Lektor 
Deluxe Kabine Deck 3
19 m²
2
- WENIGE KABINEN
Reise zu schottischen Inseln und norwegischen Fjorden – mit Smithsonian Journeys
Bergen - Glasgow, Schottland
Datum:
17.06.2023
bis
24.06.2023
Tage
Nächte an Bord
Inkl. Landausflug in jedem Hafen + Transfers
In Kooperation mit Smithonian Journeys.
Auf dieser Kreuzfahrt ist die Bordsprache ausschließlich Englisch.
Diese Kreuzfahrt gehört zu einer besonderen Auswahl von PONANT Reisen, die speziell für englischsprachige Gäste konzipiert wurden. Neben den gewohnten Elementen einer PONANT Reise, umfassen die aufgeführten Preise für diese Kreuzfahrten Transfers zum und vom Schiff, Vorträge und Diskussionen an Bord mit Weltklasse-Experten, und einen Landausflug oder eine Aktivität in jedem Hafen, bei denen die Gäste die Sehenswürdigkeiten und vieles mehr entdecken und in die unbekannte Kultur eintauchen können.
Kommen Sie an Bord der Le Dumont-d'Urville zu einer 8-tägigen Kreuzfahrt mit PONANT. Eine außergewöhnliche Route führt Sie in die Schönheit der norwegischen Fjorde und in die schroffe Landschaft der chottischen Inseln.
Die Reise beginnt in Bergen, berühmt für das Hanseviertel Bryggen, das zum Welterbe der UNESCO zählt und noch zahlreiche Spuren der reichen Geschichte der von den Wikingern erbauten Stadt trägt.
Zunächst läuft Ihr Schiff Flåm an, wo Sie mit der Flåmbahn eine schöne Zugfahrt in die Berge Westnorwegens unternehmen. Hinter jeder Kurve tauchen atemberaubende Flüsse, Wasserfälle und Kulturlandschaften auf.
Es geht weiter nach Olden. Bewundern Sie von diesem malerischen kleinen Örtchen aus, das nur wenige Kilometer vom Jostedalsbreen-Nationalpark mit einer der letzten Eiskappen Europas liegt, den herrlichen Gletscher Briksdalbreen.
Dann nimmt die Le Dumont-d’Urville Kurs auf Lerwick, den Haupthafen der Shetlandinseln. In der Nähe befindet sich der Jarlshof, eine prähistorische altnordische Siedlung, die vor mehr als 4.000 Jahren im Neolithikum besiedelt war – eine spektakuläre Ausgrabungsstätte auf den britischen Inseln.
Anschließend fahren Sie weiter nach Kirkwall in die Hauptstadt der Orkneyinseln, wo zahlreiche Meeresvögel wie Basstölpel und Krähenscharben nisten. Die Stones of Stenness wurden vor etwa 5.400 Jahren errichtet und zählen zum Welterbe der UNESCO.
Von Kyle of Lochalsh aus können Sie einen Tag auf der unvergleichlichen Insel Isle of Skye verbringen. Nicht zu verpassen ist die unverkennbare Silhouette von Eilean Donan Castle, eines der bekanntesten Schlösser der Welt und ein ikonisches Wahrzeichen Schottlands. Vielleicht erkennen Sie das schottische Hauptquartier des MI6 im James Bond-Film Die Welt ist nicht genug wieder.
Zum Abschluss der Reise besuchen Sie Fort William. Von dort aus können Sie bei einer Fahrt auf dem sagenumwobenen Loch Ness in die örtlichen Legenden oder bei einem Ausflug in eine Brennerei einen Dram Scotch Whiskey genießen.
In Glasgow, der gastfreundlichen Kulturhauptstadt Schottlands mit einem reichen künstlerischen und architektonischen Erbe, gehen Sie von Bord.
Ref : BG1145US - EU170623
Reiseroute
Eine rein englischsprachige Reise mit direktem Austausch mit den Experten an Bord, Transfers vor und nach der Kreuzfahrt und einem inbegriffenen Landausflug oder einer Aktivität an jedem Hafen Spannende...
Reiseverlauf ansehen
Reisedetails
Kabinen
Kabinen
Reiseleistungen
Reiseleistungen
In Ihrer Kreuzfahrt enthalten
Für mehr Sicherheit organisiert PONANT Ihre Reise vor oder nach der Kreuzfahrt. Dieses Paket ist im Preis Ihrer Kreuzfahrt enthalten.
Zusatzleistungen
Für mehr Sicherheit wählt PONANT Flüge aus und kümmert sich um Ihre Transfers für Ihre Reise sowie um Landbesuche vor und nach dem Ausschiffen.
Diese Reise könnte Ihnen auch gefallen...
Diese Reise könnte Ihnen auch gefallen...
LE LYRIAL
07.11.2023 bis 22.11.2023
LE LYRIAL
01.10.2023 bis 08.10.2023
LE PAUL GAUGUIN
LE COMMANDANT CHARCOT
06.02.2024 bis 03.03.2024
LE BORÉAL
07.07.2024 bis 20.07.2024
*Preis pro Person auf Basis einer Doppelkabine. Dieser Preis gilt vorbehaltlich Verfügbarkeit und basiert auf der Auslastung des jeweiligen Schiffes. Die Kabinenkategorie, für die dieser Preis gilt, ist möglichweise nicht mehr verfügbar
Serviceleistungen
- 24-Stunden-Roomservice
- Kostenfreier Internetanschluss und WLAN-Zugang (Verfügbarkeit abhängig vom Navigationsgebiet)
- Individuell einstellbare Klimaanlage
- Kleiderschrank mit Regalen und Staufläche
- Frisiertisch und Haartrockner
- Auswahl hochwertiger Pflegeprodukte von Dyptique Paris
- Minibar
- Nespresso Kaffeemaschine und Wasserkocher
- Elektronischer Safe
- Telefon per Satelittenverbindung
- Bluetooth-Lautsprecher von Bose
- Flachbildfernseher mit internationalen Kanälen (Verfügbarkeit abhängig vom Navigationsgebiet) und großer Filmauswahl
- 110/220 Volt Steckdosen
- Zwei barrierefreie Kabinen
Wählen Sie eine Kabinenkategorie aus
Gillian Hovell
Gillian Hovell is an ancient historian and archaeologist, known professionally as ‘The Muddy Archaeologist’. Indeed, she has excavated major sites from every ancient era. Ex-BBC, she now appears on national TV & Radio and is an award-winning writer, author, public speaker, and lecturer at York University, as well as nationally and internationally, in person and online. She is accessible, engaging, and academically robust (having graduated from Exeter University in Latin and Ancient History). Her passion is to share how the ancient world and archaeological sites and finds (from the Neolithic northern isles of Shetland and Orkney to the stunning and diverse civilizations of the ancient Mediterranean) are all full of insights into our common humanity. History and archaeology are not just about the past, they add color, depth, and meaning to our lives today.
Language spoken : English
Photo credit: ARR
James Zimbelman
James R. Zimbelman is Senior Geologist Emeritus, Center for Earth and Planetary Studies, at the National Air and Space Museum (NASM) of the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C.
Jim has published more than 110 peer-reviewed manuscripts, geologic maps, and book chapters. He is the lead author of The Volcanoes of Mars (Elsevier, 2021) and he co-authored Dune Worlds: How windblown sand shapes planetary surfaces (Springer, 2014). He is the 2020 G. K. Gilbert Award winner from the Geological Society of America, the 2013 Ronald Greeley Distinguished Service Award winner from the Planetary Geology Division of GSA, and the 1995 Professional Achievement Award winner from Northwest Nazarene University. His research interests include analysis of high-resolution imaging data of Mars, studies of long lava flows on planetary surfaces, and planetary sand transport processes. From 2016 to 2020, he was Lead Curator for the new “Exploring the Planets” gallery at NASM (scheduled to open in 2022). He has been Study Leader on numerous Smithsonian Journeys trips, including five trips to Iceland, and two more NASA-supported research trips to Iceland. He retired in September of 2020.
Jim holds a B.A. in Physics and Mathematics (1976) from Northwest Nazarene University, an M.S. in Geophysics and Space Physics (1978) from the University of California at Los Angeles, and a Ph.D. in Geology (1984) from Arizona State University.
Language spoken: English
Vorbehaltlich des Widerrufs im Falle von höherer Gewalt
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 Aktivitäten
Smithsonian Journeys
Smithsonian Journeys ist das Reiseprogramm der Smithsonian Institution, eine bedeutende US-amerikanische Forschungs- und Bildungseinrichtung, das aus 21 Museen, dem National Zoological Park, Bildungszentren, Forschungseinrichtungen, Kulturzentren und Bibliotheken besteht. Die Kreuzfahrten in gemeinsamer Kooperation stützen sich auf die Ressourcen von Smithsonian, die auf eine 175-jährige Geschichte zurückblicken, und bieten bemerkenswerte Experten und Erfahrungen. Diese Reisen beziehen insbesonders die lokalen Kulturen mit ein und tauchen tiefer in die Geschichte, Küche, Sprache, Umwelt und Tierwelt eines Reiseziels ein. Seit mehr als 50 Jahren ist Smithsonian Journeys in der Kultur verwurzelt und konzentriert sich auf das Eintauchen und Entdecken von Kulturen - mit dem Ziel, Gäste zu inspirieren und zu einem tieferen Verständnis der Orte beizutragen.
Vorbehaltlich des Widerrufs im Falle von höherer Gewalt
Highlights
- Eine rein englischsprachige Reise mit direktem Austausch mit den Experten an Bord, Transfers vor und nach der Kreuzfahrt und einem inbegriffenen Landausflug oder einer Aktivität an jedem Hafen
- Spannende Diskussionen an Bord mit zwei Smithsonian Journeys Experten, darunter die Archäologin Gillian Hovell und der Geologe James Zimbelman.
- Außergewöhnliche Route, bei der Sie die Schönheit der norwegischen Fjorde und die raue Landschaft der schottischen Inseln entdecken
- UNESCO-Welterbestätten: die Stadt Bergen mit dem alten Hanseverte Bryggen, das Herz des neolithischen Orkney
- Fahrt durch die spektakulären Fjorde Norwegens und zwei Stopps mit dem Besuch eines Gletschers und einer Zugfahrt mit der berühmten Flåmbahn
- Entdeckung von zwei Inselgruppen im Norden Schottlands – Shetland und Orkney – und Erkundung der dortigen neolithischen und Wikinger-Geschichte
- Möglichkeit zum Besuch von Eilean Donan Castle auf der Insel Skye und zu einer Fahrt auf dem sagenumwobenen Loch Ness
- Möglichkeit zu einem Ausflug zu einer Brennerei und zum Probieren der berühmten Scotch Whiskeys der Region
Häfen & Landausflüge
17. Juni 2023 - Bergen
Einschiffung 17.06.2023 von 16:00 bis 17:00
Abfahrt 17.06.2023 um 20:00
Die Silhouette der bunten Giebelhäuser ist wohl das bekannteste Bild des mittelalterlichen Norwegens. Die am Byfjord liegende Stadt wird von den umliegenden Höhen dominiert. Im 12. und 13. Jahrhundert war Bergen die Hauptstadt Norwegens und hat einige sehr schöne Denkmäler aus der Zeit der Königshäuser zu bieten. Ein Spaziergang durch Bergen ist wie eine Reise in die Vergangenheit auf der Suche nach verborgenen Schätzen, die zum Weltkulturerbe der UNESCO gehören. Bergen ist ein wahres Freilichtmuseum und die Heimat vieler Künstler: Maler, Töpfer, Juweliere… Besuchen Sie die Altstadt mit ihren engen Gassen, ein Zeugnis der Macht der Hanse, die den Handel in Nordeuropa am Ende des Mittelalters kontrollierte.
18. Juni 2023 - Flam
Ankunft 18.06.2023 am frühen Vormittag
Abfahrt 18.06.2023 mittags
Im Herzen des Landes der Fjorde in weniger als 200 Kilometer Entfernung von Bergen bietet Ihnen das malerische Dorf Flåm – Aussprache Floom – ein Einblick in das authentische Norwegen. Sie können dessen farbenfrohe Gassen durchstreifen und dabei die majestätische Silhouette der umliegenden Berge bewundern. Die Gemeinde ist auch der Ausgangspunkt für die legendäre Bahnstrecke Flamsbana von 20 Kilometer Länge. Sie bietet eine einzigartige Aussicht auf ebenso grandiose wie bewahrte Landschaften. Diese Attraktion macht Flåm zu einem der Haupttouristenziele des Landes.
19. Juni 2023 - Olden
Ankunft 19.06.2023 am frühen Vormittag
Abfahrt 19.06.2023 am frühen Nachmittag
Mit den zwei Holzkirchen, eine rot, die andere weiß, und dem herrlichen Blick auf die Mündung des Flusses Oldeelva wartet Olden mit einer Postkartenidylle auf. Dieses kleine Dorf liegt in nur wenigen Kilometern Entfernung vom Jostedalsbreen-Nationalpark mit den letzten Eiskappen Europas und erweist sich als Traumziel, um die bläulichen Zungen des Briksdalsbreen oder Kjenndalsbreen zu entdecken. Bei der Gelegenheit sollten Sie auch einen kleinen Rundgang durch das Museum der Gletscher Norwegens machen. Faszinierend. Weiteres Highlight der Gegend: der See Lovatn und sein türkisfarbenes Wasser, das zur Kontemplation einlädt.
20. Juni 2023 - Lerwick, Shetlandinseln
Ankunft 20.06.2023 mittags
Abfahrt 20.06.2023 am frühen Abend
Die charmante Hauptstadt der Shetland-Inseln wartet mit alten Häusern an der Uferpromenade, engen Gassen, historischen Stadtvierteln und der herzlichen Atmosphäre einer Hafenstadt auf. Im Norden liegt der UNESCO-Geopark der Shetland-Inseln. Bemerkenswert gut erhaltene archäologische Stätten und Ruinen zeugen davon, dass die Inseln bereits in der Jungsteinzeit bewohnt waren. Das Shetland-Museum erzählt von der Kultur und der Geschichte der Inselgruppe – die reichen Fischgründe von Verwickeln wurden in früheren Zeiten sogar von den Holländern ausgebeutet.
21. Juni 2023 - Kirkwall, Orkney
Ankunft 21.06.2023 am frühen Vormittag
Abfahrt 21.06.2023 mittags
Die Hauptstadt des Archipels Orkney Kirkwall, deren Name "Kirchenbucht" bedeutet, ist die ideale Destination, um die Inseln des Nordens zu erkunden. Im Innern einer breiten Bucht gelegen, entdeckt sich die quirlige Stadt durch den Reiz ihrer gepflasterten Gassen mit alten Häusern und Kunsthandwerksgeschäften. Tankerness House, das älteste Haus der Stadt, ist demzufolge ein unbedingtes Muss. Aber der wahre architektonische Schatz des seinen Namen zu recht tragenden Kirkwall ist kein anderer als die bemerkenswerte Kathedrale aus gelben und roten Steinen. Und weil der Whisky von der schottischen Identität untrennbar ist, halten Sie bei der Highland Park Distillery für einen sehr lehrreichen Besuch an.
22. Juni 2023 - Kyle of Lochalsh, Schottland
Ankunft 22.06.2023 am frühen Vormittag
Abfahrt 22.06.2023 abends
Kyle of Lochalsh ("Straits of the Alsh Inlet") ist eine kleine Hafenstadt am Fuße der Brücke, die das Festland mit der Isle of Skye verbindet. Sie liegt inmitten einer außergewöhnlich schönen natürlichen Umgebung und dient als Tor zu den Schottischen Highlands und zu mehreren Schlössern, die die Geschichte und die Traditionen der Clans bewahren, die hier einst herrschten. Eilean Donan Castle ist ein malerisches und häufig gefilmtes Schloss auf einer winzigen Insel am Zusammenfluss von drei Lochs. Auch Armadale Castle und Gärten, die historische Residenz des Donald Clans, ist von der Stadt aus gut erreichbar.
23. Juni 2023 - Fort William
Ankunft 23.06.2023 am frühen Vormittag
Abfahrt 23.06.2023 am frühen Nachmittag
Die Hafenstadt Fort William am Ostufer des Loch Linnhe wird mitunter als die "Outdoor-Hauptstadt des Vereinigten Königreichs" beschrieben. Ihre Lage am Fuße des Ben Nevis, des höchsten Gipfels der britischen Inseln, und ihre Nähe zu den dramatischen Landschaften von Glencoe machen die Stadt zu einem beliebten Ziel für Wanderer und Kletterer. Für diejenigen, die ein etwas weniger abenteuerliches Erlebnis suchen, bietet die nahegelegene Ben Nevis Distillery Besichtigungen und Verkostungen an. Auch Old Fort und Old Inverlochy Castle sind interessante historische Stätten.
24. Juni 2023 - Glasgow, Schottland
Ankunft 24.06.2023 am frühen Vormittag
Ausschiffung 24.06.2023 um 08:00
Im Herzen des Clyde-Tals kontrastiert die lebhafte Stadt Glasgow mit der wilden Schönheit der umliegenden Landschaften. Die städtischste der schottischen Städte wartet mit zahlreichen Trümpfen auf - von dem bedeutenden künstlerischen bis zum außergewöhnlichen architektonischen Erbe. Der schachbrettartige Grundriss der Stadt erleichtert Ihnen Ihre Bummel durch die großen Fußgängerzonen. Lassen Sie sich von dem Treiben der von schönen viktorianischen Gebäuden gesäumten Straßen führen und verpassen Sie nicht, die Sammlungen der zahlreichen Museen und Kunstgalerien zu bewundern. Die Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum ist diesbezüglich exemplarisch. Vollenden Sie Ihre Sightseeintour mit etwas ... Denn ja, Glasgow ist auch ein Shoppingparadies!
The Flåm Railway
The village of Flåm is nestled at the end of beautiful Aurlandsfjord, where you will walk from the pier to board the famed Flåm Railway, named by Lonely Planet Traveler “the world’s best train ride.” It is one of the most interesting stretches of railroad engineering in the world — only 12 miles long, it runs from Flåm, at sea level, to Myrdal Station, at an altitude of 2,850 feet, featuring tunnels and switchbacks and ever-changing views of waterfalls, the valley below, and snow-capped mountains
From the station, you travel along the Flåm River, one of the best salmon-rivers in the West Country. Landmarks you pass include the Rjoande Waterfall, with a sheer drop of 460 feet, and the impressive peak of Vibmesnosi, rising to just over 4,000 feet. After passing through the railway's longest tunnel at Naali, you are able to look back and see three of the four levels of the train bed that have brought you this far. You will also be able to see the old navy road that was constructed in 1895-96 to support the building of the Bergen-Oslo Railroad, opened in 1909. The road climbs the steep hills in 21 narrow hairpin bends next to a waterfall.
The train will make a brief stop at Kjosfossen Waterfall, where all passengers disembark in order to photograph this spectacular 300-foot-high waterfall. When the train reaches Myrdal, remain on board for the equally spectacular journey back to Flåm.
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This light excursion involves at most a half mile of walking over flat paved and gravel surfaces. There are limited spaces for wheel chairs on board the train; these must be reserved in advance. Layered clothing, comfortable shoes, and protection from sun and rain are recommended.
Inbegriffen
Je nach Verfügbarkeit Preis pro Person.
From Fjord to Sky by Cable Car
From the pier, drive down the winding road along the fjord to Stryn Lake, your first stop. Take a stroll and view the calming waters of this glacial lake.
Walk back to the coach and drive back towards Loen. Leaving the buses, board the new cable car (inaugurated in 2017) which takes you up to Mount Hoven, 3300 feet above sea level and around 650 feet above the tree line in this part of Norway. Here, enjoy a coffee break and spectacular views of the fjord and villages below, as well as of the surrounding mountain scenery. While at Mount Hoven, you have the opportunity to enjoy a short walk to soak up the scenery around you.
After some time at leisure, return by cable car to Loen where your coach will be waiting to bring you back to the pier in Olden.
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This tour will operate in nearly all weather conditions, even if there isn’t a good view from the top station and/or it is raining. In case of strong wind, the cable car may be closed on short notice. Walking on this tour is minimal and totals less than ¼ mile. Flat comfortable shoes and a warm, windproof jacket are recommended.
Inbegriffen
Je nach Verfügbarkeit Preis pro Person.
Briksdal Glacier with Troll Cars
Briksdal Glacier lies at the end of the enchanting Oldedalen Valley and 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. Board your coach in Olden. The drive through Oldedalen Valley to Briksdal Glacier is an amazing symphony of scenic splendors – from wildflowers to awe-inspiring mountains that are reflected in crystal clear lake waters and to great waterfalls that cascade from vertical mountainsides.
Your coach will stop at a mountain lodge, where you will board electric “troll cars” (7 seats in each) for a ride from the lodge up to a parking lot to reach the glacier. The troll cars are the only motorized vehicles allowed on this gravel road. En route, you will travel along a river, past a waterfall, and through serpentine bends. From the parking lot, the walk to the face of the Briksdal Glacier is about 0.4 miles and takes about 10 minutes to reach.
Glacial ice only reflects blue light, so the Glacier provides an impressive site. It might be hard to imagine that the ice is in constant motion – and the arms of a glacier can grow or shrink several hundred yards in only a few years, depending on the amount of snow that fell in years past. Sometimes the glacier calves, and huge chunks of ice fall off the edge. Therefore, guests are urged to respect the warning signs that stand near the Glacier for the sake of their security.
Return by foot to the troll cars that will take you back to the lodge. At the lodge, enjoy a snack including coffee, tea, and pastries, and some time at leisure to browse for souvenirs. Re-board your coach for the drive back to the ship.
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This tour includes about 1 mile of walking over gravel paths that are sometimes uneven and include uphill/downhill sections. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes, a sunhat and sunglasses, a warm jacket, and a waterproof layer. The drive to and from the lodge will go through tunnels, the longest of which is about 0.5 miles long.
Inbegriffen
Je nach Verfügbarkeit Preis pro Person.
Lerwick Walking Tour & Shetland Museum
This excursion is designed to introduce you to the history of Lerwick, capital of the Shetland Islands since the early 18th-century, a major center of the fishing industry, and more recently a support town for the North Sea oil industry.
Starting from Victoria Pier in the heart of the Old Town you pass by the Old Tolbooth (built in 1770) and continue on to the Lodberries — houses and warehouses erected on individual piers so that goods could be loaded and unloaded directly to and from the boats. In the 18th-century, when Lerwick was the premier herring town in Northern Europe, these structures would have lined the waterfront from end to end. You will have an opportunity to see one of few remaining, with its thick sea-battered walls, a slipway, and a fish-drying shed.
Continue your walk through the town’s narrow lanes (or ‘closses’) which run down to the waterfront to visit Lerwick Town Hall. The Hall was built in 1883 and features beautiful stained-glass windows that present a pictorial narrative of Shetland’s history from the time of the Vikings. Conclude your tour at the fascinating Shetland Museum and Archives, which you can visit on your own to learn more about Shetland’s heritage and culture. This award-winning museum has over 3,000 artifacts on two floors, a wealth of easily accessible archive material, a temporary exhibition area, Boat Hall and Sheds. The exhibits are masterfully displayed and clearly interpreted.
At the conclusion of the guided tour, you may return directly to the pier with your guide, or you may choose to remain in the Old Town to browse the local craft and knitwear shops at your leisure before making your way back to the pier.
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This is a moderate to strenuous walking tour with some steep streets and stairs. You will be on your feet for approximately 2 hours. We recommend warm, waterproof layered clothing and comfortable walking shoes.
Inbegriffen
Je nach Verfügbarkeit Preis pro Person.
Hiking Mousa Island
The Island of Mousa, less than a mile off the southeastern coast of Mainland, is probably best known for the Mousa Broch. But it is also a wildlife preserve and a wonderful destination for a bracing walk.
From Lerwick, drive about half an hour south to board a small ferry for the short crossing to Mousa, 1.5 miles long and 1 mile wide, uninhabited since the 19th century. A guided walk around the island will provide opportunities to observe the abundant wildlife that is protected by both NatureScot and the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds. Mousa is known for grey and common seals, black guillemots, Arctic terns, and especially for storm-petrels, whose nearly 7,000 breeding pairs on the island constitute 3% of the world population.
In addition to the abundant wildlife, you will also visit Mousa Broch, a 2,000-year-old tower that is the best-preserved Iron Age fortress in the British Isles.
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The walking on this excursion totals about 3 miles. The paths on the island vary between walkways and rough ground, and should present little difficulty to a person with good mobility. Warm, waterproof clothing and sturdy footwear are recommended.
Inbegriffen
Je nach Verfügbarkeit Preis pro Person.
Jarlshof Settlement & Sumburgh Head
Your tour begins with a brief survey of Lerwick, the most northerly town in the British Isles. A site with strong Viking connections, there is little left of the old village — although in the center near the harbor, some evidence remains of the town's rugged origins.
Driving south along the coastal road, you will pass through several small settlements, pausing briefly along the way for a view of the Island of Mousa, site of the best-preserved broch (ancient fortification) in all of Scotland.
Continue south to reach the remarkable archaeological site of the Jarlshof Settlement, on the southern tip of the mainland. The settlement was uncovered by a violent storm in the winter of 1897, revealing an extraordinary site encompassing at least 5,000 years of human history. It exhibits a remarkable layering of stone structures from a succession of historical eras – late Neolithic houses, a Bronze Age village, an Iron Age broch and wheelhouses, several Norse longhouses, a medieval farmstead, and the 16th-century laird’s house.
From Jarlshof make your way along the coast to the Sumburgh Head, site of Shetland's first lighthouse (1821) and of a colony of about 5,000 birds, including puffins, guillemots, shags and fulmars. Gannets are regularly seen offshore, as well. Your visit is during the seabird breeding season, when each species has its special nesting place in the grassy banks and cliffs leading up to the lighthouse. The seas here are home to a variety of marine life, and you may be lucky enough to see harbor porpoises, white beaked dolphins, or whales – killer, minke and even humpback whales are sometimes seen.
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For this excursion, we recommend you wear waterproof clothes and comfortable walking shoes.
Inbegriffen
Je nach Verfügbarkeit Preis pro Person.
Neolithic Orkney
This is an excursion into the distant past of the Neolithic Orkney Islands, designated a UNESCO World Heritage site because of its wealth of pre-historic ruins.
Your exploration of this remarkable area begins with a drive through rich farmland, rolling hills and moors fringed by magnificent cliffs, on the way to the great ceremonial Standing Stones of Stenness and the Ring of Brodgar, a grand circle of stones dating back almost 5,000 years.
You continue on to Skara Brae, the best-preserved Neolithic village in Northern Europe. The remains of this 5,000-year-old settlement are beautifully preserved and interpreted in a modern visitor center. Lying beside the sandy crescent of the Bay of Skaill, the site was completely buried for thousands of years until suddenly revealed during a fierce storm in 1850. Among the fascinating relics found here are tools, beads, pottery, and whalebone artifacts, spanning a period of approximately 600 years of occupation. Skara Brae provides a unique opportunity to reflect on the resilience and resourcefulness of our ancestors who lived here, eking out an existence among unforgiving conditions.
The hardship of life in Skara Brae is in stark contrast to the genteel lives lived at Orkney's finest manor house, Skaill House, located nearby and the next stop of your journey. Skaill was built by Bishop George Graham in 1620 on the site of a farmstead thought to date to the Norse period.
Return to Kirkwall via historic Scapa Flow, a sheltered body of water that has played an important role in trade and warfare, serving, for example, as the United Kingdom's chief naval base during both World Wars. It is perhaps most famous as the site of the scuttling of the German Fleet in 1919.
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Walking on this tour totals approximately half a mile over some uneven terrain at Skara Brae and with steps at Skaill. Warm, waterproof clothing and good walking shoes are recommended.
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Orkney Past and Present
Your introduction to the Orkney Islands begins with a drive through rich farmland, rolling hills, and moors fringed by magnificent cliffs. You will pass by the Neolithic Standing Stones of Stenness and stop briefly at the Ring of Brodgar, a grand circle of stones dating back almost 5,000 years, for a glimpse of the Stone Age ruins that have earned this area recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Continue across the main island to the charming fishing village of Stromness. After a brief orientation, enjoy time at leisure to explore the picturesque harbor and stroll along the quirky flag-stoned streets. Visit the beautifully refurbished Pier Arts Centre with exhibitions by both local and international artists, relax with a hot beverage in a café, or explore the craft shops selling local knitwear, pottery, and artwork.
Return to Kirkwall via historic Scapa Flow, a sheltered body of water that has played an important role in both trade and warfare, serving, for example, as the United Kingdom's chief naval base during both World Wars. It is perhaps most famous as the site of the scuttling of the German Fleet in 1919.
On arrival in Kirkwall, visit St. Magnus Cathedral. This magnificent red sandstone building was constructed by the Norsemen when they ruled Orkney around 900 years ago. Explore the cathedral with your guide before returning to the ship.
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The amount of walking on this excursion is at your discretion. The distance from the parking area to the Ring of Brodgar is about 300 yards; the terrain in Stromness is flat with no steps and some cobbled pavement. Warm, waterproof clothing and good walking shoes are recommended.
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A Day on Skye
This full day excursion offers a panoramic tour of the Island of Skye, combining dramatic coastline vistas with an exploration of the island's fascinating history and traditions.
From the pier, your coach travels north through Portree and onto the Trotternish Peninsula, where your first stop is at Kilt Rock — a 200-foot-high cliff marked in an almost tartan-like pattern by the rock strata, with a waterfall tumbling down the cliff to the pebbled shore below.
Continuing north along the coast, you pass through the lovely township of Staffin and then around the northern tip of the island, as your guide relates some of the myths and legends of Skye. Arriving in Kilmuir, you visit the fascinating Skye Museum of Island Life, an open-air museum consisting of seven traditional thatched cottages and recreating a sense of what life was like in the 19th century. Learn about the peculiar Scottish system of tenant farming known as 'crofting', and perhaps visit the grave of Flora MacDonald, who famously disguised Bonnie Prince Charlie as a maid and smuggled him to safety during the Jacobite uprising.
After this visit, you will enjoy a refreshing lunch before heading across the island to the west coast and Dunvegan Castle.
Dunvegan Castle, seat of the Clan MacLeod chiefs since the 13th century, is one of the most celebrated of the Hebridean clan strongholds. It is the only one to have been continuously occupied by the same family over a period now spanning eight centuries. Within the castle are priceless heirlooms, some of which have come down through the hands of the Chiefs of MacLeod since medieval times.
On the return to Kyle of Lochalsh, you will pause in Portree for time at leisure to explore this charming fishing port and its colorful waterfront on your own.
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This moderate excursion involves a total of approximately 2.5 miles of walking over mixed terrain with some steps. We recommend good walking shoes and warm, waterproof layered clothing. Also note that this excursion includes over 4.5 hours of driving via coach. The order of visits and the location of lunch may vary.
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The Castles of Skye
From the small port of Kyle of Lochalsh, a 15-minute drive along the shore of the Loch brings you to Eilean Donan, a small tidal island at the confluence of Loch Alsh and two others. The Castle that dominates the island is perhaps the most recognizable in Scotland; it has been featured in no fewer than ten films, including James Bond's The World is Not Enough, in which the castle served as the Scottish headquarters of MI6.
The Castle is named for the 6th-century Irish saint who established a community here in an effort to bring Christianity to the Picts. There has been a fortified castle on this site since the 13th century, when it was built as a defense against raiding Vikings. You are free to explore the castle and its grounds on your own to learn about its rich history and take in the views that make it such a favorite among film producers.
Armadale Castle has been an important part of the life of the Isle of Skye since the early 18th century, when the chiefs of Clan Donald, Lords of the Isle, made it their residence. The castle fell into disrepair in the early 20th century, and is now in process of being restored by the Clan Donald Trust. But the ruins, and especially the magnificent gardens that surround them, remain a site well worth experiencing.
Sheltered by their location and enjoying a mild climate created by the Gulf Stream, the Gardens are a floral paradise. Magnificent trees tower over carpets of bluebells, orchids, and wildflowers throughout spring and summer, providing a tranquil place to sit or stroll. You may also wish to spend time in the award-winning Museum of the Isles, where exhibits trace 1,500 years of the history and culture of the area once known as the Kingdom of the Isles. Whatever you choose, a local guide will be on hand to answer any questions.
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This moderate excursion involves some walking, but the extent is at the guest's discretion. There are many steps across the Eilean Donan Castle's three levels. Walking at Armadale is on level and gently sloping terrain. Warm, waterproof clothing and sturdy footwear are recommended.
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Hebridean Traditions: Clans and Whiskey
Your excursion begins with a breathtaking scenic drive along the Cuillin Mountain Range and the southern coast of Skye to the small hamlet of Armadale, where you will discover Armadale Castle, one of the many strongholds of Clan Donald that once stretched from Ulster in the north of Ireland across the Hebrides.
The castle has been an important part of the life of the Isle of Skye since the early 18th century, when the chiefs of Clan Donald, Lords of the Isle, made it their residence. As you tour the castle, you will have the opportunity to learn a great deal about the importance of kinship clans in Gaelic society and in particular about the long history of Clan Donald, which remains the largest and most powerful clan in Scotland. You will also want to spend some time exploring Armadale's extensive gardens replete with woodland trails adorned with flowering shrubs, perfect for a leisurely stroll on a summer's afternoon.
On the way back to Kyle of Lochalsh, visit the Torabhaig Distillery, which produced its first single malt in 2021. Torabhaig produces whisky in the traditional way, and your guides will explain the process from malting the barley and mashing the peat through aging the spirits in oak casks. No visit to a distillery is complete, of course, without a tasting, and you will be invited to sample the end product of this process before returning to the ship.
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This is a moderate excursion. The total amount of walking is entirely at your discretion during the visit to Armadale. The tour of the distillery involves stairs. Sturdy walking shoes and a jacket are recommended.
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Fort Augustus & Loch Ness
At the pier in Fort William board your motorcoach for a wonderfully scenic drive through Scotland's Great Glen along the shores of Loch Lochy and Loch Oich. Your drive will pass by Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in the British Isles, and by the Commando Memorial, dedicated to the men of the British Commando Forces whose training depot the memorial overlooks.
As you drive through the splendor of the Highlands, you follow the route of the Caledonian Canal, built in the early 19th-century to connect Scotland's east and west coasts, ending your journey at the small town of Fort Augustus, situated at the midpoint of the canal, on the southern tip of legendary Loch Ness.
In Fort Augustus, board the Spirit of Loch Ness, a purpose-built vessel, for a 50-minute cruise on Scotland’s most famous loch. You will cruise past Cherry Island, the loch’s only island, as you take in the legendary beauty of the loch, including a striking view of Fort Augustus Abbey from the water. Enjoy a spot of tea or coffee and a cake bite while your crew points out sights of interest. A glimpse of Nessie is not guaranteed, but cannot be ruled out.
Back in Fort Augustus, enjoy some time at leisure to wander through this lovely little hamlet. You can watch as boats navigate the locks of the canal, or you may wish to browse the village's lovely shops.
Rejoin your coach for the journey back to Fort William and your awaiting ship.
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This is an easy excursion with very little walking. We recommend comfortable shoes and layered clothing, including a jacket in case of inclement weather.
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Glenfinnan & a Tasting of Smoked Salmon
Following a brief overview of Fort William, a short drive along the shore of Loch Eil, brings you to the village of Glenfinnan. Best known for the stunning railway viaduct featured in a Harry Potter movie, Glenfinnan is on the West Highland Line, which connects Fort William and Mallaig. The West Highland Line itself is famous for the Jacobite Steam Train, now frequently referred to as the “Hogwarts Express Line." Pausing here, you may wish to climb the hill behind the Visitor Center for a better view of the viaduct.
Rejoining your coach, travel to the charming small village of Glenuig. In the local pub, the Glenuig Inn, you will be greeted by an experienced salmon smoker from Ardshealach Fine Foods, who will explain the smoking process, from curing the fish to hand slicing the finished product.
A tasting will follow, with generous portions of smoked salmon, roast smoked salmon pate, smoked duck breast, and a special Lochaber smoked cheese—all served on oatcakes and accompanied by wine and a dram of whisky.
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This is an easy excursion with very little walking. We recommend comfortable shoes and layered clothing, including a jacket in case of inclement weather.
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Participation is limited to 24 guests.
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Highlands Highlights & Historic Glenfinnan
Fort William is your gateway to the Highlands, and this tour is an introduction to some of the best scenery Scotland has to offer.
Your first stop is at the Highland Soap Company Visitor Center, where you can have some tea or coffee with pastries as you enjoy views of the River Lochy before strolling around the ruins of the 13th-century Inverlochy Castle. Following this refreshment, a short drive brings you to the village of Glenfinnan.
Best known for the stunning railway viaduct featured in a Harry Potter movie, Glenfinnan is on the West Highland Line, which connects Fort William and Mallaig. The West Highland Line itself is famous for the Jacobite Steam Train, now frequently referred to as the “Hogwarts Express Line." Pausing here, you may wish to climb the hill behind the Visitor Center for a better view of the viaduct, or you may walk to the nearby Glenfinnan Monument, honoring the Jacobite clansmen who fought and died in the cause of Bonnie Prince Charlie.
The next stop is at Banavie, where you visit Neptune's Staircase, a series of eight locks that raise boats 20 meters from sea level to join the Caledonian Canal. Constructed in the early 19th century by Scottish engineer Thomas Telford, the Canal connects the Scottish east coast at Inverness with the west coast at nearby Corpach.
Another short drive brings you to the Commando Memorial which offers breathtaking views of Ben Nevis, the highest peak in the British Isles. The Memorial is dedicated to the men of the British Commando Forces and overlooks the Commando Training Depot established in 1942. Unveiled in 1952 by the Queen Mother, the memorial has become one of the United Kingdom's best-known monuments.
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This is an easy excursion. The amount of walking is at your discretion and is over mostly level and paved terrain. We recommend comfortable shoes and layered clothing, including a jacket in case of inclement weather.
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Le Dumont-d'Urville
Le Dumont-d'Urville gehört zu einer neuen Schiffsgeneration, die innovativ und umweltfreundlich ausgestattet ist. Das Schiff verfügt über nach außen weit offene Salons, einen Außenpool und ein Blue Eye, eine multisensorische Unterwasserlounge. All dies für ein außergewöhnliches Kreuzfahrterlebnis. Nunmehr ist es möglich, an Bord eines Schiffes mit luxuriösen Annehmlichkeiten zu Abenteuern an den entlegensten Orten der Welt aufzubrechen.
Bis 184 Gäste
92 Kabinen & Suiten
118 Crew-Mitglieder
Spa
2 Restaurants
Decks
Inkl. Landausflug in jedem Hafen + Transfers
PONANT and Smithsonian Journeys have organised the following included programme for you, which starts the day of embarkation.
Included Features:
- A program of onboard enrichment provided by two Smithsonian Journeys Experts, including archaeologist Gillian Hovell and geologist James Zimbelman
- Transfers and luggage handling from the airport in Bergen to the ship on the day of embarkation
- Comprehensive 7-night cruise aboard the deluxe Le Dumont-d’Urville, with all the amenities for which PONANT ships are famous
- One included shore excursion in each port of call (see “Itinerary” for more information and choice of excursions, if applicable)
- Transfer from the ship to the airport in Glasgow at the end of the cruise on the morning of disembarkation
Not included:
- Independent meals and beverages ashore
- Personal expenses (such as laundry, telephone, etc.)
Notes:
- This voyage is offered on a space available basis
- Programme is subject to change without notice
Lektor
An Bord Ihres Schiffes bieten Ihnen ausgewählte Lektoren kulturelle und historische Einblicke, damit Sie noch mehr über Ihr Reiseziel erfahren können: den Ursprung der lokalen Traditionen, die Geschichte symbolischer Orte, berühmte Persönlichkeiten und historische Helden... Die Experten begleiten Sie während der gesamten Kreuzfahrt, an Bord und bei den Ausflügen an Land, um ihr Know-how und ihre Einsichten mit Ihnen zu teilen.
Unsere Zusatzleistungen
HISTORIC BERGEN (1 NIGHT)
Located at the end of Byfjord, Bergen was the capital of Norway in the 12th and 13th centuries and has preserved much of its past. A veritable open-air museum, Bergen is also a vibrant cosmopolitan city, known for its artist colony of painters, potters, and jewelers.
Day 1 - Bergen, Norway
Arrive at Bergen's Flesland Airport, where you will be met and transferred to the Hotel Norge by Scandic. Check-in time is 2:00 p.m. A local representative will be present at the hospitality desk in the afternoon to welcome you and answer any questions you may have. Join your fellow travellers for a welcome cocktail reception this evening. Dinner is independent and at your leisure.
Day 2 - Bergen | Embarkation
After breakfast at the hotel, join a morning excursion that includes a visit to the Fantoft Stave Church, originally built in 1150 and reconstructed after a fire in 1992 exactly as it was in the 12th century. You will also tour Troldhaugen, once the summer home of composer Edvard Grieg and now a museum and concert venue. Following lunch at a restaurant back in Bergen, enjoy a guided walking tour of Bryggen, the old waterfront wharf, a reminder of the town's importance as part of the Hanseatic League's trading empire from the 14th to the mid-16th century and now a UNESCO World Heritage site. You will have some free time to browse the shops before transferring to the pier to embark in late afternoon.
Your hotel:
Hotel Norge, first opened in 1885, was completely renovated in 2018. Located in the centre of the city, it is within walking distance of the Festplassen and several nearby restaurants. It has a modern, informal, and international atmosphere. The hotel has 415 rooms that boast floor-to-ceiling windows, and it features a lobby bar, a café, and a fine-dining restaurant.
Your programme includes:
- 1 night at the Hotel Norge by Scandic (or similar).
- Transfer and luggage handling from the airport to the hotel on Day 1.
- Transfer and luggage handling from the hotel to the ship on embarkation day.
- Welcome cocktail reception on Day 1.
- Breakfast and lunch on Day 2.
- Sightseeing and programming as noted in the itinerary.
- Local English-speaking guide.
- Gratuities for the drivers and local guides.
Your programme does not include:
- Transfer from the airport to the hotel on any day other than the scheduled programme arrival day.
- Personal expenses and other services and meals not mentioned as included in the programme.
Please note:
- It is imperative that your flight arrival details are communicated at least 30 days prior to the beginning of your cruise in order to secure your transfer from the airport to the hotel.
- Early check-in and/or late check-out are available depending on availability and at a supplement. An additional night is possible, upon request and depending on hotel availability. Please, contact reservations or your travel agent for further details.
- The official currency is the Norwegian krone. Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, shops, and restaurants.
- This pre-cruise programme is offered as a package. There will be no refunds for unused accommodations, meals, or excursions.
- Programme is offered on a space available basis.
- Programme is subject to change without notice.
Hotel contact information:
Hotel Norge by Scandic
Nedre Ole Bullsplass 4
5012 Bergen
Telephone: +47 55 55 40 00
Email: hotelnorge@scandichotels.com <mailto:hotelnorge@scandichotels.com>
Gesamtpreis inkl. Steuern- und Gebühren : € 815
Preis pro Person auf Basis einer Doppelkabine. Dieser Preis gilt vorbehaltlich Verfügbarkeit.
The Flåm Railway
The village of Flåm is nestled at the end of beautiful Aurlandsfjord, where you will walk from the pier to board the famed Flåm Railway, named by Lonely Planet Traveler “the world’s best train ride.” It is one of the most interesting stretches of railroad engineering in the world — only 12 miles long, it runs from Flåm, at sea level, to Myrdal Station, at an altitude of 2,850 feet, featuring tunnels and switchbacks and ever-changing views of waterfalls, the valley below, and snow-capped mountains
From the station, you travel along the Flåm River, one of the best salmon-rivers in the West Country. Landmarks you pass include the Rjoande Waterfall, with a sheer drop of 460 feet, and the impressive peak of Vibmesnosi, rising to just over 4,000 feet. After passing through the railway's longest tunnel at Naali, you are able to look back and see three of the four levels of the train bed that have brought you this far. You will also be able to see the old navy road that was constructed in 1895-96 to support the building of the Bergen-Oslo Railroad, opened in 1909. The road climbs the steep hills in 21 narrow hairpin bends next to a waterfall.
The train will make a brief stop at Kjosfossen Waterfall, where all passengers disembark in order to photograph this spectacular 300-foot-high waterfall. When the train reaches Myrdal, remain on board for the equally spectacular journey back to Flåm.
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This light excursion involves at most a half mile of walking over flat paved and gravel surfaces. There are limited spaces for wheel chairs on board the train; these must be reserved in advance. Layered clothing, comfortable shoes, and protection from sun and rain are recommended.
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From Fjord to Sky by Cable Car
From the pier, drive down the winding road along the fjord to Stryn Lake, your first stop. Take a stroll and view the calming waters of this glacial lake.
Walk back to the coach and drive back towards Loen. Leaving the buses, board the new cable car (inaugurated in 2017) which takes you up to Mount Hoven, 3300 feet above sea level and around 650 feet above the tree line in this part of Norway. Here, enjoy a coffee break and spectacular views of the fjord and villages below, as well as of the surrounding mountain scenery. While at Mount Hoven, you have the opportunity to enjoy a short walk to soak up the scenery around you.
After some time at leisure, return by cable car to Loen where your coach will be waiting to bring you back to the pier in Olden.
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This tour will operate in nearly all weather conditions, even if there isn’t a good view from the top station and/or it is raining. In case of strong wind, the cable car may be closed on short notice. Walking on this tour is minimal and totals less than ¼ mile. Flat comfortable shoes and a warm, windproof jacket are recommended.
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Briksdal Glacier with Troll Cars
Briksdal Glacier lies at the end of the enchanting Oldedalen Valley and 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. Board your coach in Olden. The drive through Oldedalen Valley to Briksdal Glacier is an amazing symphony of scenic splendors – from wildflowers to awe-inspiring mountains that are reflected in crystal clear lake waters and to great waterfalls that cascade from vertical mountainsides.
Your coach will stop at a mountain lodge, where you will board electric “troll cars” (7 seats in each) for a ride from the lodge up to a parking lot to reach the glacier. The troll cars are the only motorized vehicles allowed on this gravel road. En route, you will travel along a river, past a waterfall, and through serpentine bends. From the parking lot, the walk to the face of the Briksdal Glacier is about 0.4 miles and takes about 10 minutes to reach.
Glacial ice only reflects blue light, so the Glacier provides an impressive site. It might be hard to imagine that the ice is in constant motion – and the arms of a glacier can grow or shrink several hundred yards in only a few years, depending on the amount of snow that fell in years past. Sometimes the glacier calves, and huge chunks of ice fall off the edge. Therefore, guests are urged to respect the warning signs that stand near the Glacier for the sake of their security.
Return by foot to the troll cars that will take you back to the lodge. At the lodge, enjoy a snack including coffee, tea, and pastries, and some time at leisure to browse for souvenirs. Re-board your coach for the drive back to the ship.
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This tour includes about 1 mile of walking over gravel paths that are sometimes uneven and include uphill/downhill sections. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes, a sunhat and sunglasses, a warm jacket, and a waterproof layer. The drive to and from the lodge will go through tunnels, the longest of which is about 0.5 miles long.
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Lerwick Walking Tour & Shetland Museum
This excursion is designed to introduce you to the history of Lerwick, capital of the Shetland Islands since the early 18th-century, a major center of the fishing industry, and more recently a support town for the North Sea oil industry.
Starting from Victoria Pier in the heart of the Old Town you pass by the Old Tolbooth (built in 1770) and continue on to the Lodberries — houses and warehouses erected on individual piers so that goods could be loaded and unloaded directly to and from the boats. In the 18th-century, when Lerwick was the premier herring town in Northern Europe, these structures would have lined the waterfront from end to end. You will have an opportunity to see one of few remaining, with its thick sea-battered walls, a slipway, and a fish-drying shed.
Continue your walk through the town’s narrow lanes (or ‘closses’) which run down to the waterfront to visit Lerwick Town Hall. The Hall was built in 1883 and features beautiful stained-glass windows that present a pictorial narrative of Shetland’s history from the time of the Vikings. Conclude your tour at the fascinating Shetland Museum and Archives, which you can visit on your own to learn more about Shetland’s heritage and culture. This award-winning museum has over 3,000 artifacts on two floors, a wealth of easily accessible archive material, a temporary exhibition area, Boat Hall and Sheds. The exhibits are masterfully displayed and clearly interpreted.
At the conclusion of the guided tour, you may return directly to the pier with your guide, or you may choose to remain in the Old Town to browse the local craft and knitwear shops at your leisure before making your way back to the pier.
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This is a moderate to strenuous walking tour with some steep streets and stairs. You will be on your feet for approximately 2 hours. We recommend warm, waterproof layered clothing and comfortable walking shoes.
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Hiking Mousa Island
The Island of Mousa, less than a mile off the southeastern coast of Mainland, is probably best known for the Mousa Broch. But it is also a wildlife preserve and a wonderful destination for a bracing walk.
From Lerwick, drive about half an hour south to board a small ferry for the short crossing to Mousa, 1.5 miles long and 1 mile wide, uninhabited since the 19th century. A guided walk around the island will provide opportunities to observe the abundant wildlife that is protected by both NatureScot and the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds. Mousa is known for grey and common seals, black guillemots, Arctic terns, and especially for storm-petrels, whose nearly 7,000 breeding pairs on the island constitute 3% of the world population.
In addition to the abundant wildlife, you will also visit Mousa Broch, a 2,000-year-old tower that is the best-preserved Iron Age fortress in the British Isles.
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The walking on this excursion totals about 3 miles. The paths on the island vary between walkways and rough ground, and should present little difficulty to a person with good mobility. Warm, waterproof clothing and sturdy footwear are recommended.
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Jarlshof Settlement & Sumburgh Head
Your tour begins with a brief survey of Lerwick, the most northerly town in the British Isles. A site with strong Viking connections, there is little left of the old village — although in the center near the harbor, some evidence remains of the town's rugged origins.
Driving south along the coastal road, you will pass through several small settlements, pausing briefly along the way for a view of the Island of Mousa, site of the best-preserved broch (ancient fortification) in all of Scotland.
Continue south to reach the remarkable archaeological site of the Jarlshof Settlement, on the southern tip of the mainland. The settlement was uncovered by a violent storm in the winter of 1897, revealing an extraordinary site encompassing at least 5,000 years of human history. It exhibits a remarkable layering of stone structures from a succession of historical eras – late Neolithic houses, a Bronze Age village, an Iron Age broch and wheelhouses, several Norse longhouses, a medieval farmstead, and the 16th-century laird’s house.
From Jarlshof make your way along the coast to the Sumburgh Head, site of Shetland's first lighthouse (1821) and of a colony of about 5,000 birds, including puffins, guillemots, shags and fulmars. Gannets are regularly seen offshore, as well. Your visit is during the seabird breeding season, when each species has its special nesting place in the grassy banks and cliffs leading up to the lighthouse. The seas here are home to a variety of marine life, and you may be lucky enough to see harbor porpoises, white beaked dolphins, or whales – killer, minke and even humpback whales are sometimes seen.
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For this excursion, we recommend you wear waterproof clothes and comfortable walking shoes.
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Neolithic Orkney
This is an excursion into the distant past of the Neolithic Orkney Islands, designated a UNESCO World Heritage site because of its wealth of pre-historic ruins.
Your exploration of this remarkable area begins with a drive through rich farmland, rolling hills and moors fringed by magnificent cliffs, on the way to the great ceremonial Standing Stones of Stenness and the Ring of Brodgar, a grand circle of stones dating back almost 5,000 years.
You continue on to Skara Brae, the best-preserved Neolithic village in Northern Europe. The remains of this 5,000-year-old settlement are beautifully preserved and interpreted in a modern visitor center. Lying beside the sandy crescent of the Bay of Skaill, the site was completely buried for thousands of years until suddenly revealed during a fierce storm in 1850. Among the fascinating relics found here are tools, beads, pottery, and whalebone artifacts, spanning a period of approximately 600 years of occupation. Skara Brae provides a unique opportunity to reflect on the resilience and resourcefulness of our ancestors who lived here, eking out an existence among unforgiving conditions.
The hardship of life in Skara Brae is in stark contrast to the genteel lives lived at Orkney's finest manor house, Skaill House, located nearby and the next stop of your journey. Skaill was built by Bishop George Graham in 1620 on the site of a farmstead thought to date to the Norse period.
Return to Kirkwall via historic Scapa Flow, a sheltered body of water that has played an important role in trade and warfare, serving, for example, as the United Kingdom's chief naval base during both World Wars. It is perhaps most famous as the site of the scuttling of the German Fleet in 1919.
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Walking on this tour totals approximately half a mile over some uneven terrain at Skara Brae and with steps at Skaill. Warm, waterproof clothing and good walking shoes are recommended.
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Orkney Past and Present
Your introduction to the Orkney Islands begins with a drive through rich farmland, rolling hills, and moors fringed by magnificent cliffs. You will pass by the Neolithic Standing Stones of Stenness and stop briefly at the Ring of Brodgar, a grand circle of stones dating back almost 5,000 years, for a glimpse of the Stone Age ruins that have earned this area recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Continue across the main island to the charming fishing village of Stromness. After a brief orientation, enjoy time at leisure to explore the picturesque harbor and stroll along the quirky flag-stoned streets. Visit the beautifully refurbished Pier Arts Centre with exhibitions by both local and international artists, relax with a hot beverage in a café, or explore the craft shops selling local knitwear, pottery, and artwork.
Return to Kirkwall via historic Scapa Flow, a sheltered body of water that has played an important role in both trade and warfare, serving, for example, as the United Kingdom's chief naval base during both World Wars. It is perhaps most famous as the site of the scuttling of the German Fleet in 1919.
On arrival in Kirkwall, visit St. Magnus Cathedral. This magnificent red sandstone building was constructed by the Norsemen when they ruled Orkney around 900 years ago. Explore the cathedral with your guide before returning to the ship.
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The amount of walking on this excursion is at your discretion. The distance from the parking area to the Ring of Brodgar is about 300 yards; the terrain in Stromness is flat with no steps and some cobbled pavement. Warm, waterproof clothing and good walking shoes are recommended.
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A Day on Skye
This full day excursion offers a panoramic tour of the Island of Skye, combining dramatic coastline vistas with an exploration of the island's fascinating history and traditions.
From the pier, your coach travels north through Portree and onto the Trotternish Peninsula, where your first stop is at Kilt Rock — a 200-foot-high cliff marked in an almost tartan-like pattern by the rock strata, with a waterfall tumbling down the cliff to the pebbled shore below.
Continuing north along the coast, you pass through the lovely township of Staffin and then around the northern tip of the island, as your guide relates some of the myths and legends of Skye. Arriving in Kilmuir, you visit the fascinating Skye Museum of Island Life, an open-air museum consisting of seven traditional thatched cottages and recreating a sense of what life was like in the 19th century. Learn about the peculiar Scottish system of tenant farming known as 'crofting', and perhaps visit the grave of Flora MacDonald, who famously disguised Bonnie Prince Charlie as a maid and smuggled him to safety during the Jacobite uprising.
After this visit, you will enjoy a refreshing lunch before heading across the island to the west coast and Dunvegan Castle.
Dunvegan Castle, seat of the Clan MacLeod chiefs since the 13th century, is one of the most celebrated of the Hebridean clan strongholds. It is the only one to have been continuously occupied by the same family over a period now spanning eight centuries. Within the castle are priceless heirlooms, some of which have come down through the hands of the Chiefs of MacLeod since medieval times.
On the return to Kyle of Lochalsh, you will pause in Portree for time at leisure to explore this charming fishing port and its colorful waterfront on your own.
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This moderate excursion involves a total of approximately 2.5 miles of walking over mixed terrain with some steps. We recommend good walking shoes and warm, waterproof layered clothing. Also note that this excursion includes over 4.5 hours of driving via coach. The order of visits and the location of lunch may vary.
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The Castles of Skye
From the small port of Kyle of Lochalsh, a 15-minute drive along the shore of the Loch brings you to Eilean Donan, a small tidal island at the confluence of Loch Alsh and two others. The Castle that dominates the island is perhaps the most recognizable in Scotland; it has been featured in no fewer than ten films, including James Bond's The World is Not Enough, in which the castle served as the Scottish headquarters of MI6.
The Castle is named for the 6th-century Irish saint who established a community here in an effort to bring Christianity to the Picts. There has been a fortified castle on this site since the 13th century, when it was built as a defense against raiding Vikings. You are free to explore the castle and its grounds on your own to learn about its rich history and take in the views that make it such a favorite among film producers.
Armadale Castle has been an important part of the life of the Isle of Skye since the early 18th century, when the chiefs of Clan Donald, Lords of the Isle, made it their residence. The castle fell into disrepair in the early 20th century, and is now in process of being restored by the Clan Donald Trust. But the ruins, and especially the magnificent gardens that surround them, remain a site well worth experiencing.
Sheltered by their location and enjoying a mild climate created by the Gulf Stream, the Gardens are a floral paradise. Magnificent trees tower over carpets of bluebells, orchids, and wildflowers throughout spring and summer, providing a tranquil place to sit or stroll. You may also wish to spend time in the award-winning Museum of the Isles, where exhibits trace 1,500 years of the history and culture of the area once known as the Kingdom of the Isles. Whatever you choose, a local guide will be on hand to answer any questions.
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This moderate excursion involves some walking, but the extent is at the guest's discretion. There are many steps across the Eilean Donan Castle's three levels. Walking at Armadale is on level and gently sloping terrain. Warm, waterproof clothing and sturdy footwear are recommended.
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Hebridean Traditions: Clans and Whiskey
Your excursion begins with a breathtaking scenic drive along the Cuillin Mountain Range and the southern coast of Skye to the small hamlet of Armadale, where you will discover Armadale Castle, one of the many strongholds of Clan Donald that once stretched from Ulster in the north of Ireland across the Hebrides.
The castle has been an important part of the life of the Isle of Skye since the early 18th century, when the chiefs of Clan Donald, Lords of the Isle, made it their residence. As you tour the castle, you will have the opportunity to learn a great deal about the importance of kinship clans in Gaelic society and in particular about the long history of Clan Donald, which remains the largest and most powerful clan in Scotland. You will also want to spend some time exploring Armadale's extensive gardens replete with woodland trails adorned with flowering shrubs, perfect for a leisurely stroll on a summer's afternoon.
On the way back to Kyle of Lochalsh, visit the Torabhaig Distillery, which produced its first single malt in 2021. Torabhaig produces whisky in the traditional way, and your guides will explain the process from malting the barley and mashing the peat through aging the spirits in oak casks. No visit to a distillery is complete, of course, without a tasting, and you will be invited to sample the end product of this process before returning to the ship.
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This is a moderate excursion. The total amount of walking is entirely at your discretion during the visit to Armadale. The tour of the distillery involves stairs. Sturdy walking shoes and a jacket are recommended.
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Fort Augustus & Loch Ness
At the pier in Fort William board your motorcoach for a wonderfully scenic drive through Scotland's Great Glen along the shores of Loch Lochy and Loch Oich. Your drive will pass by Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in the British Isles, and by the Commando Memorial, dedicated to the men of the British Commando Forces whose training depot the memorial overlooks.
As you drive through the splendor of the Highlands, you follow the route of the Caledonian Canal, built in the early 19th-century to connect Scotland's east and west coasts, ending your journey at the small town of Fort Augustus, situated at the midpoint of the canal, on the southern tip of legendary Loch Ness.
In Fort Augustus, board the Spirit of Loch Ness, a purpose-built vessel, for a 50-minute cruise on Scotland’s most famous loch. You will cruise past Cherry Island, the loch’s only island, as you take in the legendary beauty of the loch, including a striking view of Fort Augustus Abbey from the water. Enjoy a spot of tea or coffee and a cake bite while your crew points out sights of interest. A glimpse of Nessie is not guaranteed, but cannot be ruled out.
Back in Fort Augustus, enjoy some time at leisure to wander through this lovely little hamlet. You can watch as boats navigate the locks of the canal, or you may wish to browse the village's lovely shops.
Rejoin your coach for the journey back to Fort William and your awaiting ship.
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This is an easy excursion with very little walking. We recommend comfortable shoes and layered clothing, including a jacket in case of inclement weather.
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Glenfinnan & a Tasting of Smoked Salmon
Following a brief overview of Fort William, a short drive along the shore of Loch Eil, brings you to the village of Glenfinnan. Best known for the stunning railway viaduct featured in a Harry Potter movie, Glenfinnan is on the West Highland Line, which connects Fort William and Mallaig. The West Highland Line itself is famous for the Jacobite Steam Train, now frequently referred to as the “Hogwarts Express Line." Pausing here, you may wish to climb the hill behind the Visitor Center for a better view of the viaduct.
Rejoining your coach, travel to the charming small village of Glenuig. In the local pub, the Glenuig Inn, you will be greeted by an experienced salmon smoker from Ardshealach Fine Foods, who will explain the smoking process, from curing the fish to hand slicing the finished product.
A tasting will follow, with generous portions of smoked salmon, roast smoked salmon pate, smoked duck breast, and a special Lochaber smoked cheese—all served on oatcakes and accompanied by wine and a dram of whisky.
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This is an easy excursion with very little walking. We recommend comfortable shoes and layered clothing, including a jacket in case of inclement weather.
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Participation is limited to 24 guests.
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Highlands Highlights & Historic Glenfinnan
Fort William is your gateway to the Highlands, and this tour is an introduction to some of the best scenery Scotland has to offer.
Your first stop is at the Highland Soap Company Visitor Center, where you can have some tea or coffee with pastries as you enjoy views of the River Lochy before strolling around the ruins of the 13th-century Inverlochy Castle. Following this refreshment, a short drive brings you to the village of Glenfinnan.
Best known for the stunning railway viaduct featured in a Harry Potter movie, Glenfinnan is on the West Highland Line, which connects Fort William and Mallaig. The West Highland Line itself is famous for the Jacobite Steam Train, now frequently referred to as the “Hogwarts Express Line." Pausing here, you may wish to climb the hill behind the Visitor Center for a better view of the viaduct, or you may walk to the nearby Glenfinnan Monument, honoring the Jacobite clansmen who fought and died in the cause of Bonnie Prince Charlie.
The next stop is at Banavie, where you visit Neptune's Staircase, a series of eight locks that raise boats 20 meters from sea level to join the Caledonian Canal. Constructed in the early 19th century by Scottish engineer Thomas Telford, the Canal connects the Scottish east coast at Inverness with the west coast at nearby Corpach.
Another short drive brings you to the Commando Memorial which offers breathtaking views of Ben Nevis, the highest peak in the British Isles. The Memorial is dedicated to the men of the British Commando Forces and overlooks the Commando Training Depot established in 1942. Unveiled in 1952 by the Queen Mother, the memorial has become one of the United Kingdom's best-known monuments.
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This is an easy excursion. The amount of walking is at your discretion and is over mostly level and paved terrain. We recommend comfortable shoes and layered clothing, including a jacket in case of inclement weather.
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HISTORIC CITIES OF SCOTLAND (2 NIGHTS)
Situated on the southern shore of the Firth of Forth, Edinburgh has served as Scotland’s capital since the 12th century. This special program is designed to introduce you to this great city, which is the political, religious, and cultural focus of Scottish pride.
Day 1 – Glasgow | Edinburgh
Disembark after breakfast and board your motorcoach for a panoramic tour of this once booming industrial and shipbuilding port. You will be introduced to some of Glasgow's highlights, including the 13th-century Cathedral and the impressive façade of the University of Glasgow. After lunch at a local restaurant, enjoy a guided tour of The Hill House, Charles Rennie Mackintosh’s architectural masterpiece. Commissioned by Glasgow book publisher Walter Blackie, and with the assistance of his wife, Margaret, Mackintosh created and designed nearly everything you will see – from the building itself to the furniture and textiles. In late afternoon, set off on a 90-minute drive across Scotland to Edinburgh, where you will check-in to the InterContinental Edinburgh The George, your home for the next two nights. Dinner is independent and at your leisure.
Day 2 – Edinburgh
After breakfast at the hotel, embark on a panoramic tour of Edinburgh, beginning with New Town and the characteristic Georgian architecture along Princes Street. Continue to the Royal Mile for a walking tour of this medieval pathway between Edinburgh Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse. At Holyrood, enjoy a guided tour of this home of Scottish royalty since the early 16th-century. It has witnessed more than its share of historical drama, famously hosting ill-fated members of the family including Mary Queen of Scots and Bonnie Prince Charlie. Today, Holyrood is King Charles' official residence when he is in Scotland. Your afternoon is at leisure, with independent lunch and dinner, so that you are free to discover other parts of this great city at your own pace.
Day 3 – Edinburgh
After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to the airport for flights homeward.
Your hotel:
The InterContinental Edinburgh The George has been welcoming guests since 1881 and is comprised of five Georgian townhouses originally built in 1775 for some of the town’s most prosperous residents. The hotel hosted famous literary figures such as iconic poet Robert Burns and author Sir Walter Scott, and one of the townhouses was originally home to Scottish novelist Susan Ferrier. With 240 rooms, the InterContinental Edinburgh The George offers a luxurious and historic stay in the heart of New Town Edinburgh.
Your program includes:
- 2 nights at the InterContinental Edinburgh The George (or similar)
- Transfer and luggage handling from the pier to the hotel on Day 1
- Transfer and luggage handling from the hotel to the airport on Day 3
- Lunch on Day 1
- Breakfast on Days 2 and 3
- Sightseeing and programming as noted in the itinerary
- Local English-speaking guide
- Gratuities for the drivers and local guides
Your program does not include:
- Transfer from the hotel to the airport on any day other than the scheduled program departure day
- Personal expenses and other services and meals not mentioned as included in the program
Please note:
- It is imperative that your flight departure details are communicated at least 30 days prior to the beginning of your cruise in order to secure your transfer from the hotel to the airport.
- Late check-out is available depending on availability and at a supplement. An additional night is possible, upon request and depending on hotel availability. Please contact reservations or your travel advisor for further details.
- The official currency is the British pound. Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, shops, and restaurants.
- This post-cruise program is offered as a package. There will be no refunds for unused accommodations, meals, or excursions.
- Program is offered on a space available basis.
- Program is subject to change without notice.
Hotel contact information:
InterContinental Edinburgh The George
19 - 21 George Street
Edinburgh, EH2 2PB
United Kingdom
Telephone: +44.131.225.1251
Gesamtpreis inkl. Steuern- und Gebühren : € 1'100
Preis pro Person auf Basis einer Doppelkabine. Dieser Preis gilt vorbehaltlich Verfügbarkeit.