Guest of Honour 
Music 
Guest Speaker 
Superior Stateroom
20% Ponant Bonus
21 m2
3
Musical Adventure in Celtic Lands
Dublin - Glasgow, Scotland
Dates:
27/04/2023
to
04/05/2023
days
nights on board
In partnership with RADIO CLASSIQUE, with the exceptional presence on board of Alain Duault.
From Dublin to Glasgow, PONANT brings you an exceptional cruise to Celtic lands following an 8-day itinerary along the magnificent shores of Britain.
From Dublin, the Irish capital brimming with convivial atmosphere and authentic charm, Le Boréal will take you to Belfast, where you can visit the Giant's Causeway. This massive geological formation is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and features over 40,000 basalt columns.
Your ship will reach Wales at Fishguard, a small coastal town between two hills that was once a Viking trading post. Then you will set sail for Liverpool. A former industrial powerhouse, the city has now been completely redeveloped. Located on the banks of the Mersey, it is famous for being the birthplace of the Beatles.
L’Austral will then take you to the Isle of Man, located between the United Kingdom and Ireland. The capital Douglas is an authentic postcard from United Kingdom of yesteryear with a Victorian atmosphere.
The Inner Hebrides will then welcome you with Iona, the cradle of Christianity in Scotland where the famous Book of Kells was written, and Tobermory, a charming fishing port with multi-coloured houses whose distillery produces a renowned single malt.
You will then discover Oban and its spectacular coastline to the west of the Highlands before you disembark in Glasgow, Scotland's warm cultural capital with a rich artistic and architectural heritage.
Ref : AU270423
Your itinerary
A musical cruise in partnership with RADIO CLASSIQUE, in the presence of Alain Duault. Between Dublin and Glasgow, sail into the heart of Celtic shores, lands of magic and legends. UNESCO World Heritage Sites:...
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Your trip in detail
Choose your stateroom
Choose your stateroom
Superior Stateroom
(21 m2)
From 3.510 €
20% Ponant Bonus
Deluxe Stateroom
(18 m2)
From 3.810 €
20% Ponant Bonus
Prestige Deck 4
(18 m2)
From 4.230 €
20% Ponant Bonus
Prestige Deck 5
(18 m2)
From 4.430 €
20% Ponant Bonus
Prestige Deck 6
(18 m2)
From 4.680 €
20% Ponant Bonus
Deluxe Suite
(27 m2)
Fully booked
20% Ponant Bonus
Prestige Deck 5 Suite
(37 m2)
From 8.790 €
20% Ponant Bonus
Prestige Deck 6 Suite
(37 m2)
From 9.250 €
20% Ponant Bonus
Owner's Suite
(45 m2)
From 13.200 €
Complete your trip
Complete your trip
Additional services
For more peace of mind, PONANT selects flights and takes care of your transfers for your trip as well as shore visits before and after the cruise.
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LE JACQUES-CARTIER
LE SOLEAL
21/10/2022 to the 01/11/2022
- New
LE COMMANDANT CHARCOT
L'AUSTRAL
04/11/2022 to the 20/11/2022
- New
LE LAPEROUSE
09/11/2022 to the 23/11/2022
*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.
Services provided
- 24h room service
- Inclusive Internet access Wi-Fi (availability dependent on navigation and latitude)
- Individually-controlled air conditioning
- Dressing room with shelves and closet
- Dressing table and hairdryer
- Hermès top-of-the-line bath products
- Minibar included
- 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
Trio Wanderer
Trio Wanderer quite deserves their stage-name. Indeed, “Wanderer” pays homage to Schubert, and more widely to German Romanticism which is often imbued with the leitmotiv of the wandering travellers. They are avid open-minded wandering traveller, who explore the musical world, spanning the centuries from Haydn to nowadays. Acclaimed for its extraordinarily sensitive style, almost telepathic understanding of each other and technical mastery, the Trio Wanderer is one of the world’s foremost chamber ensembles.
Called a “Wandering Star” (The Strad Magazine), the Trio has performed on the most prestigious music stages: Berlin’s Philharmonic, Paris’ Théâtre des Champs Elysées, Wiener Musikverein, London’s Wigmore Hall, Milan’s Teatro della Scala, Washington’s Library of Congress, Amsterdam’s Concertgebouw, festivals of Montreux, La Roque d’Anthéron, Osaka, Salzburg…
Trio Wanderer extensive discography included more than 30 recordings awarded several prizes (Choc du Monde de la Musique & Diapason d’Or of the Year, Editor Choice of Gramophone…) and has been chosen as a reference (Mendelssohn Trios by the New-York Times, Schubert’s Trio op.100 by the BBC…).
In 2017, for its 30th anniversary, a book written by Olivier Bellamy and tracing the history of the Trio has been published by Art3 Edition.
Heralded by the professional music world, the Trio Wanderer has been awarded for three time a Victoire de la Musique for Best Instrumental Ensemble of the year. In 2015, its members are bestowed by the French Minister of Culture the Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters.
Languages spoken: French, English
Photo credit: François Sechet
Lise Berthaud
Lise Berthaud was born in 1982 and started studying the violin with Pierre-Henry Xuereb and Gérard Caussé at the Conservatoire National Supérieur de Paris. She was a prize winner of the European Young Instrumentalists Competition IN 2000. In 2005, she won the Hindemith Prize at the Geneva International Competition.
As a soloist, Lise has played with renowned orchestras such as BBC philharmonic orchestras, Orchestre National de Lyon, Orchestre National de Belgique, les Musiciens du Louvre, Orchestre de Chambre de Paris, Wroclaw Philharmonic Orchestra.
After taking part in Eric Le Sage’s successful Schumann and Fauré recording, she released her first solo album in 2013 with pianist Adam Laloum under the French Aparté label. In 2013, Leonard Slatkin who invited Lise to perform and record (for Naxos) Harold in Italy with the Orchestre National de Lyon as part of the orchestra’s Berlioz complete works recording for Naxos. In 2018, she participed with Pierre Fouchenneret, Éric Le Sage, François Salque and other musicians in the recording of an integral of brahms’ chamber music.
Her passion for chamber music has also lead her to collaborate with artists such as Renaud Capuçon, Éric Le Sage, Augustin Dumay, Pierre-Laurent Aimard, Louis Lortie… She is a co-founder member of the Strada Quartet (with Sarah Nemtanu, Pierre Fouchenneret and François Salque).
Lise Berthaud plays a 1660 Antonio Casini viola, courtesy of Bernard Magrez.
Language spoken : French
Photo credit :
Jeanne Gérard
Up-and-coming French soprano Jeanne Gérard was awarded First Prize, Audience Prize, Orchestra and Technicians’ Prize at the Concours International de Chant de Mâcon in 2019, First Prize and Special Prize of the Jury at Léopold Bellan International Competition, was a winner of Armel Opera Competition in 2017, as well as a finalist of Concorso Liricio Internazionale Ottavio Ziino in 2019 and Concours International George Enescu in 2018.
Her most recent operatic engagements include Der Hüter des Tempels (Die Frau ohne Schatten) under the baton of Valery Gergiev during the Verbier Festival, Amore (Orfeo ed Euridice) at Budapest Palace of Arts and at Opera North in Sweden with Arte Concert, Frasquita (Carmen) with La Fabrique Opéra de Grenoble and Le Feu/ Rossignol (cover) in Richard Jones’s production of L’Enfant et les sortilèges at the Opéra National de Paris.
As a chamber musician, Jeanne has performed in venues such as Carnegie Hall, Symphony Space, Danny Kaye Playhouse, Bargemusic, Dimenna Center, the Bohemian Hall in New-York, Grand Théâtre de Provence, Salle Cortot…
A recording of Die Afrikareise (role of Tessa) by Naxos with the Sofia Philharmonic, her debut as Pamina with the Orchestra Symphonique de Mâcon and her debut at the Chorégies d’Orange for the 10th anniversary of Alain Duault’s TV show Musiques en fête are some of the projects Jeanne is particularly looking forward to for the rest of 2020.
Languages spoken: French, English, Italian
Photo credit: Pierre Lidart
Alain Duault
The novelist, poet, journalist, musicologist and radio and television presenter Alain Duault has been sharing his passion for and knowledge of classical music for more than 30 years. Considered to be one of the greatest opera specialists in France he is now President of the Prix Pelléas jury, and has been made an Officier de la Légion d’Honneur and Commandeur des Arts et Lettres.
Alain Duault studied literature, philosophy and psycho-analysis in Paris, then musicology and piano. His first TV appearance was as a guest of Bernard Pivot for his book of poems, Colorature. This led to a number of radio programmes dedicated to classical music, notably on RTL, the radio station where Alain Duault would be “Mr Classical Music” for 22 years, before joining Radio Classique with daily slots until 2018. A role that he also took on for the France 3 television channel, presenting a number of exceptional programmes (masterclasses with Ruggero Raimondi in the Salle Gaveau, Musiques en fête at the Chorégies d’Orange festival…).
In 1999, he conceived and presented Intégrale Chopin (225 works, 60 pianists), broadcast on France 3. Then in 2001, he wrote and performed an ambitious and very popular show, Verdi, une passion, un destin (with Jean Piat and 250 musicians). In the wake of this success, he wrote and performed two other shows: Victor Hugo, la légende d’un siècle in 2002 and Rencontre avec George Sand (with Marie-Christine Barrault) in 2004 and 2005.
Alain Duault also puts his writing skills to the service of classical music. The author of a number of books, including Dans la peau de Maria Callas, (Le Passeur Éditeur, 2014, pocket edition, 2017), Dictionnaire amoureux illustré de l’Opéra (Plon Gründ, 2016), Ce léger rien des choses qui ont fui, poetry (Gallimard, 2017), he also writes editorials for Classica.
Language spoken: French
Photo credit: Laurent Rouvrais @Radio Classique
Subject to withdrawal in case of force majeure
Trio Wanderer
Trio Wanderer quite deserves their stage-name. Indeed, “Wanderer” pays homage to Schubert, and more widely to German Romanticism which is often imbued with the leitmotiv of the wandering travellers. They are avid open-minded wandering traveller, who explore the musical world, spanning the centuries from Haydn to nowadays. Acclaimed for its extraordinarily sensitive style, almost telepathic understanding of each other and technical mastery, the Trio Wanderer is one of the world’s foremost chamber ensembles.
Called a “Wandering Star” (The Strad Magazine), the Trio has performed on the most prestigious music stages: Berlin’s Philharmonic, Paris’ Théâtre des Champs Elysées, Wiener Musikverein, London’s Wigmore Hall, Milan’s Teatro della Scala, Washington’s Library of Congress, Amsterdam’s Concertgebouw, festivals of Montreux, La Roque d’Anthéron, Osaka, Salzburg…
Trio Wanderer extensive discography included more than 30 recordings awarded several prizes (Choc du Monde de la Musique & Diapason d’Or of the Year, Editor Choice of Gramophone…) and has been chosen as a reference (Mendelssohn Trios by the New-York Times, Schubert’s Trio op.100 by the BBC…).
In 2017, for its 30th anniversary, a book written by Olivier Bellamy and tracing the history of the Trio has been published by Art3 Edition.
Heralded by the professional music world, the Trio Wanderer has been awarded for three time a Victoire de la Musique for Best Instrumental Ensemble of the year. In 2015, its members are bestowed by the French Minister of Culture the Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters.
Languages spoken: French, English
Photo credit: François Sechet
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:
Depending on the itinerary and the program of your cruise, 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
Radio Classique
Every day RADIO CLASSIQUE attracts over a million listeners with a promise to celebrate the best works in the classical repertoire by top performers, and bring classical music into the hearts of the greatest number of people in a welcoming and relaxed atmosphere. Radio Classique achieves this by employing well-known personalities with a passion for music, offering a varied play list from symphonies to film music, as well as interactive programmes and numerous live concert broadcasts.
It is these values which set Radio Classique apart, as an accessible, elegant radio station which is much appreciated by epicurean and discerning listeners ; values that are perfectly in tune with what PONANT’s musical cruises have to offer, under the artistic direction of Alain Duault. A truly unforgettable musical experience awaits passengers in the company of outstanding artists in an intimate and privileged setting.
Subject to withdrawal in case of force majeure
Highlights
- A musical cruise in partnership with RADIO CLASSIQUE, in the presence of Alain Duault.
- Between Dublin and Glasgow, sail into the heart of Celtic shores, lands of magic and legends.
- UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the old port of Liverpool, from Belfast the mysterious Giant’s Causeway site.
- The Isle of Man and its capital, Douglas, a postcard from United Kingdom of yesteryear with a Victorian atmosphere.
- Explore the beautiful coastal scenery of the Highlands from Oban.
- Iona, the sacred island of Scotland, and its abbey dating back to the Middle Ages.
Ports of Call & Excursions
27 April 2023 - Dublin
Embarkation 27/04/2023 from 16:00 to 17:00
Departure 27/04/2023 at 18:00
The Irish capital stretches along the banks of the Liffey to Dublin bay, on the East coast of Ireland. Discover Ireland’s warm conviviality in the pedestrian district of Temple Bar. Its cobbled streets are brimming with fabulous shops, pubs and arts centres. Next to Trinity College, famous for its 18th century library, you can stroll along Grafton Street: in one of its famous tea shops, try a delicious scone and clotted cream served hot and melt-in-the-mouth with jam. Not far from here, the majestic O’Connell bridge leads you to the avenue with the same name, on which Spire, a luminous contemporary sculpture presides.
28 April 2023 - Belfast, Northern Ireland
Arrival 28/04/2023 early morning
Departure 28/04/2023 early afternoon
The capital city of Northern Ireland is located on the very tip of Belfast Lough, in the north-east of the Emerald Isle. Along the waterfront, the building shaped like a fragmented liner is non other than the Titanic Belfast, a homage to the famous transatlantic liner, with full-scale reconstructions making for an insightful experience of the Belle Epoque. In the historical centre, you’ll also travel back in time when you see the majestic Edwardian columns of the City Hall, and the imposing neo-gothic towers of Queen’s University for example. The carved wooden façades of the Victorian pubs will certainly entice you in for a pint of beer or chilled cider.
29 April 2023 - Fishguard
Arrival 29/04/2023 early morning
Departure 29/04/2023 early afternoon
A small coastal town located in the South Wales, Fishguard will offer you a peaceful stop during your cruise. Nestling in the hollow of two hills, the city, once a Viking trading post, is now the ideal starting point for exploring the Welsh countryside. Across its vast expanses of fertile land, its green valleys and its magnificent moors, the region will reveal its rich historical heritage to you. Among other things, you will be able to visit mediaeval Pembroke Castle, renowned for its impressive architecture and the illustrious people who have lived there, such as Gerald de Windsor.
30 April 2023 - Liverpool
Arrival 30/04/2023 early morning
Departure 30/04/2023 evening
The fast-moving and appealing city of Liverpool sprawls along the banks of the River Mersey. This former bastion of industry in England's north-west has found its second wind, thanks especially to the highly successful redevelopment of its docks, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2004. The city, the Beatles' birthplace, has lots to offer to its visitors. While a walk down the Waterfront from Pier Head to Albert Dock is a major highlight youﾒll also love the quality of ﾠmuseums such as the Walker Art Gallery and the wealth of architecture in the city. But what will really impress you is the playful and open-minded spirit of its inhabitants, which John Lennon referred to as "positive energy".
1 May 2023 - Douglas
Arrival 01/05/2023 early morning
Departure 01/05/2023 early afternoon
Douglas is the capital of the Isle of Man, a self-governing island in the Irish Sea between England and Ireland. The Isle of Man is best-known for its gruelling annual TT motorbike race but Douglas itself is a charming traditional seaside resort. The stroll along the busy promenade is very popular, as well as the visit of the Manx Museum, which retraces the island's fascinating Celtic and Viking heritage. It is possible to take a steam train into the mountainous interior, where medieval castles and pretty villages and farms can be observed.
2 May 2023 - Iona, Hebrides
Arrival 02/05/2023 early morning
Departure 02/05/2023 mid morning
Of all the islands in the Inner Hebrides, Iona is by far the most conducive to contemplation and meditation. And for good reason... it is here that St Columba landed from Ireland in 563 and undertook to establish Christianity in Scotland. Now an abbey, the islandﾒs true spiritual centre stands where the ancient monastery founded by the Irish missionary was built. Many kings of Scotland, including the legendary Macbeth, are buried in the nearby cemetery. In sunny weather, arriving on the Isle of Iona is a stunningly beautiful experience.
2 May 2023 - Tobermory, Isle of Mull
Arrival 02/05/2023 early afternoon
Departure 02/05/2023 evening
Located at the northernmost tip of the lovely Isle of Mull, Tobermory has to be one of the most beautiful natural seaports on Scotland’s West Coast. Founded in 1788, this ancient fishing village has been converted to a leisure port highly appreciated today for its surroundings and the quiet charm it exudes. You will definitely be won over by the row of many-storied houses on the hillside, illuminating the harbour with their vibrant colours. Although the real spectacle is outdoors, no less interesting are the Mull Museum dedicated the local history and the exhibitions at the An Tobar art gallery.
3 May 2023 - Oban, Scotland
Arrival 03/05/2023
Departure 03/05/2023 early afternoon
A small Scottish town located on the west coast of the Highlands, Oban possesses magnificent coastal landscapes and many cultural riches. Make sure you wander the charming Victorian streets of this renowned seaside resort, which was popular in the past with Queen Victoria herself. Among other things, you will discover the whisky distillery: founded in 1794, it is one of Scotland’s smallest and oldest. On the heights of the town, McCaig's Tower is one of the area’s curiosities: this unusual construction, erected by a rich banker at the end of the 19th century to provide work for inhabitants during winter, is reminiscent of Roman and Greek architecture and has breathtaking views over the neighbouring islands.
4 May 2023 - Glasgow, Scotland
Arrival 04/05/2023 early morning
Disembarkation 04/05/2023 at 08:00
In the heart of the Clyde Valley, the bustling city of Glasgow contrasts starkly with the wild beauty of the surrounding countryside. Scotland's biggest city overflows with landmarks from its extensive artistic heritage and outstanding architectural tradition. The city's chequerboard layout makes walking through the major pedestrian thoroughfares easy: go with the flow and let the lively street atmosphere take you past the many Victorian monuments. Don't miss the collections on display in the numerous museums and art galleries. The Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum is an outstanding example.
Panoramic Belfast & Titanic
Belfast is a city of industry and elegance with a rich and varied past. Its origins go back to an ancient fort controlling the ford across the River Lagan which flows through the city. The panoramic tour of the city will introduce you to the many varied features of Northern Ireland's largest city. Built with 19th century industrial money, many fine buildings from this era grace the city still and are reminders of its prosperous past. You will drive past the Grand Opera House and the Albert Memorial before passing Queen's University, the Botanic Gardens and Belfast City Hall - an impressive building with a 91 metres (300 feet) long façade of Portland stone, which dominates Donegall Square. A stop here will allow you photograph what is perhaps the most noteworthy of the statues in the grounds. It is the marble figure of “Thane” on a granite pedestal, sculpted by Sir Thomas Brock and commemorating the sinking in 1912 of the R.M.S Titanic, the ill-fated Belfast built liner.
Next, you will visit the newly constructed Titanic Belfast. Opened in April 2012, the new signature building telling the story of Titanic contains nine galleries containing a variety of interpretative materials and media including film and video, audio, archival materials and scale models; a high point will be a ride through the Titanic under construction. The adventure begins the moment you walk through the door and into the building's giant atrium surrounded by the four-high impact “hull” shaped sections which house the experience. As you wander up through Titanic Belfast, you will experience a thrilling ride through the reconstruction of the shipyards and the Titanic under construction. The stories of passengers, crew and the heroes of the day will be told in an exciting and modern way. At the conclusion, you can visit the wreck at her resting place on the floor of the North Atlantic.
After the visit, you will re-board your coach for the return drive to the port and your awaiting ship.
Price range:
Find out more
€€: the excursion price is between €50 and €100.
The price of the excursion will be available approximately two months prior to the cruise departure.
The complete programme of excursions, including up-to-date prices, will be provided with the Travel book that you will receive before the departure of your cruise.
PONANT also allows you to pre-book your excursions approximately two months prior to the cruise* departure. Billing is done on board.
*Excluding Expedition cruises.
According to availability, price per passenger.
Spectacular Giants Causeway
Departing from the pier in Belfast, you will travel inland through the Northern Counties of Down and Antrim passing en route Ballymoney and Ballymena, to the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Giants’ Causeway.
For centuries, visitors have marvelled at its majesty and mystery. The unique rock formations have, for millions of years, stood as a natural rampart against the unbridled ferocity of the Atlantic storms and the rugged symmetry of the columns never fail to intrigue and inspire. To stroll the Giants Causeway is to voyage back in time. Your imagination will travel along stepping stones that lead to either the creative turbulence of a bygone volcanic age or into the myths and legends of the past.
The summer of 2012 marked the opening of the new Visitor Centre at the Giant’s Causeway. This interpretative centre allows you to decide for yourself which explanation of how the causeway’s 40,000 basalt stones were formed is most likely (or simply most interesting!). Stories about the area’s rich mythology, history, geology, flora and fauna will paint the Causeway in your mind’s eye before you make your way to the stones themselves, by boarding the “Causeway Coaster” minibus, should you prefer not to walk.
Following your visit, you will drive back to Belfast and your ship.
- To fully appreciate the Giants’ Causeway, you will have to walk over uneven, slippery surfaces as well as steps. The amount of walking is at your discretion. We recommend you wear good and comfortable walking shoes. This tour is not recommended for guests with walking difficulties.
Price range:
Find out more
€€: the excursion price is between €50 and €100.
The price of the excursion will be available approximately two months prior to the cruise departure.
The complete programme of excursions, including up-to-date prices, will be provided with the Travel book that you will receive before the departure of your cruise.
PONANT also allows you to pre-book your excursions approximately two months prior to the cruise* departure. Billing is done on board.
*Excluding Expedition cruises.
According to availability, price per passenger.
Picton Castle
From the pier, board your coach and drive through the glorious Welsh countryside to Picton Castle. Set in 16 hectares (40 acres) of magnificent gardens, Picton Castle is perhaps the most unusual ancient building in Britain, with half of the building designed as a fortified manor house and the other half a fully developed medieval castle. Built in the 13th century by Sir John Wogan, the castle is still the family home of his descendants, carrying the name of Philipps since the 15th century, although they no longer reside here.
Upon arrival, enjoy a visit of the castle which still retains its medieval features in the undercroft. The principal rooms were remodelled in the 1750s by Sir John Philipps the 6th Baronet, with plastered rooms and fireplaces by Sir Henry Cheere. Picton Castle is also home to some of the most beautiful woodland gardens and grounds in West Wales. During your visit, take a stroll beneath some of the largest and oldest trees in Wales and discover the woodland walks, ferns and the abundant feast of wild flowers that blend with unusual woodland shrubs from all corners of the world. Perhaps you will admire the rare species of Rhododendrons and visit the Walled Garden which is an enchanting riot of colour in the summer months with its elegant fountain, rose strewn arches and medicinal herbs all labelled with their remedies. Alternatively, simply relax in this truly decadent property before rejoining your coach for the return journey to the pier and your ship.
- There are some steps within the castle but these can be avoided in the gardens, the main areas are flat level pathways. We recommend you wear comfortable shoes and protect yourself from the sun.
Price range:
Find out more
€€: the excursion price is between €50 and €100.
The price of the excursion will be available approximately two months prior to the cruise departure.
The complete programme of excursions, including up-to-date prices, will be provided with the Travel book that you will receive before the departure of your cruise.
PONANT also allows you to pre-book your excursions approximately two months prior to the cruise* departure. Billing is done on board.
*Excluding Expedition cruises.
According to availability, price per passenger.
Pembrokeshire & St David’s
You will depart the pier and drive through the beautiful natural landscape that Wales is so famous for. After an hour of driving, arrive at the city of St David's with its fabulous cathedral that lies at its heart.
Built hidden in a depression below the town square in the hope that Norse invaders would pass without noticing it, this 12th-century cathedral is magnificent and steeped in antiquity. The floor slopes almost one metre (three feet) upwards and the pillars lean drunkenly (though not precariously!) as the result of an earthquake in 1248. This cathedral is the only one in the United Kingdom in which the reigning monarch has a permanently reserved pew.
You will visit also the extensive ruins of the 12th-century Bishop's Palace which extend along the side of the cathedral. Even in ruin, the palace displays magnificent architectural splendour and evokes a period when religion was the order of the day and bishops were power brokers par excellence.
After your visit, you will re-board your coach for the one-hour return drive to the pier.
- This tour involves 1 km of walking on uneven terrain, with gentle slopes at Bishop's Palace and steps or long hill to reach the Cathedral. We recommend you to wear comfortable walking shoes.
Price range:
Find out more
€€: the excursion price is between €50 and €100.
The price of the excursion will be available approximately two months prior to the cruise departure.
The complete programme of excursions, including up-to-date prices, will be provided with the Travel book that you will receive before the departure of your cruise.
PONANT also allows you to pre-book your excursions approximately two months prior to the cruise* departure. Billing is done on board.
*Excluding Expedition cruises.
According to availability, price per passenger.
Cathedrals of Liverpool
During this tour you will visit the two symbols of the Christian faith in the two Cathedrals which face each other at opposite ends of the aptly-named Hope Street. Both are dedicated to Christ: the Anglican to Christ and the Blessed Virgin and the Catholic to Christ the King.
First visit the Metropolitan Cathedral which is the seat of the Archbishop of Liverpool and the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Liverpool. The Grade II Metropolitan Cathedral is one of Liverpool's many listed buildings. It is sometimes known locally as “Paddy's Wigwam” or the “Mersey Funnel”. The cathedral's architect was Englishman Frederick Gibberd, the winner of a worldwide design competition. Construction began in 1962, and took five years. Earlier designs for a Catholic cathedral in Liverpool had been proposed in 1853, 1933, and 1953, but none were completed.
Liverpool’s Anglican Cathedral is the Church of England cathedral of the Anglican Diocese of Liverpool and is the seat of the Bishop of Liverpool. Visit inside the vast Anglican cathedral, completed in 1978 after some 75 years of building. Built on an overwhelming scale, the red sandstone structure is the largest Anglican cathedral in Britain and the fifth largest in the world. The Cathedral abounds in superlatives : highest Gothic arches, largest organ, heaviest ring of bells but the grandeur is balanced by a great sense of welcome and peace.
- This tour includes 500 metres (0.3 mile) yards walking on cobblestone streets. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes. Appropriate dress is recommended to enter religious sites (shoulders and knees must be covered).
Price range:
Find out more
€€: the excursion price is between €50 and €100.
The price of the excursion will be available approximately two months prior to the cruise departure.
The complete programme of excursions, including up-to-date prices, will be provided with the Travel book that you will receive before the departure of your cruise.
PONANT also allows you to pre-book your excursions approximately two months prior to the cruise* departure. Billing is done on board.
*Excluding Expedition cruises.
According to availability, price per passenger.
The story of the Beatles
Liverpool and The Beatles – the two go hand in hand. This panoramic tour shows you some of the locations around the city that are associated with “The Fab Four”.
Departing Liverpool docks, you first head into the city centre to begin your panoramic tour of the city. While the tour focuses on The Beatles and their lives in the city, we will also pass two magnificent cathedrals, leafy parks and drive along the impressive waterfront that comprises Liverpool's World Heritage Site.
Continuing your panoramic tour, pass many of the sites and locations associated with the Beatles' childhoods and the early years of the band. Places that will be passed include: Penny Lane, St Peters Woolton, The Art College and the Liverpool Institute, The Casbah, The Empire Theatre, Arnold Grove, Dovedale School & Quarry Bank School (subject to traffic conditions and time available).
Re-boarding the coach, head back to the city centre, arriving at Mathew Street, where you take a short walking tour to view the Cavern Club and Wall of Fame.
From here, travel to the purpose-built Beatles Story, the World's only Beatles-themed attraction. Located in the city's Albert Dock, this unique exhibition will take you through the lives, times and culture of the extraordinary young men from Liverpool who became household names forever!
Following the tour, the coach heads back to Liverpool Docks and your ship.
- This tour includes walking on cobblestone streets. We recommend you to wear comfortable walking shoes and waterproof clothes. Every effort will be made to facilitate photo-stops (subject to traffic conditions & if time permits).
Price range:
Find out more
€€€: the excursion price is between €100 and €150.
The price of the excursion will be available approximately two months prior to the cruise departure.
The complete programme of excursions, including up-to-date prices, will be provided with the Travel book that you will receive before the departure of your cruise.
PONANT also allows you to pre-book your excursions approximately two months prior to the cruise* departure. Billing is done on board.
*Excluding Expedition cruises.
According to availability, price per passenger.
Iconic Liverpool
During this comprehensive panoramic tour, you will see many of the iconic highlights of this cosmopolitan city, a European Capital of Culture in 2008, the home port of the RMS Titanic and the world-famous Beatles.
A short stop will be included for a visit to the Liverpool Cathedral, completed in 1978 after some 75 years of building. Built on an overwhelming scale, the red sandstone structure is the largest Anglican cathedral in Britain and the fifth largest in the world. The cathedral abounds in other superlatives too : the highest gothic arches, the largest organ, the heaviest ring of bells, but all of these are balanced by a great sense of welcome and peace. The whole cathedral is used imaginatively for many purposes - worship, concerts, exhibitions, recitals, displays and it is here that you can see what have come to be regarded as "memorials" to that most famous of ships, the RMS Titanic - a carving of the ship on a wall and windows to Captain Smith and to Thomas Henry Ismay, founder of the White Star Line and father to Joseph Bruce Ismay.
In total architectural contrast, there will also be a photo stop at the Metropolitan (Roman Catholic) Cathedral with its striking style and multi-coloured glass lantern tower. See some of the sites associated with the RMS Titanic, the Cunard and White Star buildings, the Royal Philharmonic Hall, the Merseyside Maritime Museum and the rejuvenated Albert Dock.
It is impossible to ignore the overwhelming role of The Beatles and their music in Liverpool, and so this panoramic tour includes some of the famous sites associated with the "Fab Four" such as the places that inspired their song writing, like Penny Lane and other well-known places associated with the Beatles'formative years, giving you a true sense of the city where the Beatles had their beginnings.
- This light tour is essentially panoramic. It includes little walking on mainly flat terrain and some steps. Appropriate dress is recommended to enter religious sites (shoulders and knees must be covered). This is a scenic driving tour subject to traffic conditions ; route and sights may vary accordingly and the order of the visits may be reversed.
Price range:
Find out more
€€: the excursion price is between €50 and €100.
The price of the excursion will be available approximately two months prior to the cruise departure.
The complete programme of excursions, including up-to-date prices, will be provided with the Travel book that you will receive before the departure of your cruise.
PONANT also allows you to pre-book your excursions approximately two months prior to the cruise* departure. Billing is done on board.
*Excluding Expedition cruises.
According to availability, price per passenger.
Scenic southern Isle of Man panorama
From the pier, start your tour through the fabulous scenery of the Isle of Man, that offers stunning views over the coastal and inland landscapes.
Departing from Douglas, drive through the south-east of the island, passing over the Fairy Bridge. It is considered bad luck to pass over this bridge without acknowledging the fairies known to be there.
Arrive at the town of Castletown that traces its origins back to 1090 and holds true as one of the oldest towns in the British Isles. Its narrow streets and small fishing cottages prove this ancient past at every corner. Here, enjoy some free time to explore this delightful town, perhaps visiting the fabulous Castle Rushen (not included), which is one of the finest examples in the British Isles of a medieval castle.
Departing Castletown, head for the Southern tip of the island and the pretty bay at Port Erin, before travelling along the western coast of the island to Peel. Here you will have some free time to enjoy this pretty town, with its lovely harbour and beach front promenade, overlooked by its fine castle and many quaint narrow streets, and which claims to be one of the world's smallest cities.
From Peel, we travel island to Tynwald, the hill that is the location of world's oldest democratic parliament, which has run continuously since 979, before passing through the beautiful central valley area of the Island known as the Plains of Heaven, to Douglas and the ship.
- This tour is essentially panoramic and includes 2 and a half hours of scenic drives. This tour is only conducted in English.
Price range:
Find out more
€€: the excursion price is between €50 and €100.
The price of the excursion will be available approximately two months prior to the cruise departure.
The complete programme of excursions, including up-to-date prices, will be provided with the Travel book that you will receive before the departure of your cruise.
PONANT also allows you to pre-book your excursions approximately two months prior to the cruise* departure. Billing is done on board.
*Excluding Expedition cruises.
According to availability, price per passenger.
Historic Manx
A tour along the south-east coast of Isle of Man, taking you to the original capital of the island, Castletown. You will discover the beautiful Rushen Castle and its important role in the history of the Isle of Man, before enjoying the great pleasure of travelling on a traditional old train in this tour through the lush countryside of the Isle of Man.
Departing from Douglas, drive through the south-east of the island, passing over the Fairy Bridge, where it is considered bad luck to pass over the bridge without acknowledging the fairies known to be there. Arrive at the town of Castletown that traces its origins back to 1090 and holds true as one of the oldest towns in the British Isles. Its narrow streets and small fishing cottages prove this ancient past at every corner. Before enjoying some free time to explore this delightful town, visit the fabulous Castle Rushen, which is the best example in the British Isles of a medieval castle. The exact date when it was built is unknown, though is believed to be around 1200. The Castle served as the residence of the last Norse King of Man, who died in 1266. Part of the castle was destroyed in a siege by Robert the Bruce in 1313 but was rebuilt by Sir William de Montacute in around 1344. In the clock room, formerly used as the castle chapel, lies a clock presented by Queen Elizabeth I in 1597, while she held the island in trust pending a dispute. The clock is of simple construction with only one hand, but still keeps very good time.
Following your free time, arrive at Castletown's train station and board your train on the 125 years old Victorian railway. The railway still uses much of the original rolling stock with passengers travelling in carriages pulled by the original engines that first worked the line in the 1890's. From the train, enjoy very impressive views over the inland countryside. Arriving at Douglas train station, transfer by coach back to the quayside and your ship.
- This tour involves narrow steps with spiral staircases leading to higher floors of the castle. Please note this tour is limited to 70 participants and is only conducted in English.
Price range:
Find out more
€€€: the excursion price is between €100 and €150.
The price of the excursion will be available approximately two months prior to the cruise departure.
The complete programme of excursions, including up-to-date prices, will be provided with the Travel book that you will receive before the departure of your cruise.
PONANT also allows you to pre-book your excursions approximately two months prior to the cruise* departure. Billing is done on board.
*Excluding Expedition cruises.
According to availability, price per passenger.
The Great Laxey Wheel
A tour that visits the famous Manx Laxey wheel and travels along part the Tourist Trophy course trip, offering stunning view over the inland landscapes.
From the pier, travel northwards to Laxey, enjoying the beautiful views. Laxey is a charming Manx village, filling a narrow valley. Then travel uphill to Laxey's pride: the Great Laxey Wheel, smartly painted in red and white.
Named “Lady Isabella” after the wife of the Lieutenant Governor of the Isle of Man, and designed by the Victorian engineer Robert Casement, the wheel was built in 1854 to pump water from the “Great Laxey Mines” industrial complex. The impressive structure found immediate popularity and has remained one of the Island's most dramatic tourist attractions for over 150 years.
With a diameter of over 72 feet (22 m), it is said to be the largest working waterwheel in the world. Your visit includes a climb to the top of the wheel for a fine view over the valley.
Next, board the coach again for a panoramic tour along part of the original course of the world-famous Manx “TT” (Tourist Trophy) motorcycle races. The scenery becomes wild and remote as you pass the island's highest peak, Snaefell.
Then, travel back through the scenic centre of the island to Douglas and your ship.
- Please note this tour is conducted in English only.
Price range:
Find out more
€€: the excursion price is between €50 and €100.
The price of the excursion will be available approximately two months prior to the cruise departure.
The complete programme of excursions, including up-to-date prices, will be provided with the Travel book that you will receive before the departure of your cruise.
PONANT also allows you to pre-book your excursions approximately two months prior to the cruise* departure. Billing is done on board.
*Excluding Expedition cruises.
According to availability, price per passenger.
Isles of Iona & Mull
Starts this fascinating tour at Iona, an astonishingly peaceful, small island, whose importance to Christianity is out of proportion with its size, and then board the ferry on foot for the 10-minute journey across to the Isle of Mull, where history and stunning scenery await to end your journey at the colourful, picture-postcard Tobermory.
Iona has been the cradle of Scottish Christianity since St Columba landed here in the year 563. Just 5 km (3 miles) long and never more than 3 km (1,5 mile) wide, Iona is a thin cut of land steeped in history and religion, and also the burial place of more than sixty kings. The present abbey dates from medieval times and is open all the year round to pilgrims who come from all over the world.
After a guided walk round the island, return to the harbour and take the ferry to Fionnphort. From here, board your coach and travel through stunning scenery to Craignure where you will enjoy lunch at a nearby hotel.
After lunch, a short drive takes you to Duart Castle. Duart Castle, perched on a rocky promontory called Dubh Ard, Gaelic for Black Point, dominates the surrounding area. From the 13th through to the 17th century, the Maclean Clan lived at Duart Castle, controlling the sea lanes around Mull, fighting among themselves, the MacDonalds and the Campbells.
Today, visitors can see the dungeons in which prisoners from the Spanish Galleon, Florencian, blown up by the Macleans in 1588, were incarcerated. The castle is full of history and stories of the Maclean family, who have lived there for so many centuries. And for those prepared to climb the ancient, worn steps, the turnpike stair takes visitors to the top of the 13th century keep and a walkway round the battlements, with views as far as Ben Nevis in the north and Jura in the south.
After the visit, rejoin your coach and travel to Tobermory via the scenic southern route around the island, where your ship will be waiting.
- This tour is limited to 90 participants. This excursion involves a 2.4 km (1,5 mile) walk, we advise you wear comfortable walking shoes. The walk from the pier to Iona Abbey is fairly flat but exposed to the elements. There are about 50 steps to reach the top of the castle. Note that the order of the visits may be reversed. This tour is conducted in English only.
Price range:
Find out more
€€€€: the excursion price is more than €150.
The price of the excursion will be available approximately two months prior to the cruise departure.
The complete programme of excursions, including up-to-date prices, will be provided with the Travel book that you will receive before the departure of your cruise.
PONANT also allows you to pre-book your excursions approximately two months prior to the cruise* departure. Billing is done on board.
*Excluding Expedition cruises.
According to availability, price per passenger.
Iona Abbey, cradle of christianity
Experience Iona, a place steeped in myths and legends like no other. This tiny island has been seen as the cradle of Scottish Christianity since St Columba landed here in the year 563, turning it into one of the most sacred religious sites in Europe. But even long before that time, Iona has been a sacred place for Druids, and today the island draws Christians, Pagans and Druids alike as a site of immense spiritual power.
Your ship’s tender will bring you ashore in Iona, an island whose importance to Christianity is out of all proportion to its size. From here, the Irish monk Columba set out to convert almost the whole of pagan Scotland and much of northern England. This walking tour will take you around the different places and explore its history.
Your walk will sart in Baile Mhor, a picturesque village with a row of cottages facing the sea. From here, you walk to the ruins of the Augustinian Nunnery, on the way passing the 15th-century Maclean’s Cross. The highlight of your tour is the Iona Abbey, dating from around 1200. The oldest part is the restored St Oran’s Chapel, and surrounding the chapel is the Reilig Odrhain, the sacred burial ground said to contain the graves of 48 Scottish kings. Beside the Road of the Dead stands the 8th-century St Martin’s Cross, the finest of Iona’s Celtic high crosses and remarkably complete, with serpent-and-boss decoration on one side and holy figures on the other.
To the left of the main entrance is St Columba’s Shrine, which marks the site of the saint’s tomb. From Torr an aba, a small grassy knoll, you will gain a view of the whole monastic institution and complex, before entering the Abbey with its marble effigies.
After your visit, you will return to the pier at Baile Mhor.
- This excursion involves approximately 2 to 3 km (1.2 to 1.8 mile) walking on cobblestone streets and fairly flat way but exposed to the elements. We recommend you wear comfortable shoes. Please note this tour is only conducted in English and is limited to 70 participants.
Price range:
Find out more
€: the excursion price is less than €50.
The price of the excursion will be available approximately two months prior to the cruise departure.
The complete programme of excursions, including up-to-date prices, will be provided with the Travel book that you will receive before the departure of your cruise.
PONANT also allows you to pre-book your excursions approximately two months prior to the cruise* departure. Billing is done on board.
*Excluding Expedition cruises.
According to availability, price per passenger.
Aros Park coastal walk
Start your semi-urban hike from the pier. The harbour is a vibrant hub appreciated by fishermen and amateur sailors throughout the year. The path leads off from the end of the marina and climbs gently through the woodland along the side of Tobermory Bay. There are fabulous views out to Calve Island, the Sound of Mull and the Scottish mainland beyond.
Follow your guide on the Aros Park track to the old pier where timber was once shipped from the Aros Estate for building and repair in the town. Learn more about the Allan shipping family who gave the park to the people of Tobermory. Here, enjoy a breathtaking view of this picturesque and iconic Hebridean village.
The woodland area consists of many varieties of wildflowers, ferns, mosses, lichens, fungi and trees, promoting the atmosphere of a Celtic rainforest. Many songbirds nest in the park, adding sound to the colours and textures of spring and summer. A spectacular display is created in May/June by the large number of Rhododendrons that were planted by the estate in the past.
Leaving the Aros Park, stop briefly at the 'Welcome to Tobermory' sign for an impromptu Gaelic lesson. If time allows, take a short detour to the Standing Stones at Baliscate, a Bronze Age location of particular significance in the pre-history of the Isle of Mull. Here, explore and speculate as to the origin and importance of such vertical megalithic structures.
- This semi-urban hike involves 5,5 km walking on uneven ground and paths, sometimes muddy. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and a waterproof jacket.
Price range:
Find out more
€: the excursion price is less than €50.
The price of the excursion will be available approximately two months prior to the cruise departure.
The complete programme of excursions, including up-to-date prices, will be provided with the Travel book that you will receive before the departure of your cruise.
PONANT also allows you to pre-book your excursions approximately two months prior to the cruise* departure. Billing is done on board.
*Excluding Expedition cruises.
According to availability, price per passenger.
Walking tour with Oban distillery
At the pier, you will meet your guide for a walking tour of Oban.
You will start the walk up the steep hill to McCaig's Tower, commissioned by a local banker and philanthropist to provide winter work for the local stonemasons. The steep climb is well worth the effort for the views over the busy harbour and out to the nearby islands. Returning to the seafront, your guide will take you to visit Saint Columba's Cathedral, the seat of the Roman Catholic Bishop of Argyll and the Isles. The simple interior of the Cathedral contrasts with its bold exterior of pink Peterhead and blue Inverawe granite.
Then, you will visit Oban distillery, where you will enjoy a guided tour and experience the stages of production of Scotland's national drink. No distillery tour would be complete without the opportunity to taste the final product... Slàinte!
After the visit of the distillery, you might want to explore this bustling seaside town further or return to the pier with your guide.
- This tour entirely on foot involves 4 km (2.5 miles) of walking on mainly flat terrain except for the steep uphill walk to McCaig's Tower. Participants should be in excellent physical conditions and must be 18 years old to participate. Please note that this tour is limited to 16 participants.
Price range:
Find out more
€€: the excursion price is between €50 and €100.
The price of the excursion will be available approximately two months prior to the cruise departure.
The complete programme of excursions, including up-to-date prices, will be provided with the Travel book that you will receive before the departure of your cruise.
PONANT also allows you to pre-book your excursions approximately two months prior to the cruise* departure. Billing is done on board.
*Excluding Expedition cruises.
According to availability, price per passenger.
Kilmartin Glen, Scotland's Stonehenge
The area surrounding the village of Kilmartin in Argyll is incredibly rich in ancient monuments and can justifiably be called Scotland's Stonehenge. The area is home to hundreds of monuments including cairns, megaliths, inscribed stones and hill-top forts. Their origins and meanings remain uncertain although in many cases their orientation and alignment seem to link people with the cycle of the seasons and the movements of the sun, moon and stars.
Your journey will take you south along the beautiful coast before heading inland where you will travel back over 5,000 years to discover the mystery of Kilmartin Glen.
A visit to the small Kilmartin House Museum with its excellent displays will set the scene and give you an insight into the life of the inhabitants of the Glen.
On foot, accompanied by your expert guide, visit three of these prehistoric monuments in Kilmartin Glen taking in the Nether Largie Stones, Temple Wood with its stone circles and the Nether Largie South Cairn. You will hear of the history and theories of these remarkable monuments and their place in this unique landscape.
- For this excursion, the group will be split into two upon arrival, one half will visit the museum for a free flow visit whilst the other group enjoys a guided tour of the churchyard to see the mediaeval and early Christian stones and the Lapidarium. This tour involves 3 miles / 4,5 km of walking on uneven and wet terrain. We recommend you to wear comfortable shoes and warm clothing and to protect yourself from the rain. This tour is limited to 30 participants.
Price range:
Find out more
€€: the excursion price is between €50 and €100.
The price of the excursion will be available approximately two months prior to the cruise departure.
The complete programme of excursions, including up-to-date prices, will be provided with the Travel book that you will receive before the departure of your cruise.
PONANT also allows you to pre-book your excursions approximately two months prior to the cruise* departure. Billing is done on board.
*Excluding Expedition cruises.
According to availability, price per passenger.
L'Austral
Innovative design, sleek shape and profile, refined interior decoration, friendly, intimate atmosphere: French designers and decorators have managed to give this ship a unique style and veritable signature of its own. Combinations of fine materials, colours and tones harmoniously livened up with touches of bright colour, elegant lines, discreet and subtle refinement… everything has been designed to create a unique atmosphere onboard, a veritable personality: the chic style and naturally relaxing ambiance of a veritable private yacht.
Up to 264 Guests
132 staterooms & suites
145 crew members
Spa
2 restaurants
Decks
Music
Set sail on a musical journey! If you have a passion for classical instrumental music or opera, if you love Celtic melodies or jazz, treat yourself to a different and exclusive experience aboard a PONANT ship. On board or ashore, our guests of honour, including renowned artists, talented musicians and brilliant virtuosos, share their knowledge and their passion in an intimate and accessible manner during concerts or talks.
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
Panoramic Belfast & Titanic
Belfast is a city of industry and elegance with a rich and varied past. Its origins go back to an ancient fort controlling the ford across the River Lagan which flows through the city. The panoramic tour of the city will introduce you to the many varied features of Northern Ireland's largest city. Built with 19th century industrial money, many fine buildings from this era grace the city still and are reminders of its prosperous past. You will drive past the Grand Opera House and the Albert Memorial before passing Queen's University, the Botanic Gardens and Belfast City Hall - an impressive building with a 91 metres (300 feet) long façade of Portland stone, which dominates Donegall Square. A stop here will allow you photograph what is perhaps the most noteworthy of the statues in the grounds. It is the marble figure of “Thane” on a granite pedestal, sculpted by Sir Thomas Brock and commemorating the sinking in 1912 of the R.M.S Titanic, the ill-fated Belfast built liner.
Next, you will visit the newly constructed Titanic Belfast. Opened in April 2012, the new signature building telling the story of Titanic contains nine galleries containing a variety of interpretative materials and media including film and video, audio, archival materials and scale models; a high point will be a ride through the Titanic under construction. The adventure begins the moment you walk through the door and into the building's giant atrium surrounded by the four-high impact “hull” shaped sections which house the experience. As you wander up through Titanic Belfast, you will experience a thrilling ride through the reconstruction of the shipyards and the Titanic under construction. The stories of passengers, crew and the heroes of the day will be told in an exciting and modern way. At the conclusion, you can visit the wreck at her resting place on the floor of the North Atlantic.
After the visit, you will re-board your coach for the return drive to the port and your awaiting ship.
Price range:
Find out more
€€: the excursion price is between €50 and €100.
The price of the excursion will be available approximately two months prior to the cruise departure.
The complete programme of excursions, including up-to-date prices, will be provided with the Travel book that you will receive before the departure of your cruise.
PONANT also allows you to pre-book your excursions approximately two months prior to the cruise* departure. Billing is done on board.
*Excluding Expedition cruises.
According to availability, price per passenger.
Spectacular Giants Causeway
Departing from the pier in Belfast, you will travel inland through the Northern Counties of Down and Antrim passing en route Ballymoney and Ballymena, to the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Giants’ Causeway.
For centuries, visitors have marvelled at its majesty and mystery. The unique rock formations have, for millions of years, stood as a natural rampart against the unbridled ferocity of the Atlantic storms and the rugged symmetry of the columns never fail to intrigue and inspire. To stroll the Giants Causeway is to voyage back in time. Your imagination will travel along stepping stones that lead to either the creative turbulence of a bygone volcanic age or into the myths and legends of the past.
The summer of 2012 marked the opening of the new Visitor Centre at the Giant’s Causeway. This interpretative centre allows you to decide for yourself which explanation of how the causeway’s 40,000 basalt stones were formed is most likely (or simply most interesting!). Stories about the area’s rich mythology, history, geology, flora and fauna will paint the Causeway in your mind’s eye before you make your way to the stones themselves, by boarding the “Causeway Coaster” minibus, should you prefer not to walk.
Following your visit, you will drive back to Belfast and your ship.
- To fully appreciate the Giants’ Causeway, you will have to walk over uneven, slippery surfaces as well as steps. The amount of walking is at your discretion. We recommend you wear good and comfortable walking shoes. This tour is not recommended for guests with walking difficulties.
Price range:
Find out more
€€: the excursion price is between €50 and €100.
The price of the excursion will be available approximately two months prior to the cruise departure.
The complete programme of excursions, including up-to-date prices, will be provided with the Travel book that you will receive before the departure of your cruise.
PONANT also allows you to pre-book your excursions approximately two months prior to the cruise* departure. Billing is done on board.
*Excluding Expedition cruises.
According to availability, price per passenger.
Picton Castle
From the pier, board your coach and drive through the glorious Welsh countryside to Picton Castle. Set in 16 hectares (40 acres) of magnificent gardens, Picton Castle is perhaps the most unusual ancient building in Britain, with half of the building designed as a fortified manor house and the other half a fully developed medieval castle. Built in the 13th century by Sir John Wogan, the castle is still the family home of his descendants, carrying the name of Philipps since the 15th century, although they no longer reside here.
Upon arrival, enjoy a visit of the castle which still retains its medieval features in the undercroft. The principal rooms were remodelled in the 1750s by Sir John Philipps the 6th Baronet, with plastered rooms and fireplaces by Sir Henry Cheere. Picton Castle is also home to some of the most beautiful woodland gardens and grounds in West Wales. During your visit, take a stroll beneath some of the largest and oldest trees in Wales and discover the woodland walks, ferns and the abundant feast of wild flowers that blend with unusual woodland shrubs from all corners of the world. Perhaps you will admire the rare species of Rhododendrons and visit the Walled Garden which is an enchanting riot of colour in the summer months with its elegant fountain, rose strewn arches and medicinal herbs all labelled with their remedies. Alternatively, simply relax in this truly decadent property before rejoining your coach for the return journey to the pier and your ship.
- There are some steps within the castle but these can be avoided in the gardens, the main areas are flat level pathways. We recommend you wear comfortable shoes and protect yourself from the sun.
Price range:
Find out more
€€: the excursion price is between €50 and €100.
The price of the excursion will be available approximately two months prior to the cruise departure.
The complete programme of excursions, including up-to-date prices, will be provided with the Travel book that you will receive before the departure of your cruise.
PONANT also allows you to pre-book your excursions approximately two months prior to the cruise* departure. Billing is done on board.
*Excluding Expedition cruises.
According to availability, price per passenger.
Pembrokeshire & St David’s
You will depart the pier and drive through the beautiful natural landscape that Wales is so famous for. After an hour of driving, arrive at the city of St David's with its fabulous cathedral that lies at its heart.
Built hidden in a depression below the town square in the hope that Norse invaders would pass without noticing it, this 12th-century cathedral is magnificent and steeped in antiquity. The floor slopes almost one metre (three feet) upwards and the pillars lean drunkenly (though not precariously!) as the result of an earthquake in 1248. This cathedral is the only one in the United Kingdom in which the reigning monarch has a permanently reserved pew.
You will visit also the extensive ruins of the 12th-century Bishop's Palace which extend along the side of the cathedral. Even in ruin, the palace displays magnificent architectural splendour and evokes a period when religion was the order of the day and bishops were power brokers par excellence.
After your visit, you will re-board your coach for the one-hour return drive to the pier.
- This tour involves 1 km of walking on uneven terrain, with gentle slopes at Bishop's Palace and steps or long hill to reach the Cathedral. We recommend you to wear comfortable walking shoes.
Price range:
Find out more
€€: the excursion price is between €50 and €100.
The price of the excursion will be available approximately two months prior to the cruise departure.
The complete programme of excursions, including up-to-date prices, will be provided with the Travel book that you will receive before the departure of your cruise.
PONANT also allows you to pre-book your excursions approximately two months prior to the cruise* departure. Billing is done on board.
*Excluding Expedition cruises.
According to availability, price per passenger.
Cathedrals of Liverpool
During this tour you will visit the two symbols of the Christian faith in the two Cathedrals which face each other at opposite ends of the aptly-named Hope Street. Both are dedicated to Christ: the Anglican to Christ and the Blessed Virgin and the Catholic to Christ the King.
First visit the Metropolitan Cathedral which is the seat of the Archbishop of Liverpool and the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Liverpool. The Grade II Metropolitan Cathedral is one of Liverpool's many listed buildings. It is sometimes known locally as “Paddy's Wigwam” or the “Mersey Funnel”. The cathedral's architect was Englishman Frederick Gibberd, the winner of a worldwide design competition. Construction began in 1962, and took five years. Earlier designs for a Catholic cathedral in Liverpool had been proposed in 1853, 1933, and 1953, but none were completed.
Liverpool’s Anglican Cathedral is the Church of England cathedral of the Anglican Diocese of Liverpool and is the seat of the Bishop of Liverpool. Visit inside the vast Anglican cathedral, completed in 1978 after some 75 years of building. Built on an overwhelming scale, the red sandstone structure is the largest Anglican cathedral in Britain and the fifth largest in the world. The Cathedral abounds in superlatives : highest Gothic arches, largest organ, heaviest ring of bells but the grandeur is balanced by a great sense of welcome and peace.
- This tour includes 500 metres (0.3 mile) yards walking on cobblestone streets. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes. Appropriate dress is recommended to enter religious sites (shoulders and knees must be covered).
Price range:
Find out more
€€: the excursion price is between €50 and €100.
The price of the excursion will be available approximately two months prior to the cruise departure.
The complete programme of excursions, including up-to-date prices, will be provided with the Travel book that you will receive before the departure of your cruise.
PONANT also allows you to pre-book your excursions approximately two months prior to the cruise* departure. Billing is done on board.
*Excluding Expedition cruises.
According to availability, price per passenger.
The story of the Beatles
Liverpool and The Beatles – the two go hand in hand. This panoramic tour shows you some of the locations around the city that are associated with “The Fab Four”.
Departing Liverpool docks, you first head into the city centre to begin your panoramic tour of the city. While the tour focuses on The Beatles and their lives in the city, we will also pass two magnificent cathedrals, leafy parks and drive along the impressive waterfront that comprises Liverpool's World Heritage Site.
Continuing your panoramic tour, pass many of the sites and locations associated with the Beatles' childhoods and the early years of the band. Places that will be passed include: Penny Lane, St Peters Woolton, The Art College and the Liverpool Institute, The Casbah, The Empire Theatre, Arnold Grove, Dovedale School & Quarry Bank School (subject to traffic conditions and time available).
Re-boarding the coach, head back to the city centre, arriving at Mathew Street, where you take a short walking tour to view the Cavern Club and Wall of Fame.
From here, travel to the purpose-built Beatles Story, the World's only Beatles-themed attraction. Located in the city's Albert Dock, this unique exhibition will take you through the lives, times and culture of the extraordinary young men from Liverpool who became household names forever!
Following the tour, the coach heads back to Liverpool Docks and your ship.
- This tour includes walking on cobblestone streets. We recommend you to wear comfortable walking shoes and waterproof clothes. Every effort will be made to facilitate photo-stops (subject to traffic conditions & if time permits).
Price range:
Find out more
€€€: the excursion price is between €100 and €150.
The price of the excursion will be available approximately two months prior to the cruise departure.
The complete programme of excursions, including up-to-date prices, will be provided with the Travel book that you will receive before the departure of your cruise.
PONANT also allows you to pre-book your excursions approximately two months prior to the cruise* departure. Billing is done on board.
*Excluding Expedition cruises.
According to availability, price per passenger.
Iconic Liverpool
During this comprehensive panoramic tour, you will see many of the iconic highlights of this cosmopolitan city, a European Capital of Culture in 2008, the home port of the RMS Titanic and the world-famous Beatles.
A short stop will be included for a visit to the Liverpool Cathedral, completed in 1978 after some 75 years of building. Built on an overwhelming scale, the red sandstone structure is the largest Anglican cathedral in Britain and the fifth largest in the world. The cathedral abounds in other superlatives too : the highest gothic arches, the largest organ, the heaviest ring of bells, but all of these are balanced by a great sense of welcome and peace. The whole cathedral is used imaginatively for many purposes - worship, concerts, exhibitions, recitals, displays and it is here that you can see what have come to be regarded as "memorials" to that most famous of ships, the RMS Titanic - a carving of the ship on a wall and windows to Captain Smith and to Thomas Henry Ismay, founder of the White Star Line and father to Joseph Bruce Ismay.
In total architectural contrast, there will also be a photo stop at the Metropolitan (Roman Catholic) Cathedral with its striking style and multi-coloured glass lantern tower. See some of the sites associated with the RMS Titanic, the Cunard and White Star buildings, the Royal Philharmonic Hall, the Merseyside Maritime Museum and the rejuvenated Albert Dock.
It is impossible to ignore the overwhelming role of The Beatles and their music in Liverpool, and so this panoramic tour includes some of the famous sites associated with the "Fab Four" such as the places that inspired their song writing, like Penny Lane and other well-known places associated with the Beatles'formative years, giving you a true sense of the city where the Beatles had their beginnings.
- This light tour is essentially panoramic. It includes little walking on mainly flat terrain and some steps. Appropriate dress is recommended to enter religious sites (shoulders and knees must be covered). This is a scenic driving tour subject to traffic conditions ; route and sights may vary accordingly and the order of the visits may be reversed.
Price range:
Find out more
€€: the excursion price is between €50 and €100.
The price of the excursion will be available approximately two months prior to the cruise departure.
The complete programme of excursions, including up-to-date prices, will be provided with the Travel book that you will receive before the departure of your cruise.
PONANT also allows you to pre-book your excursions approximately two months prior to the cruise* departure. Billing is done on board.
*Excluding Expedition cruises.
According to availability, price per passenger.
Scenic southern Isle of Man panorama
From the pier, start your tour through the fabulous scenery of the Isle of Man, that offers stunning views over the coastal and inland landscapes.
Departing from Douglas, drive through the south-east of the island, passing over the Fairy Bridge. It is considered bad luck to pass over this bridge without acknowledging the fairies known to be there.
Arrive at the town of Castletown that traces its origins back to 1090 and holds true as one of the oldest towns in the British Isles. Its narrow streets and small fishing cottages prove this ancient past at every corner. Here, enjoy some free time to explore this delightful town, perhaps visiting the fabulous Castle Rushen (not included), which is one of the finest examples in the British Isles of a medieval castle.
Departing Castletown, head for the Southern tip of the island and the pretty bay at Port Erin, before travelling along the western coast of the island to Peel. Here you will have some free time to enjoy this pretty town, with its lovely harbour and beach front promenade, overlooked by its fine castle and many quaint narrow streets, and which claims to be one of the world's smallest cities.
From Peel, we travel island to Tynwald, the hill that is the location of world's oldest democratic parliament, which has run continuously since 979, before passing through the beautiful central valley area of the Island known as the Plains of Heaven, to Douglas and the ship.
- This tour is essentially panoramic and includes 2 and a half hours of scenic drives. This tour is only conducted in English.
Price range:
Find out more
€€: the excursion price is between €50 and €100.
The price of the excursion will be available approximately two months prior to the cruise departure.
The complete programme of excursions, including up-to-date prices, will be provided with the Travel book that you will receive before the departure of your cruise.
PONANT also allows you to pre-book your excursions approximately two months prior to the cruise* departure. Billing is done on board.
*Excluding Expedition cruises.
According to availability, price per passenger.
Historic Manx
A tour along the south-east coast of Isle of Man, taking you to the original capital of the island, Castletown. You will discover the beautiful Rushen Castle and its important role in the history of the Isle of Man, before enjoying the great pleasure of travelling on a traditional old train in this tour through the lush countryside of the Isle of Man.
Departing from Douglas, drive through the south-east of the island, passing over the Fairy Bridge, where it is considered bad luck to pass over the bridge without acknowledging the fairies known to be there. Arrive at the town of Castletown that traces its origins back to 1090 and holds true as one of the oldest towns in the British Isles. Its narrow streets and small fishing cottages prove this ancient past at every corner. Before enjoying some free time to explore this delightful town, visit the fabulous Castle Rushen, which is the best example in the British Isles of a medieval castle. The exact date when it was built is unknown, though is believed to be around 1200. The Castle served as the residence of the last Norse King of Man, who died in 1266. Part of the castle was destroyed in a siege by Robert the Bruce in 1313 but was rebuilt by Sir William de Montacute in around 1344. In the clock room, formerly used as the castle chapel, lies a clock presented by Queen Elizabeth I in 1597, while she held the island in trust pending a dispute. The clock is of simple construction with only one hand, but still keeps very good time.
Following your free time, arrive at Castletown's train station and board your train on the 125 years old Victorian railway. The railway still uses much of the original rolling stock with passengers travelling in carriages pulled by the original engines that first worked the line in the 1890's. From the train, enjoy very impressive views over the inland countryside. Arriving at Douglas train station, transfer by coach back to the quayside and your ship.
- This tour involves narrow steps with spiral staircases leading to higher floors of the castle. Please note this tour is limited to 70 participants and is only conducted in English.
Price range:
Find out more
€€€: the excursion price is between €100 and €150.
The price of the excursion will be available approximately two months prior to the cruise departure.
The complete programme of excursions, including up-to-date prices, will be provided with the Travel book that you will receive before the departure of your cruise.
PONANT also allows you to pre-book your excursions approximately two months prior to the cruise* departure. Billing is done on board.
*Excluding Expedition cruises.
According to availability, price per passenger.
The Great Laxey Wheel
A tour that visits the famous Manx Laxey wheel and travels along part the Tourist Trophy course trip, offering stunning view over the inland landscapes.
From the pier, travel northwards to Laxey, enjoying the beautiful views. Laxey is a charming Manx village, filling a narrow valley. Then travel uphill to Laxey's pride: the Great Laxey Wheel, smartly painted in red and white.
Named “Lady Isabella” after the wife of the Lieutenant Governor of the Isle of Man, and designed by the Victorian engineer Robert Casement, the wheel was built in 1854 to pump water from the “Great Laxey Mines” industrial complex. The impressive structure found immediate popularity and has remained one of the Island's most dramatic tourist attractions for over 150 years.
With a diameter of over 72 feet (22 m), it is said to be the largest working waterwheel in the world. Your visit includes a climb to the top of the wheel for a fine view over the valley.
Next, board the coach again for a panoramic tour along part of the original course of the world-famous Manx “TT” (Tourist Trophy) motorcycle races. The scenery becomes wild and remote as you pass the island's highest peak, Snaefell.
Then, travel back through the scenic centre of the island to Douglas and your ship.
- Please note this tour is conducted in English only.
Price range:
Find out more
€€: the excursion price is between €50 and €100.
The price of the excursion will be available approximately two months prior to the cruise departure.
The complete programme of excursions, including up-to-date prices, will be provided with the Travel book that you will receive before the departure of your cruise.
PONANT also allows you to pre-book your excursions approximately two months prior to the cruise* departure. Billing is done on board.
*Excluding Expedition cruises.
According to availability, price per passenger.
Isles of Iona & Mull
Starts this fascinating tour at Iona, an astonishingly peaceful, small island, whose importance to Christianity is out of proportion with its size, and then board the ferry on foot for the 10-minute journey across to the Isle of Mull, where history and stunning scenery await to end your journey at the colourful, picture-postcard Tobermory.
Iona has been the cradle of Scottish Christianity since St Columba landed here in the year 563. Just 5 km (3 miles) long and never more than 3 km (1,5 mile) wide, Iona is a thin cut of land steeped in history and religion, and also the burial place of more than sixty kings. The present abbey dates from medieval times and is open all the year round to pilgrims who come from all over the world.
After a guided walk round the island, return to the harbour and take the ferry to Fionnphort. From here, board your coach and travel through stunning scenery to Craignure where you will enjoy lunch at a nearby hotel.
After lunch, a short drive takes you to Duart Castle. Duart Castle, perched on a rocky promontory called Dubh Ard, Gaelic for Black Point, dominates the surrounding area. From the 13th through to the 17th century, the Maclean Clan lived at Duart Castle, controlling the sea lanes around Mull, fighting among themselves, the MacDonalds and the Campbells.
Today, visitors can see the dungeons in which prisoners from the Spanish Galleon, Florencian, blown up by the Macleans in 1588, were incarcerated. The castle is full of history and stories of the Maclean family, who have lived there for so many centuries. And for those prepared to climb the ancient, worn steps, the turnpike stair takes visitors to the top of the 13th century keep and a walkway round the battlements, with views as far as Ben Nevis in the north and Jura in the south.
After the visit, rejoin your coach and travel to Tobermory via the scenic southern route around the island, where your ship will be waiting.
- This tour is limited to 90 participants. This excursion involves a 2.4 km (1,5 mile) walk, we advise you wear comfortable walking shoes. The walk from the pier to Iona Abbey is fairly flat but exposed to the elements. There are about 50 steps to reach the top of the castle. Note that the order of the visits may be reversed. This tour is conducted in English only.
Price range:
Find out more
€€€€: the excursion price is more than €150.
The price of the excursion will be available approximately two months prior to the cruise departure.
The complete programme of excursions, including up-to-date prices, will be provided with the Travel book that you will receive before the departure of your cruise.
PONANT also allows you to pre-book your excursions approximately two months prior to the cruise* departure. Billing is done on board.
*Excluding Expedition cruises.
According to availability, price per passenger.
Iona Abbey, cradle of christianity
Experience Iona, a place steeped in myths and legends like no other. This tiny island has been seen as the cradle of Scottish Christianity since St Columba landed here in the year 563, turning it into one of the most sacred religious sites in Europe. But even long before that time, Iona has been a sacred place for Druids, and today the island draws Christians, Pagans and Druids alike as a site of immense spiritual power.
Your ship’s tender will bring you ashore in Iona, an island whose importance to Christianity is out of all proportion to its size. From here, the Irish monk Columba set out to convert almost the whole of pagan Scotland and much of northern England. This walking tour will take you around the different places and explore its history.
Your walk will sart in Baile Mhor, a picturesque village with a row of cottages facing the sea. From here, you walk to the ruins of the Augustinian Nunnery, on the way passing the 15th-century Maclean’s Cross. The highlight of your tour is the Iona Abbey, dating from around 1200. The oldest part is the restored St Oran’s Chapel, and surrounding the chapel is the Reilig Odrhain, the sacred burial ground said to contain the graves of 48 Scottish kings. Beside the Road of the Dead stands the 8th-century St Martin’s Cross, the finest of Iona’s Celtic high crosses and remarkably complete, with serpent-and-boss decoration on one side and holy figures on the other.
To the left of the main entrance is St Columba’s Shrine, which marks the site of the saint’s tomb. From Torr an aba, a small grassy knoll, you will gain a view of the whole monastic institution and complex, before entering the Abbey with its marble effigies.
After your visit, you will return to the pier at Baile Mhor.
- This excursion involves approximately 2 to 3 km (1.2 to 1.8 mile) walking on cobblestone streets and fairly flat way but exposed to the elements. We recommend you wear comfortable shoes. Please note this tour is only conducted in English and is limited to 70 participants.
Price range:
Find out more
€: the excursion price is less than €50.
The price of the excursion will be available approximately two months prior to the cruise departure.
The complete programme of excursions, including up-to-date prices, will be provided with the Travel book that you will receive before the departure of your cruise.
PONANT also allows you to pre-book your excursions approximately two months prior to the cruise* departure. Billing is done on board.
*Excluding Expedition cruises.
According to availability, price per passenger.
Aros Park coastal walk
Start your semi-urban hike from the pier. The harbour is a vibrant hub appreciated by fishermen and amateur sailors throughout the year. The path leads off from the end of the marina and climbs gently through the woodland along the side of Tobermory Bay. There are fabulous views out to Calve Island, the Sound of Mull and the Scottish mainland beyond.
Follow your guide on the Aros Park track to the old pier where timber was once shipped from the Aros Estate for building and repair in the town. Learn more about the Allan shipping family who gave the park to the people of Tobermory. Here, enjoy a breathtaking view of this picturesque and iconic Hebridean village.
The woodland area consists of many varieties of wildflowers, ferns, mosses, lichens, fungi and trees, promoting the atmosphere of a Celtic rainforest. Many songbirds nest in the park, adding sound to the colours and textures of spring and summer. A spectacular display is created in May/June by the large number of Rhododendrons that were planted by the estate in the past.
Leaving the Aros Park, stop briefly at the 'Welcome to Tobermory' sign for an impromptu Gaelic lesson. If time allows, take a short detour to the Standing Stones at Baliscate, a Bronze Age location of particular significance in the pre-history of the Isle of Mull. Here, explore and speculate as to the origin and importance of such vertical megalithic structures.
- This semi-urban hike involves 5,5 km walking on uneven ground and paths, sometimes muddy. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and a waterproof jacket.
Price range:
Find out more
€: the excursion price is less than €50.
The price of the excursion will be available approximately two months prior to the cruise departure.
The complete programme of excursions, including up-to-date prices, will be provided with the Travel book that you will receive before the departure of your cruise.
PONANT also allows you to pre-book your excursions approximately two months prior to the cruise* departure. Billing is done on board.
*Excluding Expedition cruises.
According to availability, price per passenger.
Walking tour with Oban distillery
At the pier, you will meet your guide for a walking tour of Oban.
You will start the walk up the steep hill to McCaig's Tower, commissioned by a local banker and philanthropist to provide winter work for the local stonemasons. The steep climb is well worth the effort for the views over the busy harbour and out to the nearby islands. Returning to the seafront, your guide will take you to visit Saint Columba's Cathedral, the seat of the Roman Catholic Bishop of Argyll and the Isles. The simple interior of the Cathedral contrasts with its bold exterior of pink Peterhead and blue Inverawe granite.
Then, you will visit Oban distillery, where you will enjoy a guided tour and experience the stages of production of Scotland's national drink. No distillery tour would be complete without the opportunity to taste the final product... Slàinte!
After the visit of the distillery, you might want to explore this bustling seaside town further or return to the pier with your guide.
- This tour entirely on foot involves 4 km (2.5 miles) of walking on mainly flat terrain except for the steep uphill walk to McCaig's Tower. Participants should be in excellent physical conditions and must be 18 years old to participate. Please note that this tour is limited to 16 participants.
Price range:
Find out more
€€: the excursion price is between €50 and €100.
The price of the excursion will be available approximately two months prior to the cruise departure.
The complete programme of excursions, including up-to-date prices, will be provided with the Travel book that you will receive before the departure of your cruise.
PONANT also allows you to pre-book your excursions approximately two months prior to the cruise* departure. Billing is done on board.
*Excluding Expedition cruises.
According to availability, price per passenger.
Kilmartin Glen, Scotland's Stonehenge
The area surrounding the village of Kilmartin in Argyll is incredibly rich in ancient monuments and can justifiably be called Scotland's Stonehenge. The area is home to hundreds of monuments including cairns, megaliths, inscribed stones and hill-top forts. Their origins and meanings remain uncertain although in many cases their orientation and alignment seem to link people with the cycle of the seasons and the movements of the sun, moon and stars.
Your journey will take you south along the beautiful coast before heading inland where you will travel back over 5,000 years to discover the mystery of Kilmartin Glen.
A visit to the small Kilmartin House Museum with its excellent displays will set the scene and give you an insight into the life of the inhabitants of the Glen.
On foot, accompanied by your expert guide, visit three of these prehistoric monuments in Kilmartin Glen taking in the Nether Largie Stones, Temple Wood with its stone circles and the Nether Largie South Cairn. You will hear of the history and theories of these remarkable monuments and their place in this unique landscape.
- For this excursion, the group will be split into two upon arrival, one half will visit the museum for a free flow visit whilst the other group enjoys a guided tour of the churchyard to see the mediaeval and early Christian stones and the Lapidarium. This tour involves 3 miles / 4,5 km of walking on uneven and wet terrain. We recommend you to wear comfortable shoes and warm clothing and to protect yourself from the rain. This tour is limited to 30 participants.
Price range:
Find out more
€€: the excursion price is between €50 and €100.
The price of the excursion will be available approximately two months prior to the cruise departure.
The complete programme of excursions, including up-to-date prices, will be provided with the Travel book that you will receive before the departure of your cruise.
PONANT also allows you to pre-book your excursions approximately two months prior to the cruise* departure. Billing is done on board.
*Excluding Expedition cruises.
According to availability, price per passenger.