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Musical Adventure in Celtic Lands

Musical Adventure in Celtic Lands

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Description

From Dublin to Glasgow, PONANT brings you an exceptional cruise to Celtic lands following an 8-day itinerary along the magnificent shores of Britain.

From Dublin, the Irish capital brimming with convivial atmosphere and authentic charm, L’Austral will take you to Belfast, where you can visit the Giant’s Causeway. This massive geological formation is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and features over 40,000 basalt columns.

Your ship will reach Wales at Fishguard, a small coastal town between two hills that was once a Viking trading post. Then you will set sail for Liverpool. A former industrial powerhouse, the city has now been completely redeveloped. Located on the banks of the Mersey, it is famous for being the birthplace of the Beatles.

L’Austral will then take you to the Isle of Man, located between the United Kingdom and Ireland. The capital Douglas is an authentic postcard from United Kingdom of yesteryear with a Victorian atmosphere.

The Inner Hebrides will then welcome you with Iona, the cradle of Christianity in Scotland where the famous Book of Kells was written, and Tobermory, a charming fishing port with multi-coloured houses whose distillery produces a renowned single malt.

You will then discover Oban and its spectacular coastline to the west of the Highlands before you disembark in Glasgow, Scotland’s warm cultural capital with a rich artistic and architectural heritage.

Trip Name
Musical Adventure in Celtic Lands
Days
9
Overview
Vessel Type: Luxury Expedition / Cruise Ship Length: 142 metres Passenger Capacity: 264 (200 in Antarctica) Built: 2011 This superb mega-yacht with 132 cabins is the result of the expertise of the Italian Fincantieri shipyard and French sophistication, as interpreted by designer Jean-Philippe Nuel. L'Austral has a unique atmosphere, a subtle blend of luxury, intimacy and well-being. A sleek silhouette softened by elegantly smooth contours and large, arched windows opening up to the sea and the light: so many features come together to give L’Austral her distinctive shape. Precious materials, discreet elegance and a perfect balance between chic and casual, combine to make you feel as if you are on your own private yacht. A design blending tradition and innovation, where a nautical mood has been subtly recreated. Precious materials in smoothing neutral tones are brought to life with splashes of cheerful reds. So many personal touches create the spirit of a “private yacht”. Cuisine Loyal to the great French tradition, the haute cuisine on board is worthy of the finest restaurants, where discreet, attentive service is the hallmark. Our two restaurants welcome you for breakfasts, lunch and dinner. The Gastronomic Restaurant, with a capacity of 268 persons, is situated on Le Liberté Deck and serves you French and international cuisine accompagnied by fine wine. On the Grill Restaurant, you will have the opportuniny to eat outside and enjoy buffet lunch and themed dinner. Life On Board Whether you want to join other guests in the theatre or games area (Wii™ consoles, etc), or relax on your own in a quiet corner of the library, L'Austral has been designed to meet the needs of every guest. Everything has been done to preserve the independence of each guest to suit their personal tastes: lounges for lectures and shows, a spa in partnership with Sothys™, but also more intimate spaces such as the library and internet corner. Comfortable cabins, nearly all with private balcony, are available for families either as triples or as communicating cabins. There is also a games area with Wii™ consoles, children’s menus, and a baby-sitting service. Just as if you were on a private yacht, your time is your own to do as you please. Fitted with the latest equipment (Kinesis Wall, running machine) and in partnership with the famous Sothys™ brand, the Beauty Centre on L'Austral welcomes you for some unforgettable moments of relaxation and pampering (beauty treatments, hairdresser).

Itinerary



Day 1 - Day 1 Dublin
The Irish capital stretches along the banks of the Liffey to Dublin bay, on the East coast of Ireland. Discover Ireland’s warm conviviality in the pedestrian district of Temple Bar. Its cobbled streets are brimming with fabulous shops, pubs and arts centres. Next to Trinity College, famous for its 18th century library, you can stroll along Grafton Street: in one of its famous tea shops, try a delicious scone and clotted cream served hot and melt-in-the-mouth with jam. Not far from here, the majestic O’Connell bridge leads you to the avenue with the same name, on which Spire, a luminous contemporary sculpture presides.
Day 2 - Day 2 Belfast, Northern Ireland
The capital city of Northern Ireland is located on the very tip of Belfast Lough, in the north-east of the Emerald Isle. Along the waterfront, the building shaped like a fragmented liner is non other than the Titanic Belfast, a homage to the famous transatlantic liner, with full-scale reconstructions making for an insightful experience of the Belle Epoque. In the historical centre, you’ll also travel back in time when you see the majestic Edwardian columns of the City Hall, and the imposing neo-gothic towers of Queen’s University for example. The carved wooden façades of the Victorian pubs will certainly entice you in for a pint of beer or chilled cider.
Day 3 - Day 3 Fishguard
A small coastal town located in the South Wales, Fishguard will offer you a peaceful stop during your cruise. Nestling in the hollow of two hills, the city, once a Viking trading post, is now the ideal starting point for exploring the Welsh countryside. Across its vast expanses of fertile land, its green valleys and its magnificent moors, the region will reveal its rich historical heritage to you. Among other things, you will be able to visit mediaeval Pembroke Castle, renowned for its impressive architecture and the illustrious people who have lived there, such as Gerald de Windsor
Day 4 - Day 4 Liverpool
The fast-moving and appealing city of Liverpool sprawls along the banks of the River Mersey. This former bastion of industry in England's north-west has found its second wind, thanks especially to the highly successful redevelopment of its docks, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2004. The city, the Beatles' birthplace, has lots to offer to its visitors. While a walk down the Waterfront from Pier Head to Albert Dock is a major highlight youメll also love the quality of ᅠmuseums such as the Walker Art Gallery and the wealth of architecture in the city. But what will really impress you is the playful and open-minded spirit of its inhabitants, which John Lennon referred to as "positive energy".
Day 5 - Day 5 Douglas
Douglas is the capital of the Isle of Man, a self-governing island in the Irish Sea between England and Ireland. The Isle of Man is best-known for its gruelling annual TT motorbike race but Douglas itself is a charming traditional seaside resort. The stroll along the busy promenade is very popular, as well as the visit of the Manx Museum, which retraces the island's fascinating Celtic and Viking heritage. It is possible to take a steam train into the mountainous interior, where medieval castles and pretty villages and farms can be observed.
Day 6 - Day 6 Iona, Hebrides & Tobermory, Isle of Mull
Of all the islands in the Inner Hebrides, Iona is by far the most conducive to contemplation and meditation. And for good reason... it is here that St Columba landed from Ireland in 563 and undertook to establish Christianity in Scotland. Now an abbey, the islandメs true spiritual centre stands where the ancient monastery founded by the Irish missionary was built. Many kings of Scotland, including the legendary Macbeth, are buried in the nearby cemetery. In sunny weather, arriving on the Isle of Iona is a stunningly beautiful experience.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.
Day 7 - Day 7 Oban, Scotland
A small Scottish town located on the west coast of the Highlands, Oban possesses magnificent coastal landscapes and many cultural riches. Make sure you wander the charming Victorian streets of this renowned seaside resort, which was popular in the past with Queen Victoria herself. Among other things, you will discover the whisky distillery: founded in 1794, it is one of Scotland’s smallest and oldest. On the heights of the town, McCaig's Tower is one of the area’s curiosities: this unusual construction, erected by a rich banker at the end of the 19th century to provide work for inhabitants during winter, is reminiscent of Roman and Greek architecture and has breathtaking views over the neighbouring islands.
Day 8 - Day 8 Glasgow, Scotland
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.
Day 9 - Please note:
Itineraries are subject to change.Passport valid for at least six (6) months beyond the completion of your trip. Passport must contain at least two completely clear, blank, unused visa pages for each visa required, not including any amendment pages. Visa pages with stains or ink from other pages in the passport are not usable. Guests who deviate from the scheduled embarkation or disembarkation port should research the foreign entry requirements for the port country. Due to government regulations, regrettably, Ponant will have to deny boarding to any guest who fails to obtain the appropriate travel documentation for this trip.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type

Inclusions

    • A musical cruise in partnership with RADIO CLASSIQUE, in the presence of Alain Duault.
    • Between Dublin and Glasgow, sail into the heart of Celtic shores, lands of magic and legends.
    • UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the old port of Liverpool, from Belfast the mysterious Giant’s Causeway site.
    • The Isle of Man and its capital, Douglas, a postcard from United Kingdom of yesteryear with a Victorian atmosphere.
    • Explore the beautiful coastal scenery of the Highlands from Oban.
    • Iona, the sacred island of Scotland, and its abbey dating back to the Middle Ages.

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