Overview
Further north, the Hebrides, the Orkneys and the Shetland Islands unveil their wide-open horizons, marked by Viking history and an intimate relationship with the sea. Between Stavanger and Eidfjord, in the heart of the Hardangerfjord, read more sheer cliffs and deep waters sketch out dreamlike landscapes that inspire both contemplation and wonder.
Ponant Explorers
184
118
2018
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Itinerary
Glasgow was Scotland's great industrial centre during the 19th century and today, the city remains the commercial and cultural capital of the Lowlands. Lying on the banks of the River Clyde, Glasgow boasts some of the finest Victorian architecture in the entire United Kingdom. Ships will dock in Greenock which is a 45 minute drive from Glasgow.
Top Things to Do in Glasgow:
- admire the famed Glasgow Cathedral
- stroll through the Glasgow Botanic Garden
- cruise Loch Lomond
- visit the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum
Under the craggy, emerald peaks of the Scottish Highlands lies a tiny port town with a heart for adventure. Gaelic for 'little bay', Oban is a town of endless Victorian charm and elegance that fulfills your every dream of Scotland. Ships will anchor offshore and tenders will be provided to the shore.
Top Things to Do in Oban:
- ride the Jacobite Steam Train
- take a gondola up Aonach Mor
- stroll through the Arduaine gardens
- enjoy a scenic drive to Glencoe
- tour the Oban scotch whiskey distillery
Colourful row houses and red-hulled fishing vessels line the shores of this picturesque port set on the edge of the Outer Hebrides. The gateway to Lewis and Harris Island, Stornoway is a short journey to a natural wonderland of mountains, craggy rocks, moorlands, meadows, and rugged coastlines. Ships will anchor offshore and tender guests to shore.
Top Things to Do in Stornoway:
- explore Lews Castle
- visit the Callanish Stones
- tour the Gearrannan Blackhouse Village
- cruise the Uig coastline in a RIB (boat)
Kirkwall is the capital of the Orkney Islands, it is considered one of the most charming and well preserved small towns in Scotland. The islands offer dramatic landscapes with cliffs rearing 1,000 feet above the waves to sweeping white sand beaches. Small ships will dock at this port, while larger ships will anchor offshore.
Top Things to Do in Kirkwall:
- explore Skara Brae, a Neolithic village
- admire the St. Magnus Cathedral
- visit the Ring of Brodgar
- ponder the Standing Stones of Stenness
- stroll the Viking Capital Walking Trail
Lerwick, the capital of the Shetland Island Archipelago, offers stone age ruins, heather-covered moors and rugged Scottish highlands. With its dramatic cliffs, Grand Victorian houses, charming Shetland ponies, and Nordic heritage Lerwick allows for hours of entertainment. Smaller ships will dock at the Port of Lerwick, while larger ships will anchor offshore.
Top Things to Do in Lerwick:
- explore the ruins of Scalloway Castle
- hike on Mousa Island
- visit the Shetland Museum
- admire Fort Charlotte
Hardangerfjord, located in western Norway, is the country's second-largest fjord and stretches for about 179 kilometres (111 miles). Renowned for its stunning natural beauty, the fjord is surrounded by majestic mountains, cascading waterfalls, and lush orchards, making it a picturesque destination year-round.
Eidfjord is a captivating gem in Norway's Vestland County, and is situated in a breathtaking setting of lush mountains and fjords.
Adventurers come prepared to explore, with memorable mountain hikes, fjord cruises on the Hardangerfjord, and tranquil kayak tours available.
Don't miss the majestic Vøringsfossen Waterfall, standing over 180m/290ft tall, or pay a visit to the historic Kjeåsen farm, perched 600m/1968ft above the Simdalsfjord, which offers awe-inspiring views.
With its central location near Bergen, the Hardangervidda mountain range, and Voss, Eidfjord beckons as a year-round haven. Ships dock at the Eidfjord Cruise Port in the centre of town, giving passengers the option to explore by foot.
Stavanger offers a blend of nature and culture, with its colorful wooden houses lining Old Town's cobblestone streets. A highlight is the nearby Lysefjord, where the iconic Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock) provides breathtaking fjord views after a rewarding hike. The Norwegian Petroleum Museum dives into the region’s oil history, while Gamle Stavanger, the best-preserved wooden settlement in Europe, transports visitors back in time with its charming 18th-century homes.
Norway’s beauty shines brighter than ever in Bergen, where colourful wooden buildings line every street. From the historic wharf called the Bryggen to the neighbouring fjords just waiting to be explored, a day in Bergen makes for a fun mix of city and seclusion, outdoor adventure and arts and culture. Ships will dock at the Skolten cruise port.
Top Things to Do in Bergen:
- take in the views from atop Mount Floyen
- visit the Bryggens Museum
- explore the famous fish market
- fly over Hardangerfjord in a seaplane
Life On Board
Named after the French explorer, Le Lapérouse offers luxury expeditions to the corners of the earth. Read more
Enjoy 24 hour room service and luxury amenities in your ocean facing accommodation. Read more
Watch the ocean pass by from the infinity pool and bask in warmth of the solarium. Read more
Have a multi-sensory experience as you sip a cocktail in the chic underwater lounge. Read more
A sundeck on sea days or a water sports platform, the innovative marina adds more to life onboard. Read more
Dine inside or out in the main restaurant where French gastronomy and service will impress. Read more
Ship Reviews (2)
Food was of the highest standard an the open bar well read more stocked to meet all tastes. Don't worry too much about formal gear, a sports coat and a colourful dress are all that is required on the two gala nights. On the other nights, slacks and polo are fine.
We helicoptered to Mitchell Falls which again was expensive but well worth it. Forget about the Horizontal Falls boat ride. Those that went were very dissatisfied as the most exciting of the two Falls is now closed due to a boating accident. I've seen more challenging wave sets in Moreton Bay. Overall 11/10 from us and very highly recommended
AUD Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct 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 the cruise-line and 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.
