Guest Speaker 
Deluxe Stateroom Deck 3
15% Ponant Bonus
204 ft²
2
Norwegian fjords
Bergen - Oslo
Dates:
06/07/2024
to
13/07/2024
days
nights on board
This is where nature has shaped its most majestic masterpieces… Majestic fjords bordered by monumental cliffs cutting into the coastline of the North Sea, legendary lands featuring fascinating fauna, vertiginous waterfalls tumbling from immense rock walls. Norway will open its doors to you for a unique 8-day journey from Bergen to Oslo, through these ancestral lands, home to myths, conquest and geological wonders.
The seven mountains overlooking the old town and the Hanseatic wharf, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, in Norway’s former capital (in the 12th and 13th centuries) grow distant. You will head out to sea, sailing south for the charming city of Alesund. Fall in love with the Art Nouveau architecture of this historic city, which is surrounded by a ring of rocky islets, enchanting fjord inlets and majestic mountains. It lies anchored opposite Giske, the home island of Rollo, the great Viking chieftain renowned for his many Nordic expeditions to Normandy.
The fjords region, the highlight of your odyssey, is approaching. Beneath a misty sky, you will see the imposing dark rock walls of these natural wonders, whose calm waters were explored by Viking drakkars almost ten centuries ago. These geological treasures will immerse you in a universe that is as inhospitable as it is captivating. Hellesylt and its impressive cliffs with their vertiginous waterfalls; Olden and its closeness to the Jostedalsbreen National Park, which is home to the Briksdal Glacier, one of the last ice caps in Europe; Lysefjorden and its mythical Preikestolen, a majestic pulpit-shaped cliff: these all offer a unique, stunning and unforgettable experience.
You will now set sail south for the historic and wild southern tip of Norway. In Stavanger, plunge into the fantastic universe of the legendary and emblematic Vikings, who were explorers and traders but also pirates. Here, an immersion into the Iron Age awaits; you will discover the ancestral traditions of these larger-than-life characters as you visit a reconstructed traditional village or emblematic sites. Then, in Arendal, once known as the Venice of the North because of its many canals, you may take the time to contemplate this intact and preserved immense space, composed of conifer forests and long pebble beaches ; these bear testimony to the retreat of a huge glacier, around 12,000 years ago, which left an enormous amount of rock behind.
For its grand finale, your enchanting journey will end in Oslo, the Norwegian capital, a city buzzing with singular energy.
Ref : EC060724
Your itinerary
A unique cruise discovering ancestral Viking heritage and exploring the most emblematic fjords in Norway. UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Bergen and the Hanseatic port of Bryggen (embarkation port). Enchanting...
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Additional services
For more peace of mind, PONANT selects stays and flights then takes care of your transfers for your trip as well as shore visits before and after the cruise.
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LE LYRIAL
07/11/2023 to the 22/11/2023
LE LYRIAL
01/10/2023 to the 08/10/2023
LE PAUL GAUGUIN
LE COMMANDANT CHARCOT
06/02/2024 to the 03/03/2024
LE BORÉAL
07/07/2024 to the 20/07/2024
*Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability, and subject to change at any time. The category of stateroom to which this price applies may no longer be available.
Services provided
- 24-hour room service
- Inclusive Wifi internet access (availability dependent on navigation and latitude)
- Individually-controlled air conditioning
- Dressing room with shelves and closet
- Dressing table and hairdryer
- Dyptique Paris top-of-the-line bath products
- Minibar
- Nespresso coffee maker and boiler
- Electronic safe
- Direct line telephone
- Bose Bluetooth speaker
- Flat screen TV, international channels (availability dependent on navigation) and videos on demand
- 110V American (two flat pins)/220V European (round sockets with two round pins)
- Two ADA staterooms
Select your stateroom category
Ideal clothes for life on board:
During the days spent on board, you are advised to wear comfortable clothes or casual outfits. The entire ship is air-conditioned, so a light sweater, a light jacket or a shawl may be necessary. When moving about in the public areas of the ship and the decks, light but comfortable shoes are recommended.
Informal evening:
In the evening, you are advised to wear smart-casual attire, especially when dining in our restaurants where wearing shorts and tee-shirts is not allowed.
For women:
- Simple dress
- Skirt or trousers
- Blouse
- Polo
For men:
- Pleated trousers or chinos
- Sports jacket
- Shirt
- Polo
Officer’s evening:
For all cruises longer than 8 nights, an Officer’s Evening with a white dress code may be organized. Therefore, we encourage you to bring a stylish white outfit for the occasion (otherwise black and white).
Gala evening:
During the cruise, two gala evenings will be organised on board. Thus, we recommend that you bring one or two formal outfits.
For women:
- Cocktail attire
- Evening dress (if you wish to)
For men:
- Dark suit
- Tie recommended, possibly bow tie (if you wish to)
SHOP:
A small shop is available on board offering a wide range of outfits, jewellery, leather goods and many accessories.
A laundry service (washing/ironing) is available on board, but unfortunately there are no dry cleaning services. For safety reasons, your cabin is not equipped with an iron.
ACCESSORIES:
- Polarized sunglasses
- Swimsuit (for the Spa on board)
- Gym wear (fitness)
- Battery charger and memory cards for your camera
- Mobile phone charger
- Hat/cap
HEALTH CARE:
- Sunscreen and after-sun lotion
- Medications and prescriptions
OUTFITS ON BOARD:
- Casual outfits for the day
- Smarter outfits for dinners
- Elegant outfits for Gala evenings
- White or black and white outfit
PRECAUTIONS:
In your hand luggage, remember to bring any medicines that you need, and possibly a small spare bag of toiletries (in case of delay in the delivery of your baggage by the airline). Remember to always have your travel documents with you in case you need them: hotel vouchers, cruise vouchers, return flight tickets... Never leave them in your hold luggage.
All our cabins have a safe. We recommend not to go ashore with valuable jewellery.
PONANT activities
Highlights
- A unique cruise discovering ancestral Viking heritage and exploring the most emblematic fjords in Norway.
- UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Bergen and the Hanseatic port of Bryggen (embarkation port).
- Enchanting natural settings, featuring monumental granite cliffs with vertiginous waterfalls, verdant canopy with striking biodiversity, granite hills dotted with tufts of greenery, age-old glaciers, picturesque colourful villages, and so on.
- Discovering Viking heritage, with millennial history, vestiges of settlements and ancestral customs.
- Possibility of a walk along the foot of one of the most beautiful glaciers in Europe, the Briksdal, from Olden.
- Sailing in the Lysefjorden, which means “the fjord of light”, bordered by granite cliffs that rise several hundred metres high.
- From Stavanger, the opportunity to discover a reconstructed traditional village in Ullandhaug.
Ports of Call & Excursions
6 July 2024 - Bergen
Embarkation 06/07/2024 from 18:00 to 19:00
Departure 06/07/2024 at 20:00
Located at the end of Byfjord, Bergen was the capital of Norway in the 12th and 13th Centuries and has preserved some very beautiful monuments from the time when it was home to royalty. Wandering through Bergen’s streets means going back in time, in search of the hidden treasures that have been listed as World Heritage Sites by UNESCO. A veritable openair museum, Bergen is home to a thriving artistic community of painters, potters, jewellers. The Bergen cable car offers you a splendid panorama over the port and the surrounding fjords. Do not miss the visit to the old quarter with its narrow streets, a testimony of the power of the hanseatic League that controlled trade in Northern Europe at the end of the Middle Ages.
7 July 2024 - Alesund
Arrival 07/07/2024 midday
Departure 07/07/2024 early evening
Surrounded by a multitude of islands, fjords and majestic mountains, the town of Ålesund surprises many visitors. In fact, it is internationally renowned for its Art nouveau architecture. After the terrible fire of 1904 which reduced a large part of the town to ashes, Norwegian architects inspired by the Art nouveau style contributed to its reconstruction, with a very picturesque result. Not far from Ålesund, you will also discover Giske, the native island of Rollon, the great Viking leader who commanded the Norse expeditions to Normandy, or the beautiful island of Godoy and the village of Alnes, which offers a grandiose panorama over the Atlantic Ocean and the surrounding islands.
8 July 2024 - Hellesylt
Arrival 08/07/2024 early morning
Departure 08/07/2024 late afternoon
Hellesylt is a small village located 20 kilometres from the Geiranger site. Here, you’ll get a taste of a traditional Norwegian village. Colourful houses, wooden walkways, rustic stalls where you can have a refreshment before heading off to discover more of the local colour. The surroundings are simply magnificent with cliffs, mountains and lakes with peaceful waters. The village is crossed by a river whose charming cascade tumbles into the fjord waters.
9 July 2024 - Olden
Arrival 09/07/2024 early morning
Departure 09/07/2024 midday
With its two wooden churches, one red and the other white, plus its breathtaking view of the mouth of the river Oldeelva, Olden looks just like a picture post card. Located a few kilometres from the Jostedalsbreen park, home to one of the last glacier polar icecaps, this little village is a definite must for exploring the blue languages of the Briksdal or Kjennalen glaciers. Make sure you find some time to visit the Norwegian Glacier Museum. Absolutely amazing. Another gem is lake Lovatn and its turquoise waters inviting you to quiet contemplation.
10 July 2024 - Stavanger
Arrival 10/07/2024 late morning
Departure 10/07/2024 mid afternoon
At the far end of the country, stands the harbour town of Stavanger, with its warm, friendly atmosphere. A friendliness you’ll notice in the little old town cobbled streets, which has some 170 old wooden houses, as well as in its modern city centre, always bustling. Strategic place during the Viking era, you will be able to discover a recreated traditional village as well as the famous Swords in Rock, three granite swords standing 10 metres (33 ft) tall, symbolising the last victory of the King of Norway Harald I, in 872.
10 July 2024 - Sailing in Lysefjorden
Arrival 10/07/2024
Departure 10/07/2024
You will sail into the heart of one of Norway’s most breathtaking fjords, its marvellous décor dominated by pristine nature, between vertiginous granite cliffs, crystal-clear waters and luxuriant vegetation. Very close to Stavanger, the quiet waters of Lysefjorden stretch out over around forty kilometres, beneath impressive rocks. Admire the world-famous site of Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock), a majestic cliff in the shape of a pulpit that rises to more than 600 metres above the waters. A bit further on, Flørli, from the top of its 4,444 steps, is the world’s longest wooden stairway, whereas the Kjerag, with its mythical boulder wedged between two rock faces, provides an unusual and unforgettable spectacle.
11 July 2024 - Arendal
Arrival 11/07/2024 midday
Departure 11/07/2024 early evening
A port city located on Norway’s southern coast, Arendal is considered as the municipality enjoying the best climate in the country. This town in the Sorlandet region has also long been renowned for its iron ore mines: their operation in the 19th century produced a particularly resistant magnetite ore. The Raet National Park, the only protected area on the eastern coast of Norway, is not far away; here, you will fall in love with its raw nature, with silver and emerald reflections, dotted with immense coniferous forests and long pebble beaches.
12 July 2024 - Göteborg (Gothenburg)
Arrival 12/07/2024 early morning
Departure 12/07/2024 early afternoon
Nestling on the western coast of Sweden, at the junction of the Göta River and the Kattegat sea area, Gothenburg enchants and surprises. Authentic and welcoming, this city of canals, edged with many green spaces, has a rich maritime history, making it Sweden’s most important port. Going beyond its commercial influence, “the cultural capital of Scandinavia” is a perfect blend of historic monuments, neo-classical architecture and eco-districts featuring modern urban spaces. In the old Haga district, you can peruse hippy-chic fashion boutiques and bohemian cafés in the ground floors of traditional wood houses. On the hills of the city, fall under the spell of the Lutheran Masthugget Church, a sumptuous 18th-century building.
13 July 2024 - Oslo
Arrival 13/07/2024 early morning
Disembarkation 13/07/2024 at 08:00
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.
Alesund by e-bike
Don your helmet, hop on your e-bike, and set off to discover hand-picked highlights in this enchanting city!
E-biking is just like traditional cycling, but with less pedaling thanks to the bike’s electric motor. After a full briefing, your guide will lead the way as you cruise into the streets. Glide around the heart of colorful Alesund, which is renowned for its unique Art Nouveau style. Hear the story of the fire that destroyed the town in 1904 and admire the intricate façades of the buildings that rose from the ashes, embellished with dragons and flowers, and crowned by a forest of spires and turrets. Make the most of your bike’s motor and head up to a viewpoint on Mount Aksla. From here, soak up a breathtaking vista spanning Ålesund, the surrounding mountains, the sparkling fjords, and the distant Sunnmore Alps.
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An e-bike and helmet will be provided. Participants are required to have previously ridden a normal bicycle. The excursion involves 2 ½-hour cycling. Participants must be at least 4’9” tall (150 cm) and weigh under 242 pounds (110 kgs). Pregnant women, those with back problems, and children under age 12 are not permitted. We recommend you wear a wind/waterproof jacket, flat shoes, and sunglasses.
Total : €90
According to availability, price per passenger.
City walk & Art Nouveau museum
Ålesund, the largest town on the northwest coast of Norway, has a spectacular setting: stretching over three islands, near the ocean and backdropped by impressive mountain-peaks. The town centre was destroyed by a fire in 1904, but rebuilt shortly after in the characteristic Art Nouveau architectural style of the period. Today Ålesund has a population of approximately 40,000, but the town centre is relatively small and easy to cover on foot.
From the pier, you will start on foot with a visit to the Art Nouveau museum, located in the old pharmacy building. The museum provides interesting insight into the fire of 1904 and the creative Art Nouveau period.
After your visit, you will continue your walking tour. Your guide will put particular emphasis on presenting the importance of fisheries in Norway's biggest fish export harbour and, of course, you will be shown a multitude of examples of the picturesque Art Nouveau style that has made Ålesund famous.
The tour will continue uphill to the quaint little park at the foot of mount Aksla. Here, you will find exotic trees and plants as well as a memorial stone dedicated to the German emperor Wilhelm II, for whom the main street in town is named after. Furthermore, you will see the statue of the Viking "Gange-Rolf" who sailed from Ålesund to what is today Normandy (France), named after the Norwegian settlers. From the park, you could choose to continue to ascend mount Aksla, where your will be rewarded for your efforts with a spectacular view. Or you could wander about in the park or just sit and have a rest before the return to the pier and your ship.
- This tour involves approximately 2 miles (3 km) of walking over even, paved and cobblestone surfaces with inclines. We recommend you wear comfortable shoes and protect yourself from the rain. This tour will operate in all weather conditions. A parent must accompany children under the age of 16. The tour is limited to 50 participants.
Total : €60
According to availability, price per passenger.
Giske & Godoy islands
From the pier, you will start the tour with a short panoramic city tour through the Art Nouveau district of Alesund. The city's architectural character is in fact the result of a catastrophe - the great fire in 1904 and those young architects who participated in the rebuilding of the city were inspired by the Art Nouveau style.
Then you will drive up to Mount Aksla from where you have a beautiful view of the city, the islands and the Sunnmore Mountains.
Leaving the city you will drive through some of the world's largest undersea tunnels connecting the islands with the mainland. Today the approximately 6,300 inhabitants have a 'ferry-free connection' with the rest of Norway. To reach the islands you must traverse bridges and undersea tunnels, the longest being 2.5 miles. Reach Giske Island, which had a unique position during the Viking period.
The famous Gange - Rolv, or Rollo, was born on Giske. This great warrior conquered Normandie in 911 and became the ancestor of William the Conqueror, sire to the English Royal Family. The old marble church at Giske was built as a family chapel for one of most powerful families. The church is built in the Norman style and is a typical product of the architecture prior to 1200. In 1756 the church was restored. The local artist Jacob S. Giskegaard created the new interior including a new pulpit, and a new alter piece.
Continue your visit proceeding to Godoy Island and Alnes village located on the seaside. You will see a typical fishing village with a well-preserved and picturesque architecture. Its main attraction is its lighthouse. You will get the opportunity to climb up its stairs (87 steps) to enjoy a beautiful look-out to the Atlantic Ocean and the surroundings islands.
After this visit, you will return to your ship.
- For this excursion, we recommend you wear comfortable shoes. Appropriate dress is recommended to enter religious sites (shoulders and knees must be covered). Please note the church may be visited from exterior only due to ecumenical services.
Total : €140
According to availability, price per passenger.
Briksdal Glacier
Briksdal glacier is a part of the Jostedal glacier ice field, which is the largest glacier on the European mainland. The wild glacier is a fantastic work of Nature. Its slope plunges from a height of 3,937 feet (1,200 m) down to the lush, narrow Briksdal Valley. Briksdalsbreen Glacier lies at the end of enchanting Oldedalen valley.
Board your motor coach and start the tour. The trip through Oldedalen valley to Briksdal glacier is an amazing symphony of scenic splendours. From wild flowers to awe-inspiring mountains that are reflected in crystal clear lake waters, to great waterfalls that cascade from vertical mountainsides.
Your motor coach will stop at the mountain lodge, and from the lodge it is about 1.8 mile (3 km), a 45-minute walk on a gravel road up to the glacier. During your walk, enjoy the view onto the gigantic glacier.
If you don't want to walk that far, another option is to be driven by cars (7 seats in each) from the lodge, up to a parking lot which is a 10-minute walk from the glacier. Please note that you pay directly on the site for the transfer by vehicle. We will not be able to pre-book this service and unfortunately during the high season, vehicles are not always running.
Using the same way to get back to the lodge, you will have some more opportunities to take pictures walking down the path. At the lodge, enjoy a snack including tea, coffee and pastries, and some time at leisure in the well-stocked souvenir shop which will make your trip to Briksdal memorable.
- This moderate excursion involves 1 h 30 of walking (3,1 miles) on uneven and sometimes slippery terrain and gravel paths. We recommend you to wear comfortable good walking shoes, sunhat and sunglasses, a warm jacket and a waterproof layer.
Total : €110
According to availability, price per passenger.
Nordfjord kayaking
The fantastic Nordfjord was created by glaciers, dominated by vikings and now, paddled by you.
Kayaking on a green fjord, in a quiet valley surrounded by steep mountains, waterfalls and blue glaciers, is a memorable experience.
You will start your journey from the old Mølla guest house 5 minutes away by foot from the pier in Olden. Once at the kayak station, you will receive all equipment (kayak, paddle, spray-skirt, safety equipment) and a safety briefing to learn the dos and don’ts of kayaking.
You will be ready to start your tour from the pier, heading out into the fjord. As you follow the contours of the shore, your guide will share their local knowledge about the fjords and glaciers surrounding you. In the distance you will see waterfalls, glaciers and green mountainsides.
After approximately 2 hours of kayak, you will get back to the pier.
- Double kayaks are used. This tour may be cancelled in the case of poor weather conditions. You might get wet, so please bring a change of clothing and footwear with you. Although this tour does not require kayaking experience, participants must be good swimmers and have no fear of water. The fjord water may be very cold.
Total : €90
According to availability, price per passenger.
In the footsteps of Stavanger's past
Stavanger and its surroundings have played a leading role in Norway's maritime history for centuries, from the time when the Viking kings battled in Hafrsfjord, through to the period of the “white sails”, the steamships and to today's modern super tankers.
From the pier, drive passing rich agricultural countryside before arriving at Ullandhaug, with its reconstructed farmhouses from the Iron Age and an introduction into life during that time. In one of the low houses with turf roof, learn more about the living conditions around the year 500. Learn how Norwegians lived their life at this time - a local guide will demonstrate how they made flour or wove their clothes.
After the visit, re-board you coach and drive toward a viewpoint nearby Ullandhaug hill, and enjoy a magnificent view over Hafrsfjord, where the Viking king Harald Haarfagre (the Fair-haired) defeated in 872 the last of the regional princes, and founded the Kingdom of Norway by uniting the 29 small kingdoms under one crown.
Here you will have a photo stop at the Sword in Rock, a monument made of three Viking swords more than 29 feet (9 m) high forced into the ground, recently raised to commemorate this event.
To the east, the fertile farmland of Jæren with the Ryfylke Mountains forms the background. Before your return to the ship, you will have the option of strolling through Old Stavanger and the charming, picturesque and well preserved wooden houses in narrow lanes, which date back to the 18th and 19th centuries. The houses were originally built for seamen, craftsmen and businessmen. Old Stavanger is today considered unique and its rehabilitation and conservation is the city's most important project.
- This tour involves walking on muddy paths and some inclines at the Iron Age Farm. We recommend you to wear comfortable walking shoes. Should you choose to visit Old Stavanger at the end of the tour, you will return to your ship independently.
Total : €80
According to availability, price per passenger.
Utstein Monastery & music recital
Utstein Monastery is situated on Mosteroy Island. Up to 1992, going to Mosteroy Island had to be done by boat. Today, the drive is via an underwater tunnel almost 3 miles (5 km) long that goes down to nearly 700 feet (210 m).
On Mosteroy Island, the land is fertile and peaceful with grazing sheep and cows. Wonderful green colours, in all the splendid shades which only soft sea air can create, surround you on your way to Utstein Monastery, the best-preserved monastery built in Norway, and you can easily understand why the Viking kings chose to settle here.
From the 13th century onwards, Augustine monks lived here in the peaceful countryside. The Reformation in 1537 put an end to monastery life, and the king's vassals took over the property. In 1937, Restoration works began that ended in 1965.
After the guided visit, the tour ends with a short music recital in the chapel (15 to 20 minutes). One cannot but feel the peace in these surroundings. The old beeches are still standing in the garden, spreading their great crowns over the group of old buildings.
After the visit and recital, return to the pier and your ship in Stavanger via the same route.
- This tour involves approximately 25 steps to negotiate at the monastery.
Total : €110
According to availability, price per passenger.
Tvedestrand & Naes Iron work museum
From the pier, board your coach for the 30-minute drive via the main road to idyllic Nesgrenda, where Naes Ironworks Museum is situated.
The museum is almost completely intact and very well preserved, consisting of buildings, machinery and equipment which date back to the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries.
After a guided walk through the museum and a stop for refreshments, reboard your coach for a drive to Tvedestrand centre. Enjoy a guided walk through the picturesque little village and perhaps take a picture of Norway’s most narrow house!
After the visit, enjoy some time at leisure before re-boarding your coach.
The drive back to Arendal will follow the North Sea Route scenic road, with fantastic views of the coastline and the ocean.
- Please note the order of the visits may be reversed. This tour involves approximately 0.6 mile (1 km) of walking on almost flat terrain.
Total : €150
According to availability, price per passenger.
Coastal hike at Hove
From the pier, board your coach for the 20-minute drive to Hove.
On the southern part of the island of Tromøy, only a short ride from Arendal, there is a beautiful nature area called Hove. This recreational area is part of a protected moraine that lies along the southern coast and the whole area has been adapted for walks with rest areas along the shore. There are numerous paths which stretch from Hove to Alve, along Spornes beach, consisting of boulders and rocks and sand, when the sea permits.
Join your guide for a wonderful hike along the shores. The trip from Hove camping along the coast and back on the countryside is 6 km (3.75 miles). Spornes beach is situated on the south side of Tromøy, close to Hove and you will pass by it on your walk.
Arriving at the end of the trail, board your coach again for a scenic drive back to Arendal and your ship.
- This hiking tour includes 6 km (3.75 miles) of walking on mostly flat and gravel paths, which can be dirty depending on the weather conditions. Wear hiking shoes or boots and dress in waterproof.
Total : €110
According to availability, price per passenger.
Panoramic Gothenburg & canal cruise
From the pier, start your tour with a drive up to the Masthuggs Church, where you have a magnificent view of Gothenburg and the port.
In the heart of the city, you will pass Götaplatsen, with the famous Poseidon Fountain by Carl Milles. The Museum of Fine Arts, the Concert Hall and the Municipal Theatre are also located at Götaplatsen.
Drive along Avenyn, the main street and the Grand Boulevard of Gothenburg, with a great number of nice restaurants, bars and shops. At Gustav Adolf's Square, you will see the City Hall, the Court House and the Stock Exchange.
At Kungsbroplatsen, you will leave your coach and board the sightseeing boat, Paddan (“the Toad”), for a sight so typical for Gothenburg. The classic city tour on the Paddan boats shows off the beauty of Gothenburg from a waterside perspective. You will step aboard in the centre of the city and see the old moat and the canals that date from the 17th century, while learning about the history of the city's construction and defence. You will continue beneath the many low bridges, including the extremely low Osthyveln (“cheese slicer”) bridge, which brings you out into the fascinating harbour where the sights include traditional shipyards, the fishing harbour, new and old housing, expanding commercial and academic sites, and the maritime museum.
- This tour involves 0.5 mile (800 m) of walking on flat, uneven and cobblestones. We recommend that you wear comfortable walking shoes. Due to the boat ride, this tour is not available to wheelchair guests or those with mobility concerns. This tour needs a minimum of 25 participants to be operated.
Total : €80
According to availability, price per passenger.
Gothenburg city tour
During this tour, you will discover Gothenburg's charms and history.
First, travel to the view point Klippan which offers a splendid view of the Archipelago and Älvsborg Bridge, then to Masthuggs Church for a spectacular view of the city and port.
Continue to the Botanical Gardens for a short visit in the beautifully arranged park setting. You will get the chance to witness the rock garden and the rhododendron valley.
Then proceed into the city centre and Götaplatsen, its cultural hub, flanked by the Museum of Fine Arts, the Concert Hall, the Municipal Theatre and the Library. This square is dominated by Carl Milles' imposing sculpture of the Poseidon Fountain.
Drive along Avenyn, Gothenburg's loveliest and busiest street, to Gustav Adolfs Torg, named after the city's founder, lined by the City Hall, the Court House and the Stock Exchange.
You will then drive back to your ship.
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This light tour involves 0.5 mile (800 m) of walking on flat, uneven and cobblestones. We recommend you to wear comfortable walking shoes. Appropriate dress is recommended to enter religious sites (shoulders and knees must be covered).
Total : €50
According to availability, price per passenger.
Le Champlain
Like the rest of the PONANT EXPLORERS series, Le Champlain successfully manages to subtly combine the desire to explore the remotest regions of the planet with the comfort and privacy of a cosily intimate ship.
To the innovative and environmentally friendly equipment are added elegant design and a unique atmosphere in keeping with the whole PONANT universe. Your dream of a cruise onboard a cosily intimate ship is thus made possible through the combination of an authentically genuine voyage experience together with discreet luxury.
Up to 184 Guests
92 staterooms & suites
118 crew members
Spa
2 restaurants
Decks
Guest Speaker
Aboard your ship, an English-speaking lecturer will enlighten you about the culture and history of your destination to deepen your knowledge of the origins of local traditions, the history of emblematic sites, and stories involving famous personalities and those of major historical significance. During on-board lectures or on your shore visits, this expert will be there to share their precious knowledge with you throughout your PONANT cruise.
Shore excursions, Pre/Post & Overlands
Alesund by e-bike
Don your helmet, hop on your e-bike, and set off to discover hand-picked highlights in this enchanting city!
E-biking is just like traditional cycling, but with less pedaling thanks to the bike’s electric motor. After a full briefing, your guide will lead the way as you cruise into the streets. Glide around the heart of colorful Alesund, which is renowned for its unique Art Nouveau style. Hear the story of the fire that destroyed the town in 1904 and admire the intricate façades of the buildings that rose from the ashes, embellished with dragons and flowers, and crowned by a forest of spires and turrets. Make the most of your bike’s motor and head up to a viewpoint on Mount Aksla. From here, soak up a breathtaking vista spanning Ålesund, the surrounding mountains, the sparkling fjords, and the distant Sunnmore Alps.
-
An e-bike and helmet will be provided. Participants are required to have previously ridden a normal bicycle. The excursion involves 2 ½-hour cycling. Participants must be at least 4’9” tall (150 cm) and weigh under 242 pounds (110 kgs). Pregnant women, those with back problems, and children under age 12 are not permitted. We recommend you wear a wind/waterproof jacket, flat shoes, and sunglasses.
Total : €90
According to availability, price per passenger.
City walk & Art Nouveau museum
Ålesund, the largest town on the northwest coast of Norway, has a spectacular setting: stretching over three islands, near the ocean and backdropped by impressive mountain-peaks. The town centre was destroyed by a fire in 1904, but rebuilt shortly after in the characteristic Art Nouveau architectural style of the period. Today Ålesund has a population of approximately 40,000, but the town centre is relatively small and easy to cover on foot.
From the pier, you will start on foot with a visit to the Art Nouveau museum, located in the old pharmacy building. The museum provides interesting insight into the fire of 1904 and the creative Art Nouveau period.
After your visit, you will continue your walking tour. Your guide will put particular emphasis on presenting the importance of fisheries in Norway's biggest fish export harbour and, of course, you will be shown a multitude of examples of the picturesque Art Nouveau style that has made Ålesund famous.
The tour will continue uphill to the quaint little park at the foot of mount Aksla. Here, you will find exotic trees and plants as well as a memorial stone dedicated to the German emperor Wilhelm II, for whom the main street in town is named after. Furthermore, you will see the statue of the Viking "Gange-Rolf" who sailed from Ålesund to what is today Normandy (France), named after the Norwegian settlers. From the park, you could choose to continue to ascend mount Aksla, where your will be rewarded for your efforts with a spectacular view. Or you could wander about in the park or just sit and have a rest before the return to the pier and your ship.
- This tour involves approximately 2 miles (3 km) of walking over even, paved and cobblestone surfaces with inclines. We recommend you wear comfortable shoes and protect yourself from the rain. This tour will operate in all weather conditions. A parent must accompany children under the age of 16. The tour is limited to 50 participants.
Total : €60
According to availability, price per passenger.
Giske & Godoy islands
From the pier, you will start the tour with a short panoramic city tour through the Art Nouveau district of Alesund. The city's architectural character is in fact the result of a catastrophe - the great fire in 1904 and those young architects who participated in the rebuilding of the city were inspired by the Art Nouveau style.
Then you will drive up to Mount Aksla from where you have a beautiful view of the city, the islands and the Sunnmore Mountains.
Leaving the city you will drive through some of the world's largest undersea tunnels connecting the islands with the mainland. Today the approximately 6,300 inhabitants have a 'ferry-free connection' with the rest of Norway. To reach the islands you must traverse bridges and undersea tunnels, the longest being 2.5 miles. Reach Giske Island, which had a unique position during the Viking period.
The famous Gange - Rolv, or Rollo, was born on Giske. This great warrior conquered Normandie in 911 and became the ancestor of William the Conqueror, sire to the English Royal Family. The old marble church at Giske was built as a family chapel for one of most powerful families. The church is built in the Norman style and is a typical product of the architecture prior to 1200. In 1756 the church was restored. The local artist Jacob S. Giskegaard created the new interior including a new pulpit, and a new alter piece.
Continue your visit proceeding to Godoy Island and Alnes village located on the seaside. You will see a typical fishing village with a well-preserved and picturesque architecture. Its main attraction is its lighthouse. You will get the opportunity to climb up its stairs (87 steps) to enjoy a beautiful look-out to the Atlantic Ocean and the surroundings islands.
After this visit, you will return to your ship.
- For this excursion, we recommend you wear comfortable shoes. Appropriate dress is recommended to enter religious sites (shoulders and knees must be covered). Please note the church may be visited from exterior only due to ecumenical services.
Total : €140
According to availability, price per passenger.
Briksdal Glacier
Briksdal glacier is a part of the Jostedal glacier ice field, which is the largest glacier on the European mainland. The wild glacier is a fantastic work of Nature. Its slope plunges from a height of 3,937 feet (1,200 m) down to the lush, narrow Briksdal Valley. Briksdalsbreen Glacier lies at the end of enchanting Oldedalen valley.
Board your motor coach and start the tour. The trip through Oldedalen valley to Briksdal glacier is an amazing symphony of scenic splendours. From wild flowers to awe-inspiring mountains that are reflected in crystal clear lake waters, to great waterfalls that cascade from vertical mountainsides.
Your motor coach will stop at the mountain lodge, and from the lodge it is about 1.8 mile (3 km), a 45-minute walk on a gravel road up to the glacier. During your walk, enjoy the view onto the gigantic glacier.
If you don't want to walk that far, another option is to be driven by cars (7 seats in each) from the lodge, up to a parking lot which is a 10-minute walk from the glacier. Please note that you pay directly on the site for the transfer by vehicle. We will not be able to pre-book this service and unfortunately during the high season, vehicles are not always running.
Using the same way to get back to the lodge, you will have some more opportunities to take pictures walking down the path. At the lodge, enjoy a snack including tea, coffee and pastries, and some time at leisure in the well-stocked souvenir shop which will make your trip to Briksdal memorable.
- This moderate excursion involves 1 h 30 of walking (3,1 miles) on uneven and sometimes slippery terrain and gravel paths. We recommend you to wear comfortable good walking shoes, sunhat and sunglasses, a warm jacket and a waterproof layer.
Total : €110
According to availability, price per passenger.
Nordfjord kayaking
The fantastic Nordfjord was created by glaciers, dominated by vikings and now, paddled by you.
Kayaking on a green fjord, in a quiet valley surrounded by steep mountains, waterfalls and blue glaciers, is a memorable experience.
You will start your journey from the old Mølla guest house 5 minutes away by foot from the pier in Olden. Once at the kayak station, you will receive all equipment (kayak, paddle, spray-skirt, safety equipment) and a safety briefing to learn the dos and don’ts of kayaking.
You will be ready to start your tour from the pier, heading out into the fjord. As you follow the contours of the shore, your guide will share their local knowledge about the fjords and glaciers surrounding you. In the distance you will see waterfalls, glaciers and green mountainsides.
After approximately 2 hours of kayak, you will get back to the pier.
- Double kayaks are used. This tour may be cancelled in the case of poor weather conditions. You might get wet, so please bring a change of clothing and footwear with you. Although this tour does not require kayaking experience, participants must be good swimmers and have no fear of water. The fjord water may be very cold.
Total : €90
According to availability, price per passenger.
In the footsteps of Stavanger's past
Stavanger and its surroundings have played a leading role in Norway's maritime history for centuries, from the time when the Viking kings battled in Hafrsfjord, through to the period of the “white sails”, the steamships and to today's modern super tankers.
From the pier, drive passing rich agricultural countryside before arriving at Ullandhaug, with its reconstructed farmhouses from the Iron Age and an introduction into life during that time. In one of the low houses with turf roof, learn more about the living conditions around the year 500. Learn how Norwegians lived their life at this time - a local guide will demonstrate how they made flour or wove their clothes.
After the visit, re-board you coach and drive toward a viewpoint nearby Ullandhaug hill, and enjoy a magnificent view over Hafrsfjord, where the Viking king Harald Haarfagre (the Fair-haired) defeated in 872 the last of the regional princes, and founded the Kingdom of Norway by uniting the 29 small kingdoms under one crown.
Here you will have a photo stop at the Sword in Rock, a monument made of three Viking swords more than 29 feet (9 m) high forced into the ground, recently raised to commemorate this event.
To the east, the fertile farmland of Jæren with the Ryfylke Mountains forms the background. Before your return to the ship, you will have the option of strolling through Old Stavanger and the charming, picturesque and well preserved wooden houses in narrow lanes, which date back to the 18th and 19th centuries. The houses were originally built for seamen, craftsmen and businessmen. Old Stavanger is today considered unique and its rehabilitation and conservation is the city's most important project.
- This tour involves walking on muddy paths and some inclines at the Iron Age Farm. We recommend you to wear comfortable walking shoes. Should you choose to visit Old Stavanger at the end of the tour, you will return to your ship independently.
Total : €80
According to availability, price per passenger.
Utstein Monastery & music recital
Utstein Monastery is situated on Mosteroy Island. Up to 1992, going to Mosteroy Island had to be done by boat. Today, the drive is via an underwater tunnel almost 3 miles (5 km) long that goes down to nearly 700 feet (210 m).
On Mosteroy Island, the land is fertile and peaceful with grazing sheep and cows. Wonderful green colours, in all the splendid shades which only soft sea air can create, surround you on your way to Utstein Monastery, the best-preserved monastery built in Norway, and you can easily understand why the Viking kings chose to settle here.
From the 13th century onwards, Augustine monks lived here in the peaceful countryside. The Reformation in 1537 put an end to monastery life, and the king's vassals took over the property. In 1937, Restoration works began that ended in 1965.
After the guided visit, the tour ends with a short music recital in the chapel (15 to 20 minutes). One cannot but feel the peace in these surroundings. The old beeches are still standing in the garden, spreading their great crowns over the group of old buildings.
After the visit and recital, return to the pier and your ship in Stavanger via the same route.
- This tour involves approximately 25 steps to negotiate at the monastery.
Total : €110
According to availability, price per passenger.
Tvedestrand & Naes Iron work museum
From the pier, board your coach for the 30-minute drive via the main road to idyllic Nesgrenda, where Naes Ironworks Museum is situated.
The museum is almost completely intact and very well preserved, consisting of buildings, machinery and equipment which date back to the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries.
After a guided walk through the museum and a stop for refreshments, reboard your coach for a drive to Tvedestrand centre. Enjoy a guided walk through the picturesque little village and perhaps take a picture of Norway’s most narrow house!
After the visit, enjoy some time at leisure before re-boarding your coach.
The drive back to Arendal will follow the North Sea Route scenic road, with fantastic views of the coastline and the ocean.
- Please note the order of the visits may be reversed. This tour involves approximately 0.6 mile (1 km) of walking on almost flat terrain.
Total : €150
According to availability, price per passenger.
Coastal hike at Hove
From the pier, board your coach for the 20-minute drive to Hove.
On the southern part of the island of Tromøy, only a short ride from Arendal, there is a beautiful nature area called Hove. This recreational area is part of a protected moraine that lies along the southern coast and the whole area has been adapted for walks with rest areas along the shore. There are numerous paths which stretch from Hove to Alve, along Spornes beach, consisting of boulders and rocks and sand, when the sea permits.
Join your guide for a wonderful hike along the shores. The trip from Hove camping along the coast and back on the countryside is 6 km (3.75 miles). Spornes beach is situated on the south side of Tromøy, close to Hove and you will pass by it on your walk.
Arriving at the end of the trail, board your coach again for a scenic drive back to Arendal and your ship.
- This hiking tour includes 6 km (3.75 miles) of walking on mostly flat and gravel paths, which can be dirty depending on the weather conditions. Wear hiking shoes or boots and dress in waterproof.
Total : €110
According to availability, price per passenger.
Panoramic Gothenburg & canal cruise
From the pier, start your tour with a drive up to the Masthuggs Church, where you have a magnificent view of Gothenburg and the port.
In the heart of the city, you will pass Götaplatsen, with the famous Poseidon Fountain by Carl Milles. The Museum of Fine Arts, the Concert Hall and the Municipal Theatre are also located at Götaplatsen.
Drive along Avenyn, the main street and the Grand Boulevard of Gothenburg, with a great number of nice restaurants, bars and shops. At Gustav Adolf's Square, you will see the City Hall, the Court House and the Stock Exchange.
At Kungsbroplatsen, you will leave your coach and board the sightseeing boat, Paddan (“the Toad”), for a sight so typical for Gothenburg. The classic city tour on the Paddan boats shows off the beauty of Gothenburg from a waterside perspective. You will step aboard in the centre of the city and see the old moat and the canals that date from the 17th century, while learning about the history of the city's construction and defence. You will continue beneath the many low bridges, including the extremely low Osthyveln (“cheese slicer”) bridge, which brings you out into the fascinating harbour where the sights include traditional shipyards, the fishing harbour, new and old housing, expanding commercial and academic sites, and the maritime museum.
- This tour involves 0.5 mile (800 m) of walking on flat, uneven and cobblestones. We recommend that you wear comfortable walking shoes. Due to the boat ride, this tour is not available to wheelchair guests or those with mobility concerns. This tour needs a minimum of 25 participants to be operated.
Total : €80
According to availability, price per passenger.
Gothenburg city tour
During this tour, you will discover Gothenburg's charms and history.
First, travel to the view point Klippan which offers a splendid view of the Archipelago and Älvsborg Bridge, then to Masthuggs Church for a spectacular view of the city and port.
Continue to the Botanical Gardens for a short visit in the beautifully arranged park setting. You will get the chance to witness the rock garden and the rhododendron valley.
Then proceed into the city centre and Götaplatsen, its cultural hub, flanked by the Museum of Fine Arts, the Concert Hall, the Municipal Theatre and the Library. This square is dominated by Carl Milles' imposing sculpture of the Poseidon Fountain.
Drive along Avenyn, Gothenburg's loveliest and busiest street, to Gustav Adolfs Torg, named after the city's founder, lined by the City Hall, the Court House and the Stock Exchange.
You will then drive back to your ship.
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This light tour involves 0.5 mile (800 m) of walking on flat, uneven and cobblestones. We recommend you to wear comfortable walking shoes. Appropriate dress is recommended to enter religious sites (shoulders and knees must be covered).
Total : €50
According to availability, price per passenger.