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Celtic Voyage: The Hebrides and the Irish Sea – with Smithsonian Journeys

Celtic Voyage: The Hebrides and the Irish Sea – with Smithsonian Journeys

From AUD $9,160

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Description

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 us for this 9-day cruise aboard Le Bellot exploring the rich history and culture that thrives on either side of the Irish Sea.
Begin with a night aboard ship docked near London Bridge, then set sail in the early morning down the Thames to discover historic Dover Castle, perched high on the emblematic White Cliffs, and perhaps visit the nearby UNESCO Heritage site of Canterbury Cathedral.
Enjoy a morning on the Isle of Wight visiting Osborne House, Queen Victoria’s favorite residence, before a relaxing afternoon cruising along the shores of the English Channel. Arrive the following day some 30 miles off the southwest coast of Cornwall in the Isles of Scilly, where you visit the world-famous Tresco Gardens.
Crossing the Irish Sea, you call in Kinsale, Ireland, your gateway to proudly Irish Cork and its iconic Jameson Distillery. Holyhead, Wales, on the Isle of Anglesey, is where you may visit medieval Caernarfon Castle, built in the late 13th century by Edward I as the architectural capstone to the English conquest of Wales, or you may choose to explore the National Trust’s Bodnant Garden.
Belfast, Northern Ireland’s dynamic capital, is home to Titanic Belfast, a state-of-the-art museum on the site of the yard where the ill-fated ship was built. It is also your opportunity to experience the spectacular unspoiled scenery of the Antrim Coast and the famed Giant’s Causeway of over 40,000 interlocking, hexagonal columns, formed by the cooling of molten lava some six million years ago.
Your final full day is spent exploring the fabled Hebrides, beginning in the charming fishing port of Tobermory, whose distillery produces a renowned single malt scotch whisky, before proceeding to Duart Castle, ancestral home of Clan Maclean on the Isle of Mull, and ending with the mystical abbey of the Isle of Iona, home to the first Christian settlement in Scotland.
Your voyage comes to an end in Fairlie, gateway to Glasgow, Scotland’s modern cultural capital.

Trip Name
Celtic Voyage: The Hebrides and the Irish Sea – with Smithsonian Journeys
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 LONDON
The main residence of the British monarch, financial hub and seat of British government, London is the economic and cultural heart of the country. A city of contrasts, attached to its traditions while buzzing with modernity, the capital of the United Kingdom has countless historic districts and notable sites to explore. From Hyde Park to the City through Westminster and Trafalgar Square, get ready to take on Londonﾒs frenetic tempo. In between a visit to the National Gallery, a stroll through Covent Garden and a trip to Tower Bridge, you can take a quiet breather in one of Londonﾒs many beautiful parks and gardens.
Day 2 - Day 2 DOVER
Located in Kent County on the edge of the English Channel, 35 km away from the French coast and Cap Gris-Nez, Dover is the United Kingdom town nearest to France. As the main transit port between the two sides of the English Channel, it is the “Gateway to England”. Dover is famous for its impressive white cliffs, which have inspired many a poet and playwright. Majestically facing mainland Europe, they offer the possibility of a spectacular clifftop walk. Impregnable and perched on a hill overlooking the Channel in the city’s north-east, Dover Castle dominates the city. You will find its network of underground tunnels very interesting.
Day 3 - Day 3 COWES
Located on the north coast of the Isle of Wight, across from the shores of the port cities of Portsmouth and Southampton, Cowes will win you over with its easy lifestyle, its heritage, verdant landscapes, craggy cliffs, and the crystal-clear waters of the Solent, the stretch of sea separating the island from mainland England. Many have succumbed to the charms of this pristine jewel. This includes Queen Victoria, who, captivated by this natural and authentic setting, had her summer residence built there in 1847: Osborne House, an architectural gem that is now one of the symbols of the town. A shipbuilding centre and the cradle of sailing, Cowes welcomes one of the largest regattas in the world every year during Cowes Week, an event gathering some 10,000 skippers and more than a thousand boats.
Day 4 - Day 4 ISLES OF SCILLY
Nestling in the clear waters of the Atlantic Ocean, at the south west tip of Cornwall, the Isles of Scilly form a small British island chain whose climate, landscapes and lifestyle are unlike any other and seem to have come straight from an Enid Blyton story. Here, everything resembles a tropical paradise. The long sandy beaches run alongside lush green meadows teeming with semi-exotic flowers, whilst the ruins of ancient castles loom from the tops of the hills. Veritable havens of peace that inspired the legendary Avalon of King Arthur, they are today listed as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the rugged coastline plays host to wildlife that is as varied as it is exceptional, including the very rare Atlantic grey seal.
Day 5 - Day 5 KINSALE
Considered Ireland’s most beautiful village, Kinsale will captivate you with its sublime natural landscapes and rich cultural heritage. Located at the mouth of the Bandon River in County Cork, this charming little port is home to picturesque streets lined with colourful houses, art galleries and theatres, as well as to a 17th-century fort. Not far away, perched on a rocky promontory, stands the Old Head of Kinsale Lighthouse: still in operation today, it has magnificent views over the Atlantic Ocean.
Day 6 - Day 6 HOLYHEAD, WALES
In the north of Wales and in the west of the captivating Isle of Anglesey, succumb to the charms of the enchanting small port town of Holyhead. Often called “the mother of Wales” due to its importance in history, Holyhead is a paradise for anyone with a passion for natural landscapes and heritage. They will love exploring the town’s many historical landmarks, among other sites. Among these is Holyhead’s 13th-century church, St Cybi’s Church, nestling right in the middle of the Roman citadel. Finally, you will be able to admire one of the symbols of the town: South Stack Lighthouse, built in 1809. As you pass near the lighthouse, you might have the chance to marvel at numerous species of seabirds, including guillemots and razorbills.
Day 7 - Day 7 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 8 - Day 8 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 9 - Day 9 GLASGOW, SCOTLAND
Disembark the vessel in Fairlie. A transfer is provided to Glasgow Airport. 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 10 - Please Note:
Itineraries are subject to change.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
04-05-202512-05-2025AUD $10,250Deluxe Stateroom
04-05-202512-05-2025AUD $11,310Prestige Stateroom Deck 4
04-05-202512-05-2025AUD $25,160Privilege Suite Deck 6
04-05-202512-05-2025AUD $25,160Privilege Suite
04-05-202512-05-2025AUD $27,590Grand Deluxe Suite
04-05-202512-05-2025AUD $27,590Grand Deluxe Suite Deck 6
04-05-202512-05-2025AUD $35,260Owner's Suite
04-05-202512-05-2025AUD $11,830Prestige Stateroom Deck 5
04-05-202512-05-2025AUD $12,460Prestige Stateroom Deck 6
04-05-202512-05-2025AUD $17,070Deluxe Suite Deck 6
04-05-202512-05-2025AUD $17,070Deluxe Suite Deck 4
04-05-202512-05-2025AUD $17,070Deluxe Suite
04-05-202512-05-2025AUD $17,070Deluxe Suite Deck 5
04-05-202512-05-2025AUD $22,850Prestige Suite Deck 5
04-05-202512-05-2025AUD $24,010Prestige Suite Deck 6
07-05-202615-05-2026AUD $9,160Deluxe Stateroom
07-05-202615-05-2026AUD $10,090Prestige Deck 4
07-05-202615-05-2026AUD $10,540Prestige Deck 5
07-05-202615-05-2026AUD $11,090Prestige Deck 6
07-05-202615-05-2026AUD $15,150Deluxe Suite Deck 4
07-05-202615-05-2026AUD $15,150Deluxe Suite Deck 5
07-05-202615-05-2026AUD $15,150Deluxe Suite Deck 3
07-05-202615-05-2026AUD $15,150Deluxe Suite Deck 6
07-05-202615-05-2026AUD $20,190Prestige Deck 5 Suite
07-05-202615-05-2026AUD $21,200Prestige Deck 6 Suite
07-05-202615-05-2026AUD $22,220Privilege Suite Deck 6
07-05-202615-05-2026AUD $22,220Privilege Suite Deck 5
07-05-202615-05-2026AUD $24,340Grand Deluxe Suite Deck 5
07-05-202615-05-2026AUD $24,340Grand Deluxe 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.
    • Engaging discussions onboard with two Smithsonian Journeys Experts.
    • Experience UNESCO World Heritage sites along the way: Canterbury Cathedral, Edward I's Caernarfon Castle, and the Giant's Causeway on the Antrim Coast.
    • Cruise the River Thames from London Bridge to the White Cliffs of Dover.
    • Explore Osborne House, Queen Victoria's favorite residence, designed by Prince Albert.
    • Wander through award-winning Tresco Gardens and Bodnant Garden at the height of the spring bloom.
    • Discover the vibrant Celtic culture of Cork.
    • Delve into the misty past of the Hebridean Isles of Iona and Mull.

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