Itinerary
Set off on a 14-day PONANT expedition cruise that will take you from marvellous Scottish shores to the Norwegian island of Spitsbergen. Aboard L'Austral, you will discover the preserved landscapes of Northern Europe and the boundaries of Norway and its island, which is among the world' northernmost. Departing from Glasgow, Scotland' warm cultural capital with a rich artistic and architectural heritage, you will set sail for the Hebrides archipelago. You will call on Iona, the cradle of Christianity and home to an impressive abbey, and you will also discover Portree on the Isle of Skye, known for its rich Gaelic culture, its famous bridge, and its stunning scenery. L'Austral will then sail towards the Shetland archipelago and the island of Mousa, which is home to Scotland' best preserved Broch - constructed in around 100 BC, this tower-shaped fortification served to defend against invaders. Then, you will head for the Isle of Noss, a real natural sanctuary for the colonies of seabirds that live on its gigantic cliffs. 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. Your Arctic adventure begins with your stopover in Tromso. You will also sail by Bear Island, halfway between the North Cape of Norway and the South Cape of Spitsbergen. You will see many sea birds, such as guillemots or Atlantic puffins, which have found refuge in the vast cliffs of the south of the island. Even further north, you will reach Spitsbergen, the main island of the Svalbard archipelago. In the land at the end of the world, millennial glaciers, steely mountains and spectacular fjords form the backdrop for whales, arctic foxes, walruses and also the kings of their realm, polar bears. Your cruise will end in Longyearbyen. We are privileged guests in these extreme lands where we are at the mercy of weather and ice conditions. The itinerary, landings on certain sites and the observation of certain wildlife cannot be guaranteed. They vary from day to day, making each PONANT cruise a unique experience. The Captain and the Expedition Leader will make every effort to ensure that your experience is as rich as possible, while complying with the safety rules and instructions imposed by the AECO.
