson, an archaeologist and a professorial research fellow at the University of St Andrews.
- An exceptional itinerary to discover the rugged landscapes and rich cultural heritage of the Scottish Isles and the beauty of the Norwegian fjords.
- UNESCO World Heritage sites en route: Heart of Neolithic Orkney and Bryggen
- An opportunity to visit Eilean Donan castle on the Scottish mainland and to sail the waters of storied Loch Ness.
- A chance to tour a distillery and sample the region’s famous scotch whisky.
- A discovery of two archipelagos in the north of Scotland – Shetland and Orkney – to delve into the Neolithic and Viking history that abounds there.
- A sailing through the spectacular fjords of Norway, with two stops to visit a glacier and embark on a train journey on the famed Flåm Railway.
Ports of Call & Excursions
30 May 2025 - Glasgow, Scotland
Embarkation 30/5/2025 from 3:30 pm to 4:30 pm
Departure 30/5/2025 at 5:30 pm
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.
31 May 2025 - Fort William
Arrival 31/5/2025 mid morning
Departure 31/5/2025 evening
A port town on the eastern shore of Loch Linnhe, Fort William is sometimes described as the "Outdoor Capital of the UK." Because it sits at the base of Ben Nevis, the highest peak in the British Isles, and is in close proximity to the dramatic landscape of Glencoe, it is a popular destination for hikers and rock climbers. For those looking for a less adventurous experience, the nearby Ben Nevis Distillery offers tours and tastings, and Old Fort and Old Inverlochy Castle are interesting historical sites.
1 June 2025 - Portree, Isle of Skye
Arrival 1/6/2025 early morning
Departure 1/6/2025 evening
Nestling in the crux of a gorgeous bay, Portree reflects the magnificence of the grandiose Isle of Skye as well as being its main town. Apart from the charm of its colourful houses, the town’s outstanding location on the banks of a loch makes it a very pleasant place to be. From its colourful harbour bustling with local craftsmen’s shops, you can take in a stunning view of the surrounding hills. Before trekking through the wilderness and drinking in the natural beauty of the Isle of Skye, check out some of the beautiful images in the Aros Centre.
2 June 2025 - Kirkwall, Orkney
Arrival 2/6/2025 midday
Departure 2/6/2025 early evening
Capital of the Orkney archipelago, Kirkwall, which means “church bay”, is an ideal stopover before continuing on to the Northern Isles. Sheltered in a wide bay, the lively town welcomes the visitor with its charming paved alleyways edged by old houses and craft shops. Tankerness House, the oldest homestead in the town, is a must-see landmark. But the true architectural treasure of the aptly named Kirkwall is none other than its remarkable red and gold stone cathedral. And because whisky is inseparable from Scotland’s identity, stop at the Highland Park Distillery for a highly instructive visit.
3 June 2025 - Lerwick, Shetland Islands
Arrival 3/6/2025 early morning
Departure 3/6/2025 midday
The small and charming capital of the Shetland Islands, with its sea front of old houses and narrow streets, offering travellers its old districts and a warm port atmosphere. Geopark Shetland, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is located to the north. Incredibly well-preserved archaeological sites and ruins prove that the islands’ occupation dates back to the first Neolithic colonies. The Shetland Museum and Archives recounts the Shetlands’ history of heritage and culture: Lerwick’s abundant waters were even fished by the Dutch in the past.
4 June 2025 - Nordfjordeid
Arrival 4/6/2025 mid morning
Departure 4/6/2025 evening
Nordfjordeid is a small town lying south of Alesund, nestling in one of the arms of the Nordfjorden and its wild and magnificent shores. Between valleys with abundant vegetation and mountainous terrain, nature here offers a 360-degree view which was conducive to the early settlement of Viking communities, judging by the large number of tombs, among the country’s largest and richest. You may get to deepen your knowledge of the Nordic culture and traditions at Sagastad, a surprising museum with interactive exhibitions and home, among other sights, to the Myklebust, one of the world’s largest Viking ships, measuring 30 metres (98 feet) in length.
5 June 2025 - Flam
Arrival 5/6/2025 mid morning
Departure 5/6/2025 early evening
Nestled in the heart of the fjord country, less than 200 kilometres from Bergen, the picturesque village of Flåm – pronounced Flôm – offers you an experience of authentic Norway. You can mosey around the brightly coloured streets and admire the majestic contours of the surrounding mountains. The town is also the departure point for the mythical train route Flamsbana, 20 kilometres long, whose journey offers a superb view of the scenery, as sublime as it is pristine. This attraction makes Flåm one of the country’s main tourist destinations.
6 June 2025 - Bergen
Arrival 6/6/2025 early morning
Disembarkation 6/6/2025 at 8:00 am
Located at the end of Byfjord, Bergen was the capital of Norway in the 12th and 13th Centuries and has preserved some very beautiful monuments from the time when it was home to royalty. Wandering through Bergen’s streets means going back in time, in search of the hidden treasures that have been listed as World Heritage Sites by UNESCO. A veritable openair museum, Bergen is home to a thriving artistic community of painters, potters, jewellers. The Bergen cable car offers you a splendid panorama over the port and the surrounding fjords. Do not miss the visit to the old quarter with its narrow streets, a testimony of the power of the hanseatic League that controlled trade in Northern Europe at the end of the Middle Ages.
Fort Augustus & Loch Ness
At the pier in Fort William board your motorcoach for a wonderfully scenic drive though Scotland's Great Glen along the shores of Loch Lochy and Loch Oich. Your drive will pass by Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in the British Isles, and by the Commando Memorial, dedicated to the men of the British Commando Forces whose training depot the memorial overlooks.
As you drive through the splendor of the Highlands, you follow the route of the Caledonian Canal, built in the early 19th-century to connect Scotland's east and west coasts, ending your journey at the small town of Fort Augustus, situated at the midpoint of the canal, on the southern tip of legendary Loch Ness.
In Fort Augustus, board the Spirit of Loch Ness, a purpose-built vessel, for a 50-minute cruise on Scotland’s most famous loch. You will cruise past Cherry Island, the loch’s only island, as you take in the legendary beauty of the loch, including a striking view of Fort Augustus Abbey from the water. A glimpse of Nessie is not guaranteed, but cannot be ruled out.
Back in Fort Augustus, enjoy some time at leisure to wander through this lovely little hamlet. You can watch as boats navigate the locks of the canal, or you may wish to browse the village's lovely shops.
Rejoin your coach for the journey back to Fort William and your awaiting ship.
- This is an easy excursion with very little walking. We recommend comfortable shoes and layered clothing, including a jacket in case of inclement weather.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Glenfinnan, the Highlands, and Whisky
Fort William is ideally situated to serve as a gateway to the Highlands. This panoramic tour provides a taste of some of the best scenery that Scotland has to offer.
Following a brief overview of Fort William, a short drive along the shore of Loch Eil, brings you to the village of Glenfinnan. Best known for the stunning railway viaduct featured in a Harry Potter movie, Glenfinnan is on the West Highland Line which connects Fort William and Mallaig. The West Highland Line itself is famous for the Jacobite Steam Train, often referred to as the “Hogwarts Express Line." Pausing here for a short time, you may wish to climb the wee hill behind the Visitor Center for a better view of the viaduct, or you may walk to the nearby Glenfinnan Monument, honoring the Jacobite clansmen who fought and died in the cause of Bonnie Prince Charlie.
Your next stop is at Banavie, where you visit Neptune's Staircase, a series of eight locks that raise boats 20 meters from sea level to join the Caledonian Canal. Constructed in the early 19th century by Scottish engineer Thomas Telford, the Canal connects the Scottish east coast at Inverness with the west coast at nearby Corpach.
The tour continues to Ballachulish, a charming village on the shores of Loch Leven, where you will stop at a traditional Scottish Highland hotel for a whisky tasting.
Rejoin your coach for the short journey back to your ship.
- This is an easy excursion, involving only as much walking as you wish to do. We recommend comfortable shoes and layered clothing including a jacket, in case of inclement weather. Guests must be 18 years old to participate in the whisky tasting.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
The Beauty of the Scottish Highlands
Fort William, sometimes referred to as the "outdoor capital of the UK" because of its proximity to the Nevis Range Mountain Resort, is a major center for outdoor activities year-round—skiing, snowboarding, mountain biking, climbing and hiking. It is also known for its panoramic views of the Scottish Highlands, which are the focus of this excursion.
A short drive brings you to the base of Aonach Mor, where a cable car transports you to an elevation of 2,100 feet, about two-thirds of the way to the summit. The 15-mnute ride in the gondola offers stunning vistas of the surrounding area, and at the top, you will find walking trails that offer a variety of outlooks in different directions—a view of Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in the UK, and of the Great Glen, a massive fault line that cuts across Scotland to form the series of lochs for which the Highlands are famous. On a clear day, it may even be possible to see the Isle of Skye to the northwest. Also at the top of the gondiola is the Snowgoose Restaurant and Bar, serving home cooking and fresh baked goods made from local produce. You will have ample time to do some hiking, have a tea or coffee, or simply enjoy the views.
On the return trip to Fort William, stop at Banavie, where you visit Neptune's Staircase, a series of locks on the 60-mile-long Caledonian Canal that connects the west coast of Scotland to the east, following the path of the Great Glen. Built by engineer Thomas Telford in the early 19th century, the eight locks that form the staircase allow passage between Loch Linnhe and Loch Ness by raising boats a total of 64 feet in the space of a quarter mile.
- This is a moderate excursion. The walks at the top of the mountain are crushed stone pathways and sometimes uneven, but the total amount of walking is largely at your discretion. We recommend comfortable shoes, layered clothing (including a raincoat), and protection from the sun.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Eilean Donan Castle and Cuillin Mountains
From the small port of Portree, travel south past the majestic and rugged Cuillin Mountains and cross the iconic Skye Bridge to the Scottish mainland. Continue along the shore to Eilean Donan, a small tidal island at the confluence of Loch Alsh and two other lochs. The Castle that dominates the island is perhaps the most recognizable in Scotland; it has been featured in no fewer than ten films, including James Bond's The World is Not Enough, in which the castle served as the Scottish headquarters of MI6.
The Castle is named for the 6th-century Irish saint who established a community here in an effort to bring Christianity to the Picts. There has been a fortified castle on this site since the 13th century, when it was built as a defense against raiding Vikings. You are free to explore the castle and its grounds on your own to learn about its rich history and take in the views that make it such a favorite among film producers.
Return to Portree and your ship.
-
This moderate excursion involves some walking, but the extent is at the guest's discretion. There are many steps across the Eilean Donan Castle's three levels. Warm, waterproof clothing and sturdy footwear are recommended. This excursion includes 2.5 hours of driving via coach.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Armadale Castle and Gardens
From the small port of Portree, travel south past the majestic and rugged Cullin Mountains to the hamlet of Armadale on the Sleat peninsula, at the southern end of the Isle of Skye.
Armadale Castle has been an important part of the life of the Isle of Skye since the early 18th century, when the chiefs of Clan Donald, Lords of the Isle, made it their residence. The castle fell into disrepair in the early 20th century, and is now in process of being restored by the Clan Donald Trust. But the ruins, and especially the magnificent gardens that surround them, remain a site well worth experiencing.
Sheltered by their location and enjoying a mild climate created by the Gulf Stream, the Gardens are a floral paradise. Magnificent trees tower over carpets of bluebells, orchids, and wildflowers throughout spring and summer, providing a tranquil place to sit or stroll. You may also wish to spend time in the award-winning Museum of the Isles, where exhibits trace 1,500 years of the history and culture of the area once known as the Kingdom of the Isles. Whatever you choose, a local guide will be on hand to answer any questions.
- This moderate excursion involves some walking, but the extent is at the guest's discretion. Walking is mostly on level, gently sloping terrain, with some steps. Warm, waterproof clothing and sturdy footwear are recommended. This excursion involves 2.5 hours of driving via coach.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
A Day on Skye
This full day excursion offers a panoramic tour of the Island of Skye, combining dramatic coastline vistas with an exploration of the island's fascinating history and traditions.
From Portree, your coach travels north onto the Trotternish Peninsula, where your first stop is at Kilt Rock — a 200-foot-high cliff marked in an almost tartan-like pattern by the rock strata, with a waterfall tumbling down the cliff to the pebbled shore below.
Continuing north along the coast, you pass through the lovely township of Staffin and then around the northern tip of the island, as your guide relates some of the myths and legends of Skye. Arriving in Kilmuir, you’ll visit the grave of Flora MacDonald, who famously disguised Bonnie Prince Charlie as a maid and smuggled him to safety during the Jacobite uprising.
Drive through Uig and stop at the Skeabost Hotel where you will enjoy a refreshing lunch.
After lunch, head across the island to the west coast and Dunvegan Castle, seat of the Clan MacLeod chiefs since the 13th century and one of the most celebrated of the Hebridean clan strongholds. It is the only one to have been continuously occupied by the same family over a period now spanning eight centuries. Within the castle are priceless heirlooms, some of which have come down through the hands of the Chiefs of MacLeod since medieval times.
Return to Portree’s Somerled Square and stroll along the colorful waterfront to your ship.
- This moderate excursion involves a total of approximately 2.5 miles of walking over mixed terrain with some steps. We recommend good walking shoes and warm, waterproof layered clothing. Also note that this excursion includes over 3 hours of driving via coach.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Orkney Treasures & St Magnus Cathedral
This is an excursion into the distant past of the Neolithic Orkney Islands, designated a UNESCO World Heritage site because of its wealth of pre-historic ruins.
Your exploration of this remarkable area begins with a drive through rich farmland, rolling hills and moors fringed by magnificent cliffs, on the way to the great ceremonial Standing Stones of Stenness and the Ring of Brodgar, a grand circle of stones dating back almost 5,000 years.
You continue on to Skara Brae, the best-preserved Neolithic village in Northern Europe. The remains of this 5,000-year-old settlement are beautifully preserved and interpreted in a modern visitor center. Lying beside the sandy crescent of the Bay of Skaill, the site was completely buried for thousands of years until suddenly revealed during a fierce storm in 1850. Among the fascinating relics found here are tools, beads, pottery, and whalebone artifacts, spanning a period of approximately 600 years of occupation. Skara Brae provides a unique opportunity to reflect on the resilience and resourcefulness of our ancestors who lived here, eking out an existence among unforgiving conditions.
The hardship of life in Skara Brae is in stark contrast to the genteel lives lived at Orkney's finest manor house, Skaill House, located nearby and the next stop of your journey. Skaill was built by Bishop George Graham in 1620 on the site of a farmstead thought to date to the Norse period.
Return to Kirkwall and visit St. Magnus Cathedral. This magnificent red sandstone building was constructed by the Norsemen when they ruled Orkney around 900 years ago. Explore the cathedral with your guide before returning to the ship.
- Walking on this tour totals approximately 1.5 miles over some uneven terrain at Skara Brae and with steps at Skaill. Warm, waterproof clothing and good walking shoes are recommended.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Orkney Past and Present
Your introduction to the Orkney Islands begins with a drive through rich farmland, rolling hills, and moors fringed by magnificent cliffs. You will pass by the Neolithic Standing Stones of Stenness and stop briefly at the Ring of Brodgar, a grand circle of stones dating back almost 5,000 years, for a glimpse of the Stone Age ruins that have earned this area recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Continue across the main island to the charming fishing village of Stromness. After a brief orientation, enjoy time at leisure to explore the picturesque harbor and stroll along the quirky flag-stoned streets. Visit the beautifully refurbished Pier Arts Centre with exhibitions by both local and international artists, relax with a hot beverage in a café, or explore the craft shops selling local knitwear, pottery, and artwork.
Return to Kirkwall and visit St. Magnus Cathedral. This magnificent red sandstone building was constructed by the Norsemen when they ruled Orkney around 900 years ago. Explore the cathedral with your guide before returning to the ship.
- The amount of walking on this excursion is at your discretion. The distance from the parking area to the Ring of Brodgar is about 300 yards; the terrain in Stromness is flat with no steps and some cobbled pavement. Warm, waterproof clothing and good walking shoes are recommended.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Whisky Tasting and the Cathedral
Most of Scotland is extremely proud of the local whisky, and the Orkney's are no different. The Highland Park Distillery, founded in Kirkwall in 1798, is among the oldest working distilleries in the country and is known for a unique blending of flavors. Using the local peat, which is rich in heather, is part of the what distinguishes Highland Park whiskies from others, as is the practice of aging them in sherry-seasoned oak casks. Your guide at the distillery will walk you through the process of making whisky and will invite you to sample several whiskies from the Highland Park collection.
After the tasting and some free time in the distillery's shop, drive to the center of Kirkwall for a tour of the 12th-century St. Magnus Cathedral. A stunning Romanesque/Gothic structure built of red and yellow sandstone during the period of Norse rule, it is the most northerly cathedral in Britain. Following your visit to the cathedral, enjoy some time at leisure to browse the nearby shops before returning to the ship.
- This is an easy to moderate excursion. There are uneven surfaces and stairs in the distillery, and steps to navigate at the cathedral. Total walking distance is at your discretion. Comfortable shoes and layered clothing are recommended. This tour is limited to 19 guests. Guests must be over 18 years of age.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Hiking Mousa Island
The Island of Mousa, less than a mile off the southeastern coast of Mainland, is probably best known for the Mousa Broch. But it is also a wildlife preserve and a wonderful destination for a bracing walk.
From Lerwick, drive about half an hour south to board a small ferry for the short crossing to Mousa, 1.5 miles long and 1 mile wide, uninhabited since the 19th century. A guided walk around the island will provide opportunities to observe the abundant wildlife that is protected by both NatureScot and the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds. Mousa is known for grey and common seals, black guillemots, Arctic terns, and especially for storm-petrels, whose nearly 7,000 breeding pairs on the island constitute 3% of the world population.
In addition to the abundant wildlife, you will also visit Mousa Broch, a 2,000-year-old tower that is the best-preserved Iron Age fortress in the British Isles.
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The walking on this excursion totals about 3 miles on rugged, uneven terrain and presents little difficulty for guests with good mobility. Warm, waterproof clothing and sturdy footwear are recommended.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Lerwick Walking Tour & Shetland Museum
This excursion is designed to introduce you to the history of Lerwick, capital of the Shetland Islands since the early 18th-century, a major center of the fishing industry, and more recently a support town for the North Sea oil industry.
Starting from Victoria Pier in the heart of the Old Town you pass by the Old Tolbooth (built in 1770) and continue on to the Lodberries — houses and warehouses erected on individual piers so that goods could be loaded and unloaded directly to and from the boats. In the 18th-century, when Lerwick was the premier herring town in Northern Europe, these structures would have lined the waterfront from end to end. You will have an opportunity to see one of few remaining, with its thick sea-battered walls, a slipway, and a fish-drying shed.
Continue your walk through the town’s narrow lanes (or ‘closses’) which run down to the waterfront to visit Lerwick Town Hall. The Hall was built in 1883 and features beautiful stained-glass windows that present a pictorial narrative of Shetland’s history from the time of the Vikings.
Conclude your tour at the fascinating Shetland Museum and Archives, which you can visit on your own to learn more about Shetland’s heritage and culture. This award-winning museum has over 3,000 artifacts on two floors, a wealth of easily accessible archive material, a temporary exhibition area, Boat Hall and Sheds. The exhibits are masterfully displayed and clearly interpreted.
At the conclusion of the guided tour, you may return directly to the pier with your guide, or you may choose to remain in the Old Town to browse the local craft and knitwear shops at your leisure before making your way back to the pier.
- This is a moderate to strenuous walking tour with some steep streets and stairs. You will be on your feet for approximately 2 hours. We recommend warm, waterproof layered clothing and comfortable walking shoes.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Jarlshof Settlement & Sumburgh Head
Your tour begins with a brief survey of Lerwick, the most northerly town in the British Isles. A site with strong Viking connections, there is little left of the old village — although in the center near the harbor, some evidence remains of the town's rugged origins.
Driving south along the coastal road, you will pass through several small settlements, pausing briefly along the way for a view of the Island of Mousa, site of the best-preserved broch (ancient fortification) in all of Scotland.
Continue south to reach the remarkable archaeological site of the Jarlshof Settlement, on the southern tip of the mainland. The settlement was uncovered by a violent storm in the winter of 1897, revealing an extraordinary site encompassing at least 5,000 years of human history. It exhibits a remarkable layering of stone structures from a succession of historical eras – late Neolithic houses, a Bronze Age village, an Iron Age broch and wheelhouses, several Norse longhouses, a medieval farmstead, and the 16th-century laird’s house.
From Jarlshof make your way along the coast to the Sumburgh Head, site of Shetland's first lighthouse (1821) and of a colony of about 5,000 birds, including puffins, guillemots, shags and fulmars. Gannets are regularly seen offshore, as well. Your visit is during the seabird breeding season, when each species has its special nesting place in the grassy banks and cliffs leading up to the lighthouse. The seas here are home to a variety of marine life, and you may be lucky enough to see harbor porpoises, white beaked dolphins, or whales – killer, minke and even humpback whales are sometimes seen.
- For this excursion, we recommend you wear waterproof clothes and comfortable walking shoes. Walking on this tour totals 1 – 2 miles, with uneven paths at Jarlshof, where grass and stone paths can be slippery when wet, and a steep slope up to the lighthouse at Sumburgh.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Briksdal Glacier with Troll Cars
Briksdal Glacier lies at the end of the enchanting Oldedalen Valley and is a part of the Jostedal glacier ice field, which is the largest glacier on the European mainland. The wild glacier is a fantastic work of nature. Its slope plunges from a height of 3,937 feet (1,200 m) down to the lush, narrow Briksdal Valley. Board your coach in Nordfjordeid and drive along fjords and mountains to Briksdal Glacier, passing an amazing symphony of scenic splendors – from wildflowers to awe-inspiring mountains that are reflected in crystal clear lake waters and to great waterfalls that cascade from vertical mountainsides.
Your coach will stop at a mountain lodge, where you will board electric “troll cars” (7 seats in each) for a ride from the lodge up to a parking lot to reach the glacier. The troll cars are the only motorized vehicles allowed on this gravel road. En route, you will travel along a river, past a waterfall, and through serpentine bends. From the parking lot, the walk to the face of the Briksdal Glacier is about 0.4 miles and takes about 10 minutes to reach.
Glacial ice only reflects blue light, so the Glacier provides an impressive site. It might be hard to imagine that the ice is in constant motion – and the arms of a glacier can grow or shrink several hundred yards in only a few years, depending on the amount of snow that fell in years past. Sometimes the glacier calves, and huge chunks of ice fall off the edge. Therefore, guests are urged to respect the warning signs that stand near the Glacier for the sake of their security.
Return by foot to the troll cars that will take you back to the lodge. At the lodge, enjoy a snack including coffee, tea, and pastries, and some time at leisure to browse for souvenirs. Re-board your coach for the drive back to the ship.
- This tour includes about 1 mile of walking over gravel paths that are sometimes uneven and include uphill/downhill sections. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes, a sunhat and sunglasses, a warm jacket, and a waterproof layer. The drive to and from Briksdal totals 3.5 hours.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
From Fjord to Sky by Cable Car
From the pier, drive through the idyllic town of Nordfjordeid and continue to Loen. Leaving the buses, board the new cable car (inaugurated in 2017) which takes you up to Mount Hoven, 3300 feet above sea level and around 650 feet above the tree line in this part of Norway. Here, enjoy a coffee break and spectacular views of the fjord and villages below, as well as of the surrounding mountain scenery. While at Mount Hoven, you have the opportunity to enjoy a short walk to soak up the scenery around you.
After some time at leisure, return by cable car to Loen where your coach will be waiting to bring you back to the pier in Nordfjoreid. On the way, stop to admire Hornindal Lake, known for its crystal clear waters and variety of fish.
- This tour will operate in nearly all weather conditions, even if there isn’t a good view from the top station and/or it is raining. In case of strong wind, the cable car may be closed on short notice. Walking on this tour is minimal and totals less than ¼ mile. Flat comfortable shoes and a warm, windproof jacket are recommended. Total driving time is approximately 2.5 hours.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
The Natural Beauty of Nordfjord
The town of Nordfjordeid serves as your starting point for an incredibly scenic drive through the natural beauty of Nordfjord and the surrounding hills and valleys of lush green farmland and forest. Board your coach at the pier and join Norway's famed "Panorama Road" as it follows the northern shores of Nordfjord and its extension, Innvikfjorden. Pause twice as you make your way eastward—first at Kvalen, with views of Nordfjordeid immediately below, and then at Nos, located at the edge of a 1500-foot drop, where the sights over the fjord and of the towns and villages on the far side are absolutely stunning.
Just before reaching the end of the fjord, your coach turns north and heads inland to Hornindal Lake, which at 1700 feet is Europe's deepest lake and one of the deepest in the world. It is also one of the cleanest lakes in Norway because it is not fed by a glacier. Your scenic drive continues along the southern shore of the lake as you make your way back to Nordfjordeid and your ship.
- This is an easy excursion with very little walking. We recommend layered clothing and protection from the sun.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Nordfjordeid and Its Viking Legacy
Nordfjordeid has its origins in ancient Norse settlements, and this Viking legacy is apparent virtually everywhere in the town. It is also a thriving contemporary village of wooden homes, cafes, and shops, all of which are delighted to welcome you to their community.
Your guided walking tour of the town begins at the pier and passes by the Malakoff parade grounds, once a military training camp and now the site of an annual rock concert that attracts as many as 30,000 fans. Your guide will point out sites of interest along the way, including a Viking burial ground in the town center. As you explore, pause for a pastry and coffee at one of the many bakeries along the main street before continuing to the early 20th-century Eid Church, whose interior was decorated by noted Norwegian artist Lars Kinsarvik. Pass by Nordfjordeid's modern Opera House, which was attended by Her Majesty Queen Sonja at the premier of Carmen in 2009—a remarkable testament to the devotion to the arts of this town of only 6,000 residents.
Your tour comes to an end at the interactive museum of Sagastad. Built on the burial site of a Viking chieftain who is mentioned in the sagas, it houses a reconstruction of the largest Viking ship ever discovered in Norway, the Myklebustskipet. The original ship, some 100 feet long, was unearthed at the burial mound in the center of Nordfjordeid, and is believed to have belonged to King Audbjørn, King of the Fjords.
- This is a moderate excursion, involving about a mile of walking over mostly flat terrain. We recommend comfortable shoes, layered clothing, and protection from the sun.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
The Flåm Railway
The village of Flåm is nestled at the end of beautiful Aurlandsfjord, where you will walk from the pier to board the famed Flåm Railway, named by Lonely Planet Traveler “the world’s best train ride.” It is one of the most interesting stretches of railroad engineering in the world — only 12 miles long, it runs from Flåm, at sea level, to Myrdal Station, at an altitude of 2,850 feet, featuring tunnels and switchbacks and ever-changing views of waterfalls, the valley below, and snow-capped mountains
From the station, you travel along the Flåm River, one of the best salmon-rivers in the West Country. Landmarks you pass include the Rjoande Waterfall, with a sheer drop of 460 feet, and the impressive peak of Vibmesnosi, rising to just over 4,000 feet. After passing through the railway's longest tunnel at Naali, you are able to look back and see three of the four levels of the train bed that have brought you this far. You will also be able to see the old navy road that was constructed in 1895-96 to support the building of the Bergen-Oslo Railroad, opened in 1909. The road climbs the steep hills in 21 narrow hairpin bends next to a waterfall.
The train will make a brief stop at Kjosfossen Waterfall, where all passengers disembark in order to photograph this spectacular 300-foot-high waterfall. When the train reaches Myrdal, remain on board for the equally spectacular journey back to Flåm.
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This light excursion involves at most a half mile of walking over flat paved and gravel surfaces. There are limited spaces for wheel chairs on board the train; these must be reserved in advance. Layered clothing, comfortable shoes, and protection from sun and rain are recommended.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Le Bellot
Like the other ships in the PONANT EXPLORERS series, Le Bellot has been designed to provide absolute comfort for its passengers, even at the heart of the world's most remote and isolated regions.
Racy lines, state-of-the-art equipment, a refined design, a softly muted and at the same time convivial ambiance together with a deliberately restricted number of cabins all contribute to the modernity of Le Bellot, a unique ship in the world of cruising.
Decks
Shore excursion in each port of call + transfers included
PONANT has organized the following included program for you, which starts the day of embarkation.
Included Features:
- A program of onboard enrichment provided by two Smithsonian Journeys Experts, including Scandinavian scholar Lauren Poyer and Tom Dawson, an archaeologist and a professorial research fellow at the University of St Andrews
- Transfers and luggage handling from the airport in Glasgow to the ship on the day of embarkation
- Comprehensive 7-night cruise aboard the deluxe Le Bellot, with all the amenities for which PONANT ships are famous
- One included shore excursion in each port of call (see “Itinerary” for more information and choice of excursions, if applicable)
- Gratuities for ship crew and for guides and drivers on excursions
- Transfer from the ship to the airport in Bergen at the end of the cruise on the morning of disembarkation
Not included:
- Independent meals and beverages ashore
- Personal expenses (such as laundry, telephone, etc.)
Notes:
- This voyage is offered on a space available basis
- Program is subject to change without notice
Special Guest Speaker
On our departures in alliance with Smithsonian Journeys, we are joined by two Smithsonian Journeys Experts who will provide an insightful English-language lecture series that enhances your experience with valuable context and new perspectives. From enriching talks to casual conversations on board, their in-depth knowledge will bring you deeper into the history, culture, and natural world of your destination.
Shore excursions, Pre/Post & Overlands
HISTORIC CITIES OF SCOTLAND (2 NIGHTS)
Situated on the southern shore of the Firth of Forth, Edinburgh has served as Scotland’s capital since the 12th century. This special program is designed to introduce you to this great city, which is the political, religious, and cultural focus of Scottish pride.
Day 1 – Edinburgh, Scotland
Arrive at Edinburgh Airport, where you will be met and transferred to the Kimpton Charlotte Square Hotel for the next two nights. Check-in time is 3:00 p.m. A local representative will be present at the hospitality desk in the afternoon to welcome you and answer any questions you may have. Join your fellow travelers for a welcome cocktail reception this evening. Dinner is independent and at your leisure.
Day 2 – Edinburgh
After breakfast at the hotel, embark on a panoramic tour of Edinburgh, beginning with New Town and the characteristic Georgian architecture along Princes Street. Continue to the Royal Mile for a walking tour of this medieval pathway between Edinburgh Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse. At Holyrood, enjoy a guided tour of this home of Scottish royalty since the early 16th-century. It has witnessed more than its share of historical drama, famously hosting ill-fated members of the family including Mary Queen of Scots and Bonnie Prince Charlie. Today, Holyrood is King Charles’ official residence when he is in Scotland. Your afternoon is at leisure, with independent lunch and dinner, so that you are free to discover other parts of this great city at your own pace.
Day 3 – Edinburgh | Glasgow
Following breakfast and check-out, board your motorcoach for a 90-minute drive across Scotland to Glasgow. A panoramic tour of this once booming industrial and shipbuilding port—and still the most populous city in Scotland—will introduce you to some of its highlights, including the 13th-century Cathedral and the impressive façade of the University of Glasgow. After lunch at a local restaurant, enjoy a guided tour of The Hill House, Charles Rennie Mackintosh’s architectural masterpiece. Commissioned by Glasgow book publisher Walter Blackie, and with the assistance of his wife, Margaret, Mackintosh created and designed nearly everything you will see – from the building itself to the furniture and textiles. In late afternoon, transfer to Greenock to embark your ship and set sail in the early evening.
Your hotel:
The Kimpton Charlotte Square Hotel combines a classical Georgian exterior with all of the modern conveniences. Consisting of seven interconnected Georgian townhouses and located in the New Town adjacent to a picturesque private garden, it is the perfect base from which to explore Edinburgh.
Your program includes:
- 2 nights at the Kimpton Charlotte Square Hotel (or similar)
- Transfer and luggage handling from the airport to the hotel on the scheduled program arrival day
- Transfer and luggage handling from the hotel to the ship on embarkation day
- Welcome cocktail reception on Day 1
- Breakfast on Days 2 and 3
- Lunch on Day 3
- Sightseeing and programming as noted in the itinerary
- Local English-speaking guide
- Gratuities for the drivers and local guides
Your program does not include:
- Transfer from the airport to the hotel on any day other than the scheduled program arrival day
- Personal expenses and other services and meals not mentioned as included in the program
Please note:
- It is imperative that your flight arrival details are communicated at least 60 days prior to the beginning of your cruise in order to secure your transfer from the airport to the hotel.
- Early check-in and/or late check-out are available depending on availability and at a supplement. An additional night is possible, upon request and depending on hotel availability. Please, contact reservations or your travel advisor for further details.
- The official currency is the British pound. Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, shops, and restaurants.
- This pre-cruise program is offered as a package. There will be no refunds for unused accommodations, meals, or excursions.
- Program is offered on a space available basis.
- Program is subject to change without notice.
Hotel contact information:
Kimpton Charlotte Square Hotel
38 Charlotte Square
Edinburgh, EH2 4HQ
United Kingdom
Telephone: +44.131.240.5500
Total : €1,510
Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.Fort Augustus & Loch Ness
At the pier in Fort William board your motorcoach for a wonderfully scenic drive though Scotland's Great Glen along the shores of Loch Lochy and Loch Oich. Your drive will pass by Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in the British Isles, and by the Commando Memorial, dedicated to the men of the British Commando Forces whose training depot the memorial overlooks.
As you drive through the splendor of the Highlands, you follow the route of the Caledonian Canal, built in the early 19th-century to connect Scotland's east and west coasts, ending your journey at the small town of Fort Augustus, situated at the midpoint of the canal, on the southern tip of legendary Loch Ness.
In Fort Augustus, board the Spirit of Loch Ness, a purpose-built vessel, for a 50-minute cruise on Scotland’s most famous loch. You will cruise past Cherry Island, the loch’s only island, as you take in the legendary beauty of the loch, including a striking view of Fort Augustus Abbey from the water. A glimpse of Nessie is not guaranteed, but cannot be ruled out.
Back in Fort Augustus, enjoy some time at leisure to wander through this lovely little hamlet. You can watch as boats navigate the locks of the canal, or you may wish to browse the village's lovely shops.
Rejoin your coach for the journey back to Fort William and your awaiting ship.
- This is an easy excursion with very little walking. We recommend comfortable shoes and layered clothing, including a jacket in case of inclement weather.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Glenfinnan, the Highlands, and Whisky
Fort William is ideally situated to serve as a gateway to the Highlands. This panoramic tour provides a taste of some of the best scenery that Scotland has to offer.
Following a brief overview of Fort William, a short drive along the shore of Loch Eil, brings you to the village of Glenfinnan. Best known for the stunning railway viaduct featured in a Harry Potter movie, Glenfinnan is on the West Highland Line which connects Fort William and Mallaig. The West Highland Line itself is famous for the Jacobite Steam Train, often referred to as the “Hogwarts Express Line." Pausing here for a short time, you may wish to climb the wee hill behind the Visitor Center for a better view of the viaduct, or you may walk to the nearby Glenfinnan Monument, honoring the Jacobite clansmen who fought and died in the cause of Bonnie Prince Charlie.
Your next stop is at Banavie, where you visit Neptune's Staircase, a series of eight locks that raise boats 20 meters from sea level to join the Caledonian Canal. Constructed in the early 19th century by Scottish engineer Thomas Telford, the Canal connects the Scottish east coast at Inverness with the west coast at nearby Corpach.
The tour continues to Ballachulish, a charming village on the shores of Loch Leven, where you will stop at a traditional Scottish Highland hotel for a whisky tasting.
Rejoin your coach for the short journey back to your ship.
- This is an easy excursion, involving only as much walking as you wish to do. We recommend comfortable shoes and layered clothing including a jacket, in case of inclement weather. Guests must be 18 years old to participate in the whisky tasting.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
The Beauty of the Scottish Highlands
Fort William, sometimes referred to as the "outdoor capital of the UK" because of its proximity to the Nevis Range Mountain Resort, is a major center for outdoor activities year-round—skiing, snowboarding, mountain biking, climbing and hiking. It is also known for its panoramic views of the Scottish Highlands, which are the focus of this excursion.
A short drive brings you to the base of Aonach Mor, where a cable car transports you to an elevation of 2,100 feet, about two-thirds of the way to the summit. The 15-mnute ride in the gondola offers stunning vistas of the surrounding area, and at the top, you will find walking trails that offer a variety of outlooks in different directions—a view of Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in the UK, and of the Great Glen, a massive fault line that cuts across Scotland to form the series of lochs for which the Highlands are famous. On a clear day, it may even be possible to see the Isle of Skye to the northwest. Also at the top of the gondiola is the Snowgoose Restaurant and Bar, serving home cooking and fresh baked goods made from local produce. You will have ample time to do some hiking, have a tea or coffee, or simply enjoy the views.
On the return trip to Fort William, stop at Banavie, where you visit Neptune's Staircase, a series of locks on the 60-mile-long Caledonian Canal that connects the west coast of Scotland to the east, following the path of the Great Glen. Built by engineer Thomas Telford in the early 19th century, the eight locks that form the staircase allow passage between Loch Linnhe and Loch Ness by raising boats a total of 64 feet in the space of a quarter mile.
- This is a moderate excursion. The walks at the top of the mountain are crushed stone pathways and sometimes uneven, but the total amount of walking is largely at your discretion. We recommend comfortable shoes, layered clothing (including a raincoat), and protection from the sun.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Eilean Donan Castle and Cuillin Mountains
From the small port of Portree, travel south past the majestic and rugged Cuillin Mountains and cross the iconic Skye Bridge to the Scottish mainland. Continue along the shore to Eilean Donan, a small tidal island at the confluence of Loch Alsh and two other lochs. The Castle that dominates the island is perhaps the most recognizable in Scotland; it has been featured in no fewer than ten films, including James Bond's The World is Not Enough, in which the castle served as the Scottish headquarters of MI6.
The Castle is named for the 6th-century Irish saint who established a community here in an effort to bring Christianity to the Picts. There has been a fortified castle on this site since the 13th century, when it was built as a defense against raiding Vikings. You are free to explore the castle and its grounds on your own to learn about its rich history and take in the views that make it such a favorite among film producers.
Return to Portree and your ship.
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This moderate excursion involves some walking, but the extent is at the guest's discretion. There are many steps across the Eilean Donan Castle's three levels. Warm, waterproof clothing and sturdy footwear are recommended. This excursion includes 2.5 hours of driving via coach.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Armadale Castle and Gardens
From the small port of Portree, travel south past the majestic and rugged Cullin Mountains to the hamlet of Armadale on the Sleat peninsula, at the southern end of the Isle of Skye.
Armadale Castle has been an important part of the life of the Isle of Skye since the early 18th century, when the chiefs of Clan Donald, Lords of the Isle, made it their residence. The castle fell into disrepair in the early 20th century, and is now in process of being restored by the Clan Donald Trust. But the ruins, and especially the magnificent gardens that surround them, remain a site well worth experiencing.
Sheltered by their location and enjoying a mild climate created by the Gulf Stream, the Gardens are a floral paradise. Magnificent trees tower over carpets of bluebells, orchids, and wildflowers throughout spring and summer, providing a tranquil place to sit or stroll. You may also wish to spend time in the award-winning Museum of the Isles, where exhibits trace 1,500 years of the history and culture of the area once known as the Kingdom of the Isles. Whatever you choose, a local guide will be on hand to answer any questions.
- This moderate excursion involves some walking, but the extent is at the guest's discretion. Walking is mostly on level, gently sloping terrain, with some steps. Warm, waterproof clothing and sturdy footwear are recommended. This excursion involves 2.5 hours of driving via coach.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
A Day on Skye
This full day excursion offers a panoramic tour of the Island of Skye, combining dramatic coastline vistas with an exploration of the island's fascinating history and traditions.
From Portree, your coach travels north onto the Trotternish Peninsula, where your first stop is at Kilt Rock — a 200-foot-high cliff marked in an almost tartan-like pattern by the rock strata, with a waterfall tumbling down the cliff to the pebbled shore below.
Continuing north along the coast, you pass through the lovely township of Staffin and then around the northern tip of the island, as your guide relates some of the myths and legends of Skye. Arriving in Kilmuir, you’ll visit the grave of Flora MacDonald, who famously disguised Bonnie Prince Charlie as a maid and smuggled him to safety during the Jacobite uprising.
Drive through Uig and stop at the Skeabost Hotel where you will enjoy a refreshing lunch.
After lunch, head across the island to the west coast and Dunvegan Castle, seat of the Clan MacLeod chiefs since the 13th century and one of the most celebrated of the Hebridean clan strongholds. It is the only one to have been continuously occupied by the same family over a period now spanning eight centuries. Within the castle are priceless heirlooms, some of which have come down through the hands of the Chiefs of MacLeod since medieval times.
Return to Portree’s Somerled Square and stroll along the colorful waterfront to your ship.
- This moderate excursion involves a total of approximately 2.5 miles of walking over mixed terrain with some steps. We recommend good walking shoes and warm, waterproof layered clothing. Also note that this excursion includes over 3 hours of driving via coach.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Orkney Treasures & St Magnus Cathedral
This is an excursion into the distant past of the Neolithic Orkney Islands, designated a UNESCO World Heritage site because of its wealth of pre-historic ruins.
Your exploration of this remarkable area begins with a drive through rich farmland, rolling hills and moors fringed by magnificent cliffs, on the way to the great ceremonial Standing Stones of Stenness and the Ring of Brodgar, a grand circle of stones dating back almost 5,000 years.
You continue on to Skara Brae, the best-preserved Neolithic village in Northern Europe. The remains of this 5,000-year-old settlement are beautifully preserved and interpreted in a modern visitor center. Lying beside the sandy crescent of the Bay of Skaill, the site was completely buried for thousands of years until suddenly revealed during a fierce storm in 1850. Among the fascinating relics found here are tools, beads, pottery, and whalebone artifacts, spanning a period of approximately 600 years of occupation. Skara Brae provides a unique opportunity to reflect on the resilience and resourcefulness of our ancestors who lived here, eking out an existence among unforgiving conditions.
The hardship of life in Skara Brae is in stark contrast to the genteel lives lived at Orkney's finest manor house, Skaill House, located nearby and the next stop of your journey. Skaill was built by Bishop George Graham in 1620 on the site of a farmstead thought to date to the Norse period.
Return to Kirkwall and visit St. Magnus Cathedral. This magnificent red sandstone building was constructed by the Norsemen when they ruled Orkney around 900 years ago. Explore the cathedral with your guide before returning to the ship.
- Walking on this tour totals approximately 1.5 miles over some uneven terrain at Skara Brae and with steps at Skaill. Warm, waterproof clothing and good walking shoes are recommended.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Orkney Past and Present
Your introduction to the Orkney Islands begins with a drive through rich farmland, rolling hills, and moors fringed by magnificent cliffs. You will pass by the Neolithic Standing Stones of Stenness and stop briefly at the Ring of Brodgar, a grand circle of stones dating back almost 5,000 years, for a glimpse of the Stone Age ruins that have earned this area recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Continue across the main island to the charming fishing village of Stromness. After a brief orientation, enjoy time at leisure to explore the picturesque harbor and stroll along the quirky flag-stoned streets. Visit the beautifully refurbished Pier Arts Centre with exhibitions by both local and international artists, relax with a hot beverage in a café, or explore the craft shops selling local knitwear, pottery, and artwork.
Return to Kirkwall and visit St. Magnus Cathedral. This magnificent red sandstone building was constructed by the Norsemen when they ruled Orkney around 900 years ago. Explore the cathedral with your guide before returning to the ship.
- The amount of walking on this excursion is at your discretion. The distance from the parking area to the Ring of Brodgar is about 300 yards; the terrain in Stromness is flat with no steps and some cobbled pavement. Warm, waterproof clothing and good walking shoes are recommended.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Whisky Tasting and the Cathedral
Most of Scotland is extremely proud of the local whisky, and the Orkney's are no different. The Highland Park Distillery, founded in Kirkwall in 1798, is among the oldest working distilleries in the country and is known for a unique blending of flavors. Using the local peat, which is rich in heather, is part of the what distinguishes Highland Park whiskies from others, as is the practice of aging them in sherry-seasoned oak casks. Your guide at the distillery will walk you through the process of making whisky and will invite you to sample several whiskies from the Highland Park collection.
After the tasting and some free time in the distillery's shop, drive to the center of Kirkwall for a tour of the 12th-century St. Magnus Cathedral. A stunning Romanesque/Gothic structure built of red and yellow sandstone during the period of Norse rule, it is the most northerly cathedral in Britain. Following your visit to the cathedral, enjoy some time at leisure to browse the nearby shops before returning to the ship.
- This is an easy to moderate excursion. There are uneven surfaces and stairs in the distillery, and steps to navigate at the cathedral. Total walking distance is at your discretion. Comfortable shoes and layered clothing are recommended. This tour is limited to 19 guests. Guests must be over 18 years of age.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Hiking Mousa Island
The Island of Mousa, less than a mile off the southeastern coast of Mainland, is probably best known for the Mousa Broch. But it is also a wildlife preserve and a wonderful destination for a bracing walk.
From Lerwick, drive about half an hour south to board a small ferry for the short crossing to Mousa, 1.5 miles long and 1 mile wide, uninhabited since the 19th century. A guided walk around the island will provide opportunities to observe the abundant wildlife that is protected by both NatureScot and the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds. Mousa is known for grey and common seals, black guillemots, Arctic terns, and especially for storm-petrels, whose nearly 7,000 breeding pairs on the island constitute 3% of the world population.
In addition to the abundant wildlife, you will also visit Mousa Broch, a 2,000-year-old tower that is the best-preserved Iron Age fortress in the British Isles.
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The walking on this excursion totals about 3 miles on rugged, uneven terrain and presents little difficulty for guests with good mobility. Warm, waterproof clothing and sturdy footwear are recommended.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Lerwick Walking Tour & Shetland Museum
This excursion is designed to introduce you to the history of Lerwick, capital of the Shetland Islands since the early 18th-century, a major center of the fishing industry, and more recently a support town for the North Sea oil industry.
Starting from Victoria Pier in the heart of the Old Town you pass by the Old Tolbooth (built in 1770) and continue on to the Lodberries — houses and warehouses erected on individual piers so that goods could be loaded and unloaded directly to and from the boats. In the 18th-century, when Lerwick was the premier herring town in Northern Europe, these structures would have lined the waterfront from end to end. You will have an opportunity to see one of few remaining, with its thick sea-battered walls, a slipway, and a fish-drying shed.
Continue your walk through the town’s narrow lanes (or ‘closses’) which run down to the waterfront to visit Lerwick Town Hall. The Hall was built in 1883 and features beautiful stained-glass windows that present a pictorial narrative of Shetland’s history from the time of the Vikings.
Conclude your tour at the fascinating Shetland Museum and Archives, which you can visit on your own to learn more about Shetland’s heritage and culture. This award-winning museum has over 3,000 artifacts on two floors, a wealth of easily accessible archive material, a temporary exhibition area, Boat Hall and Sheds. The exhibits are masterfully displayed and clearly interpreted.
At the conclusion of the guided tour, you may return directly to the pier with your guide, or you may choose to remain in the Old Town to browse the local craft and knitwear shops at your leisure before making your way back to the pier.
- This is a moderate to strenuous walking tour with some steep streets and stairs. You will be on your feet for approximately 2 hours. We recommend warm, waterproof layered clothing and comfortable walking shoes.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Jarlshof Settlement & Sumburgh Head
Your tour begins with a brief survey of Lerwick, the most northerly town in the British Isles. A site with strong Viking connections, there is little left of the old village — although in the center near the harbor, some evidence remains of the town's rugged origins.
Driving south along the coastal road, you will pass through several small settlements, pausing briefly along the way for a view of the Island of Mousa, site of the best-preserved broch (ancient fortification) in all of Scotland.
Continue south to reach the remarkable archaeological site of the Jarlshof Settlement, on the southern tip of the mainland. The settlement was uncovered by a violent storm in the winter of 1897, revealing an extraordinary site encompassing at least 5,000 years of human history. It exhibits a remarkable layering of stone structures from a succession of historical eras – late Neolithic houses, a Bronze Age village, an Iron Age broch and wheelhouses, several Norse longhouses, a medieval farmstead, and the 16th-century laird’s house.
From Jarlshof make your way along the coast to the Sumburgh Head, site of Shetland's first lighthouse (1821) and of a colony of about 5,000 birds, including puffins, guillemots, shags and fulmars. Gannets are regularly seen offshore, as well. Your visit is during the seabird breeding season, when each species has its special nesting place in the grassy banks and cliffs leading up to the lighthouse. The seas here are home to a variety of marine life, and you may be lucky enough to see harbor porpoises, white beaked dolphins, or whales – killer, minke and even humpback whales are sometimes seen.
- For this excursion, we recommend you wear waterproof clothes and comfortable walking shoes. Walking on this tour totals 1 – 2 miles, with uneven paths at Jarlshof, where grass and stone paths can be slippery when wet, and a steep slope up to the lighthouse at Sumburgh.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Briksdal Glacier with Troll Cars
Briksdal Glacier lies at the end of the enchanting Oldedalen Valley and is a part of the Jostedal glacier ice field, which is the largest glacier on the European mainland. The wild glacier is a fantastic work of nature. Its slope plunges from a height of 3,937 feet (1,200 m) down to the lush, narrow Briksdal Valley. Board your coach in Nordfjordeid and drive along fjords and mountains to Briksdal Glacier, passing an amazing symphony of scenic splendors – from wildflowers to awe-inspiring mountains that are reflected in crystal clear lake waters and to great waterfalls that cascade from vertical mountainsides.
Your coach will stop at a mountain lodge, where you will board electric “troll cars” (7 seats in each) for a ride from the lodge up to a parking lot to reach the glacier. The troll cars are the only motorized vehicles allowed on this gravel road. En route, you will travel along a river, past a waterfall, and through serpentine bends. From the parking lot, the walk to the face of the Briksdal Glacier is about 0.4 miles and takes about 10 minutes to reach.
Glacial ice only reflects blue light, so the Glacier provides an impressive site. It might be hard to imagine that the ice is in constant motion – and the arms of a glacier can grow or shrink several hundred yards in only a few years, depending on the amount of snow that fell in years past. Sometimes the glacier calves, and huge chunks of ice fall off the edge. Therefore, guests are urged to respect the warning signs that stand near the Glacier for the sake of their security.
Return by foot to the troll cars that will take you back to the lodge. At the lodge, enjoy a snack including coffee, tea, and pastries, and some time at leisure to browse for souvenirs. Re-board your coach for the drive back to the ship.
- This tour includes about 1 mile of walking over gravel paths that are sometimes uneven and include uphill/downhill sections. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes, a sunhat and sunglasses, a warm jacket, and a waterproof layer. The drive to and from Briksdal totals 3.5 hours.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
From Fjord to Sky by Cable Car
From the pier, drive through the idyllic town of Nordfjordeid and continue to Loen. Leaving the buses, board the new cable car (inaugurated in 2017) which takes you up to Mount Hoven, 3300 feet above sea level and around 650 feet above the tree line in this part of Norway. Here, enjoy a coffee break and spectacular views of the fjord and villages below, as well as of the surrounding mountain scenery. While at Mount Hoven, you have the opportunity to enjoy a short walk to soak up the scenery around you.
After some time at leisure, return by cable car to Loen where your coach will be waiting to bring you back to the pier in Nordfjoreid. On the way, stop to admire Hornindal Lake, known for its crystal clear waters and variety of fish.
- This tour will operate in nearly all weather conditions, even if there isn’t a good view from the top station and/or it is raining. In case of strong wind, the cable car may be closed on short notice. Walking on this tour is minimal and totals less than ¼ mile. Flat comfortable shoes and a warm, windproof jacket are recommended. Total driving time is approximately 2.5 hours.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
The Natural Beauty of Nordfjord
The town of Nordfjordeid serves as your starting point for an incredibly scenic drive through the natural beauty of Nordfjord and the surrounding hills and valleys of lush green farmland and forest. Board your coach at the pier and join Norway's famed "Panorama Road" as it follows the northern shores of Nordfjord and its extension, Innvikfjorden. Pause twice as you make your way eastward—first at Kvalen, with views of Nordfjordeid immediately below, and then at Nos, located at the edge of a 1500-foot drop, where the sights over the fjord and of the towns and villages on the far side are absolutely stunning.
Just before reaching the end of the fjord, your coach turns north and heads inland to Hornindal Lake, which at 1700 feet is Europe's deepest lake and one of the deepest in the world. It is also one of the cleanest lakes in Norway because it is not fed by a glacier. Your scenic drive continues along the southern shore of the lake as you make your way back to Nordfjordeid and your ship.
- This is an easy excursion with very little walking. We recommend layered clothing and protection from the sun.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Nordfjordeid and Its Viking Legacy
Nordfjordeid has its origins in ancient Norse settlements, and this Viking legacy is apparent virtually everywhere in the town. It is also a thriving contemporary village of wooden homes, cafes, and shops, all of which are delighted to welcome you to their community.
Your guided walking tour of the town begins at the pier and passes by the Malakoff parade grounds, once a military training camp and now the site of an annual rock concert that attracts as many as 30,000 fans. Your guide will point out sites of interest along the way, including a Viking burial ground in the town center. As you explore, pause for a pastry and coffee at one of the many bakeries along the main street before continuing to the early 20th-century Eid Church, whose interior was decorated by noted Norwegian artist Lars Kinsarvik. Pass by Nordfjordeid's modern Opera House, which was attended by Her Majesty Queen Sonja at the premier of Carmen in 2009—a remarkable testament to the devotion to the arts of this town of only 6,000 residents.
Your tour comes to an end at the interactive museum of Sagastad. Built on the burial site of a Viking chieftain who is mentioned in the sagas, it houses a reconstruction of the largest Viking ship ever discovered in Norway, the Myklebustskipet. The original ship, some 100 feet long, was unearthed at the burial mound in the center of Nordfjordeid, and is believed to have belonged to King Audbjørn, King of the Fjords.
- This is a moderate excursion, involving about a mile of walking over mostly flat terrain. We recommend comfortable shoes, layered clothing, and protection from the sun.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
The Flåm Railway
The village of Flåm is nestled at the end of beautiful Aurlandsfjord, where you will walk from the pier to board the famed Flåm Railway, named by Lonely Planet Traveler “the world’s best train ride.” It is one of the most interesting stretches of railroad engineering in the world — only 12 miles long, it runs from Flåm, at sea level, to Myrdal Station, at an altitude of 2,850 feet, featuring tunnels and switchbacks and ever-changing views of waterfalls, the valley below, and snow-capped mountains
From the station, you travel along the Flåm River, one of the best salmon-rivers in the West Country. Landmarks you pass include the Rjoande Waterfall, with a sheer drop of 460 feet, and the impressive peak of Vibmesnosi, rising to just over 4,000 feet. After passing through the railway's longest tunnel at Naali, you are able to look back and see three of the four levels of the train bed that have brought you this far. You will also be able to see the old navy road that was constructed in 1895-96 to support the building of the Bergen-Oslo Railroad, opened in 1909. The road climbs the steep hills in 21 narrow hairpin bends next to a waterfall.
The train will make a brief stop at Kjosfossen Waterfall, where all passengers disembark in order to photograph this spectacular 300-foot-high waterfall. When the train reaches Myrdal, remain on board for the equally spectacular journey back to Flåm.
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This light excursion involves at most a half mile of walking over flat paved and gravel surfaces. There are limited spaces for wheel chairs on board the train; these must be reserved in advance. Layered clothing, comfortable shoes, and protection from sun and rain are recommended.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
HISTORIC BERGEN (1 NIGHT)
Located at the end of Byfjord, Bergen was the capital of Norway in the 12th and 13th centuries and has preserved much of its past. A veritable open-air museum, Bergen is also a vibrant cosmopolitan city, known for its artist colony of painters, potters, and jewelers.
Day 1 – Bergen, Norway | Disembark
After breakfast aboard, disembark for a tour of Bergen and the surrounding area. Begin with a visit to the Fantoft Stave Church, originally built in 1150 and reconstructed after a fire in 1992 exactly as it was in the 12th century. You will also tour Troldhaugen, once the summer home of composer Edvard Grieg and now a museum and concert venue. Following lunch at a restaurant back in Bergen, enjoy a guided walking tour of Bryggen, the old waterfront wharf, a reminder of the town’s importance as part of the Hanseatic League’s trading empire from the 14th to the mid-16th century and now a UNESCO World Heritage site. Spend the remainder of the day at leisure. Dinner is independent this evening.
Day 2 – Bergen | Homeward
After breakfast at the hotel, check out and transfer to Bergen Flesland Airport for flights home.
Your hotel:
Hotel Norge, first opened in 1885, was completely renovated in 2018. Located in the center of the city, it is within walking distance of the Festplassen and several nearby restaurants. It has a modern, informal, and international atmosphere. The hotel has 415 rooms that boast floor-to-ceiling windows, and it features a lobby bar, a café, and a fine-dining restaurant.
Your program includes:
- 1 night at the Hotel Norge by Scandic (or similar)
- Transfer and luggage handling from the pier to the hotel on Day 1
- Transfer and luggage handling from the hotel to the airport on Day 2
- Breakfast on Day 2
- Lunch on Day 1
- Sightseeing and programming as noted in the itinerary
- Local English-speaking guide
- Gratuities for the drivers and local guides
Your program does not include:
- Transfer from the hotel to the airport on any day other than the scheduled program departure day
- Personal expenses and other services and meals not mentioned as included in the program
Please note:
- It is imperative that your flight departure details are communicated at least 60 days prior to the beginning of your cruise in order to secure your transfer from the hotel to the airport.
- Early check-in and/or late check-out are available depending on availability and at a supplement. An additional night is possible, upon request and depending on hotel availability. Please, contact reservations or your travel agent for further details.
- The official currency is the Norwegian krone. Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, shops, and restaurants.
- This post-cruise program is offered as a package. There will be no refunds for unused accommodations, meals, or excursions.
- Program is offered on a space available basis.
- Program is subject to change without notice.
Hotel contact information:
Hotel Norge by Scandic
Nedre Ole Bullsplass 4
5012 Bergen
Telephone: +47 55 55 40 00
Email: hotelnorge@scandichotels.com
Total : €840
Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.