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Peregrine Travel Centre

A Symphony at Sea: The Musical Traditions of Ireland and France

A Symphony at Sea: The Musical Traditions of Ireland and France

From AUD $9,070

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Description

This cruise is part of a collection of PONANT themed 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.
The cities and towns on this voyage to Ireland and Brittany are at the center of a fiercely proud Celtic culture that has flourished here since before historical time—a culture that has endured overlords and suffered famine and oppression, but which has never been subdued. Join us aboard Le Bellot as we sail from Glasgow to Bordeaux, discovering the sense of celebration at the heart of the Celtic tradition through specially curated excursions ashore and musical performances aboard ship from a group of world-class musicians led by Boston Pops conductor Keith Lockhart. Your musicians include pianist Jihye Chang, cellist Alistair MacRae, soprano Allison Pohl, violist Scott Rawls, violinist Wendy Rawls, and violinist Benjamin Sung.
Call first in Belfast, where possible activities include an excursion to Northern Ireland’s spectacularly scenic Antrim Coast and the remarkable natural stone formations of the Giant’s Causeway; a visit to Titanic Belfast, a museum with state-of-the-art exhibits that tell the story of the ill-fated ship’s construction and tragic end; or a walking tour of the city that ends at a pub where world champion Irish dancers and musicians regale you with songs that have been heard in Belfast’s ship-yards, mills, and markets for centuries.
In Dublin, you may join a tour of the city focused on its long history as seen through the lens of its architectural monuments—from the 10th-century Viking Quarter and Christchurch Cathedral to iconic Dublin Castle, built in the 13th century and still an important government center. Or, you may choose to head to the Old Storehouse Pub where dancers and musicians, veterans of Riverdance and Lord of the Dance, will entertain and encourage you to join in their cèilidh.
The port of Cobh is your gateway to Ireland’s second city, Cork, where you may choose to join a guided walking tour of the city center, encompassing both the stately architecture of the buildings along quays south of the River Lee and the bustling cafes, bookshops, and antique stores to the north. Or you may prefer a panoramic coach tour of the city followed by a trip to the village of Midleton, the town from which the extremely rare Irish whiskey gets its name, to visit the Old Jameson Distillery for a tour and tasting.
A day at sea with a performance from Keith Lockhart and friends is followed by a visit to the fiercely proud seafaring town of Saint-Malo—the lifelong home of explorer Jacques Cartier, and during the 17th and 18th centuries, a booming center of trade (and piracy). Enjoy a walking tour of the old city followed by a cider tasting and a performance of medieval and Celtic music. Alternatively, you may choose to spend the day on an excursion to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Mont-Saint-Michel, the stunning landmark that has served as a fortress, a monastery, a pilgrimage site, and a prison at various periods during its long history.
Another day at sea with a musical performance, brings Le Bellot to the port of Pauillac, on the Gironde, north of Bordeaux. Spend the final day of your journey touring the world-famous wineries of the Médoc, and sampling the wines at one of the many châteaux on the peninsula. Your voyage ends in Bordeaux.

Trip Name
A Symphony at Sea: The Musical Traditions of Ireland and France
Days
9
Overview
Vessel Type: Luxury Expedition / Cruise Ship Length: 131 metres Passenger Capacity: 184 Built: 2019-2020 Featuring innovative and environmentally-friendly equipment, elegantly designed staterooms, spacious suites with large windows, and lounge areas that open onto the outside, this new limited-capacity yacht boasting just 92 staterooms and suites will offer you a truly unique cruising experience. As the first ship in a new series that remains true to the Ponant spirit, Le Bellot will embody the unique atmosphere that is the cruise line’s hallmark: a subtle blend of refinement, intimacy and comfort. Aboard this ship that flies the French flag, you will experience the incomparable pleasure of an intimate cruise, with the possibility of exploring an ever-increasing range of destinations in an ethnic-chic ambiance with luxury service. Experience a luxurious setting where the accent is on authenticity and passion for travel. RESTAURANTS As it is an essential part of French culture, gastronomy will naturally have pride of place aboard this new ship. To the back of Deck 4, you will find a 260 m² panoramic restaurant which can accommodate all of our passengers in a single sitting. Designed differently to that on our other ships, this dining area, which opens onto the outside, will have a buffet of salads, desserts and cheeses at your disposal. Our discreet and attentive crew will provide table service for hot meals. In a relaxed atmosphere, an outdoor grill on Deck 3 will serve grilled meats with a variety of salads and desserts. PUBLIC AREAS Le Bellot has many common areas that are designed and equipped to meet all of your needs while preserving the intimacy of each passenger. A 140 m² reception area includes: A reception/concierge desk, An excursions desk, The ship’s administrative services, The sales office, manned by our Guest Relations Officer, Our 50 m² boutique which sells clothing, jewellery, beauty products, postcards and various accessories, Toilets accessible to passengers with reduced mobility. A new hydraulic platform with adjustable height provides:   Easier boarding than on any other cruise ship, Easier Zodiac embarkation and disembarkation for expeditions, Easier access to the sea for swimming and practising various water sports such as kayaking or paddle-boarding. A pool deck offering: A pool with a panoramic view, equipped with a counter-current swimming system, A pleasant solarium, An outdoor bar and lounge with armchairs and sofas. A 200 m² main lounge which can accommodate all of our passengers to share convivial moments and to host activities organised during the day or evening. Lastly, a theatre that seats 188, equipped with: The latest sound and lighting technology, A LED wall as the stage backdrop, for the projection of high-resolution images and videos.

Itinerary



Day 1 - Day 1 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 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 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 4 - Day 4 Cobh
From the very endearing small town of Cobh, you will set out to discover Cork, rich with a history that goes back to Viking times. During our visit here, we invite you to take an exceptional trip to Blarney Castle, dating from 1446 and renowned for its legends and its ancient stones. At the end of your visit, do not miss the chance of kissing the “Stone of Eloquence”, located at the top of the monument, which legend tells will confer its powers upon you.
Day 5 - Day 5 At sea
During your journey at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This journey without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, depending on the activities offered, or to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.
Day 6 - Day 6 Saint-Malo
The mere mention of Saint-Malo’s name is enough to plunge us back into the richness of its past. The fortifications stand as testimony to the Malouins’ determination to defend their citadel, fought over by France and Britain in turn. When we drop anchor here, immerse yourself in the diversity of its heritage: the time when privateers sailed the oceans in search of trade and victories; the legendary yacht races the port city is still famous for, such as the Route du Rhum; and the final resting place of the French writer François-René de Chateaubriand, who was born here and chose to be buried here anonymously.
Day 7 - Day 7 At sea
During your journey at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This journey without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, depending on the activities offered, or to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.
Day 8 - Day 8 Pauillac
Discover Pauillac, a town in southwestern France located a few kilometres away from Bordeaux, stretching along the Gironde. The undisputed capital of Médoc, Pauillac will open up its magical universe for you, from culture and heritage to vineyards and châteaux. This stop will be a voyage of myriad flavours, particularly during the tasting of the region’s wines, revealing their soft ruby colours and reflections turning amber with time. Enjoy both a sensorial adventure and an adventure into the heart of the town. Don’t miss the visit of Saint Martin’s Church or the mysterious grotto of Artigues, dominated by a statue of the Virgin Mary. As for the Aspic Tower, it is topped with a dome from which the harvesters’ work used to be overseen.
Day 9 - Days 9 - 10 Bordeaux
Bordeaux stretches along the banks of the Garonne river, in South-West France. Its rich wine tradition makes it the world capital of wine. Let yourself be carried away by the history of the Port de la Lune, made a UNESCO World Heritage site for its prestigious classical architecture. On the famous Place de la Bourse, the past and the present unite: here you can observe the majestic old buildings reflected in the contemporary Miroir d’eau creation.
Day 10 - Please note:
Itineraries are subject to change.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
11-10-202519-10-2025AUD $9,070Deluxe Stateroom
11-10-202519-10-2025AUD $10,010Prestige Stateroom Deck 4
11-10-202519-10-2025AUD $22,310Privilege Suite Deck 6
11-10-202519-10-2025AUD $22,310Privilege Suite
11-10-202519-10-2025AUD $24,460Grand Deluxe Suite
11-10-202519-10-2025AUD $24,460Grand Deluxe Suite Deck 6
11-10-202519-10-2025AUD $33,170Owner's Suite
11-10-202519-10-2025AUD $10,480Prestige Stateroom Deck 5
11-10-202519-10-2025AUD $11,030Prestige Stateroom Deck 6
11-10-202519-10-2025AUD $15,130Deluxe Suite
11-10-202519-10-2025AUD $15,130Deluxe Suite Deck 4
11-10-202519-10-2025AUD $15,130Deluxe Suite Deck 5
11-10-202519-10-2025AUD $15,130Deluxe Suite Deck 6
11-10-202519-10-2025AUD $20,260Prestige Suite Deck 5
11-10-202519-10-2025AUD $21,290Prestige Suite Deck 6

Inclusions

    • 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.
    • A program of four musical performances aboard ship featuring Boston Pops conductor Keith Lockhart and six musicians – pianist Jihye Chang, cellist Alistair MacRae, soprano Allison Pohl, violist Scott Rawls, violinist Wendy Rawls, and violinist Benjamin Sung.
    • An opportunity to visit the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of the Giant’s Causeway and Mont-Saint-Michel.
    • Performances of Celtic song and dance in Belfast, Dublin, and Saint-Malo.
    • Tastings of Irish whiskey and Breton cider.
    • Winetasting in the cellars of Médoc.

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