Luxury Cruise Vacations Your Way

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 PONANT aboard  Le Bellot  for an 8-day cruise   on an exceptional itinerary to discover the rugged landscapes of the  Scottish Isles and the beauty of the  Norwegian fjords . 

Begin your journey in  Glasgow , Scotland's cultural capital with a rich artistic and architectural heritage.

Your ship will first sail to  Fort William , from where you can immerse yourself in local lore during a cruise of fabled  Loch Ness  or take a tour and enjoy a dram of  scotch whiskey.

From  Portree , spend a day on the unparalleled Isle of Skye. Or, not to be missed on the mainland is  Eilean Donan , one of the most recognizable castles in the world and an iconic symbol of Scotland.

Your ship sails next towards Kirkwall , capital of Orkney , where numerous seabirds, such as gannets and European shags, take residence. The Standing Stones of Stenness , built around 5,400 years ago, are a designated UNESCO World Heritage site. 

Le Bellot  then sails for  Lerwick , the main port in the Shetland Islands. Nearby is the  Jarlshof  prehistoric and Norse settlement, where Neolithic people first settled more than 4,000 years ago – it is one of the most spectacular excavated sites in the British Isles.

Next cross the North Sea and sail towards  Nordfjordeid . From this small and charming town, drive further along the fjord to Jostedalsbreen National Park, home to one of the last ice caps in Europe, to admire the magnificent  Briksdal Glacier .

End your journey in  Flåm  where you will board the  Flåm Railway  to take a beautiful train journey high into the mountains of western Norway. View stunning rivers, waterfalls, and cultural landscapes around every corner.

You will disembark in  Bergen , famous for its Hanseatic wharf, Bryggen, a UNESCO World Heritage site which still carries traces of the rich historic past of the city founded by the Vikings.

Set sail along three stunning rivers, the Garonne, Dordogne, and Gironde, on one fascinatingly historical and invigorating journey. Explore the country's breathtaking backdrops, wines, and cultural treasures across the region in Bordeaux, Fort Médoc, Cadillac, Blaye, Libourne, and more. Wander through archaeological marvels, historic landmarks, and magnificent vineyards where you'll be treated to a sampling of quintessentially French experiences.

Embark on a scenic drive from Blaye to Bourg along the Route de la Corniche Fleurie and marvel at the sights of Blaye Fortress and Lansac Windmill along the way. Slow things down in Libourne and on your return to Bordeaux with multiple wine tastings, village tours, a farmers' market visit, and Bordeaux heritage walking tour. Join us on a showcase of the best Southwest France has to offer.