Deluxe Stateroom Deck 3
19 m²
2
Cruising the Norwegian Fjords – with Smithsonian Journeys
Oslo - Bergen
Dates:
27/6/2025
to
4/7/2025
days
nights on board
Shore excursion in each port of call + transfers included
In alliance with Smithsonian Journeys.
This cruise is part of a collection of PONANT voyages that are specially-tailored for English-speaking travelers who want to engage with the world. In addition to the usual elements of the PONANT experience, the listed price for these voyages includes transfers to and from the ship, talks and discussions aboard ship by world class experts, and a shore excursion or activity in each port of call that encourages guests to embrace the sights, sounds, tastes, and smells of the local environment and culture.
Join PONANT aboard Le Bellot for an 8-day cruise on an exceptional itinerary to discover the beauty of the Norwegian fjords .
Begin your trip to Oslo , the vibrant Norwegian capital.
Sail first towards the lively harbor town of Gothenburg, Sweden . As the home of Volvo, the city boasts the World of Volvo , which features interactive exhibits from the brand's first vehicles through future technological solutions. The stunning Museum of Fine Arts includes works by Carl Larsson, Edvard Munch, Anders Zorn, Van Gogh, Picasso, Chagall, and Monet.
From Arendal , visit the Næs Ironworks Museum, which chronicles how iron production changed between 1665 and 1959, and stop in Tvedestrand , a charming village of white wooden houses. Or visit Raet National Park , which was established in 2016 to protect the region's unique topography.
Le Bellot then sails to Stavanger . Here, the reconstructed Iron Age village in Ullandhaug introduces you to the life of Norway's earliest inhabitants. The region's pristine coastal wilderness also offers an opportunity to take an invigorating hike . This afternoon, sail the beautiful Lysefjorden .
Next stop in Alesund , famous for the art nouveau architectural style in which its downtown was rebuilt after a terrible fire in 1904. Here you will also find the Atlantic Ocean Park , a unique aquarium featuring marine life found along Norway's Atlantic coast.
Be sure to be on the outside decks as Le Bellot traverses the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Geirangerfjord. Explore the fjord region overland – including a stop at the Jostedal Glacier National Park Center – from Hellesylt .
Your final call is in Olden . From this small and charming village, located a few miles from Jostedalsbreen National Park, home to one of the last ice caps in Europe, you are able to admire the magnificent Briksdal Glacier .
Your cruise ends in Bergen , famous for its Hanseatic wharf, Bryggen, a UNESCO World Heritage site which still carries traces of the rich historic past of the city founded by the Vikings.
Ref : OB2345US - EE270625
Your itinerary
A voyage specially-tailored for English-speaking travelers including discussions with experts, transfers before and after your cruise, and an included excursion in each port of call. Engaging lectures and...
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Included in your cruise
To make sure things run smoothly, PONANT has included certain elements before and after your cruise as part of the price.
Shore Excursions, Overlands & Pre/Post Programmes
To complete your voyage, PONANT can organise a range of shore excursions, pre & post cruise activities and packages, plus transfers.
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L'AUSTRAL
LE LAPÉROUSE
2/4/2026 to the 12/4/2026
LE CHAMPLAIN
3/12/2025 to the 13/12/2025
LE BORÉAL
14/5/2026 to the 24/5/2026
LE COMMANDANT CHARCOT
*Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability, and subject to change at any time. The category of stateroom to which this price applies may no longer be available.
Discover all destinations
Services provided
- 24-hour room service
- Inclusive Wifi internet access (availability dependent on navigation and latitude)
- Individually-controlled air conditioning
- Dressing room with shelves and closet
- Dressing table and hairdryer
- Selection of Clarins 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
Smithsonian Journeys
Smithsonian Journeys is the travel program of the Smithsonian Institution, the world’s largest museum, education and research complex, consisting of 21 museums, the National Zoological Park, education centers, research facilities, cultural centers, and libraries. Drawing on Smithsonian's resources dating back 175 years, these sailings will feature notable experts and experiences that embrace local cultures and dive deeper into a destination’s history, cuisine, language, environment, and wildlife. For more than 50 years, Smithsonian Journeys has been rooted in and focused on cultural immersion and discovery – with a goal of inspiring guests to become global citizens through travel.
Subject to withdrawal in case of force majeure
Highlights
- A voyage specially-tailored for English-speaking travelers including discussions with experts, transfers before and after your cruise, and an included excursion in each port of call.
- Engaging lectures and discussions on board with two Smithsonian Journeys Experts, including geologist Scott Burns and Scott Mellor, a professor of Scandinavian history and literature.
- UNESCO World Heritage sites en route: Bryggen and Geirangerfjord
- An exploration of the charming art nouveau town of Alesund.
- Encounters with the magnificent Briksdal Glacier.
- Sailing the Lysefjorden – 'fjord of light' – flanked by towering granite cliffs.
- Opportunities to hike in pristine coastal landscapes from Stavanger and Arendal, including in Raet National Park.
- Museums documenting history from the Iron Age through modern times: Iron Age village in Ullandhaug, Næs Ironworks Museum, World of Volvo, and the Museum of Fine Arts of Gothenburg
Ports of Call & Excursions
27 June 2025 - Oslo
Embarkation 27/6/2025 From 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Departure 27/6/2025 at 6:00 pm
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.
28 June 2025 - Göteborg (Gothenburg)
Arrival 28/6/2025 early morning
Departure 28/6/2025 late 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.
29 June 2025 - Arendal
Arrival 29/6/2025 early morning
Departure 29/6/2025 midday
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.
30 June 2025 - Stavanger
Arrival 30/6/2025 early morning
Departure 30/6/2025 midday
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.
30 June 2025 - Sailing in Lysefjorden
Arrival 30/6/2025
Departure 30/6/2025
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.
1 July 2025 - Alesund
Arrival 1/7/2025 early afternoon
Departure 1/7/2025 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.
2 July 2025 - Sailing in the Geiranger Fjord
Arrival 2/7/2025
Departure 2/7/2025
Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2005, Geirangerfjord is part of the West Norwegian Fjords. Located in the south-west of Norway, to the north-east of Bergen, the fjord stretches from Stavanger in the south to Andalsnes, 500 km north-east. It is one of the longest and deepest fjords in the world and considered to be one of the most spectacular landscapes on the planet. You will admire the exceptional natural beauty of its narrow and steep-sided crystalline rock walls, rising to a height of 1,400 m and extending 500 m below sea level. Numerous waterfalls are part of the great variety of natural terrestrial and marine phenomena to be found at this site.
2 July 2025 - Hellesylt
Arrival 2/7/2025 late morning
Departure 2/7/2025 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.
3 July 2025 - Olden
Arrival 3/7/2025 early morning
Departure 3/7/2025 mid afternoon
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.
4 July 2025 - Bergen
Arrival 4/7/2025 early morning
Disembarkation 4/7/2025 at 8:00 am
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.
Gothenburg City Tour & Museum of Fine Arts
Your panoramic tour of Gothenburg begins with a drive to the Masthuggs Church, built atop a hill overlooking the city and the busy port below. Continue to Götaplatsen, one of the most beautiful squares in the city, where the Museum of Fine Arts, the Concert Hall, and the Municipal Theater are grouped around Carl Milles's famous Poseidon Fountain, celebrating Gothenburg's intimate relationship to the sea.
Disembark your motorcoach here for a guided tour of the Museum of Fine Arts. Its collection is regarded as one of the finest in Northern Europe, featuring works of Carl Larsson, Edvard Munch, Anders Zorn, Van Gogh, Picasso, Chagall, Monet, Rembrandt, others. But it is perhaps best known for its superb collection of Nordic art from the turn of the 20th century. A docent will guide you through the magnificent Fürstenberg Gallery, made possible when Pontus Fürstenberg and his wife donated their entire private collection to the city of Gothenburg. Their wing of the museum is almost an exact replica of the original gallery. You will have some time at leisure before leaving the museum.
From Götaplatsen, your tour proceeds along Avenyn, the main street and Grand Boulevard of Gothenburg, lined with restaurants, bars, and shops. You will pass through Gustav Adolf’s Square, site of City Hall, the Court House, and the Stock Exchange, before arriving at Haga, a pedestrian district known for its picturesque wooden houses and its charming 19th-century atmosphere. After your guided walking tour, you will have time to explore on your own or take a cup of coffee at one of the many cafés before rejoining your coach for the drive back to the pier.
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This excursion involves moderate walking, mostly on flat surfaces. The streets in the Haga district are cobblestone. We recommend comfortable walking shoes and layered clothing.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Gothenburg City Tour & Canal Cruise
This excursion affords two different perspectives on Gothenburg, as you experience it from both land and water.
Your panoramic tour of Sweden's second largest city begins with a drive to the Masthuggs Church, built atop a hill overlooking the city and the busy port below. Continue to Götaplatsen, one of the most beautiful squares in the city, where the Museum of Fine Arts, the Concert Hall and the Municipal Theater are grouped around Carl Milles's famous Poseidon Fountain, celebrating Gothenburg's intimate relationship to the sea. Your drive continues as you pass by Liseberg Amusement Park, the Swedish Exhibition & Congress Center, the Scandinavium and Ullevi Arenas, as well as Feskekörka ("fish church'), Gothenburg's famous landmark fish market and restaurant complex.
At Kungsbroplatsen, at the edge of Gothenburg's 17th-century canal system, leave your coach and board Padden ("the Toad"), a purpose-built sightseeing boat emblematic of the city. Take in the sights as you cruise the canals and learn about the history of the city's construction and defensive fortifications. You will pass under many low bridges, including the extremely low Osthyveln (cheese slicer) bridge, which brings you out into the city's harbor, where you will see traditional shipyards, the fishing fleet, new and old housing, expanding commercial and academic sites, and the maritime museum.
Back on land, reboard your coach and drive along Avenyn, the main street and Grand Boulevard of Gothenburg, lined with restaurants, bars, and shops. You will pass through Gustav Adolf’s Square, site of City Hall, the Court House, and the Stock Exchange, before the tour ends at the pier.
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This is a moderate excursion, involving about half a mile of walking over flat but uneven cobblestones. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended. Participants must be able to negotiate a step up/down to embark/disembark the sightseeing boat. The boat is not covered; and the tour operates rain or shine.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
The World of Volvo
Gothenburg, in addition to being Sweden's second-largest city and an important center of trade, is home to the headquarters of Volvo, the iconic Swedish car brand famous for its commitment to passenger safety. Opened in the spring of 2024, the World of Volvo is an "experiential center" dedicated to showcasing the company's past innovations and plans for the future.
Your excursion begins with a brief panoramic drive through the city, passing Götaplatsen, one of the most beautiful squares in the city, where the Museum of Fine Arts, the Concert Hall, and the Municipal Theater are all grouped around Carl Milles's famous Poseidon Fountain, celebrating Gothenburg's intimate relationship to the sea.
Arriving at the World of Volvo, your visit begins with a guided tour through the exhibition featuring interactive displays and virtual reality experiences that introduce the company's latest technology—electric vehicles, safety innovations, initiatives in sustainability, and autonomous driving. There are displays of Volvo cars from the past, present, and future, as well as presentations on new avenues of interior design and materials. After the tour, you will have time to explore further on your own, or to return to exhibits that you found particularly enthralling.
- This is a relatively easy excursion. Seeing the entire exhibition involves about 1.5 miles of walking, but it is over flat surfaces. You will want comfortable shoes, and as always, layered clothing.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Næs Ironworks Museum & Tvedestrand
Board your coach for a drive to the Næs Ironworks Museum. The Museum is very well preserved and almost completely intact, consisting of buildings, machinery, and equipment that date back to the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries. The ironworks here were operational from 1665 to 1959, and the Museum offers a fascinating glimpse of how iron and steel were produced in days gone by. Enjoy a guided walk through the Museum and a refreshment stop with coffee or tea and munker (a local pastry).
Re-board your coach and drive to the village of Tvedestrand. Proceed with a guided walk through the white wooden houses of the picturesque little village and take a picture of Norway’s narrowest house. Tvedestrand is known as an “international book town” and presents a bookshop on nearly every corner. Enjoy some free time to discover more at your leisure.
Drive back to Arendal along the North Sea Route scenic road which offers fantastic views to the coastline and the ocean.
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This tour includes approximately 0.75 miles of walking over mostly flat surfaces, including cobblestones, sidewalks, and grass. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Hiking in Raet National Park
Raet National Park was established in 2016 to protect the unique topography of the moraine created by the retreat of a massive glacier at the end of the Ice Age. This excursion provides an opportunity to experience this distinctive coastal landscape up close during a refreshing guided walk.
From the pier, a 20-minute drive brings you to Hove, on the southern part of the island of Tromøy. Part of the Raet National Park, the entire area around Hove has been adapted for recreation and includes a variety of trails along the shoreline and through the woodlands that overlook it. Join your guide for an unhurried hike along the coast, where the rocks and boulders left behind by the glacier define the shore, and then into the woods for the return to your starting point.
At the end of this loop, board your coach again for a leisurely hour-long scenic drive back to Arendal and your ship.
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This hiking tour includes 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 clothing.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Arendal Walking Tour
The town of Arendal, once known as the "Venice of Scandinavia" because it was built on islands and networked by canals, enjoyed its greatest prosperity in the 18th and 19th centuries, during the Age of Sail, when it controlled a vigorous trade based on iron and timber from its hinterland. Today, Arendal is a resort town that attracts vacationers from all over Europe.
Your guided walking tour begins with a stroll along the pier, past cafés and restaurants, to one of Arendal's newest attractions (opened just in 2021): a glass elevator that rises through Floyheia Hill and into a glass shaft some 70 feet above the hilltop, with panoramic views of city and its surroundings. Returning to street level, continue your tour into Tylhomen, the old town—an area that preserves much of the character of Arendal's glory days as a maritime center. Walk down stone-paved streets lined with wooden homes painted white or crimson, homes steeped in history that once belonged to wealthy merchants. The old town hall, which was the administrative center of the city from 1844 until 2005, is the tallest wooden building in Norway, and the 3-story Kløckers Hus is a museum filled with period furniture and artifacts.
When you return to the pier, you may follow your guide back to the ship or enjoy some time browsing the shops and restaurants on your own.
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This is a moderate excursion, involving a total of approximately 2.5 miles of walking over mostly flat terrain, but some cobblestones. Sturdy footwear is recommended as is layered clothing, including a rain jacket, hat, and sunscreen.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Stavanger Heritage & Petroleum Museum
Stavanger and the surrounding areas have for centuries played a leading part in Norway's maritime history, from the time when the Viking kings battled in Hafrsfjord, through the period of the "white sails" and the steamships, up to modern super-tankers. Stavanger is also the most important oil city in Norway due to its geographical position. Your tour will show you a bit of the city's history.
Pass rich agricultural countryside and arrive at Ullandhaug with its reconstructed farmhouses from the Iron Age for a visit. Here, in 872, the Viking king Harald Haarfagre (the fair-haired) defeated the last of the regional princes and united the 29 small kingdoms under one crown. Thus, the Kingdom of Norway was founded.
To the East, the fertile farmland of Jaeren with the Ryfylke Mountains forms the background. Arriving back in Stavanger, stop for a photo at the cathedral, and opt to participate in a guided walk through Old Stavanger with picturesque, well preserved wooden houses along narrow lanes. Today, this area is considered unique and is the city's most important rehabilitation project.
Re-board your coach and arrive at the modern Petroleum Museum. The striking building is situated in the middle of the harbor. It displays many exhibits from Norway’s relatively new petroleum history. Return to the ship.
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This tour includes approximately 0.25 miles of walking over uneven surfaces, including over cobblestones and dirt paths with some incline. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes. The coach will drive through several tunnels during the tour; the longest of which is about 0.5 miles long.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Nordic Walking & Trail Snack
Norway has a long tradition of cross-country skiing, and this technique has been further developed for walking. Nordic walking is a total body version of walking that can be enjoyed both by non-athletes as a health-promoting physical activity and by athletes as a sport. The activity is performed with specially designed walking poles, adapted to each participant. The technique is easy to learn, and you will get a unique workout where most muscles are used combined with a true nature experience.
Begin your tour by walking through the city center and through a residential area towards Godalen on the Storhaug peninsula. Here, a 2-mile coastal walk stretches from one small boat harbor to another. The trail runs in open countryside right beside the fjord and offers a fantastic view over the Gandsfjord and the mountains beyond. There are several lovely beaches along the way, and you will pass large rocky headlands protruding into the fjord.
Relax in a peaceful outdoor area, where you will enjoy one of Norway’s best loved – and one of the simplest – culinary treats, the brown cheese. Together with rye bread and hot beverages, this constitutes a typical Norwegian back-to-the-basics trail snack. Continue back to the ship along the Blue Promenade – a lovely path which goes around the harbor in the city center.
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This tour includes approximately 5.5 miles of trail walking over mainly flat, paved and gravel surfaces. We recommend you wear sturdy walking shoes and bring a small rucksack to hold any gear. Walking poles will be provided.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Utstein Monastery & Music Recital
A short distance offshore from Stavanger sits Mosteroy Island, one of a group of islands at the entrance to Boknafjord. It is a tranquil, fertile place — suitable for pasturing sheep and cows and an environment conducive to quiet introspection. The perfect site for Augustinian Friars to establish a monastery in the mid 13th century.
Travel to the island aboard a motorcoach that passes through an underwater tunnel almost 3 miles long and running nearly 700 feet below the surface. Arriving at Mosteroy, you drive through the verdant landscape to reach Utstein Monastery, the best-preserved monastery in Norway.
Utstein is small. There were probably never more than a dozen monks living here at a time. But the staff of the monastery — household servants and those who farmed the land in support of the monks — would have brought the total size of the community to about 250.
The Lutheran Reformation brought the religious life of the monastery to an end. And the buildings were repurposed for secular pursuits until a renovation project was begun in 1937. The restored monastery is now a museum and a popular venue for lectures and recitals.
Your guided visit of the museum and its idyllic grounds will end with a short music recital in the chapel, before you leave the serenity of this place and return to your ship in Stavanger.
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This tour involves approximately 25 steps to negotiate at the monastery. We recommend you wear comfortable shoes, layered clothing, and protect yourself from the sun.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Art Nouveau Museum & City Walk
Ålesund, the largest town on the Northwest coast, boasts a beautiful built on three islands close to the ocean and with a backdrop of impressive mountain peaks. A large part of Ålesund was destroyed by fire in 1904 and rebuilt in the so-called Jugend (Art Nouveau) style, typical of the first decade of the 20th century. In fact, it was the German emperor Wilhelm II, a great friend of Norway, who sent masons up to help rebuild the town.
Today Ålesund has a population of approximately 40,000, but the town center is relatively small and easy to cover on foot. Depart on foot and start with a visit to the Art Nouveau Centre, located in the old pharmacy building. The museum provides an interesting insight into the history of the fire in 1904 and the creative Art Nouveau period. After a break for coffee, tea, and cake, continue your walk and learn about the importance of fisheries in Norway's biggest fish-export harbor, and see several examples of the picturesque Art Nouveau-style that has made Ålesund famous as one of the three last Art Nouveau cities in Europe. Proceed uphill to a little, attractive park at the foot of Mount Aksla. Here you will find exotic trees and plants, as well as a memorial stone dedicated to Emperor Wilhelm II, after whom the main street in town is also named. In addition, here stands the statue of the Viking Gange-Rolf who sailed from Ålesund to present day Normandy, France, which is named after the Norwegian settlers. If you choose, walk up a few bends towards Mount Aksla to enjoy a spectacular view. Others can enjoy more time in the park to wander or relax before returning to the pier and your ship.
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This tour includes approximately 2 miles of walking over paved and cobblestone surfaces with some inclines. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and loose clothing. Please bring a light jacket and rain gear, if necessary. A parent or guardian must accompany children under the age of 16.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Atlantic Ocean Park
Ålesund, the largest town on the Northwest coast, boasts a beautiful setting, built on three islands close to the ocean and with a backdrop of impressive mountain peaks. A large part of Ålesund was destroyed by fire in 1904 and rebuilt in the so-called Jugend (Art Nouveau) style, typical of the first decade of the 20th century. Today it is a bustling town where the fish and furniture industries are the main sources of income.
Board your coach and drive approximately 2 miles to the Atlantic Ocean Park, a unique aquarium dedicated to marine life along the Atlantic coast of Norway, where tanks are built to resemble coastal environments. The largest tank contains over one million gallons of seawater, where you can view marine life through an acrylic panel that is over 10 inches thick, 60 feet long, and 13 feet high. The Park also features an outdoor pool with penguins. The aquarium is in a lovely setting, looking straight out towards Breisundet – the wide sound surrounded by islands and reaching far out the open ocean. Here seals come in regularly to be fed. The Park is currently undergoing renovation, and as of 2022, it will have status as a Marine Science Center with emphasis on how to manage ocean resources.
On the way back to the ship, you can see some of the fine details of the Art Nouveau architecture before heading up to Hessa Viewpoint, where you stop to take in the spectacular view over many islands towards the ocean. After a short drive through the streets of Ålesund, stop at the bustling pedestrian street of Kongens gate before returning to the pier.
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This tour includes approximately 0.25 miles of walking over flat and even surfaces. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Hiking Sugarlump Mountain
A short drive through Alesund brings you to the base of Sugarlump Mountain, located on the Island of Hessa, where you meet your guide and begin a one-and-a-half-hour hike that starts at 164 feet above sea level and reaches a lookout point at an elevation of 1,000 feet. The first part of the trail is through a forest of pines and birches, and your guide will be happy to answer questions about the local flora and fauna. As you climb higher and the trees thin out, you will have splendid views of the surrounding valleys, Borgundfjord, and the city of Alesund below. The round trip is approximately 2.5 miles over varied terrain, but for those who are in good shape, the effort is well rewarded.
- This is a relatively strenuous excursion. It is not suitable for those with chronic health conditions or whose mobility is limited. Carry bottled water in order to stay hydrated, and wear loose, layered clothing. Sturdy hiking shoes or boots are strongly advised.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
RIB Tour in Geirangerfjord
You have seen the splendor of Geirangerfjord from the decks of your ship. This excursion is an opportunity to see it up close from a seat in a ten-passenger RIB (rigid inflatable boat).
Walk to the marina where the RIBs are docked. As you put on your water- and wind-proof float suit and life jacket, you will receive safety instructions and then board the boat. Part of this experience is the speed of the boat as it races along the water—wind in your hair and a sense of exhilaration. But the experience is also about getting close up to some of the most famous features of Geirangerfjord—being near enough to the base of the Seven Sisters Waterfall and the Bridal Veil Waterfall, for example, to feel the mist as the falls meet the surface of the fjord.
- This short but intense excursion should not be undertaken by anyone who suffers from back issues or is pregnant. Guests should be in good overall health. A waiver of liability is required to participate.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Kayaking in the Fjord
You have seen the splendor of Geirangerfjord from the decks of your ship. This excursion is an opportunity to see it up close from a kayak as you paddle serenely through the fjord.
Walk to the marina where the kayaks are docked. After a safety demonstration and paddle instructions, board your kayak and set off into the fjord on a guided paddle. Follow the shoreline out from Hellesylt for a chance to spot local wildlife such as eagles, porpoise, and otters. Your guide will tell you stories about the fjord as you paddle past steep cliffs and picturesque mountain farms.
Return to the marina and walk back to your ship.
- This short but moderate excursion should not be undertaken by anyone who suffers from heart/lung, back or neck problems or is pregnant. Guests should be in good overall health. We recommend bringing a hat, sunscreen, and bottle of water. Dry bags will be provided.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Picturesque Norang Valley
This panoramic tour through the Norang Valley is a delightfully comfortable way to experience one of Norway’s most picturesque regions. Begin with a visit to the Hellesylt Waterfalls, where the Helleslyt River descends to meet the fjord—among the most-photographed features of this region. After enjoying the waterfall, your journey follows the river into the Norang Valley, an area of steep mountains, small lakes, and picturesque summer farms. When you reach the charming village of Øye, nestled at the head of Hjørundfjord, you will see the historic Union Øye Hotel, a favorite retreat for explorers, artists, and royalty since 1891.
On the return drive, make a brief stop at Lake Lyngstøylvatnet, formed by a massive rockslide in 1908 that redirected the course of the river and created the new lake. The waters here are clear enough that it is sometimes possible to see remnants of the old road and even the remains of farmhouses buried by the lake. Before returning to the ship, your final stop will be at Ljøen, a spectacular viewpoint overlooking the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Geirangerfjord.
- This is an easy excursion with very little walking required. Layered clothing to deal with changeable weather is recommended.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Jostedalsbreen National Park
This excursion through the natural beauty of the glaciers and lakes that surround the fjords begins with a visit to Hellesylt Waterfall, where the Hellesylt River descends to meet the fjord—among the most-photographed features of this region. After pausing at the waterfall, a panoramic drive takes you westward into the mountains to reach Europe's deepest lake, Hornindalsvannet, whose crystal-clear waters descend to a depth of 1,700 feet. Then, turning south, you pass through the town of Stryn with views of the turquoise-colored lake of the same name.
At the village of Oppstryn on the shores of yet another pristine lake, you arrive at Jostedal Glacier National Park Center, an opportunity to learn about the massive Jostedalsbreen, the largest glacier in mainland Europe. Explore the exhibits and interactive displays on glacial formation and retreat, and enjoy a short film with aerial views of the glacier and explanation of the effects of climate change. The center's botanical garden displays the native fauna and medicinal herbs that grow in this harsh environment, and the shop and café offer souvenirs and refreshments before you head back to Hellesylt and your ship.
- This is an easy excursion with less than half a mile of walking required. Layered clothing to deal with changeable weather is recommended.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
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.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
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 and 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.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Le Bellot
Like the other ships in the PONANT EXPLORERS series, Le Bellot has been designed to provide absolute comfort for its passengers, even at the heart of the world's most remote and isolated regions.
Racy lines, state-of-the-art equipment, a refined design, a softly muted and at the same time convivial ambiance together with a deliberately restricted number of cabins all contribute to the modernity of Le Bellot, a unique ship in the world of cruising.
Decks
Shore excursion in each port of call + transfers included
PONANT has organized the following included program for you, which starts the day of embarkation.
Included Features:
- A program of onboard enrichment provided by two Smithsonian Journeys Experts, including geologist Scott Burns and Scott Mellor, a professor of Scandinavian history and literature
- Transfers and luggage handling from the airport in Oslo to the ship on the day of embarkation
- Comprehensive 7-night cruise aboard the deluxe Le Bellot, 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)
- Gratuities for ship crew and for guides and drivers on excursions
- Transfer from the ship to the airport in Bergen 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
- Program is subject to change without notice
Special Guest Speaker
On our departures in alliance with Smithsonian Journeys, we are joined by two Smithsonian Journeys Experts who will provide an insightful English-language lecture series that enhances your experience with valuable context and new perspectives. From enriching talks to casual conversations on board, their in-depth knowledge will bring you deeper into the history, culture, and natural world of your destination.
Timeless
With one included excursion per day and per guest*, and the presence of expert lecturers on board, Timeless Explorations blend cultural curiosity, immersive experiences, and serene relaxation. A refined way to journey far from the everyday, both in mind and in spirit.
- Activities: One included excursion per day and per guest. Optional paid excursions are also available depending on the port of call.
- Landings (depending on the destination): By dock, tender boat, or aboard local vessels.
- Your experts on board: The dedicated excursion team and one or more guest lecturers.
- Children: Children from one year of age are welcome on board (from 8 years old on board Le Commandant Charcot).
*Excluding Paul Gauguin
The full program of all excursions, both included and optional, is available eight months prior to departure. Reservations open approximately two months before departure.
Shore excursions, Pre/Post & Overlands
OSLO LANDMARKS (1 NIGHT)
Oslo is a city that combines a reverence for its history with a commitment to cutting-edge innovation in architecture, culture, and everyday life. This carefully curated program offers a glimpse into Norway's unique blending of past, present, and future as it creates an identity both forward-looking and steeped in the heritage of the past.
Day 1 – Oslo
Arrive at Oslo Gardermoen Airport, where you will be met and transferred to the renowned Amerikalinjen Hotel in the center of the city, your home for the night. A local representative will be present at the hospitality desk in the afternoon to welcome you and answer any questions you may have. Relax and unwind at the hotel, or explore some of the sites that are just steps away from the front door. This evening, join fellow travelers for a welcome cocktail reception at the hotel. Dinner is independent.
Day 2 – Oslo | Embark
After a hearty Scandinavian breakfast at the hotel, join a guided tour of Oslo’s landmarks and trace the city's architectural transformation over time. Begin with the stately City Hall, site of the Nobel Peace Prize Ceremony, and the 19th-century National Theater, where many of Ibsen's plays were first performed. Visit the imposing neo-classical Royal Palace, and stroll along Karl Johan Gate, the city's main shopping street, to reach the harbor and Oslo's stunningly modern Opera House. At the National Museum, admire Edvard Munch’s world-famous The Scream, a masterpiece that captures profound emotion and has become a symbol of Norwegian artistic innovation. The museum’s diverse collection spans centuries, blending historical works with bold contemporary pieces that echo the forward-thinking spirit of Oslo itself.
Exploration of the museum is followed by a Nordic-inspired gourmet lunch at Ankerbrygge, a premier waterfront restaurant, where the freshest local ingredients are crafted into exquisite dishes that showcase the best of Norway’s cuisine. With panoramic views of Oslo’s harbor as backdrop, this meal highlights the city’s close connection to nature and its maritime heritage. After lunch, transfer to the pier to embark Le Bellot and set sail in the evening.
Your hotel:
Once the headquarters of Norwegian American Lines, the Amerikalinjen has now been converted to a vibrant boutique hotel located within walking distance of the Opera, the Kvadraturen shopping district, and the nightlife of Youngstorget. Its rooms and suites are furnished with all of the amenities you would expect from a luxury property. It houses several restaurants and bars, as well as a popular Jazz Club. A fully equipped exercise room is available 24 hour a day.
Your program includes:
- 1 night at the Amerikalinjen Hotel in Oslo (or similar)
- Transfer and luggage handling from the airport to the hotel on the scheduled program arrival day
- Transfer and luggage handling from the hotel to the ship on embarkation day
- Welcome 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 program does not include:
- Transfer from the airport to the hotel on any day other than the scheduled program arrival day
- Personal expenses and other services and meals not mentioned as included in the program
Please note:
- It is imperative that your flight arrival details are communicated at least 90 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.
- This program includes a significant amount of walking, may not be suitable for guests with limited mobility.
- The official currency is the Norwegian krone Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, shops, and restaurants.
- This pre-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:
Amerikalinjen
Jerbanetorget 2
0154 Oslo
Norway
+47 21 40 59 00
Total : AU$2,070
Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.Gothenburg City Tour & Museum of Fine Arts
Your panoramic tour of Gothenburg begins with a drive to the Masthuggs Church, built atop a hill overlooking the city and the busy port below. Continue to Götaplatsen, one of the most beautiful squares in the city, where the Museum of Fine Arts, the Concert Hall, and the Municipal Theater are grouped around Carl Milles's famous Poseidon Fountain, celebrating Gothenburg's intimate relationship to the sea.
Disembark your motorcoach here for a guided tour of the Museum of Fine Arts. Its collection is regarded as one of the finest in Northern Europe, featuring works of Carl Larsson, Edvard Munch, Anders Zorn, Van Gogh, Picasso, Chagall, Monet, Rembrandt, others. But it is perhaps best known for its superb collection of Nordic art from the turn of the 20th century. A docent will guide you through the magnificent Fürstenberg Gallery, made possible when Pontus Fürstenberg and his wife donated their entire private collection to the city of Gothenburg. Their wing of the museum is almost an exact replica of the original gallery. You will have some time at leisure before leaving the museum.
From Götaplatsen, your tour proceeds along Avenyn, the main street and Grand Boulevard of Gothenburg, lined with restaurants, bars, and shops. You will pass through Gustav Adolf’s Square, site of City Hall, the Court House, and the Stock Exchange, before arriving at Haga, a pedestrian district known for its picturesque wooden houses and its charming 19th-century atmosphere. After your guided walking tour, you will have time to explore on your own or take a cup of coffee at one of the many cafés before rejoining your coach for the drive back to the pier.
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This excursion involves moderate walking, mostly on flat surfaces. The streets in the Haga district are cobblestone. We recommend comfortable walking shoes and layered clothing.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Gothenburg City Tour & Canal Cruise
This excursion affords two different perspectives on Gothenburg, as you experience it from both land and water.
Your panoramic tour of Sweden's second largest city begins with a drive to the Masthuggs Church, built atop a hill overlooking the city and the busy port below. Continue to Götaplatsen, one of the most beautiful squares in the city, where the Museum of Fine Arts, the Concert Hall and the Municipal Theater are grouped around Carl Milles's famous Poseidon Fountain, celebrating Gothenburg's intimate relationship to the sea. Your drive continues as you pass by Liseberg Amusement Park, the Swedish Exhibition & Congress Center, the Scandinavium and Ullevi Arenas, as well as Feskekörka ("fish church'), Gothenburg's famous landmark fish market and restaurant complex.
At Kungsbroplatsen, at the edge of Gothenburg's 17th-century canal system, leave your coach and board Padden ("the Toad"), a purpose-built sightseeing boat emblematic of the city. Take in the sights as you cruise the canals and learn about the history of the city's construction and defensive fortifications. You will pass under many low bridges, including the extremely low Osthyveln (cheese slicer) bridge, which brings you out into the city's harbor, where you will see traditional shipyards, the fishing fleet, new and old housing, expanding commercial and academic sites, and the maritime museum.
Back on land, reboard your coach and drive along Avenyn, the main street and Grand Boulevard of Gothenburg, lined with restaurants, bars, and shops. You will pass through Gustav Adolf’s Square, site of City Hall, the Court House, and the Stock Exchange, before the tour ends at the pier.
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This is a moderate excursion, involving about half a mile of walking over flat but uneven cobblestones. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended. Participants must be able to negotiate a step up/down to embark/disembark the sightseeing boat. The boat is not covered; and the tour operates rain or shine.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
The World of Volvo
Gothenburg, in addition to being Sweden's second-largest city and an important center of trade, is home to the headquarters of Volvo, the iconic Swedish car brand famous for its commitment to passenger safety. Opened in the spring of 2024, the World of Volvo is an "experiential center" dedicated to showcasing the company's past innovations and plans for the future.
Your excursion begins with a brief panoramic drive through the city, passing Götaplatsen, one of the most beautiful squares in the city, where the Museum of Fine Arts, the Concert Hall, and the Municipal Theater are all grouped around Carl Milles's famous Poseidon Fountain, celebrating Gothenburg's intimate relationship to the sea.
Arriving at the World of Volvo, your visit begins with a guided tour through the exhibition featuring interactive displays and virtual reality experiences that introduce the company's latest technology—electric vehicles, safety innovations, initiatives in sustainability, and autonomous driving. There are displays of Volvo cars from the past, present, and future, as well as presentations on new avenues of interior design and materials. After the tour, you will have time to explore further on your own, or to return to exhibits that you found particularly enthralling.
- This is a relatively easy excursion. Seeing the entire exhibition involves about 1.5 miles of walking, but it is over flat surfaces. You will want comfortable shoes, and as always, layered clothing.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Næs Ironworks Museum & Tvedestrand
Board your coach for a drive to the Næs Ironworks Museum. The Museum is very well preserved and almost completely intact, consisting of buildings, machinery, and equipment that date back to the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries. The ironworks here were operational from 1665 to 1959, and the Museum offers a fascinating glimpse of how iron and steel were produced in days gone by. Enjoy a guided walk through the Museum and a refreshment stop with coffee or tea and munker (a local pastry).
Re-board your coach and drive to the village of Tvedestrand. Proceed with a guided walk through the white wooden houses of the picturesque little village and take a picture of Norway’s narrowest house. Tvedestrand is known as an “international book town” and presents a bookshop on nearly every corner. Enjoy some free time to discover more at your leisure.
Drive back to Arendal along the North Sea Route scenic road which offers fantastic views to the coastline and the ocean.
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This tour includes approximately 0.75 miles of walking over mostly flat surfaces, including cobblestones, sidewalks, and grass. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Hiking in Raet National Park
Raet National Park was established in 2016 to protect the unique topography of the moraine created by the retreat of a massive glacier at the end of the Ice Age. This excursion provides an opportunity to experience this distinctive coastal landscape up close during a refreshing guided walk.
From the pier, a 20-minute drive brings you to Hove, on the southern part of the island of Tromøy. Part of the Raet National Park, the entire area around Hove has been adapted for recreation and includes a variety of trails along the shoreline and through the woodlands that overlook it. Join your guide for an unhurried hike along the coast, where the rocks and boulders left behind by the glacier define the shore, and then into the woods for the return to your starting point.
At the end of this loop, board your coach again for a leisurely hour-long scenic drive back to Arendal and your ship.
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This hiking tour includes 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 clothing.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Arendal Walking Tour
The town of Arendal, once known as the "Venice of Scandinavia" because it was built on islands and networked by canals, enjoyed its greatest prosperity in the 18th and 19th centuries, during the Age of Sail, when it controlled a vigorous trade based on iron and timber from its hinterland. Today, Arendal is a resort town that attracts vacationers from all over Europe.
Your guided walking tour begins with a stroll along the pier, past cafés and restaurants, to one of Arendal's newest attractions (opened just in 2021): a glass elevator that rises through Floyheia Hill and into a glass shaft some 70 feet above the hilltop, with panoramic views of city and its surroundings. Returning to street level, continue your tour into Tylhomen, the old town—an area that preserves much of the character of Arendal's glory days as a maritime center. Walk down stone-paved streets lined with wooden homes painted white or crimson, homes steeped in history that once belonged to wealthy merchants. The old town hall, which was the administrative center of the city from 1844 until 2005, is the tallest wooden building in Norway, and the 3-story Kløckers Hus is a museum filled with period furniture and artifacts.
When you return to the pier, you may follow your guide back to the ship or enjoy some time browsing the shops and restaurants on your own.
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This is a moderate excursion, involving a total of approximately 2.5 miles of walking over mostly flat terrain, but some cobblestones. Sturdy footwear is recommended as is layered clothing, including a rain jacket, hat, and sunscreen.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Stavanger Heritage & Petroleum Museum
Stavanger and the surrounding areas have for centuries played a leading part in Norway's maritime history, from the time when the Viking kings battled in Hafrsfjord, through the period of the "white sails" and the steamships, up to modern super-tankers. Stavanger is also the most important oil city in Norway due to its geographical position. Your tour will show you a bit of the city's history.
Pass rich agricultural countryside and arrive at Ullandhaug with its reconstructed farmhouses from the Iron Age for a visit. Here, in 872, the Viking king Harald Haarfagre (the fair-haired) defeated the last of the regional princes and united the 29 small kingdoms under one crown. Thus, the Kingdom of Norway was founded.
To the East, the fertile farmland of Jaeren with the Ryfylke Mountains forms the background. Arriving back in Stavanger, stop for a photo at the cathedral, and opt to participate in a guided walk through Old Stavanger with picturesque, well preserved wooden houses along narrow lanes. Today, this area is considered unique and is the city's most important rehabilitation project.
Re-board your coach and arrive at the modern Petroleum Museum. The striking building is situated in the middle of the harbor. It displays many exhibits from Norway’s relatively new petroleum history. Return to the ship.
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This tour includes approximately 0.25 miles of walking over uneven surfaces, including over cobblestones and dirt paths with some incline. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes. The coach will drive through several tunnels during the tour; the longest of which is about 0.5 miles long.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Nordic Walking & Trail Snack
Norway has a long tradition of cross-country skiing, and this technique has been further developed for walking. Nordic walking is a total body version of walking that can be enjoyed both by non-athletes as a health-promoting physical activity and by athletes as a sport. The activity is performed with specially designed walking poles, adapted to each participant. The technique is easy to learn, and you will get a unique workout where most muscles are used combined with a true nature experience.
Begin your tour by walking through the city center and through a residential area towards Godalen on the Storhaug peninsula. Here, a 2-mile coastal walk stretches from one small boat harbor to another. The trail runs in open countryside right beside the fjord and offers a fantastic view over the Gandsfjord and the mountains beyond. There are several lovely beaches along the way, and you will pass large rocky headlands protruding into the fjord.
Relax in a peaceful outdoor area, where you will enjoy one of Norway’s best loved – and one of the simplest – culinary treats, the brown cheese. Together with rye bread and hot beverages, this constitutes a typical Norwegian back-to-the-basics trail snack. Continue back to the ship along the Blue Promenade – a lovely path which goes around the harbor in the city center.
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This tour includes approximately 5.5 miles of trail walking over mainly flat, paved and gravel surfaces. We recommend you wear sturdy walking shoes and bring a small rucksack to hold any gear. Walking poles will be provided.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Utstein Monastery & Music Recital
A short distance offshore from Stavanger sits Mosteroy Island, one of a group of islands at the entrance to Boknafjord. It is a tranquil, fertile place — suitable for pasturing sheep and cows and an environment conducive to quiet introspection. The perfect site for Augustinian Friars to establish a monastery in the mid 13th century.
Travel to the island aboard a motorcoach that passes through an underwater tunnel almost 3 miles long and running nearly 700 feet below the surface. Arriving at Mosteroy, you drive through the verdant landscape to reach Utstein Monastery, the best-preserved monastery in Norway.
Utstein is small. There were probably never more than a dozen monks living here at a time. But the staff of the monastery — household servants and those who farmed the land in support of the monks — would have brought the total size of the community to about 250.
The Lutheran Reformation brought the religious life of the monastery to an end. And the buildings were repurposed for secular pursuits until a renovation project was begun in 1937. The restored monastery is now a museum and a popular venue for lectures and recitals.
Your guided visit of the museum and its idyllic grounds will end with a short music recital in the chapel, before you leave the serenity of this place and return to your ship in Stavanger.
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This tour involves approximately 25 steps to negotiate at the monastery. We recommend you wear comfortable shoes, layered clothing, and protect yourself from the sun.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Art Nouveau Museum & City Walk
Ålesund, the largest town on the Northwest coast, boasts a beautiful built on three islands close to the ocean and with a backdrop of impressive mountain peaks. A large part of Ålesund was destroyed by fire in 1904 and rebuilt in the so-called Jugend (Art Nouveau) style, typical of the first decade of the 20th century. In fact, it was the German emperor Wilhelm II, a great friend of Norway, who sent masons up to help rebuild the town.
Today Ålesund has a population of approximately 40,000, but the town center is relatively small and easy to cover on foot. Depart on foot and start with a visit to the Art Nouveau Centre, located in the old pharmacy building. The museum provides an interesting insight into the history of the fire in 1904 and the creative Art Nouveau period. After a break for coffee, tea, and cake, continue your walk and learn about the importance of fisheries in Norway's biggest fish-export harbor, and see several examples of the picturesque Art Nouveau-style that has made Ålesund famous as one of the three last Art Nouveau cities in Europe. Proceed uphill to a little, attractive park at the foot of Mount Aksla. Here you will find exotic trees and plants, as well as a memorial stone dedicated to Emperor Wilhelm II, after whom the main street in town is also named. In addition, here stands the statue of the Viking Gange-Rolf who sailed from Ålesund to present day Normandy, France, which is named after the Norwegian settlers. If you choose, walk up a few bends towards Mount Aksla to enjoy a spectacular view. Others can enjoy more time in the park to wander or relax before returning to the pier and your ship.
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This tour includes approximately 2 miles of walking over paved and cobblestone surfaces with some inclines. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and loose clothing. Please bring a light jacket and rain gear, if necessary. A parent or guardian must accompany children under the age of 16.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Atlantic Ocean Park
Ålesund, the largest town on the Northwest coast, boasts a beautiful setting, built on three islands close to the ocean and with a backdrop of impressive mountain peaks. A large part of Ålesund was destroyed by fire in 1904 and rebuilt in the so-called Jugend (Art Nouveau) style, typical of the first decade of the 20th century. Today it is a bustling town where the fish and furniture industries are the main sources of income.
Board your coach and drive approximately 2 miles to the Atlantic Ocean Park, a unique aquarium dedicated to marine life along the Atlantic coast of Norway, where tanks are built to resemble coastal environments. The largest tank contains over one million gallons of seawater, where you can view marine life through an acrylic panel that is over 10 inches thick, 60 feet long, and 13 feet high. The Park also features an outdoor pool with penguins. The aquarium is in a lovely setting, looking straight out towards Breisundet – the wide sound surrounded by islands and reaching far out the open ocean. Here seals come in regularly to be fed. The Park is currently undergoing renovation, and as of 2022, it will have status as a Marine Science Center with emphasis on how to manage ocean resources.
On the way back to the ship, you can see some of the fine details of the Art Nouveau architecture before heading up to Hessa Viewpoint, where you stop to take in the spectacular view over many islands towards the ocean. After a short drive through the streets of Ålesund, stop at the bustling pedestrian street of Kongens gate before returning to the pier.
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This tour includes approximately 0.25 miles of walking over flat and even surfaces. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Hiking Sugarlump Mountain
A short drive through Alesund brings you to the base of Sugarlump Mountain, located on the Island of Hessa, where you meet your guide and begin a one-and-a-half-hour hike that starts at 164 feet above sea level and reaches a lookout point at an elevation of 1,000 feet. The first part of the trail is through a forest of pines and birches, and your guide will be happy to answer questions about the local flora and fauna. As you climb higher and the trees thin out, you will have splendid views of the surrounding valleys, Borgundfjord, and the city of Alesund below. The round trip is approximately 2.5 miles over varied terrain, but for those who are in good shape, the effort is well rewarded.
- This is a relatively strenuous excursion. It is not suitable for those with chronic health conditions or whose mobility is limited. Carry bottled water in order to stay hydrated, and wear loose, layered clothing. Sturdy hiking shoes or boots are strongly advised.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
RIB Tour in Geirangerfjord
You have seen the splendor of Geirangerfjord from the decks of your ship. This excursion is an opportunity to see it up close from a seat in a ten-passenger RIB (rigid inflatable boat).
Walk to the marina where the RIBs are docked. As you put on your water- and wind-proof float suit and life jacket, you will receive safety instructions and then board the boat. Part of this experience is the speed of the boat as it races along the water—wind in your hair and a sense of exhilaration. But the experience is also about getting close up to some of the most famous features of Geirangerfjord—being near enough to the base of the Seven Sisters Waterfall and the Bridal Veil Waterfall, for example, to feel the mist as the falls meet the surface of the fjord.
- This short but intense excursion should not be undertaken by anyone who suffers from back issues or is pregnant. Guests should be in good overall health. A waiver of liability is required to participate.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Kayaking in the Fjord
You have seen the splendor of Geirangerfjord from the decks of your ship. This excursion is an opportunity to see it up close from a kayak as you paddle serenely through the fjord.
Walk to the marina where the kayaks are docked. After a safety demonstration and paddle instructions, board your kayak and set off into the fjord on a guided paddle. Follow the shoreline out from Hellesylt for a chance to spot local wildlife such as eagles, porpoise, and otters. Your guide will tell you stories about the fjord as you paddle past steep cliffs and picturesque mountain farms.
Return to the marina and walk back to your ship.
- This short but moderate excursion should not be undertaken by anyone who suffers from heart/lung, back or neck problems or is pregnant. Guests should be in good overall health. We recommend bringing a hat, sunscreen, and bottle of water. Dry bags will be provided.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Picturesque Norang Valley
This panoramic tour through the Norang Valley is a delightfully comfortable way to experience one of Norway’s most picturesque regions. Begin with a visit to the Hellesylt Waterfalls, where the Helleslyt River descends to meet the fjord—among the most-photographed features of this region. After enjoying the waterfall, your journey follows the river into the Norang Valley, an area of steep mountains, small lakes, and picturesque summer farms. When you reach the charming village of Øye, nestled at the head of Hjørundfjord, you will see the historic Union Øye Hotel, a favorite retreat for explorers, artists, and royalty since 1891.
On the return drive, make a brief stop at Lake Lyngstøylvatnet, formed by a massive rockslide in 1908 that redirected the course of the river and created the new lake. The waters here are clear enough that it is sometimes possible to see remnants of the old road and even the remains of farmhouses buried by the lake. Before returning to the ship, your final stop will be at Ljøen, a spectacular viewpoint overlooking the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Geirangerfjord.
- This is an easy excursion with very little walking required. Layered clothing to deal with changeable weather is recommended.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Jostedalsbreen National Park
This excursion through the natural beauty of the glaciers and lakes that surround the fjords begins with a visit to Hellesylt Waterfall, where the Hellesylt River descends to meet the fjord—among the most-photographed features of this region. After pausing at the waterfall, a panoramic drive takes you westward into the mountains to reach Europe's deepest lake, Hornindalsvannet, whose crystal-clear waters descend to a depth of 1,700 feet. Then, turning south, you pass through the town of Stryn with views of the turquoise-colored lake of the same name.
At the village of Oppstryn on the shores of yet another pristine lake, you arrive at Jostedal Glacier National Park Center, an opportunity to learn about the massive Jostedalsbreen, the largest glacier in mainland Europe. Explore the exhibits and interactive displays on glacial formation and retreat, and enjoy a short film with aerial views of the glacier and explanation of the effects of climate change. The center's botanical garden displays the native fauna and medicinal herbs that grow in this harsh environment, and the shop and café offer souvenirs and refreshments before you head back to Hellesylt and your ship.
- This is an easy excursion with less than half a mile of walking required. Layered clothing to deal with changeable weather is recommended.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
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.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
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 and 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.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
HISTORIC 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 | Disembark
After breakfast aboard, disembark for a tour of Bergen and the surrounding area. Begin with 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. Spend the remainder of the day at leisure. Dinner is independent this evening.
Day 2 – Bergen | Homeward
After breakfast at the hotel, check out and transfer to Bergen Flesland Airport for flights home.
Your hotel:
Hotel Norge, first opened in 1885, was completely renovated in 2018. Located in the center 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 program includes:
- 1 night at the Hotel Norge by Scandic (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 2
- Breakfast on Day 2
- Lunch on Day 1
- 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 60 days prior to the beginning of your cruise in order to secure your transfer from the hotel to the airport.
- 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 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:
Hotel Norge by Scandic
Nedre Ole Bullsplass 4
5012 Bergen
Telephone: +47 55 55 40 00
Email: hotelnorge@scandichotels.com
Total : AU$1,440
Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.