From the dreamlike landscapes of the British archipelago to the spellbinding rocky and snow-covered islets of the Arctic Circle, Ponant invites you aboard LeLyrial for an all-new10-day journey, discovering the natural marvels and age-old heritage of Scotland and Norway, lands of Celtic and Viking legends. Departing from Edinburgh, city of history and labelled city of literature by UNESCO you will head for the Orkney archipelago and its windswept moorland landscape. Stromness, a small fishing port with stone houses, reveals a rich history of Vikings, merchants and sailors.
You will then...read more reach Scrabster, Scotland's northernmost port. Here you will discover wild nature, made of lush moors, and monumental granite cliffs where many bird species come to find refuge. In addition to its preserved aspect, the charming little town is distinguished by its rich history. It was on these hilly lands that Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother had the neo-Gothic Castle of Mey restored, after the death of King George VI. Further north, Le Lyrial will sail towards the jagged Norwegian coastlines.
Witness this breath-taking spectacle of vertiginous cliffs, immaculate coniferous forests and majestic fjords, and let yourself fall under the spell of these geological masterpieces produced by Mother Nature. Anchored at the entrance to the eponymous fjord and encircled by lush valleys, the picturesque mediaeval city of Trondheim, founded in the 10th century by the Viking King Olaf I, still retains traces of this opulent past, like its emblematic Nidaros Cathedral, an interesting blend of Gothic and Roman influences constructed at the end of the 11th century.
Surrounded by numerous rocky, verdant and snow-covered islets, your ship will approach the charming and historic Bronnoysund. A former Viking city, it is the gateway to the fascinating Vega Archipelago, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Formed of dozens of islands, reefs and isolated rocks, it is a veritable nature sanctuary for many colonies of seabirds, particularly eider ducks, during their nesting period. The Arctic Circle draws increasingly close and this pristine nature unfolds before you.
The deep blue water contrasts with the land and the season's verdant vegetation.Your ship will then make its way south where you will witness the mysterious charm of the Lofoten archipelago. These islands have landscapes of surreal beauty alternating between sea, spectacular fjords, mountain slopes and bright-coloured huts on stilts. Just north, at the gateway to the Vesterålen and Lofoten archipelagos, Hinnoya will surprise, captivate and fascinate.
At the northern tip of this island, the fourth-largest in Norway, Harstad stands proudly in the centre of a veritable natural setting, between grandiose fjords and mountain chains that feature prominent curves. The former centre of power during the Iron Age, the charming city unveils its Viking culture through its picturesque alleyways and museums tracing this past, rich in legends, traditions and discoveries. Your trip will end in Tromso, renowned for the architecture of its church, nicknamed the Arctic Cathedral.
Cruise Itinerary
Arrive
Depart
Day 1:Edinburgh (Rosyth), Scotland
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18:00
Day 2:Stromness, Orkney
12:30
21:00
Day 3: Scrabster
06:00
14:00
Day 4: Cruising At Sea
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Day 5:Trondheim
10:30
18:00
Day 6:Bronnoysund
12:00
19:00
Day 7: Reine, Lofoten
09:30
23:59
Day 8: Svolvaer, Lofoten
08:30
19:00
Day 9:Harstad
07:00
22:00
Day 10: Tromso - Flight to Paris
07:00
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Note: Ship ports may not be located in the starting & ending cities listed. Transfers to and/or from the ship port may be required.
Life Onboard Le Lyrial
Brochure
Ponant Luxury Cruises (2023-24)
Discover our range of incredible luxury expeditions and yacht-style voyages in 2023, exploring Antarctica, the Norwegian Fjords, Caribbean & Latin America, The Indian Ocean & Persian Gulf and Oceania & Polynesia. Includes a range of trailblazing polar explorations aboard Le Commandant Charcot. If you are a travel agent, please email brochures.aus@ponant.com...more with your details and number of copies to be ordered.
Note Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Prices and trip information are correct at the time at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Ponant. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from Ponant. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.