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Islands and Cities, from the North Sea to the Baltic

Islands and Cities, from the North Sea to the Baltic

From AUD $15,410

Description

Explore the shores of the North Sea and the Baltic Sea, discovering emblematic towns and islands in Sweden, Denmark, Poland, Estonia and Finland. The Viking past of Aalborg, the peaceful canals of Copenhagen, the medieval ramparts of Visby, the colourful little streets of Stockholm, the shipyards of Gdansk, the Hanseatic houses of Tallinn, and so on. In this journey combining history, culture and nature, each port of call forms part of a fascinating mosaic, revealing architectural treasures, living traditions and unique heritage. A Nordic interlude, where the gentle way of life encounters passionate cultural discoveries, offering a rich and contrasted panorama of the treasures of Northern Europe.

Trip Name
Islands and Cities, from the North Sea to the Baltic
Days
11
Overview
Vessel Type: Luxury Length: 127 metres Passenger Capacity: 92 cabins Built: 2017/2018 Le Champlain, part of the prestigious PONANT EXPLORERS series, masterfully blends the spirit of adventure with refined comfort. Designed to navigate some of the world’s most remote destinations, she offers guests the intimacy of a private yacht alongside discreet luxury and elegant French styling. Her 92 staterooms and suites, all with private balconies, are bathed in natural light, providing a serene retreat after a day of Zodiac® expeditions or fine dining. Every element, from the stylish interiors to the attentive service, reflects PONANT’s dedication to creating a truly authentic voyage. Built with a strong focus on eco-friendly innovation, Le Champlain incorporates the latest environmental technologies to minimise her impact on the oceans she explores. At 430 feet long with a guest capacity of up to 184, she maintains a sense of exclusivity while offering spacious public areas, exceptional cuisine, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Whether gliding through polar waters or sailing to tropical shores, she delivers an unforgettable combination of exploration, sophistication, and respect for the natural world.

Itinerary



Day 1 - Day 1 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 2 - Day 2 Aalborg
In the very north of Denmark, on the banks of the Limfjorden sea,the Viking town of Aalborg opens its welcoming arms. A must-see is the Aalborg tower standing like a lighthouse in the middle of the town. At the top, a magnificent view of the surroundings awaits your visit. Several museums, including the Utzon Centre, propose a sample of local artistic creation. As far as shopping goes, the famous JomfruAneGade street and its district, include some of the most beautifulDanish fashion boutiques as well as numerous restaurants and cafés where you might try one of the country’s specialities such as “platte”
Day 3 - Day 3 Copenhagen
Connected to the far eastern side of Sealand island, a few kilometres away from the Swedish coasts, Copenhagen offers you the high colour of Scandinavian capitals. You can discover the city's riches that weaves through the canal networks through the historical districts of Christiansborg and Nyhavn. Many palaces provide an apercu of Danish history. For eating, you can try out the smorrebrod, traditional danish sandwiches made with ham, cheese or smoked fish.
Day 4 - Day 4 Gudhjem, Bornholm
Lying in the south-west of the Baltic Sea, the medieval village of Gudhjem, on the island of Bornholm, is one of the most visited and most popular villages in Denmark. As you stroll along its picturesque streets, you will fall under the spell of its varied landscapes, its easy way of life, and the authenticity of this charming town with half-timbered houses topped with red roofs, in the Danish tradition. It is here, along these charming streets, that the first herring smokehouses were built in the mid-19th century, attracting all the region’s fishermen. Tucked away in a gorgeous natural setting composed of rocky cliffs, dense forests and beaches of white sand, Gudhjem will provide an unforgettable interlude where time will seem to stand still. In the very heart of the Baltic Sea, in the Ertholmene archipelago, the small island of Christiansoe – less than 0,5 km2 (barely 0,3 square miles) – awaits you. Thanks to its geographic form, which constitutes a natural harbour with the island of Frederiksø, it has been used as such for more than a thousand years. Pirates and fishermen succeeded one another here before the construction of its fortress, built between the 17th and 18th centuries, in the time of the Danish-Swedish wars. Visiting Christiansoe, you see the shaping of great history, the re-emergence of the rivalries and alliances that took place in the Baltic Sea. Today, this peaceful island offers you wild and preserved nature. A natural reserve since 1926, it is home in particular to a very large population of nesting and migrating birds that find food and tranquillity here.
Day 5 - Day 5 Gdansk
This ravishing city on the Baltic sea is nicknamed “the golden door of Poland”, and you’ll understand why when you see its beautiful Hanseatic architecture. You’ll be charmed by the mouldings and gables that enhance the colourful façades of the houses. Along the Vistula Quays, you can take a pleasant stroll among the crafts shops. In elegant Mariacka street, the amber jewellers will most certainly tempt you into their boutiques. You can visit the church of Saint-Mary and its astronomic clock. Not far, the majestic Long Market square offers the famous Artus Court and the rich Gdansk History Museum.
Day 6 - Day 6 Visby, Gotland
This old Hanseatic city lies to the west coast of Gotland, a Swedish island in the Baltic sea. Pass through the spectacular Visby fortifications and visit the old town, a UNESCO World Heritage site. You’ll discover the grand Visby homes of rich merchants as well as the lovely low wooden houses in the little cobbled streets. Don’t miss Saint Mary’s cathedral with its octagonal steeples, as well as Powder tower along the fortifications. Make sure you stop over in one of the rose-adorned cafés; indeed roses abound in this town where you can taste one of the island’s specialities, namely saffron pancakes with red fruit.
Day 7 - Days 7 - 8 Stockholm
The capital of Sweden occupies an archipelago in the east of the country at the junction of Mälar Lake and the Baltic sea. In Gamla stan, meaning “old town” in Swedish, you can stroll at your leisure in picturesque medieval streets until you reach the majestic Royal Palace. On the green island of Djurgården, you can visit several very different kinds of cultural centres: the Vasa museum is dedicated to a 17th century three-mast, the ecomuseum of Skansen presents traditional customs, and the ABBA museum is dedicated to the legendary pop group. For a fantastic, all-encompassing view of Stockholm, you can take a ride in SkyView, a glass-encased sphere gondola that takes you to the top of the world’s largest building, the Ericsson Globe, a Stockholm landmark.
Day 8 - Day 9 Saaremaa
Welcome to Estonia’s largest island, Saaremaa, with its age-old history and mysterious charm. Located in the Baltic Sea, it closes off the Gulf of Riga. The episcopal castle, a medieval fortress and preserved witness of the rich history of the Baltic States, stands proudly in the island’s capital, Kuressaare. The island’s soils and mild climate give it abundant and diverse nature, where forests, cliffs, dunes and beaches flourish, becoming a haven for thousands of migratory birds every year. The island offers many treasures, between wild nature, nature reserves, meteor craters and windmills.
Day 9 - Day 10 Tallinn
Opening onto the Baltic sea, to the far north of Estonia, the town of Tallin will win you over with the picturesque charm of its architecture. You can meander through its little streets in the heart of the medieval centre where its gothic town hall has been standing since 1404. The Kiek in de Kök tower, the Orthodox Alexander Nevski cathedral, or Toompea castle give visitors a taste of this town’s rich past. The city was particularly active during the medieval period, as is demonstrated by the very beautiful monuments from this period that are still visible. Don't hesitate to lose yourself in the heart of Tallinn, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Day 10 - Day 11 Helsinki
Seated in the southern peninsula of Finland, Helsinki offers the buzz of a cosmopolitan city that has opted for both elegance and beauty. Explore its historical centre where the soft hues of neoclassical buildings are juxtaposed with spectacular modern constructions. The bustling Kallio district is teeming with boutiques and restaurants where you can taste some local specialities like graavilohi - a sweet, marinated, aromatic salmon dish. Keskuspuisto park, a stone’s throw from the centre, is a good place to sit and unwind.
Day 11 - Please note:
Itineraries are subject to change. 

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
06-07-202616-07-2026AUD $15,410Deluxe Stateroom
06-07-202616-07-2026AUD $17,120Prestige Deck 4
06-07-202616-07-2026AUD $39,650Privilege Suite Deck 6
06-07-202616-07-2026AUD $39,650Privilege Suite Deck 5
06-07-202616-07-2026AUD $43,580Grand Deluxe Suite Deck 5
06-07-202616-07-2026AUD $43,580Grand Deluxe Suite Deck 6
06-07-202616-07-2026AUD $53,750Owner's Suite
06-07-202616-07-2026AUD $17,980Prestige Deck 5
06-07-202616-07-2026AUD $19,000Prestige Deck 6
06-07-202616-07-2026AUD $26,510Deluxe Suite Deck 4
06-07-202616-07-2026AUD $26,510Deluxe Suite Deck 5
06-07-202616-07-2026AUD $26,510Deluxe Suite Deck 6
06-07-202616-07-2026AUD $26,510Deluxe Suite Deck 3
06-07-202616-07-2026AUD $35,890Prestige Deck 5 Suite
06-07-202616-07-2026AUD $37,770Prestige Deck 6 Suite

Inclusions

    • Discover the treasures of the Baltic Sea and the North Sea, with Nordic capitals, pristine islands and rich Hanseatic and Viking heritage.
    • Remarkable cities: overnight stays in Helsinki and Stockholm, the Hanseatic city of Visby (UNESCO World Heritage Site), the island of Saaremaa, Aalborg and its Viking heritage, etc.
    • Among your included excursions : a folk show in Tallinn; the canals of Copenhagen, a visit of Gdansk and a Chopin concert, etc.

Map