Guest Speaker 
Deluxe Stateroom Deck 3
20% Ponant Bonus
19 m²
2
- Last staterooms
Shetland, Orkney & Hebrides
Glasgow, Scotland - Rosyth (Edinburgh), Scotland
Dates:
19/06/2023
to
26/06/2023
days
nights on board
From Glasgow to Edinburgh, PONANT brings you aboard Le Champlain for an exceptional cruise to Celtic lands following an 8-day itinerary along the magnificent Scottish archipelagos of Hebrides Islands, Orkney Islands and Shetland Islands.
Departing from Glasgow, Scotland's warm cultural capital with a rich artistic and architectural heritage, you will first sail towards Fort William. This harbour town on the shores of Loch Linnhe is steeped in Scottish history and tradition, close to the beautiful and spectacular scenery of Glencoe.
You will also discover the Isle of Skye, known for its rich Gaelic culture, its famous bridge, and its stunning scenery, Stornoway, the largest city in the Hebrides with a warm and friendly atmosphere.
Le Champlain will sail towards Kirkwall, capital of the Orkney Islands, where numerous seabirds, such as gannets and European shags, have taken up residence.
You will then call at the port of Lerwick in the Shetland Islands. This port is well known because just a few kilometres inland lie the remarkable ruins of Scalloway Castle, built in 1600.
Finally, you will then reach Edinburgh, city of history and labelled city of literature by UNESCO, your port of disembarkation.
Ref : EC190623
Your itinerary
Between Glasgow and Edinburgh, sail into the heart of Celtic shores, lands of magic and legends. UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the Old town and the New town of Edinburg (port of disembarkation); the Heart of...
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Your trip in detail
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Additional services
For more peace of mind, PONANT selects stays and flights then takes care of your transfers for your trip as well as shore visits before and after the cruise.
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LE BORÉAL
- New
L'AUSTRAL
11/03/2024 to the 26/03/2024
- New
LE BELLOT
LE PAUL GAUGUIN
- New
LE CHAMPLAIN
*Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability, and subject to change at any time. The category of stateroom to which this price applies may no longer be available.
Services provided
- 24-hour room service
- Inclusive Wifi internet access (availability dependent on navigation and latitude)
- Individually-controlled air conditioning
- Dressing room with shelves and closet
- Dressing table and hairdryer
- Dyptique Paris top-of-the-line bath products
- Minibar
- Nespresso coffee maker and boiler
- Electronic safe
- Direct line telephone
- Bose Bluetooth speaker
- Flat screen TV, international channels (availability dependent on navigation) and videos on demand
- 110V American (two flat pins)/220V European (round sockets with two round pins)
- Two ADA staterooms
Select your stateroom category
Ideal clothes for life on board:
During the days spent on board, you are advised to wear comfortable clothes or casual outfits. The entire ship is air-conditioned, so a light sweater, a light jacket or a shawl may be necessary. When moving about in the public areas of the ship and the decks, light but comfortable shoes are recommended.
Informal evening:
In the evening, you are advised to wear smart-casual attire, especially when dining in our restaurants where wearing shorts and tee-shirts is not allowed.
For women:
- Simple dress
- Skirt or trousers
- Blouse
- Polo
For men:
- Pleated trousers or chinos
- Sports jacket
- Shirt
- Polo
Officer’s evening:
For all cruises longer than 8 nights, an Officer’s Evening with a white dress code may be organized. Therefore, we encourage you to bring a stylish white outfit for the occasion (otherwise black and white).
Gala evening:
During the cruise, two gala evenings will be organised on board. Thus, we recommend that you bring one or two formal outfits.
For women:
- Cocktail attire
- Evening dress (if you wish to)
For men:
- Dark suit
- Tie recommended, possibly bow tie (if you wish to)
SHOP:
A small shop is available on board offering a wide range of outfits, jewellery, leather goods and many accessories.
A laundry service (washing/ironing) is available on board, but unfortunately there are no dry cleaning services. For safety reasons, your cabin is not equipped with an iron.
ACCESSORIES:
- Polarized sunglasses
- Swimsuit (for the Spa on board)
- Gym wear (fitness)
- Battery charger and memory cards for your camera
- Mobile phone charger
- Hat/cap
HEALTH CARE:
- Sunscreen and after-sun lotion
- Medications and prescriptions
OUTFITS ON BOARD:
- Casual outfits for the day
- Smarter outfits for dinners
- Elegant outfits for Gala evenings
- White or black and white outfit
PRECAUTIONS:
In your hand luggage, remember to bring any medicines that you need, and possibly a small spare bag of toiletries (in case of delay in the delivery of your baggage by the airline). Remember to always have your travel documents with you in case you need them: hotel vouchers, cruise vouchers, return flight tickets... Never leave them in your hold luggage.
All our cabins have a safe. We recommend not to go ashore with valuable jewellery.
PONANT activities
Highlights
- Between Glasgow and Edinburgh, sail into the heart of Celtic shores, lands of magic and legends.
- UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the Old town and the New town of Edinburg (port of disembarkation); the Heart of Neolithic Orkney.
- Discover three archipelagos in the north: Hebrides, Orkney and Shetland.
- Portree, the main town of the Isle of Skye, with its lively port and its cultural centre.
- In Scottish archipelagos, view of sea birds, gannets and crested cormorants in their natural environment.
- In Shetland Islands, discover the Viking heritage and culture.
- Before your cruise: the opportunity to visit Glasgow city of creative energy and music capital of the United Kingdom
Ports of Call & Excursions
19 June 2023 - Glasgow, Scotland
Embarkation 19/06/2023 from 16:00 to 17:00
Departure 19/06/2023 at 19:30
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.
20 June 2023 - Fort William
Arrival 20/06/2023 midday
Departure 20/06/2023 late afternoon
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 in close proximity to 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.
21 June 2023 - Portree, Isle of Skye
Arrival 21/06/2023 early morning
Departure 21/06/2023 evening
Nestling in the crux of a gorgeous bay, Portree reflects the magnificence of the grandiose Isle of Skye as well as being its main town. Apart from the charm of its colourful houses, the town’s outstanding location on the banks of a loch makes it a very pleasant place to be. From its colourful harbour bustling with local craftsmen’s shops, you can take in a stunning view of the surrounding hills. Before trekking through the wilderness and drinking in the natural beauty of the Isle of Skye, check out some of the beautiful images in the Aros Centre.
22 June 2023 - Stornoway, Hebrides
Arrival 22/06/2023 early morning
Departure 22/06/2023 late afternoon
Discover Lewis, the largest island of the Hebrides, considered to be the cradle of Gaelic culture. Here, the peat- and heather- covered valleys and lochs stretch on to infinity, and numerous bird colonies have taken up residence in the long, jagged coastlines where. Not far from Stornoway, the island’s main town, built by the Vikings in the 9th century stands one of Scotland’s most prominent prehistoric sites: The Standing Stones of Callanish. Dating back to more than 3,000 years B.C., these imposing stones placed in a cruciform pattern were laid out according to the moon and stars and their main purpose was to keep track of seasonal cycles, as this was essential for farmers at the time.
23 June 2023 - Kirkwall, Orkney
Arrival 23/06/2023 early morning
Departure 23/06/2023 evening
Capital of the Orkney archipelago, Kirkwall, which means “church bay”, is an ideal stopover before continuing on 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.
24 June 2023 - Lerwick, Shetland Islands
Arrival 24/06/2023 early morning
Departure 24/06/2023 evening
The small and charming capital of the Shetland Islands, with its sea front of old houses and narrow streets, offering travellers 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.
25 June 2023 - At sea
Arrival 25/06/2023
Departure 25/06/2023
During your journey at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This journey without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, depending on the activities offered, or to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.
26 June 2023 - Rosyth (Edinburgh), Scotland
Arrival 26/06/2023 early morning
Disembarkation 26/06/2023 at 08:00
Situated on the southern shore of the Firth of Forth opposite to Rosyth, the great city of Edinburgh has served as Scotland’s capital since the 15th century. Although no longer the largest city in the country, it remains the political, religious, and cultural focus of Scottish pride. Edinburgh Castle, in the very center of the city, is one end of the world famous Royal Mile that leads through the Old Town to the Palace of Holyrood, the Queen’s official residence in Scotland. A UNESCO World Heritage site, it is a wonderful place to shop and to sample local delicacies, like haggis and the whisky for which Scotland is renowned.
Glen Nevis hike
From the pier, join your local coach for a short transfer to Glen Nevis.
Upon arrival, commence your walk, heading straight into attractive deciduous woodland. The rough and rocky path then goes through the Nevis Gorge where you will see glimpses of tremendous rocky mountainsides through the trees.
At one stream, the way has been cut out of the rock and heads around the corner on a wide ledge; beyond here there is a first glimpse of the white line of Steall Falls through the gorge. The valley now narrows considerably, and the river can occasionally be seen below, crashing over and round huge fallen boulders.
The glen suddenly broadens out once more to form a grassy meadow decorated with wildflowers and surrounded by wooded, precipitous mountainsides. The crowning glory is the Steall Falls, now seen directly ahead across the meadow.
Continue to the main path until it reaches a bend where the glen curves round to the left and the path is close to the river. This is the best spot for admiring the great falls. They are the third highest falls in Scotland, cascading 105 metres down the rockface, and a tremendous sight particularly in spate. Rising above the falls is the Munro of A Gearanach, the first peak on the Ring of Steall, and this is the starting point for many mountain excursions.
Return to the coach along the same route.
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This excursion involves walking 2 miles (3,5 km) on uneven and occasionally muddy footpaths, steep in places. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and a windproof raincoat. We also recommend you bring water from the ship. This excursion is limited to 12 participants.
Total : 240 €
According to availability, price per passenger.
Majestic Glencoe & highlands
From the pier, join your local coach and start your journey from Fort William to one of Scotland's most spectacular places. Surrounded by towering mountains, Glencoe is the iconic highland landscape.
The glen provides some of Scotland’s most dramatic scenery and is a paradise for climbers, walkers and skiers. It is, of course, also the scene of the infamous 1692 massacre. Upon arrival, visit the award-winning Glencoe visitor centre to learn more about the history, geology and nature of this region.
Continue your circular journey through the glen, pausing to photograph the famous “Three Sisters” as the mountain peaks are fondly known. Then head over Rannoch Moor; the Great Moor is one of the last remaining wildernesses in Europe.
Continue on a scenic drive via Pass of Brander, taking in the impressive scenery of the Scottish Highlands with mountains, sea lochs, castles and islands before returning up the West Coast to Fort William.
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This excursion involves walking on mostly flat ground. We recommend you wear comfortable shoes and a raincoat. This excursion is limited to 35 participants.
Total : 120 €
According to availability, price per passenger.
Fort Augustus & Loch Ness
At the pier in Fort William board your motorcoach for a wonderfully scenic drive through 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.
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This is an easy excursion with very little walking. We recommend comfortable shoes and layered clothing, including a jacket in case of inclement weather. Order of the visits may be reversed. This tour is limited to 35 participants.
Total : 160 €
According to availability, price per passenger.
Charm of Glenfinnan & Highlands
Fort William is ideally situated to serve as a gateway to the Highlands. This panoramic tour provides a taste of some of the best scenery that Scotland has to offer.
Following a brief overview of Fort William, a short drive along the shore of Loch Eil, brings you to the village of Glenfinnan. Best known for the stunning railway viaduct featured in a Harry Potter movie, Glenfinnan is on the West Highland Line which connects Fort William and Mallaig. The West Highland Line itself is famous for the Jacobite Steam Train, often referred to as the “Hogwarts Express Line." Pausing here for a short time, you may wish to climb the wee hill behind the Visitor Center for a better view of the viaduct, or you may walk to the nearby Glenfinnan Monument, honoring the Jacobite clansmen who fought and died in the cause of Bonnie Prince Charlie.
Returning to Fort William, you stop at Banavie, where you visit Neptune's Staircase, a series of eight locks that raise boats 20 meters from sea level to join the Caledonian Canal. Constructed in the early 19th century by Scottish engineer Thomas Telford, the Canal connects the Scottish east coast at Inverness with the west coast at nearby Corpach.
No tour of the Highlands would be complete without a visit to the local whisky distillery, so your next visit is to the Ben Nevis Distillery, founded in 1825, for a tour and tasting of the local tipple. A short drive brings you to the Commando Memorial which offers breathtaking views of Ben Nevis, the highest peak in the British Isles. The Memorial is dedicated to the men of the British Commando Forces and overlooks the Commando Training Depot established in 1942. Unveiled in 1952 by the Queen Mother, the memorial has become one of the United Kingdom's best-known monuments.
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This is an easy excursion, involving only as much walking as you wish to do. We recommend comfortable shoes and a raincoat. Order of the visits may be reversed. This tour is limited to 35 participants.
Total : 130 €
According to availability, price per passenger.
Isle of Skye & Museum of island life
From the pier, board your local coach and start your scenic drive and head North onto the Trotternish Peninsula. Learn more about the fascinating history of the Isle of Skye and its geography and social history. Passing the curious rock outcrop known as the Old Man of Storr, countinue to Kilt Rock - a dramatic 200-foot high cliff marked in an almost tartan-like pattern by the rock strata and with a waterfall tumbling sheer to the pebbled shore below. Enjoy some time here to absorb the scenery and take photographs.
The route passes the crofting township of Staffin which overlooks the sandy Staffin Bay. Journey around the northern tip of the island, hearing more of the myths and legends of Skye. Then, take a glimpse of what life was like on Skye a century ago, through a visit to the Skye Museum of Island Life - consisting of a group of small, thatched cottages which depict rural life for crofters and farmers of the past; one cottage is replete with furniture of the period. A short walk from the museum is the grave of one of Scotland’s most famous heroines - Flora McDonald – who rescued Bonnie Prince Charlie and took him “over the sea to Skye”, as the song so famously tells, so he could escape the Hanovarian government.
Continue through Uig and finally, return to Portree where you are dropped off at Somerled Square. A 10 to 15 minute-walk is then required to join the tender.
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This excursion involves walking 1,2 mile (2 km) on uneven ground, grass and pavement. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and warm and waterproof clothes. Order of the visit may be reversed.
Total : 100 €
According to availability, price per passenger.
Dunvegan castle & scenic Skye
This tour takes you across the wonderful landscape of Skye, to visit the oldest continuously inhabited castle in Scotland - Dunvegan Castle - stronghold of the Chiefs of Clan MacLeod. Explore this beautiful Highland estate, with its own gardens, woodland, burns and sea loch.
From Portree, journey west across the island of Skye towards the Dunvegan Estate. The road weaves through the wonderful landscape, around Loch Snizort and past Loch Greshornish before arriving at the famous Dunvegan Castle. Stronghold of the Chiefs of the Clan MacLeod for nearly 800 years, it still remains their home, and therefore bares the title of the oldest continuously inhabited castle in Scotland.
The original purpose of the Castle was to keep people out - it was only in 1933 that it was opened to the public for the first time. Inside the Castle itself, there are many treasures to discover, some with quirky tales to tell: a 17th century four-pint drinking horn - used as a proof of manhood by each male heir, who must successfully drain it, once filled with Claret; the “fairy flag” of Dunvegan is said to possess miraculous powers for members of the clan; and a lock of hair preserved in a locket, clipped from Bonnie Prince Charlie's head by Flora MacDonald as a keepsake.
The Castle Gardens were originally laid out in the 18th century and offer paths through woodland glades, shimmering pools and burns fed by cascading waterfalls. Views are amongst the finest in Scotland, with Loch Dunegan and the Black Cuillins as a back-drop. Abundant flora and fauna, including seals in the loch, otters, red deer, a multitude of sea birds, and eagles are also commonly spotted - especially the Golden Eagle, and more recently, the rare, white-tailed Sea Eagle.
On leaving Dunvegan Estate, you will return via the scenic southern route which follows the coast, past more sea lochs, and eventually arrive at your ship at Portree.
- This excursion involves walking on uneven surfaces and steps in the castle and gardens. Photo and video are not allowed inside the castle. We recommend you wear comfortable shoes and bring a raincoat. Order of the visits may be reversed.
Total : 120 €
According to availability, price per passenger.
Bostadh & Iron Age House
This tour takes you through the spectacular scenery of Lewis, passing stunning beaches, wild, dramatic coastlines and majestic cliffs to the remote west of Bernera Island. You will discover the island's ancient heritage with a visit to a restored Iron Age house, and time to relax at a beautiful beach.
Starting out from Stornoway, cross the Isle of Lewis to its dramatic west coast, a landscape created by the battering of Atlantic waves and fierce autumn gales. Your journey will take you to the Island of Great Bernera, which is joined to the main island by a narrow bridge. The rocky island is dotted with lochans, fringed by a few small lobster-fishing settlements and owned by the Queen's former herald.
Your destination is the deserted village of Bostadh in the north of the island. In 1992 gale-force winds revealed an Iron Age settlement, perched above a precious little bay of golden sand. One of the ancient dwellings has now been completely restored.
Inside in the warm gloom, a local guide describes the way of life of the ancient folk who lived here.
Afterwards, there is an opportunity to explore the small graveyard nearby and go for a stroll on the wide beach of fine white sand, with fabulous views out to the turquoise-blue Atlantic.
On your return to the ship at Stornoway, enjoy fine views of Carloway Broch to the north.
- Please note that the roads on this tour are very twisty and may not be suitable for passengers who are prone to travel sickness.
Total : 100 €
According to availability, price per passenger.
Hebridean splendour
From Stornoway, travel south to Harris – a remote, wild and awe-inspiring site, with picture postcard scenery. The narrow road winds around lochs and between craggy mountains before reaching a series of stunning beaches. A stop will be made at the bay of Horgabost Beach. An enticing expanse of bleached white sand fills the entire bay, washed by turquoise sea and backed by steep dunes. All this is set against the backdrop of the mountains to the north and the beautiful, uninhabited island of Taransay.
Continuing to South Harris, drive to the far southerly point of Rodel where you visit St Clement's Church. This fine 16th-century church was originally built by Alexander MacLeod, the eighth chief MacLeod of Dunvegan and Harris. It fell into disuse after the Reformation in 1560, though the churchyard remained the preferred site for MacLeod burials, however, the church was extensively repaired in the 18th & 19th centuries. The church is generally thought to be the grandest medieval building anywhere in the Western Isles, known for the tomb of the church's founder and carries the best collection of medieval sculpture in the Western Isles. In some ways, the most striking aspect of St Clement's Church is the tower, built on a rocky outcrop at the west end of the church and accessed via a dark stone staircase and a series of wooden ladders to the upper floors, as it would have been when the church was built.
After lunch, it is time to see one of the most famous island crafts. Harris Tweed is one of the most desirable woollen textiles in the world and is produced in the Outer Hebrides.
After the visit, you will have some free time in Tarbert - the largest village on Harris - to explore and maybe do a spot of island shopping. From Tarbert, return to your ship at Stornoway.
- Please note that the roads on this tour are very twisty and may not be suitable for passengers who are prone to travel sickness. This tour includes some walking on uneven ground; we recommend you to wear comfortable walking shoes.
Total : 180 €
According to availability, price per passenger.
Callanish Standing Stones
This tour takes you around the stunningly beautiful Isle of Lewis. It is a wild, windy and totally unspoilt part of Scotland, whose landscapes range from brilliant blue seas and golden sands to heather-backed mountains. The island is the heartland of Gaelic culture with long-standing traditions and monuments, where people's lives are still dominated by traditional pursuits like crofting, fishing and weaving. You will visit some of the most important prehistoric sites in Scotland, as well as legacies of the earlier people.
Departing from Stornoway, drive across central Lewis. Then, head towards the stunning west coast and the village of Callanish, site of the island's most dramatic prehistoric ruins - the Callanish Standing Stones - rated as the most important in Britain after Stonehenge. These towering stones date from 3000 BC and are laid out in the form of a cross with a circle in the centre - they were aligned with the moon and the stars to provide the seasonal cycle on which the early Neolithic farmers were so dependent.
Continue around the west coast to the site of Dun Carloway Pictish Broch, probably built sometime in the last century BC.
Continue along the beautiful Atlantic coastal road and drive northward to Gearrannan, a reconstructed settlement of traditional blackhouses where folk lived together with their animals. The houses were made using dry stone masonry and have thatched roods, distinctively weighted down with rocks. Visit the small museum, enjoy a display of a typical crofting activity such as weaving or butter-making and take in the views at this dramatic site on the wild Atlantic coast.
Complete your circular drive as you head back across moorland to Stornoway.
- Please note that the roads on this tour are very twisty and may not be suitable for passengers who are prone to travel sickness.
Total : 90 €
According to availability, price per passenger.
Mull Head reserve discovery
From the pier, board your local coach and head towards the Mull Head nature reserve. Along the way, enjoy a panoramic ride through the Viking town and past the magnificent St Magnus Cathedral before heading out into the rural landscape of Orkney’s East Mainland.
Upon arrival, your guide will take you for a short walk across the field to reach "The Gloup". This geological site, which is as impressive as it is surprising, was formed following the collapse of a sea cave revealing a dramatic chasm.
Then, you will enjoy an invigorating walk, meandering along the steeep coast, offering beautiful views of the North Sea, the island of Copinsay and even sometimes, to spot cetaceans. You will reach the natural promontory of the Brough of Deerness. This rocky outcrop was once a clifftop settlement. The tour will continue a little further along the cliffs for spectacular views over Mull Head and some of the smaller offshore islands. As well as the dramatic scenery, the cliffs are also a haven for cliff birds and local flora.
Finally, return to the coach to make the return journey to Kirkwall.
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This excursion involves walking an hour and a half, on uneven grounds and in the grass. We recommend you wear waterproof hiking shoes and several layers of clothing. We also recommend you bring a windproof waterproof jacket. Wildlife observation is not guaranteed. This tour is limited to 35 participants.
Total : 120 €
According to availability, price per passenger.
Kirkwall on foot
From the pier, you will be transferred to Kirkwall centre by coach passing by the ancient shoreline of Kirkwall that dates back to when the town was first founded by the Vikings. The shoreline is now a lovely flag stoned street which runs from the harbour to the centre of the town. En-route you shall hear stories of times gone by in Kirkwall.
Arriving at St Magnus Cathedral, a beautiful red and yellow sandstone building which dominates the skyline of Kirkwall, join your guide for a more in-depth visit. Tour the interior of the cathedral and learn about its 850-year history.
Next, visit the neighbouring Bishop's and Earl's Palaces, once belonging to Earl Patrick Stewart, who had the Earl's palace built using forced labour.
Your walking tour ends at the Orkney Museum for a visit at your own pace (not guided). The museum tells the story of Orkney, from the Stone Age to the Picts and Vikings era, right through to the present day.
After the visit, you may choose to stay in the centre for some shopping.
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This excursion involves walking 1,2 mile (2 km) on mostly flat ground and some steps at the palaces and the museum. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and bring a raincoat. Appropriate dress is recommended to enter religious sites (shoulders and knees covered). Please note the cathedral may be closed due to short notice events. The tour ends in the gardens behind the museum. Your guide will remain a few minutes at the museum and then will escort guests wishing to go back to the shuttle bus and to the ship. Guests wishing to stay in town will be explained where to take the shuttle back to the ship, and a map will be given. This tour is limited to 25 participants.
Total : 60 €
According to availability, price per passenger.
Orkney's archaeological wonders
During this scenic circular tour, explore the beautiful West Mainland of Orkney, location of one of the greatest concentrations of World Heritage prehistoric sites in Britain.
Passing through an area of rich farmland, rolling hills and moorland, fringed by magnificent cliffs, visit the great ceremonial Standing Stones of Stenness and Ring of Brodgar.
Further on, you will arrive at Skara Brae, the most exciting and best-preserved Neolithic village in Northern Europe. The remains of this 5,000-year-old Neolithic village are beautifully preserved and interpreted in a modern visitor centre. Lying beside the pretty, sandy crescent of the Bay of Skaill, this Stone Age settlement was completely buried under sand for thousands of years, until suddenly revealed during a fierce storm in 1850. Amongst the fascinating relics found here are tools, beads, pottery, and whalebone artefacts, spanning over a period of approximately 600 years of occupation, all based on the tough maritime economy. Looking across the village, it gives a good idea of how it looked all those centuries ago, and close inspection of the houses gives a unique insight into how our ancient ancestors lived.
The hardship of life in Skara Brae can be directly contrasted to Orkney's finest manor house, Skaill House, which is located nearby and constitutes the next stop of our journey through ancient Orkney. A powerful bishop built it on an ancient graveyard in 1620.
Finally, return to Kirkwall via Historic Scapa Flow, where you will pause to take photos from the coach. Hear stories of dramatic wartime experiences that make this one of the most renowned stretches of water in world.
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This excursion involves walking on uneven terrain . We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and bring a raincoat. This tour is limited to 35 participants. Order of the visits may be reversed.
Total : 115 €
According to availability, price per passenger.
Heritage & war relics from the Orkneys
This excursion explores the southern side of the Orkney Islands, notably the awe-inspiring scenery of this part of the Mainland with its fascinating ruins dating back to the Second World War.
From the pier, leave the port and head south on a road which links the main island to the small southern isles. This road was built to restrict access to the Scapa Flow Bay. The Churchill Barriers, harbour walls built by Italian prisoners during the Second World War, offer an excellent observation point of the Scapa Flow naval base. Beyond the first wall, visit the Italian Chapel, a rare and moving testimony of faith in adversity, built by those same prisoners. Then visit an old distillery founded by a man of the church in 1798.
Highland Park Distillery is the northern-most of the Scottish whisky distillers and overlooks the town and Scapa Bay. Towards the end of the 18th century, Magnus Eunson, a pastor by profession and famous smuggler, would have distilled his amber nectar in the same place where the distillery is located today. There you have a chance to taste this famous Scottish whisky, before returning to Kirkwall for some free time to enjoy this pretty town, dominated by the magnificent 12th century, red sandstone Cathedral of St Magnus - known locally as the "Light of the North", the finest medieval building in northern Scotland. Nearby there are many narrow, winding streets and lanes, which have hardly altered at all over the centuries.
From here, return to your ship at the quayside.
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This excursion involves walking on mostly flat ground, and some steps at the distillery. We recommend you wear comfortable shoes and bring a raincoat. This tour will be conducted in English only. Please note the order of the visits may be reversed.
Total : 190 €
According to availability, price per passenger.
In the footsteps of the Vikings
For this adventure, put yourself in a Viking’s shoes. Be a Viking in Orkney, the old Norse earldom. Walk through the stunning landscape with a sea breeze in your hair, hear stories of long ago that have been passed down from Viking forbears. Try out life as a Viking by the campfire: food, crafts, games, and songs.
From the pier, board your local coach for a short transfer along the coast of Scapa Flow to the small hamlet of Orphir. On arrival, begin a hike along the shoreline learning about the history of the islands and the Norse heritage that our Viking ancestors have left behind.
Arrive at The Bu – the remains of a Viking home. Here on the shore, a campfire with a Viking stew being prepared is awaiting. Enjoy trying various Viking activities such as rope making, weaving, bannock making or runic writing.
After this, enjoy eating some stew and bannocks on the beach whilst listening to some stories from traditional Orkney folklore. The trip ends with some Faeroese style dancing and songs before rejoining the coach and making the return trip to the ship.
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This is a moderate 1-hour walking tour along an established route, beaten track and moderate cliffs. It may be wet and slippery in some places. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and a raincoat. Order of visits may be reverted. This tour is limited to 14 participants.
Total : 190 €
According to availability, price per passenger.
Discover Lerwick
For a wonderful insight into the lives and history of the people of Lerwick take a step back in time. This town tour will take you through the colourful and cosmopolitan history of Lerwick. You will be transported through the centuries with lively tales of Lerwick's growth, merchant trading, fishing, and shipping fleets and smugglers.
Starting on foot from Victoria Pier, head along the Lodberries which runs along the waterfront and visit Lerwick Town Hall (subject to availability). The Hall was built in 1883 and has beautiful stained-glass windows which represent a pictorial narrative of Shetland’s history from the Viking times. Pass the impressive Clickimin Broch, a stone-built roundhouse over two thousand years old and imagine Lerwick’s bustling activity over the millennia before returning to the coach.
Then, enjoy a leisurely drive around the rest of the town and outskirts of Lerwick learning about the history and modern day lives of the people of Shetland before arriving at the Shetland Textile Museum, the only one of its kind dedicated to the islands’ textile heritage.
Your tour will then take you to the fascinating Shetland Museum. This award-winning museum has over 3,000 artefacts on two floors, a wealth of easily accessible archive material, a temporary exhibition area, Boat Hall, and Sheds. The exhibits are beautifully displayed and very well interpreted - a visit not to be missed!
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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 you wear comfortable walking shoes and a raincoat. Order of visits may be reversed.
Total : 120 €
According to availability, price per passenger.
Treasures of Shetland islands
This tour gives you the opportunity to enjoy the unique, picturesque landscape of the Shetland Isles and to visit one of the most impressive archaeological sites in Britain.
The excursion starts with a short tour of Lerwick - capital of the Shetland Isles - and the most northerly town in the British Isles. Founded on the fishing industry and with strong Viking connections, little now remains of the old village of Lerwick - although in the centre, and particularly near the harbour, there is still evidence of the stout origins of the town which began to rise in the 17th century. The town is built of stone, with narrow paved streets to give the inhabitants some protection from the fierce winter gales. It has a very unique character not found elsewhere in the world.
Travelling south along the coastal road, with the sea on one side and the hills of the South Mainland on the other, you will pass through several small settlements. You will then pause for a fine view of the Island of Mousa, on which stands the best-preserved broch (ancient dwelling) in existence. Driving on a short way, you will come to Hoswick and the Visitor Centre, with its excellent souvenir shop and demonstration of Shetland weaving.
From Hoswick there is a short drive to the remarkable archaeological site of the Jarlshof Settlement at Sumburgh, on the southern tip of the mainland. Jarlshof presents one of the most interesting remains of early human habitation, not only in Shetland, but the whole of Scotland. Jarlshof displays an insight into many different peoples and periods, through its monuments and ancient dwellings.
Departing Jarlshof, make your way along the coast to the Sumburgh Head bird cliff, situated at the southern tip of mainland Shetland. Sumburgh Head holds a colony of about 5,000 birds, all breeding in the steep grassy banks and cliffs leading up to the lighthouse and provides the perfect location for viewing puffins.
- This excursion involves walking 1,2 mile (2 km) on gravel and grassy paths as well as tarmacced path. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and warm and waterproof clothes. Order of the visits may be reversed. This tour is limited to 35 participants.
Total : 100 €
According to availability, price per passenger.
Eshaness & Shetland jewellery
From the pier, drive through Lerwick, the largest town in Shetland, dating from the 1600s as you travel to the north-west of the Shetland Mainland.
First, you will visit the local Shetland Jewellery workshop, where traditional local jewellery is still handcrafted into Celtic- and Norse-inspired fashions. Here you will be able to see how the beautiful jewellery is designed and created, with the opportunity to enjoy a shopping time.
Continuing your journey North, you will pass through the picturesque community of Voe with its Scandinavian influence. The scenery becomes more and more spectacular as you head north through Brae, crossing Mavis Grind where the North Sea almost meets the Atlantic Ocean, passing the Drongs sea stack, where we have a photo stop.
At Eshaness, view the sea stacks and natural arches formed by the action of volcano and glacier. The black basalts and purple andesites that form the cliffs contain agates and amethysts, and some of Britain's oldest rock, at nearly three billion years old, is not far away.
A short walk along the cliff top allows you to savour and photograph the spectacular scenery. After your bracing walk, return to the lovely Braewick café for refreshments with views of the spectacular seascapes, before heading south once more.
On the way back to the ship, you will hear more of Shetland's culture and heritage from your guide, having seen the very best scenery in Shetland.
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This tour involves approximately 0,7 mile (1 km) walking on soft ground. We recommend you wear warm and waterproof clothes and comfortable walking shoes. Order of the visits may be reversed. This tour is limited to 35 participants.
Total : 110 €
According to availability, price per passenger.
Charm of Lerwick
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 and a temporary exhibition area.
At the conclusion of the 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.
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This is a moderate to strenuous walking tour with some steep streets and stairs. The visit of the museum is not guided. We recommend you wear warm, waterproof layered clothing and comfortable walking shoes. This excursion will be conducted in English only. Order of the visits may be reversed. This tour is limited to 25 participants.
Total : 50 €
According to availability, price per passenger.
Le Champlain
Like the rest of the PONANT EXPLORERS series, Le Champlain successfully manages to subtly combine the desire to explore the remotest regions of the planet with the comfort and privacy of a cosily intimate ship.
To the innovative and environmentally friendly equipment are added elegant design and a unique atmosphere in keeping with the whole PONANT universe. Your dream of a cruise onboard a cosily intimate ship is thus made possible through the combination of an authentically genuine voyage experience together with discreet luxury.
Up to 184 Guests
92 staterooms & suites
118 crew members
Spa
2 restaurants
Decks
Guest Speaker
Aboard your ship, an English-speaking lecturer will enlighten you about the culture and history of your destination to deepen your knowledge of the origins of local traditions, the history of emblematic sites, and stories involving famous personalities and those of major historical significance. During on-board lectures or on your shore visits, this expert will be there to share their precious knowledge with you throughout your PONANT cruise.
Shore excursions, Pre/Post & Overlands
18/06/2023 - FLIGHTS FROM/TO PARIS + A GLIMPSE OF EDINBURGH AND GLASGOW 1N (PRE) + DISCOVER EDINBURGH (POST)
1.545 €
Find out moreA GLIMPSE OF EDINBURGH AND GLASGOW (1 NIGHT)
Enhance your cruise and extend your trip with a carefully designed programme.
Day 1 - Edinburgh
Meet at Edinburgh Airport in the Arrival hall. Look for PONANT sign. You will be greeted by our local representative off the flight selected by PONANT or any other flight (provided that you have previously communicated your flight schedule to your travel agent).
You will be transferred to the hotel InterContinental Edinburgh The George 5*.
Day and dinner at leisure.
Day 2 - Edinburgh/Glasgow
You will depart the hotel in the morning by coach and drive down the famous medieval Royal Mile. Your first stop will be at Calton Hill, where you will have a majestic view which dominates the capital city’s skyline.
You will then go to the city centre where you will enjoy a panoramic tour of Edinburgh followed by a walking tour in the old city. See the Georgian architecture of the New Town, parts of the medieval Royal Mile and Princes Street with its civic gardens in the heart of the city. This tour will be concluded by a whisky tasting where you will taste the golden liquid of Scotland; you’ll be guided by one of the experts at this venue.
At the end of the visit, lunch will be served at a local restaurant.
After lunch, you will depart for Glasgow, approximately one-and-a-half-hour drive.
Entering the city, you will proceed to the Cathedral, with its impressive Gothic architecture. Dating back to the 13th century, the present Cathedral sits on the site of the traditional burial of St Kentigern (or Mungo, as he is more popularly known). You will continue your panoramic drive of the city as your guide points out the key areas of interest. You will pass by Tolbooth Steeple built in 1626 which was the crossing point for the main streets of Glasgow at that time. It was where the public hangings of the city used to occur. It is all that remains of the old Tolbooth buildings which was the site of the Glasgow Council Chambers until 1814. You will explore the heart of the city, George Square, with its imposing series of statures of Glasgow's great and good, including those dedicated to Queen Victoria, the Scottish poet Robert Burns and the famous writer Sir Walter Scott. Overlooking George Square, you will see the City Chambers completed in 1888, it is one of the city's most prestigious buildings. This edifice is a symbol of Glasgow's historic wealth and has, for more than a century, been the headquarters of successive councils serving the city of Glasgow.
You will then be transferred to the pier of Greenock to embark on board your ship.
Your hotel:
Boasting an ideal location in the Edinburgh city centre, the hotel InterContinental Edinburgh The George, is close to Edinburgh Castle, Princes Street Gardens and Holyrood Palace. At its heart are five listed Georgian townhouses, built in 1775 as homes for the city's most prosperous citizens. It has elegant and comfortable rooms. The rooms take their colour palette from 19th century Scottish landscape paintings. The Printing Press Bar & Kitchen serves seasonal Scottish produce.
Upgraded rooms are also available depending on availability and on a supplement basis. Contact your travel professional for further detail.
Your programme includes:
- 1-night accommodation Standard room at the InterContinental Edinburgh The George 5* (or similar) including breakfast.
- Meals as mentioned in the programme.
- Beverages package during meals (mineral water + 1 soft drink or 1 local beer or 1 glass of wine + 1 coffee or tea).
- Transfers and visits as mentioned in the programme.
- The services of a local English-speaking guide.
- Tips for the driver and local guide.
Your programme does not include:
- Dinner on day 1.
- Personal expenses.
- Tips for the driver and local guide.
- Other services not mentioned in the programme.
Please note:
- It is imperative that the details of your departure flight are provided to your travel agent, no later than 30 days before the start date of your cruise, to secure the proper private transfer.
Contact of your hotel:
InterContinental Edinburgh The George
19-21 George Street, Edinburgh EH2 2PB
United Kingdom
Telephone: 0044 131 240 7138
Duration and order of the visits may vary. To know your PONANT flight schedule, please contact your travel agent; it is also indicated on your electronic ticket included in your travel documents.
Total : 695 €
Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.
Glen Nevis hike
From the pier, join your local coach for a short transfer to Glen Nevis.
Upon arrival, commence your walk, heading straight into attractive deciduous woodland. The rough and rocky path then goes through the Nevis Gorge where you will see glimpses of tremendous rocky mountainsides through the trees.
At one stream, the way has been cut out of the rock and heads around the corner on a wide ledge; beyond here there is a first glimpse of the white line of Steall Falls through the gorge. The valley now narrows considerably, and the river can occasionally be seen below, crashing over and round huge fallen boulders.
The glen suddenly broadens out once more to form a grassy meadow decorated with wildflowers and surrounded by wooded, precipitous mountainsides. The crowning glory is the Steall Falls, now seen directly ahead across the meadow.
Continue to the main path until it reaches a bend where the glen curves round to the left and the path is close to the river. This is the best spot for admiring the great falls. They are the third highest falls in Scotland, cascading 105 metres down the rockface, and a tremendous sight particularly in spate. Rising above the falls is the Munro of A Gearanach, the first peak on the Ring of Steall, and this is the starting point for many mountain excursions.
Return to the coach along the same route.
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This excursion involves walking 2 miles (3,5 km) on uneven and occasionally muddy footpaths, steep in places. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and a windproof raincoat. We also recommend you bring water from the ship. This excursion is limited to 12 participants.
Total : 240 €
According to availability, price per passenger.
Majestic Glencoe & highlands
From the pier, join your local coach and start your journey from Fort William to one of Scotland's most spectacular places. Surrounded by towering mountains, Glencoe is the iconic highland landscape.
The glen provides some of Scotland’s most dramatic scenery and is a paradise for climbers, walkers and skiers. It is, of course, also the scene of the infamous 1692 massacre. Upon arrival, visit the award-winning Glencoe visitor centre to learn more about the history, geology and nature of this region.
Continue your circular journey through the glen, pausing to photograph the famous “Three Sisters” as the mountain peaks are fondly known. Then head over Rannoch Moor; the Great Moor is one of the last remaining wildernesses in Europe.
Continue on a scenic drive via Pass of Brander, taking in the impressive scenery of the Scottish Highlands with mountains, sea lochs, castles and islands before returning up the West Coast to Fort William.
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This excursion involves walking on mostly flat ground. We recommend you wear comfortable shoes and a raincoat. This excursion is limited to 35 participants.
Total : 120 €
According to availability, price per passenger.
Fort Augustus & Loch Ness
At the pier in Fort William board your motorcoach for a wonderfully scenic drive through 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.
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This is an easy excursion with very little walking. We recommend comfortable shoes and layered clothing, including a jacket in case of inclement weather. Order of the visits may be reversed. This tour is limited to 35 participants.
Total : 160 €
According to availability, price per passenger.
Charm of Glenfinnan & Highlands
Fort William is ideally situated to serve as a gateway to the Highlands. This panoramic tour provides a taste of some of the best scenery that Scotland has to offer.
Following a brief overview of Fort William, a short drive along the shore of Loch Eil, brings you to the village of Glenfinnan. Best known for the stunning railway viaduct featured in a Harry Potter movie, Glenfinnan is on the West Highland Line which connects Fort William and Mallaig. The West Highland Line itself is famous for the Jacobite Steam Train, often referred to as the “Hogwarts Express Line." Pausing here for a short time, you may wish to climb the wee hill behind the Visitor Center for a better view of the viaduct, or you may walk to the nearby Glenfinnan Monument, honoring the Jacobite clansmen who fought and died in the cause of Bonnie Prince Charlie.
Returning to Fort William, you stop at Banavie, where you visit Neptune's Staircase, a series of eight locks that raise boats 20 meters from sea level to join the Caledonian Canal. Constructed in the early 19th century by Scottish engineer Thomas Telford, the Canal connects the Scottish east coast at Inverness with the west coast at nearby Corpach.
No tour of the Highlands would be complete without a visit to the local whisky distillery, so your next visit is to the Ben Nevis Distillery, founded in 1825, for a tour and tasting of the local tipple. A short drive brings you to the Commando Memorial which offers breathtaking views of Ben Nevis, the highest peak in the British Isles. The Memorial is dedicated to the men of the British Commando Forces and overlooks the Commando Training Depot established in 1942. Unveiled in 1952 by the Queen Mother, the memorial has become one of the United Kingdom's best-known monuments.
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This is an easy excursion, involving only as much walking as you wish to do. We recommend comfortable shoes and a raincoat. Order of the visits may be reversed. This tour is limited to 35 participants.
Total : 130 €
According to availability, price per passenger.
Isle of Skye & Museum of island life
From the pier, board your local coach and start your scenic drive and head North onto the Trotternish Peninsula. Learn more about the fascinating history of the Isle of Skye and its geography and social history. Passing the curious rock outcrop known as the Old Man of Storr, countinue to Kilt Rock - a dramatic 200-foot high cliff marked in an almost tartan-like pattern by the rock strata and with a waterfall tumbling sheer to the pebbled shore below. Enjoy some time here to absorb the scenery and take photographs.
The route passes the crofting township of Staffin which overlooks the sandy Staffin Bay. Journey around the northern tip of the island, hearing more of the myths and legends of Skye. Then, take a glimpse of what life was like on Skye a century ago, through a visit to the Skye Museum of Island Life - consisting of a group of small, thatched cottages which depict rural life for crofters and farmers of the past; one cottage is replete with furniture of the period. A short walk from the museum is the grave of one of Scotland’s most famous heroines - Flora McDonald – who rescued Bonnie Prince Charlie and took him “over the sea to Skye”, as the song so famously tells, so he could escape the Hanovarian government.
Continue through Uig and finally, return to Portree where you are dropped off at Somerled Square. A 10 to 15 minute-walk is then required to join the tender.
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This excursion involves walking 1,2 mile (2 km) on uneven ground, grass and pavement. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and warm and waterproof clothes. Order of the visit may be reversed.
Total : 100 €
According to availability, price per passenger.
Dunvegan castle & scenic Skye
This tour takes you across the wonderful landscape of Skye, to visit the oldest continuously inhabited castle in Scotland - Dunvegan Castle - stronghold of the Chiefs of Clan MacLeod. Explore this beautiful Highland estate, with its own gardens, woodland, burns and sea loch.
From Portree, journey west across the island of Skye towards the Dunvegan Estate. The road weaves through the wonderful landscape, around Loch Snizort and past Loch Greshornish before arriving at the famous Dunvegan Castle. Stronghold of the Chiefs of the Clan MacLeod for nearly 800 years, it still remains their home, and therefore bares the title of the oldest continuously inhabited castle in Scotland.
The original purpose of the Castle was to keep people out - it was only in 1933 that it was opened to the public for the first time. Inside the Castle itself, there are many treasures to discover, some with quirky tales to tell: a 17th century four-pint drinking horn - used as a proof of manhood by each male heir, who must successfully drain it, once filled with Claret; the “fairy flag” of Dunvegan is said to possess miraculous powers for members of the clan; and a lock of hair preserved in a locket, clipped from Bonnie Prince Charlie's head by Flora MacDonald as a keepsake.
The Castle Gardens were originally laid out in the 18th century and offer paths through woodland glades, shimmering pools and burns fed by cascading waterfalls. Views are amongst the finest in Scotland, with Loch Dunegan and the Black Cuillins as a back-drop. Abundant flora and fauna, including seals in the loch, otters, red deer, a multitude of sea birds, and eagles are also commonly spotted - especially the Golden Eagle, and more recently, the rare, white-tailed Sea Eagle.
On leaving Dunvegan Estate, you will return via the scenic southern route which follows the coast, past more sea lochs, and eventually arrive at your ship at Portree.
- This excursion involves walking on uneven surfaces and steps in the castle and gardens. Photo and video are not allowed inside the castle. We recommend you wear comfortable shoes and bring a raincoat. Order of the visits may be reversed.
Total : 120 €
According to availability, price per passenger.
Bostadh & Iron Age House
This tour takes you through the spectacular scenery of Lewis, passing stunning beaches, wild, dramatic coastlines and majestic cliffs to the remote west of Bernera Island. You will discover the island's ancient heritage with a visit to a restored Iron Age house, and time to relax at a beautiful beach.
Starting out from Stornoway, cross the Isle of Lewis to its dramatic west coast, a landscape created by the battering of Atlantic waves and fierce autumn gales. Your journey will take you to the Island of Great Bernera, which is joined to the main island by a narrow bridge. The rocky island is dotted with lochans, fringed by a few small lobster-fishing settlements and owned by the Queen's former herald.
Your destination is the deserted village of Bostadh in the north of the island. In 1992 gale-force winds revealed an Iron Age settlement, perched above a precious little bay of golden sand. One of the ancient dwellings has now been completely restored.
Inside in the warm gloom, a local guide describes the way of life of the ancient folk who lived here.
Afterwards, there is an opportunity to explore the small graveyard nearby and go for a stroll on the wide beach of fine white sand, with fabulous views out to the turquoise-blue Atlantic.
On your return to the ship at Stornoway, enjoy fine views of Carloway Broch to the north.
- Please note that the roads on this tour are very twisty and may not be suitable for passengers who are prone to travel sickness.
Total : 100 €
According to availability, price per passenger.
Hebridean splendour
From Stornoway, travel south to Harris – a remote, wild and awe-inspiring site, with picture postcard scenery. The narrow road winds around lochs and between craggy mountains before reaching a series of stunning beaches. A stop will be made at the bay of Horgabost Beach. An enticing expanse of bleached white sand fills the entire bay, washed by turquoise sea and backed by steep dunes. All this is set against the backdrop of the mountains to the north and the beautiful, uninhabited island of Taransay.
Continuing to South Harris, drive to the far southerly point of Rodel where you visit St Clement's Church. This fine 16th-century church was originally built by Alexander MacLeod, the eighth chief MacLeod of Dunvegan and Harris. It fell into disuse after the Reformation in 1560, though the churchyard remained the preferred site for MacLeod burials, however, the church was extensively repaired in the 18th & 19th centuries. The church is generally thought to be the grandest medieval building anywhere in the Western Isles, known for the tomb of the church's founder and carries the best collection of medieval sculpture in the Western Isles. In some ways, the most striking aspect of St Clement's Church is the tower, built on a rocky outcrop at the west end of the church and accessed via a dark stone staircase and a series of wooden ladders to the upper floors, as it would have been when the church was built.
After lunch, it is time to see one of the most famous island crafts. Harris Tweed is one of the most desirable woollen textiles in the world and is produced in the Outer Hebrides.
After the visit, you will have some free time in Tarbert - the largest village on Harris - to explore and maybe do a spot of island shopping. From Tarbert, return to your ship at Stornoway.
- Please note that the roads on this tour are very twisty and may not be suitable for passengers who are prone to travel sickness. This tour includes some walking on uneven ground; we recommend you to wear comfortable walking shoes.
Total : 180 €
According to availability, price per passenger.
Callanish Standing Stones
This tour takes you around the stunningly beautiful Isle of Lewis. It is a wild, windy and totally unspoilt part of Scotland, whose landscapes range from brilliant blue seas and golden sands to heather-backed mountains. The island is the heartland of Gaelic culture with long-standing traditions and monuments, where people's lives are still dominated by traditional pursuits like crofting, fishing and weaving. You will visit some of the most important prehistoric sites in Scotland, as well as legacies of the earlier people.
Departing from Stornoway, drive across central Lewis. Then, head towards the stunning west coast and the village of Callanish, site of the island's most dramatic prehistoric ruins - the Callanish Standing Stones - rated as the most important in Britain after Stonehenge. These towering stones date from 3000 BC and are laid out in the form of a cross with a circle in the centre - they were aligned with the moon and the stars to provide the seasonal cycle on which the early Neolithic farmers were so dependent.
Continue around the west coast to the site of Dun Carloway Pictish Broch, probably built sometime in the last century BC.
Continue along the beautiful Atlantic coastal road and drive northward to Gearrannan, a reconstructed settlement of traditional blackhouses where folk lived together with their animals. The houses were made using dry stone masonry and have thatched roods, distinctively weighted down with rocks. Visit the small museum, enjoy a display of a typical crofting activity such as weaving or butter-making and take in the views at this dramatic site on the wild Atlantic coast.
Complete your circular drive as you head back across moorland to Stornoway.
- Please note that the roads on this tour are very twisty and may not be suitable for passengers who are prone to travel sickness.
Total : 90 €
According to availability, price per passenger.
Mull Head reserve discovery
From the pier, board your local coach and head towards the Mull Head nature reserve. Along the way, enjoy a panoramic ride through the Viking town and past the magnificent St Magnus Cathedral before heading out into the rural landscape of Orkney’s East Mainland.
Upon arrival, your guide will take you for a short walk across the field to reach "The Gloup". This geological site, which is as impressive as it is surprising, was formed following the collapse of a sea cave revealing a dramatic chasm.
Then, you will enjoy an invigorating walk, meandering along the steeep coast, offering beautiful views of the North Sea, the island of Copinsay and even sometimes, to spot cetaceans. You will reach the natural promontory of the Brough of Deerness. This rocky outcrop was once a clifftop settlement. The tour will continue a little further along the cliffs for spectacular views over Mull Head and some of the smaller offshore islands. As well as the dramatic scenery, the cliffs are also a haven for cliff birds and local flora.
Finally, return to the coach to make the return journey to Kirkwall.
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This excursion involves walking an hour and a half, on uneven grounds and in the grass. We recommend you wear waterproof hiking shoes and several layers of clothing. We also recommend you bring a windproof waterproof jacket. Wildlife observation is not guaranteed. This tour is limited to 35 participants.
Total : 120 €
According to availability, price per passenger.
Kirkwall on foot
From the pier, you will be transferred to Kirkwall centre by coach passing by the ancient shoreline of Kirkwall that dates back to when the town was first founded by the Vikings. The shoreline is now a lovely flag stoned street which runs from the harbour to the centre of the town. En-route you shall hear stories of times gone by in Kirkwall.
Arriving at St Magnus Cathedral, a beautiful red and yellow sandstone building which dominates the skyline of Kirkwall, join your guide for a more in-depth visit. Tour the interior of the cathedral and learn about its 850-year history.
Next, visit the neighbouring Bishop's and Earl's Palaces, once belonging to Earl Patrick Stewart, who had the Earl's palace built using forced labour.
Your walking tour ends at the Orkney Museum for a visit at your own pace (not guided). The museum tells the story of Orkney, from the Stone Age to the Picts and Vikings era, right through to the present day.
After the visit, you may choose to stay in the centre for some shopping.
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This excursion involves walking 1,2 mile (2 km) on mostly flat ground and some steps at the palaces and the museum. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and bring a raincoat. Appropriate dress is recommended to enter religious sites (shoulders and knees covered). Please note the cathedral may be closed due to short notice events. The tour ends in the gardens behind the museum. Your guide will remain a few minutes at the museum and then will escort guests wishing to go back to the shuttle bus and to the ship. Guests wishing to stay in town will be explained where to take the shuttle back to the ship, and a map will be given. This tour is limited to 25 participants.
Total : 60 €
According to availability, price per passenger.
Orkney's archaeological wonders
During this scenic circular tour, explore the beautiful West Mainland of Orkney, location of one of the greatest concentrations of World Heritage prehistoric sites in Britain.
Passing through an area of rich farmland, rolling hills and moorland, fringed by magnificent cliffs, visit the great ceremonial Standing Stones of Stenness and Ring of Brodgar.
Further on, you will arrive at Skara Brae, the most exciting and best-preserved Neolithic village in Northern Europe. The remains of this 5,000-year-old Neolithic village are beautifully preserved and interpreted in a modern visitor centre. Lying beside the pretty, sandy crescent of the Bay of Skaill, this Stone Age settlement was completely buried under sand for thousands of years, until suddenly revealed during a fierce storm in 1850. Amongst the fascinating relics found here are tools, beads, pottery, and whalebone artefacts, spanning over a period of approximately 600 years of occupation, all based on the tough maritime economy. Looking across the village, it gives a good idea of how it looked all those centuries ago, and close inspection of the houses gives a unique insight into how our ancient ancestors lived.
The hardship of life in Skara Brae can be directly contrasted to Orkney's finest manor house, Skaill House, which is located nearby and constitutes the next stop of our journey through ancient Orkney. A powerful bishop built it on an ancient graveyard in 1620.
Finally, return to Kirkwall via Historic Scapa Flow, where you will pause to take photos from the coach. Hear stories of dramatic wartime experiences that make this one of the most renowned stretches of water in world.
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This excursion involves walking on uneven terrain . We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and bring a raincoat. This tour is limited to 35 participants. Order of the visits may be reversed.
Total : 115 €
According to availability, price per passenger.
Heritage & war relics from the Orkneys
This excursion explores the southern side of the Orkney Islands, notably the awe-inspiring scenery of this part of the Mainland with its fascinating ruins dating back to the Second World War.
From the pier, leave the port and head south on a road which links the main island to the small southern isles. This road was built to restrict access to the Scapa Flow Bay. The Churchill Barriers, harbour walls built by Italian prisoners during the Second World War, offer an excellent observation point of the Scapa Flow naval base. Beyond the first wall, visit the Italian Chapel, a rare and moving testimony of faith in adversity, built by those same prisoners. Then visit an old distillery founded by a man of the church in 1798.
Highland Park Distillery is the northern-most of the Scottish whisky distillers and overlooks the town and Scapa Bay. Towards the end of the 18th century, Magnus Eunson, a pastor by profession and famous smuggler, would have distilled his amber nectar in the same place where the distillery is located today. There you have a chance to taste this famous Scottish whisky, before returning to Kirkwall for some free time to enjoy this pretty town, dominated by the magnificent 12th century, red sandstone Cathedral of St Magnus - known locally as the "Light of the North", the finest medieval building in northern Scotland. Nearby there are many narrow, winding streets and lanes, which have hardly altered at all over the centuries.
From here, return to your ship at the quayside.
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This excursion involves walking on mostly flat ground, and some steps at the distillery. We recommend you wear comfortable shoes and bring a raincoat. This tour will be conducted in English only. Please note the order of the visits may be reversed.
Total : 190 €
According to availability, price per passenger.
In the footsteps of the Vikings
For this adventure, put yourself in a Viking’s shoes. Be a Viking in Orkney, the old Norse earldom. Walk through the stunning landscape with a sea breeze in your hair, hear stories of long ago that have been passed down from Viking forbears. Try out life as a Viking by the campfire: food, crafts, games, and songs.
From the pier, board your local coach for a short transfer along the coast of Scapa Flow to the small hamlet of Orphir. On arrival, begin a hike along the shoreline learning about the history of the islands and the Norse heritage that our Viking ancestors have left behind.
Arrive at The Bu – the remains of a Viking home. Here on the shore, a campfire with a Viking stew being prepared is awaiting. Enjoy trying various Viking activities such as rope making, weaving, bannock making or runic writing.
After this, enjoy eating some stew and bannocks on the beach whilst listening to some stories from traditional Orkney folklore. The trip ends with some Faeroese style dancing and songs before rejoining the coach and making the return trip to the ship.
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This is a moderate 1-hour walking tour along an established route, beaten track and moderate cliffs. It may be wet and slippery in some places. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and a raincoat. Order of visits may be reverted. This tour is limited to 14 participants.
Total : 190 €
According to availability, price per passenger.
Discover Lerwick
For a wonderful insight into the lives and history of the people of Lerwick take a step back in time. This town tour will take you through the colourful and cosmopolitan history of Lerwick. You will be transported through the centuries with lively tales of Lerwick's growth, merchant trading, fishing, and shipping fleets and smugglers.
Starting on foot from Victoria Pier, head along the Lodberries which runs along the waterfront and visit Lerwick Town Hall (subject to availability). The Hall was built in 1883 and has beautiful stained-glass windows which represent a pictorial narrative of Shetland’s history from the Viking times. Pass the impressive Clickimin Broch, a stone-built roundhouse over two thousand years old and imagine Lerwick’s bustling activity over the millennia before returning to the coach.
Then, enjoy a leisurely drive around the rest of the town and outskirts of Lerwick learning about the history and modern day lives of the people of Shetland before arriving at the Shetland Textile Museum, the only one of its kind dedicated to the islands’ textile heritage.
Your tour will then take you to the fascinating Shetland Museum. This award-winning museum has over 3,000 artefacts on two floors, a wealth of easily accessible archive material, a temporary exhibition area, Boat Hall, and Sheds. The exhibits are beautifully displayed and very well interpreted - a visit not to be missed!
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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 you wear comfortable walking shoes and a raincoat. Order of visits may be reversed.
Total : 120 €
According to availability, price per passenger.
Treasures of Shetland islands
This tour gives you the opportunity to enjoy the unique, picturesque landscape of the Shetland Isles and to visit one of the most impressive archaeological sites in Britain.
The excursion starts with a short tour of Lerwick - capital of the Shetland Isles - and the most northerly town in the British Isles. Founded on the fishing industry and with strong Viking connections, little now remains of the old village of Lerwick - although in the centre, and particularly near the harbour, there is still evidence of the stout origins of the town which began to rise in the 17th century. The town is built of stone, with narrow paved streets to give the inhabitants some protection from the fierce winter gales. It has a very unique character not found elsewhere in the world.
Travelling south along the coastal road, with the sea on one side and the hills of the South Mainland on the other, you will pass through several small settlements. You will then pause for a fine view of the Island of Mousa, on which stands the best-preserved broch (ancient dwelling) in existence. Driving on a short way, you will come to Hoswick and the Visitor Centre, with its excellent souvenir shop and demonstration of Shetland weaving.
From Hoswick there is a short drive to the remarkable archaeological site of the Jarlshof Settlement at Sumburgh, on the southern tip of the mainland. Jarlshof presents one of the most interesting remains of early human habitation, not only in Shetland, but the whole of Scotland. Jarlshof displays an insight into many different peoples and periods, through its monuments and ancient dwellings.
Departing Jarlshof, make your way along the coast to the Sumburgh Head bird cliff, situated at the southern tip of mainland Shetland. Sumburgh Head holds a colony of about 5,000 birds, all breeding in the steep grassy banks and cliffs leading up to the lighthouse and provides the perfect location for viewing puffins.
- This excursion involves walking 1,2 mile (2 km) on gravel and grassy paths as well as tarmacced path. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and warm and waterproof clothes. Order of the visits may be reversed. This tour is limited to 35 participants.
Total : 100 €
According to availability, price per passenger.
Eshaness & Shetland jewellery
From the pier, drive through Lerwick, the largest town in Shetland, dating from the 1600s as you travel to the north-west of the Shetland Mainland.
First, you will visit the local Shetland Jewellery workshop, where traditional local jewellery is still handcrafted into Celtic- and Norse-inspired fashions. Here you will be able to see how the beautiful jewellery is designed and created, with the opportunity to enjoy a shopping time.
Continuing your journey North, you will pass through the picturesque community of Voe with its Scandinavian influence. The scenery becomes more and more spectacular as you head north through Brae, crossing Mavis Grind where the North Sea almost meets the Atlantic Ocean, passing the Drongs sea stack, where we have a photo stop.
At Eshaness, view the sea stacks and natural arches formed by the action of volcano and glacier. The black basalts and purple andesites that form the cliffs contain agates and amethysts, and some of Britain's oldest rock, at nearly three billion years old, is not far away.
A short walk along the cliff top allows you to savour and photograph the spectacular scenery. After your bracing walk, return to the lovely Braewick café for refreshments with views of the spectacular seascapes, before heading south once more.
On the way back to the ship, you will hear more of Shetland's culture and heritage from your guide, having seen the very best scenery in Shetland.
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This tour involves approximately 0,7 mile (1 km) walking on soft ground. We recommend you wear warm and waterproof clothes and comfortable walking shoes. Order of the visits may be reversed. This tour is limited to 35 participants.
Total : 110 €
According to availability, price per passenger.
Charm of Lerwick
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 and a temporary exhibition area.
At the conclusion of the 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.
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This is a moderate to strenuous walking tour with some steep streets and stairs. The visit of the museum is not guided. We recommend you wear warm, waterproof layered clothing and comfortable walking shoes. This excursion will be conducted in English only. Order of the visits may be reversed. This tour is limited to 25 participants.
Total : 50 €
According to availability, price per passenger.
DISCOVER EDINBURGH
Travel with peace of mind as PONANT organises your day time between your port of disembarkation and the airport.
Rosyth/Edinburgh
After disembarkation procedures are completed, you will be greeted at the port by our local English-speaking representative.
Your full day tour begins with a panoramic tour of the city. See the Georgian architecture of Princes Street in New Town and drive down parts of the famous medieval Royal Mile with the imposing Edinburgh Castle at one end and the 17th century Palace of Holyroodhouse at the other. The Palace was the home of Mary Queen of Scots from 1561 to 1568 and was occupied by Bonnie Prince Charlie in 1745. The scene of many a great historical drama including notorious murders, and power-hungry personalities, the Palace is now the King’s official residence in Scotland. Drive up to one of the city’s high vantage points for some spectacular views over the city before visiting the castle.
A majestic landmark which dominates the capital city’s skyline just as it has dominated Scotland’s long and colourful history, Edinburgh Castle is the best known & most visited of Scotland’s historic buildings. Perched on an extinct volcano and offering stunning views, this instantly recognisable fortress is a powerful national symbol, and part of Edinburgh’s World Heritage Sites.
Once inside, you will have the opportunity to see the castle’s many different architectural styles, reflecting its importance throughout the history of Scotland, with the oldest section dating back to the 12th century. You will also have the opportunity to view the Crown Jewels of Scotland and the Stone of Destiny.
After the visit, take a journey through the history and alchemy of whisky. Here you will enjoy a dram and lunch.
You will then be transferred to the airport in time for check-in for the PONANT selected flight.
Your programme includes:
- Lunch with beverages package (mineral water + 1 soft drink or 1 local beer or 1 glass of white or red wine + 1 coffee).
- Transfers and visits as mentioned in the programme.
- Services of a local English-speaking guide.
Your programme does not include:
- Tips for the driver and local guide.
- Personal expenses.
- Other services not mentioned in the programme.
Please note:
- The visit of Edinburgh Castle involves flights of stairs, some spiral in castle. Fairly steep hill up onto top of Castle. It is not recommended to the guests with walking difficulties.
Duration and order of the visits may vary. To know your PONANT flight schedule, please contact your travel agent; it is also indicated on your electronic ticket included in your travel documents.
In the event of schedule changes of PONANT’s selected flight, your programme will be adapted to ensure the most seamless and enriching experience. The content of your revised programme will be updated on the PONANT website, in My Ponant space and on the PONANT app. The final programme will also be sent to you along with your cruise documents.
Total : 320 €
Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.
FLIGHTS FROM/TO PARIS + A GLIMPSE OF EDINBURGH AND GLASGOW 1N (PRE) + DISCOVER EDINBURGH (POST)
Total : 1.545 €
Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.