Join PONANT aboard Le Champlain 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 voyage 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 whisky at a local distillery.
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, Orkney, where numerous seabirds, such as dunters and ringed plovers, take residence. The Standing Stones of Stenness, built around 5,400 years ago, are a designated UNESCO World Heritage site.
Le Champlain 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 Olden. From this small and charming village, located a few miles from Jostedalsbreen National Park, home to one of the last ice caps in Europe, admire the magnificent Briksdal Glacier.
End your voyage 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.
Inclusions
- 7 nights cruise from Glasgow to Bergen aboard Le Champlain (PONANT)
- All onboard meals—breakfast, lunch, dinner, and complimentary 24-hour room service
- Open Bar: a wide selection of drinks (mineral water, soft drinks, wines, beer, champagne, spirits, coffee, tea) is served at your discretion and at any time of the day. Some premium alcoholic drinks presented on the menu are not included in the Open Bar
- Free Wi-Fi internet access 24 hours a day
- Included shore excursions as stated in the itinerary
- Airport transfers
- Gratuities
| June 21, 2025 | Cruise Only |
| Deluxe Balcony | $6699 |
| Prestige Balcony | $7439 |
| Deluxe Suite | $11389 |
| Taxes & Fees | $441 |
| Rates in USD. Per person based on double occupancy. |
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New bookings only. Space and price are limited and subject to availability when booking. Cruise Only prices do not include airfare, transfers or hotel. The cost of airfare varies from other city gateways; please call to inquire. The prices listed are for lead-in categories (oceanview or balcony cabins may be obstructed), but upgrades are available. Promotional offers may be withdrawn at any time. Depending on the promotion, the deposit for the cruise may be non-refundable; however, we also provide a refundable option at a slightly higher price, ensuring flexibility in your booking.
Ready to set sail? Call us now to inquire for more information or other sailing dates. We're here to help you plan your dream cruise.
Highlights
- 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.
- An exceptional itinerary to discover the rugged landscapes and rich cultural heritage of the Scottish Isles and the beauty of the Norwegian fjords.
- UNESCO World Heritage sites en route: Heart of Neolithic Orkney and Bryggen
- An opportunity to visit Eilean Donan castle on the Scottish mainland and to sail the waters of storied Loch Ness.
- A chance to tour a distillery and sample the region’s famous scotch whisky.
- A visit to the magnificent Isle of Skye.
- A discovery of two archipelagos in the north of Scotland – Shetland and Orkney – to delve into the Neolithic and Viking history that abounds there.
- A sailing through the spectacular fjords of Norway, with two stops to visit a glacier and embark on a train journey on the famed Flåm Railway.
Smithsonian Journeys
Smithsonian Journeys is the travel program of the Smithsonian Institution, the world’s largest museum, education and research complex, consisting of 21 museums, the National Zoological Park, education centers, research facilities, cultural centers, and libraries. Drawing on Smithsonian’s resources dating back 175 years, these sailings will feature notable experts and experiences that embrace local cultures and dive deeper into a destination’s history, cuisine, language, environment, and wildlife. For more than 50 years, Smithsonian Journeys has been rooted in and focused on cultural immersion and discovery – with a goal of inspiring guests to become global citizens through travel.
June 21, 2026 – Glasgow, Scotland
Embarkation 6/21/2026 from 3:30 PM to 4:30 PM | Departure 6/21/2026 at 5:30 PM
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.
June 22, 2026 – Fort William
Arrival 6/22/2026 mid morning | Departure 6/22/2026 evening
A port town on the eastern shore of Loch Linnhe, Fort William is sometimes described as the “Outdoor Capital of the UK.” Because it sits at the base of Ben Nevis, the highest peak in the British Isles, and is in close proximity to the dramatic landscape of Glencoe, it is a popular destination for hikers and rock climbers. For those looking for a less adventurous experience, the nearby Ben Nevis Distillery offers tours and tastings, and Old Fort and Old Inverlochy Castle are interesting historical sites.
June 23, 2026 – Portree, Isle of Skye
Arrival 6/23/2026 early morning | Departure 6/23/2026 evening
Nestling in the crux of a gorgeous bay, Portree reflects the magnificence of the grandiose Isle of Skye as well as being its main town. Apart from the charm of its colorful houses, the town’s outstanding location on the banks of a loch makes it a very pleasant place to be. From its colorful harbor bustling with local craftsmen’s shops, you can take in a stunning view of the surrounding hills. Before trekking through the wilderness and drinking in the natural beauty of the Isle of Skye, check out some of the beautiful images in the Aros Centre.
June 24, 2026 – Kirkwall, Orkney
Arrival 6/24/2026 midday | Departure 6/24/2026 early evening
Capital of the Orkney archipelago, Kirkwall, which means “church bay”, is an ideal stopover before continuing on to the Northern Isles. Sheltered in a wide bay, the lively town welcomes the visitor with its charming paved alleyways edged by old houses and craft shops. Tankerness House, the oldest homestead in the town, is a must-see landmark. But the true architectural treasure of the aptly named Kirkwall is none other than its remarkable red and gold stone cathedral. And because whisky is inseparable from Scotland’s identity, stop at the Highland Park Distillery for a highly instructive visit.
June 25, 2026 – Lerwick, Shetland Islands
Arrival 6/25/2026 early morning | Departure 6/25/2026 midday
The small and charming capital of the Shetland Islands, with its sea front of old houses and narrow streets, offering travelers its old districts and a warm port atmosphere. Geopark Shetland, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is located to the north. Incredibly well-preserved archaeological sites and ruins prove that the islands’ occupation dates back to the first Neolithic colonies. The Shetland Museum and Archives recounts the Shetlands’ history of heritage and culture: Lerwick’s abundant waters were even fished by the Dutch in the past.
June 26, 2026 – Olden
Arrival 6/26/2026 midday | Departure 6/26/2026 late afternoon
With its two wooden churches, one red and the other white, plus its breathtaking view of the mouth of the river Oldeelva, Olden looks just like a picture post card. Located a few kilometers from the Jostedalsbreen park, home to one of the last glacier polar icecaps, this little village is a definite must for exploring the blue languages of the Briksdal or Kjennalen glaciers. Make sure you find some time to visit the Norwegian Glacier Museum. Absolutely amazing. Another gem is lake Lovatn and its turquoise waters inviting you to quiet contemplation.
June 27, 2026 – Flam
Arrival 6/27/2026 mid morning | Departure 6/27/2026 early evening
Nestled in the heart of the fjord country, less than 200 kilometers from Bergen, the picturesque village of Flåm – pronounced Flôm – offers you an experience of authentic Norway. You can mosey around the brightly colored streets and admire the majestic contours of the surrounding mountains. The town is also the departure point for the mythical train route Flamsbana, 20 kilometers long, whose journey offers a superb view of the scenery, as sublime as it is pristine. This attraction makes Flåm one of the country’s main tourist destinations.
June 28, 2026 – Bergen
Arrival 6/28/2026 early morning | Disembarkation 6/28/2026 at 8:00 AM
Located at the end of Byfjord, Bergen was the capital of Norway in the 12th and 13th Centuries and has preserved some very beautiful monuments from the time when it was home to royalty. Wandering through Bergen’s streets means going back in time, in search of the hidden treasures that have been listed as World Heritage Sites by UNESCO. A veritable openair museum, Bergen is home to a thriving artistic community of painters, potters, jewellers. The Bergen cable car offers you a splendid panorama over the port and the surrounding fjords. Do not miss the visit to the old quarter with its narrow streets, a testimony of the power of the hanseatic League that controlled trade in Northern Europe at the end of the Middle Ages.
Why choose PONANT?
An attentive crew, expertise, fine dining and more. Within a fully 5 star setting, we take you to discover exceptional destinations while offering you a travel experience that is both authentic and high end.
- Travelling the French way
PONANT is an exponent for the French way of life across every sea on the globe. On board, this is translated through exceptional services, a multilingual crew and bringing French know-how to the fore. - Exceptional destinations
From secluded ports to secret seas, from forgotten beaches to remote lands, our experts choose itineraries that take you away from major tourist routes so you can enjoy unique cruises and shorelines that few have seen before. - Ships on a human scale
Thanks to our small capacity ships, we can dock in private ports and offer stopovers in preserved locations. On board, the limited number of passengers means that everybody can enjoy special moments and feel as though they are on a private yacht. - Our commitments
PONANT aims at becoming a world reference in the field of sustainable development in the cruising industry. The environment and ethics are among our main concerns, both in the regions we visit and in our relationships within the company and with our partners.
