FROM THE NORWEGIAN SEA
TO SPITSBERGEN
__________________
12 DAYS
Embark on an all-new 12-day itinerary to discover remote and wild islands. Aboard Le Boréal, you will sail on the Norwegian Sea and the Greenland Sea during this expedition cruise that will take you from Glasgow to Longyearbyen. This voyage is run in partnership with National Geographic.
ITINERARY SUMMARY
| Day | Place | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Glasgow, Scotland | Embarkation in Glasgow, Scotland |
| Day 2 | Stornoway, Hebrides | Visit Lewis, the largest island in the Hebrides and the Standing Stones of Callanish |
| Day 3 | Kirkwall, Scotland | Tour the historical centre and visit the Cathedral and the Highland Park distillery |
| Day 4 | At Sea | Relax on board whilst keeping an eye out for marine species and bird life |
| Day 5 | Heimaey, Vestmannaeyjar | The largest land in the Vestmann Islands with stunning scenery and an unltra-modern interactive museum, Eldheimar |
| Day 6 | Djúpivogur | Explore the fjords along this coastline and the stunning backdrop of the Búlandstindur basalt mountain |
| Day 7 | Seyðisfjörður | Explore this stunning small town on the north-east coast of Iceland |
| Day 8 | Jan Mayen Island, Svalbard | Inhabited by only a handful of meteorologists with a volvanic summit surrounded by volcanic rocks |
| Day 9 | At Sea | Relax on board whilst keeping an eye out for marine species and bird life |
| Day 10 | Horn Glacier, Spitsbergen | Considered the “crown of Arctic Norway” with stunning fjords and 8 great glaciers |
| Day 11 | Bellsund, Spitsbergen | Explore the Bellsund fjord with rich wildlife and lush valleys |
| Day 12 | Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen | Disembark in Longyearbyen and farewell your fellow travellers and expedition crew. Be transferred to airport and fly to London to complete your adventure. |
Ship Offering This Itinerary
Le Boréal
The Le Boreal (200 guests) was launched in May, 2010. She features elegant design and innovative state-of-the-art marine technology. The vessel boasts a convenient layout, aided by three passenger elevators. She offers a single seating dining room, al fresco dining, an outdoor heated pool, and a modern lecture facility and theatre, as well as an ample and comfortable gathering area and library. For anyone looking for a luxury cruise to the High Arctic the Le Boreal is an excellent choice.
Day 1 Glasgow, Scotland
Overview:
Begin your voyage in the heart of the Clyde Valley, the bustling city of Glasgow which contrasts starkly with the wild beauty of the surrounding countryside. Scotland’s biggest city overflows with landmarks from its extensive artistic heritage and outstanding architectural tradition. The city’s layout makes walking through the major pedestrian thoroughfares easy: go with the flow and let the lively street atmosphere take you past the many Victorian monuments. Don’t miss the collections on display in the numerous museums and art galleries. The Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum is an outstanding example.
Day 2 Stornoway, Hebrides
Discover Lewis, the largest island of the Hebrides, considered to be the cradle of Gaelic culture. Here, the peat- and heather- covered valleys and lochs stretch on to infinity, and numerous bird colonies have taken up residence in the long, jagged coastlines. Not far from Stornoway, the island’s main town, built by the Vikings in the 9th century stands one of Scotland’s most prominent prehistoric sites: The Standing Stones of Callanish. Dating back to more than 3,000 years B.C., these imposing stones placed in a cruciform pattern were laid out according to the moon and stars and their main purpose was to keep track of seasonal cycles, as this was essential for farmers at the time.
Day 3 Kirkwall, Scotland
Capital of the Orkney archipelago, Kirkwall, which means “church bay”, is an ideal stopover before continuing on to the Northern Isles. Sheltered in a wide bay, the lively town welcomes the visitor with its charming paved alleyways edged by old houses and craft shops. Tankerness House, the oldest homestead in the town, is a must-see landmark. But the true architectural treasure of the aptly named Kirkwall is none other than its remarkable red and gold stone cathedral. And because whisky is inseparable from Scotland’s identity, stop at the Highland Park Distillery for a highly educational visit.
Day 4 At Sea
During your day at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This day without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, you will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.
Day 5 Heimaey, Vestmannaeyjar
This land seated off the southern coast of Iceland is the largest of the Vestmann islands, and is the only inhabited island in the archipelago. The steep Edfell volcanoes and the green prairies of Herjólfsdalur offer rich contrast of nature. On the Stórhöfði road, look out over grey sand beaches and cliffs carved out by the Arctic ocean. From here, you can also see the bronze landscapes of the mountaintops. You could visit Eldheimar, an ultra-modern and interactive museum which traces the volcanic eruption has experienced Heimaey in 1973.
Day 6 Djúpivogur
Djúpivogur is a small town and municipality located on a peninsula in the Austurland in eastern Iceland. The coastline consists of three magnificent fjords, Berufjörður, Hamarsfjörður, and Álftafjörður which create a striking landscape to explore. On land, the town is shadowed by Búlandstindur, a pyramid-shaped basalt mountain peaking at 1069 metres, making for an incredible sight. Numerous local legends surround this mountain, which is said to grant wishes during the summer solstice.
Day 7 Seyðisfjörður
At the end of your journey through the heart of a very beautiful 17-km-long fjord, discover Seyðisfjörður, on the north-east coast of Iceland. Its typically Scandinavian, colourful houses and small blue church stand in the middle of an enchanting setting, between rivers and waterfalls. The village, surrounded on all sides by mountains with snow-topped peaks, has around 700 inhabitants. This small fishing port with a very picturesque charm is not far from Skálanes, a nature reserve of more than 1,000 hectares that is home to about fifty bird species, Arctic fox and reindeer. This port of call combines nature and culture, with wonderment guaranteed.
Day 8 Jan Mayen Island, Svalbard
The island of Jan Mayen, belonging to Norway, lies hidden off Greenland’s coastlines, lost between the Arctic Ocean and the North Atlantic Ocean. This small piece of land is inhabited by only a handful of Norwegian meteorologists. Tongues of ice descend from its volcanic summit, which culminates at 2,227 metres and is covered with a thick glacial coat. These tongues join the sea, between ranges of black volcanic rocks at times tinged with red. If the sky is clear, you will have the chance to glimpse the summit, decked out in magnificent light. The visit of a small fin whale will perhaps enable you to complete this memorable picture.
Day 9 At Sea
During your day at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This day without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the Ponant photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, you will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.
Day 10 Horn Glacier, Spitsbergen
Nestling between millennial glaciers and carved mountains, and considered to be “the crown of Arctic Norway”, Spitsbergen is a place that never sees the night. Your ship will take you closer to this fascinating archipelago and, more particularly, the Hornsund fjord. Considered to be Svalbard’s southernmost fjord, it is especially reputed to be its most stunning: at the end of its vast bay, 8 great glaciers slowly make their way down to the sea before giving way to the many icebergs elegantly drifting along its cold and mysterious waters.
Day 11 Bellsund, Spitsbergen
You will head to the Bellsund fjord to follow in the footsteps of the first explorers who came from the Norwegian coast, or those of the many fur traders seeking game and trophies. Whaling is a big part of Bellsund’s history, and thankfully belugas were not hunted to extinction so keep your eyes out for a pod of them. Boasting an astonishingly rich wildlife, the arms of the fjord separate to form two lush valleys. Give free rein to your imagination in the heart of this majestic natural environment where time seems to stand still.
Day 12 Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen
Longyearbyen is the capital of the Norwegian Svalbard archipelago, located on Svalbard’s main island, and is the northernmost territorial capital on the planet. With winter temperatures dropping to below 40°C, the landscapes of this mining town are simply breathtaking. The glaciers, the mountains stretching as far as the eye can see and the untouched nature, make you feel like you’re in completely unexplored territory. Once you have disembarked, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to London to complete your adventure.