Superior Stateroom
21 m²
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From Québec to the Big Apple: nature & remarkable cities
Montreal - New York
Dates:
19/09/2024
to
01/10/2024
days
nights on board
In partnership with Paris Match and special guests Romain Clergeat, deputy-editor-in-chief responsible for technology, the environment and space, Philippe Legrand, director of editorial diversification at Paris Match, Marc Brincourt, former photo editor-in-chief of Paris Match and Marc Levy, author of numerous best sellers, from september 25 to septembre 27.
From Montreal to New York, PONANT proposes an exceptional cruise aboard Le Lyrial during a 14-day itinerary discovering the immense preserved spaces and cultural treasures of Canada and the American East Coast.
Departing from Montreal, famous for its energy and cultural vibrancy, and Quebec, capital of Canada’s Beautiful Province, located on the St Lawrence estuary and founded by Samuel de Champlain in 1608. Do not miss this charming and lively city where the historic neighbourhood of Old Quebec, with its ramparts and fortifications, is listed as World Heritage by UNESCO.
At the mouth of Saguenay River, you will reach Tadoussac. This National Park is also an unmissable site for whale watching as the mammals gather to feed before winter.
Percé awaits you further on, on the Gaspé Peninsula. It is one of Quebec’s most beautiful villages and borders a national park with incredible natural, historic and geological heritage. The majestic Percé Rock and Bonaventure fortress are among the unmissable sites of this destination.
Lying in the middle of the Gulf of Saint Lawrence, The Magdalen Islands offer an unusual variety of landscapes, from the white of the sandy beaches to the red of the sculpted cliff faces. You will be captivated not only by the natural setting but by the hospitality of the inhabitants.
On the coastlines of Nova Scotia, discover Halifax – its capital –, a city steeped in history, surrounded by sumptuous nature.
You will continue your journey towards the American East Coast in Boston, considered as the birthplace of the United States because of the key role it played during the American Revolution.
At the end of the Cape Cod peninsula, the East Coast atmosphere is reminiscent of the chic and discreet charm of the Western Coast of France, with beautiful houses, sea spray and gentle way of life.
As a grand finale, Le Lyrial will enter the port of New York as the majestic Statue of Liberty reveals itself from the sea: an unforgettable port of call in a city that is second to none.
Ref : LY190924
Your itinerary
In partnership with Paris Match and special guests Romain Clergeat, deputy-editor-in-chief responsible for technology, the environment and space, Philippe Legrand, director of editorial diversification at...
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For more peace of mind, PONANT selects stays and flights then takes care of your transfers for your trip as well as shore visits before and after the cruise.
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LE COMMANDANT CHARCOT
05/09/2025 to the 25/09/2025
LE LYRIAL
LE SOLÉAL
LE JACQUES-CARTIER
26/04/2025 to the 07/05/2025
LE BOUGAINVILLE
13/12/2024 to the 23/12/2024
*Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability, and subject to change at any time. The category of stateroom to which this price applies may no longer be available.
Discover all destinations
Services provided
- 24-hour room service
- Inclusive Wifi internet access (availability dependent on navigation and latitude)
- Individually-controlled air conditioning
- Dressing room with shelves and closet
- Dressing table and hairdryer
- Dyptique Paris top-of-the-line bath products
- Minibar
- Nespresso coffee maker and boiler
- Electronic safe
- Direct line telephone
- Bose Bluetooth speaker
- Flat screen TV, international channels (availability dependent on navigation) and videos on demand
- 110V American (two flat pins)/220V European (round sockets with two round pins)
- Three ADA staterooms
Select your stateroom category
Marc Levy
With numerous bestsellers to his name, he is one of the best known authors in the world. He is also the most read, followed and anticipated French novelist, having sold over 50 million copies, where each new novel is an event. From his first book, If Only It Were True adapted for film, to one of his most recent, The Symphony of Monsters, Marc Levy is proof that life can be full of wonderful surprises. Here is a man who having started out in computer programming never imagined that destiny would open the doors of literature to him. Now settled in New York, he observes the planet – and America in particular – from ‘the city that never sleeps’. For the Paris Match 75th Anniversary cruise, he will be sharing with guests an exclusive on his view of the “New World” country.
Langues parlées : French and English.
Photo credit : ARR
Ideal clothes for life on board:
During the days spent on board, you are advised to wear comfortable clothes or casual outfits. The entire ship is air-conditioned, so a light sweater, a light jacket or a shawl may be necessary. When moving about in the public areas of the ship and the decks, light but comfortable shoes are recommended.
Informal evening:
In the evening, you are advised to wear smart-casual attire, especially when dining in our restaurants where wearing shorts and tee-shirts is not allowed.
For women:
- Simple dress
- Skirt or trousers
- Blouse
- Polo
For men:
- Pleated trousers or chinos
- Sports jacket
- Shirt
- Polo
Officer’s evening:
For all cruises longer than 8 nights, an Officer’s Evening with a white dress code may be organized. Therefore, we encourage you to bring a stylish white outfit for the occasion (otherwise black and white).
Gala evening:
During the cruise, two gala evenings will be organised on board. Thus, we recommend that you bring one or two formal outfits.
For women:
- Cocktail attire
- Evening dress (if you wish to)
For men:
- Dark suit
- Tie recommended, possibly bow tie (if you wish to)
SHOP:
A small shop is available on board offering a wide range of outfits, jewellery, leather goods and many accessories.
A laundry service (washing/ironing) is available on board, but unfortunately there are no dry cleaning services. For safety reasons, your cabin is not equipped with an iron.
ACCESSORIES:
- Polarized sunglasses
- Swimsuit (for the Spa on board)
- Gym wear (fitness)
- Battery charger and memory cards for your camera
- Mobile phone charger
- Hat/cap
HEALTH CARE:
- Sunscreen and after-sun lotion
- Medications and prescriptions
OUTFITS ON BOARD:
- Casual outfits for the day
- Smarter outfits for dinners
- Elegant outfits for Gala evenings
- White or black and white outfit
PRECAUTIONS:
In your hand luggage, remember to bring any medicines that you need, and possibly a small spare bag of toiletries (in case of delay in the delivery of your baggage by the airline). Remember to always have your travel documents with you in case you need them: hotel vouchers, cruise vouchers, return flight tickets... Never leave them in your hold luggage.
All our cabins have a safe. We recommend not to go ashore with valuable jewellery.
PONANT activities
Paris Match
For the last five years, Paris Match has been embarking on magnificent human adventures on the seven seas aboard the PONANT ships. There was the Arctic with the photographers Philip Plisson and Francis Latreille; China with the writer, media commentator and filmmaker Philippe Labro; South America with the astronaut Patrick Baudry; Indonesia with Jean-Marie Rouart from the Académie française…
Taking the form of “encounters and conferences”, these moments of discussion with a personality, led by Philippe Legrand*, are always an opportunity to travel through history and linger over new episodes.
Famous for its slogan "le poids des mots, le choc des photos” [the weight of the words, the impact of photos], Paris Match is France’s biggest selling news magazine, as well as being present in 120 countries, and occupies a special position in the media world. Its archives tell more than 60 years of history and reveal that very special link with celebrities that has been its strength and its identity.
A number of its editions are considered to be references that collectors hold on to preciously. From the assassination of John F. Kennedy to man walking on the moon, via icons, anonymous talents, or essential testimony, the major events of the century are recounted in its pages.
* Philippe Legrand is a journalist, author, radio and television presenter, director of communication and editorial diversification. He joined Paris Match in 1999.
Subject to withdrawal in case of force majeure
Highlights
- In partnership with Paris Match and special guests Romain Clergeat, deputy-editor-in-chief responsible for technology, the environment and space, Philippe Legrand, director of editorial diversification at Paris Match, Marc Brincourt, former photo editor-in-chief of Paris Match and Marc Levy, author of numerous best sellers, from september 27.
- An exceptional cruise, featuring magnificent Canadian landscapes and mythical cities on the American East Coast at the end of the Indian Summer.
- UNESCO World Heritage Site: Anse-aux-Meadows, a Viking archeological site from the 11th century, the old city of Quebec.
- Discovering Montreal, Quebec and Boston, cities renowned for their singular identity and cultural dynamism.
- Sailing on the Saint Lawrence, a river with the appearance of an ocean and home to a rich ecosystem.
- Observation of marine mammals at the mouth of the Saguenay River.
- In Percé, the possibility of observing a large colony of gannets.
- Visiting the Île-Bonaventure-et-du-Rocher-Percé National Park.
- Discovering Newport and Martha’s Vineyard, the summer residences of the US Presidents.
- An exceptional port of call with an overnight stay in New York at the end of a magnificent cruise, exploring its emblematic districts.
Ports of Call & Excursions
19 September 2024 - Montreal
Embarkation 19/09/2024 from 16:00 to 17:00
Departure 19/09/2024 at 18:00
Famous for its gentle way of life, Montreal, Canada’s second-largest city, is a warm and cosmopolitan metropolis. Situated on the eponymous river island, it is home to a multitude of districts, each as unique as the other. Set off to discover Old Montreal, most of which is declared a historic area, Little Italy, where you’ll be able to stroll around the largest open-air market in North America, or the Golden Square Mile, the luxurious district located on one of the hills of Mount Royal and which has sumptuous Victorian-style residences. Simultaneously marked by the influences of the Old Continent and North-American gigantism, Montreal will never cease to amaze you.
20 September 2024 - Québec
Arrival 20/09/2024 midday
Departure 20/09/2024 late afternoon
The capital of "La Belle Province" sits at the confluence of the St Charles River and the Gulf of St Lawrence in south-east Canada. Founded in the 17th century, the city still has an encircling wall, a historic civil engineering work and the only one of its kind remaining in North America. You will love the postcard-perfect stone houses of Old Quebec, the historic district listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Shopping is a pleasure in pedestrian streets such as Petit-Champlain Street, or you can relax over a spruce beer, seasoned with pine buds. Dufferin Boardwalk, an esplanade near the emblematic Château Frontenac, is the perfect place for views of the river and old city.
21 September 2024 - Sailing Saguenay River
Arrival 21/09/2024 early morning
Departure 21/09/2024 early morning
Sailing on the Saguenay River is your guarantee of majestic sights in the heart of Quebec. This river, which originates in the Laurentian Highlands of Lac Saint-Jean and reaches the famous Saint-Laurent River, offers unforgettable landscapes to those who cross it. The river’s trajectory moves between cliffs that rise up over 500 metres tall (1,640 feet). Sculpted during the last ice age, the lower part of the Saguenay forms a fjord whose spectacular beauty will surprise you.
21 September 2024 - Tadoussac
Arrival 21/09/2024 midday
Departure 21/09/2024 evening
The Quebec village of Tadoussac stands at the confluence of the Saguenay River and the Gulf of Saint-Lawrence, in south-east Canada. The village is bright with multicoloured houses nestling in an emerald-green pine forest. From the waterfront, it’s easy to spy out Tadoussac Chapel, thanks to its bright red roof. Not far from this church built of wood, one of the oldest in North America, stands a century-old village holiday resort, Hotel Tadoussac. Treat yourself to tea on the terrace overlooking the shoreline. In addition, at the marine mammal interpretation centre, you can hone your knowledge of the cetaceans that regularly frequent Tadoussac bay.
22 September 2024 - At sea
Arrival 22/09/2024
Departure 22/09/2024
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.
23 September 2024 - Percé
Arrival 23/09/2024 early morning
Departure 23/09/2024 early afternoon
If you appreciate the beauty of scenery and geological phenomena, you will fall under the irresistible spell of Percé, one of the most beautiful villages in Quebec. Apart from the attractions of the town itself, Percé owes its reputation to its proximity to the famous rock of the same name that rises opposite it in the Gulf of Saint Lawrence. Along with the neighbouring Bonaventure Island, this rocky outcrop forms a national park famed for its natural, historical and geological heritage. With a choice of hiking, underwater exploration and cultural activities, you’ll never be short of things to do in this fascinating region.
24 September 2024 - Cap-aux-Meules, Magdalen Islands
Arrival 24/09/2024 early morning
Departure 24/09/2024 late morning
Although it is the administrative and economic centre of the Magdalen Islands archipelago, in the Gulf of Saint Lawrence, the village of Cap-aux-Meules remains a peaceful location and is ideal for exploring preserved nature. Located on the eponymous island, in reference to the sandstone rocks of the cape that were used in the past to make grindstones, the location is above all considered to be the maritime gateway to the archipelago. In this respect, it offers privileged access to many sites renowned for their natural and historic heritage, such as the village of Havre-Aubert which is a member of the Most Beautiful Villages of Quebec.
25 September 2024 - Halifax
Arrival 25/09/2024 midday
Departure 25/09/2024 evening
A historical port city on the Canadian east coast, Halifax, surrounded by enchanting nature, stands out as the provincial capital and the cultural hub of Nova Scotia. The city played an important strategic military role in the two world wars and was also the largest Royal Navy base during the American Revolutionary War and the Napoleonic Wars. Most of the victims of the Titanic disaster were laid to rest here in the Fairview cemetery, which you will have the chance to discover. At this port of call, you will also have the opportunity to visit the picturesque fishing village of Peggy’s Cove and discover its breathtaking natural landscapes.
26 September 2024 - At sea
Arrival 26/09/2024
Departure 26/09/2024
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.
27 September 2024 - Boston
Arrival 27/09/2024 early morning
Departure 27/09/2024 evening
Nicknamed “ America's Walking City”, the city is considered to be the epicentre of American history. Founded in 1630, the tenth largest agglomeration in the United States, is a pleasure for walkers. To get around, just follow the Freedom Trail circuit that serves most of the tourist sites with its red line traced on the ground. Don’t miss all the delicious local specialities on offer at Quincy Market, like the lobster sandwich, and then take time to explore North End, the Italian quarter. For the more romantic among you, Beacon Hill, the historic quarter, with its absolutely charming cobbled streets, is really worth a look.
28 September 2024 - Oak Bluffs, Martha's Vineyard
Arrival 28/09/2024 midday
Departure 28/09/2024 evening
This little town is the ideal starting point for a stroll around Martha’s Vineyard ». The gentle lifestyle of this incomparable setting has been attracting American presidents for several decades. Oak Bluffs will surprise you first and foremost by its Gingerbread Houses. The story goes that the Methodist community settled here more than a century ago, and built these colourful houses, straight out of the Hansel and Gretel fairytale fairytale. You’ll certainly enjoy a visit to the Flying Horses, the oldest wooden carrousel in the United States.
29 September 2024 - Newport
Arrival 29/09/2024 early morning
Departure 29/09/2024 late afternoon
This marina harbour, with only 25,000 inhabitants, boasts fabulous Gilded Age mansions inspired by French and Italian palaces. One example is The Elms, the summer residence of the Berwind family, who made their fortune in the coal industry. Another is the imposing Château-sur-Mer built by the Wetmore family. But the cream of the crop is The Breakers, a Renaissance-style palace composed of 70 rooms.
30 September 2024 1 October 2024 - New York
Arrival 30/09/2024 early morning
Disembarkation 01/10/2024 at 08:00
The biggest city in the United States is fascinating on many accounts. With its five particularly spread out districts - Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn, the Bronx and Staten Island –, it offers an incredible number of cultural interests. You’ll just love taking in the constant buzz in Times Square, discovering beautiful classical masterpieces at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, taking a stroll in Central Park’s 341 hectares, or climbing to the top of the Statue of Liberty. Not surprising then that the Big Apple is to be consumed without moderation!
Old Quebec Walk & Guided visit of the Chateau Frontenac
Dive into Quebec’s history by strolling the cobbled streets of the Old Town. Founded by the French explorer Champlain at the beginning of the 17th century and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is the only fortified city in North America that still has its ramparts.
First of all, you will go to the Place Royale. The stone buildings surrounding this square were once the homes of wealthy merchants. Built and rebuilt several times, the square remains the heart of the Lower Town as well as the home of North America’s oldest stone church, Notre-Dame-des-Victoires.
At the corner of the square, discover the charming pedestrian district of Petit-Champlain. Scattered along its narrow cobblestone streets are an array of quaint boutiques, speciality shops and outdoor cafés with strolling musicians and street performers.
You will then board the funicular that connects the Lower Town to the Upper Town. Perched on a hill overlooking the St. Lawrence River, Château Frontenac is Quebec’s best-known landmark. Franklin D. Roosevelt, Winston Churchill and William Mackenzie King met here to discuss the Allied strategy during the Second World War. Now a luxury hotel, this château inspired by the French Renaissance and the châteaux of the Loire Valley is designated a National Historic Site of Canada. You will be able to make the most of a guided tour.
Adjoining the château, the Dufferin Terrace forms a belvedere overlooking the waterway. Enjoy the spectacular views over the St. Lawrence River, the town of Lévis on the opposite bank, the Ile d'Orléans and the Laurentian Mountains. You will then explore the fortress district passing Place d’Armes, the Quebec Seminary, the Ursuline Convent, Place de l’Hôtel de Ville, and the Artists Alley.
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We recommend you wear comfortable clothing and shoes.
Total : 75 €
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Quebec, from city to countryside
Discover the charm of the old town by exploring its historic and natural sites, then go along the Saint Lawrence River to admire the spectacular scenery of Montmorency Falls. Without forgetting the unmissable gourmet break at a maple farm.
Walk in the magnificent Battlefields Park, which is on the site of the historic battle at which the French surrendered to the British in 1759. Also known as the Plains of Abraham and nestling on the cliffs overlooking the Saint Lawrence River, it is now a stunning park featuring hills, gardens, monuments and artillery artefacts.
You will then go along the Grande-Allée, a vast avenue edged with shops and café-terraces, to the Parliament Building (Hôtel du Parlement), an impressive Second Empire-style building overlooking the city.
Then you will travel into the Quebec countryside. A few minutes from the fortified town of Old Quebec, Montmorency Falls offers breathtaking landscapes. You will feel the full power of nature when the water from the Montmorency River tumbles over the cliff to fall into the Saint Lawrence River.
At a maple farm, taste maple taffy - maple syrup boiled and poured onto snow; left to cool down, it is then wrapped around a stick to make a sticky treat.
Finally, you will discover the recently expanded Quebec National Museum of Fine Arts, where art, architecture and nature come together. You will discover the history of art in Quebec via its exhibitions of local artists from all eras.
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We recommend you wear comfortable clothing and shoes.
Total : 100 €
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Exploring Tadoussac on foot
Possessing one of the world’s lost beautiful bays, flanked by its large hotel with its characteristic red roof, Tadoussac is a picture-postcard village. Walk around this superb territory located at the confluence of the Saint Lawrence River and the Saguenay fjord.
Life goes by peacefully in this village of 800 souls lulled by the whisper of the waves and the salty air. While the history of the village of Tadoussac goes back to the arrival of Europeans on the American continent, the site itself was occupied by native communities from prehistoric times. Moreover, the origin of the word “tadoussac” finds its roots in Indian vocabulary. Tadoussac experienced the fur trade from the 17th to the 19th century, then the timber industry, before becoming a popular holiday destination.
Discover the North Coast’s typical plant species in Le Jardin de la Grève shoreline gardens. You will then visit the Chauvin Trading Post, a recreation of Canada’s very first fur trading post, with an exhibition focused on first contacts, the trading post and trading.
You will visit the Grand Hôtel Tadoussac, a superb wooden building overlooking Tadoussac Bay and the Saint Lawrence River. Its white wall, red roof, dormer windows and spectacular copula bestow an old-world charm upon it. Admire the old photos decorating the hotel lobby and make yourself comfortable and enjoy a cup of tea while contemplating the bay.
Before leaving, you will visit the Little Chapel located on the property, also called the Indian Chapel. It is the oldest wooden church in North America, having been constructed in 1747 by Jesuit missionaries who came to convert the local population to Christianity. It houses religious objects that were used over two and a half centuries ago.
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This excursion involves walking around 2.5 km (1.6 miles). We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes. The order of visits may change.
Total : 70 €
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Encounter with whales
Set off aboard a Zodiac that will take you to encounter whales in the estuary of the Saint Lawrence River. A magical moment!
A naturalist-guide captain will take you to where the river meets the ocean, an ideal spot to observe these giants of the sea as well as other marine mammals such as blue whale, fin whale, minke whale, beluga, humpback whale and grey seal. Indeed, the gulf and the estuary of the Saint Lawrence are a veritable kingdom for whales and a formidable natural laboratory for biologists passionate about these emblematic species. During these two hours on the river, you will appreciate all the wild beauty of the Saguenay fjord.
Back on shore, you will visit the information centre run by the Group for Research and Education on Marine Mammals (GREMM), a non-profit organisation dedicated to education for the sake of marine conservation and scientific research on the marine mammals of the Saint Lawrence.
- Participants must be in good physical condition. This excursion is not suitable for children aged under 10 years old. Each guest will be equipped with waterproof clothing. We recommend you wear warm and waterproof clothing. The order of the visits may be reversed.
Total : 145 €
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Bonaventure Island and its gannets
Fall under the spell of the rich historical and geological heritage of the Canadian island, particularly its immense colony of gannets.
Lying on the tip of the Gaspésie Peninsula, the Île-Bonaventure-et-du-Rocher-Percé National Park is a protected site sculpted by the weather and the sea, promising you enchanted moments. During this unique excursion, discover the history of the island and the first seasonal fishing sites in New France. Among other things, you will visit the old LeBoutillier House, an Anglo-French cod fishery established in Bonaventure since the 19th century.
You will then walk along the island’s paths, enjoy the peacefulness of its forests scattered with woodland flowers, soak up the irresistible fragrance of the wild flora and salty scents of the sea, and admire the captivating ballet of the 250,000 or so birds nesting on the island; these include 50,000 couples of gannets, the largest colony in the world.
- This excursion involves walking around 5,6 kilometres (3.4 miles) on gravel- or grass-covered surfaces or on dirt paths that may become muddy or slippery if it rains. We recommend you bring good walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun and the wind. Guests must be in good physical condition.
Total : 80 €
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Percé Heritage Walk
The village of Percé, located at the far east of the Gaspé Peninsula, is often considered as a gateway to the spectacular site that surrounds it. Yet Percé’s history itself is fascinating. Find out more during this walk through the village.
Famous for its major tourist attractions, Percé was home to the Gaspé Peninsula’s largest fishing port in the 18th century. Start your visit on the site of the old fishing infrastructure, where you can still see some of the buildings constructed at the end of the 18th century by Charles Robin. Continue your discovery of Percé to the Saint-Michel Church, constructed at the beginning of the 20th century with sandstone from nearby quarries.
Then continue up to Cap Mont Joli, from where you will enjoy captivating views over the whole village and the famous Percé Rock, off the coast. This is the site where the Recollect missionaries installed a wooden cross in 1672 to mark the arrival of the first European colonists.
Back at the pier, take a break at the Maison du Pêcheur, an establishment where the Gaspesian Bernard Lortie, a member of the Front de libération du Québec (FLQ) movement, first met Paul and Jacques Rose with whom he organised the kidnapping and murder of the Minister for Labour in 1970 - an event known as the October Crisis.
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This excursion involves around 2.5 kilometres (1.6 miles) of walking on mainly cobblestone surfaces, with a steep climb to reach the Mont Joli viewpoint. This excursion is not advised for persons with reduced mobility. We recommend you wear comfortable shoes and protective clothing.
Total : 45 €
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Sea kayaking at Percé rock
Set off on a unique kayaking adventure, discovering the beautiful landscapes of Percé Rock and its singular marine fauna.
Sail aboard a kayak to meet the guardians of this site such as the many species of seabirds circling the sky off the coast of Percé and the numerous seals present in these waters. As you paddle along the coast, your guide will show you sea kayaking techniques and tell you a bit about the history of kayaking.
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This moderate excursion includes 90 minutes of sea kayaking. All equipment is included: neoprene wetsuits, booties, paddle jackets with hoods, personal floatation devices, fibreglass paddles and dry bags. Children must be at least 10 years old to take part in this excursion and be accompanied by a parent. This tour is not recommended for pregnant women. Participants must be in good physical condition. We recommend you wear light clothing or your swimsuit under your clothes, and a fleece; bring water from the ship and protect yourself from the sun. This excursion is limited to 24 participants.
Total : 75 €
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Culinary heritage of the Magdalen Islands
Renowned for its stunning scenery and rich cultural history, the Magdalen Islands archipelago can also claim a fine culinary heritage, constantly renewed by passionate artisans, like the dairy, smokehouse and the brewery that await you here.
First stop: the Pied-de-Vent dairy, a delicious example of Madelinot perseverance and craftmanship. In just a few years, the artisans working here have successfully developed cheeses that are popular all over the country. Their secret is their great love for their terroir combined with a savvy blend of tradition and modernity, as you will discover during your visit of the farm, followed by a tasting.
Then, after coming along the lovely Chemin de la Pointe Basse, scattered here and there with typical painted houses and farms – with small closed porches, consoles and corbels, verandas but also painted or stained cedar shingles which are reminiscent of the Acadian and French origins of their first inhabitants -, you will discover the Fumoir d’Antan. Now an eco-museum dedicated to herring smoking, this typical smokehouse brings to life this last vestiges of what was a very important industry in the past. It has been used for three generations to smoke herring, mackerel, salmon and scallops; you will find out all about its history before tasting some specialities.
Then go along the northern coast of the island and the aptly named Cap-Hérissé, which is home to spectacular sheer and rugged cliffs that have been sculpted by the sea, before your final port of call: the À l’abri de la Tempête brewery. Here, local ingredients reign supreme. The brewers started using locally malted barley, then moved on to harvesting and using fresh flowers, marine algae and herbs from the area, to brew unique full-flavoured beers that you will have the pleasure of tasting.
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There are no difficulties involved with this excursion. Participants must have a minimum age of 18 to take part in this visit.
Total : 120 €
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Halifax highlights & Peggy’s Cove
Turned towards the ocean, Halifax is one of the country’s most important fishing ports and will offer up a perfect blend of history and nature, sea spray and feasts, for enthusiasts of maritime tales. Proof of this will be found at the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic and in the charming village of Peggy’s Cove.
The Maritime Museum of the Atlantic houses many maritime treasures, including thousands of marine photographs, boat models, a vast collection of marine maps, portraits of ships, and so on. However, it is doubtless its permanent exhibition devoted to the Titanic, the largest collection of wooden objects from the ship that sank 700 nautical miles off the coast, which attracts the most curiosity.
Then, Peggy’s Cove, a charming fishing village where 40 souls live all year round, will reveal its colourful houses, its small shops, its immense rocks, its lighthouse, and its history with close links to lobster fishing. In the eponymous cove, discover the sculpture of William de Garthe, dedicated to local fishermen.
On the way back, admire the panoramic views over Halifax and its famous citadel, the guardian of the city since it was founded two and a half centuries ago.
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This excursion involves walking approximately 1 km (0.6 miles). The walk to Peggy's Cove is optional, but we recommend you wear warm clothing, a waterproof jacket and comfortable shoes.
Total : 85 €
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Halifax’s culinary gems
Halifax, the vibrant capital of Nova Scotia, is undergoing a culinary revival. Its cafes, restaurants and wine bars are constantly reinventing an already rich culinary heritage that you will have the chance to discover in five epicurean spots.
Between street food and traditional cuisine, the streets and seafront of Halifax reveal a rich culinary history. From the famous local wine, Tidal Bay, to poutine, via chowder – an emblematic creamy seafood and fish soup -, but also craft beers and many other homemade snacks, Halifax’s gastronomy tells this region’s story in the most delicious way possible.
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This excursion involves walking around 3 kilometres (1.9 miles) on cobbled ground and along a wooden promenade. We recommend you wear comfortable clothing and shoes as well as sun cream. This excursion is only suitable for persons aged over 19 years old and who have an official photo ID.
Total : 175 €
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Halifax past & present
It would almost be easy to forget that Halifax, capital of Nova Scotia, is one of the country’s largest and most dynamic ports. Its public gardens, its historic monuments and the old-world charm of certain buildings make it seem like an attractive little town sitting at the crossroads of eras.
Amidst the ultra-modern glass towers, Halifax unveils various historical and architectural treasures that make the city, founded in 1749, even more distinctive. In the city centre, for example, you will come face to face with Province House, the seat of provincial government and the oldest legislative building in Canada. It was proclaimed a gem of Georgian architecture by Charles Dickens. The hospitals, universities, City Hall, St Paul's Church and the residential districts of the South End also offer a fine overview of 18th- and 19th-century architecture.
Further on, the Public Gardens, built in the Victorian style in 1874, unveil lush nature, punctuated here and there with elegant statues, fountains and a fine bandstand.
On the foothills of the city, Halifax Citadel will tell another part of this natural harbour’s history. A majestic fort completed in 1856, it was one of the jewels of the Crown and among the most advanced British military fortifications of its day.
Finally, at Fairview Lawn Cemetery, the final resting place for 112 victims of the sinking of the Titanic, you will rediscover the history of the famous cruise ship’s tragic maiden voyage.
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This excursion involves walking around 1 kilometre (0.6 miles) on uneven ground. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes.
Total : 55 €
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Scenic Boston and JFK library
From the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum to a panoramic walk through the city’s emblematic sites, discover Boston from a different perspective and dive into the fascinating history of the capital of Massachusetts.
Boston, renowned for its rich historic and cultural heritage, has a host of treasures to offer, including the emblematic John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, dedicated to the former US president. At Columbia Point, between the walls of the building designed by the iconic architect I.M. Pei, explore the history of the Kennedy administration through a multitude of art work, personal artifacts, rare videos and historic documents. A special section is devoted to Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy, highlighting her elegance (some of her outfits are displayed here), her grace and her impact as First Lady.
Following this dive into the Kennedy era, set off on a panoramic visit of Boston. Cross Copley Square and its emblematic buildings, wind your way through the historic streets of the Beacon Hill neighbourhood, admire the Massachusetts State House and its golden dome, the Freedom Trail and the King's Chapel.
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This excursion will be conducted in English only. The order of visits may change. We recommend that you wear comfortable clothes and shoes.
Total : 100 €
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Historic Boston and Cambridge
Set off to discover Boston, a historic New England town with unique charm. During a moment frozen in time, this secular city, which was founded in 1630, will reveal its finest emblematic architectural assets, its streets paved with memories and an atmosphere imbued with whispers of the past.
Once you arrive in Boston from the port, you will start your excursion by visiting the city’s typical small streets. On the way, you will pass by many of the buildings and sites that shape the city, such as Copley Square, Trinity Church, Boston Public Library, Back Bay and Newbury Street. You will also be able to enjoy the magnificent public gardens as well as Boston Common and Beacon Hill. Make sure you do not miss out on the famous Massachusetts State House either. It is recognisable by its impressive golden dome, which stands proudly in the city’s sky.
You will then head towards the North End district, where a brief stroll around will let you appreciate the authenticity of its lively streets. Here, the Old North Church, standing guard silently over history, will unveil its venerable walls, evoking the lantern signals used by Paul Revere to warn of the approach of British troops.
Continuing your tour, you will cross the peaceful waters of the Charles River to reach the lush banks of Cambridge. There, the illustrious Harvard University, cradle of American scholarship, will welcome you to its sacred corridors, offering an inside look at its prestigious academic past.
Back in Boston, you will explore Newbury Street and its medieval architecture, as well as Quincy Market, with its wealth of restaurants, artisans and street entertainers.
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This excursion will only be conducted in English and involves walking 2 kilometres (1.2 miles) on uneven ground with cobblestones. We recommend you wear comfortable clothing and walking shoes.
Total : 80 €
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Harvard from a student's eye
On this very exclusive Harvard Campus tour, a Harvard student will show you around the university’s exterior spaces and give you a glimpse into student life in Cambridge.
Founded in 1636 in Cambridge, Massachusetts, this private university - designated a National Historic Landmark - is one of the most prestigious in the world.
The visit will begin in Harvard Yard, an area of almost 25 acres entirely enclosed by fences and accesssed by one of 27 gates. Not only is it the oldest part of the campus, it is also its historic centre and the heart of its contemporary campus life, surrounded by dormitories, libraries and classrooms. Walk past the Old Yard, which houses Harvard’s oldest building, Massachusetts Hall, as well as Memorial Church and Widener Library.
You will finish at Harvard Square, considered the historic centre of Cambridge, where you will have some free time to stroll around the bookshops, cafés and restaurants, discover the public art work or see a concert or other street entertainment.
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This excursion involves approximately 1.5 km (0.9 miles) of walking on uneven ground. We recommend you wear comfortable clothes and good walking shoes. This excursion will be conducted in English only.
Total : 115 €
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Little Italy - Foodie Walking Tour
Enjoy a walking tour of Boston's North End, Little Italy. Sample regional delicacies such as arancini, panzarroti and Sicilian pizza. You will then head to Naples, where you will discover authentic Neapolitan pizza in the only certified oven in Italy. You will also make a short diversions to the Amalfi Coast, in Sorrento, to sample authentic gnocchi alla sorentina.
From here, you venture into a beloved local wine shop, where you will learn all about the wine-making process, from the influence of soil and climate to how wine takes on its colour. Then, you will discover the history of olive oil and learn how to distinguish genuine extra virgin olive oil from imitation oils. You will continue your journey in Umbria and Modena, where you will taste 12-year-old balsamic vinegar. You will then head to Parma for the best prosciutto outside Emilia-Romagna, and on to the other large island of Sardina. Here, you will taste a special sheep's milk cheese, while visiting the city's best Italian market.
You will step back in time to a coffee and spice shop that is the oldest retail outlet still standing. You will then head down an alleyway and discover an artisanal bakery. The bakers brought from Naples a yeast for bread dough that is over 160 years old. Just when you thought your day couldn't get any better, you end up with the trifecta: espresso, cannoli and gelato - all three are the best in the neighbourhood.
- This tour involves a 3-hour walk over relatively flat but uneven terrain. The walk will be slow, with a lot of standing. We recommend that you wear comfortable clothes and good walking shoes. Actual items tasted may vary by the day and time of the tour.
Total : 210 €
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
The best of Martha’s Vineyard
A whaling port over a century ago, Martha’s Vineyard has been attracting major American celebrities and political figures, particularly US presidents, for decades. During a panoramic journey, make the most of the coast’s most beautiful scenery and discover the Tisbury and Edgartown districts, where the sumptuous cottages and the spectacular houses owned by captains in the 18th and 19th centuries form a unique architectural heritage.
Finally, enjoy some free time to explore Edgartown’s boutiques and restaurants.
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This excursion involves walking on cobblestone and uneven surfaces. We recommend wearing comfortable clothing and shoes as well as sun protection. The order of the visits may be changed. This excursion will only be conducted in English.
Total : 75 €
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
The Breakers manor house and coastal walk
Newport, a historic coastal town founded in 1639, is home to some of the finest manor houses in the United States. During a wall along Newport’s rocky cliffs, discover the history of the American golden age, called the Gilded Age, during which the grand fortunes of the time built these grandiose summer residences.
The cliff walk covers around 1.6 kilometres (1 mile), offering breathtaking views over the Newport coastline on one side and the gardens of the sumptuous cottages of Bellevue Avenue on the other.
You will then visit The Breakers, one of Newport’s most emblematic manor houses. Designed by the architect Richard Morris Hunt for Cornelius Vanderbilt II, one of the wealthiest Americans of the time, this majestic residence was completed in 1895 after fewer than 3 years of work. This will be an audio-guided visit, enabling you to explore the splendours of this historic residence at your own pace, as you plunge into a universe of opulence and refinement, where each architectural detail tells the story of a bygone yet fascinating era.
Total : 105 €
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Schooner Sail
The world sailing capital Newport welcomes you for a gentle sailing trip to help you discover what makes this coastline a nautical paradise.
To begin this adventure under sail, your guide will take you on a walk up to Bowen’s Wharf, to the Adirondack II, an 80-foot sailing schooner. Once aboard, you will be able to get comfortable and relax among the mahogany wood panelling, while the crew casts off.
During the sailing trip, contemplate the surrounding natural splendours as you cross the port of Newport, then go along Fort Adams and take the eastern channel of Narragansett Bay to Castle Hill Island, before turning around and heading back to the port.
You will also have the opportunity to admire remarkable sites, such as Hammersmith Farm, John F. Kennedy’s former summer residence. The captain and crew will tell you anecdotes and historical facts about the region, and those guests wishing to do so will be able to learn about steering the ship under the expert supervision of the captain.
To perfect this maritime experience, you will be served a glass of mimosa, wine or amber ale, thus letting your taste buds take in as much delight as your eyes.
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This excursion involves walking for around 15 minutes to reach the quay. We recommend you wear suitable clothing as well as flat, comfortable and non-skip shoes to be comfortable on the sailboat.
Total : 100 €
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Gilded Age residences
Relive the Gilded Age, the unprecedented period of prosperity that saw the advent of large new fortunes, vying for opulence and excess, as evidenced by the spectacular summer residences along Bellevue Avene in Newport.
From the impressive marble columns of Marble House to the platinum-leaf incrusted walls of the manor house called The Breakers, plunge into the lavish architecture of these residences and discover the fascinating histories of their inhabitants, best embodying the peak of this golden age.
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This excursion includes some steps inside the residences. We recommend you wear comfortable clothing and shoes.
Total : 104 €
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Brooklyn and Highline walking tour
From Brooklyn Bridge, stroll New York’s mythical spots and immerse yourself in ‘Dumbo’, one of the borough’s trendiest districts, before going on the High Line, the unmissable walk in the heart of Manhattan.
Arriving at Brooklyn Bridge you will walk over this internationally renowned emblem of New York City thanks to its pedestrian walkway, which is almost 2 kilometres (1.2 miles) long. It is one of the longest suspension bridges in the world and it connects Brooklyn to Manhattan by crossing the East River. You will discover the surprising and dramatic history of this bridge as you enjoy magnificent views over the Manhattan skyline.
Once you reach Brooklyn, you will be able to explore Dumbo - the name is short for “Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass.” With its spectacular seafront access, flourishing artistic scene and raw architectural grandeur, it has become one of the Brooklyn’s most fashionable neighbourhoods. Less than 20 years ago, the former industrial district was largely deserted, inhabited by artists who had colonised its lofts. Today, the area is brimming with vintage boutiques, trendy independent bookshops, great places to eat, and art galleries. Take the time to stroll around the cobbled streets to discover its treasures.
From Brooklyn, take the bus to the west of the island and walk the High Line, a former elevated rail track converted into a park suspended over Manhattan’s West Side. Magnificent gardens offer spectacular views over the heart of Manhattan.
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This excursion involves 8 kilometres (5 miles) of leisurely guided walking. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes. This tour can welcome a maximum of 40 participants. Tour may operate in alternative order due to traffic concerns.
Total : 125 €
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Ground Zero and the September 11 memorial sites
Let yourself be guided around the former New York World Trade Center, where the tragic events of September 11 took place. The New Yorkers who will guide you all have a personal connection with September 11. Listen to their stories and those of other New Yorkers who experienced that day’s events.
The visit will begin with St. Paul's Chapel in Manhattan, which since 2001 has become a symbol of American faith against terrorism. Located in the middle of the buildings and only a few metres from the place of the attacks, the chapel miraculously survived the falling buildings and debris. As of the day following the attacks, it was converted into a makeshift emergency centre and its wrought-iron fence served as a notice board where families hung missing persons notices.
You will then go to the FDNY Memorial Wall and walk along the bronze bas-relief that pays tribute to the 343 firefighters who lost their lives on 11 September 2001. You will go past the FDNY 10 House, the World Trade Center fire station, covered in a huge American flag.
Finally, at the National September 11 Memorial & Museum, gather your thoughts around the two pools of Reflecting Absence, the largest man-made waterfalls in the US, inside the memorial, symbolising the void left by the tragedy. Located on a square where over 400 swamp white oak trees are growing, the pools are surrounded by bronze parapets with the names of the victims inscribed on them.
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This excursion involves walking around 5 km (3.1 miles). You will visit the museum without a guide and at your own pace. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes. Tour may operate in alternative order.
Total : 205 €
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island
Plunge into the founding history of the United States by calling on “Lady Liberty” and visiting the Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration.
From Battery Park, you will board a ferry to Liberty Island. During the trip, you will admire views over New York Harbour, Brooklyn Bridge, Staten Island, New Jersey and the Manhattan cityscape. Once on Liberty Island, you will be able to walk around the foot of the Statue of Liberty inaugurated in 1886. The island is also home to outdoor exhibitions and souvenir shops.
Re-boarding the ferry, you will go to Ellis Island, another National Historic Landmark. Ellis Island was the main immigration centre for the United States from 1892 until the Second World War. Today, it houses a unique museum detailing all the different aspects of immigration and its effects on a growing nation. Ellis Island processed more than 12 million immigrants. Today, over 40 percent of Americans can trace some part of their ancestry back to Ellis Island. Many people use the resource room there to research ancestors and the vessels they came in on.
At Ellis Island you will have approximately one hour to explore the museum independently, souvenir shops and visit the cafés with the provided lunch voucher for lunch before boarding the ferry back to Battery Park.
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This excursion involves several hours walking and standing on mostly flat and paved ground. The excursion will only be conducted in English. Park visitors must undergo an airport-style security check before boarding ships departing from Battery Park and Liberty State Park. This security check will also take place at the entrance inside the Statue. All items deemed inappropriate or prohibited will be confiscated and retained by the US Park Police. Large bags and bulky items are not permitted. Food and drink are not permitted inside the Statue of Liberty.
Total : 200 €
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
The Manhattan Experience with SUMMIT One Vanderbilt
Central Park, Greenwich Village, Soho, Little Italy or Chinatown: set off on a tour of Manhattan’s most iconic neighbourhoods, with historic skyscrapers, emblematic avenues and, of course, the most famous park in the world.
New York is teeming with spots boasting breathtaking views. Among them, the SUMMIT One Vanderbilt Observation Deck stands out. Situated between the 91st and 93rd floors and surrounded by glass, it will make you feel like you are floating above the hustle and bustle of Manhattan, with views of the Chrysler Building and the Empire State Building.
After this first vertiginous stop, you will head for Central Park, the lungs of the Big Apple. Wander its tree-lined paths and lush meadows and discover this oasis of calm and greenery, as popular with New Yorkers as it is with tourists.
At lunch time, you will go to Times Square, the famous and eye-catching “Crossroads of the World”. Between the theatres, illuminated signs, stores and restaurants, you will discover the boundless energy running through this neighbourhood, and if you wish, make the most of it to eat there.
Then you will cross Greenwich Village, the artistic and bohemian epicentre with its famous brownstones, and Soho, with its art galleries, trendy stores and artists’ lofts. Halfway between the two, Little Italy and Chinatown are best discovered on foot, to take in the delicious odours of cuisine and take part in the lively neighbourhood life.
Once you reach the Financial District, stroll between Wall Street and Battery Park. From the park, you will enjoy a fine view of the Statue of Liberty.
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This bus excursion includes 4 kilometres (2.5 miles) of walking, spread over the day. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and bring your water bottle. Lunch will be on your own; it is not included. This excursion is for a maximum of 50 participants. This excursion will be conducted in English only.
Total : 200 €
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
New Yorkers’ West Village
The West Village is possibly the ultimate embodiment of New York cool. Constantly buzzing, the streets of this iconic part of Manhattan adored by its inhabitants are lined with trendy establishments, hidden gardens, and authentic street food restaurants that will inspire you to really sink your teeth into the Big Apple.
To truly get a feel for New York and experience the city like a local, the first step is to take a ride on the subway. Accompanied by your guide, you will travel from Downtown up to Washington Square. In the heart of Greenwich Village, around Bleecker Street, taste some of the favourite eats of New Yorkers. What’s on the menu? The iconic NY pizza slice - ultra-thin, melt-in-our-mouth pizzas sold by the slice for a few dollars -, but also rice balls to die for, deliciously crunchy cannoli and, of course, the emblematic cupcake.
Between two tastings, learn about the history of the area, its architecture and its culture, as you make your way to another neighbourhood beloved by New Yorkers: Little Italy, Manhattan’s old Italian quarter.
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This excursion involves walking for approximately 4.8 km (3 miles) along city streets. We recommend wearing comfortable footwear and clothing. The order of visits may vary.
Total : 135 €
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Le Lyrial
First introduced in 2015 and the fourth ship in the Sisterships series, Le Lyrial is the very embodiment of this new generation of intimately sized cruise ships. Its exterior and interior lines, all sober understatement and refinement, make it a yacht of a rare and innovative kind.
For the interior decoration, we took inspiration from the tones and colours of our destinations and used a palette made up of blues, from the soft, luminous grey-like tones of the polar ice to the vivid notes and turquoises of Mediterranean inlets and coves.
Decks
Media
Discuss and debate geopolitics, societal changes and the major challenges of the future with editors, journalists and columnists from major news outlets. On board, Paris Match, Le Figaro, L’Express or Le Point, undisputed references when it comes to quality news and information, offer in-depth analyses of the shifts occurring in our society. Partnerships with GEO and Point de Vue cater to our guests who are passionate about photography, geography and history.
Guest Speaker
Aboard your ship, an English-speaking lecturer will enlighten you about the culture and history of your destination to deepen your knowledge of the origins of local traditions, the history of emblematic sites, and stories involving famous personalities and those of major historical significance. During on-board lectures or on your shore visits, this expert will be there to share their precious knowledge with you throughout your PONANT cruise.
Shore excursions, Pre/Post & Overlands
18/09/2024 - EXPERIENCE A CANADIAN SUGAR SHACK AND OVERVIEW OF MONTREAL (1 NIGHT)
870 €
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18/09/2024 - FLIGHTS FROM/TO PARIS + EXPERIENCE A CANADIAN SUGAR SHACK AND OVERVIEW OF MONTREAL (1 NIGHT) (PRE) + HISTORICAL NEW YORK (1 NIGHT) (POST)
2.790 €
Find out more
18/09/2024 - FLIGHTS FROM/TO PARIS + EXPERIENCE A CANADIAN SUGAR SHACK AND OVERVIEW OF MONTREAL (1 NIGHT) (PRE) + ON THE PATH OF AMERICAN HISTORY (4 NIGHTS) (POST)
4.985 €
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15/09/2024 - FLIGHTS FROM/TO PARIS + EXPLORE THE LAURENTIDES AND MONTREAL (4 NIGHTS) (PRE) + HISTORICAL NEW YORK (1 NIGHT) (POST)
6.030 €
Find out more
15/09/2024 - FLIGHTS FROM/TO PARIS + EXPLORE THE LAURENTIDES AND MONTREAL (4 NIGHTS) (PRE) + ON THE PATH OF AMERICAN HISTORY (4 NIGHTS) (POST)
7.975 €
Find out moreEXPERIENCE A CANADIAN SUGAR SHACK AND OVERVIEW OF MONTREAL (1 NIGHT)
Enhance your cruise and extend your trip with a carefully designed programme.
Day 1 - Montreal
Meet and greet at the airport arrival hall. Look for PONANT sign. You will be greeted by our local representative off the flight selected by PONANT or any other flight (provided that you have previously communicated your flight schedule to your travel agent).
Transfer to your hotel Four Seasons Montreal 5* and check-in your room.
Dinner is on your own.
Day 2 - Montreal
Breakfast and check-out.
Start the day with a drive through the Golden Square Mile, a downtown neighborhood in constant effervescence where luxury, art and gastronomy are a daily part of its inhabitants’ thrilling lifestyle. Upon arrival on the Mont-Royal, depart for a 15-minutes walk until we reach the Kondiaronk belvedere where you will pause and enjoy the panoramic view of the city.
Next, head to an authentic sugar shack located about an hour’s drive from Montréal. In Quebec, when winter comes to an end, it announces sugaring-off time. Boiling maple sap to transform it into syrup is a typically French-Canadian tradition. The hosts recreated the rural setting of the last century, the perfect surrounding to taste and learn about the sugar-making and its history.
Enjoy lunch at the shack.
After lunch, return to Montréal for a visit of the majestic Notre-Dame Basilica, the first Gothic Revival church in Canada. From there, continue your exploration of Old Montreal’s rich architectural and historical legacy with a short walking tour before transferring to the ship for boarding.
Your hotel:
The Four Season Montreal 5* is ideally located in Downtown Montreal. Chic and modern, the hotel forms the vibrant new epicentre of the Golden Square Mile. The hotel offers a fine restaurant and wine and cocktail bar and a Guerlain Spa. All Carré Doré rooms feature a floor-to-ceiling window with a city view on the higher floors of the hotel.
Upgraded rooms are also available depending on availability and on a supplement basis. Contact your travel professional for further detail.
Your programme includes:
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1-night accommodation in Deluxe Golden Square room at the Four Season Montréal 5* (or similar), including breakfast.
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Transfers and visits as mentioned in the programme.
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Meals as mentioned in the programme.
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Beverage package during meals (bottled water + 1 soft drink or 1 glass of wine and 1 coffee or tea).
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The services of a local English-speaking guide.
Your programme does not include:
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Dinner on Day 1.
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Tips for the driver and local guide.
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Personal expenses.
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Other services not mentioned in the programme.
Please note:
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It is imperative that the details of your departure flight are provided to your travel agent, no later than 30 days before the start date of your cruise, to secure the proper private transfer.
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The local currency is the Canadian dollar. International credit cards are accepted almost everywhere, and you can withdraw money from banks and currency exchange offices.
Contact of your hotel:
Four Season Montréal
1440 Rue de la Montagne
Montréal, QC, Canada, H3G 1Z5
Telephone: +514 8432500
Duration of the visits are given as a guide only. The order of the visits may be reversed. For the times of your PONANT flight, please contact your travel agent; they are also shown on your electronic ticket included in your travel documents.
Total : 870 €
Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.EXPLORE THE LAURENTIDES AND MONTREAL (4 NIGHTS)
Enhance your cruise with a carefully designed programme.
Spend five days exploring the Laurentian region, its wide-open spaces and its rich history. Round off this nature-focused experience with a three-day stay in Montreal, to discover the largest French-speaking city on the American continent.
Day 1 – Montreal
You will be greeted at the airport of Montreal by our local representative and transferred to the hotel Four Seasons Montreal 5*.
Check-in available from 3 PM.
Day and dinner at leisure.
Day 2 – Montreal
After breakfast, start your day by visiting one of Montreal’s most emblematic neighbourhoods, the Golden Square Mile. In the early 20th century, the Golden Square Mile was home to some of the biggest fortunes in Canada. Wealthy merchants, industrialists and notables chose this green part of the city as the location for their great Victorian-style mansions, some of which are still standing today. Now a bustling neighbourhood combining luxury, gastronomy and art, it is part of the everyday life of Montreal residents.
Lunch will be served at a local restaurant.
Next, you will wander through Old Montreal and visit the dazzling Notre-Dame Basilica, Canada’s first basilica in the Neo-Gothic style.
The rest of the day will be at leisure.
Dinner will be served at a local restaurant.
Day 3 – Montreal/Mont Tremblant
Breakfast at the hotel and check-out.
You will then set off for the magnificent Laurentian region, located to the north of Montreal. After an hour on the road, you will make a first stop at a local cider works. The cider tradition in the Montreal region dates back to the early 19th century. Today it represents a mix of French influence, through the use of special apple varieties and fermentation techniques, and British influence, since in that part of the world cider is considered to be a refreshing beverage. Your host will walk you through the orchard and explain the different methods for growing and ripening the apples. As your visit continues you will have the opportunity to taste local products, including ice cider, a local speciality with a high sugar content.
You will get back on the road for 30 minutes and head to a local sugar shack for a typical culinary experience. After visiting the grounds, you will sit down to a lunch featuring rich, local flavours, served in a homely atmosphere.
After lunch, you will be transferred to Mont Tremblant after a 1h30 drive.
Check-in at your hotel Quintessence Mont Tremblant 5*.
Dinner at leisure.
Day 4 – Mont Tremblant
Breakfast at the hotel.
You will start your day by visiting the small village of Mont-Tremblant on foot. In winter, Mont-Tremblant is a ski resort that is popular with the locals and the village attracts skiers to the local restaurants, cafés and shops. In summer, the village turns into a peaceful haven where nature lovers can unwind. You will head for the heights by taking a gondola to the top of Mont-Tremblant.
Lunch will be served at a local restaurant.
After a 30-minute transfer aboard your bus, you will arrive at the Treetop Walk (Sentier des Cimes). There, you will be met by a French-speaking naturalist guide who will accompany you on your walk up this 40-metre tall panoramic tower with a maximum incline of 6%, built right in the middle of the Laurentian forest. Your naturalist guide will tell you about the local flora and fauna that make this region so rich. Once at the top, enjoy a cocktail as you admire the uninterrupted 360-degree view of the forest.
Walk back to your hotel.
Dinner will be served at the hotel’s restaurant.
Day 5 – Mont Tremblant/Montreal
Breakfast at the hotel and check-out.
There will be a 45-minute transfer to the Laurentian forest, where you will meet a Canadian trapper who has taken up residence there. You will have the chance to converse with him about his way of life, his environment, his connection with nature and with the indigenous tribes. He will take you into the surrounding forest where you will encounter bison he gets to see every day. He will then take you to the river where you can experience trout fishing by hand if you wish.
Back at the cabin, you will have the opportunity to taste these freshly-caught trout, cooked simply over a wood fire, and continue your conversation with your host.
After lunch, you will be transferred to the port of Montreal for boarding.
Your hotels :
The 5* Four Seasons Hotel Montreal is ideally located in the city centre. This hotel with a chic and modern décor is an institution in Montreal’s lively Golden Square Mile neighbourhood. It boasts a restaurant serving refined and local dishes, a wine and cocktail bar, and a Guerlain spa. All the Carré Doré rooms feature a floor-to-ceiling window offering views of the city and are located on the upper floors of the hotel.
The 5* luxury boutique hotel Hôtel Quintessence sits on the edge of Lake Tremblant. It is a tranquil establishment conducive to relaxation. All suites face the lake and feature a private balcony. Boasting a surface area of 65 square metres (700 sq. ft.), the suites also feature a king bed, a living area with fireplace, plus a bathroom with a rain shower and a spa tub.
Superior category rooms may also be requested, based on availability. Extra charges will apply. Please contact your travel agent for more details.
Your programme includes :
- 2-nights accommodation in Deluxe Golden Square room at the Four Season Montreal 5* (or similar), local standards, including breakfast.
- 2-nights accommodation in Suite at the Quintessence Mont Tremblant 5* (or similar), local standards, including breakfast.
- Meals as mentioned in the programme.
- Beverage package during meals (mineral water + 1 glass of wine or 1 soft drink or 1 local beer + 1 coffee or tea), except for the lunch on day 4 as alcohol won’t be available.
- Transfers, visits and entrance fees as mentioned in the programme.
- Services of a local English-speaking guide.
- Hospitality desk at the hotel, the day of your arrival and departure.
Your programme does not include :
- Dinners on day 1 and day 3.
- Tips for the driver and local guide.
- Personal expenses.
- Visa if necessary.
- Early check-in at the hotel.
- Other services not mentioned in the programme.
Please note :
- It is imperative that the details of your departure flight are provided to your travel agent, no later than 30 days before the start date of your cruise, to secure the proper private transfer.
- The official time of check-out is noon.
- If you wish to stay in your room after the official check-out time, you can request it at the hotel (subject to availability).
- This programme is not suitable for people with reduced mobility.
- This programme involves outdoor walking. We recommend dressing accordingly by wearing comfortable walking shoes and clothing.
- The Treetop Walk is 2.7 km (1.7 miles) long in total, with a maximum incline of no more than six degrees.
- For the lunch with the trapper on Day 5, it is important to inform your travel agent of any food allergies to ensure that a suitable meal is available. Cheese fondue is possible as an alternative to the trout.
Contact of your hotels :
Four Season Montréal
1440 Rue de la Montagne
Montréal, QC, Canada, H3G 1Z5
Telephone : +514 8432500
Quintessence Mont Tremblant
3004 chemin de la Chapelle
Mot Tremblant, QC J8E 1E1
Telephone : +819 425 3400
Duration of the visits are given as a guide only. The order of the visits may be reversed. For the times of your PONANT flight, please contact your travel agent; they are also shown on your electronic ticket included in your travel documents.
Total : 3.840 €
Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.Old Quebec Walk & Guided visit of the Chateau Frontenac
Dive into Quebec’s history by strolling the cobbled streets of the Old Town. Founded by the French explorer Champlain at the beginning of the 17th century and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is the only fortified city in North America that still has its ramparts.
First of all, you will go to the Place Royale. The stone buildings surrounding this square were once the homes of wealthy merchants. Built and rebuilt several times, the square remains the heart of the Lower Town as well as the home of North America’s oldest stone church, Notre-Dame-des-Victoires.
At the corner of the square, discover the charming pedestrian district of Petit-Champlain. Scattered along its narrow cobblestone streets are an array of quaint boutiques, speciality shops and outdoor cafés with strolling musicians and street performers.
You will then board the funicular that connects the Lower Town to the Upper Town. Perched on a hill overlooking the St. Lawrence River, Château Frontenac is Quebec’s best-known landmark. Franklin D. Roosevelt, Winston Churchill and William Mackenzie King met here to discuss the Allied strategy during the Second World War. Now a luxury hotel, this château inspired by the French Renaissance and the châteaux of the Loire Valley is designated a National Historic Site of Canada. You will be able to make the most of a guided tour.
Adjoining the château, the Dufferin Terrace forms a belvedere overlooking the waterway. Enjoy the spectacular views over the St. Lawrence River, the town of Lévis on the opposite bank, the Ile d'Orléans and the Laurentian Mountains. You will then explore the fortress district passing Place d’Armes, the Quebec Seminary, the Ursuline Convent, Place de l’Hôtel de Ville, and the Artists Alley.
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We recommend you wear comfortable clothing and shoes.
Total : 75 €
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Quebec, from city to countryside
Discover the charm of the old town by exploring its historic and natural sites, then go along the Saint Lawrence River to admire the spectacular scenery of Montmorency Falls. Without forgetting the unmissable gourmet break at a maple farm.
Walk in the magnificent Battlefields Park, which is on the site of the historic battle at which the French surrendered to the British in 1759. Also known as the Plains of Abraham and nestling on the cliffs overlooking the Saint Lawrence River, it is now a stunning park featuring hills, gardens, monuments and artillery artefacts.
You will then go along the Grande-Allée, a vast avenue edged with shops and café-terraces, to the Parliament Building (Hôtel du Parlement), an impressive Second Empire-style building overlooking the city.
Then you will travel into the Quebec countryside. A few minutes from the fortified town of Old Quebec, Montmorency Falls offers breathtaking landscapes. You will feel the full power of nature when the water from the Montmorency River tumbles over the cliff to fall into the Saint Lawrence River.
At a maple farm, taste maple taffy - maple syrup boiled and poured onto snow; left to cool down, it is then wrapped around a stick to make a sticky treat.
Finally, you will discover the recently expanded Quebec National Museum of Fine Arts, where art, architecture and nature come together. You will discover the history of art in Quebec via its exhibitions of local artists from all eras.
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We recommend you wear comfortable clothing and shoes.
Total : 100 €
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Exploring Tadoussac on foot
Possessing one of the world’s lost beautiful bays, flanked by its large hotel with its characteristic red roof, Tadoussac is a picture-postcard village. Walk around this superb territory located at the confluence of the Saint Lawrence River and the Saguenay fjord.
Life goes by peacefully in this village of 800 souls lulled by the whisper of the waves and the salty air. While the history of the village of Tadoussac goes back to the arrival of Europeans on the American continent, the site itself was occupied by native communities from prehistoric times. Moreover, the origin of the word “tadoussac” finds its roots in Indian vocabulary. Tadoussac experienced the fur trade from the 17th to the 19th century, then the timber industry, before becoming a popular holiday destination.
Discover the North Coast’s typical plant species in Le Jardin de la Grève shoreline gardens. You will then visit the Chauvin Trading Post, a recreation of Canada’s very first fur trading post, with an exhibition focused on first contacts, the trading post and trading.
You will visit the Grand Hôtel Tadoussac, a superb wooden building overlooking Tadoussac Bay and the Saint Lawrence River. Its white wall, red roof, dormer windows and spectacular copula bestow an old-world charm upon it. Admire the old photos decorating the hotel lobby and make yourself comfortable and enjoy a cup of tea while contemplating the bay.
Before leaving, you will visit the Little Chapel located on the property, also called the Indian Chapel. It is the oldest wooden church in North America, having been constructed in 1747 by Jesuit missionaries who came to convert the local population to Christianity. It houses religious objects that were used over two and a half centuries ago.
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This excursion involves walking around 2.5 km (1.6 miles). We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes. The order of visits may change.
Total : 70 €
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Encounter with whales
Set off aboard a Zodiac that will take you to encounter whales in the estuary of the Saint Lawrence River. A magical moment!
A naturalist-guide captain will take you to where the river meets the ocean, an ideal spot to observe these giants of the sea as well as other marine mammals such as blue whale, fin whale, minke whale, beluga, humpback whale and grey seal. Indeed, the gulf and the estuary of the Saint Lawrence are a veritable kingdom for whales and a formidable natural laboratory for biologists passionate about these emblematic species. During these two hours on the river, you will appreciate all the wild beauty of the Saguenay fjord.
Back on shore, you will visit the information centre run by the Group for Research and Education on Marine Mammals (GREMM), a non-profit organisation dedicated to education for the sake of marine conservation and scientific research on the marine mammals of the Saint Lawrence.
- Participants must be in good physical condition. This excursion is not suitable for children aged under 10 years old. Each guest will be equipped with waterproof clothing. We recommend you wear warm and waterproof clothing. The order of the visits may be reversed.
Total : 145 €
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Bonaventure Island and its gannets
Fall under the spell of the rich historical and geological heritage of the Canadian island, particularly its immense colony of gannets.
Lying on the tip of the Gaspésie Peninsula, the Île-Bonaventure-et-du-Rocher-Percé National Park is a protected site sculpted by the weather and the sea, promising you enchanted moments. During this unique excursion, discover the history of the island and the first seasonal fishing sites in New France. Among other things, you will visit the old LeBoutillier House, an Anglo-French cod fishery established in Bonaventure since the 19th century.
You will then walk along the island’s paths, enjoy the peacefulness of its forests scattered with woodland flowers, soak up the irresistible fragrance of the wild flora and salty scents of the sea, and admire the captivating ballet of the 250,000 or so birds nesting on the island; these include 50,000 couples of gannets, the largest colony in the world.
- This excursion involves walking around 5,6 kilometres (3.4 miles) on gravel- or grass-covered surfaces or on dirt paths that may become muddy or slippery if it rains. We recommend you bring good walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun and the wind. Guests must be in good physical condition.
Total : 80 €
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Percé Heritage Walk
The village of Percé, located at the far east of the Gaspé Peninsula, is often considered as a gateway to the spectacular site that surrounds it. Yet Percé’s history itself is fascinating. Find out more during this walk through the village.
Famous for its major tourist attractions, Percé was home to the Gaspé Peninsula’s largest fishing port in the 18th century. Start your visit on the site of the old fishing infrastructure, where you can still see some of the buildings constructed at the end of the 18th century by Charles Robin. Continue your discovery of Percé to the Saint-Michel Church, constructed at the beginning of the 20th century with sandstone from nearby quarries.
Then continue up to Cap Mont Joli, from where you will enjoy captivating views over the whole village and the famous Percé Rock, off the coast. This is the site where the Recollect missionaries installed a wooden cross in 1672 to mark the arrival of the first European colonists.
Back at the pier, take a break at the Maison du Pêcheur, an establishment where the Gaspesian Bernard Lortie, a member of the Front de libération du Québec (FLQ) movement, first met Paul and Jacques Rose with whom he organised the kidnapping and murder of the Minister for Labour in 1970 - an event known as the October Crisis.
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This excursion involves around 2.5 kilometres (1.6 miles) of walking on mainly cobblestone surfaces, with a steep climb to reach the Mont Joli viewpoint. This excursion is not advised for persons with reduced mobility. We recommend you wear comfortable shoes and protective clothing.
Total : 45 €
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Sea kayaking at Percé rock
Set off on a unique kayaking adventure, discovering the beautiful landscapes of Percé Rock and its singular marine fauna.
Sail aboard a kayak to meet the guardians of this site such as the many species of seabirds circling the sky off the coast of Percé and the numerous seals present in these waters. As you paddle along the coast, your guide will show you sea kayaking techniques and tell you a bit about the history of kayaking.
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This moderate excursion includes 90 minutes of sea kayaking. All equipment is included: neoprene wetsuits, booties, paddle jackets with hoods, personal floatation devices, fibreglass paddles and dry bags. Children must be at least 10 years old to take part in this excursion and be accompanied by a parent. This tour is not recommended for pregnant women. Participants must be in good physical condition. We recommend you wear light clothing or your swimsuit under your clothes, and a fleece; bring water from the ship and protect yourself from the sun. This excursion is limited to 24 participants.
Total : 75 €
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Culinary heritage of the Magdalen Islands
Renowned for its stunning scenery and rich cultural history, the Magdalen Islands archipelago can also claim a fine culinary heritage, constantly renewed by passionate artisans, like the dairy, smokehouse and the brewery that await you here.
First stop: the Pied-de-Vent dairy, a delicious example of Madelinot perseverance and craftmanship. In just a few years, the artisans working here have successfully developed cheeses that are popular all over the country. Their secret is their great love for their terroir combined with a savvy blend of tradition and modernity, as you will discover during your visit of the farm, followed by a tasting.
Then, after coming along the lovely Chemin de la Pointe Basse, scattered here and there with typical painted houses and farms – with small closed porches, consoles and corbels, verandas but also painted or stained cedar shingles which are reminiscent of the Acadian and French origins of their first inhabitants -, you will discover the Fumoir d’Antan. Now an eco-museum dedicated to herring smoking, this typical smokehouse brings to life this last vestiges of what was a very important industry in the past. It has been used for three generations to smoke herring, mackerel, salmon and scallops; you will find out all about its history before tasting some specialities.
Then go along the northern coast of the island and the aptly named Cap-Hérissé, which is home to spectacular sheer and rugged cliffs that have been sculpted by the sea, before your final port of call: the À l’abri de la Tempête brewery. Here, local ingredients reign supreme. The brewers started using locally malted barley, then moved on to harvesting and using fresh flowers, marine algae and herbs from the area, to brew unique full-flavoured beers that you will have the pleasure of tasting.
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There are no difficulties involved with this excursion. Participants must have a minimum age of 18 to take part in this visit.
Total : 120 €
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Halifax highlights & Peggy’s Cove
Turned towards the ocean, Halifax is one of the country’s most important fishing ports and will offer up a perfect blend of history and nature, sea spray and feasts, for enthusiasts of maritime tales. Proof of this will be found at the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic and in the charming village of Peggy’s Cove.
The Maritime Museum of the Atlantic houses many maritime treasures, including thousands of marine photographs, boat models, a vast collection of marine maps, portraits of ships, and so on. However, it is doubtless its permanent exhibition devoted to the Titanic, the largest collection of wooden objects from the ship that sank 700 nautical miles off the coast, which attracts the most curiosity.
Then, Peggy’s Cove, a charming fishing village where 40 souls live all year round, will reveal its colourful houses, its small shops, its immense rocks, its lighthouse, and its history with close links to lobster fishing. In the eponymous cove, discover the sculpture of William de Garthe, dedicated to local fishermen.
On the way back, admire the panoramic views over Halifax and its famous citadel, the guardian of the city since it was founded two and a half centuries ago.
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This excursion involves walking approximately 1 km (0.6 miles). The walk to Peggy's Cove is optional, but we recommend you wear warm clothing, a waterproof jacket and comfortable shoes.
Total : 85 €
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Halifax’s culinary gems
Halifax, the vibrant capital of Nova Scotia, is undergoing a culinary revival. Its cafes, restaurants and wine bars are constantly reinventing an already rich culinary heritage that you will have the chance to discover in five epicurean spots.
Between street food and traditional cuisine, the streets and seafront of Halifax reveal a rich culinary history. From the famous local wine, Tidal Bay, to poutine, via chowder – an emblematic creamy seafood and fish soup -, but also craft beers and many other homemade snacks, Halifax’s gastronomy tells this region’s story in the most delicious way possible.
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This excursion involves walking around 3 kilometres (1.9 miles) on cobbled ground and along a wooden promenade. We recommend you wear comfortable clothing and shoes as well as sun cream. This excursion is only suitable for persons aged over 19 years old and who have an official photo ID.
Total : 175 €
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Halifax past & present
It would almost be easy to forget that Halifax, capital of Nova Scotia, is one of the country’s largest and most dynamic ports. Its public gardens, its historic monuments and the old-world charm of certain buildings make it seem like an attractive little town sitting at the crossroads of eras.
Amidst the ultra-modern glass towers, Halifax unveils various historical and architectural treasures that make the city, founded in 1749, even more distinctive. In the city centre, for example, you will come face to face with Province House, the seat of provincial government and the oldest legislative building in Canada. It was proclaimed a gem of Georgian architecture by Charles Dickens. The hospitals, universities, City Hall, St Paul's Church and the residential districts of the South End also offer a fine overview of 18th- and 19th-century architecture.
Further on, the Public Gardens, built in the Victorian style in 1874, unveil lush nature, punctuated here and there with elegant statues, fountains and a fine bandstand.
On the foothills of the city, Halifax Citadel will tell another part of this natural harbour’s history. A majestic fort completed in 1856, it was one of the jewels of the Crown and among the most advanced British military fortifications of its day.
Finally, at Fairview Lawn Cemetery, the final resting place for 112 victims of the sinking of the Titanic, you will rediscover the history of the famous cruise ship’s tragic maiden voyage.
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This excursion involves walking around 1 kilometre (0.6 miles) on uneven ground. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes.
Total : 55 €
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Scenic Boston and JFK library
From the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum to a panoramic walk through the city’s emblematic sites, discover Boston from a different perspective and dive into the fascinating history of the capital of Massachusetts.
Boston, renowned for its rich historic and cultural heritage, has a host of treasures to offer, including the emblematic John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, dedicated to the former US president. At Columbia Point, between the walls of the building designed by the iconic architect I.M. Pei, explore the history of the Kennedy administration through a multitude of art work, personal artifacts, rare videos and historic documents. A special section is devoted to Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy, highlighting her elegance (some of her outfits are displayed here), her grace and her impact as First Lady.
Following this dive into the Kennedy era, set off on a panoramic visit of Boston. Cross Copley Square and its emblematic buildings, wind your way through the historic streets of the Beacon Hill neighbourhood, admire the Massachusetts State House and its golden dome, the Freedom Trail and the King's Chapel.
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This excursion will be conducted in English only. The order of visits may change. We recommend that you wear comfortable clothes and shoes.
Total : 100 €
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Historic Boston and Cambridge
Set off to discover Boston, a historic New England town with unique charm. During a moment frozen in time, this secular city, which was founded in 1630, will reveal its finest emblematic architectural assets, its streets paved with memories and an atmosphere imbued with whispers of the past.
Once you arrive in Boston from the port, you will start your excursion by visiting the city’s typical small streets. On the way, you will pass by many of the buildings and sites that shape the city, such as Copley Square, Trinity Church, Boston Public Library, Back Bay and Newbury Street. You will also be able to enjoy the magnificent public gardens as well as Boston Common and Beacon Hill. Make sure you do not miss out on the famous Massachusetts State House either. It is recognisable by its impressive golden dome, which stands proudly in the city’s sky.
You will then head towards the North End district, where a brief stroll around will let you appreciate the authenticity of its lively streets. Here, the Old North Church, standing guard silently over history, will unveil its venerable walls, evoking the lantern signals used by Paul Revere to warn of the approach of British troops.
Continuing your tour, you will cross the peaceful waters of the Charles River to reach the lush banks of Cambridge. There, the illustrious Harvard University, cradle of American scholarship, will welcome you to its sacred corridors, offering an inside look at its prestigious academic past.
Back in Boston, you will explore Newbury Street and its medieval architecture, as well as Quincy Market, with its wealth of restaurants, artisans and street entertainers.
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This excursion will only be conducted in English and involves walking 2 kilometres (1.2 miles) on uneven ground with cobblestones. We recommend you wear comfortable clothing and walking shoes.
Total : 80 €
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Harvard from a student's eye
On this very exclusive Harvard Campus tour, a Harvard student will show you around the university’s exterior spaces and give you a glimpse into student life in Cambridge.
Founded in 1636 in Cambridge, Massachusetts, this private university - designated a National Historic Landmark - is one of the most prestigious in the world.
The visit will begin in Harvard Yard, an area of almost 25 acres entirely enclosed by fences and accesssed by one of 27 gates. Not only is it the oldest part of the campus, it is also its historic centre and the heart of its contemporary campus life, surrounded by dormitories, libraries and classrooms. Walk past the Old Yard, which houses Harvard’s oldest building, Massachusetts Hall, as well as Memorial Church and Widener Library.
You will finish at Harvard Square, considered the historic centre of Cambridge, where you will have some free time to stroll around the bookshops, cafés and restaurants, discover the public art work or see a concert or other street entertainment.
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This excursion involves approximately 1.5 km (0.9 miles) of walking on uneven ground. We recommend you wear comfortable clothes and good walking shoes. This excursion will be conducted in English only.
Total : 115 €
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Little Italy - Foodie Walking Tour
Enjoy a walking tour of Boston's North End, Little Italy. Sample regional delicacies such as arancini, panzarroti and Sicilian pizza. You will then head to Naples, where you will discover authentic Neapolitan pizza in the only certified oven in Italy. You will also make a short diversions to the Amalfi Coast, in Sorrento, to sample authentic gnocchi alla sorentina.
From here, you venture into a beloved local wine shop, where you will learn all about the wine-making process, from the influence of soil and climate to how wine takes on its colour. Then, you will discover the history of olive oil and learn how to distinguish genuine extra virgin olive oil from imitation oils. You will continue your journey in Umbria and Modena, where you will taste 12-year-old balsamic vinegar. You will then head to Parma for the best prosciutto outside Emilia-Romagna, and on to the other large island of Sardina. Here, you will taste a special sheep's milk cheese, while visiting the city's best Italian market.
You will step back in time to a coffee and spice shop that is the oldest retail outlet still standing. You will then head down an alleyway and discover an artisanal bakery. The bakers brought from Naples a yeast for bread dough that is over 160 years old. Just when you thought your day couldn't get any better, you end up with the trifecta: espresso, cannoli and gelato - all three are the best in the neighbourhood.
- This tour involves a 3-hour walk over relatively flat but uneven terrain. The walk will be slow, with a lot of standing. We recommend that you wear comfortable clothes and good walking shoes. Actual items tasted may vary by the day and time of the tour.
Total : 210 €
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
The best of Martha’s Vineyard
A whaling port over a century ago, Martha’s Vineyard has been attracting major American celebrities and political figures, particularly US presidents, for decades. During a panoramic journey, make the most of the coast’s most beautiful scenery and discover the Tisbury and Edgartown districts, where the sumptuous cottages and the spectacular houses owned by captains in the 18th and 19th centuries form a unique architectural heritage.
Finally, enjoy some free time to explore Edgartown’s boutiques and restaurants.
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This excursion involves walking on cobblestone and uneven surfaces. We recommend wearing comfortable clothing and shoes as well as sun protection. The order of the visits may be changed. This excursion will only be conducted in English.
Total : 75 €
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
The Breakers manor house and coastal walk
Newport, a historic coastal town founded in 1639, is home to some of the finest manor houses in the United States. During a wall along Newport’s rocky cliffs, discover the history of the American golden age, called the Gilded Age, during which the grand fortunes of the time built these grandiose summer residences.
The cliff walk covers around 1.6 kilometres (1 mile), offering breathtaking views over the Newport coastline on one side and the gardens of the sumptuous cottages of Bellevue Avenue on the other.
You will then visit The Breakers, one of Newport’s most emblematic manor houses. Designed by the architect Richard Morris Hunt for Cornelius Vanderbilt II, one of the wealthiest Americans of the time, this majestic residence was completed in 1895 after fewer than 3 years of work. This will be an audio-guided visit, enabling you to explore the splendours of this historic residence at your own pace, as you plunge into a universe of opulence and refinement, where each architectural detail tells the story of a bygone yet fascinating era.
Total : 105 €
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Schooner Sail
The world sailing capital Newport welcomes you for a gentle sailing trip to help you discover what makes this coastline a nautical paradise.
To begin this adventure under sail, your guide will take you on a walk up to Bowen’s Wharf, to the Adirondack II, an 80-foot sailing schooner. Once aboard, you will be able to get comfortable and relax among the mahogany wood panelling, while the crew casts off.
During the sailing trip, contemplate the surrounding natural splendours as you cross the port of Newport, then go along Fort Adams and take the eastern channel of Narragansett Bay to Castle Hill Island, before turning around and heading back to the port.
You will also have the opportunity to admire remarkable sites, such as Hammersmith Farm, John F. Kennedy’s former summer residence. The captain and crew will tell you anecdotes and historical facts about the region, and those guests wishing to do so will be able to learn about steering the ship under the expert supervision of the captain.
To perfect this maritime experience, you will be served a glass of mimosa, wine or amber ale, thus letting your taste buds take in as much delight as your eyes.
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This excursion involves walking for around 15 minutes to reach the quay. We recommend you wear suitable clothing as well as flat, comfortable and non-skip shoes to be comfortable on the sailboat.
Total : 100 €
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Gilded Age residences
Relive the Gilded Age, the unprecedented period of prosperity that saw the advent of large new fortunes, vying for opulence and excess, as evidenced by the spectacular summer residences along Bellevue Avene in Newport.
From the impressive marble columns of Marble House to the platinum-leaf incrusted walls of the manor house called The Breakers, plunge into the lavish architecture of these residences and discover the fascinating histories of their inhabitants, best embodying the peak of this golden age.
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This excursion includes some steps inside the residences. We recommend you wear comfortable clothing and shoes.
Total : 104 €
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Brooklyn and Highline walking tour
From Brooklyn Bridge, stroll New York’s mythical spots and immerse yourself in ‘Dumbo’, one of the borough’s trendiest districts, before going on the High Line, the unmissable walk in the heart of Manhattan.
Arriving at Brooklyn Bridge you will walk over this internationally renowned emblem of New York City thanks to its pedestrian walkway, which is almost 2 kilometres (1.2 miles) long. It is one of the longest suspension bridges in the world and it connects Brooklyn to Manhattan by crossing the East River. You will discover the surprising and dramatic history of this bridge as you enjoy magnificent views over the Manhattan skyline.
Once you reach Brooklyn, you will be able to explore Dumbo - the name is short for “Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass.” With its spectacular seafront access, flourishing artistic scene and raw architectural grandeur, it has become one of the Brooklyn’s most fashionable neighbourhoods. Less than 20 years ago, the former industrial district was largely deserted, inhabited by artists who had colonised its lofts. Today, the area is brimming with vintage boutiques, trendy independent bookshops, great places to eat, and art galleries. Take the time to stroll around the cobbled streets to discover its treasures.
From Brooklyn, take the bus to the west of the island and walk the High Line, a former elevated rail track converted into a park suspended over Manhattan’s West Side. Magnificent gardens offer spectacular views over the heart of Manhattan.
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This excursion involves 8 kilometres (5 miles) of leisurely guided walking. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes. This tour can welcome a maximum of 40 participants. Tour may operate in alternative order due to traffic concerns.
Total : 125 €
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Ground Zero and the September 11 memorial sites
Let yourself be guided around the former New York World Trade Center, where the tragic events of September 11 took place. The New Yorkers who will guide you all have a personal connection with September 11. Listen to their stories and those of other New Yorkers who experienced that day’s events.
The visit will begin with St. Paul's Chapel in Manhattan, which since 2001 has become a symbol of American faith against terrorism. Located in the middle of the buildings and only a few metres from the place of the attacks, the chapel miraculously survived the falling buildings and debris. As of the day following the attacks, it was converted into a makeshift emergency centre and its wrought-iron fence served as a notice board where families hung missing persons notices.
You will then go to the FDNY Memorial Wall and walk along the bronze bas-relief that pays tribute to the 343 firefighters who lost their lives on 11 September 2001. You will go past the FDNY 10 House, the World Trade Center fire station, covered in a huge American flag.
Finally, at the National September 11 Memorial & Museum, gather your thoughts around the two pools of Reflecting Absence, the largest man-made waterfalls in the US, inside the memorial, symbolising the void left by the tragedy. Located on a square where over 400 swamp white oak trees are growing, the pools are surrounded by bronze parapets with the names of the victims inscribed on them.
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This excursion involves walking around 5 km (3.1 miles). You will visit the museum without a guide and at your own pace. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes. Tour may operate in alternative order.
Total : 205 €
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island
Plunge into the founding history of the United States by calling on “Lady Liberty” and visiting the Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration.
From Battery Park, you will board a ferry to Liberty Island. During the trip, you will admire views over New York Harbour, Brooklyn Bridge, Staten Island, New Jersey and the Manhattan cityscape. Once on Liberty Island, you will be able to walk around the foot of the Statue of Liberty inaugurated in 1886. The island is also home to outdoor exhibitions and souvenir shops.
Re-boarding the ferry, you will go to Ellis Island, another National Historic Landmark. Ellis Island was the main immigration centre for the United States from 1892 until the Second World War. Today, it houses a unique museum detailing all the different aspects of immigration and its effects on a growing nation. Ellis Island processed more than 12 million immigrants. Today, over 40 percent of Americans can trace some part of their ancestry back to Ellis Island. Many people use the resource room there to research ancestors and the vessels they came in on.
At Ellis Island you will have approximately one hour to explore the museum independently, souvenir shops and visit the cafés with the provided lunch voucher for lunch before boarding the ferry back to Battery Park.
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This excursion involves several hours walking and standing on mostly flat and paved ground. The excursion will only be conducted in English. Park visitors must undergo an airport-style security check before boarding ships departing from Battery Park and Liberty State Park. This security check will also take place at the entrance inside the Statue. All items deemed inappropriate or prohibited will be confiscated and retained by the US Park Police. Large bags and bulky items are not permitted. Food and drink are not permitted inside the Statue of Liberty.
Total : 200 €
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
The Manhattan Experience with SUMMIT One Vanderbilt
Central Park, Greenwich Village, Soho, Little Italy or Chinatown: set off on a tour of Manhattan’s most iconic neighbourhoods, with historic skyscrapers, emblematic avenues and, of course, the most famous park in the world.
New York is teeming with spots boasting breathtaking views. Among them, the SUMMIT One Vanderbilt Observation Deck stands out. Situated between the 91st and 93rd floors and surrounded by glass, it will make you feel like you are floating above the hustle and bustle of Manhattan, with views of the Chrysler Building and the Empire State Building.
After this first vertiginous stop, you will head for Central Park, the lungs of the Big Apple. Wander its tree-lined paths and lush meadows and discover this oasis of calm and greenery, as popular with New Yorkers as it is with tourists.
At lunch time, you will go to Times Square, the famous and eye-catching “Crossroads of the World”. Between the theatres, illuminated signs, stores and restaurants, you will discover the boundless energy running through this neighbourhood, and if you wish, make the most of it to eat there.
Then you will cross Greenwich Village, the artistic and bohemian epicentre with its famous brownstones, and Soho, with its art galleries, trendy stores and artists’ lofts. Halfway between the two, Little Italy and Chinatown are best discovered on foot, to take in the delicious odours of cuisine and take part in the lively neighbourhood life.
Once you reach the Financial District, stroll between Wall Street and Battery Park. From the park, you will enjoy a fine view of the Statue of Liberty.
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This bus excursion includes 4 kilometres (2.5 miles) of walking, spread over the day. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and bring your water bottle. Lunch will be on your own; it is not included. This excursion is for a maximum of 50 participants. This excursion will be conducted in English only.
Total : 200 €
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
New Yorkers’ West Village
The West Village is possibly the ultimate embodiment of New York cool. Constantly buzzing, the streets of this iconic part of Manhattan adored by its inhabitants are lined with trendy establishments, hidden gardens, and authentic street food restaurants that will inspire you to really sink your teeth into the Big Apple.
To truly get a feel for New York and experience the city like a local, the first step is to take a ride on the subway. Accompanied by your guide, you will travel from Downtown up to Washington Square. In the heart of Greenwich Village, around Bleecker Street, taste some of the favourite eats of New Yorkers. What’s on the menu? The iconic NY pizza slice - ultra-thin, melt-in-our-mouth pizzas sold by the slice for a few dollars -, but also rice balls to die for, deliciously crunchy cannoli and, of course, the emblematic cupcake.
Between two tastings, learn about the history of the area, its architecture and its culture, as you make your way to another neighbourhood beloved by New Yorkers: Little Italy, Manhattan’s old Italian quarter.
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This excursion involves walking for approximately 4.8 km (3 miles) along city streets. We recommend wearing comfortable footwear and clothing. The order of visits may vary.
Total : 135 €
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
HISTORICAL NEW YORK (1 NIGHT)
Enhance your cruise and enjoy one more night in America by discovering New York and learning about the history of one of the most vibrant and fascinating city of the world.
Day 1 - New York
After disembarkation procedures have been completed, you will depart the port of New York by coach to reach the city centre.
First, you will learn more about Alexander Hamilton and the Founding Fathers. Explore the legacy left in Manhattan by Hamilton, a figure in American history who was born in the West Indies and made his reputation during the revolutionary war and became one of America’s most influential Founding Fathers. He was highly supported a strong federal government and played a key role in ratifying the US. Constitution. As the first secretary of the United States Treasury, he built a strong financial foundation against the opposition from Thomas Jefferson. Visit out of the beaten sites that filled with historical significance such as Fraunces Tavern, a historic bar and restaurant labeled as National Landmark building that once served as a watering hole for many of the Founding Fathers.
Lunch will be served in a local restaurant.
Continue with the visit on theme of the Gilded Age. Learl all about America’s greatest businessmen that forged America such as Cornelius Vanderbilt, John D. Rockefeller, or Andrew Carnegie. Learn about how they built their wealth and dominance and visit a selection of Gilded Age mansion located on the 5th avenue, also called the “Millionaire’s Row”.
You will then be taken to the Empire State Building, one of the world's most famous skyscrapers. You will admire the sunset and enjoy a beautiful panoramic view of the city. Located in the heart of Midtown Manhattan, it has been a symbol of New York since it was completed in 1931.
The Empire State Building was initially proposed in 1929 by John Jakob Raskob, a prominent financier and businessman. He initially planned to build a 60-story skyscraper, which would be the tallest building in the world at the time. He hired the architectural firm Shreve, Lamb and Harmon to design the building, and construction began in 1930. The building was completed in just one year and one month, an incredibly quick construction time for such a large and impressive structure. Beautiful inside and out, the Empire State Building is an architectural marvel beloved across the world.
Check-in at your hotel Sofitel New York 4*.
Dinner will be at leisure.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 2 - New York
Breakfast at the hotel and check-out.
Day and meals at leisure.
You will then be transferred to the airport in time for check-in of the PONANT selected flight, or any other flight (please make sure to previously communicate your flight schedule to your travel agent).
Your hotel :
Sofitel New York 4* is perfectly situated in midtown Manhattan, just off 5th Avenue’s luxury shops, the beautiful Bryant Park, Broadway theaters, stunning Rockefeller Center and energetic Times Square area. Often called ‘a quiet oasis’, the hotel provides a magnifique respite with all the wonderful energy of the city just outside the doors. There are 398 spacious luxury rooms, and each presents a sophisticated European ambiance with rich décor, including custom maple or rosewood three-paneled, full-wall headboards with a recessed art niche.
Your programme includes :
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1 night in Superior King Bed room at the Sofitel New York 4* (or similar), breakfast included.
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Lunch with beverage package (mineral water + 1 soft drink or 1 local beer or 1 glass of wine + 1 coffee or tea).
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Transfers and visits as mentioned in the programme.
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Services of local English-speaking guide.
Your programme does not include :
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Tips for the driver and local guide.
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Dinner of day 1.
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Personal expenses.
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Other services not mentioned in the programme.
Please note :
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It is imperative that the details of your departure flight are provided to your travel agent, no later than 30 days before the start date of your cruise, to secure the proper private transfer.
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Both walking tours are about 1.5km long.
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This programme is not suitable for people with reduced mobility.
Duration and order of the visits may vary. To know your PONANT flight schedule, please contact your travel agent; it is also indicated on your electronic ticket included in your travel documents.
In the event of schedule changes of PONANT’s selected flight, your programme will be adapted to ensure the most seamless and enriching experience.
Total : 1.025 €
Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.ON THE PATH OF AMERICAN HISTORY (4 NIGHTS)
Enhance your cruise and extend your trip with a carefully designed programme.
Enjoy 5 days to explore iconic cities and sites that marked the history of the United States from the colonization to the war of independence and from the civil war to the gilded age.
Day 1 – New York City
After disembarkation procedures are completed, you will be greeted at the port by our local representative.
Start your history-themed programme and learn more about Alexander Hamilton and the Founding Fathers. Explore the legacy left in Manhattan by Hamilton, a figure in American history who was born in the West Indies and made his reputation during the revolutionary war and became one of America’s most influential Founding Fathers. He was highly supported a strong federal government and played a key role in ratifying the US. Constitution. As the first secretary of the United States Treasury, he built a strong financial foundation against the opposition from Thomas Jefferson. Visit out of the beaten sites that filled with historical significance such as Fraunces Tavern, a historic bar and restaurant labeled as National Landmark building that once served as a watering hole for many of the Founding Fathers.
Lunch will be served in a local restaurant.
Continue with the visit on theme of the Gilded Age. Learl all about America’s greatest businessmen that forged America such as Cornelius Vanderbilt, John D. Rockefeller, or Andrew Carnegie. Learn about how they built their wealth and dominance and visit a selection of Gilded Age mansion located on the 5th avenue, also called the “Millionaire’s Row”.
At the end of your visit, transfer to your hotel Sofitel Times Square 4*. The rest of the day and dinner are at leisure.
Overnight.
Day 2 – New York City/Philadelphia/Baltimore
Breakfast at the hotel.
Board your coach for a 2 – hours ride to Philadelphia (time of transfer may vary according to traffic).
Stretch your legs with a walking tour of the most iconic and historical sites of the city that is America’s birthplace as it is the place where the Founding Fathers met, discussed, debated and formed the new country to be. By 1770s, Philadelphia had grown to be the 3rd most important business center in the British Empire, after Liverpool and London due to the city location that provided access to inland farm regions and to the coal and ore resources that supplied the early iron industry. Prosperity was translated into personal and community wealth and the city became leader in the arts, science and culture, attracting future great leaders such as Benjamin Franklin, Benjamin Rush and David Rittenhouse. Private and public buildings were erected such as Hamilton’s Independence Hall. Later, Philadelphia would emerge as a leading republican city opposing to slavery.
During this tour, discover great iconic sites along with your guide such as the President’s House, the Declaration House or the Congress Hall.
Lunch will then be served in a local restaurant.
Board your coach for a 1 – hour transfer to Baltimore, enjoy a panoramic tour of Baltimore with a stop at the port.
Check in your hotel Baltimore Marriott Waterfront.
Time at leisure to enjoy a waterfront walk, dinner is at leisure.
Overnight.
Day 3 – Baltimore/Washington DC
Breakfast at the hotel.
Board your coach for a 1 – hour transfer to Washington DC.
Make a first stop at Hillwood Estate Museum, a house where presidents, heads of states, ambassadors and politicians were formally entertained in the mid-twentieth century. It was bought by Marjorie Merriweather Post in 1955 who turned it into a museum dedicated to inspiring and educate the public. It now features nearly 20,000 objects from Hillwood’s collection of Russian imperial art, French eighteenth-century decorative art and Marjorie Merriweather Post’s personal collection of apparel, jewelry and accessories. A unique place and collection that will dive you into the American way of life in the XXth century.
A private lunch will be served in at Hillwood Estate.
After lunch, head into Washington DC downtown for a visit of Seat of the Government of the United States. Founded in 1790, The District of Columbia was established as the capital of the United States by the Constitution itself. The location of the new city was to be a compromise: Alexander Hamilton and northern states wanted the new federal government to assume Revolutionary War debts, and Thomas Jefferson and southern states who wanted the capital placed in a location friendly to slave-holding agricultural interests. Ideally located on the Potomac River and near colonial ports, Washington was called “the gateway to the interior”. The city was nearly destroyed during the war of 1812 against Great Britain through the enemy’s fire, along came the reduction of the population. It only increased again during the Civil War that as it quickly became a hub for freed slaves after Emancipation Proclamation.
Walk through iconic memorials, houses, governmental buildings, and streets along with you guide and learn more about how Washington DC became a vibrant and culturally diverse city and how the Great names of history shaped it.
Transfer to your hotel Lyle Washington DC 4*.
Check in your room, the rest of the day and dinner are at leisure.
Overnight.
Day 4 – Washington DC
Breakfast.
Transfer to Arlington cemetery, a place of tribute to those who have dedicated their lives to defending the ideals of the country. About 400’000 veterans are currently buried, including service members from every one of American’s major wars. Major figures of the American history are also buried in Arlington, including President John F. Kennedy, Stateman John Foster Dulles or revolutionary William Russell.
Enjoy a more relaxing moment walking on King George Street in old Alexandria.
Time at leisure to enjoy this vibrant area for some shopping or coffee stop.
Head to Georgetown, a small town established as a tobacco port in Maryland, and it was designated a National Historic Landmark. It is marked by a strong African American history as it represented from 30% to 40% of its population at one time.
Lunch will be served in a local restaurant.
After lunch, start your last visit of the programme on the path of Abraham Lincoln. Lincoln became the 16th president of the United States in 1861. Born in Kentucky, he made extraordinary efforts to attain knowledge while working on a farm in Illinois and spent eight years in the Illinois legislature and rode the circuit of courts for many years. He issued the emancipation Proclamation that declared forever free those slaves within the confederacy in 1863, two years in Civil War. He was re-elected in 1864 and was assassinated on April 14th, 1865, at Ford’s Theatre in Washington.
Visit Ford's theater where Abraham Lincoln was murdered. The theater is still in activity and features a museum to learn more about the events.
Return to your hotel.
Rest of the day and dinner at leisure.
Overnight.
Day 5 – Washington DC
After breakfast and check-out, time at leisure depending on your flight schedule.
You will then be transferred to the airport in time for check-in for the PONANT selected flight or any other flight (provided that you have previously communicated your flight schedule to your travel agent).
Your hotels:
- The Wyndham Newport Hotel 4* is a typical contemporary waterfront hotel in New England. It features an indoor pool, a gym, and the restaurant offers American style dining.
- The Sofitel Time Square 4* is ideally located in the heart of Manhattan, 7mn away from Times Square by foot. The 32m² room features a rain shower and a bathtub. You may enjoy a meal at the French brasserie of the hotel.
- The Baltimore Marriott Waterfront Hotel 4* is located in the Harbor East District, it features a restaurant and a gym. Each room offers a city view.
- Lyle Hotel Washington DC 4* is located a little outside Washington DC downtown, in the Heart of Dupont Circle, a vibrant Art Deco neighbourhood. The hotel features a fine restaurant and bar, a fitness centre and laundry and dry cleaning.
Upgraded rooms are also available depending on availability and on a supplement basis. Contact your travel professional for further detail.
Your programme includes:
- 1-night accommodation in Superior King room, at Sofitel New York 4* (local standard) or similar, breakfast included.
- 1-night accommodation in Standard King room, at Baltimore Marriott Waterfront 4* (local standard) or similar, breakfast included.
- 2-nights accommodation in Deluxe King room, at Lyle Hotel Washington DC 4* (local standard) or similar, breakfast included.
- Meals as mentioned in the programme.
- Beverage package during meals (bottled water + 1 soft drink or 1 local beer or 1 glass of wine and 1 coffee or tea).
- Transfers, visits, and entrance fees as mentioned in the programme.
- The services of a local English-speaking guide.
Your programme does not include:
- Personal expenses.
- Visa if necessary.
- Tips for the driver and local guide.
- Late check-out on day 7.
- Other services not mentioned in the programme.
Please note:
- It is imperative that the details of your departure flight are provided to your travel agent, no later than 30 days before the start date of your cruise, to secure the proper private transfer.
- Transfers from the hotel to the airport on day 5 are available to either Dulles International Airport (IAD) or Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA).
- This programme is not suitable for people with reduced mobility.
- Official hotel check-out time is 11:00 a.m. Late check-out might be available depending on availability and on a supplement basis.
- This program requires a lot of outside walking. We recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes and travelling with a water-bottle.
Contact of your hotels:
The Sofitel Time Square
45 W 44th Street
New York, NY 10036
Telephone number: (212) 354-8844
The Baltimore Marriott Waterfront
700 Aliceanna Street
Baltimore, MD 21202
Telephone number: (410) 385-3000
Lyle Hotel Washington DC
1731 New Hampshire Avenue
Washington, DC 20009
Telephone number: (202) 964 6750
Duration and order of the visits may vary. To know your PONANT flight schedule, please contact your travel agent; it is also indicated on your electronic ticket included in your travel documents.
Total : 3.300 €
Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.FLIGHTS FROM/TO PARIS + EXPERIENCE A CANADIAN SUGAR SHACK AND OVERVIEW OF MONTREAL (1 NIGHT) (PRE) + HISTORICAL NEW YORK (1 NIGHT) (POST)
Total : 2.790 €
Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.FLIGHTS FROM/TO PARIS + EXPERIENCE A CANADIAN SUGAR SHACK AND OVERVIEW OF MONTREAL (1 NIGHT) (PRE) + ON THE PATH OF AMERICAN HISTORY (4 NIGHTS) (POST)
Total : 4.985 €
Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.FLIGHTS FROM/TO PARIS + EXPLORE THE LAURENTIDES AND MONTREAL (4 NIGHTS) (PRE) + HISTORICAL NEW YORK (1 NIGHT) (POST)
Total : 6.030 €
Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.FLIGHTS FROM/TO PARIS + EXPLORE THE LAURENTIDES AND MONTREAL (4 NIGHTS) (PRE) + ON THE PATH OF AMERICAN HISTORY (4 NIGHTS) (POST)
Total : 7.975 €
Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.