Music of the Northern Shores
From the captivating rocky and snow-covered islets of the Arctic Circle to the dreamlike landscapes of the British archipelago, PONANT invites you on a fascinating 10-day musical journey in partnership with RADIO CLASSIQUE. Aboard Le Lapérouse, the melodies of Grieg, Sibelius, Nielsen, Dvořák, Myaskovsky, Tchaikovsky will converse with the incredible landscapes of Norway and Scotland. These lands of Celtic and Viking legends, jagged coasts, recessed fjords, sculptural cliffs and infinite moors will be enhanced by the beauty of Nordic rhythms thanks to the presence of an exceptional musical line-up and in the company of Alain Duault. As this cruise was designed for a French-speaking audience, the theme-based talks will be given in French only*.
At each port of call on your trip, every guest will be able to choose one included activity from the selection offered by PONANT. During this cruise, hike into the heart of the incredible Briksdal glacier from Olden, visit the neolithic treasures of the Orkney Islands, or dive into the history of the Isle of Skye and its insular traditions, from Portree. The diversity of options on offer promises intense and varied experiences. (Find the full list of excursions under the Itinerary tab.)
Leaving from Tromso, , renowned for the architecture of its emblematic church, nicknamed the Arctic Cathedral, you will set sail for the Arctic Circle. In the heart of preserved nature, you will marvel at the mysterious charm of the Lofotenarchipelago. These islands have a truly other-worldly beauty, alternating between sea, spectacular fjords, mountain slopes and colourful huts on stilts.
Further south, Le Lapérouse will sail along the jagged Norwegian coastlines. Witness this breath-taking spectacle of vertiginous cliffs, immaculate coniferous forests and majestic fjords, and let yourself fall under the spell of these geological masterpieces produced by Mother Nature. Anchored at the entrance to the eponymous fjord and encircled by lush valleys, the picturesque mediaeval city of Trondheim, founded in the 10th century by the Viking King Olaf I, still retains traces of this opulent past, like its emblematic Nidaros Cathedral, an interesting blend of Gothic and Roman influences constructed at the end of the 11th century.
In Alesund, fall in love with the Art Nouveau architecture of this historic city, which is surrounded by a ring of rocky islets, enchanting fjord inlets and majestic mountains. It lies anchored opposite Giske, the home island of Rollo, the great Viking chieftain renowned for his many Nordic expeditions to Normandy.
Continue to Olden. From this small and charming village, located a few miles from Jostedalsbreen National Park, home to one of the last ice caps in Europe, you are able to admire the magnificent Briksdal Glacie
You will then head for the Orkney archipelago and its windswept moorland landscape. Le Lapérouse will sail towards Kirkwall, capital of the Orkney Islands, where numerous seabirds, such as gannets and European shags, have taken up residence. Not far from there, the Neolithic Heart of Orkney, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a striking reminder of the ancient settlements that once inhabited this timeless place.
You will also discover the Isle of Skye, a centre for Gaelic culture, and is stunning scenery, from Portree, the island’s largest town.
The last stage for your journey will take you to Oban, capital of the county of Argyll, considered the cradle of Scotland, and its spectacular coastlines to the west of the Highlands, before heading for your disembarkation port, Glasgow.
*The land-based activities and excursions can be conducted in English with a translator if required.
When searching for a luxury yacht expedition cruise, there’s one name above all else that you need to know – Ponant Cruises. Founded in 1988 by former French Merchant Navy officers, Ponant combines succulent luxury with authentic adventures on all seven continents.
From classic Mediterranean itineraries and Caribbean sailings, to bucket-list expeditions around Greenland and Antarctica, Ponant cruises proudly counteract the banality of mainstream voyages with a unique take on the concept of small-ship cruising. It’s the absolute trip of a lifetime.
Environmentally friendly, fitted with innovative equipment and complete with lounges designed to be largely open to the exterior, this new and intimately sized yacht offers a unique type of cruise experience.
