Itinerary

Day 1 - Glasgow, Scotland
In the heart of the Clyde Valley, the bustling city of Glasgow contrasts starkly with the wild beauty of the surrounding countryside. Scotland's biggest city overflows with landmarks from its extensive artistic heritage and outstanding architectural tradition. The city's chequerboard layout makes walking through the major pedestrian thoroughfares easy: go with the flow and let the lively street atmosphere take you past the many Victorian monuments. Don't miss the collections on display in the numerous museums and art galleries. The Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum is an outstanding example.

Day 2 - Iona, Hebrides
Of all the islands in the Inner Hebrides, Iona is by far the most conducive to contemplation and meditation. And for good reason... it is here that St Columba landed from Ireland in 563 and undertook to establish Christianity in Scotland. Now an abbey, the islandﾒs true spiritual centre stands where the ancient monastery founded by the Irish missionary was built. Many kings of Scotland, including the legendary Macbeth, are buried in the nearby cemetery. In sunny weather, arriving on the Isle of Iona is a stunningly beautiful experience.

Included Activities
The sacred island of Iona and its abbey (2h30)
Iona has been of special significance to Christians for many centuries. Columba and his followers arrived here in AD563 from Ireland with the task of spreading the gospel in Scotland and the north of England.

Today, accompanied by your local guide, you will explore on foot the sacred island of Iona and its 13th-century abbey, long revered as a place of pilgrimage and considered the origin of the Book of Kells. Several Scottish kings, including the real Macbeth, are buried in the island's royal cemetery.

This excursion involves walking approximately 2h, approx. 2km, on a mix of surfaced roads, and grass. There is a 15-minute walk from the pier to the abbey over smooth terrain and minimal walking at guest’s discretion. Warm, comfortable clothing and flat shoes are recommended. Toilets are available at the tender jetty and near the Abbey itself. The inside visit of the abbey is not garanteed as it still hold services, especially on Sundays. Order of visits may vary.

Exploration with the naturalist team (1h00)
During this stopover, take advantage of your team of naturalists. They will guide you as you discover the local wildlife and share their knowledge with you. An immersive, enriching and safe experience, where every moment is designed to respect and preserve the beauty of the places you explore.

Day 3 - Callanish, Outer Hebrides
In Scotland’s Outer Hebrides, on the legendary Isle of Lewis, Callanish dazzles and surprises, fascinates and questions. On the eastern coast of the island, where land and sea rub shoulders and clash in the tumult of wild nature, discover the Callanish Stones megalithic site. No fewer than 51 stones stand in the middle of the peat fields. Deliberately arranged about 5,000 years ago, they are a mysterious testimony to the Stone Age. There are many theories as to the purpose of these stones — a place of worship, a lunar calendar, an astronomic observatory or a healing centre — but they remain an enigma. The singular atmosphere of this site lends itself to all sorts of interpretations, to all sorts of dreams and musings.

Included Activities
Callanish standing stones (1h45)
Walk among the megaliths at one of Scotland’s most magnificent and best-preserved Neolithic monuments. The Callanish Standing Stones are a remarkable cross-shaped grouping of stones that were constructed 5,000 years ago. They predate England's famed Stonehenge monument by at least 2,000 years and were major sites for ceremonial activity for at least 2,000 years.

We don't know why the standing stones at Callanish were built, but the best assumption is that they were used as an astronomical observatory.

Enjoy a visit to the Stones with your knowledgeable guide, which is in walking distance from the tender pier.

This excursion involves walking approximately 1h30. Guests will walk approx 5km over even paved ground on walk to & from the Stones and grassy uneven paths at Standing Stones.We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and layered clothing. Bring water et a wind-proof and water-proof jacket. Please note the Visitor Centre is currently closed for redevelopment until 2026 - the Standing Stones are still accessible but there will be no toilets onsite.

Day 4 - Mousa Broch, Shetland Islands
A conical dry stone tower dating back to the end of the Iron Age, the Broch of Mousa is one of the many buildings constructed in the Highlands and in the Hebrides, Orkney and Shetlands archipelagos to fend off invaders. Constructed circa 100 BC, it is the tallest broch still standing, at 13 metres (almost 43 feet), and the best-preserved in Europe. Its excellent state of perservation can be explained among other factors by its isolated location and its massive construction: it has a single entrance passage and thick walls, with a diametre that is smaller than that of other brochs. The building was used over the centuries and is mentioned in the Norse sagas, Egil's Saga and the Orkneyinga Saga.

Included Activities
Exploration with the naturalist team (1h00)
During this stopover, take advantage of your team of naturalists. They will guide you as you discover the local wildlife and share their knowledge with you. An immersive, enriching and safe experience, where every moment is designed to respect and preserve the beauty of the places you explore.

Days 5-6 - At sea
During your journey at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This journey without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, depending on the activities offered, or to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.

Day 7 - Bronnoysund
Nestling on the Torget peninsula a short distance from the Arctic Circle, not far from the mythical Torghatten granite dome, Bronnoysund invites you on an unforgettable journey into the heart of wild nature, between chains of rocky, green and snow-covered islets. The port of call in this former Viking city will also be an opportunity to discover the Vega archipelago, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its 6,500 or so islands will offer you indelible moments in this natural setting, where time seems to stand still. Surrounded by high mountains that drop sharply into the Norwegian Sea, these insular natural sanctuaries are home to many species of seabirds, like the common eider.

Included Activities
Explore Velfjord (3h00)
From the pier, board your local coach to discover the idyllic place called Velfjorden. The area consisting of a few but ourishing rural communities, seven fjords and blue landscapes. During your ride, your guide will share old stories, tails and information about today’s modern life in Velfjorden.

On your way, stop to embark a local representative and pass through the local marble quarry. Learn more about this quarry and its history. Afterwards, reach the open-air museum in Hommelsto Velfjord where you will discover a traditional Norwegian recreational cabin – a Hytte. Visit this authentic cabin with your guide and enjoy the beautiful scenery. Then, taste the local char, the most tasteful of the salmon family, produced with water from a mountain lake before returning to your coach.

On your way back to the pier, stop at the oldest wooden church in Northern Norway, the Nøstvik Kirke.

This excursion involves walking on uneven ground. We recommend you wear comfortable shoes. This tour is conducted in English only. This excursion is limited to 60 participants.

Hildur herb farm (2h00)
Board your coach with a guide for a sightseeing tour of Bronnoysund and the herb farm.

Since its inception in 1988, the herb farm has grown herbs at Hildurs. The herb garden is a magnificent sight and will be an absolute pleasure both for your own kitchen and you as a guest.

The contents of the herb garden vary from week to week as we grow and harvest many of the herbs ourselves for our own kitchen. There are separate sections for culinary herbs, medicinal herbs, poisonous plants, and a biblical garden. Roses, perennials and rhododendrons in just the right proportions form a colourful frame around the farm.

After enjoying some refreshments in the coziness of the farm, you will drive back to the pier in Bronnoysund.

This tour involves walking on mostly flat ground with steps. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes.

Torghatten walk (3h00)
From the pier, board your local coach and enjoy your trip through the beautiful Brønnøysund before reaching your hiking spot.

Today's walk will take you to the top of Torghatten mountain. With the characteristic hole right through the mountain, this is one of the most recognizable and iconic places along the Norwegian coast. According to local legend, the mountain was once the hat of a sorcerer king, which he used to save a young sorceress from an arrow.

Spend around half an hour getting up the hilly path to where the hole starts. The hole is 35 metres high, 160 metres long, and between 15 and 20 metres wide. Once you get up to the hole, you will be rewarded with a fantastic panoramic view of the islands off the Helgeland coast. You will take the same route down from the mountain, and finish with a bite to eat and something hot to drink.

This excursion involves walking approximately 1 mile (1,5 km) on uneven surfaces and slopes. The trail is difficult at times. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and bring water from the ship. For safety reasons, access inside the hole is only permitted during the summer season.

Norwegian aquaculture & tasting (2h30)
After a sightseeing tour by bus around the cute town of Brønnøysund, enjoy impressive scenery as you cross the magnificent bridge to the Norwegian Aquaculture Centre in Toft.

Upon arrival, your guide will tell you all about salmon fishing culture in Norway. You will see the salmons and you will take part in feeding these fascinating creatures. You will also hear about the technology that contributes to growing salmon from egg to fish. There is even an opportunity to see the fish from up close with an underwater camera.

The Norwegian coast's cool and clear waters offer prime conditions for sustainable and responsible aquaculture. As a result, Norway is one of the world’s largest exporters of fish and seafood with around 37 million people around the globe enjoying the country’s produce.

Sample it yourself as you end the tour with a taste of the salmon that is so internationally loved.

This excursion involves walking on mostly flat ground. We recommend you wear comfortable shoes.

Day 8 - Reine, Lofoten
Way beyond the Arctic Circle, Lofoten Islands are truly considered to be in “another world”. A jewel of nature in its most pristine state, this archipelago with its jagged coastline offers you majestic settings of high alpine summits, sandy beaches, green prairies and fjords of a deep blue, where countless bird colonies make their nests. Whether you visit Å, or Nusjford, listed by UNESCO, enjoy authentic and memorable moments.

Included Activities
Vestvagoy & Lofotr Museum (4h30)
From the pier, embark your coach and head to the village of Borg.

Upon arrival, enjoy a visit to the Lofotr Museum. Here at Borg, archaeologists have found a chieftain’s farmstead with sensational objects bearing witness to a centre of power during the Viking period. The main house is the largest Viking building ever discovered, measuring 83 metres long and 9 metres high (270 and 30 feet). A copy has been built next to the excavation ground and you will feel as if you were transported back to the year 900, whilst farm animals are grazing peacefully outside.

Then, get back to your coach and head to Flakstad Island for a photostop at the Flakstad church built in 1780, a red little church made of driftwood, believed to have come from Siberia.

Enjoy the drive back to Reine, on charming Lofoten roads.

During winter season, participants must wear warm-thermal, water- and wind-proof clothes. Landscapes can still be snow-covered in the early season. During summer season, we recommend you bring a wind-proof jacket. Please note the order of the visits may be reversed.

Hike with your naturalist guides (3h00)
Discover the spectacular panoramas of Reine on an immersive hike with your expert naturalist guides, passionate about the destination. Explore the local landscapes and flora as you follow carefully selected trails for an enriching experience in the heart of Norwegian nature.

We recommend wearing appropriate hiking shoes, as well as clothing suited to the weather conditions. This excursion requires good physical condition.

Charm of Lofoten (4h00)
Spend a leisurely day learning about the maritime history of the Lofoten Islands. Discover the architecture of the fishermen's dwellings, which today serve as popular holiday homes for visitors who want to take part in the region's many outdoor activities.

From the pier, embark your coach for a scenic drive to Å. This village is an open-air museum, representing the Lofoten's fisheries and displays 150 year old coastal building environments. Upon arrival, you will be free to discover the village at your own pace for 30 minutes

Continue your scenic drive to Flakstad Bay to explore the charming 18th-century red church. It is the second oldest church in Lofoten and built in the shape of a cross.

Then, you will take the direction of Sund to visit the interesting Fishery Museum and Smithy. The museum was originally established in 1964, in the idea of a unique and lively museum, depicting the history of boats and fishing equipment. You will be able to take a closer look at the blacksmith at work, perhaps creating a cormorant, an important fishermen's symbol. Discover various objects including boats, utensils from fishermen's homes and working boat engines, from the beginning of this century.

Reboard the coach and return to Reine.

Participants must wear warm-thermal, water- and wind-proof clothes and flat shoes. This tour involves walking on uneven and flat grounds. The tour is limited to 70 participants.

Optional Activities
Reine by RIB boat (2h00) - €230 Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Immerse yourself in the tranquil beauty of the Lofoten Islands in search of sea eagles in a RIB (rigid inflatable boat). A short transfer will take you to the nearby RIB pier, where your guide will fit you with a protective waterproof suit. As you set off with your experienced helmsman, you will whisk across the sparkling waters, perhaps leaping over the wake of a passing ferry and sidling up to vertical cliffs rising from the water.

The RIB tour will take you around Reinefjord. You will take a break along the way see sea eagles. With a wingspan of more than six feet, these birds of prey are an impressive sight. Fish will be used to attract them, so there is a good chance you will see one. Afterward, you will return to your ship by RIB.

Afterwards you will return to your awaiting ship.

Participants must wear warm-thermal clothes and flat sneaker shoes. Both water- and wind-proof winter equipment and eye-glasses will be provided. This tour can be cancelled on short notice by the RIB guide if the weather turns bad, but generally the tour can operate in all weather conditions expect for heavy rain and fog. This tour is not suitable for passengers with back problems or with limited physical abilities. This is a high activity tour that at times can be strenuous and the RIB boat can reach high speeds. Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed. This tour is limited to 12 participants

Day 8 - Sailing in Trollfjorden
According to legend, trolls were the guardians of this 2-km long fjord accessible via the Raftsund Strait, between the Vesterålen Archipelago and the Lofoten Islands. Dominated on both sides by vertical rock faces that stand up to 1,000 metres high in parts, Trollfjorden welcomes you in a magical atmosphere which its narrowness helps to create. During this unforgettable journey, you will indeed have the impression that you’re grazing the surrounding mountains and that you’ll never see the end of this marine cul-de-sac. After a delicate U-turn, your ship will finally head back in the opposite direction: this will perhaps be the opportunity to observe, for want of trolls, seals and eagles, which are often present in this site, unique on earth.

Day 9 - Tromso
In the north of the Arctic circle you’ll discover Tromsø, a secluded town located in the county of Troms. Norwegians call it the “Paris of the north”. You’ll soon see why when you discover its extensive neoclassical architectural heritage. A stunning example is the Arctic cathedral, a major monument whose stylistic purity echoes the outline of the mountains surrounding the town.

Included Activities
Tromso, Arctic capital (3h30)
Tromsø, the capital of the North is located on Troms, an island covered with forests. It is also called "the gateway to the Arctic", since it used to be the headquarter of seal and walrus hunters, and the starting point for several Arctic expeditions.

From the pier, board your coach for a tour of this charming city and proceed to the Science Centre of Northern Norway. Here, you will sit and lean back in the comfortable chairs of the planetarium to watch the beautiful film "Experience the Aurora". During the 25-minute show, you will learn everything about the illusive Northern Lights with most of the footage shot in the Tromsø region.

After the visit, depart to the Polar Museum. The museum is located in the old Custom House. It is closely linked with the Arctic Association which aims to preserve records from bygone times, when Tromsø was a major base for hunting and expeditions on a larger scale. The museum also shows a great part of the equipment, skis, tents etc. that the explorer Roald Amundsen used on his South Pole expedition.

Next, re-board your coach and drive to the Arctic Cathedral passing the famous Tromsø Bridge. The ultra-modern architecture of the cathedral symbolizes the immense strength of the ice pack in the Arctic Ocean. The interior is dominated by the beautiful stained glass-window covering the eastern wall, picturing "The Return of Christ". After the visit to the church, head back to the pier.

This excursion includes some walking on flat ground, and some steps at the museum and the cathedral. We recommend you to wear comfortable walking shoes and to dress in layers. Arctic cathedral may be closed to visitors due to ecumenical services.

Sweet encounter with huskies (2h30)
Spend a wonderful time with one of Northern Norway's most iconic animals: the husky.

After travelling through the breathtaking snowy landscapes of the northern part of Norway, you will arrive in Breivikeidet, east of Tromso, with the Lyngen Alps as your backdrop. At base camp, you will be greeted by these sweet creatures that love to interact with people. It is truly a unique experience. After sharing a moment with the huskies, enjoy a delicious coffee break.

This excursion involves walking approximately 500 metres (0.3 miles) on uneven, snow-covered ground that may be slippery.

Optional Activities
Scenic Tromso by RIB boat - €160Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
This excursion starts at the pier where you will be picked up and escorted to the RIB (rigid-hulled inflatable buoyancy) boat.

Following a short introduction, you will get your equipment (if needed depending on the weather) and briefing, you will sit astride a comfortable seat allowing everyone to enjoy the views. You will then start your exploration of local waterways while admiring stunning seascapes.

You will travel the sheltered waters of Tromso and hear stories from your guide about the history of the city, its people and the creatures native to these parts. You may have the opportunity to spot eagles flying overhead and harbour porpoises in the sea.

Participants must wear warm-thermal clothes and flat sneaker shoes. This tour can be cancelled on short notice by the RIB guide depending on the weather. This tour is not suitable for passengers with back problems or walking difficulties. This is a high activity tour that at times can be strenuous and the RIB boat can reach high speeds. Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed. This tour is limited to 22 participants.

Day 10 - Sailing along Bjornoya (Bear Island)
Halfway between Norway and Spitsbergen, you will sail not far from the coastlines of Bjørnøya, the southernmost island of Svalbard. From your ship, observe this isolated piece of land discovered in 1596 by the Dutch navigator Willem Barents, then looking for the Northwest Passage. Following a tough fight between a polar bear and the members of the expedition, he dubbed the place Bear Island. Regularly covered by a thick layer of fog, Bjørnøya shelters a meteorological station built in 1923, which is still in operation. Declared a nature reserve in 2002, the island is above all home to an enormous colony of sea birds: skuas, guillemots, puffins, Tridactyl gulls, petrels, gulls and little auks all coexist here.

Days 11-13 - South-West Region of Spitsbergen
Set sail for southwest Spitsbergen, immerse yourself in this environment unlike any other and explore its unexpected riches. In this natural sanctuary, the polar light combines with the changing weather of the Arctic, a big blue sky, the horizon scattered with clouds, the enveloping mist erasing the border between the land and the sea. Follow in the footsteps of the first explorers and admire the majestic fjords and glaciers sculpting the breathtaking landscapes, their icy waters shimmering beneath the midnight sun. The fjords, veritable cathedrals of ice, reveal their millennial secrets, while the glaciers, like sleeping giants, move slowly towards the sea, setting free sparkling icebergs. On the water, you might spot belugas and rorquals, while on the shores, seals and Arctic foxes add a touch of mystery to this living tableau, where the steep cliffs become breeding grounds for thousands of seabirds, like guillemots. Southwest Spitsbergen is an ode to nature in its rawest and purest form.

Day 14 - Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen
Longyearbyen is the capital of the Norwegian Svalbard archipelago, located on Svalbard’s main island, and is the northernmost territorial capital on the planet. With winter temperatures dropping to below 40°C, the landscapes of this mining town are simply breathtaking. The glaciers, the mountains stretching as far as the eye can see and the untouched nature, make you feel like you’re in completely unexplored territory.

©PON

©PON

©PON