Expedition cruises

The shimmering waters of the fabled Danube River flow for thousands of miles through the very heart of Europe, silent witness to centuries of artistic achievement and historical events. This perfectly composed journey provides an immersive cultural tasting menu of four equally beguiling countries—ideal for first-time river cruisers as well as seasoned travelers seeking to experience yet another dimension of these much-loved destinations.

Our locally-based destination experts will take you well beyond the "must-sees" of each region, offering fresh takes on classic sites, insider knowledge of delightful under-the-radar locales, and VIP access to places only a privileged few will ever experience—such as a private early-morning viewing of the acclaimed art collection of the Kunstkammer Vienna.

Generations Family Program (select sailings): Share the enchantment of this region with the special young people in your life. These cruises not only feature unique, fun-filled adventures for families to enjoy together, they're also packed with culturally and historically significant experiences designed to spark creativity and lifelong learning.

Cruise from Paris through Normandy's countryside, uncovering its many charms: Château de La Roche-Guyon, the medieval capital of Rouen, Monet's beloved home in Giverny and the famed Normandy beaches.

Experience a different side of Northern France's history with a tour of the majestic palace of Versailles, once home to Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette.

See the best of Paris in one of three ways: via panoramic tour, a bicycle ride along the Seine, or a walk through the Latin Quarter with a local guide. There are plenty of opportunities to take part in more active experiences, such as golfing atop the cliffs of Étretat, perched on the cliff high above the sea, making playing golf here a memorable experience and visual feast.

Exceptional caviar, fine wines, and sensory discoveries will take center stage during this unique gastronomic and wine-themed cruise, organized in partnership with the iconic Prunier caviar house and the prestigious Château Latour estate, and elevated by the exceptional presence of Chef Normand Laprise. As a highlight, optional excursions to Château Latour and the Prunier house will offer exclusive experiences, featuring private tours and unforgettable tastings.

From Bordeaux to Lisbon, PONANT invites you on a journey along the shores of the Atlantic to discover the French, Spanish and Portuguese coasts, during an 11-day trip aboard Le Bellot. 

Throughout your journey, you will benefit from an excursion included per person per port of call, to choose from a selection offered by PONANT. During this cruise, follow the Médoc region’s famous “Route des Châteaux” from Pauillac, admire iconic works of art at the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao or hike the final kilometres of the Camino de Santiago (the Way of St. James) from Vigo. The diversity of experiences on offer promises you intense and varied moments (to discover the full range of excursions, go to the itinerary tab). The diversity of experiences on offer promises you intense and varied moments (to discover the full range of excursions, go to the itinerary tab).

Setting sail from Lisbon, the seven-hilled Portuguese capital, you will chart a course for the port of Leixoes,?from where you will reach the city of Porto. Capital of the northern region of Portugal, this ‘city of granite, the centre of which is a UNESCO World Heritage site, is renowned for its wine.  

Your journey will continue to Galicia?and the city of?Vigo, the biggest fishing port in Spain. Not far from here,?Santiago de Compostela awaits you. This unmissable pilgrimage destination is home to a number of monuments from the Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque periods, testimony to its illustrious past. 

Le Bellot will then head for the capital of the Spanish Basque Country, Bilbao. Between daring architecture and the continuation of its ancestral traditions, you will be able to enjoy the city’s unique energy. 

Your ship will then set a course for San Sebastian. In the heart of the Spanish Basque Country, you will fall in love with this city’s shell-shaped bay, its opulent buildings and its narrow little streets. You will conclude your exploration of Basque Country on the French side with a stay in the city of?Saint-Jean-de-Luz, before reaching the beautiful fortified town of?Talmont-sur-Gironde. 

During your last call in?Pauillac, you will have the opportunity to make several visits and wine tastings at some very beautiful wine estates in the Saint-Estephe, Margaux, and Pauillac appellations. 

Your cruise will end in?Bordeaux, the wine capital of the world.

From sea to sea, or from continent to continent, PONANT welcomes you aboard its ships for a Sea Journey. A few times a year we invite sea lovers, dreamers, and keen observers of endless horizons to join our non-stop journeys, to enjoy the comfort of our ships for an extended period and share the daily lives of our crew.

As the days go by, you can admire the waves from the upper deck, keep fit in the spa and make good use of the pool or the gym, share the daily life of the crew, discover sailing techniques and instruments, and enjoy a break from the hectic pace of life.