From Honfleur to Glasgow · Northern Europe · 8 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.
Situated on the southern bank of the Seine estuary, Honfleur was once one of France's most important ports. It was also a favourite location of Monet and the Impressionists, and art lovers may well recognise the elegant Renaissance architecture of the old harbour, the Vieux Bassin.
The island of Guernsey draws visitors south from the British mainland with its more favourable climate and beautiful coastline. The capital, St Peter Port, is a lovely little town of cobbled streets and elegant architecture, and there are also several interesting museums dedicated to the Nazi occupation of the island.
The picturesque and historic town of Dartmouth is situated at the mouth of the river Dart, on the south coast of Devon. The town has a proud maritime heritage, home to the Royal Naval College, and the streets are lined with attractive 17th and 18th century buildings leaning at rakish angles.
St Mary’s is the largest of the Isles of Scilly, and the gateway to the islands for those arriving by ferry from Penzance. Take a wander around charming Hugh Town, explore some of the lovely nearby beaches and look out for wildlife including seals, puffins and fulmars.
Colourful Kinsale is situated on a sheltered natural harbour, guarded by a brooding 17th-century fortress. The winding streets are a delight to explore, and the town is home to some excellent restaurants, galleries, pubs and shops. For sublime coastal views, take a trip out to the Old Head of Kinsale Lighthouse.
Ireland’s second city is an engaging mix of cosy pubs, grand Georgian architecture and forward-thinking restaurants, with one of the best foodie scenes in the country. Cork’s historic centre sits on an island in the River Lee, and the narrow streets are full of cafés, bars and markets.
The city of Dublin has something for everyone with great shopping, beautiful Georgian architecture, lovely parks, galleries and museums. Everywhere you go you will be bowled away by the jovial Irish welcome. Don’t miss the chance to sample a local pint of Guinness.
Rugged and unspoilt, peaceful and perhaps a little parochial, the Isle of Man is proud to be different. The island has its own government, the Tynwald, which is said to be the oldest continuous parliament in the world, as well as its own language and even its own currency, the Manx pound.
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.
