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Cruising the Norwegian Fjords – with Smithsonian Journeys

Cruising the Norwegian Fjords – with Smithsonian Journeys

From AUD $13,020

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Description

In alliance with Smithsonian Journeys.
This cruise is part of a collection of PONANT voyages that are specially-tailored for English-speaking travelers who want to engage with the world. In addition to the usual elements of the PONANT experience, the listed price for these voyages includes transfers to and from the ship, talks and discussions aboard ship by world class experts, and a shore excursion or activity in each port of call that encourages guests to embrace the sights, sounds, tastes, and smells of the local environment and culture.
Join PONANT aboard Le Lapérouse for an 8-day cruise on an exceptional itinerary to discover the beauty of the Norwegian fjords. 
Begin your voyage in Bergen, famous for its Hanseatic wharf, Bryggen, a UNESCO World Heritage site which still carries traces of the rich historic past of the city founded by the Vikings.
Sail first towards Alesund, famous for the art nouveau architectural style in which its downtown was rebuilt after a terrible fire in 1904. Here you will also find the Atlantic Ocean Park, a unique aquarium featuring marine life found along Norway’s Atlantic coast.
Traverse the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Geirangerfjord to Geiranger and explore the fjord region overland – including a stop at the Jostedal Glacier National Park Centre – before rejoining your ship in Hellesylt. Alternatively, venture into the mountains to sample goat milk cheeses and caramels at a local farm.
Continue to Olden. From this small and charming village, located a few miles from Jostedalsbreen National Park, home to one of the last ice caps in Europe, you are able to admire the magnificent Briksdal Glacier.
The following morning, sail the beautiful Lysefjorden. Then, in the afternoon, Le Lapérouse calls in Stavanger. Here, the reconstructed Iron Age village in Ullandhaug introduces you to the life of Norway’s earliest inhabitants. The region’s pristine coastal wilderness also offers an opportunity to take an invigorating hike. This afternoon, sail the beautiful Lysefjorden.
From Arendal, visit the Næs Ironworks Museum, which chronicles how iron production changed between 1665 and 1959, and stop in Tvedestrand, a charming village of white wooden houses. Or visit Raet National Park, which was established in 2016 to protect the region’s unique topography.
Your final call is in the lively harbor town of Gothenburg, Sweden. As the home of Volvo, the city boasts the World of Volvo, which features interactive exhibits from the brand’s first vehicles through future technological solutions. The stunning Museum of Fine Arts includes works by Carl Larsson, Edvard Munch, Anders Zorn, Van Gogh, Picasso, Chagall, and Monet.
Your cruise ends in Fredrikstad, gateway to Oslo, the vibrant Norwegian capital. 
Some departures may have slightly modified itineraries. Please confirm the itinerary with an Expedition Specialist.

Trip Name
Cruising the Norwegian Fjords – with Smithsonian Journeys
Days
8
Overview
Vessel Type: Luxury Length: 127 metres Passenger Capacity: 92 cabins Built: 2017/2018 Le Lapérouse is the first vessel in the PONANT Explorers series, designed to bring refined luxury to the world’s most remote destinations. With a maximum of 184 guests and 92 beautifully appointed staterooms and suites, the ship combines modern elegance with an intimate atmosphere. Expansive lounges, a theatre, and an infinity pool create inviting spaces for relaxation and connection, while panoramic windows throughout the ship ensure constant connection to the sea. Guests can embark directly from the marina platform for Zodiac excursions or water activities, blending adventure with comfort. On board, Le Lapérouse celebrates the art of French living with world-class gastronomy, serene wellness facilities, and understated sophistication in every detail. The vessel was built with advanced environmental technology, reflecting a commitment to responsible exploration and preservation of the natural world. Whether cruising through Nordic fjords, Mediterranean coastlines, or tropical archipelagos, Le Lapérouse offers an immersive travel experience where discovery, comfort, and elegance converge.

Itinerary



Day 1 - Day 1 BERGEN
Located at the end of Byfjord, Bergen was the capital of Norway in the 12th and 13th Centuries and has preserved some very beautiful monuments from the time when it was home to royalty. Wandering through Bergen’s streets means going back in time, in search of the hidden treasures that have been listed as World Heritage Sites by UNESCO. A veritable openair museum, Bergen is home to a thriving artistic community of painters, potters, jewellers. The Bergen cable car offers you a splendid panorama over the port and the surrounding fjords. Do not miss the visit to the old quarter with its narrow streets, a testimony of the power of the hanseatic League that controlled trade in Northern Europe at the end of the Middle Ages.
Day 2 - Day 2 ALESUND
Surrounded by a multitude of islands, fjords and majestic mountains, the town of Ålesund surprises many visitors. In fact, it is internationally renowned for its Art nouveau architecture. After the terrible fire of 1904 which reduced a large part of the town to ashes, Norwegian architects inspired by the Art nouveau style contributed to its reconstruction, with a very picturesque result. Not far from Ålesund, you will also discover Giske, the native island of Rollon, the great Viking leader who commanded the Norse expeditions to Normandy, or the beautiful island of Godoy and the village of Alnes, which offers a grandiose panorama over the Atlantic Ocean and the surrounding islands.
Day 3 - Day 3 GEIRANGER & HELLESYLT
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. Hellesylt is a small village located 20 kilometres from the Geiranger site. Here, you’ll get a taste of a traditional Norwegian village. Colourful houses, wooden walkways, rustic stalls where you can have a refreshment before heading off to discover more of the local colour. The surroundings are simply magnificent with cliffs, mountains and lakes with peaceful waters. The village is crossed by a river whose charming cascade tumbles into the fjord waters.
Day 4 - Day 4 OLDEN
With its two wooden churches, one red and the other white, plus its breathtaking view of the mouth of the river Oldeelva, Olden looks just like a picture post card. Located a few kilometres from the Jostedalsbreen park, home to one of the last glacier polar icecaps, this little village is a definite must for exploring the blue languages of the Briksdal or Kjennalen glaciers. Make sure you find some time to visit the Norwegian Glacier Museum. Absolutely amazing. Another gem is lake Lovatn and its turquoise waters inviting you to quiet contemplation.
Day 5 - Day 5 STAVANGER & SAILING IN LYSEFJORDEN
At the far end of the country, stands the harbour town of Stavanger, with its warm, friendly atmosphere. A friendliness you’ll notice in the little old town cobbled streets, which has some 170 old wooden houses, as well as in its modern city centre, always bustling. You will sail into the heart of one of Norway’s most breathtaking fjords, its marvellous décor dominated by pristine nature, between vertiginous granite cliffs, crystal-clear waters and luxuriant vegetation. Very close to Stavanger, the quiet waters of Lysefjorden stretch out over around forty kilometres, beneath impressive rocks. Admire the world-famous site of Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock), a majestic cliff in the shape of a pulpit that rises to more than 600 metres above the waters. A bit further on, Flørli, from the top of its 4,444 steps, is the world’s longest wooden stairway, whereas the Kjerag, with its mythical boulder wedged between two rock faces, provides an unusual and unforgettable spectacle.
Day 6 - Day 6 ARENDAL
This port town located on the south coast of Norway is considered to be the locality with the best climate in the entire country. Arendal was long reputed for its iron mines from which, in the 19th century, it was able to produce a particularly strong earthy iron ore.
Day 7 - Day 7 GÖTEBORG (GOTHENBURG)
A lively harbour town, Göteborg is located on the west coast of Sweden, at the crossing of the Göta älv river and the bay of Cattégat. In the old Haga district, you can peruse hippy-chic fashion boutiques and bohemian cafés in the ground floors of traditional wood houses. On the majestic Gustave-Adolphe square, you’ll see elegant neoclassical buildings. Not far from here is the municipal museum dedicated to the town’s history. In addition, you will be able to sail along Göteborg’s numerous canals. As for eating, it’s the fish and shellfish which make the gastronomic reputation of this beautiful stopover.
Day 8 - Day 8 FREDRIKSTAD
Nestling on the shores of the Glomma estuary, Fredrikstad captivates with its rich historical heritage, picturesque canals and warm atmosphere. Founded in 1567, the fortified old town still has traces of its rich past. Fall under the spell of its cobbled narrow streets, edged with traditional old wooden buildings, boutiques and lively cafes, and also discover the extremely well-preserved ramparts, built almost 5 centuries ago. Nature enthusiasts will also appreciate the magnificent hiking paths along the Oslo fjord and surrounding islands, such as Hankø, with its idyllic beaches and lush plains.
Day 9 - Please Note:
Itineraries are subject to change.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
31-05-202707-06-2027AUD $13,020Deluxe Stateroom
31-05-202707-06-2027AUD $14,370Prestige Deck 4
31-05-202707-06-2027AUD $32,240Privilege Suite Deck 5
31-05-202707-06-2027AUD $32,240Privilege Suite Deck 6
31-05-202707-06-2027AUD $33,220Grand Deluxe Suite Deck 5
31-05-202707-06-2027AUD $35,350Grand Deluxe Suite Deck 6
31-05-202707-06-2027AUD $46,070Owner's Suite
31-05-202707-06-2027AUD $15,050Prestige Deck 5
31-05-202707-06-2027AUD $15,860Prestige Deck 6
31-05-202707-06-2027AUD $21,810Deluxe Suite Deck 3
31-05-202707-06-2027AUD $21,810Deluxe Suite Deck 6
31-05-202707-06-2027AUD $21,810Deluxe Suite Deck 4
31-05-202707-06-2027AUD $21,810Deluxe Suite Deck 5
31-05-202707-06-2027AUD $29,250Prestige Deck 5 Suite
31-05-202707-06-2027AUD $30,750Prestige Deck 6 Suite

Inclusions

    • A voyage specially-tailored for English-speaking travelers including discussions with experts, transfers before and after your cruise, and an included excursion in each port of call.
    • Engaging discussions onboard with two Smithsonian Journeys Experts.
    • UNESCO World Heritage sites en route: Bryggen and Geirangerfjord.
    • An exploration of the charming art nouveau town of Alesund.
    • Encounters with the magnificent Briksdal Glacier.
    • Sailing the Lysefjorden – ‘fjord of light’ – flanked by towering granite cliffs.
    • Opportunities to hike in pristine coastal landscapes from Stavanger and Arendal, including in Raet National Park.
    • Museums documenting history from the Iron Age through modern times: Iron Age village in Ullandhaug, Næs Ironworks Museum, Volvo Museum, and the Museum of Fine Arts of Gothenburg.

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