Deluxe Stateroom
10% Ponant Bonus
204 ft²
2
Islands and cities, from the North Sea to the Baltic
Oslo - Stockholm
Dates:
06/07/2025
to
15/07/2025
Other available dates
days
nights on board
Embark on an 9-night cruise aboard Le Lapérouse to discover iconic islands and towns of Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Estonia and Finland.
Throughout your journey, you will benefit from an excursion included per person per port of call, to choose from a selection offered by PONANT. On this cruise, you can stroll through the countryside and villages of Bornholm, attend an Estonian folk show in Tallinn and discover the Suomenlinna sea fortress in Helsinki. The diversity of experiences on offer promises you intense and varied moments (to discover the full range of excursions, go to the itinerary tab). The diversity of experiences on offer promises you intense and varied moments (to discover the full range of excursions, go to the itinerary tab).
From Oslo, Norway's capital with its extraordinary energy, you head for Marstrand. In this medieval town, now highly popular for sailing trips, you can admire majestic, richly decorated wooden houses with verandas, colonnades and turrets.
Le Lapérouse then heads for the Danish capital, Copenhagen, before reaching Gudhjem, a charming village lying on the small Danish island of Bornholm, much admired by Danes for its varied landscapes of granite and long sandy beaches.
Le Lapérouse will then sail to the Swedish island of Gotland and call at Visby, a site that was important for the Hanseatic League in the Baltic Sea around the 13th century. A UNESCO Heritage Site, this once-opulent city still has remarkably well-preserved ramparts, public buildings, merchant houses and warehouses.
On Saaremaa, dive into the complex history of this island, Estonia’s largest. First invaded by the Vikings, it became Danish then Swedish before being taken by the Russian Empire and later occupied by the Germans. In 1991, it finally became Estonian when the country gained its independence.
You will visit Tallinn, emblematic city of the Hanseatic League, the large trading network that dominated the Baltic Sea for several centuries. Listed as UNESCO Heritage Site, this once opulent city still have remarkably well-preserved public buildings, merchant houses and warehouses.
You will then head to Helsinki. Located on a peninsula surrounded by almost 300 islands, the verdant capital of Finland will charm you with its Art Nouveau architecture.
Finally, you will then chart a course for Stockholm. Built on water, the Swedish capital embraces nature, which is omnipresent there. Its blend of medieval architecture, colourful houses and trendy neighbourhoods makes it a particularly enjoyable city to visit.
Ref : ER060725
Your itinerary
A cruise between the North and Baltic Seas taking in magnificent scenery and iconic cities brimming with history. Make the most of an excursion included* per person per port of call during your cruise thanks...
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Your trip in detail
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Choose your stateroom
Complete your trip
Complete your trip
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 COMMANDANT CHARCOT
LE BORÉAL
L'AUSTRAL
L'AUSTRAL
05/11/2025 to the 23/11/2025
LE CHAMPLAIN
03/12/2025 to the 13/12/2025
*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.
Discover all destinations
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
- Diptyque 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
- A cruise between the North and Baltic Seas taking in magnificent scenery and iconic cities brimming with history.
- Make the most of an excursion included* per person per port of call during your cruise thanks to the selection made by our destination experts.
- UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the Hanseatic Town of Visby, the sea fortress of Suomenlinna from Helsinki, the old town of Tallinn.
- Two new stopovers in Marstrand and on Saarema Island.
- Discover four European capitals on the same cruise: Copenhagen (Denmark), Helsinki (Finland), Tallinn (Estonia), Stockholm (Sweden).
- One night in Helsinki and one night in Stockholm.
- A picturesque voyage in the Stockholm archipelago.
*Pre-bookings open around two months before the start of the cruise; requests are processed on a first-come first-served basis, subject to availability.
Ports of Call & Excursions
6 July 2025 - Oslo
Embarkation 06/07/2025 from 16:00 to 17:00
Departure 06/07/2025 at 18:00
Capital of Norway, Olso, is a green city. Its many parks and gardens make it the reputedly pleasant city it is. The 80 hectares of Vigeland sculpture parks and its 212 open air exhibitions, the Munch Museum dedicated to the life and works of the Norwegian artist Edvard Munch, plus the Akershus fortress which symbolises Oslo’s rich history, are both must-sees. For culture, the national gallery shelters the largest Norwegian collection of paintings, drawings and sculptures open to the public. And, for sports enthusiasts, the Holmenkollen district with its Ski museum and famous ski jump offer the most stunning, all-encompassing view of the city.
7 July 2025 - Marstrand
Arrival 07/07/2025 late morning
Departure 07/07/2025 late afternoon
Lying 40 kilometres north of Gothenburg on Sweden's west coast, Marstrand is a small island with indefinable charm, steeped in history. With its forests, coastal paths and beaches, the island can only be visited on foot or by boat, as there are no cars. A true haven of peace, Marstrand is an unspoilt place, where the colourful local houses and pleasure yachts exist peacefully side by side. The Carlsten fortress, a former state prison and the highest point on the island, has a magnificent view of the village, the harbour and the Gothenburg archipelago.
8 July 2025 - Copenhagen
Arrival 08/07/2025 early morning
Departure 08/07/2025 evening
Connected to the far eastern side of Sealand island, a few kilometres away from the Swedish coasts, Copenhagen offers you the high colour of Scandinavian capitals. You can discover the city's riches that weaves through the canal networks through the historical districts of Christiansborg and Nyhavn. Many palaces provide an apercu of Danish history. For eating, you can try out the smorrebrod, traditional danish sandwiches made with ham, cheese or smoked fish.
9 July 2025 - Gudhjem, Bornholm
Arrival 09/07/2025 early morning
Departure 09/07/2025 midday
Lying in the south-west of the Baltic Sea, the medieval village of Gudhjem, on the island of Bornholm, is one of the most visited and most popular villages in Denmark. As you stroll along its picturesque streets, you will fall under the spell of its varied landscapes, its easy way of life, and the authenticity of this charming town with half-timbered houses topped with red roofs, in the Danish tradition. It is here, along these charming streets, that the first herring smokehouses were built in the mid-19th century, attracting all the region’s fishermen. Tucked away in a gorgeous natural setting composed of rocky cliffs, dense forests and beaches of white sand, Gudhjem will provide an unforgettable interlude where time will seem to stand still.
10 July 2025 - Visby, Gotland
Arrival 10/07/2025 early morning
Departure 10/07/2025 late afternoon
This old Hanseatic city lies to the west coast of Gotland, a Swedish island in the Baltic sea. Pass through the spectacular Visby fortifications and visit the old town, a UNESCO World Heritage site. You’ll discover the grand Visby homes of rich merchants as well as the lovely low wooden houses in the little cobbled streets. Don’t miss Saint Mary’s cathedral with its octagonal steeples, as well as Powder tower along the fortifications. Make sure you stop over in one of the rose-adorned cafés; indeed roses abound in this town where you can taste one of the island’s specialities, namely saffron pancakes with red fruit.
11 July 2025 - Saaremaa
Arrival 11/07/2025 early morning
Departure 11/07/2025 late afternoon
Welcome to Estonia’s largest island, Saaremaa, with its age-old history and mysterious charm. Located in the Baltic Sea, it closes off the Gulf of Riga. The episcopal castle, a medieval fortress and preserved witness of the rich history of the Baltic States, stands proudly in the island’s capital, Kuressaare. The island’s soils and mild climate give it abundant and diverse nature, where forests, cliffs, dunes and beaches flourish, becoming a haven for thousands of migratory birds every year. The island offers many treasures, between wild nature, nature reserves, meteor craters and windmills.
12 July 2025 - Tallinn
Arrival 12/07/2025 early morning
Departure 12/07/2025 early afternoon
Opening onto the Baltic sea, to the far north of Estonia, the town of Tallin will win you over with the picturesque charm of its architecture. You can meander through its little streets in the heart of the medieval centre where its gothic town hall has been standing since 1404. The Kiek in de Kök tower, the Orthodox Alexander Nevski cathedral, or Toompea castle give visitors a taste of this town’s rich past. The city was particularly active during the medieval period, as is demonstrated by the very beautiful monuments from this period that are still visible. Don't hesitate to lose yourself in the heart of Tallinn, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
13 July 2025 - Helsinki
Arrival 13/07/2025
Departure 13/07/2025 early afternoon
Seated in the southern peninsula of Finland, Helsinki offers the buzz of a cosmopolitan city that has opted for both elegance and beauty. Explore its historical centre where the soft hues of neoclassical buildings are juxtaposed with spectacular modern constructions. The bustling Kallio district is teeming with boutiques and restaurants where you can taste some local specialities like graavilohi - a sweet, marinated, aromatic salmon dish. Keskuspuisto park, a stone’s throw from the centre, is a good place to sit and unwind.
14 July 2025 15 July 2025 - Stockholm
Arrival 14/07/2025 midday
Disembarkation 15/07/2025 at 07:00
The capital of Sweden occupies an archipelago in the east of the country at the junction of Mälar Lake and the Baltic sea. In Gamla stan, meaning “old town” in Swedish, you can stroll at your leisure in picturesque medieval streets until you reach the majestic Royal Palace. On the green island of Djurgården, you can visit several very different kinds of cultural centres: the Vasa museum is dedicated to a 17th century three-mast, the ecomuseum of Skansen presents traditional customs, and the ABBA museum is dedicated to the legendary pop group. For a fantastic, all-encompassing view of Stockholm, you can take a ride in SkyView, a glass-encased sphere gondola that takes you to the top of the world’s largest building, the Ericsson Globe, a Stockholm landmark.
Trip to Marstrand, a Swedish beauty
Set off to discover Marstrand, an island on the western coast of Sweden, located about 40 kilometres (25 miles) from Gothenburg. You will fall under the charm of its highly renowned marina and the Carlsten Fortress that overlooks the city.
Disembarking in Marstrand, you will immediately notice the unique character of this elegant and wild island, edged with coves, beaches and forests. With no cars allowed, the small medieval town has a serene atmosphere, making it a veritable haven of peace. Known for attracting the world’s best sailors and large crowds (including the royal family) during spectacular regattas every year, Marstrand can therefore be visited on foot, unveiling its magnificent old white wooden houses and small cobbled streets full of charm. This splendid setting is reminiscent of the glorious merchant past of the island, which became Swedish in the 17th century.
After a steep walk, the excursion continues with the discovery of the Carlsten Fortress, which dominates the town. This famous prison dating back to the 17th century has magnificent views over the Gothenburg archipelago. A special visit led by a guide wearing a uniform from the past will plunge you into the ambiance of a fortress from that era, with its dungeons, its gallows and its chapel…
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The level of difficulty of this excursion is moderate. The walk up to the fortress is on a slope.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Strolling the streets of Marstrand
It is impossible not to fall under the charm of Marstrand, a small medieval island located on the west coast, known as “the sunny coast”, of Sweden, some 40 km (25 miles) from Gothenburg. This holiday spot, popular with the Swedish (including the royal family), is best discovered on foot to understand all its features and gentle way of life.
Edged with wild beaches and secret creeks, Marstrand is a haven of peace where no cars are allowed. Succumb to the charms of its cobbled streets, it marina, which attracts the cream of sailors every year thanks to its spectacular regatta, and its houses in sculpted white wood. Higher up, Carlsten Fortress, a famous prison dating back to the 17th century, watches over the town and offers a viewpoint stretching over the horizon.
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This excursion will be at a pleasant pace. Nonetheless, we recommend you wear comfortable clothing and walking shoes
Price range:
Find out more
€: the excursion price is less than €50.
The price of the excursion will be available approximately two months prior to the cruise departure.
The complete programme of excursions, including up-to-date prices, will be provided with the Travel book that you will receive before the departure of your cruise.
PONANT also allows you to pre-book your excursions approximately two months prior to the cruise* departure. Billing is done on board.
*Excluding Expedition cruises.
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
City tour & canal cruise
Enjoy aextensive views of "wonderful, wonderful Copenhagen", as the song goes, by land and water.
Start your tour by meeting your local guide and board the coach that will take you on a panoramic sightseeing tour of Copenhagen city center. You will pass by Rosenborg Castle and the Church of our Lady before arriving at Copenhagen central station, the City Hall Square and the Tivoli Gardens. Next on the tour, you will see Christiansborg palace, home to the Danish parliament, and the old Stock Exchange, before crossing the water and making your way to Christianshavn, an idyllic harbor district built by Denmark's most famous king, Christian IV. Stop at the massive Opera house and enjoy the magnificent view over the water to Amalienborg palace, home of the Danish monarch.
Step onboard a canal boat for a tour of approx. 50 min of Copenhagen's canals. Cruise through the canals of Christianshavn, a charming area featuring houseboats, picturesque old buildings, the Church of Our Savior, and the Black Diamond of Copenhagen and cruise around the socalled Island of Power before continuing towards the most famous land-mark in Copenhagen, The statue of the Little Mermaid, inspired by the fairytales of Hans Christian Andersen. Your guide will tell you the tragic story of the mermaid who paid the highest price for becoming a human being. Having committed your visit to the Little Mermaid to memory, enjoy the short walk back to your waiting ship.
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This tour includes less than 1 km (just over half a mile) of walking. Please note the order of the visits may be reversed. In the event of strong winds, or high tide, the canal boat may not be able to enter all the canals, and an alternative route will be taken. The canal boat is covered. If there are English and French speaking guests on the same tour, the guides will take the smaller group towards the back of the boat during the canl tour. Participants must be physically able to embark and disembark the canal boat.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Royal Highlights
From the pier, board you motor coach and depart on tour of Copenhagen's history and culture. Copenhagen has an extensive royal history, as Denmark is the oldest monarchy in the world.
Begin your tour with a stop at the most famous little lady in Copenhagen, the statue of the Little Mermaid, a small bronze figure inspired by the fairytales author Hans Christian Andersen. Although she may not be royal, she plays a big role in Danish cultural heritage.
From the Little Mermaid it is just a short drive to the small and quaint Rosenborg Castle. Rosenborg Castle was built by King Christian IV, probably the most famous king in the history of Denmark, who created several landmarks including Nyboder, the Old Stock Exchange, and Holmens Kirke, built for King Christian IV's navy personnel.
You will then visit Christianborg Palace, which was originally built on the ruins of Copenhagen Castle. This palace is now home to the Danish Parliament abd the Supreme Court, and also houses the state rooms. A visit to the Queen's reception rooms, where the Queen receives foreign ambassadors and visiting heads of state, is featured during your visit. Highlights include the 17 tapestries in the Knight's Hall, depicting one thousand years of Danish history. The tapestries took ten years to weave and were presented to the Queen on her 50th birthday in 1990. Recently, the palace was used to celebrate the Queen's 50 years Jubilee.
Cross the King's New Square and catch a glimpse of the Nyhavn habor district before arriving at the majestic Odd Fellows Mansion. The mansion was built in 1752 as a private home for one the many noble families who served the royal family.
Enjoy lunch in one of the royal rooms inside the mansion and taste some typical Danish delicacies which are not just enjoyed by the Danes to-day, but also feature in Denmark's gastronomic history.
From the Odd Fellows Mansion, it is just a short walk to Amalienborg Palace Square. The sprawling octagonal courtyard links four rococo mansions and the impressive Marble Church, which is regarded as one of Europe's finest examples of absolutism architecture. The squared is widely considered one of the most beautiful in Europe. It is now home to the royal family, as it has been since 1794, and houses numerous heirlooms and the charming Amaliehaven park.
Take some photos at both the Palace Square and the park before reboarding your coach to return to your ship.
- This tour includes some steps and 2,5 km (1,5 miles) of walking, sometimes over cobblestones. We recommend wearing comfortable shoes.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Nature and villages of Bornholm
From the pier, board your bus for a 30-minute drive and start your adventure around the island and through the lush Danish countryside. Drive along the northern coast of this little island situated far from the rest of Denmark in the Baltic Sea. Enjoy the unspoiled landscape and cliffs along the coast and drive through the little village of Allinge before reaching your first stop, the ruins of Hammershus.
Hammershus is the largest ruined castle in Northern Europe. The oldest part of the ruin dates back to the early 12th century and was erected to consolidate control of the island by Archbishop of Lund in the south of Sweden, which also used to be a part of Denmark. Enjoy the magnificent view of the ruin from the viewing point and explore the visitor center where you can learn more about the ruin and the kings who ruled the island.
Next, enjoy the journey to the south of Bornholm, arriving at its biggest town Rønne. Rønne is the largest town on the Danish island of Bornholm. Owing to its natural harbour and its strategic position in the Baltic Sea, Rønne has an interesting history, falling under both German and Swedish influence during its development as a herring fishing port. You will take a stroll along the cobbled streets and enjoy the coloured timbered and half-timbered houses. Rønne is now one of the most visited and popular villages in Denmark. Enjoy time exploring the capital on your own.
Along the northern coast, you will travel into the countryside passing the famous round church of Østerlars , where a uick photo stop will be made (outside visit), which dates back to 1150. It was used both as a place of worship and as protection against enemies from the sea.
Taking the coastal road, you will then travel back to Gudhjem, where you will have the opportunity to walk from the top of the village down the winding narrow streets with your guide before your journey ends where it began.
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This tour involves approximately 400 meters (0.3 mile) of walking on flat terrain. Please note the order of the visits may be reversed.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
The best of Bornholm
From Gudhjem, you will board your coach and begin your scenic tour through the picturesque farmlands of the small Baltic island of Bornholm belonging to Denmark. On the way, you will enjoy the coastal landscape, heading to the Baltic Sea Glass workshop, located a few kilometers from Gudhjem. Baltic Sea Glass is Denmark's largest glass blowing studio, for which the island is famous. The studio and gallery are set in a converted chicken coop. Today, Baltic Sea Glass welcomes between 100,000 and 120,000 visitors every year. Although they mainly design and produce functional tabletop glassware, the workshop also creates unique pieces for galleries and museum exhibitions.
At the end of the tour, you will continue to Almindingen, on the other side of the island. In one of Denmark's largest forest areas, you will discover Oesterlars round church, one of the four round churches located on Bornholm (representing half of all round churches in Denmark). A visit inside the church is planned, provided that no religious services are scheduled.
The next stop is at Hammershus, an ancient fortress built on the northern tip of Bornholm. These are the largest castle ruins in Northern Europe. The oldest part was built in the early 12th century to consolidate the power held by the Archbishop of Lund (then part of Denmark) over the island and obtained through an agreement with the Danish king, Svend Grathe. For the next 500 years Hammershus was home to various rulers of the island. Hammershus has been rebuilt and expanded several times. In 1743, Hammershus was finally abandoned as a fortress.
You visit will end with a stop in the charming village of Allinge where you will visit one of the smokehouses for that the island is also renowned. During this visit, you can taste smoked herring and an icecold beer before making the short return trip to the village of Gudhjem to board your ship.
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Approx 2 km - gravel, concrete, mostly flat - but there are stairs at Hammershus. The stairs to go on the roof of the church are narrow and dark. Guests are advised to wear comfortable walking shoes. Please note, there is no guarantee that the glassblowers will be working at the time of the visit.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Kuressaare and its beer-brewing tradition
Visit a brewery and taste the local island beer before discovering the main sites in the island of Saaremaa’s capital.
You will take the bus to Kuressaare and the Pöide Brewery, which is continuing a long brewing tradition and offers a diverse range of local beers. The brewery was founded in 2013 in a small family farm near the medieval Pöide church; demand became so strong that it was transferred into the heart of Saaremaa, in the charming town of Kuressaare. Its new home - an Art Deco style industrial building with a large hall - is a reference to the Pöide church and is spacious enough to welcome visitors from all over the world.
Following the visit of the brewery and a beer tasting, you will be able to discover the capital itself. The guide will take you to the main sites, then you will have some free time to enjoy a cup of coffee before returning to the port.
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This visit involves 1 km (0.6 miles) of walking on uneven and cobbled surfaces with some steps to negotiate. The minimum legal age for beer tasting is 18. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and clothing.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Landscapes and heritage of Saaremaa
Fall under the spell of Estonia’s largest island through its typical villages, windmills, lake and large town.
Your visit of the island will begin with a scenic bus tour of its typical landscapes. You will drive through an old local village, Leisi, to the Angla windmill hill, where you will be able to admire an impressive exhibition of five windmills which have survived since the start of the last century.
You will then visit the charming little Karja Church, dating from the Middle Ages and famous for its decorative elements and its wall frescoes.
You will get back on the road for a short trip to Kaali Lake, at the bottom of a crater caused by a meteorite falling thousands of years ago. It is estimated that the meteorite fell here in 700 BC, forming a lake that is 16 metres (50 feet) deep and is considered Saaremaa’s most extraordinary geological marvel.
Enjoy a little free time in the centre of Kuressaare, the largest town on the island. You will be able to buy pretty local handicrafts or have a cup of coffee in one of the town’s many cafés.
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This visit involves walking 1 km (0.6 miles) on uneven and cobbled surfaces with some steps to negotiate. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and clothing.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Saaremaa, pearl of the Baltic Sea
Set off to discover Estonia’s largest island, where wild nature and ancestral history co-exist in a unique atmosphere. With its sea, lakes, forests, windmills and medieval castles, Saaremaa will not leave you indifferent as it unveils its breathtaking scenery.
Your adventure will begin in a car driving through the island’s magical landscapes, between forests and fields, passing via the pretty village of Leisi and the hill adorned with windmills in Angla, where you will stop to admire cinq typical wooden windmills that date back to the last century and are considered to be some of the main symbols of the island.
The excursion will continue with a visit to Saaremaa’s veritable geological curiosity, Lake Kaali, with its atmosphere full of mystery. In reality, the lake is a crater caused by a meteorite falling to Earth almost 7,000 years ago and forming a lake with a 110- metre (360-foot) diameter.
In the island’s capital, Kuressaare, you will visit the medieval castle, one of the town’s most important sites, dating back to the 14th century. Now converted into a museum, it has kept its original form and is perfectly conserved. A little walk in the castle park will enable you to admire this beautiful building, which bears witness to Saaremaa’s rich past. After a short wander around the old town, you will be able to enjoy lunch in a typical and charming restaurant, in the heart of the medieval city.
The day will end with a visit to the Mihkli Farm Museum. Created in 1959, it recreates the activities of a typical 19th-century Estonian farm; everything here has been made by the inhabitants of the six generations living there for 200 years. It is an extraordinary testimony to rural life on the island in the past.
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The level of difficulty of this excursion is medium. The ground is flat, with uneven surfaces and some stairs.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Traditional farm, folk show and visit of Kuressaare
Dive into the island’s agricultural past by visiting an 18th century farm and attend a folk show before touring the main sites of Kuressaare.
Start your visit with a journey through the island’s beautiful countryside to the Mihkli Farm Museum. Founded in the 18th century, this farm was converted into a museum in 1959, when the last owner transferred the buildings and all their contents to the Saaremaa Museum.
A typical farm to the west of Saaremaa, Mihkli Farm contains many everyday objects such as an old loom, hand-made furniture, and also tableware: bowls for soup or porridge, beer mugs (the oldest dates back to 1816), tins for butter and salted fish, etc.
After exploring the farm, you will be able to taste a local beer while attending a colourful folk show on the farm’s premises.
Continue your visit to Kuressaare, the island’s capital and largest town. You will visit it by bus, stopping off at the most important sites.
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This excursion involves walking around 1 km (0.6 miles) on uneven and cobbled ground with some steps to negotiate. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and clothing.
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Gothic treasures of Tallinn
Immerse yourself in the medieval history of the Estonian capital through its emblematic monuments.
From the pier, your coach will take you through the modern part of the city before reaching the Old Town and stopping at the tall Pikk Hermann tower for a panoramic view of the imposing castle to which it is attached. You will then walk to the Kiek in de Kok tower to enjoy a superb view of the upper town’s towers and bell towers.
You will continue your visit on foot from the Hanseatic Old Town, past the Church of the Transfiguration, the Nun’s Gate, and the many merchant houses. On the way, admire the stunning Gothic facades of the guild houses as well as the Church of the Holy Spirit, home to Tallinn’s oldest clock.
Sitting in the centre of the square, the 15th-century town hall is one of few Gothic monuments from that period to be found in Europe. You will visit the Citizens’ Hall, now used for hosting receptions and concerts, as well as the Council Hall with its 15th-century furniture.
You will then admire the other buildings lining the square, including the shopfront of the apothecary, which is probably the oldest pharmacy in Europe, having been trading since 1422. After some free time, you will return to your coach via the Viru Gate, one of three gates that remain from the old city wall.
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This tour involves around 4 km (2.5 miles) of walking on a mainly flat, cobbled surface, and some twenty stairs. This tour is not recommended for people with difficulties walking. The coach trip takes approximately 15 minutes. We recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Tallinn & folklore
Tallinn is a wonderfully preserved city of the Hanseatic League with its old town entered in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Departing from the pier, your coach will circle around the Old town, offering magnificent views of the medieval city wall.
You will start your guided walking tour in the Upper Town with its watch-towers, graceful spires and winding, cobbled streets. Visit the Russian Orthodox Church, inaugurated in 1900 and filled with a stunning array of superb icons. You will view the exterior of the castle which is now the seat of Estonia's parliament. Built on a cliff top the Upper Town provides superb vantage point from which to view the red gabled roofs and spires of the Lower Town.
Your tour will continue as you follow your guide down Long and Short Leg Streets to the Lower Town. The first visit here will be to a historical building in the city centre where you will be treated to a delightful Estonian folk show.
Once you are rested and ready to resume your touring, you will continue with a walking tour of the Lower Town. Among the highlights is the apothecary, which opened in 1422, the Great Guild House, Holy Ghost Church and the 15th century Gothic Town Hall (all from outside). Here in the heart of Tallinn, you will enjoy some free time before rejoining your coach and returning to the pier.
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This tour involves 4 km (2.48 miles) of walking, mostly on cobblestone streets, and about 100 steps to climb. We recommend that you wear comfortable shoes. Appropriate dress is recommended to enter religious sites (shoulders and knees must be covered). Please note that the church may be closed on Sundays due to religious service. It is not recommended for persons with walking difficulties.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Historic sights of Tallinn and Kadriorg Palace
This tour will give you an insight into the iconic, historic and cultural sites of Tallinn's Old Town, including the Kadriorg Palace.
You will board your bus from the quay, with your guide, for a trip to the Upper Town.
You will stop at the foot of Dome Hill to walk to Palace Square. From here, you can see the towers of the medieval wall, as well as the Parliament building and Nevsky Cathedral.
You will continue to Kadriorg Park, Estonia's largest urban park. Kadriorg Park and Palace were founded by order of Peter the Great, who named the park in honour of his wife Catherine. You will start your visit at the park's edge, and walk to the palace, a remarkable symbol of Tallinn's Baroque architecture. The palace displays a small but valuable collection of foreign art in Estonia.
After admiring the art treasures, you will walk back to the parking lot to reboard your coach. Before returning to the Old Town, you will pass the Song Festival grounds, an important Estonian cultural landmark.
Upon reaching the Lower Town, you will begin your guided walking tour of this compact, well-preserved Hanseatic merchant town. You will have an impressive view of the castle, the towers of the city wall and numerous medieval houses before reaching the town hall square with its 15th-century pharmacy and the Gothic town hall. Walk through the Sainte-Catherine's Passage and enjoy some free time.
Finally, your bus will take you back to the quay and your ship.
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This tour includes 5 m (3,1 miles) of walking on uneven, sometimes steep surfaces. There are around 30 steps to negotiate. We recommend that you wear comfortable clothes and shoes.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Helsinki highlights
From the pier, drive towards Sibelius Park. It was named after Finland's greatest composer Jean Sibelius on his 80th birthday in 1945. Here you can view the Sibelius Monument designed by Eila Hiltunen.
Then proceed to Temppeliaukio Church. Built from the natural bedrock, it is one of Helsinki's most popular tourist attractions. The interior walls are created naturally by the rock, hence its nickname the Rock Church. The church was opened in 1969. Due to its excellent acoustics, the church is a popular venue for concerts.
After the visit, drive to Senate Square; it is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful urban squares in the world. The square is dominated by four buildings designed by Carl Ludvig Engel between 1822 and 1852: Helsinki Cathedral, the Government Palace, the main building of the University of Helsinki and the National Library of Finland.
Next, walk down from Senate Square to the very lively Market Place. Here, discover the real heart of Helsinki and enjoy free time walking around and tasting local foods. Re-board the coach for the return drive to the pier and ship.
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This tour involves 1 mile (1,5 km) of walking on flat but uneven terrain and cobblestone streets. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Suomenlinna Fortress
From the Market Square, board a local ferry to reach Suomenlinna Island. The island is a major monument of military architecture. The construction of the sea fortress on the islands just off Helsinki in the middle of the 18th century was the most extensive building project during Swedish rule. When it was complete, its military shipyard was one of the biggest dry docks in the world and centres of know-how at that time. At the end of Swedish rule, the fortress was being compared with the maritime fortifications of Gibraltar. The 250-year-old fortress, which has been preserved intact because of its military use, is today part of UNESCO’s World Heritage List.
Join your guide for a walking tour of the island.
From the fortress, head back to the mainland by ferry, where you will pass through the Market Square and enjoy free time before walking back to the ship.
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This tour involves approximately 1.5 miles (2 km) of walking on uneven ground and sand paths. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes. There are no inside visits included. The use of the local ferry is nonexclusive.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Stockholm beauty land and water
Covering the city districts of Södermalm, Gamla Stan, Norrmalm, Östermalm and Djurgården, this tour offers an excellent introduction to Stockholm from land and from the water.
Drive through the enchanting medieval Old Town, the Gamla Stan, with the Royal Palace dating from the 18th century, overlooking Stockholm's inner harbor. It is surrounded by many other magnificent old houses and palaces.
Continue past the Royal Opera House and through the modern shopping and business areas at Hamngatan and Sergels Torg.
Leave the coach and board a motor launch for a 50-minute Royal Canal tour into the Stockholm's National City Park.
Cruise along Strandvägen, one of the most exclusive areas in Stockholm, and through the green and lush park areas of Djurgården. Once a Royal hunting area, today Djurgården functions as Stockholm's amusement and recreation center. It is home to great parklands, beautiful gardens, cafés and restaurants, the Gröna Lund Tivoli, the Skansen Open-Air Museum and the well-known Vasa Museum, which houses the 17th-century warship Vasa.
Out on more open water, you will pass Fjäderholmarna, the Feather Islands. Continue past Prince Eugen's Waldemarsudde.
After the visit, reboard your coach for the panoramic return drive to the pier and your ship.
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This moderate tour involves some steps and approximately 200 meters of walking on uneven terrain (cobblestone streets in the old town). We recommend you wear good and comfortable shoes.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Stockholm city tour & Vasa Museum
From the pier, board your coach for a 30-minute drive towards the City Hall.
The imposing City Hall is beautifully situated by the shores of the Lake Mälaren. Inaugurated in 1923 after 12 years of work, it is renowned for its architecture, murals, and mosaics, as well as for being the site of the annual Nobel Prize banquet. Experience the grandeur and spaciousness of the impressive Blue Hall and Golden Chamber and enjoy the beautiful view from the Garden.
Witness the historic elegance of the exterior of the Royal Palace, dating from the 18th century but built on the remains of the old castle “Three Crowns”, which dates as far back as the 12th century. Built on a hill in the Old Town, the Royal Palace has no less than 608 rooms.
Continue with your guide for a walk along the narrow streets of the Old Town and experience the medieval intimacy of what is today a living historical monument of international renown. Savour the bohemian atmosphere and the sense of age in houses dating from the 16th to the 19th centuries with Baroque doorways and coats of arms. You will pass by Stockholm Cathedral (the oldest church in Stockholm) and the Great Square in the centre of the Old Town, which is dominated by the old Stock Exchange, today housing the Nobel (Prize) Museum and the Swedish Academy.
Next, reboard your coach and continue the panoramic sightseeing en route to the Vasa Museum, for a guided visit. The museum was built around a 17th century warship, which sank in Stockholm’s inner harbour on its maiden voyage in 1628. Salvaged in 1961 and today restored to its former glory, the Vasa represents an authentic piece of living history.
After the visit, reboard your coach for the panoramic return drive to the pier and your ship.
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This moderate tour involves some steps and approximately 2 km (1.24 mile) of walking on uneven terrain (cobblestone streets in the old town). We recommend you to wear good and comfortable shoes. Please note the City Hall may close on short notice due to special events. If so, a guided tour of the Royal Armoury will be offered.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Le Lapérouse
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.
Onboard this ship sailing under the French flag, you'll experience the incomparable pleasure of a cosily intimate cruise offering the possibility of exploring an ever-increasing range of destinations in an ethnic chic ambiance.
The Blue Eye, an underwater lounge offering a unique experience unlike anything else in the world.
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
DISCOVER OSLO (1 NIGHT)
Enhance your cruise and extend your trip with a carefully designed programme.
Day 1 – Oslo
Meet at Oslo 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 Radisson Blu Scandinavia hotel 4*.
Dinner at leisure.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 2 - Oslo
Breakfast.
Morning at leisure.
Lunch will be served in a local restaurant after check-out.
After lunch, you will enjoy a guided walking tour of Oslo, passing the City Hall; the National Theatre; the Royal Palace; Karl Johans gate, the city’s main street; the University of Oslo; the Storting building, housing the parliament of Norway; and the Oslo Opera House. Your guide will tell you all about the history of Norway’s capital, but also about its evolution through the ages and the different actions taken to make it a more sustainable city.
You will then be transferred to the pier of Oslo to embark on board your ship.
Your hotel:
The Radisson Blu Scandinavia hotel is conveniently located in the city center, making it ideal for discovering Oslo on foot. It also features an indoor pool and a sauna. Enjoy a drink at the hotel bar on the 21st floor for great view of Oslo and the nearby fjord.
Upgraded rooms are also available depending on availability and on a supplement basis. Contact your travel professional for further detail.
Your programme includes:
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1-night accommodation in Superior room at the Radisson Blu Scandinavia 4* (local standard) or similar, breakfast included.
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Meals as mentioned in the programme.
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Beverage package during meals (bottled water + 1 soft drink or 1 glass of wine or 1 local beer and 1 coffee or tea).
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Transfers and visits as mentioned in the programme.
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The services of a local English-speaking guide.
Your programme does not include:
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Dinner on day 1.
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Personal expenses.
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Tips for the driver and local guide.
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Other services not mentioned in the programme.
Please note:
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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:
Radisson Blu Scandinavia 4*
Holbergs gate 30
0166 Oslo, Norvège
Telephone: +4723293000
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 : £1,050
Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.NORWEGIAN RAILWAY ADVENTURE : FROM BERGEN TO OSLO (3 NIGHTS)
Enhance your cruise and extend your trip with a carefully designed programme.
Take advantage of four days to discover the Norwegian landscapes, traditions, and culture along the Bergensbanen railway from Bergen to Oslo.
Day 1 - Bergen
Meet at Bergen 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 Opus XVI hotel 4*.
Check-in your room.
The end of the day and the dinner are at leisure.
Day 2 – Bergen/Flåm/Voss
After breakfast, you will be transferred to Bergen train station.
The scenic train journey will take you through typical west Norwegian scenery along the narrow Sørfjord to the industrial centre of Dale and upwards to the Bolstadfjord and Voss River well known for its Salmon. You will reach the beautiful Vangs Lake at Voss and further through the picturesque Raundal Valley, after passing through the Graqvhalstunnel, you will arrive at Myrdal situated on a ridge above the Flåm valley. There, you will change train for the famous Flåm railway.
The Flåm railroad is one of the most interesting pieces of engineering in Norway. Only 20 kilometres long, it runs from Flåm station at sea level with an altitude of 867 metres to Myrdal. Enjoy the unique and impressive views up the steep valley between towering mountains and of the Kjosfossen waterfall where the water cascades between dark cliffs and the splendid panorama view that unfolds before your eyes.
Flåm is 2 metres above sea level, situated in the Aurlandsfjord, a branch of the Sognefjord and is 90 sea miles away from the North Sea. You will have some leisure time in this quiet village before lunch in a local restaurant.
After having lunch, the excursion continues by coach.
You will stop at the beautiful Tvindefoss waterfall, and at Gudvangen at the head of the Næroyfjord listed by UNESCO as the most beautiful fjord in the world, before reaching the district of Voss. The village is one of West Norway's finest agricultural areas and is well known tourist resort and a traffic junction between the Sognefjord and the Hardangerfjord.
In the evening, dinner and overnight at Fleischer’s hotel.
Day 3 – Voss/Oslo
Breakfast at the hotel and check-out.
You will depart the hotel in the morning by coach for a second day of exploration.
You will make your way through Norway’s sheer nature beauty to the Hardanger Juice and Cider Factory, located in the innermost part of the Hardanger Fjord at the fruit farm Lekve in Ulvik. Here you will get a guided tour of everything the farm can offer. Here they make apple juice and cider which plays an important role in the production of the farm since 2004, and the farm has since 2009 also started apple brandy production. Hardanger Cider, the fairy-tale drink, is also on the menu and is still being made according to old recipe, just with modern tools. You will get a chance to taste the products as part of your visit to the factory.
After this visit, you will be taken to Voss train station. You will begin your marvelous Oslo Railway journey to Oslo, often described as the most beautiful train ride in the world. You will ascend to over 4,000 feet above sea level as you cross the Hardangervidda plateau, featuring breath-taking views.
Upon your arrival to Oslo, you will walk a few steps to the Amerikalinjen hotel spend the overnight.
Dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 4 – Oslo
Breakfast at the hotel and morning at leisure, followed by check-out.
At the head of the approximately 100 kilometres long Oslofjord lays the capital of Norway, cradled between forest-clad hills with several islands spread out in the fjord in front. Many of these have summerhouses built on them, others belong to the community where it is free to go swimming and sunbathing. Incidentally, Oslo is the sunniest among the Scandinavian capitals statistically!
King Harald the Hardruler founded Oslo 1050 A.D. In the year 1624 the town was destroyed by fire and the Danish/Norwegian king at the time, Christian IV, decided to rebuild the city under the walls of the fortress of Akershus dating back to 1299. He named the new town “Christiania”, a name that was used right up to the year 1925 when it was decided to take back the original name “Oslo” which means the estuary of the river Lo.
Start your Oslo journey with a lunch in a local restaurant, perfectly located in Norway capital city.
After lunch, your guide will lead you by foot through the past historical buildings as the City Hall with its two impressive towers, which stood ready for the city’s 900 years’ jubilee in 1950. Norway's most distinguished artists contributed to the decorations of this modern landmark.
You will also discover the National Theatre with the statues of the writers Henrik Ibsen and Bjørnson in front. Then, you will pass the Royal palace that Karl Johan built and head up the main street “Karl Johan” named after King Karl Johan Bernadotte, the king of Sweden/Norway in the first half of the 19th century. At the far end the original University buildings from 1913 and Parliament “Stortinget”.
Finally, you will walk to Oslo’s newest building completed in 2008 – the Opera House.
You will experience the award-winning modern architecture and take a walk on the harbour.
The tour will end at the pier for embarkation.
Your hotels:
Opus XVI Hotel 4*, Bergen
The family name of the owners, Grieg, might ring a bell in your mind. They are relatives to the very famous Edvard Grieg, composer and pianist who was born and died in Bergen, in 1907. The hotel has a unique architecture with the main hall with its airy appearance, solid granite walls and ionic columns in polished marble. The building was designed by the architect Herman Schirmer and was later extended in two rounds. Architect Schak Bull – who also designed the home of Edvard Grieg – was responsible for the last expansion in 1918. Wonderful beds, an excellent location and attentive service, you will enjoy a unique atmosphere unlike any other, based on the rich heritage of Grieg and with the historic Vågsallmenningen 16 as a backdrop.
Fleischer’s Hotel 4*, Voss
Tucked in the mountains of western Norway, in the centre of the town Voss, you will find a modern hotel, with many traditions, which was built in 1889 in the popular Swiss style. Fleischer's Hotel is known for its venerable atmosphere, grand dining room and attentive host. Though more than 150 years in the tourism of western Norway, the hotel has helped build Voss as a tourist destination and is also committed in environment. The hotel got the Eco-lighthouse Ecolabel for the first time in 2013. The owners are passionate about sustainability and work systematically on limiting their footprint in nature.
Amerikalinjen 4*, Oslo
Here the journey began for thousands of hopeful Norwegians. They were going to travel with Amerikalinjen to the land of opportunity with the Norwegian America Line. The headquarter of the company opened in 1919, and 100 years later, a new breath permitted this iconic building reborn as a vibrant boutique hotel, designed for the modern explorer.
Your programme includes:
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1-night accommodation in Opus XVI hotel 4*, local standards (or similar) including breakfast.
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1-night accommodation in Fleischer’s hotel 4*, local standards (or similar) including breakfast.
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1-night accommodation in Amerikalinjen hotel 4*, local standards (or similar) including breakfast.
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Meals as mentioned in the programme.
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Beverages package during meals (mineral water + 1 soft drink or 1 local beer + 1 coffee or tea).
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Train tickets, transfers and visits as mentioned in the programme.
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The services of a local English-speaking guide.
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Hospitality desk at your hotel on the day of your arrival.
Your programme does not include:
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Personal expenses.
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Tips for the driver and local guide.
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Other services not mentioned in the programme.
Please note:
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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.
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Your main luggage will be transported separately on day 2 and 4. We higly recommend you to pack a small luggage to carry on with you during theses days.
Contact of your hotels:
Opus XVI hotel
Vågsallmenningen 16
5014 Bergen
Norway
Telephone number: +47 53 01 22 00
Fleischer’s hotel
Evangervegen 13
5704 Voss
Norway
Telephone number: +47 56 52 05 00
Amerikalinjen hotel
Jernbanetorget 2
0154 Oslo
Norway
Telephone number: +47 21 40 59 00
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 : £2,920
Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.Trip to Marstrand, a Swedish beauty
Set off to discover Marstrand, an island on the western coast of Sweden, located about 40 kilometres (25 miles) from Gothenburg. You will fall under the charm of its highly renowned marina and the Carlsten Fortress that overlooks the city.
Disembarking in Marstrand, you will immediately notice the unique character of this elegant and wild island, edged with coves, beaches and forests. With no cars allowed, the small medieval town has a serene atmosphere, making it a veritable haven of peace. Known for attracting the world’s best sailors and large crowds (including the royal family) during spectacular regattas every year, Marstrand can therefore be visited on foot, unveiling its magnificent old white wooden houses and small cobbled streets full of charm. This splendid setting is reminiscent of the glorious merchant past of the island, which became Swedish in the 17th century.
After a steep walk, the excursion continues with the discovery of the Carlsten Fortress, which dominates the town. This famous prison dating back to the 17th century has magnificent views over the Gothenburg archipelago. A special visit led by a guide wearing a uniform from the past will plunge you into the ambiance of a fortress from that era, with its dungeons, its gallows and its chapel…
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The level of difficulty of this excursion is moderate. The walk up to the fortress is on a slope.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Strolling the streets of Marstrand
It is impossible not to fall under the charm of Marstrand, a small medieval island located on the west coast, known as “the sunny coast”, of Sweden, some 40 km (25 miles) from Gothenburg. This holiday spot, popular with the Swedish (including the royal family), is best discovered on foot to understand all its features and gentle way of life.
Edged with wild beaches and secret creeks, Marstrand is a haven of peace where no cars are allowed. Succumb to the charms of its cobbled streets, it marina, which attracts the cream of sailors every year thanks to its spectacular regatta, and its houses in sculpted white wood. Higher up, Carlsten Fortress, a famous prison dating back to the 17th century, watches over the town and offers a viewpoint stretching over the horizon.
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This excursion will be at a pleasant pace. Nonetheless, we recommend you wear comfortable clothing and walking shoes
Price range:
Find out more
€: the excursion price is less than €50.
The price of the excursion will be available approximately two months prior to the cruise departure.
The complete programme of excursions, including up-to-date prices, will be provided with the Travel book that you will receive before the departure of your cruise.
PONANT also allows you to pre-book your excursions approximately two months prior to the cruise* departure. Billing is done on board.
*Excluding Expedition cruises.
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
City tour & canal cruise
Enjoy aextensive views of "wonderful, wonderful Copenhagen", as the song goes, by land and water.
Start your tour by meeting your local guide and board the coach that will take you on a panoramic sightseeing tour of Copenhagen city center. You will pass by Rosenborg Castle and the Church of our Lady before arriving at Copenhagen central station, the City Hall Square and the Tivoli Gardens. Next on the tour, you will see Christiansborg palace, home to the Danish parliament, and the old Stock Exchange, before crossing the water and making your way to Christianshavn, an idyllic harbor district built by Denmark's most famous king, Christian IV. Stop at the massive Opera house and enjoy the magnificent view over the water to Amalienborg palace, home of the Danish monarch.
Step onboard a canal boat for a tour of approx. 50 min of Copenhagen's canals. Cruise through the canals of Christianshavn, a charming area featuring houseboats, picturesque old buildings, the Church of Our Savior, and the Black Diamond of Copenhagen and cruise around the socalled Island of Power before continuing towards the most famous land-mark in Copenhagen, The statue of the Little Mermaid, inspired by the fairytales of Hans Christian Andersen. Your guide will tell you the tragic story of the mermaid who paid the highest price for becoming a human being. Having committed your visit to the Little Mermaid to memory, enjoy the short walk back to your waiting ship.
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This tour includes less than 1 km (just over half a mile) of walking. Please note the order of the visits may be reversed. In the event of strong winds, or high tide, the canal boat may not be able to enter all the canals, and an alternative route will be taken. The canal boat is covered. If there are English and French speaking guests on the same tour, the guides will take the smaller group towards the back of the boat during the canl tour. Participants must be physically able to embark and disembark the canal boat.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Royal Highlights
From the pier, board you motor coach and depart on tour of Copenhagen's history and culture. Copenhagen has an extensive royal history, as Denmark is the oldest monarchy in the world.
Begin your tour with a stop at the most famous little lady in Copenhagen, the statue of the Little Mermaid, a small bronze figure inspired by the fairytales author Hans Christian Andersen. Although she may not be royal, she plays a big role in Danish cultural heritage.
From the Little Mermaid it is just a short drive to the small and quaint Rosenborg Castle. Rosenborg Castle was built by King Christian IV, probably the most famous king in the history of Denmark, who created several landmarks including Nyboder, the Old Stock Exchange, and Holmens Kirke, built for King Christian IV's navy personnel.
You will then visit Christianborg Palace, which was originally built on the ruins of Copenhagen Castle. This palace is now home to the Danish Parliament abd the Supreme Court, and also houses the state rooms. A visit to the Queen's reception rooms, where the Queen receives foreign ambassadors and visiting heads of state, is featured during your visit. Highlights include the 17 tapestries in the Knight's Hall, depicting one thousand years of Danish history. The tapestries took ten years to weave and were presented to the Queen on her 50th birthday in 1990. Recently, the palace was used to celebrate the Queen's 50 years Jubilee.
Cross the King's New Square and catch a glimpse of the Nyhavn habor district before arriving at the majestic Odd Fellows Mansion. The mansion was built in 1752 as a private home for one the many noble families who served the royal family.
Enjoy lunch in one of the royal rooms inside the mansion and taste some typical Danish delicacies which are not just enjoyed by the Danes to-day, but also feature in Denmark's gastronomic history.
From the Odd Fellows Mansion, it is just a short walk to Amalienborg Palace Square. The sprawling octagonal courtyard links four rococo mansions and the impressive Marble Church, which is regarded as one of Europe's finest examples of absolutism architecture. The squared is widely considered one of the most beautiful in Europe. It is now home to the royal family, as it has been since 1794, and houses numerous heirlooms and the charming Amaliehaven park.
Take some photos at both the Palace Square and the park before reboarding your coach to return to your ship.
- This tour includes some steps and 2,5 km (1,5 miles) of walking, sometimes over cobblestones. We recommend wearing comfortable shoes.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Nature and villages of Bornholm
From the pier, board your bus for a 30-minute drive and start your adventure around the island and through the lush Danish countryside. Drive along the northern coast of this little island situated far from the rest of Denmark in the Baltic Sea. Enjoy the unspoiled landscape and cliffs along the coast and drive through the little village of Allinge before reaching your first stop, the ruins of Hammershus.
Hammershus is the largest ruined castle in Northern Europe. The oldest part of the ruin dates back to the early 12th century and was erected to consolidate control of the island by Archbishop of Lund in the south of Sweden, which also used to be a part of Denmark. Enjoy the magnificent view of the ruin from the viewing point and explore the visitor center where you can learn more about the ruin and the kings who ruled the island.
Next, enjoy the journey to the south of Bornholm, arriving at its biggest town Rønne. Rønne is the largest town on the Danish island of Bornholm. Owing to its natural harbour and its strategic position in the Baltic Sea, Rønne has an interesting history, falling under both German and Swedish influence during its development as a herring fishing port. You will take a stroll along the cobbled streets and enjoy the coloured timbered and half-timbered houses. Rønne is now one of the most visited and popular villages in Denmark. Enjoy time exploring the capital on your own.
Along the northern coast, you will travel into the countryside passing the famous round church of Østerlars , where a uick photo stop will be made (outside visit), which dates back to 1150. It was used both as a place of worship and as protection against enemies from the sea.
Taking the coastal road, you will then travel back to Gudhjem, where you will have the opportunity to walk from the top of the village down the winding narrow streets with your guide before your journey ends where it began.
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This tour involves approximately 400 meters (0.3 mile) of walking on flat terrain. Please note the order of the visits may be reversed.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
The best of Bornholm
From Gudhjem, you will board your coach and begin your scenic tour through the picturesque farmlands of the small Baltic island of Bornholm belonging to Denmark. On the way, you will enjoy the coastal landscape, heading to the Baltic Sea Glass workshop, located a few kilometers from Gudhjem. Baltic Sea Glass is Denmark's largest glass blowing studio, for which the island is famous. The studio and gallery are set in a converted chicken coop. Today, Baltic Sea Glass welcomes between 100,000 and 120,000 visitors every year. Although they mainly design and produce functional tabletop glassware, the workshop also creates unique pieces for galleries and museum exhibitions.
At the end of the tour, you will continue to Almindingen, on the other side of the island. In one of Denmark's largest forest areas, you will discover Oesterlars round church, one of the four round churches located on Bornholm (representing half of all round churches in Denmark). A visit inside the church is planned, provided that no religious services are scheduled.
The next stop is at Hammershus, an ancient fortress built on the northern tip of Bornholm. These are the largest castle ruins in Northern Europe. The oldest part was built in the early 12th century to consolidate the power held by the Archbishop of Lund (then part of Denmark) over the island and obtained through an agreement with the Danish king, Svend Grathe. For the next 500 years Hammershus was home to various rulers of the island. Hammershus has been rebuilt and expanded several times. In 1743, Hammershus was finally abandoned as a fortress.
You visit will end with a stop in the charming village of Allinge where you will visit one of the smokehouses for that the island is also renowned. During this visit, you can taste smoked herring and an icecold beer before making the short return trip to the village of Gudhjem to board your ship.
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Approx 2 km - gravel, concrete, mostly flat - but there are stairs at Hammershus. The stairs to go on the roof of the church are narrow and dark. Guests are advised to wear comfortable walking shoes. Please note, there is no guarantee that the glassblowers will be working at the time of the visit.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Kuressaare and its beer-brewing tradition
Visit a brewery and taste the local island beer before discovering the main sites in the island of Saaremaa’s capital.
You will take the bus to Kuressaare and the Pöide Brewery, which is continuing a long brewing tradition and offers a diverse range of local beers. The brewery was founded in 2013 in a small family farm near the medieval Pöide church; demand became so strong that it was transferred into the heart of Saaremaa, in the charming town of Kuressaare. Its new home - an Art Deco style industrial building with a large hall - is a reference to the Pöide church and is spacious enough to welcome visitors from all over the world.
Following the visit of the brewery and a beer tasting, you will be able to discover the capital itself. The guide will take you to the main sites, then you will have some free time to enjoy a cup of coffee before returning to the port.
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This visit involves 1 km (0.6 miles) of walking on uneven and cobbled surfaces with some steps to negotiate. The minimum legal age for beer tasting is 18. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and clothing.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Landscapes and heritage of Saaremaa
Fall under the spell of Estonia’s largest island through its typical villages, windmills, lake and large town.
Your visit of the island will begin with a scenic bus tour of its typical landscapes. You will drive through an old local village, Leisi, to the Angla windmill hill, where you will be able to admire an impressive exhibition of five windmills which have survived since the start of the last century.
You will then visit the charming little Karja Church, dating from the Middle Ages and famous for its decorative elements and its wall frescoes.
You will get back on the road for a short trip to Kaali Lake, at the bottom of a crater caused by a meteorite falling thousands of years ago. It is estimated that the meteorite fell here in 700 BC, forming a lake that is 16 metres (50 feet) deep and is considered Saaremaa’s most extraordinary geological marvel.
Enjoy a little free time in the centre of Kuressaare, the largest town on the island. You will be able to buy pretty local handicrafts or have a cup of coffee in one of the town’s many cafés.
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This visit involves walking 1 km (0.6 miles) on uneven and cobbled surfaces with some steps to negotiate. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and clothing.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Saaremaa, pearl of the Baltic Sea
Set off to discover Estonia’s largest island, where wild nature and ancestral history co-exist in a unique atmosphere. With its sea, lakes, forests, windmills and medieval castles, Saaremaa will not leave you indifferent as it unveils its breathtaking scenery.
Your adventure will begin in a car driving through the island’s magical landscapes, between forests and fields, passing via the pretty village of Leisi and the hill adorned with windmills in Angla, where you will stop to admire cinq typical wooden windmills that date back to the last century and are considered to be some of the main symbols of the island.
The excursion will continue with a visit to Saaremaa’s veritable geological curiosity, Lake Kaali, with its atmosphere full of mystery. In reality, the lake is a crater caused by a meteorite falling to Earth almost 7,000 years ago and forming a lake with a 110- metre (360-foot) diameter.
In the island’s capital, Kuressaare, you will visit the medieval castle, one of the town’s most important sites, dating back to the 14th century. Now converted into a museum, it has kept its original form and is perfectly conserved. A little walk in the castle park will enable you to admire this beautiful building, which bears witness to Saaremaa’s rich past. After a short wander around the old town, you will be able to enjoy lunch in a typical and charming restaurant, in the heart of the medieval city.
The day will end with a visit to the Mihkli Farm Museum. Created in 1959, it recreates the activities of a typical 19th-century Estonian farm; everything here has been made by the inhabitants of the six generations living there for 200 years. It is an extraordinary testimony to rural life on the island in the past.
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The level of difficulty of this excursion is medium. The ground is flat, with uneven surfaces and some stairs.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Traditional farm, folk show and visit of Kuressaare
Dive into the island’s agricultural past by visiting an 18th century farm and attend a folk show before touring the main sites of Kuressaare.
Start your visit with a journey through the island’s beautiful countryside to the Mihkli Farm Museum. Founded in the 18th century, this farm was converted into a museum in 1959, when the last owner transferred the buildings and all their contents to the Saaremaa Museum.
A typical farm to the west of Saaremaa, Mihkli Farm contains many everyday objects such as an old loom, hand-made furniture, and also tableware: bowls for soup or porridge, beer mugs (the oldest dates back to 1816), tins for butter and salted fish, etc.
After exploring the farm, you will be able to taste a local beer while attending a colourful folk show on the farm’s premises.
Continue your visit to Kuressaare, the island’s capital and largest town. You will visit it by bus, stopping off at the most important sites.
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This excursion involves walking around 1 km (0.6 miles) on uneven and cobbled ground with some steps to negotiate. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and clothing.
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Gothic treasures of Tallinn
Immerse yourself in the medieval history of the Estonian capital through its emblematic monuments.
From the pier, your coach will take you through the modern part of the city before reaching the Old Town and stopping at the tall Pikk Hermann tower for a panoramic view of the imposing castle to which it is attached. You will then walk to the Kiek in de Kok tower to enjoy a superb view of the upper town’s towers and bell towers.
You will continue your visit on foot from the Hanseatic Old Town, past the Church of the Transfiguration, the Nun’s Gate, and the many merchant houses. On the way, admire the stunning Gothic facades of the guild houses as well as the Church of the Holy Spirit, home to Tallinn’s oldest clock.
Sitting in the centre of the square, the 15th-century town hall is one of few Gothic monuments from that period to be found in Europe. You will visit the Citizens’ Hall, now used for hosting receptions and concerts, as well as the Council Hall with its 15th-century furniture.
You will then admire the other buildings lining the square, including the shopfront of the apothecary, which is probably the oldest pharmacy in Europe, having been trading since 1422. After some free time, you will return to your coach via the Viru Gate, one of three gates that remain from the old city wall.
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This tour involves around 4 km (2.5 miles) of walking on a mainly flat, cobbled surface, and some twenty stairs. This tour is not recommended for people with difficulties walking. The coach trip takes approximately 15 minutes. We recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Tallinn & folklore
Tallinn is a wonderfully preserved city of the Hanseatic League with its old town entered in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Departing from the pier, your coach will circle around the Old town, offering magnificent views of the medieval city wall.
You will start your guided walking tour in the Upper Town with its watch-towers, graceful spires and winding, cobbled streets. Visit the Russian Orthodox Church, inaugurated in 1900 and filled with a stunning array of superb icons. You will view the exterior of the castle which is now the seat of Estonia's parliament. Built on a cliff top the Upper Town provides superb vantage point from which to view the red gabled roofs and spires of the Lower Town.
Your tour will continue as you follow your guide down Long and Short Leg Streets to the Lower Town. The first visit here will be to a historical building in the city centre where you will be treated to a delightful Estonian folk show.
Once you are rested and ready to resume your touring, you will continue with a walking tour of the Lower Town. Among the highlights is the apothecary, which opened in 1422, the Great Guild House, Holy Ghost Church and the 15th century Gothic Town Hall (all from outside). Here in the heart of Tallinn, you will enjoy some free time before rejoining your coach and returning to the pier.
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This tour involves 4 km (2.48 miles) of walking, mostly on cobblestone streets, and about 100 steps to climb. We recommend that you wear comfortable shoes. Appropriate dress is recommended to enter religious sites (shoulders and knees must be covered). Please note that the church may be closed on Sundays due to religious service. It is not recommended for persons with walking difficulties.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Historic sights of Tallinn and Kadriorg Palace
This tour will give you an insight into the iconic, historic and cultural sites of Tallinn's Old Town, including the Kadriorg Palace.
You will board your bus from the quay, with your guide, for a trip to the Upper Town.
You will stop at the foot of Dome Hill to walk to Palace Square. From here, you can see the towers of the medieval wall, as well as the Parliament building and Nevsky Cathedral.
You will continue to Kadriorg Park, Estonia's largest urban park. Kadriorg Park and Palace were founded by order of Peter the Great, who named the park in honour of his wife Catherine. You will start your visit at the park's edge, and walk to the palace, a remarkable symbol of Tallinn's Baroque architecture. The palace displays a small but valuable collection of foreign art in Estonia.
After admiring the art treasures, you will walk back to the parking lot to reboard your coach. Before returning to the Old Town, you will pass the Song Festival grounds, an important Estonian cultural landmark.
Upon reaching the Lower Town, you will begin your guided walking tour of this compact, well-preserved Hanseatic merchant town. You will have an impressive view of the castle, the towers of the city wall and numerous medieval houses before reaching the town hall square with its 15th-century pharmacy and the Gothic town hall. Walk through the Sainte-Catherine's Passage and enjoy some free time.
Finally, your bus will take you back to the quay and your ship.
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This tour includes 5 m (3,1 miles) of walking on uneven, sometimes steep surfaces. There are around 30 steps to negotiate. We recommend that you wear comfortable clothes and shoes.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Helsinki highlights
From the pier, drive towards Sibelius Park. It was named after Finland's greatest composer Jean Sibelius on his 80th birthday in 1945. Here you can view the Sibelius Monument designed by Eila Hiltunen.
Then proceed to Temppeliaukio Church. Built from the natural bedrock, it is one of Helsinki's most popular tourist attractions. The interior walls are created naturally by the rock, hence its nickname the Rock Church. The church was opened in 1969. Due to its excellent acoustics, the church is a popular venue for concerts.
After the visit, drive to Senate Square; it is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful urban squares in the world. The square is dominated by four buildings designed by Carl Ludvig Engel between 1822 and 1852: Helsinki Cathedral, the Government Palace, the main building of the University of Helsinki and the National Library of Finland.
Next, walk down from Senate Square to the very lively Market Place. Here, discover the real heart of Helsinki and enjoy free time walking around and tasting local foods. Re-board the coach for the return drive to the pier and ship.
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This tour involves 1 mile (1,5 km) of walking on flat but uneven terrain and cobblestone streets. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Suomenlinna Fortress
From the Market Square, board a local ferry to reach Suomenlinna Island. The island is a major monument of military architecture. The construction of the sea fortress on the islands just off Helsinki in the middle of the 18th century was the most extensive building project during Swedish rule. When it was complete, its military shipyard was one of the biggest dry docks in the world and centres of know-how at that time. At the end of Swedish rule, the fortress was being compared with the maritime fortifications of Gibraltar. The 250-year-old fortress, which has been preserved intact because of its military use, is today part of UNESCO’s World Heritage List.
Join your guide for a walking tour of the island.
From the fortress, head back to the mainland by ferry, where you will pass through the Market Square and enjoy free time before walking back to the ship.
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This tour involves approximately 1.5 miles (2 km) of walking on uneven ground and sand paths. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes. There are no inside visits included. The use of the local ferry is nonexclusive.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Stockholm beauty land and water
Covering the city districts of Södermalm, Gamla Stan, Norrmalm, Östermalm and Djurgården, this tour offers an excellent introduction to Stockholm from land and from the water.
Drive through the enchanting medieval Old Town, the Gamla Stan, with the Royal Palace dating from the 18th century, overlooking Stockholm's inner harbor. It is surrounded by many other magnificent old houses and palaces.
Continue past the Royal Opera House and through the modern shopping and business areas at Hamngatan and Sergels Torg.
Leave the coach and board a motor launch for a 50-minute Royal Canal tour into the Stockholm's National City Park.
Cruise along Strandvägen, one of the most exclusive areas in Stockholm, and through the green and lush park areas of Djurgården. Once a Royal hunting area, today Djurgården functions as Stockholm's amusement and recreation center. It is home to great parklands, beautiful gardens, cafés and restaurants, the Gröna Lund Tivoli, the Skansen Open-Air Museum and the well-known Vasa Museum, which houses the 17th-century warship Vasa.
Out on more open water, you will pass Fjäderholmarna, the Feather Islands. Continue past Prince Eugen's Waldemarsudde.
After the visit, reboard your coach for the panoramic return drive to the pier and your ship.
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This moderate tour involves some steps and approximately 200 meters of walking on uneven terrain (cobblestone streets in the old town). We recommend you wear good and comfortable shoes.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Stockholm city tour & Vasa Museum
From the pier, board your coach for a 30-minute drive towards the City Hall.
The imposing City Hall is beautifully situated by the shores of the Lake Mälaren. Inaugurated in 1923 after 12 years of work, it is renowned for its architecture, murals, and mosaics, as well as for being the site of the annual Nobel Prize banquet. Experience the grandeur and spaciousness of the impressive Blue Hall and Golden Chamber and enjoy the beautiful view from the Garden.
Witness the historic elegance of the exterior of the Royal Palace, dating from the 18th century but built on the remains of the old castle “Three Crowns”, which dates as far back as the 12th century. Built on a hill in the Old Town, the Royal Palace has no less than 608 rooms.
Continue with your guide for a walk along the narrow streets of the Old Town and experience the medieval intimacy of what is today a living historical monument of international renown. Savour the bohemian atmosphere and the sense of age in houses dating from the 16th to the 19th centuries with Baroque doorways and coats of arms. You will pass by Stockholm Cathedral (the oldest church in Stockholm) and the Great Square in the centre of the Old Town, which is dominated by the old Stock Exchange, today housing the Nobel (Prize) Museum and the Swedish Academy.
Next, reboard your coach and continue the panoramic sightseeing en route to the Vasa Museum, for a guided visit. The museum was built around a 17th century warship, which sank in Stockholm’s inner harbour on its maiden voyage in 1628. Salvaged in 1961 and today restored to its former glory, the Vasa represents an authentic piece of living history.
After the visit, reboard your coach for the panoramic return drive to the pier and your ship.
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This moderate tour involves some steps and approximately 2 km (1.24 mile) of walking on uneven terrain (cobblestone streets in the old town). We recommend you to wear good and comfortable shoes. Please note the City Hall may close on short notice due to special events. If so, a guided tour of the Royal Armoury will be offered.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
A GLIMPSE OF SIGTUNA FROM STOCKHOLM
Travel with peace of mind as PONANT organises your day time between your port of disembarkation and the airport.
Stockholm
After disembarkation procedures are completed, you will be greeted at the port of Stockholm by our local English-speaking representative.
From the comfort of your coach, you will enjoy a scenic countryside en route to Sigtuna, an idyllic little town, approximately 45-minute drive north of Stockholm and 15-minute drive of the airport. A lovely city beautifully situated between the Lake Mälaren and cultivated areas bearing countless traces of old cultural traditions.
Sigtuna was founded around 980 on the threshold of a new age as the Viking period became the medieval period, and Sweden united into one kingdom. Sigtuna became the first Christian town in Sweden, a centre of the new religion.
Many stone churches were erected but only the ruins of three of them remain to be seen. During your guide visit, you will discover this charming town with picturesque wooden houses, and narrow alleys.
You will then be transferred to the airport in time for check-in for the PONANT selected flight.
Your programme includes:
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Transfer and visit as mentioned in the programme.
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Services of a local English-speaking guide.
Your programme does not include:
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Lunch.
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Tips for the driver and local guide.
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Personal expenses.
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Other services not mentioned in the programme .
Please note:
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This is an orientation drive of the city and only photo stops and exterior visits will be made.
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 : £150
Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.