From the Irish Sea to the Bay of Biscay

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 Virgin Hotel Edinburgh 5*.

 

Day and dinner at leisure.

 

Day 2 - Edinburgh/Greenock

 

Your full day tour begins with a walking 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 Queen's official residence in Scotland. You will head 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.

 

Lunch will be served in a local restaurant.

 

After lunch, take a journey through the history and alchemy of whisky. Here you will enjoy a dram.

 

You will then be transferred to the port of Greenock, to embark on board your ship.

 

Your hotel:

 

Boasting an ideal location in the Edinburgh city centre, the Virgin Hotel Edinburgh is close to the old town. With its sober, elegant decor, you will love staying at this ideally located hotel.
 

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 in Standard room at The Virgin Hotel Edinburgh 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.

Your programme does not include:

 

·        Lunch and dinner on day 1.

·        Personal expenses.

·        Visa if necessary.

·        Tips for the driver and local guide.

·        Early check-in and late check-out.

·        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.

·        Official hotel check-in time is 3:00 p.m. 

·        Official hotel check-out time is 12:00 a.m.

·        Early check-in or late check-out might be available depending on availability and on a supplement basis.

·        This programme is not suitable for people with reduced mobility.

·        Edinburgh is compact and hilly. This program requires to be able of walking up moderate slopes and numerous stairs.

 

Contact of your hotel:

 

Virgin Hotel Edinburgh
1 India Buildings, Victoria Street

Edinburgh EH1 2EX

Telephone: 0131 526 4810

 

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.

Kindly note that a minimum number of participants is required for this trip to proceed. As a result, both the price and itinerary may be adjusted based on the final number of participants. Should the minimum number not be met, we will offer you an alternative arrangement.

 

 

Enhance your cruise and extend your trip with a carefully designed programme.

Day 1 - Bordeaux

After disembarkation procedures are completed, you will be greeted at the port by our local representative.

You will be driven to the Mondrian Bordeaux les Carmes Hotel, located in the heart of Bordeaux, where your will be able to leave your lugagge to enjoy your day in Bordeaux freely.

Lunch at leisure.

Optional activity (with extra cost): Bordeaux, between castles and vineyards

After dropping off your luggage at the hotel, you will head to Château Beauregard, where you will enjoy a guided tour and a wine tasting. Created in the 11th century by the Knights of Malta, Château Beauregard has a 17.5 hectare organically farmed vineyard located on the Catusseau plateau, a terroir which has produced world-famous wines such as Cheval Blanc or Pétrus. You will then discover Château Fleur Cardinale and its 23 hectares of vines, before tasting the local wine and having lunch at the restaurant. Approximate duration of activity: 6 hours

Optional activity (with extra cost): Gourmet Tour in Bordeaux

After dropping off your luggage at the hotel, you will leave for a 2-hour gourmet walking tour through the streets of Bordeaux. You will then head towards the Cité du Vin for lunch at the bistronomic restaurant “le 7”, located on the 7th floor, where you can enjoy cooking regional products and a panoramic view of downtown Bordeaux. You will then have a visit to the Cité du Vin with wine tasting. Approximate duration of the activity: 5 hours

Way back to your hotel.

Evening and dinner are at leisure.

Overnight at the Mondrian Bordeaux les Carmes Hotel 5*.

Day 2 – Bordeaux

After breakfast, check-out and free time until your departure.

Your hotel:

The Mondrian Bordeaux Les Carmes 5* is located in the heart of the historic Chartrons district in Bordeaux, about a hundred meters from the Cité du Vin. The hotel, created by Philippe Starck, was born from the metamorphosis of the former Calvet wine cellars, into an elegant place for meetings and exchanges. A very beautiful terrace opens onto the swimming pool, the spa and the contemporary restaurant/bar.

Your programme includes:

·        1-night accommodation in Superior room at the Mondrian Bordeaux les Carmes Hotel 5* (or similar), breakfast included.

·        Transfers as mentioned in the programme.

·        The services of a local English-speaking guide.

Your programme does not include:

·        The meals, unless you booked one of the two optional activities, which include a lunch at a restaurant.

·        Optional activities "Bordeaux : Between Castles and Vineyards" and "Gourmet Tour in Bordeaux".

·        Personal expenses.

·        Tips for the driver and local guide.

·        Other services not mentioned in the programme.

Please note:

·        Access to the hotel's spa is subject to a surcharge, and it is essential to book any treatments before your stay to guarantee their availability.

·        The official check-out time for your room is 11 a.m. If you wish to check out from your room after this time, you can ask at reception, subject to availability and surcharge.

·        The optionnal activities required a minimum of 7 guests to be operated.

Contact of your hotel:

Mondrian Bordeaux Les Carmes 5*

81 Cr du Médoc

33300 Bordeaux

Telephone : +33 5 35 54 10 84

Duration and order of the visits may vary.

Kindly note that a minimum number of participants is required for this trip to proceed. As a result, both the price and itinerary may be adjusted based on the final number of participants. Should the minimum number not be met, we will offer you an alternative arrangement.