From Bergen to Fredrikstad · 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.
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, with stunning views when you reach the top, and the busy fish market.
When Ålesund was destroyed by fire in 1904, the German Kaiser Wilhelm II agreed to foot the bill to rebuild it. The result was the stunning Art Nouveau architecture that you see today, which blends elements of the German 'Jugendstil' with Viking flourishes.
The Geirangerfjord is arguably the most spectacular fjord in all of Norway, a sinuous ten mile stretch of sheer mountain walls and tumbling waterfalls. The village of Geiranger itself sits at one end of the fjord, and in summer the population swells with an influx of visitors to this beautiful region.
The little village of Hellesylt lies at the head of the Sunnylvsfjord, considerably quieter than the nearby Geirangerfjord, albeit not quite so spectacular. The most impressive sight here is the waterfall in the centre of the village, but most visitors will choose to take an excursion to Geiranger instead.
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.
Stavanger originally grew rich from its fishing industry, though these days it’s Norway’s oil boom that is powering the city’s economic growth. In spite of this modern gold rush the historic centre of Stavanger retains its charm, and the spectacular Lysefjord is within easy reach of the city.
Arendal, on the southern coast of Norway, is a popular summer holiday destination for local tourists and a pleasant town to spend some time exploring. Highlights include the lively harbourside area, Pollen, and the 17th century wooden architecture of Tyholmen in the city centre.
Gothenburg, or Goeteborg locally, is Sweden’s laid back second city, a delightful mix of cobbled streets, neoclassical architecture and picturesque canals. The old town is full of history, with some interesting museums, and the thriving arts scene has helped to revitalise the city’s previously run-down industrial districts.
Fredrikstad is named after King Frederick II of Denmark, who founded the city in 1567. The fortified old town, the Gamlebyen, is a delight to explore, with cobbled streets and some lovely restaurants. Other nearby points of interest include the childhood home of the polar explorer Roald Amundsen, which now hosts a small museum.
