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Scottish Isles and Norwegian Fjords Voyage – with Smithsonian Journeys
Bergen - Glasgow, Écosse
Date :
10.06.2022
à
17.06.2022
Autres dates disponibles
jours
nuits à bord
Shore excursion in each port of call + transfers included
In alliance with Smithsonian Journeys.
This cruise is part of a collection of PONANT voyages that are specially-tailored for English-speaking travelers who want to engage with the world. In addition to the usual elements of the PONANT experience, the listed price for these voyages includes transfers to and from the ship, talks and discussions aboard ship by world class experts, and a shore excursion or activity in each port of call that encourages guests to embrace the sights, sounds, tastes, and smells of the local environment and culture.
Join PONANT aboard Le Dumont-d'Urville for an 8-day cruise on an exceptional itinerary to discover the beauty of the Norwegian fjords and the rugged landscapes of the Scottish Isles.
Begin your voyage 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.
Your ship will first sail for 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, you are able to admire the magnificent Briksdal Glacier.
Continue to charming 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.
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.
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.
From Kyle of Lochalsh, spend a day on the unparalleled Isle of Skye. Not to be missed is Eilean Donan, one of the most recognizable castles in the world and an iconic symbol of Scotland. You may recognize the castle as the Scottish headquarters of MI6 in the James Bond film, The World is Not Enough. Or take a tour and enjoy a dram of scotch whiskey at a local distillery.
End your voyage in Fort William, from where you are able to immerse yourself in local lore during a cruise of fabled Loch Ness.
You will disembark in Glasgow, Scotland's warm cultural capital with a rich artistic and architectural heritage.
Ref : BG0945US - U100622
Découvrez votre itinéraire
A voyage specially-tailored for English-speaking travelers including discussions with experts, transfers before and after your cruise, and an included excursion in each port of call. Engaging discussions...
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Vos cabines
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Complétez votre voyage
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Inclus dans votre croisière
Pour plus de sérénité, PONANT organise votre voyage en avant ou en après croisière. Ce package est compris dans le tarif de votre croisière.
Prestations complémentaires
Pour plus de sérénité, PONANT sélectionne des vols et assure la prise en charge de vos transferts pour votre voyage ainsi que les visites à terre avant et après le débarquement .
Vous aimerez aussi...
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LE JACQUES-CARTIER
- Inédit
LE COMMANDANT CHARCOT
L'AUSTRAL
04.11.2022 au 20.11.2022
- Inédit
LE LAPEROUSE
09.11.2022 au 23.11.2022
LE LYRIAL
*Tarif minimum par passager, en base occupation double. La catégorie de cabine correspondant à ce tarif peut n’être plus disponible.
Prestations
- Room service 24h/24
- Wi-Fi illimité inclus (réception satellite aléatoire en fonction de la navigation et de la latitude)
- Climatisation individuelle
- Dressing avec étagères et espace penderie
- Coiffeuse et sèche-cheveux
- Produits de bain haut-de-gamme Hermès
- Mini bar inclus
- Machine à café Nespresso et bouilloire
- Coffre-fort électronique
- Ligne téléphonique directe par satellite
- Enceinte Bluetooth Bose
- TV écran plat, chaînes internationales (aléatoire suivant votre navigation) et vidéos à la demande
- Installation 110/220 volts
- Deux cabines PMR
Choisissez votre catégorie de cabine
Tenue idéale pour la vie à bord :
Durant les journées passées à bord, il vous est conseillé de porter des vêtements confortables ou des tenues décontractées. L’ensemble du navire étant climatisé, un pull fin, une veste légère ou un châle peuvent vous être nécessaires. Pour vos déplacements dans les espaces publics et sur les ponts du navire, privilégiez des chaussures légères mais confortables.
Soirée informelle :
Le soir, il vous est conseillé de porter une tenue de ville élégante, en particulier lors des dîners dans nos restaurants où le port de short et tee-shirt n’est pas autorisé.
Pour les femmes :
- Robe simple
- Jupe ou pantalon
- Chemisier ou blouse
- Polo
Pour les hommes :
- Pantalon à pinces ou « chino »
- Veste sport
- Chemise
- Polo
Soirée des officiers :
En fonction de l’itinéraire et du programme de votre croisière, une Soirée des Officiers sur le thème « Soirée Blanche » pourra être organisée. Par conséquent, nous vous incitons à prévoir pour l’occasion une tenue de ville élégante blanche (à défaut noire et blanche).
Soirée de gala :
Lors de nos croisières, deux soirées de gala sont organisées à bord. Aussi, nous vous recommandons de prévoir une ou deux tenues plus formelles.
Pour les femmes :
- Tenue de cocktail
- Robe longue de soirée (si vous le souhaitez)
Pour les hommes :
- Costume foncé
- Cravate conseillée, éventuellement nœud papillon
- Smoking (si vous le souhaitez)
BOUTIQUE :
Une boutique est ouverte durant les moments de navigation proposant une large gamme de tenues, bijoux, maroquinerie et de nombreux accessoires.
Nous vous informons qu’un service de blanchisserie (nettoyage - repassage) existe à bord, mais il n’est pas en mesure de vous proposer un nettoyage à sec. Pour des raisons de sécurité, votre cabine n’est pas équipée d’un fer à repasser.
ACCESSOIRES :
- Lunettes de soleil
- Maillot de bain (pour la piscine ou le spa à bord)
- Tenue de gymnastique (fitness)
- Chargeur de batterie et cartes mémoire pour appareil photo ou caméra numériques
- Chargeur de téléphone portable
- Chapeau / casquette
SOINS – SANTÉ :
- Crème solaire et après-solaire
- Médicaments et ordonnances
TENUES À BORD :
- Tenues décontractées pour la journée
- Tenues élégantes pour les dîners
- Tenues pour les soirées de Gala
- Tenue blanche ou noire et blanche
PRÉCAUTIONS :
Dans le sac qui ne vous quittera pas, pensez à emporter les médicaments dont vous avez besoin, et éventuellement un petit nécessaire de toilette et de rechange (en cas de retard dans la livraison de votre bagage par la compagnie aérienne). Assurez-vous d’avoir toujours avec vous les documents de voyage dont vous pourriez avoir besoin : voucher d’hôtel, voucher de croisière, billets de vol retour… Ne les laissez jamais dans vos bagages enregistrés en soute.
Toutes nos cabines disposent d’un coffre. Nous vous recommandons de ne pas descendre à terre avec vos bijoux de valeur.
Activités PONANT
Smithsonian Journeys
Smithsonian Journeys is the travel programme of the Smithsonian Institution, the world’s largest museum, education and research complex, consisting of 21 museums, the National Zoological Park, education centers, research facilities, cultural centers, and libraries. Drawing on Smithsonian's resources dating back 175 years, these sailings will feature notable experts and experiences that embrace local cultures and dive deeper into a destination’s history, cuisine, language, environment, and wildlife. For more than 50 years, Smithsonian Journeys has been rooted in and focused on cultural immersion and discovery – with a goal of inspiring guests to become global citizens through travel.
Colleen Batey
Dr. Colleen Batey is Senior Lecturer in Archaeology at the University of Glasgow, Scotland, with honorary positions at both the University of the Highlands and Islands and Hunter College, New York. For the past 40 years she has been involved in research on the Viking Age in Scotland, Scandinavia, and the North Atlantic, both as director of excavations and teacher. Since 2004, Colleen has combined her research interests with expedition cruising, both as expedition team member and guest lecturer—traveling extensively throughout the world of the Vikings from the Black Sea to Canada! Colleen was the British coordinator of Viking loan material for the highly successful Smithsonian exhibition Vikings: The North Atlantic Saga, which toured widely in the U.S. starting in 2000 and attracted several million visitors throughout its run. More recently she was an academic advisor for a PBS/BBC program Uncovering the Vikings, which aired in early 2016. Colleen has published extensively both books and journal articles. She is based in Argyll, in the beautiful—but wet—region of Western Scotland, surrounded by lochs and mountains.
Language spoken: English
Rab Houston
Professor Rab Houston was an undergraduate at St Andrews and, after six years in Cambridge as a research student and research fellow, came back as a lecturer in Modern History in 1983. He has held visiting professorships at the universities of Adelaide and Erasmus, Rotterdam as well as visiting fellowships at the Huntington Library and the Lewis Walpole Library, Yale University. Between 2006 and 2009 he held a prestigious Leverhulme Major Research Fellowship. He is a Fellow of the Royal Historical Society, a Member of the Academia Europaea, and a Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh.Rab has written ten books, co-authored one, and edited another four as well as authoring eighty articles and book chapters, most of them in the fields of early modern British and European literacy, British demography and urbanisation, Scottish society, and the history of mental abnormality.Outside academia,Rab is a keen scuba diver, often to be seen diving wrecks off the east coast of Scotland –or visiting warmer waters around the world. He enjoys yoga and Tai Chi, both active forms of meditation.
Language spoken: English
Photo credit: ARR
Sous réserve de désistement en cas de force majeure
Temps forts
- A voyage specially-tailored for English-speaking travelers including discussions with experts, transfers before and after your cruise, and an included excursion in each port of call.
- Engaging discussions onboard with Smithsonian Journeys Experts including archaeologist with Viking expertise Colleen Batey and British historian Rab Houston.
- An exceptional itinerary to discover the beauty of the Norwegian fjords and the rugged landscapes and rich cultural heritage of the Scottish Isles.
- UNESCO World Heritage sites en route: Bryggen, Heart of Neolithic Orkney
- A sailing through the spectacular fjords of Norway, with two stops to visit a glacier and embark on a train journey on the famed Flåm Railway.
- A discovery of two archipelagos in the north of Scotland – Shetland and Orkney – to delve into the Neolithic and Viking history that abounds there.
- An opportunity to visit Eilean Donan castle on the Isle of Skye and to sail the waters of storied Loch Ness.
- A chance to tour a distillery and sample the region’s famous scotch whiskey.
Escales & excursions
10 juin 2022 - Bergen
Embarquement 10.06.2022 de 15:30 à 16:30
Départ 10.06.2022 à 17:30
La silhouette de ses maisons colorées à pignons est sans doute l’image la plus connue de toute la Norvège médiévale. Située au fond du Byfjord et dominée par les hauteurs environnantes, Bergen fut la capitale de la Norvège aux XIIe et XIIIe siècles et a gardé de très beaux monuments de l’époque où elle abritait la royauté. Flâner dans Bergen, c’est remonter le temps à la recherche de trésors cachés, classés au patrimoine mondial de l'Unesco. Véritable musée à ciel ouvert, Bergen accueille de nombreux artistes : peintres, potiers, joailliers… Ne manquez pas la visite de son quartier ancien aux ruelles étroites, témoignage de la puissance de la Ligue hanséatique qui contrôlait le commerce d’Europe du Nord à la fin du Moyen Âge.
11 juin 2022 - Olden
Arrivée 11.06.2022 en début de matinée
Départ 11.06.2022 en milieu de journée
Avec ses deux églises en bois, l’une rouge, l’autre blanche, et sa vue imprenable sur l’embouchure de la rivière Oldeelva, Olden a des allures de carte postale. Situé à quelques kilomètres du parc de Jostedalsbreen qui abrite l’une des dernières calottes glaciaires d’Europe, ce petit village s’impose comme une escale de rêve pour découvrir les langues bleutées des glaciers de Briksdal ou de Kjenndalen. Vous ne manquerez d’ailleurs pas de faire un petit tour au musée des glaciers de Norvège. Passionnant. Autre pépite des lieux, le lac Lovatn et ses eaux turquoise qui invitent à la contemplation.
12 juin 2022 - Flam
Arrivée 12.06.2022 en début de matinée
Départ 12.06.2022 en milieu de journée
13 juin 2022 - Lerwick, îles Shetland
Arrivée 13.06.2022 en milieu de journée
Départ 13.06.2022 en début de soirée
La charmante petite capitale des îles Shetland déroule son front de mer aux maisons anciennes et aux ruelles étroites, offrant au voyageur ses vieux quartiers et sa chaleureuse ambiance portuaire. Au nord se situe le Géoparc mondial des îles Shetlands inscrit au patrimoine mondial de l’Unesco. Les sites et les ruines archéologiques incroyablement bien conservés sont la preuve d'une occupation des îles remontant aux premières colonies néolithiques. Le musée « Shetland et Archives » raconte l'histoire du patrimoine et de la culture des Shetlands : les eaux poissonneuses de Lerwick furent même autrefois exploitées par les Hollandais.
14 juin 2022 - Kirkwall, Écosse
Arrivée 14.06.2022 en début de matinée
Départ 14.06.2022 en milieu de journée
Capitale de l’archipel des Orcades, Kirkwall, dont le nom signifie « l’église de la baie », est l’escale idéale pour partir explorer les îles du Nord. Campée au fond d’une large baie, l’effervescente cité se laisse découvrir à travers le charme de ses ruelles pavées desservant vieilles maisons et boutiques d’artisanat. Tankerness House, la plus ancienne demeure de la ville, est, à cet égard, incontournable. Mais le véritable trésor architectural de la bien nommée Kirkwall n’est autre que sa remarquable cathédrale de pierres roses et dorées. Et parce que le whisky est indissociable de l’identité écossaise, arrêtez-vous à la Highland Park Distillery pour une visite très instructive.
15 juin 2022 - Kyle of Lochalsh, Écosse
Arrivée 15.06.2022 en début de matinée
Départ 15.06.2022 en soirée
Kyle of Lochlash (« Détroit de la baie d'Alsh ») est une petite ville portuaire située au pied du pont qui relie les terres continentales à l’île de Skye. Nichée au beau milieu d’une beauté naturelle et envoûtante, la commune du nord-ouest du pays sert de porte d’entrée aux Highlands écossais et à plusieurs châteaux médiévaux qui témoignent encore des traditions des clans qui régnaient autrefois sur ces terres. Le château d’Eilean Donan, perché sur une petite île surplombant la confluence de trois lochs, est l’un des châteaux les plus pittoresques et les plus filmés d’Écosse. Le château et les jardins d’Armadale, résidence historique du clan Donald, sont facilement accessibles depuis la ville.
16 juin 2022 - Fort William
Arrivée 16.06.2022 en début de matinée
Départ 16.06.2022 en début d'après-midi
Ville portuaire nichée sur la rive orientale du Loch Linnhe, Fort William est souvent décrite comme la « capitale du plein air du Royaume-Uni ». D’une part, par le fait que la ville se situe à la base du Ben Nevis, le sommet le plus haut des îles britanniques (1 345 mètres d’altitude) mais également par sa proximité avec les paysages spectaculaires de Glencoe, destination réputée auprès des randonneurs et des grimpeurs. La cité nommée en référence à Guillaume d’Orange possède également un patrimoine historique exceptionnel avec des sites incontournables comme le Vieux Fort ou encore le château d’Inverlochy.
17 juin 2022 - Glasgow, Écosse
Arrivée 17.06.2022 en début de matinée
Débarquement 17.06.2022 à 08:00
Au cœur de la vallée de la Clyde, la trépidante cité de Glasgow contraste avec la beauté sauvage des paysages environnants. La plus citadine des villes écossaises regorge de multiples attraits issus de son important héritage artistique et de son exceptionnel patrimoine architectural. Le plan en damier de la ville facilitera vos déambulations à travers les grandes artères piétonnes : vous vous laisserez porter par l’animation de ses rues jalonnées de beaux monuments victoriens et ne manquerez pas d’aller admirer les collections des nombreux musées et galeries d’art. Le Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum est, à cet égard, exemplaire. Vous pourrez achever votre périple par un peu de... Car, oui, Glasgow est aussi le temple du shopping !
From Fjord to Sky by Cable Car
From the pier, drive down the winding road along the fjord to the neighboring village of Loen. Continue into the Lodalen Valley to the far end at Kjenndalen. From here, take a short stroll up to a viewpoint over the Kjenndalen Glacier in the distance. This glacier is an arm of the mighty Jostedal Glacier – the largest glacier on mainland Europe.
Walk back to the coach and drive back towards Loen. Leaving the buses, board the new cable car (inaugurated in 2017) which takes you up to Mount Hoven, 3300 feet above sea level and around 650 feet above the tree line in this part of Norway. Here, enjoy a coffee break and spectacular views of the fjord and villages below, as well as of the surrounding mountain scenery. While at Mount Hoven, you have the opportunity to enjoy a short walk to soak up the scenery around you.
After some time at leisure, return by cable car to Loen where your coach will be waiting to bring you back to the pier in Olden.
- This tour will operate in nearly all weather conditions, even if there isn’t a good view from the top station and/or it is raining. In case of strong wind, the cable car may be closed on short notice. At the Kjenndalen viewpoint, guests who have difficulties walking may stay in the coach or at the parking area. Walking distance is approximately 1 mile over uneven terrain to the viewpoint and back. Flat comfortable shoes and a warm, windproof jacket are recommended. Please note the order of the visits may be reversed.
Inclus
Selon disponibilités, tarif par passager.
Briksdal Glacier with Troll Cars
Briksdal Glacier lies at the end of the enchanting Oldedalen Valley and is a part of the Jostedal glacier ice field, which is the largest glacier on the European mainland. The wild glacier is a fantastic work of nature. Its slope plunges from a height of 3,937 feet (1,200 m) down to the lush, narrow Briksdal Valley. Board your coach in Olden. The drive through Oldedalen Valley to Briksdal Glacier is an amazing symphony of scenic splendors – from wildflowers to awe-inspiring mountains that are reflected in crystal clear lake waters and to great waterfalls that cascade from vertical mountainsides.
Your coach will stop at a mountain lodge, where you will board electric “troll cars” (7 seats in each) for a ride from the lodge up to a parking lot to reach the glacier. The troll cars are the only motorized vehicles allowed on this gravel road. En route, you will travel along a river, past a waterfall, and through serpentine bends. From the parking lot, the walk to the face of the Briksdal Glacier is about 0.4 miles and takes about 10 minutes to reach.
Glacial ice only reflects blue light, so the Glacier provides an impressive site. It might be hard to imagine that the ice is in constant motion – and the arms of a glacier can grow or shrink several hundred yards in only a few years, depending on the amount of snow that fell in years past. Sometimes the glacier calves, and huge chunks of ice fall off the edge. Therefore, guests are urged to respect the warning signs that stand near the Glacier for the sake of their security.
Return by foot to the troll cars that will take you back to the lodge. At the lodge, enjoy a snack including coffee, tea, and pastries, and some time at leisure to browse for souvenirs. Re-board your coach for the drive back to the ship.
- This tour includes about 1 mile of walking over gravel paths that are sometimes uneven and include uphill/downhill sections. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes, a sunhat and sunglasses, a warm jacket, and a waterproof layer. The drive to and from the lodge will go through tunnels, the longest of which is about 0.5 miles long.
Inclus
Selon disponibilités, tarif par passager.
The Flam Railway
The village of Flåm is nestled at the end of beautiful Aurlandsfjord, where you will walk from the pier to board the famed Flåm Railway, named by Lonely Planet Traveler “the world’s best train ride.” It is one of the most interesting stretches of railroad engineering in the world — only 12 miles long, it runs from Flåm, at sea level, to Myrdal Station, at an altitude of 2,850 feet, featuring tunnels and switchbacks and ever-changing views of waterfalls, the valley below, and snow-capped mountains
From the station, you travel along the Flåm River, one of the best salmon-rivers in the West Country. Landmarks you pass include the Rjoande Waterfall, with a sheer drop of 460 feet, and the impressive peak of Vibmesnosi, rising to just over 4,000 feet. After passing through the railway's longest tunnel at Naali, you are able to look back and see three of the four levels of the train bed that have brought you this far. You will also be able to see the old navy road that was constructed in 1895-96 to support the building of the Bergen-Oslo Railroad, opened in 1909. The road climbs the steep hills in 21 narrow hairpin bends next to a waterfall.
The train will make a brief stop at Kjosfossen Waterfall, where all passengers disembark in order to photograph this spectacular 300-foot-high waterfall. When the train reaches its destination, enjoy a taste of Norwegian hospitality at Vatnahalsen Hotel, a well-known ski resort, also popular during summer and autumn when people come to hike in the mountains or cycle on the old navy road you saw on the way up.
After this refreshing interlude, you reboard the train for the journey back to Flåm.
- This light excursion involves at most a half mile of walking over flat paved and gravel surfaces. It is not, however, considered suitable for wheelchair users, because there is no accessibility at the Hotel. Layered clothing, comfortable shoes, and protection from sun and rain are recommended.
Inclus
Selon disponibilités, tarif par passager.
Jarlshof Settlement & Sumburgh Head
Your tour begins with a brief survey of Lerwick, the most northerly town in the British Isles. A site with strong Viking connections, there is little left of the old village — although in the center near the harbor, some evidence remains of the town's rugged origins.
Driving south along the coastal road, you will pass through several small settlements, pausing briefly along the way for a view of the Island of Mousa, site of the best-preserved broch (ancient fortification) in all of Scotland.
Continue south to reach the remarkable archaeological site of the Jarlshof Settlement, on the southern tip of the mainland. The settlement was uncovered by a violent storm in the winter of 1897, revealing an extraordinary site encompassing at least 5,000 years of human history. It exhibits a remarkable layering of stone structures from a succession of historical eras – late Neolithic houses, a Bronze Age village, an Iron Age broch and wheelhouses, several Norse longhouses, a medieval farmstead, and the 16th-century laird’s house.
From Jarlshof make your way along the coast to the Sumburgh Head, site of Shetland's first lighthouse (1821) and of a colony of about 5,000 birds, including puffins, guillemots, shags and fulmars. Gannets are regularly seen offshore, as well. Your visit is during the seabird breeding season, when each species has its special nesting place in the grassy banks and cliffs leading up to the lighthouse. The seas here are home to a variety of marine life, and you may be lucky enough to see harbor porpoises, white beaked dolphins, or whales – killer, minke and even humpback whales are sometimes seen.
- For this excursion, we recommend you wear waterproof clothes and comfortable walking shoes.
Inclus
Selon disponibilités, tarif par passager.
Lerwick Walking Tour & Shetland Museum
This excursion is designed to introduce you to the history of Lerwick, capital of the Shetland Islands since the early 18th-century, a major center of the fishing industry, and more recently a support town for the North Sea oil industry.
Starting from Victoria Pier in the heart of the Old Town you pass by the Old Tolbooth (built in 1770) and continue on to the Lodberries — houses and warehouses erected on individual piers so that goods could be loaded and unloaded directly to and from the boats. In the 18th-century, when Lerwick was the premier herring town in Northern Europe, these structures would have lined the waterfront from end to end. You will have an opportunity to see one of few remaining, with its thick sea-battered walls, a slipway, and a fish-drying shed.
Continue your walk through the town’s narrow lanes (or ‘closses’) which run down to the waterfront to visit Lerwick Town Hall. The Hall was built in 1883 and features beautiful stained-glass windows that present a pictorial narrative of Shetland’s history from the time of the Vikings. Conclude your tour at the fascinating Shetland Museum and Archives, which you can visit on your own to learn more about Shetland’s heritage and culture. This award-winning museum has over 3,000 artifacts on two floors, a wealth of easily accessible archive material, a temporary exhibition area, Boat Hall and Sheds. The exhibits are masterfully displayed and clearly interpreted.
At the conclusion of the guided tour, you may return directly to the pier with your guide, or you may choose to remain in the Old Town to browse the local craft and knitwear shops at your leisure before making your way back to the pier.
- This is a moderate to strenuous walking tour with some steep streets and stairs. You will be on your feet for approximately 2 hours. We recommend warm, waterproof layered clothing and comfortable walking shoes.
Inclus
Selon disponibilités, tarif par passager.
Hiking Mousa Island
The Island of Mousa, less than a mile off the southeastern coast of Mainland, is probably best known for the Mousa Broch. But it is also a wildlife preserve and a wonderful destination for a bracing walk.
From Lerwick, drive about half an hour south to board a small ferry for the short crossing to Mousa, 1.5 miles long and 1 mile wide, uninhabited since the 19th century. A guided walk around the island will provide opportunities to observe the abundant wildlife that is protected by both NatureScot and the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds. Mousa is known for grey and common seals, black guillemots, Arctic terns, and especially for storm-petrels, whose nearly 7,000 breeding pairs on the island constitute 3% of the world population.
In addition to the abundant wildlife, you will also visit Mousa Broch, a 2,000-year-old tower that is the best-preserved Iron Age fortress in the British Isles.
- The walking on this excursion totals about 3 miles. The paths on the island vary between walkways and rough ground, and should present little difficulty to a person with good mobility. Warm, waterproof clothing and sturdy footwear are recommended.
Inclus
Selon disponibilités, tarif par passager.
Neolithic Orkney
This is an excursion into the distant past of the Neolithic Orkney Islands, designated a UNESCO World Heritage site because of its wealth of pre-historic ruins.
Your exploration of this remarkable area begins with a drive through rich farmland, rolling hills and moors fringed by magnificent cliffs, on the way to the great ceremonial Standing Stones of Stenness and the Ring of Brodgar, a grand circle of stones dating back almost 5,000 years.
You continue on to Skara Brae, the best-preserved Neolithic village in Northern Europe. The remains of this 5,000-year-old settlement are beautifully preserved and interpreted in a modern visitor center. Lying beside the sandy crescent of the Bay of Skaill, the site was completely buried for thousands of years until suddenly revealed during a fierce storm in 1850. Among the fascinating relics found here are tools, beads, pottery, and whalebone artifacts, spanning a period of approximately 600 years of occupation. Skara Brae provides a unique opportunity to reflect on the resilience and resourcefulness of our ancestors who lived here, eking out an existence among unforgiving conditions.
Return to Kirkwall via historic Scapa Flow, a sheltered body of water that has played an important role in trade and warfare, serving, for example, as the United Kingdom's chief naval base during both World Wars. It is perhaps most famous as the site of the scuttling of the German Fleet in 1919.
- Walking on this tour totals approximately half a mile over some uneven terrain at Skara Brae. Warm, waterproof clothing and good walking shoes are recommended.
Inclus
Selon disponibilités, tarif par passager.
Orkney Past and Present
Your introduction to the Orkney Islands begins with a drive through rich farmland, rolling hills, and moors fringed by magnificent cliffs. You will pass by the Neolithic Standing Stones of Stenness and stop briefly at the Ring of Brodgar, a grand circle of stones dating back almost 5,000 years, for a glimpse of the Stone Age ruins that have earned this area recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Continue across the main island to the charming fishing village of Stromness. After a brief orientation, enjoy time at leisure to explore the picturesque harbor and stroll along the quirky flag-stoned streets. Visit the beautifully refurbished Pier Arts Centre with exhibitions by both local and international artists, relax with a hot beverage in a café, or explore the craft shops selling local knitwear, pottery, and artwork.
Return to Kirkwall via historic Scapa Flow, a sheltered body of water that has played an important role in both trade and warfare, serving, for example, as the United Kingdom's chief naval base during both World Wars. It is perhaps most famous as the site of the scuttling of the German Fleet in 1919.
- The amount of walking on this excursion is at your discretion. The distance from the parking area to the Ring of Brodgar is about 300 yards; the terrain in Stromness is flat with no steps and some cobbled pavement. Warm, waterproof clothing and good walking shoes are recommended.
Inclus
Selon disponibilités, tarif par passager.
The Castles of Sky
From the small port of Kyle of Lochalsh, a 15-minute drive along the shore of the Loch brings you to Eilean Donan, a small tidal island at the confluence of Loch Alsh and two others. The Castle that dominates the island is perhaps the most recognizable in Scotland; it has been featured in no fewer than ten films, including James Bond's The World is Not Enough, in which the castle served as the Scottish headquarters of MI6.
The Castle is named for the 6th-century Irish saint who established a community here in an effort to bring Christianity to the Picts. There has been a fortified castle on this site since the 13th century, when it was built as a defense against raiding Vikings. You are free to explore the castle and its grounds on your own to learn about its rich history and take in the views that make it such a favorite among film producers.
Armadale Castle has been an important part of the life of the Isle of Skye since the early 18th century, when the chiefs of Clan Donald, Lords of the Isle, made it their residence. The castle fell into disrepair in the early 20th century, and is now in process of being restored by the Clan Donald Trust. But the ruins, and especially the magnificent gardens that surround them, remain a site well worth experiencing.
Sheltered by their location and enjoying a mild climate created by the Gulf Stream, the Gardens are a floral paradise. Magnificent trees tower over carpets of bluebells, orchids, and wildflowers throughout spring and summer, providing a tranquil place to sit or stroll. You may also wish to spend time in the award-winning Museum of the Isles, where exhibits trace 1,500 years of the history and culture of the area once known as the Kingdom of the Isles. Whatever you choose, a local guide will be on hand to answer any questions.
- This moderate excursion involves some walking, but the extent is at the guest's discretion. There are many steps across the Eilean Donan Castle's three levels. Walking at Armadale is on level and gently sloping terrain. Warm, waterproof clothing and sturdy footwear are recommended.
Inclus
Selon disponibilités, tarif par passager.
A Day on Skye
This full day excursion offers a panoramic tour of the Island of Skye, combining dramatic coastline vistas with an exploration of the island's fascinating history and traditions.
From the pier, your coach travels north through Portree and onto the Trotternish Peninsula, where your first stop is at Kilt Rock — a 200-foot-high cliff marked in an almost tartan-like pattern by the rock strata, with a waterfall tumbling down the cliff to the pebbled shore below.
Continuing north along the coast, you pass through the lovely township of Staffin and then around the northern tip of the island, as your guide relates some of the myths and legends of Skye. Arriving in Kilmuir, you visit the fascinating Skye Museum of Island Life, an open-air museum consisting of seven traditional thatched cottages and recreating a sense of what life was like in the 19th century. Learn about the peculiar Scottish system of tenant farming known as 'crofting', and perhaps visit the grave of Flora MacDonald, who famously disguised Bonnie Prince Charlie as a maid and smuggled him to safety during the Jacobite uprising.
After this visit, a short drive brings you to the Skeabost Hotel, where you will enjoy a refreshing lunch before heading across the island to the west coast and Dunvegan Castle.
Dunvegan Castle, seat of the Clan MacLeod chiefs since the 13th century, is one of the most celebrated of the Hebridean clan strongholds. It is the only one to have been continuously occupied by the same family over a period now spanning eight centuries. Within the castle are priceless heirlooms, some of which have come down through the hands of the Chiefs of MacLeod since medieval times.
On the return to Kyle of Lochalsh, you will pause in Portree for time at leisure to explore this charming fishing port and its colorful waterfront on your own.
- This moderate excursion involves a total of approximately 2.5 miles of walking over mixed terrain with some steps. We recommend good walking shoes and warm, waterproof layered clothing. Also note that this excursion includes over 4.5 hours of driving via coach.
Inclus
Selon disponibilités, tarif par passager.
Hebridean Traditions: Clans and Whiskey
Your excursion begins with a breathtaking scenic drive along the Cuillin Mountain Range and the southern coast of Skye to the small hamlet of Armadale, where you will discover Armadale Castle, one of the many strongholds of Clan Donald that once stretched from Ulster in the north of Ireland across the Hebrides.
The castle has been an important part of the life of the Isle of Skye since the early 18th century, when the chiefs of Clan Donald, Lords of the Isle, made it their residence. As you tour the castle, you will have the opportunity to learn a great deal about the importance of kinship clans in Gaelic society and in particular about the long history of Clan Donald, which remains the largest and most powerful clan in Scotland. You will also want to spend some time exploring Armadale's extensive gardens replete with woodland trails adorned with flowering shrubs, perfect for a leisurely stroll on a summer's afternoon.
On the way back to Kyle of Lochalsh, visit the Torabhaig Distillery, which produced its first single malt in 2021. Torabhaig produces whisky in the traditional way, and your guides will explain the process from malting the barley and mashing the peat through aging the spirits in oak casks. No visit to a distillery is complete, of course, without a tasting, and you will be invited to sample the end product of this process before returning to the ship.
- This is a moderate excursion. The total amount of walking is entirely at your discretion during the visit to Armadale. The tour of the distillery involves stairs. Sturdy walking shoes and a jacket are recommended.
Inclus
Selon disponibilités, tarif par passager.
Fort Augustus & Loch Ness
At the pier in Fort William board your motorcoach for a wonderfully scenic drive though Scotland's Great Glen along the shores of Loch Lochy and Loch Oich. Your drive will pass by Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in the British Isles, and by the Commando Memorial, dedicated to the men of the British Commando Forces whose training depot the memorial overlooks.
As you drive through the splendor of the Highlands, you follow the route of the Caledonian Canal, built in the early 19th-century to connect Scotland's east and west coasts, ending your journey at the small town of Fort Augustus, situated at the midpoint of the canal, on the southern tip of legendary Loch Ness.
In Fort Augustus, board the Spirit of Loch Ness, a purpose-built vessel, for a 50-minute cruise on Scotland’s most famous loch. You will cruise past Cherry Island, the loch’s only island, as you take in the legendary beauty of the loch, including a striking view of Fort Augustus Abbey from the water. Enjoy a spot of tea or coffee and a cake bite while your crew points out sights of interest. A glimpse of Nessie is not guaranteed, but cannot be ruled out.
Back in Fort Augustus, enjoy some time at leisure to wander through this lovely little hamlet. You can watch as boats navigate the locks of the canal, or you may wish to browse the village's lovely shops.
Rejoin your coach for the journey back to Fort William and your awaiting ship.
- This is an easy excursion with very little walking. We recommend comfortable shoes and layered clothing, including a jacket in case of inclement weather.
Inclus
Selon disponibilités, tarif par passager.
Le Dumont-d'Urville
Le Dumont-d’Urville fait partie d’une nouvelle génération de navires dotés d’équipements innovants et respectueux de l’environnement, de salons largement ouverts sur l’extérieur, une piscine extérieure et d’un Blue Eye, salon sous-marin multisensoriel. Le tout, pour une expérience de croisière hors du commun. Il est désormais possible de partir à l’aventure dans les endroits les plus reculés de la planète à bord d’un navire aux prestations luxueuses.
Jusqu'à 184 passagers
92 cabines & suites
118 membres d'équipage
Spa
2 restaurants
Les ponts
Shore excursion in each port of call + transfers included
PONANT and Smithsonian Journeys have organised the following included programme for you, which starts the day of embarkation.
Included Features:
- A program of onboard enrichment provided by Smithsonian Journeys Experts including archaeologist with Viking expertise Colleen Batey and British historian Rab Houston.
- Transfer and luggage handling from the airport in Bergen to the ship on the day of embarkation
- Comprehensive 7-night cruise aboard the deluxe Le Dumont-d’Urville, with all the amenities for which PONANT ships are famous
- One included shore excursion in each port of call (see “Itinerary” for more information and choice of excursions, if applicable)
- Transfer from the ship to the airport in Glasgow at the end of the cruise on the morning of disembarkation
Not included:
- Independent meals and beverages ashore
- Personal expenses (such as laundry, telephone, etc.)
Notes:
- This voyage is offered on a space available basis
- Programme is subject to change without notice
Conférencier
À bord de votre navire, un conférencier francophone vous propose un éclairage culturel et historique pour approfondir votre connaissance de la destination : origine des traditions locales, histoire des sites emblématiques, évocation de personnages célèbres et des grandes épopées historiques…. Lors de conférences à bord ou de vos sorties à terre, cet expert vous accompagnera tout au long de votre croisière PONANT pour partager avec vous son précieux savoir.
Nos prestations complémentaires
HISTORIC BERGEN (1 NIGHT)
Located at the end of Byfjord, Bergen was the capital of Norway in the 12th and 13th centuries and has preserved much of its past. A veritable open-air museum, Bergen is also a vibrant cosmopolitan city, known for its artist colony of painters, potters, and jewelers.
Day 1 - Bergen, Norway
Arrive at Bergen's Flesland Airport, where you will be met and transferred to the Hotel Norge by Scandic. Check-in time is 2:00 p.m. A local representative will be present at the hospitality desk in the afternoon to welcome you and answer any questions you may have. Join your fellow travellers for a welcome cocktail reception this evening. Dinner is independent and at your leisure.
Day 2 - Bergen | Embarkation
After breakfast at the hotel, join a morning excursion that includes a visit to the Fantoft Stave Church, originally built in 1150 and reconstructed after a fire in 1992 exactly as it was in the 12th century. You will also tour Troldhaugen, once the summer home of composer Edvard Grieg and now a museum and concert venue. Following lunch at a restaurant back in Bergen, enjoy a guided walking tour of Bryggen, the old waterfront wharf, a reminder of the town's importance as part of the Hanseatic League's trading empire from the 14th to the mid-16th century and now a UNESCO World Heritage site. You will have some free time to browse the shops before transferring to the pier to embark in late afternoon.
Your hotel:
Hotel Norge, first opened in 1885, was completely renovated in 2018. Located in the centre of the city, it is within walking distance of the Festplassen and several nearby restaurants. It has a modern, informal, and international atmosphere. The hotel has 415 rooms that boast floor-to-ceiling windows, and it features a lobby bar, a café, and a fine-dining restaurant.
Your programme includes:
- 1 night at the Hotel Norge by Scandic (or similar).
- Transfer and luggage handling from the airport to the hotel on Day 1.
- Transfer and luggage handling from the hotel to the ship on embarkation day.
- Welcome cocktail reception on Day 1.
- Breakfast and lunch on Day 2.
- Sightseeing and programming as noted in the itinerary.
- Local English-speaking guide.
- Gratuities for the drivers and local guides.
Your programme does not include:
- Transfer from the airport to the hotel on any day other than the scheduled programme arrival day.
- Personal expenses and other services and meals not mentioned as included in the programme.
Please note:
- It is imperative that your flight arrival details are communicated at least 30 days prior to the beginning of your cruise in order to secure your transfer from the airport to the hotel.
- Early check-in and/or late check-out are available depending on availability and at a supplement. An additional night is possible, upon request and depending on hotel availability. Please, contact reservations or your travel agent for further details.
- The official currency is the Norwegian krone. Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, shops, and restaurants.
- This pre-cruise programme is offered as a package. There will be no refunds for unused accommodations, meals, or excursions.
- Programme is offered on a space available basis.
- Programme is subject to change without notice.
Hotel contact information:
Hotel Norge by Scandic
Nedre Ole Bullsplass 4
5012 Bergen
Telephone: +47 55 55 40 00
Email: hotelnorge@scandichotels.com <mailto:hotelnorge@scandichotels.com>
Total TTC : € 700
Selon disponibilité, tarif par passager, en base occupation double.
From Fjord to Sky by Cable Car
From the pier, drive down the winding road along the fjord to the neighboring village of Loen. Continue into the Lodalen Valley to the far end at Kjenndalen. From here, take a short stroll up to a viewpoint over the Kjenndalen Glacier in the distance. This glacier is an arm of the mighty Jostedal Glacier – the largest glacier on mainland Europe.
Walk back to the coach and drive back towards Loen. Leaving the buses, board the new cable car (inaugurated in 2017) which takes you up to Mount Hoven, 3300 feet above sea level and around 650 feet above the tree line in this part of Norway. Here, enjoy a coffee break and spectacular views of the fjord and villages below, as well as of the surrounding mountain scenery. While at Mount Hoven, you have the opportunity to enjoy a short walk to soak up the scenery around you.
After some time at leisure, return by cable car to Loen where your coach will be waiting to bring you back to the pier in Olden.
- This tour will operate in nearly all weather conditions, even if there isn’t a good view from the top station and/or it is raining. In case of strong wind, the cable car may be closed on short notice. At the Kjenndalen viewpoint, guests who have difficulties walking may stay in the coach or at the parking area. Walking distance is approximately 1 mile over uneven terrain to the viewpoint and back. Flat comfortable shoes and a warm, windproof jacket are recommended. Please note the order of the visits may be reversed.
Inclus
Selon disponibilités, tarif par passager.
Briksdal Glacier with Troll Cars
Briksdal Glacier lies at the end of the enchanting Oldedalen Valley and is a part of the Jostedal glacier ice field, which is the largest glacier on the European mainland. The wild glacier is a fantastic work of nature. Its slope plunges from a height of 3,937 feet (1,200 m) down to the lush, narrow Briksdal Valley. Board your coach in Olden. The drive through Oldedalen Valley to Briksdal Glacier is an amazing symphony of scenic splendors – from wildflowers to awe-inspiring mountains that are reflected in crystal clear lake waters and to great waterfalls that cascade from vertical mountainsides.
Your coach will stop at a mountain lodge, where you will board electric “troll cars” (7 seats in each) for a ride from the lodge up to a parking lot to reach the glacier. The troll cars are the only motorized vehicles allowed on this gravel road. En route, you will travel along a river, past a waterfall, and through serpentine bends. From the parking lot, the walk to the face of the Briksdal Glacier is about 0.4 miles and takes about 10 minutes to reach.
Glacial ice only reflects blue light, so the Glacier provides an impressive site. It might be hard to imagine that the ice is in constant motion – and the arms of a glacier can grow or shrink several hundred yards in only a few years, depending on the amount of snow that fell in years past. Sometimes the glacier calves, and huge chunks of ice fall off the edge. Therefore, guests are urged to respect the warning signs that stand near the Glacier for the sake of their security.
Return by foot to the troll cars that will take you back to the lodge. At the lodge, enjoy a snack including coffee, tea, and pastries, and some time at leisure to browse for souvenirs. Re-board your coach for the drive back to the ship.
- This tour includes about 1 mile of walking over gravel paths that are sometimes uneven and include uphill/downhill sections. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes, a sunhat and sunglasses, a warm jacket, and a waterproof layer. The drive to and from the lodge will go through tunnels, the longest of which is about 0.5 miles long.
Inclus
Selon disponibilités, tarif par passager.
The Flam Railway
The village of Flåm is nestled at the end of beautiful Aurlandsfjord, where you will walk from the pier to board the famed Flåm Railway, named by Lonely Planet Traveler “the world’s best train ride.” It is one of the most interesting stretches of railroad engineering in the world — only 12 miles long, it runs from Flåm, at sea level, to Myrdal Station, at an altitude of 2,850 feet, featuring tunnels and switchbacks and ever-changing views of waterfalls, the valley below, and snow-capped mountains
From the station, you travel along the Flåm River, one of the best salmon-rivers in the West Country. Landmarks you pass include the Rjoande Waterfall, with a sheer drop of 460 feet, and the impressive peak of Vibmesnosi, rising to just over 4,000 feet. After passing through the railway's longest tunnel at Naali, you are able to look back and see three of the four levels of the train bed that have brought you this far. You will also be able to see the old navy road that was constructed in 1895-96 to support the building of the Bergen-Oslo Railroad, opened in 1909. The road climbs the steep hills in 21 narrow hairpin bends next to a waterfall.
The train will make a brief stop at Kjosfossen Waterfall, where all passengers disembark in order to photograph this spectacular 300-foot-high waterfall. When the train reaches its destination, enjoy a taste of Norwegian hospitality at Vatnahalsen Hotel, a well-known ski resort, also popular during summer and autumn when people come to hike in the mountains or cycle on the old navy road you saw on the way up.
After this refreshing interlude, you reboard the train for the journey back to Flåm.
- This light excursion involves at most a half mile of walking over flat paved and gravel surfaces. It is not, however, considered suitable for wheelchair users, because there is no accessibility at the Hotel. Layered clothing, comfortable shoes, and protection from sun and rain are recommended.
Inclus
Selon disponibilités, tarif par passager.
Jarlshof Settlement & Sumburgh Head
Your tour begins with a brief survey of Lerwick, the most northerly town in the British Isles. A site with strong Viking connections, there is little left of the old village — although in the center near the harbor, some evidence remains of the town's rugged origins.
Driving south along the coastal road, you will pass through several small settlements, pausing briefly along the way for a view of the Island of Mousa, site of the best-preserved broch (ancient fortification) in all of Scotland.
Continue south to reach the remarkable archaeological site of the Jarlshof Settlement, on the southern tip of the mainland. The settlement was uncovered by a violent storm in the winter of 1897, revealing an extraordinary site encompassing at least 5,000 years of human history. It exhibits a remarkable layering of stone structures from a succession of historical eras – late Neolithic houses, a Bronze Age village, an Iron Age broch and wheelhouses, several Norse longhouses, a medieval farmstead, and the 16th-century laird’s house.
From Jarlshof make your way along the coast to the Sumburgh Head, site of Shetland's first lighthouse (1821) and of a colony of about 5,000 birds, including puffins, guillemots, shags and fulmars. Gannets are regularly seen offshore, as well. Your visit is during the seabird breeding season, when each species has its special nesting place in the grassy banks and cliffs leading up to the lighthouse. The seas here are home to a variety of marine life, and you may be lucky enough to see harbor porpoises, white beaked dolphins, or whales – killer, minke and even humpback whales are sometimes seen.
- For this excursion, we recommend you wear waterproof clothes and comfortable walking shoes.
Inclus
Selon disponibilités, tarif par passager.
Lerwick Walking Tour & Shetland Museum
This excursion is designed to introduce you to the history of Lerwick, capital of the Shetland Islands since the early 18th-century, a major center of the fishing industry, and more recently a support town for the North Sea oil industry.
Starting from Victoria Pier in the heart of the Old Town you pass by the Old Tolbooth (built in 1770) and continue on to the Lodberries — houses and warehouses erected on individual piers so that goods could be loaded and unloaded directly to and from the boats. In the 18th-century, when Lerwick was the premier herring town in Northern Europe, these structures would have lined the waterfront from end to end. You will have an opportunity to see one of few remaining, with its thick sea-battered walls, a slipway, and a fish-drying shed.
Continue your walk through the town’s narrow lanes (or ‘closses’) which run down to the waterfront to visit Lerwick Town Hall. The Hall was built in 1883 and features beautiful stained-glass windows that present a pictorial narrative of Shetland’s history from the time of the Vikings. Conclude your tour at the fascinating Shetland Museum and Archives, which you can visit on your own to learn more about Shetland’s heritage and culture. This award-winning museum has over 3,000 artifacts on two floors, a wealth of easily accessible archive material, a temporary exhibition area, Boat Hall and Sheds. The exhibits are masterfully displayed and clearly interpreted.
At the conclusion of the guided tour, you may return directly to the pier with your guide, or you may choose to remain in the Old Town to browse the local craft and knitwear shops at your leisure before making your way back to the pier.
- This is a moderate to strenuous walking tour with some steep streets and stairs. You will be on your feet for approximately 2 hours. We recommend warm, waterproof layered clothing and comfortable walking shoes.
Inclus
Selon disponibilités, tarif par passager.
Hiking Mousa Island
The Island of Mousa, less than a mile off the southeastern coast of Mainland, is probably best known for the Mousa Broch. But it is also a wildlife preserve and a wonderful destination for a bracing walk.
From Lerwick, drive about half an hour south to board a small ferry for the short crossing to Mousa, 1.5 miles long and 1 mile wide, uninhabited since the 19th century. A guided walk around the island will provide opportunities to observe the abundant wildlife that is protected by both NatureScot and the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds. Mousa is known for grey and common seals, black guillemots, Arctic terns, and especially for storm-petrels, whose nearly 7,000 breeding pairs on the island constitute 3% of the world population.
In addition to the abundant wildlife, you will also visit Mousa Broch, a 2,000-year-old tower that is the best-preserved Iron Age fortress in the British Isles.
- The walking on this excursion totals about 3 miles. The paths on the island vary between walkways and rough ground, and should present little difficulty to a person with good mobility. Warm, waterproof clothing and sturdy footwear are recommended.
Inclus
Selon disponibilités, tarif par passager.
Neolithic Orkney
This is an excursion into the distant past of the Neolithic Orkney Islands, designated a UNESCO World Heritage site because of its wealth of pre-historic ruins.
Your exploration of this remarkable area begins with a drive through rich farmland, rolling hills and moors fringed by magnificent cliffs, on the way to the great ceremonial Standing Stones of Stenness and the Ring of Brodgar, a grand circle of stones dating back almost 5,000 years.
You continue on to Skara Brae, the best-preserved Neolithic village in Northern Europe. The remains of this 5,000-year-old settlement are beautifully preserved and interpreted in a modern visitor center. Lying beside the sandy crescent of the Bay of Skaill, the site was completely buried for thousands of years until suddenly revealed during a fierce storm in 1850. Among the fascinating relics found here are tools, beads, pottery, and whalebone artifacts, spanning a period of approximately 600 years of occupation. Skara Brae provides a unique opportunity to reflect on the resilience and resourcefulness of our ancestors who lived here, eking out an existence among unforgiving conditions.
Return to Kirkwall via historic Scapa Flow, a sheltered body of water that has played an important role in trade and warfare, serving, for example, as the United Kingdom's chief naval base during both World Wars. It is perhaps most famous as the site of the scuttling of the German Fleet in 1919.
- Walking on this tour totals approximately half a mile over some uneven terrain at Skara Brae. Warm, waterproof clothing and good walking shoes are recommended.
Inclus
Selon disponibilités, tarif par passager.
Orkney Past and Present
Your introduction to the Orkney Islands begins with a drive through rich farmland, rolling hills, and moors fringed by magnificent cliffs. You will pass by the Neolithic Standing Stones of Stenness and stop briefly at the Ring of Brodgar, a grand circle of stones dating back almost 5,000 years, for a glimpse of the Stone Age ruins that have earned this area recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Continue across the main island to the charming fishing village of Stromness. After a brief orientation, enjoy time at leisure to explore the picturesque harbor and stroll along the quirky flag-stoned streets. Visit the beautifully refurbished Pier Arts Centre with exhibitions by both local and international artists, relax with a hot beverage in a café, or explore the craft shops selling local knitwear, pottery, and artwork.
Return to Kirkwall via historic Scapa Flow, a sheltered body of water that has played an important role in both trade and warfare, serving, for example, as the United Kingdom's chief naval base during both World Wars. It is perhaps most famous as the site of the scuttling of the German Fleet in 1919.
- The amount of walking on this excursion is at your discretion. The distance from the parking area to the Ring of Brodgar is about 300 yards; the terrain in Stromness is flat with no steps and some cobbled pavement. Warm, waterproof clothing and good walking shoes are recommended.
Inclus
Selon disponibilités, tarif par passager.
The Castles of Sky
From the small port of Kyle of Lochalsh, a 15-minute drive along the shore of the Loch brings you to Eilean Donan, a small tidal island at the confluence of Loch Alsh and two others. The Castle that dominates the island is perhaps the most recognizable in Scotland; it has been featured in no fewer than ten films, including James Bond's The World is Not Enough, in which the castle served as the Scottish headquarters of MI6.
The Castle is named for the 6th-century Irish saint who established a community here in an effort to bring Christianity to the Picts. There has been a fortified castle on this site since the 13th century, when it was built as a defense against raiding Vikings. You are free to explore the castle and its grounds on your own to learn about its rich history and take in the views that make it such a favorite among film producers.
Armadale Castle has been an important part of the life of the Isle of Skye since the early 18th century, when the chiefs of Clan Donald, Lords of the Isle, made it their residence. The castle fell into disrepair in the early 20th century, and is now in process of being restored by the Clan Donald Trust. But the ruins, and especially the magnificent gardens that surround them, remain a site well worth experiencing.
Sheltered by their location and enjoying a mild climate created by the Gulf Stream, the Gardens are a floral paradise. Magnificent trees tower over carpets of bluebells, orchids, and wildflowers throughout spring and summer, providing a tranquil place to sit or stroll. You may also wish to spend time in the award-winning Museum of the Isles, where exhibits trace 1,500 years of the history and culture of the area once known as the Kingdom of the Isles. Whatever you choose, a local guide will be on hand to answer any questions.
- This moderate excursion involves some walking, but the extent is at the guest's discretion. There are many steps across the Eilean Donan Castle's three levels. Walking at Armadale is on level and gently sloping terrain. Warm, waterproof clothing and sturdy footwear are recommended.
Inclus
Selon disponibilités, tarif par passager.
A Day on Skye
This full day excursion offers a panoramic tour of the Island of Skye, combining dramatic coastline vistas with an exploration of the island's fascinating history and traditions.
From the pier, your coach travels north through Portree and onto the Trotternish Peninsula, where your first stop is at Kilt Rock — a 200-foot-high cliff marked in an almost tartan-like pattern by the rock strata, with a waterfall tumbling down the cliff to the pebbled shore below.
Continuing north along the coast, you pass through the lovely township of Staffin and then around the northern tip of the island, as your guide relates some of the myths and legends of Skye. Arriving in Kilmuir, you visit the fascinating Skye Museum of Island Life, an open-air museum consisting of seven traditional thatched cottages and recreating a sense of what life was like in the 19th century. Learn about the peculiar Scottish system of tenant farming known as 'crofting', and perhaps visit the grave of Flora MacDonald, who famously disguised Bonnie Prince Charlie as a maid and smuggled him to safety during the Jacobite uprising.
After this visit, a short drive brings you to the Skeabost Hotel, where you will enjoy a refreshing lunch before heading across the island to the west coast and Dunvegan Castle.
Dunvegan Castle, seat of the Clan MacLeod chiefs since the 13th century, is one of the most celebrated of the Hebridean clan strongholds. It is the only one to have been continuously occupied by the same family over a period now spanning eight centuries. Within the castle are priceless heirlooms, some of which have come down through the hands of the Chiefs of MacLeod since medieval times.
On the return to Kyle of Lochalsh, you will pause in Portree for time at leisure to explore this charming fishing port and its colorful waterfront on your own.
- This moderate excursion involves a total of approximately 2.5 miles of walking over mixed terrain with some steps. We recommend good walking shoes and warm, waterproof layered clothing. Also note that this excursion includes over 4.5 hours of driving via coach.
Inclus
Selon disponibilités, tarif par passager.
Hebridean Traditions: Clans and Whiskey
Your excursion begins with a breathtaking scenic drive along the Cuillin Mountain Range and the southern coast of Skye to the small hamlet of Armadale, where you will discover Armadale Castle, one of the many strongholds of Clan Donald that once stretched from Ulster in the north of Ireland across the Hebrides.
The castle has been an important part of the life of the Isle of Skye since the early 18th century, when the chiefs of Clan Donald, Lords of the Isle, made it their residence. As you tour the castle, you will have the opportunity to learn a great deal about the importance of kinship clans in Gaelic society and in particular about the long history of Clan Donald, which remains the largest and most powerful clan in Scotland. You will also want to spend some time exploring Armadale's extensive gardens replete with woodland trails adorned with flowering shrubs, perfect for a leisurely stroll on a summer's afternoon.
On the way back to Kyle of Lochalsh, visit the Torabhaig Distillery, which produced its first single malt in 2021. Torabhaig produces whisky in the traditional way, and your guides will explain the process from malting the barley and mashing the peat through aging the spirits in oak casks. No visit to a distillery is complete, of course, without a tasting, and you will be invited to sample the end product of this process before returning to the ship.
- This is a moderate excursion. The total amount of walking is entirely at your discretion during the visit to Armadale. The tour of the distillery involves stairs. Sturdy walking shoes and a jacket are recommended.
Inclus
Selon disponibilités, tarif par passager.
Fort Augustus & Loch Ness
At the pier in Fort William board your motorcoach for a wonderfully scenic drive though Scotland's Great Glen along the shores of Loch Lochy and Loch Oich. Your drive will pass by Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in the British Isles, and by the Commando Memorial, dedicated to the men of the British Commando Forces whose training depot the memorial overlooks.
As you drive through the splendor of the Highlands, you follow the route of the Caledonian Canal, built in the early 19th-century to connect Scotland's east and west coasts, ending your journey at the small town of Fort Augustus, situated at the midpoint of the canal, on the southern tip of legendary Loch Ness.
In Fort Augustus, board the Spirit of Loch Ness, a purpose-built vessel, for a 50-minute cruise on Scotland’s most famous loch. You will cruise past Cherry Island, the loch’s only island, as you take in the legendary beauty of the loch, including a striking view of Fort Augustus Abbey from the water. Enjoy a spot of tea or coffee and a cake bite while your crew points out sights of interest. A glimpse of Nessie is not guaranteed, but cannot be ruled out.
Back in Fort Augustus, enjoy some time at leisure to wander through this lovely little hamlet. You can watch as boats navigate the locks of the canal, or you may wish to browse the village's lovely shops.
Rejoin your coach for the journey back to Fort William and your awaiting ship.
- This is an easy excursion with very little walking. We recommend comfortable shoes and layered clothing, including a jacket in case of inclement weather.
Inclus
Selon disponibilités, tarif par passager.