Explore UNESCO World Heritage-listed Bryggen and mountain peaks. Your journey starts in Bergen, which was once Norway's capital. Stroll through the cobblestone streets and alleyways and consider visiting the historic UNESCO World Heritage-listed Bryggen district. It's full of colorful wooden wharfs and the famous fish market, which is brimming with sights, sounds-and scents-to savor. Ride the Floibanen funicular, which has been transporting visitors to the summit of Mount Floyen for over a century. There, you'll enjoy amazing views over this picturesque city and its colorful homes. Pre-Program: If you have extra time in Bergen, book a Pre-Program, and enjoy incredible views over Bergen during a refreshing hike up Mount Floyen. ... Read More
Sail into striking Lysefjord with incredible views. Stavanger has an international ambience and a lively cultural scene. You can discover the architectural relics of Old Stavanger, including a magnificent 12th-century cathedral. You can also visit the Norwegian Petroleum Museum, pop into a local boutique, or simply enjoy a beer on the waterfront. Leaving Stavanger, we sail into Lysefjord to experience some of the most striking vertical cliffs of all the Norwegian fjords. A five-hour guided hike will reward you with breathtaking views of Lysefjord from the 1,980-foot-high Preikestolen viewpoint, famously known as 'Pulpit Rock'. ... Read More
Friday - Sep 27, 2024
Day 3
Cruising the North Sea
Time to relax as we head to Hamburg. Exploration doesn't end when you're onboard-there's plenty to see and do as we sail towards Germany. You could work up a sweat in the gym or relax in the sauna or hot tub. Your Expedition Team will begin a series of lectures, offering unique insights into the history, heritage, and natural sciences of the places we visit. On deck, onboard biologists will help you scan the seas for wildlife. You can also pick up some useful tips from the onboard photographer. Or simply enjoy the scenery from the comfort of the Explorer Lounge & Bar. ... Read More
Saturday - Sep 28, 2024
Day 4
Hamburg, Germany
Explore Hamburg's architectural and cultural delights. There's so much to see and do on your own in Hamburg. Visit the old Landungsbrucken floating dock, and see the old ships and shipyards, waterfront buildings, and the Old Elbe Tunnel. You'll find many attractions in the Altstadt district, including the St. Nikolai Memorial, St. Catherine's Church, City Hall, and the historic street of Deichstrasse. Art lovers will enjoy Kunsthalle, Germany's foremost art museum. Visit the architectural wonders of the world's largest warehouse complex at Kontorhausviertel and Speicherstadt, which together with Chilehaus, are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. ... Read More
Sunday - Sep 29, 2024
Day 5
Harlingen, Netherlands
Experience the Frisian port city of Harlingen. Walk or bike around Harlingen, a city of canals and pretty harbors, and home to the last traditional pottery factory in the Netherlands. Harlingen lies on the shores of the Wadden Sea, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You'll find traditional sailing ships and historic warehouses around the old harbors of Noorderhaven and Zuiderhaven. Don't miss the Harlingen Aardewerk Museum, where you can admire displays of distinctive Frisian pottery. ... Read More
Monday - Sep 30, 2024
Day 6
Ostende, Belgium
Bus Travel
Zeebrugge (Bruges), Belgium
Bus Travel
Ostende, Belgium
Rich medieval architecture among winding streets. The strategic port of Oostende was first a fishing village, then a medieval city, and later a royal seaside resort; this place is steeped in European history. Despite the ravages of war and time, many of its medieval features have survived to the present day. It's a great base from which to visit Bruges. Lose yourself in this beautifully preserved medieval town, as you explore winding streets, picturesque canals, and grand 14th-century buildings. ... Read More
Tuesday - Oct 1, 2024
Day 7
Ouistreham, France
Bus Travel
Caen, France
Bus Travel
Ouistreham, France
Discover historic beaches, Caen, and World War II memorials. Normandy's history is fascinating, from the Viking invasion to the D-Day landings in 1944. In Ouistreham, you'll learn more about the Operation Overlord landings at the Musee No. 4 Commando. Check out the German fortifications at Le Grand Bunker and visit the war cemetery at Hermanville-sur-Mer. Stroll along the beautiful beach of Riva-Bella and stop at the 12th-century St. Samson Church and the lighthouse from 1905. Then, we'll explore the pretty town of Caen. The 11th-century Romanesque Church of Saint-Etienne, the Memorial de Caen museum that commemorates World War II, and the Musee des Beaux-Arts are also highlights not to be missed. ... Read More
Wednesday - Oct 2, 2024
Day 8
Saint-Malo, France, France
A beautiful Breton town steeped in history. Viewed from the sea, Saint-Malo is an impressive sight, fringed by fortified bastions and gently sloping beaches. A circular walk along the ramparts offers the best views of the town and surrounding islands. Follow the historical trail within the old city walls through a maze of cobbled streets and visit Demeure de Corsaire to learn about the feared corsairs and the town's pirate heritage. You can even visit the Abbey of Mont-Saint-Michel or walk to Ile du Grand Be at low tide. The island holds the remains of an ancient fort and where the renowned local writer Chateaubriand is buried. ... Read More
Thursday - Oct 3, 2024
Day 9
Douarnenez, France
Inspiring coastal scenery and maritime history. We'll use our small boats (RIBs) to go ashore at the picturesque seaside town of Douarnenez, where you'll find colorful quaysides, sandy beaches, and steep cliffs that inspired famous painters like Renoir and Boudin. As well as fishermen's huts and seamen's chapels, Douarnenez hosts a wonderful maritime museum with boats from around the world. If conditions don't allow a visit to Douarnenez, we'll head to nearby Brest, a fascinating and historic city with medieval fortifications. Here, you can visit the National Maritime Museum inside the military fortress of Chateau de Brest. It's also a modern city, with lively quays and docks that are perfect for a scenic stroll. ... Read More
Friday - Oct 4, 2024
Day 10
Cruising the Bay of Biscay
Unwind and enjoy the natural world around you. Today is a perfect day to relax on deck with your binoculars and watch for whales, dolphins, and porpoises. This is one of the few places in the world where you can spot beaked whales-if you're lucky. They're drawn to the nutrient-rich waters of the bay. You can attend in-depth lectures to learn about the history, geography, and environment of upcoming destinations and learn about the marine biology of the seas along this expedition in hands-on demonstrations. Don't forget about the leisure facilities onboard. This is the perfect time to try out the sauna with a view! ... Read More
Saturday - Oct 5, 2024
Day 11
Ferrol, Spain
Sunday - Oct 6, 2024
Day 12
Ferrol, Spain
Explore Ferrol and get a taste of Galicia. Our next stop is Ferrol on the rugged coast of Galicia. Once a small fishing hamlet, for the past three centuries it's been Spain's main naval base. There are more forts, citadels, and barracks here than any other harbor in the country. An overnight stay in Ferrol gives us two full days to explore the highlights of northern Galicia. Get to know the historic center of Ferrol on a guided tour, walk a section of the ancient pilgrimage trails that crisscross Galicia, or join optional excursions to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed towns of Lugo and Santiago de Compostela. ... Read More
The beautiful city of Vigo in the heart of Galicia. Our cruise continues to Vigo, once the gateway to the Americas. Protected by the beautiful Cies Islands, Vigo has one of the best natural harbors in Galicia and has become its main trading and fishing port. Perfectly located for exploring the city on foot, you can visit the bustling Rua do Principe, which has an eclectic mix of Neoclassical and Art Nouveau architectural styles. Or, see the impressive 16th-century Castro Castle and park. On your way to the old town and the Neoclassical cathedral, stop by Rua da Pescaderia, the best street in town to sample the delicious Galician seafood. ... Read More
In Portugal, we'll dock at Leixoes. From here, you can see the Leca Lighthouse, Boa Nova Chapel, and the beautiful beach of Praia Azul. You can take a shuttle bus to Porto, famed for its port wine and UNESCO World Heritage-listed historic center. This city of undulating terrain is perfect for walking. Fall in love with the pastel houses, colorful tiled facades, street art, ornate churches, and panoramic views across the Douro River. Stroll along the bustling Ribeira Docks promenade, cross the Dom Luis I Bridge, snack on delicious petiscos, and enjoy wine tastings at the port cellars of Vila Nova de Gaia. ... Read More
End your cruise in one of Southern Europe's most enchanting cities. Your expedition draws to a close in the Portuguese capital of Lisbon. A tour of Lisbon's historic neighborhoods is essential-almost everything of historic interest is found here. Start your exploration at the Praca do Comercio in Baixa and then walk to the narrow streets of Bairro Alto. From there, you'll arrive at Alfama and the old Islamic quarter, where you can see the remains of a Roman amphitheater and a Moorish fortress. If you have time, visit the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Torre de Belem and Mosteiro dos Jeronimos, where you'll also find the delicious pasteis de Belem. Post-Program: If you'd like to explore Lisbon and its surroundings before you return home, join an optional Post-Program. On this Post-Program, you'll explore Lisbon's fascinating historic districts outside the city, including the UNESCO World Heritage-listed town of Sintra, Monserrate Palace, and a guided excursion to the beaches of Cascais. Then, you'll return to Lisbon for an overnight stay. ... Read More
Cruise and Land Value Offers that combine with this sailing.
Pricing Terms and Conditions
Unless otherwise indicated above, all cruise rates are per person, double occupancy, cruise-only without airfare, do not include government taxes and fees and quoted in in U.S. dollars. Ponant Cruises rates are based on foreign currencies that are converted to USD based on today's exchange rates. Rates are subject to availability, can vary by ship and sailing date, and for new bookings only. Fares are capacity controlled, and subject to change without notice. Port charges are included. Prices do not include additional service charges; Travel Insurance; and applicable government taxes & fees unless otherwise specified in the offer. Surcharges and fees implemented by a travel supplier, even after the reservation is made, will be the sole responsibility of each traveler and is due and payable in full prior to departure. Certain promotions which may include amenities like shipboard credits, pre-paid gratuities, drink packages or other packages may be available by category, room type or fare code and may not be combinable with other promotions. For any questions, please consult one of our cruise specialists for applicability and verification. All prices, inclusions & promotions listed on the web-site are current at the time they we published and are subject to change without advance notice. Arrivia, Inc., its subsidiaries, and partners are not responsible for last minute changes to price or itinerary by cruise lines, or for any errors or omissions in the content of this website.