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Eilean Donan Castle during a warm summer day - Dornie, Scotland

SCOTLAND TO NORWAY – SMITHSONIAN JOURNEYS

from $7,110

DATES: 2025 – May 30 – Jun 06 / Jun 21-28** / Jul 04 – 11*

DURATION: 8 DAYS/7 NIGHTS

EMBARK: GLASGOW, SCOTLAND

DISEMBARK: BERGEN, NORWAY

*Reverse Itinerary

SHIP: LE BELLOT/ LE LAPÉROUSE**

FROM: $7,310*

All Inclusive – Port Charges, Open Bar, Gratuities to ship crew, Shore Excursions

*AFTER 25% EARLY BOOKING SAVINGS

 

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All about the SCOTLAND TO NORWAY – SMITHSONIAN JOURNEYS.

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 Champlain 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 that still carries traces of the rich historic past of the city founded by the Vikings.  

Your ship will first sail to Flåm where you will board the Flåm Railway to take a beautiful train journey high into the mountains of western Norway. Stunning rivers, waterfalls and cultural landscapes will be found around every bend. 

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, you can admire the magnificent Briksdal Glacier. 

Le Champlain 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 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. You may recognize the castle as the Scottish headquarters of MI6 in the James Bond film The World is Not Enough. 

End your voyage in 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. 

You will disembark in Glasgow, Scotland’s warm cultural capital with a rich artistic and architectural heritage. 

Expedition Highlights

  • 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 two Smithsonian Journeys Experts. 
  • 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 Scottish mainland and to sail the waters of storied Loch Ness. 
  • A chance to tour a distillery and sample the region’s famous scotch whisky. 

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The tour package inclusions and exclusions at a glance
What is included in this tour?Items that are included in the cost of tour price.

Included features:

  •  All accommodations, meals, and excursion described above
  • Gratuities to crew, guides and drivers on included excursions
  • Comprehensive 7-night cruise aboard the deluxe LE DUMONT-D’URVILLE, with all the amenities for which Ponant ships are famous.
  • All meals while on board the ship (from dinner on the day of embarkation to breakfast on the day of disembarkation)
  • Captain’s welcome cocktail and gala dinner
  • “Open Bar” (pouring wines, house champagne, alcohol except premium brands… list available upon request)
  • Evening entertainment and events
  • Room service 24h (special selection)
  • Water sports activities (except scuba diving) using the ship’s equipment, when permitted by local authorities and confirmed by ship Master according to safety and sea conditions onsite
  • Park entry fees into protected areas

Whats not included in this tour.Items that are not included in the cost of tour price.
  • Airfare
  • Optional excursions
  • Personal expenses (such as laundry, telephone, Internet, etc.)
  • Travel Insurance
  • Pre- and Post-cruise programs

  1. Day 1 BERGEN, NORWAY - EMBARK 

    NOTE: Itinerary operates as below, or in reverse order. Refer to brochure.

    Located at the end of Byfjord, Bergen was the capital of Norway in the 12th and 13th Centuries and has preserved some very beautiful monuments from the time when it was home to royalty. Wandering through Bergen’s streets means going back in time, in search of the hidden treasures that have been listed as World Heritage Sites by UNESCO. A veritable open-air museum, Bergen is home to a thriving artistic community of painters, potters, jewelers. The Bergen cable car offers you a splendid panorama over the port and the surrounding fjords. Do not miss the visit to the old quarter with its narrow streets, a testimony of the power of the hanseatic League that controlled trade in Northern Europe at the end of the Middle Ages.

    NOTE: We highly recommend arriving at least one day early to see more of NORWAY, and avoid the potential complications associated with travel delays.

  2. Day 2 FLAM, NORWAY

    Nestled in the heart of the fjord country, less than 200 kilometers from Bergen, the picturesque village of Flåm – pronounced Flôm – offers you an experience of authentic Norway. You can mosey around the brightly colored streets and admire the majestic contours of the surrounding mountains. The town is also the departure point for the mythical train route Flamsbana, 20 kilometers long, whose journey offers a superb view of the scenery, as sublime as it is pristine. This attraction makes Flåm one of the country’s main tourist destinations.

  3. Day 3 OLDEN, NORWAY

    With its two wooden churches, one red and the other white, plus its breathtaking view of the mouth of the river Oldeelva, Olden looks just like a picture post card. Located a few kilometers from the Jostedalsbreen park, home to one of the last glacier polar icecaps, this little village is a definite must for exploring the blue languages of the Briksdal or Kjennalen glaciers. Make sure you find some time to visit the Norwegian Glacier Museum. Absolutely amazing. Another gem is lake Lovatn and its turquoise waters inviting you to quiet contemplation.

  4. Day 4 LERWICK, SHETLAND ISLANDS

    The small and charming capital of the Shetland Islands, with its sea front of old houses and narrow streets, offering travelers its old districts and a warm port atmosphere. Geopark Shetland, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is located to the north. Incredibly well-preserved archaeological sites and ruins prove that the islands’ occupation dates back to the first Neolithic colonies. The Shetland Museum and Archives recounts the Shetlands’ history of heritage and culture: Lerwick’s abundant waters were even fished by the Dutch in the past.

     

  5. Day 5 KIRKWALL, SCOTLAND

    Capital of the Orkney archipelago, Kirkwall, which means “church bay”, is an ideal stopover before continuing to the Northern Isles. Sheltered in a wide bay, the lively town welcomes the visitor with its charming, paved alleyways edged by old houses and craft shops. Tankerness House, the oldest homestead in the town, is a must-see landmark. But the true architectural treasure of the aptly named Kirkwall is none other than its remarkable red and gold stone cathedral. And because whisky is inseparable from Scotland’s identity, stop at the Highland Park Distillery for a highly instructive visit.

  6. Day 6 KYLE OF LOCHALSH, SCOTLAND

    Kyle of Lochalsh (”Straits of the Alsh Inlet”) is a small port town at the foot of the bridge connecting the mainland to the Isle of Skye. It is set amidst extraordinary natural beauty and serves as a gateway to the Scottish Highlands and to several castles that preserve the history and traditions of the clans who once ruled here. Eilean Donan Castle, on a tiny island overlooking the confluence of three lochs, is one of the most picturesque and most-filmed castles in Scotland.  Armadale Castle and Gardens, historic residence of Clan Donald, is also within easy reach of the town.

     

  7. Day 7 FORT WILLIAM, SCOTLAND

     

    A port town on the eastern shore of Loch Linnhe, Fort William is sometimes described as the ”Outdoor Capital of the UK.”  Because it sits at the base of Ben Nevis, the highest peak in the British Isles, and is near the dramatic landscape of Glencoe, it is a popular destination for hikers and rock climbers. For those looking for a less adventurous experience, the nearby Ben Nevis Distillery offers tours and tastings, and Old Fort and Old Inverlochy Castle are interesting historical sites.

  8. Day 8 GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - DISEMBARK 

    Disembarkation at 8:00 AM

    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.

    Pre- and post-cruise arrangements are available.

LE CHAMPLAIN

LE CHAMPLAIN

Like the other ships in the PONANT EXPLORERS series,  this beautiful has been designed to provide absolute comfort for its passengers, even at the heart of the world’s most remote and isolated regions.

Racy lines, state-of-the-art equipment, a refined design, a softly muted and at the same time convivial ambiance together with a deliberately restricted number of cabins all contribute to the modernity of this unique ship in the world of cruising.

You will encounter unique itineraries, calls inaccessible to large ships, chic and elegant yacht-like ambiance, refined and personalized service as well as gastronomic cuisine.

 

Fast Facts:

  • Length: 430 ft
  • Beam: 59 ft
  • Draft: 15 ft
  • Cruising speed: 12.5 knots
  • Guest decks:  5
  • Guest capacity (double occupancy): Up to 184 PAX
  • Normal crew size: 118
  • Gross tonnage: 9976 UMS

 

RESTAURANTS

Loyal to the great French tradition, the haute cuisine on board is worthy of the finest restaurants, where discreet, attentive service is the hallmark.

The Le Nautilus gastronomic restaurant
Towards the rear of deck 4 you’ll find a panoramic restaurant large enough to accommodate all our passengers at one sitting. Offering a different concept than on our other ships, this space is open to the exterior and serves buffets of salads, desserts and cheeses. Our discreet and attentive staff provide a table service for hot meals.

Grill Restaurant

An exterior grill restaurant on deck 3 offering a relaxed ambiance and atmosphere:

PUBLIC AREAS

Main Lounge

Able to accommodate all our passengers at once for moments of shared conviviality, and as a venue for both daytime and evening shows and entertainment.

Panoramic Lounge

Library, internet desk, cocktail bar, live entertainment on selected evenings. Direct access to the panoramic terrace.

Wellness Area

Spa treatments, L’Oreal Paris hair salon, free access sauna and open gym

Pool deck

A swimming pool offering panoramic views and equipped with a counter-current system.  A pleasant, attractive sun deck.  An exterior bar and lounge equipped with armchairs and sofas

The Theater 
188-seat capacity, cutting edge audio and lighting technology and LED stage background wall enabling the projection of ultra-high resolution media

ACCOMMODATIONS 

A contemporary and warmly welcoming design
All the 92 staterooms and suites are equipped with private balconies or terraces. Like the rest of the ship’s spaces, they have been designed to be exceptionally open to the exterior. Brightness and radiance, discreet luxury, ethnic touches, contemporary design and unparalleled levels of comfort add the finishing touches to the all-round voyage experience.

  • Individually-controlled air-conditioning
  • Cabin layout: king-size bed, or twin beds, adjoining cabins available (children welcome)
  • Minibar
  • Flat screen satellite TV
  • Video on demand
  • Bose™ Bluetooth speaker
  • Desk with stationery
  • Electronic safe
  • Hermès® bath products
  • Dressing table and hairdryer
  • Bath robes
  • Direct line telephone
  • 110/220 volt outlets
  • 24hr room service
  • Inclusive Internet access Wifi

DELUXE STATEROOM

  • Area : 19 m²
  • Capacity :up to 2 passengers per cabin

DELUXE SUITE DECKS 3-6

  • Area : 27 m²
  • Capacity :up to 2 passengers per cabin (Deck 4 & 6; 3 passengers per cabin)

GRAND DELUXE SUITE DECK 6

  • Area : 45 m²
  • Capacity: up to 4 passengers per cabin

PRESTIGE DECKS 4-5

  • Area : 19 m²
  • Capacity: up to 2 passengers per cabin

PRESTIGE DECK 6

  • Area : 19 m²
  • Capacity: up to 4 passengers per cabin

PRESTIGE DECKS 5-6 SUITE

  • Area : 38 m²
  • Capacity: up to 4 passengers per cabin

PRIVILEGE SUITE DECKS 5-6

  • Area : 32 m²
  • Capacity: up to 3 passengers per cabin

OWNER’S SUITE

  • Area : 45 m²
  • Capacity: up to 4 passengers per cabin