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From Dublin to Tromso: the Hebrides and Lofoten

From Dublin to Tromso: the Hebrides and Lofoten

From AUD $9,550

Description

We invite you on an all-new expedition cruise from the North Atlantic to the Norwegian Sea. Set sail aboard L’Austral for a 12-day circuit and allow yourself to be captivated by these singular archipelagos, marrying the beauty of nature with the weight of rich cultural heritage.

During your trip, you will sail along the Gulf Stream and its nutrient-loaded waters, to discover extremely varied wildlife.

Located to the north of Great Britain, the Hebrides and the Shetland Islands form a 200-km arc frequented by whales and, much to the delight of ornithologists, a multitude of seabirds. In particular, you will call on Iona, the cradle of Christianity and home to an impressive abbey, and Kirkwall, a former Viking trading post with a magnificent cathedral.

L’Austral will then reach the Norwegian town of Geiranger and its sublime fjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, before crossing the Arctic Circle.

Further north, you will marvel at the mysterious charm of the Lofoten archipelago. These islands have landscapes of surreal beauty alternating between sea, spectacular fjords, mountain slopes, fine sand beaches and huts on stilts. A veritable paradise for fishermen and photographers.

Please Note: Transfer + flight Tromsø/Paris are included in your voyage rate.

Trip Name
From Dublin to Tromso: the Hebrides and Lofoten
Days
12
Overview
Vessel Type: Luxury Expedition / Cruise Ship Length: 142 metres Passenger Capacity: 264 (200 in Antarctica) Built: 2011 This superb mega-yacht with 132 cabins is the result of the expertise of the Italian Fincantieri shipyard and French sophistication, as interpreted by designer Jean-Philippe Nuel. L'Austral has a unique atmosphere, a subtle blend of luxury, intimacy and well-being. A sleek silhouette softened by elegantly smooth contours and large, arched windows opening up to the sea and the light: so many features come together to give L’Austral her distinctive shape. Precious materials, discreet elegance and a perfect balance between chic and casual, combine to make you feel as if you are on your own private yacht. A design blending tradition and innovation, where a nautical mood has been subtly recreated. Precious materials in smoothing neutral tones are brought to life with splashes of cheerful reds. So many personal touches create the spirit of a “private yacht”. Cuisine Loyal to the great French tradition, the haute cuisine on board is worthy of the finest restaurants, where discreet, attentive service is the hallmark. Our two restaurants welcome you for breakfasts, lunch and dinner. The Gastronomic Restaurant, with a capacity of 268 persons, is situated on Le Liberté Deck and serves you French and international cuisine accompagnied by fine wine. On the Grill Restaurant, you will have the opportuniny to eat outside and enjoy buffet lunch and themed dinner. Life On Board Whether you want to join other guests in the theatre or games area (Wii™ consoles, etc), or relax on your own in a quiet corner of the library, L'Austral has been designed to meet the needs of every guest. Everything has been done to preserve the independence of each guest to suit their personal tastes: lounges for lectures and shows, a spa in partnership with Sothys™, but also more intimate spaces such as the library and internet corner. Comfortable cabins, nearly all with private balcony, are available for families either as triples or as communicating cabins. There is also a games area with Wii™ consoles, children’s menus, and a baby-sitting service. Just as if you were on a private yacht, your time is your own to do as you please. Fitted with the latest equipment (Kinesis Wall, running machine) and in partnership with the famous Sothys™ brand, the Beauty Centre on L'Austral welcomes you for some unforgettable moments of relaxation and pampering (beauty treatments, hairdresser).

Itinerary



Day 1 - Day 1 - DUBLIN
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.
Day 2 - Day 2 - PORTRUSH & ISLAY ISLAND, HEBRIDES
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Day 3 - Day 3 - IONA ISLAND & STAFFA ISLAND, HEBRIDES
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.Owned by the National Trust for Scotland since 1986, Staffa Island is famous for the basalt columns that emerged 60 million years ago as a natural consequence of the lava flows fracturing into hexagonal blocks as they cooled down. The uninhabited island is home to a large colony of puffins. As majestic as any cathedral, Fingalメs Cave is an unforgettable experience and youメll doubtless be as impressed as Mendelssohn was. If youメve got a musical ear, you may just get inspired too...
Day 4 - Day 4 - ST KILDA ISLAND, HEBRIDES
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Day 5 - Day 5 - AT SEA
During your day at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This day without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observer marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.
Day 6 - Day 6 - JOHN O'GROATS & KIRKWALL, ORKNEY
Capital of the Orkney archipelago, Kirkwall, which means “church bay”, is an ideal stopover before continuing on to the Northern Isles. Sheltered in a wide bay, the lively town welcomes the visitor with its charming paved alleyways edged by old houses and craft shops. Tankerness House, the oldest homestead in the town, is a must-see landmark. But the true architectural treasure of the aptly named Kirkwall is none other than its remarkable red and gold stone cathedral. And because whisky is inseparable from Scotland’s identity, stop at the Highland Park Distillery for a highly instructive visit.
Day 7 - Day 7 - SHETLAND ISLANDS
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Day 8 - Day 8 - GEIRANGER
A must-see stopover in Norway, located halfway between Bergen and Trondheim, Geiranger offers the stunning beauty of a natural decor, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The splendour of the sheer cliffs, dark rock and crystalline water are the stars of the show here. The sides of the fjord offer many possibilities for hiking: the Eagle’s Road takes you up to a steep stretch offering a gorgeous panoramic view. A visit to Geiranger village will immerse you in the rhythm of life in the little local community.
Day 9 - Day 9 - AT SEA
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Day 10 - Day 10 - LEKNES
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Day 11 - Day 11 - SVOLVAER, LOFOTEN & SAILING IN TROLLFJORDEN
Located on the island of Austvågøy, in the county of Nordland, Svolvær will be your ideal entry point for discovering the Lofoten islands. An important stopover to the north of Norway, fishing is one of the town’s main features. And its speciality is? Cod. A picturesque white Lutherian church rests atop a hillside ridge, overlooking the town's multi-coloured houses. Still higher, the “The Solvær Goat” mountain looks over the town from its rocky heights. Topped with two peaks like the horns of an animal, it is one of the region’s must-see natural attractions.According to legend, trolls were the guardians of this 2-km long fjord accessible via the Raftsund Strait, between the Vesterålen Archipelago and the Lofoten Islands. Dominated on both sides by vertical rock faces that stand up to 1,000 metres high in parts, Trollfjorden welcomes you in a magical atmosphere which its narrowness helps to create. During this unforgettable journey, you will indeed have the impression that you’re grazing the surrounding mountains and that you’ll never see the end of this marine cul-de-sac. After a delicate U-turn, your ship will finally head back in the opposite direction: this will perhaps be the opportunity to observe, for want of trolls, seals and eagles, which are often present in this site, unique on earth.
Day 12 - Day 12 - TROMSO
In the north of the Arctic circle you’ll discover Tromsø, a secluded town located in the county of Troms. Norwegians call it the “Paris of the north”. You’ll soon see why when you discover its extensive neoclassical architectural heritage. A stunning example is the Arctic cathedral, a major monument whose stylistic purity echoes the outline of the mountains surrounding the town.
Day 13 - Please Note:
Subject to ice and weather conditions. The expedition highlights and itineraries described above illustrate possible experiences only and cannot be guaranteed.The encounters with the wildlife described above illustrate possible experiences only and cannot be guaranteed.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
13-05-201924-05-2019AUD $0DeLuxe Stateroom
13-05-201924-05-2019AUD $0Prestige Stateroom - Deck 4
13-05-201924-05-2019AUD $0Prestige Stateroom - Deck 5
13-05-201924-05-2019AUD $0Prestige Stateroom - Deck 6
13-05-201924-05-2019AUD $0Prestige Suite - Deck 5
13-05-201924-05-2019AUD $0Prestige Suite - Deck 6
13-05-201924-05-2019AUD $0Owners Suite

Inclusions

    • Outings and shore visits in Zodiac®inflatables with a team of experienced naturalist guides.
    • Possibility of hikes.
    • Discovery of four archipelagos on the same cruise: the Hebrides, Orkney Islands, Shetland Islands, Lofoten Islands.
    • Very rich wildlife: multiple species of birds (puffins, sea eagles, terns, northern gannets, red-billed choughs, corn crakes), whales, dolphins, seals, otters.
    • Diversity of landscapes: heathland undulating as far as the eye can see, flowers, immense beaches, small lakes, forests of hundred-year-old oak trees, huge cliffs, basalt grottos, Norwegian fjords.
    • Sailing in Geirangerfjord and Trollfjorden.
    • UNESCO World Heritage Sites: St Kilda islands in the Outer Hebrides, Geirangerfjord, Dublin.

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