Deluxe Stateroom Deck 3
10% Ponant Bonus
19 m²
2
Scottish archipelagos and the Faroe Islands: Nordic heritage and island identities
Fairlie (Glasgow), Scotland - Glasgow, Scotland
Dates:
12/5/2025
to
21/5/2025
days
nights on board
PONANT proposes a 10-day expedition cruise aboard Le Bellot exploring the captivating landscapes and extraordinary historical heritage of the archipelagos of Scotland and the Faroe Islands, lands with Celtic and Viking influences.
Leaving from Fairlie, you will reach Fort William. This harbour town on the shores of Loch Linnhe is steeped in Scottish history and tradition, close to the beautiful and spectacular scenery of Glencoe.
You will then sail towards Loch Ewe in the Northwest Highlands, a sea loch that is home to a remarkable subtropical Eden; next, you will reach Shiant Islands and its huge sandstone cliffs, where many colonies of seabirds come to nest.
You will then head for the Orkney archipelago and its windswept moorland landscape. Stromness, a small fishing port with stone houses, reveals a rich history of Vikings, merchants and sailors.
In the middle of the North Sea, the Scottish archipelago of the Shetlands is rich in unsuspected treasures on its raw territories with jagged coastlines. From Scalloway, the stone structures at Jarlshof are a vibrant testimony to the first settlements while the cliff at Sumburgh Head offers fantastic views of the seabirds. On the more remote island of Foula, man has had to deal with the elements.
Your ship will then sail north towards the the Faroe Islands, Denmark’s northernmost autonomous territory. In this isolated archipelago, you will immerse yourself in a wild and spectacular natural environment. In Suduroy, the rolling plains populated by sheep shape the scenery punctuated by sheer summits, mountain lakes and jagged cliffs looking out to the islands, offering outstanding terrestrial and maritime panoramas. In Streymoy, you will enjoy sailing around cliffs home to bird colonies. Here, the Viking legends and the Nordic cosmogony are never far away.
In the Hebrides, St Kilda is a small volcanic archipelago with incredibly beautiful scenery, where the sheer cliffs rub shoulders with vast and verdant relief. The main island is a UNESCO World Heritage Site; uninhabited since 1930, it has remnants of very old dwellings.
The last stage of your journey will take you to Tobermory, a charming fishing port with multicoloured houses and with a distillery that produces a renowned single malt, before you arrive in Glasgow, your disembarkation port.
Ref : EE120525
Your itinerary
An expedition cruise discovering the subarctic archipelagos of Scotland and the Faroe Islands, remote territories of volcanic origin, renowned for their dramatic scenery and their singular identities, between...
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Your trip in detail
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Complete your trip
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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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LE COMMANDANT CHARCOT
6/3/2025 to the 21/3/2025
LE LYRIAL
3/3/2025 to the 21/3/2025
LE PAUL GAUGUIN
LE BORÉAL
L'AUSTRAL
*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
Expedition programmes include activities such as zodiac outings and landings (sometimes with "wet landing"), moderate walks to more active hikes, all accompanied by your expedition team of naturalist guides.
Ports of call, visited sites, outings and landings will depend on weather conditions, position of ice, winds and the state of the sea. These can force a change of plans at any time. The Captain and the Expedition Leader may at any time cancel or stop any activity, or even modify the itinerary. The final itinerary will be confirmed by the Captain, who will take into account the touristic quality of the sites and above all, the safety of the passengers. His decision will be based on advice from experts and authorities.
Travelling to polar/isolated regions is an exhilarating experience in remote areas: please remember that you are far from modern hospitals with full medical facilities, thus evacuation is extremely expensive. Without adequate medical coverage, all expenses will have to be immediately paid with your personal funds. We urge you to subscribe to full coverage insurance, choose your insurance company very carefully, be extremely vigilant and ensure your insurance is fully comprehensive, especially if you are insured by your credit card. PONANT offers an insurance contract with extensive guarantees, please contact us for more information.
Clothing tips:
- A waterproof rain jacket
- Waterproofed shoes or comfortable resistant walking shoes
- Comfortable trousers: waterproof trousers, hicking tracksuit
- Waterproof and windproof over-trousers – MANDATORY
- Pullover, sweat-shirt or fleece jacket
- A warm hat, woollen ear muffs or fleece ear muffs, fleece or woollen neck warmer (avoid scarves that do not stay in place)- recommended
- Walking socks
Accessories:
- Small waterproof backpack (to protect your camera from water)
- Binoculars (strongly recommended for wildlife viewing)
- Highly protective sunglasses
- Walking poles (highly recommended)
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.
PONANT activities
Highlights
- An expedition cruise discovering the subarctic archipelagos of Scotland and the Faroe Islands, remote territories of volcanic origin, renowned for their dramatic scenery and their singular identities, between Celtic and Viking heritage.
- Outings and shore visits with an experienced team of naturalist-guides.
- UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the Heart of Neolithic Orkney (Skara Brae and Brodgar Circle), Saint Kilda Island
- At Loch Ewe, the visit of the Inverewe Garden, a remarkable collection of shrubs and exotic plants.
- Discovering archaeological sites dating back to the Neolithic period, striking testimonies to the ancient settlements of these archipelagos.
- A new navigation around Shiant Islands and its bird cliffs.
- Exploration of the Faroe Islands, the northernmost autonomous territory of Denmark, from stunning natural landscapes and traditional Faroese villages.
- Scenery: volcanic islands, jagged coastlines, lochs, heather moorlands, peat fields, sandstone cliffs, lush valleys.
- Wildlife : gannet, crested cormorant, fulmar, eider, puffin, golden eagle, red squirrel, red deer, seal, otter, sheep.
Ports of Call & Excursions
12 May 2025 - Fairlie (Glasgow), Scotland
Embarkation 12/5/2025 From 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Departure 12/5/2025 at 6:00 pm
The village of Fairlie can be found less than an hour away from lively Glasgow. In the north of Ayrshire county, on the western Scottish coast, this charming little town faces the Isle of Arran. The originality of Kelburn Castle, built in the 12th century, stems from its façade covered in graffiti by four famous Brazilian graffiti artists. This artistic statement as well as the castle’s estate and gardens, which can be discovered during a pleasant walk, are well worth a visit.
13 May 2025 - Fort William
Arrival 13/5/2025
Departure 13/5/2025
A port town on the eastern shore of Loch Linnhe, Fort William is sometimes described as the "Outdoor Capital of the UK." Because it sits at the base of Ben Nevis, the highest peak in the British Isles, and is in close proximity to the dramatic landscape of Glencoe, it is a popular destination for hikers and rock climbers. For those looking for a less adventurous experience, the nearby Ben Nevis Distillery offers tours and tastings, and Old Fort and Old Inverlochy Castle are interesting historical sites.
14 May 2025 - Loch Ewe
Arrival 14/5/2025
Departure 14/5/2025
Loch Ewe, located in the Northwest Highlands, is a sea loch surrounded by mountains, looking out onto the North Atlantic. It was an assembly point for maritime trade in the past and military ships used to gather there during the Second World War to organise safe convoys to the Arctic. On its shores, the loch shelters a remarkable botanic garden, Inverewe Garden, whose many hundreds of tropical plants and species prosper thanks to the Gulf Stream. Protected from the violent winds by endemic pine trees, the garden, which was created in 1862 by landowner Osgood Mackenzie and his daughter Mairi Sawyer, will unveil unsuspected colours, shapes and perfumes. It is now managed by the National Trust for Scotland. Perhaps you will be lucky enough to glimpse some of Scotland’s wild animals: red squirrels, red deer, otters, seals or golden eagles.
14 May 2025 - Sailing along Shiant Islands
Arrival 14/5/2025
Departure 14/5/2025
The Shiant Islands derive their name from the Gaelic, Na h-Eileanan Seunta, which means “enchanted isles”. Whether in the mist that frequently envelops the archipelago or beneath a radiant sun, the visitors discovering the Shiant Islands quickly fall under their spell. A veritable paradise for observing seabirds and marine mammals, the archipelago offers magnificent scenery. Puffins, guillemots and razorbills find refuge in the cliffs here, co-existing with fulmars and black-legged kittiwakes. White-tailed eagles soar above inaccessible cliffs. As for the seals, they gather around rocky formations.
15 May 2025 - Stromness, Orkney
Arrival 15/5/2025
Departure 15/5/2025
The stone houses stand proudly facing the sea in the charming town of Stromness, the second most populous town in Scotland’s Orkney Islands. Long ago called Hamnavoe – meaning “safe harbour” – because of the safety it provided to Viking travellers, sailors and merchants sailing around Great Britain, the town has retained its gentle way of life. Strolling along its picturesque streets will immerse you in the history of the fishermen and whale hunters, but also allow you to discover a lively town with a living culture.
16 May 2025 - Scalloway, Shetland Islands
Arrival 16/5/2025
Departure 16/5/2025
On the Atlantic seaboard of the Mainland, Scalloway is a fishing port and the former capital of the Shetland archipelago, a wild territory with windswept jagged coastlines, located off the coast of Northern Scotland. In the 16th century, the Earl of Orkney, Patrick Stewart, had his residence forcibly built there, a castle whose ruins are still visible and which came to symbolise “Black Patie’s” oppressive rule over the Shetlander people. At the far south of the island, the internationally renowned archaeological site of Jarlshof reveals a striking historical snapshot of settlement in the Scottish Far North, from the Iron Age to the Pictish and Viking periods. You will then discover Sumburgh Head, a rocky outcrop topped by a lighthouse; this site is the kingdom of Atlantic puffins and gannets, and is unmissable for birdwatchers!
16 May 2025 - Foula, Shetland Islands
Arrival 16/5/2025
Departure 16/5/2025
Foula, lying some twenty nautical miles west of the Shetlands, is the archipelago’s most remote island as well as one of the most remote inhabited British islands: it only has thirty inhabitants, who still observe the Julian calendar, introduced by Julius Caesar in 46 BC. The island rock measures 12.5 km2 (4.8 square miles) and is characterised by its high cliffs, the largest of which reach 365 m (almost 1,200 feet). Inland, there are farms in the heart of huge expanses of moors and peat bogs where flocks of sheep and herds of ponies live in total freedom. The Vikings were the first explorers to come here and they named it Fugløy or “bird island”. You will be able to explore these green windswept landscapes, to the cliffs of Hiora Wick and Gaada Stack, home to nesting colonies of seabirds, including fulmars, Atlantic puffins and eiders.
17 May 2025 - Suduroy Island, Faroe Islands
Arrival 17/5/2025
Departure 17/5/2025
Suduroy Island, literally “South Island”, has one of the smallest populations in the Faroe Islands. It has sheer cliffs along its western face. The island is an important breeding ground for seabirds, including northern fulmars, black-legged kittiwakes, Atlantic puffins, and guillemots. Your expedition team will guide you as you discover the island, its authentic villages with black, tarred-wood churches typical of the Faroe Islands, and its hiking trails lined with peat fields and stone sheepfolds. Sheep are indeed omnipresent throughout the Faroe Islands — in fact, there are more sheep than humans —, and they add to the charm of these wild landscapes.
18 May 2025 - Streymoy Island, Faroe Islands
Arrival 18/5/2025
Departure 18/5/2025
Streymoy Island is the largest and most populated of the Faroe Islands, with 22,500 inhabitants. Lying between Scotland and Iceland, the 18-island Danish archipelago boasts natural wonders that will fascinate lovers of the great outdoors. Here, the hilly green landscapes stand in contrast with the huge basalt cliffs and the invigorating air shifts with the moods of the ocean. To the north, the small village of Saksun, with its traditional grass-covered rooftops, has 14 inhabitants. In the curve of a magnificent natural amphitheatre, it overlooks a fjord with a lagoon: an idyllic setting in a secluded and peaceful environment. To the west, in Vestmanna, myriad birds nest in the crags along the eroded and vertiginous cliff faces.
19 May 2025 - Saint Kilda, Hebrides
Arrival 19/5/2025
Departure 19/5/2025
St Kilda is an archipelago of seven volcanic islands, located 35 nautical miles west of the Outer Hebrides. They are the most remote of the British Isles. It is the only site in the United Kingdom to hold joint UNESCO World Heritage Site status for both its natural and cultural qualities. St Kilda has been managed by the National Trust for Scotland since 1957. According to the vestiges discovered there, the first travellers to the island appear to date back to the Bronze Age. For 2,000 years, a small community of inhabitants survived there, economically self-sufficient, until the last ones left in 1930. The village was organised around blackhouses, typical of the Hebrides, cultivable plots and cleitean, dry stone foodstuff storage huts, scattered across the archipelago. The endemic Soay sheep live wild, while the archipelago’s impressive cliffs shelter colonies of Atlantic puffins and gannets.
20 May 2025 - Tobermory, Isle of Mull
Arrival 20/5/2025
Departure 20/5/2025
Located at the northernmost tip of the lovely Isle of Mull, Tobermory has to be one of the most beautiful natural seaports on Scotland’s West Coast. Founded in 1788, this ancient fishing village has been converted to a leisure port highly appreciated today for its surroundings and the quiet charm it exudes. You will definitely be won over by the row of many-storied houses on the hillside, illuminating the harbour with their vibrant colours. Although the real spectacle is outdoors, no less interesting are the Mull Museum dedicated the local history and the exhibitions at the An Tobar art gallery.
21 May 2025 - Glasgow, Scotland
Arrival 21/5/2025 early morning
Disembarkation 21/5/2025 at 8:00 am
In the heart of the Clyde Valley, the bustling city of Glasgow contrasts starkly with the wild beauty of the surrounding countryside. Scotland's biggest city overflows with landmarks from its extensive artistic heritage and outstanding architectural tradition. The city's chequerboard layout makes walking through the major pedestrian thoroughfares easy: go with the flow and let the lively street atmosphere take you past the many Victorian monuments. Don't miss the collections on display in the numerous museums and art galleries. The Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum is an outstanding example.
Ben Nevis Distillery
From the pier, board your coach for a short transfer to Ben Nevis Distillery.
This is one of the oldest licensed distilleries in Scotland, established in 1825 and situated at the foot of Britain's highest mountain, Ben Nevis. They are known for producing exceptional Scotch whiskies using traditional methods. Today you will get an understanding of the care and experience that goes into crafting Ben Nevis Malt whisky.
Then, you will have the opportunity to taste several of the whishies produced here before a moment of free time.
-
This excursion involves walking on mostly flat ground and several stairs inside the distillery. Due to historic nature of the building, not all parts of the distillery are accessible. We recommend you wear comfortable shoes and a jacket.
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
Polar Expedition
Make your dreams of adventure come true, explore the boundaries of the world, and discover wild and legendary territories. The icy immensity of Antarctica, the constantly changing glaciers and icebergs of the North Pole, the mysterious mists of the North European coastlines, the most remote fjords on the planet… Every destination unveils unrivalled landscapes, home to increasingly varied fauna. Our team of naturalist-guides will share their knowledge with you during varied lectures about the history of the great explorations, geology and climatology, the fauna and flora, and will invite you to share special moments with the local populations.
Shore excursions, Pre/Post & Overlands
GLIMPSE OF EDINBURGH (1 NIGHT)
Enhance your trip with a pre-cruise stay in the capital city of Scotland, Edinburgh. The capital of Scotland, steeped in history and home to a range of historical and cultural attractions, is a popular destination for visitors looking to get a taste of Scotland. From its charming medieval Old Town to the elegance of the New Town, Edinburgh is unquestionably a one-of-a-kind city full of contrasts and surprises. On this 1-night extension, you will be able to experience all the highlights of the city, as well as enjoy an exclusive tasting at the Scotch Malt Whisky Society.
Day 1 - Edinburgh
Meet at Edinburgh Airport in the Arrival hall. Look for PONANT sign. You will be greeted by our local representative off the flight selected by PONANT or any other flight (provided that you have previously communicated your flight schedule to your travel agent).
You will be transferred to the Virgin Hotel Edinburgh 5*.
Day and dinner at leisure.
Day 2 - Edinburgh/Fairlie
Your full day tour begins with a panoramic tour of the city. See the Georgian architecture of Princes Street in New Town and drive down parts of the famous medieval Royal Mile with the imposing Edinburgh Castle at one end and the 17th century Palace of Holyroodhouse at the other. The Palace was the home of Mary Queen of Scots from 1561 to 1568 and was occupied by Bonnie Prince Charlie in 1745. The scene of many a great historical drama including notorious murders, and power-hungry personalities, the Palace is now the Queen's official residence in Scotland.
Lunch will be served in a local restaurant.
After lunch, take a journey through the history and alchemy of whisky. Here you will enjoy a dram.
You will then be transferred to the port of Fairlie, to embark on board your ship.
Your hotel:
Boasting an ideal location in the Edinburgh city centre, the Virgin Hotel Edinburgh is close to the old town. With its sober, elegant decor, you'll love staying at this ideally located hotel.
Upgraded rooms are also available depending on availability and on a supplement basis. Contact your travel professional for further detail.
Your programme includes:
- 1-night accommodation Standard room at the Virgin Hotel Edinburgh 5* (or similar) including breakfast.
- Meals as mentioned in the programme.
- Beverages package during meals (mineral water + 1 soft drink or 1 local beer or 1 glass of wine + 1 coffee or tea).
- Transfers and visits as mentioned in the programme.
- The services of a local English-speaking guide.
Your programme does not include:
- Lunch and dinner on day 1.
- Personal expenses.
- Visa if necessary.
- Tips for the driver and local guide.
- Early check-in and late check-out.
- Other services not mentioned in the programme.
Please note:
- It is imperative that the details of your departure flight are provided to your travel agent, no later than 30 days before the start date of your cruise, to secure the proper private transfer.
- Official hotel check-in time is 3:00 p.m.
- Official hotel check-out time is 12:00 a.m.
- Early check-in or late check-out might be available depending on availability and on a supplement basis.
- This programme is not suitable for people with reduced mobility.
- Edinburgh is compact and hilly. This program requires to be able of walking up moderate slopes and numerous stairs.
Contact of your hotel:
Virgin Hotel Edinburgh
1 India Buildings, Victoria Street
Edinburgh EH1 2EX
Telephone: 0131 526 4810
Duration and order of the visits may vary. To know your PONANT flight schedule, please contact your travel agent; it is also indicated on your electronic ticket included in your travel documents.
Total : AU$1,400
Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.Ben Nevis Distillery
From the pier, board your coach for a short transfer to Ben Nevis Distillery.
This is one of the oldest licensed distilleries in Scotland, established in 1825 and situated at the foot of Britain's highest mountain, Ben Nevis. They are known for producing exceptional Scotch whiskies using traditional methods. Today you will get an understanding of the care and experience that goes into crafting Ben Nevis Malt whisky.
Then, you will have the opportunity to taste several of the whishies produced here before a moment of free time.
-
This excursion involves walking on mostly flat ground and several stairs inside the distillery. Due to historic nature of the building, not all parts of the distillery are accessible. We recommend you wear comfortable shoes and a jacket.
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.
GLIMPSE OF GLASGOW
Travel with peace of mind as PONANT organises your day time between your port of disembarkation and the airport.
Greenock/Glasgow
After disembarkation procedures are completed, you will be greeted at the port by our local English-speaking representative.
Take your transfer from Greenock to Glasgow.
Enjoy your day to discover Glasgow.
Lunch at a local restaurant.
You will then be transferred to the airport in time for check-in for the PONANT selected flight.
Your programme includes:
-
Lunch with beverages package (mineral water + 1 soft drink or 1 local beer or 1 glass of white or red wine + 1 coffee).
-
Transfers and visits as mentioned in the programme.
-
Services of a local English-speaking guide.
Your programme does not include:
-
Tips for the driver and local guide.
-
Personal expenses.
-
Other services not mentioned in the programme.
Duration and order of the visits may vary. To know your PONANT flight schedule, please contact your travel agent; it is also indicated on your electronic ticket included in your travel documents.
In the event of schedule changes of PONANT’s selected flight, your programme will be adapted to ensure the most seamless and enriching experience. The content of your revised programme will be updated on the PONANT website, in My Ponant space and on the PONANT app. The final programme will also be sent to you along with your cruise documents.
Total : AU$680
Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.