From the Scottish Archipelago to the Arctic Circle

Scotland’s capital since the 15th century, Edinburgh concentrates the soul of this very special nation. There are countless reasons to stop in the city. Edinburgh’s Old Town and New Town, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites, can be visited via their historic sites. The Royal Mile, the main artery of the medieval old town made up of a jumble of picturesque streets, links Edinburgh Castle perched on its hill to Holyrood Palace via the Presbyterian St Giles' Cathedral. The Georgian New Town whose development began in the 18th century is endowed with such harmony that it has exercised a profound influence on European town planning. Visiting Edinburgh also means being immersed in rich culture, between museums, live shows, literature and the working-class and multicultural districts such as Leith. To round off your stay, don’t hesitate to push open the doors of one of its famous pubs to try a haggis and taste a whisky.

The stone houses stand proudly facing the sea in the charming town of Stromness, the second most populous town in Scotland’s Orkney Islands. Long ago called Hamnavoe – meaning “safe harbour” – because of the safety it provided to Viking travellers, sailors and merchants sailing around Great Britain, the town has retained its gentle way of life. Strolling along its picturesque streets will immerse you in the history of the fishermen and whale hunters, but also allow you to discover a lively town with a living culture.

Fall under the spell of the charming little town of Scrabster, anchored in Thurso Bay, in the mythical Highlands of Northern Scotland. Scotland’s northernmost port, it is a strategic site for the region’s fishing industry. During hikes, you will be captivated by this wild and enigmatic nature, composed of verdant moors, sheer granite cliffs and fine sandy beaches. These hilly lands are home to certain Royal treasures of the British archipelago. For example, discover the neo-Gothic Castle of Mey, restored at the request of Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother after the death of King George VI.

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.

Nestling at the end of the sumptuous Trondheimsfjord, at the mouth of the River Nidelva, and surrounded by green valleys, the mediaeval city of Trondheim will not fail to amaze you. You will be captivated by the natural and cultural riches offered by Norway’s third city, which was founded by the Viking King Olaf I in the 10th century. As you stroll the cobbled streets of its old town, you will discover atypical architecture. An example is its emblematic Nidaros Cathedral, an architectural jewel of the 11th century and an interesting blend of Gothic and Roman influences.

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

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

Located on the island of Austvågøy, in the county of Nordland, Svolvær will be your ideal entry point for discovering the Lofoten islands. An important stopover to the north of Norway, fishing is one of the town’s main features. And its speciality is? Cod. A picturesque white Lutherian church rests atop a hillside ridge, overlooking the town's multi-coloured houses. Still higher, the “The Solvær Goat” mountain looks over the town from its rocky heights. Topped with two peaks like the horns of an animal, it is one of the region’s must-see natural attractions.

Beyond the Arctic Circle, north of the Norwegian Sea and at the gateway to the Vesterålen archipelago and the sumptuous Lofoten islands, surprising Harstad enjoys an extraordinary natural setting. A favoured destination for its gentle way of life, the small town and surrounding area are a concentrate of the northern Norway’s finest features: majestic coniferous forests, rugged mountains, bewitching fjords and preserved archipelagos. As inhospitable as they are magnificent, these lands still bear traces of the Bronze Age. For example, work tools, jewels and cairns sheltering many tombs that date back several millennia have been discovered during archaeological excavations.

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

Itineraries are subject to change.