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Peregrine Travel Centre

From the Scottish Archipelago to the Arctic Circle

From the Scottish Archipelago to the Arctic Circle

From AUD $12,710

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Description

From the dreamlike landscapes of the British archipelago to the spellbinding rocky and snow-covered islets of the Arctic Circle, PONANT invites you aboard Le Lyrial for an all-new 10-day journey, discovering the natural marvels and age-old heritage of Scotland and Norway, lands of Celtic and Viking legends.

Departing from Edinburgh, city of history and labelled city of literature by UNESCO you will 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.

You will then reach Scrabster, Scotland’s northernmost port. Here you will discover wild nature, made of lush moors, and monumental granite cliffs where many bird species come to find refuge. In addition to its preserved aspect, the charming little town is distinguished by its rich history. It was on these hilly lands that Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother had the neo-Gothic Castle of Mey restored, after the death of King George VI.

Further north, Le Lyrial will sail towards the jagged Norwegian coastlines. Witness this breath-taking spectacle of vertiginous cliffs, immaculate coniferous forests and majestic fjords, and let yourself fall under the spell of these geological masterpieces produced by Mother Nature. Anchored at the entrance to the eponymous fjord and encircled by lush valleys, the picturesque mediaeval city of Trondheim, founded in the 10th century by the Viking King Olaf I, still retains traces of this opulent past, like its emblematic Nidaros Cathedral, an interesting blend of Gothic and Roman influences constructed at the end of the 11th century.

Surrounded by numerous rocky, verdant and snow-covered islets, your ship will approach the charming and historic Bronnoysund. A former Viking city, it is the gateway to the fascinating Vega Archipelago, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Formed of dozens of islands, reefs and isolated rocks, it is a veritable nature sanctuary for many colonies of seabirds, particularly eider ducks, during their nesting period.

The Arctic Circle draws increasingly close and this pristine nature unfolds before you. The deep blue water contrasts with the land and the season’s verdant vegetation.Your ship will then make its way south where you will witness the mysterious charm of the Lofoten archipelago. These islands have landscapes of surreal beauty alternating between sea, spectacular fjords, mountain slopes and bright-coloured huts on stilts.

Just north, at the gateway to the Vesterålen and Lofoten archipelagos, Hinnoya will surprise, captivate and fascinate. At the northern tip of this island, the fourth-largest in Norway, Harstad stands proudly in the centre of a veritable natural setting, between grandiose fjords and mountain chains that feature prominent curves. The former centre of power during the Iron Age, the charming city unveils its Viking culture through its picturesque alleyways and museums tracing this past, rich in legends, traditions and discoveries.

Your trip will end in Tromso, renowned for the architecture of its church, nicknamed the Arctic Cathedral.

Trip Name
From the Scottish Archipelago to the Arctic Circle
Days
10
Overview
Vessel Type: Luxury Small Ship Length: 142 metres Passenger Capacity: 224 Launched: 2015 A sleek silhouette, a welcoming intimate atmosphere, discover aboard this new ship the philosophy that has made our sisterships such a success: the spirit of Yacht Cruises. Sailing under the French flag, this magnificent yacht of only 122 staterooms and Suites, with balconies, will join our fleet in April 2015. You will be enchanted by the contemporary decor inspired by the our destinations and the blue light of the Vega star in the Lyra constellation. The result is a subtle variation around a palette of blues, ranging from the  luminous delicate grey-blue of the Polar ice to splashes of the vivid turquoise blue found in  Mediterranean coves A refined ambiance is enhanced by the quality of the workmanship and materials: white Corian counters in the lobby contrast with the warmth of leather to recall a boat’s hull, while the central sculpture of enamelled pieces takes its inspiration from the sea. In the loungebar, the carpet picks up a tennis stripe theme symbolising a certain idea of cruising, one synonymous with French elegance and a chic seaside spirit.

Itinerary



Day 1 - Day 1 EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND
Scotland’s capital since the 15th century, Edinburgh concentrates the soul of this very special nation. There are countless reasons to stop in the city. Edinburgh’s Old Town and New Town, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites, can be visited via their historic sites. The Royal Mile, the main artery of the medieval old town made up of a jumble of picturesque streets, links Edinburgh Castle perched on its hill to Holyrood Palace via the Presbyterian St Giles' Cathedral. The Georgian New Town whose development began in the 18th century is endowed with such harmony that it has exercised a profound influence on European town planning. Visiting Edinburgh also means being immersed in rich culture, between museums, live shows, literature and the working-class and multicultural districts such as Leith. To round off your stay, don’t hesitate to push open the doors of one of its famous pubs to try a haggis and taste a whisky.
Day 2 - Day 2 STROMNESS, ORKNEY
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.
Day 3 - Day 3 SCRABSTER
Fall under the spell of the charming little town of Scrabster, anchored in Thurso Bay, in the mythical Highlands of Northern Scotland. Scotland’s northernmost port, it is a strategic site for the region’s fishing industry. During hikes, you will be captivated by this wild and enigmatic nature, composed of verdant moors, sheer granite cliffs and fine sandy beaches. These hilly lands are home to certain Royal treasures of the British archipelago. For example, discover the neo-Gothic Castle of Mey, restored at the request of Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother after the death of King George VI.
Day 4 - Day 4 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 5 - Day 5 TRONDHEIM
Nestling at the end of the sumptuous Trondheimsfjord, at the mouth of the River Nidelva, and surrounded by green valleys, the mediaeval city of Trondheim will not fail to amaze you. You will be captivated by the natural and cultural riches offered by Norway’s third city, which was founded by the Viking King Olaf I in the 10th century. As you stroll the cobbled streets of its old town, you will discover atypical architecture. An example is its emblematic Nidaros Cathedral, an architectural jewel of the 11th century and an interesting blend of Gothic and Roman influences.
Day 6 - Day 6 BRONNOYSUND
Nestling on the Torget peninsula a short distance from the Arctic Circle, not far from the mythical Torghatten granite dome, Bronnoysund invites you on an unforgettable journey into the heart of wild nature, between chains of rocky, green and snow-covered islets. The port of call in this former Viking city will also be an opportunity to discover the Vega archipelago, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its 6,500 or so islands will offer you indelible moments in this natural setting, where time seems to stand still. Surrounded by high mountains that drop sharply into the Norwegian Sea, these insular natural sanctuaries are home to many species of seabirds, like the common eider.
Day 7 - Day 7 REINE, LOFOTEN
Way beyond the Arctic Circle, Lofoten Islands are truly considered to be in “another world”. A jewel of nature in its most pristine state, this archipelago with its jagged coastline offers you majestic settings of high alpine summits, sandy beaches, green prairies and fjords of a deep blue, where countless bird colonies make their nests. Whether you visit Å, or Nusjford, listed by UNESCO, enjoy authentic and memorable moments.
Day 8 - Day 8 SVOLVAER, LOFOTEN
Located on the island of Austvågøy, in the county of Nordland, Svolvær will be your ideal entry point for discovering the Lofoten islands. An important stopover to the north of Norway, fishing is one of the town’s main features. And its speciality is? Cod. A picturesque white Lutherian church rests atop a hillside ridge, overlooking the town's multi-coloured houses. Still higher, the “The Solvær Goat” mountain looks over the town from its rocky heights. Topped with two peaks like the horns of an animal, it is one of the region’s must-see natural attractions.
Day 9 - Day 9 HARSTAD
Beyond the Arctic Circle, north of the Norwegian Sea and at the gateway to the Vesterålen archipelago and the sumptuous Lofoten islands, surprising Harstad enjoys an extraordinary natural setting. A favoured destination for its gentle way of life, the small town and surrounding area are a concentrate of the northern Norway’s finest features: majestic coniferous forests, rugged mountains, bewitching fjords and preserved archipelagos. As inhospitable as they are magnificent, these lands still bear traces of the Bronze Age. For example, work tools, jewels and cairns sheltering many tombs that date back several millennia have been discovered during archaeological excavations.
Day 10 - Day 10 TROMSO
In the north of the Arctic circle you’ll discover Tromsø, a secluded town located in the county of Troms. Norwegians call it the “Paris of the north”. You’ll soon see why when you discover its extensive neoclassical architectural heritage. A stunning example is the Arctic cathedral, a major monument whose stylistic purity echoes the outline of the mountains surrounding the town.
Day 11 - Please Note:
Itineraries are subject to change.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
11-05-202420-05-2024AUD $12,710Superior Stateroom
11-05-202420-05-2024AUD $13,590DeLuxe Stateroom
11-05-202420-05-2024AUD $42,840Owner’s Suite
11-05-202420-05-2024AUD $14,860Prestige Stateroom - Deck 4
11-05-202420-05-2024AUD $15,480Prestige Stateroom - Deck 5
11-05-202420-05-2024AUD $16,230Prestige Stateroom - Deck 6
11-05-202420-05-2024AUD $21,790Deluxe Suite
11-05-202420-05-2024AUD $28,710Prestige Suite - Deck 5
11-05-202420-05-2024AUD $30,110Privilege Suite
11-05-202420-05-2024AUD $34,270Grand Deluxe Suite
11-05-202420-05-2024AUD $40,190Grand Privilege Suite

Inclusions

    • An all-new cruise discovering the natural wonders and Celtic and Viking heritage of Scotland and Norway.
    • UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the Heart of Neolithic Orkney, from Bronnoysund, Vega island (Vega Archipelago).
    • All-new ports of call in Scrabster, Trondheim, Bronnoysund and Harstad.
    • Cross the Arctic Circle.
    • Discovering Viking heritage in the Orkneys, in Trondheim and Harstad.
    • Possibility of visiting the Royal residence, the Castle of Mey, in Scrabster.
    • Three ports of call in the Lofoten islands, an archipelago with impressive sheer mountains home to many colonies of seabirds.
    • Landscapes: endlessly undulating moors, age-old coniferous forests, steep cliffs, basalt caves, majestic fjords.

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