From Glasgow to Bergen · Northern Europe · 7 nights
Sleek and stylish, Ponant’s wonderful Explorer yachts blend luxury and intimacy with a discreet elegance and tasteful décor.
Named after six of France’s most famous explorers, Le Champlain,
Le Lapérouse, Le Bougainville, Le Dumont d’Urville, Le Bellot and
Le Jacques Cartier offer exciting and adventurous itineraries in
the utmost comfort. Technologically advanced, with the latest in
environmentally friendly hardware, the new ships embody Ponant’s
trademark élan and flair, with just 92 spacious rooms and suites, a
stylish pool deck and an intimate, refined onboard ambience.
Gritty Glasgow is Scotland's largest city, renowned for its culture, style and the friendliness of its people. With internationally-acclaimed museums and galleries, stunning architecture, vibrant nightlife, fantastic shopping and a diverse array of restaurants and bars, Glasgow has something for everyone. The city centre has countless impressive Victorian structures, and most notably the unique masterpieces of one of the city's most celebrated sons, the legendary architect and designer Charles Rennie Mackintosh. It is set in outstandingly beautiful surroundings, so visitors can combine a buzzing city visit with an introduction to the glories of the Scottish scenery.
Fort William, on the shores of Loch Linnhe, is the gateway to mighty Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in the British Isles. The town itself is nothing special, but the Highland scenery in the area around nearby Glencoe is truly stunning.
The Isle of Skye is one of Scotland’s most popular tourist destinations, thanks to a spectacular landscape of jagged peaks, misty moors and glassy lochs. The island’s biggest town is Portree, a pleasant little place with a colourful harbour.
The flat, windswept Orkney Islands, just off the northeast coast of Scotland, have a distinctive Scandinavian heritage that’s discernible in everything from the unusual place names to the ancient Norse architecture of the capital, Kirkwall. Don’t miss the Ring of Brodgar, a fascinating Neolithic stone circle.
Lerwick is the only town of any size in the Shetland islands, and originally grew up around the herring trade. Highlights include the charming 18th century architecture along the waterfront and the informative Shetland Museum, which provides an excellent introduction to the history and culture of the islands.
Olden is a lovely little village surrounded by green meadows and rippling mountain scenery, at the mouth of the Oldeelva river. The most popular excursion is a trip to the nearby Briksdalsbreen, an arm of the vast Jostedalsbreen glacier.
The old Viking village of Gudvangen lies at the end of the UNESCO-listed Nærøyfjord, a branch of the famous Sognefjord. You can explore the fjord by kayak, enjoy spectacular mountain hiking, visit the nearby Magic White Caves, or learn more about the region’s history at Njardarheimr Viking village.
Beautiful Bergen, Norway’s former capital, is a perfect city to explore on foot. Bryggen – the old Hanseatic wharf, and a UNESCO World Heritage site – still has the old harbour timber buildings, whilst other attractions include the funicular up Mount Floyen and the busy fish market.
