Scottish Isles and Norwegian Fjords Voyage - with Smithsonian Journeys
Overview
Join Ponant aboard Le Dumont-d'Urville for a 10-day read more cruise on an exceptional itinerary to discover the rugged landscapes of the Scottish Isles and the beauty of the Norwegian fjords. Begin your voyage in Glasgow, Scotland's cultural capital with a rich artistic and architectural heritage. Your ship will first sail to Fort William, from where you can immerse yourself in local lore during a cruise of fabled Loch Ness or take a tour and enjoy a dram of scotch whisky at a local distillery.
From Kyle of Lochalsh, spend a day including the unparalleled Isle of Skye. Not to be missed on the mainland is Eilean Donan, one of the most recognizable castles in the world and an iconic symbol of Scotland. Your ship sails next towards Kirkwall, capital of Orkney, where numerous seabirds, such as gannets and European shags, take residence. The Standing Stones of Stenness, built around 5,400 years ago, are a designated UNESCO World Heritage site. Le Dumont-d'Urville then sails for Lerwick, the main port in the Shetland Islands.
Nearby is the Jarlshof prehistoric and Norse settlement, where Neolithic people first settled more than 4,000 years ago - it is one of the most spectacular excavated sites in the British Isles. Next cross the North Sea and sail towards Alesund, famous for the art nouveau architectural style in which its downtown was rebuilt after a terrible fire in 1904.
Here you will also find the Atlantic Ocean Park, a unique aquarium featuring marine life found along Norway's Atlantic coast. Traverse the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Geirangerfjord to Geiranger and explore the fjord region overland - including a stop at the Jostedal Glacier National Park Centre - before rejoining your ship in Hellesylt. Alternatively, venture into the mountains to sample goatmilk cheeses and caramels at a local farm. Continue to Olden.
From this small and charming village, located a few miles from Jostedalsbreen National Park, home to one of the last ice caps in Europe, admire the magnificent Briksdal Glacier. End your voyage in Flåm where you will board the Flåm Railway to take a beautiful train journey high into the mountains of western Norway. View stunning rivers, waterfalls, and cultural landscapes around every corner. You will disembark in Bergen, famous for its Hanseatic wharf, Bryggen, a UNESCO World Heritage site which still carries traces of the rich historic past of the city founded by the Vikings.
10 Days
Glasgow
Bergen
Ponant Explorers
184
118
2019
GLWBGO9
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
Embrace the rugged beauty of the Scottish Highlands and explore the Glencoe Valley, or take a scenic journey on the Jacobite Steam Train, known for its role in the Harry Potter films.
Fort William itself boasts historic sites like Old Inverlochy Castle, and the town centre offers an array of delightful shops and local eateries.
Cruise ships dock at the Fort William Cruise Terminal, located conveniently close to the town centre.
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
Soaring turrets, spires and beautiful ornamentation adorn the buildings throughout Ålesund, giving it a distinctive flair and earning the town a revered architectural reputation. Seven islands comprise Ålesund , and they’re cleverly connected by an elaborate set of underwater tunnels. Feeling energetic - climb the 418 steps to Mount Aksla for panoramic views of the town, surrounding islands and fjords or how about visting the Atlanterhavsparken aquarium, which offers an immersive look at marine life.
Geiranger nestles in a valley at the inland tip of Geirangerfjord, which is unabashedly called 'the most beautiful fjord in the world.' The scenery here is stunning, snow-mantled mountains rise from the glacier-carved fjord, waterfalls burst forth from the cliffs and emerald-green forests blanket the hillsides. Ships will anchor offshore and tenders will be provided to the pier.
Top Things to Do in Geirangerfjord:
- view the fjord from atop Mt. Dalsnibba
- drive up the Eagle Road
- discover the fjord up close by kayak
- hike Westerasfjellet Mountain
Hellesylt is a picturesque village nestled at the head of Sunnylvsfjord. One highlight is the stunning Hellesylt Waterfall, which dramatically cuts through the center of the village. A gateway to the Geirangerfjord, Hellesylt offers excellent hiking, including trails to the scenic viewpoint of Ljøbrekka or to ancient farms like the UNESCO-listed Skageflå. A ferry ride to Geiranger also reveals some of Norway’s most impressive fjord landscapes.
Olden is located in the midst of incredible natural beauty at the end of the scenic Nordfjord. Visit the nearby Briksdal Glacier, where an easy hike or troll car ride brings you close to the icy beauty. The Loen Skylift provides spectacular views of the Nordfjord from 1,011 meters above sea level. Explore peaceful Olden Church or take a scenic boat ride along the fjord’s deep blue waters.
Surrounded by steep mountains, thundering waterfalls, and emerald-green valleys, tiny Flåm clings to the innermost point of Sognefjord, Europe's longest, deepest fjord. Flåm also boasts the extraordinary Flåms Railway. One of the most dramatic train rides in Europe, the Flåm Railway takes an hour to cover 10 miles, hugging cliffs, plunging through tunnels and pausing for its passengers to admire the views as it ascends the Flåm Valley to Myrdal, a desolate mountain plateau.
Top Things to Do in Flam:
- ride the scenic Flam Railway
- cruise the Nærøyfjor
- visit the viking village in Gudvangen
- hike to the Brekkefossen waterfall
- drive to Stegastein viewpoint
- visit the picturesque village of Aurland
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
Voyage in complete luxury and dine on French gastronomy as you enjoy an expedition cruise on Le Dumont-D'Urville. Read more
Your ocean facing stateroom or suite offers chic decor, luxurious amenities and 24 hour room service. Read more
Watch the ocean pass by as you take a dip in the glass walled infinity pool. Read more
The sophistication and innovation of this underwater lounge will be a highlight of onboard life. Read more
Making embarking and disembarking easy, the marina also serves as a sun deck or watersports platform. Read more
Dine al fresco at the grill or enjoy buffet and table service in the main restaurant. Read more
Prices & Dates
There are currently no departures available on this cruise. Either it's the end of the season and new departures will be released shortly, or this itinerary has been changed and is not operating this season. Feel free to contact us for information about when next seasons dates will be released or click here to view general release dates for all destinations.
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.
