Le Champlain

<p style="text-align: justify;">From the volcanic archipelagos of the <strong>Canaries and Madeira </strong>to the southern tip of<strong> Portugal, </strong>PONANT invites you on an unforgettable <strong>11-day </strong>interlude, between <strong>Las Palmas and Lisbon</strong>. This journey aboard <em>Le Champlain</em> will take you into the heart of uniquely and wildly beautiful landscapes, featuring<strong> majestic volcanos, lush green valleys, isolated inlets, verdant cliffs and historic cities with multiple sources of heritage.</strong>  </p> <p style="text-align: justify;">At each port of call on your trip, each guest will be able to choose one included activity from the selection offered by PONANT. During this cruise, discover the <strong>volcanic and verdant landscapes </strong>of Santa Cruz de La Palma; explore the <strong>Garajonay National Park</strong>, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, from La Gomera; or admire the <strong>Teide-Pico Viejo stratovolcan</strong>, the world's third-tallest volcanic structure, from Santa Cruz de Tenerife. The diversity of options on offer promises intense and varied experiences. (Find the full list of excursions under the Itinerary tab.)</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">Your cruise will start on the island of <strong>Gran Canaria</strong> in <strong>Las Palmas</strong>, then your ship will take to the sea, sailing west to reach <strong>Santa Cruz de Tenerife</strong>. In these lands of a thousand contrasts, dominated by the emblematic silhouette of the Teide stratovolcano, discover the unique and fascinating landscapes found in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Teide National Park.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><em>Le Champlain </em>will then drop anchor at?<strong>La Gomera</strong>. This tiny island with lush vegetation is a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its biosphere reserve. This island is also renowned for its whistling language,?<em>Silbo</em>, that the inhabitants use to communicate from one valley to another. </p> <p style="text-align: justify;">Next, <strong>Santa Cruz de La Palma </strong>will invite you to spend a moment suspended in time. Here, the accent is on authenticity and tranquillity as you succumb to the charms of its unspoilt nature and its unusual architectural heritage featuring traditional Canarian houses with brightly-coloured wooden balconies, sumptuous palaces, and religious buildings.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">Your ship will then set a course northward to carry you to?<strong>Madeira</strong>, a paradise for hiking enthusiasts. On this steep island covered in <strong>luxuriant vegetation</strong>, the variety of landscapes, including?<strong>sheer cliffs</strong>, <em>levadas </em>(Madeiran aqueducts), banana plantations, and the laurel forest – Laurisilva – listed with UNESCO, never ceases to amaze visitors.  </p> <p style="text-align: justify;">Your journey will continue into the emblematic region of Andalusia, where you will be able to discover <strong>Cadiz</strong>, one of the country’s oldest towns, built on a rock and surrounded by the sea on all sides.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">Further north, you will head towards <strong>Huelva</strong>, the gateway to the <strong>Doñana National Park</strong>, a <strong>UNESCO World Heritage Site</strong>, home to unique fauna and flora.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">Your cruise will come to an end in <strong>Lisbon</strong>, sitting on the Tagus River, distilling its one-of-a-kind charm imbued with rich history.</p>

<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>PONANT</strong> invites you to discover stunning scenery and exceptional cities on this <strong>11-day</strong> cruise between Portugal and Spain, with a stop in Morocco. Fall under the spell of this unforgettable journey aboard <em>Le Champlain</em>, as you discover the major cities of the Iberian Peninsula.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">Upon departing from the Portuguese capital, <strong>Lisbon</strong>, known as the city of the seven hills, you will sail southward to the beautiful Algarve region, where you will stop in <strong>Lagos</strong>. The appeal of this pretty coastal town with a quiet charm lies in its rich maritime heritage and spectacular coastline.   </p> <p style="text-align: justify;">Your next destination will be <strong>Cadiz</strong>. Built on a rock and surrounded by sea on all sides, it is one of the oldest cities in Spain. You will then sail along the <strong>Strait of Gibraltar</strong> and immerse yourself in the multicultural charm of <strong>Tangier</strong>.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><em>Le Champlain </em>will now cruise towards <strong>Malaga</strong>, the lively cultural capital of the Costa del Sol. The buildings in the heart of the old town, and especially the 10th-century Moorish castle, reveal the city’s history.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">After stopping in <strong>Valencia</strong>, a city with a remarkable architectural heritage, you will set a course for <strong>Palma de Mallorca</strong>, the jewel of the Balearic Islands, which are renowned for their contrasting islands bathing in the clear waters of the Mediterranean.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">Finally, you will reach <strong>Barcelona</strong>, your disembarkation port.</p>

<p style="text-align: justify;"><em>This cruise is part of a collection of PONANT themed 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.</em></p> <p style="text-align: justify;">The northwest corner of Europe—the part of the continent where the Baltic and North Seas meet—is rich in history, both medieval and modern, and an ideal destination for reflection on what earlier experiences of war and peace can teach us about dealing with current issues of international security. Joining you on this voyage from Copenhagen to London, are two distinguished experts on these issues, including <strong>former NATO Supreme Allied Commander, Admiral James Stavridis</strong>. They will share insights into such topics as concerns about the unity of the NATO alliance and the hopeful signs of continued commitment to cooperation in pursuit of the goals of freedom and democracy.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">From Copenhagen, <em>Le Champlain</em> sails south to the northern coast of Germany, where you spend the first two days of your voyage in the Baltic seaports of <strong>Warnemünde</strong> and <strong>Wismar</strong>. This is the heart of the area once dominated by the Hanseatic League, and you may tour a number of towns—<strong>Lübeck,</strong> <strong>Rostock</strong>, and <strong>Wismar</strong> itself—whose well-preserved Old Towns (two of which are UNESCO World Heritage sites) speak to the wealth produced by the League's monopoly of trade.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">The third day of cruising is spent navigating the 61-mile-long <strong>Kiel Canal,</strong> which cuts across the Jutland Peninsula and connects the Baltic Sea to the North Sea. Two hundred and fifty nautical miles are saved by using the canal instead of sailing around the peninsula.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Harlingen</strong> is your first port of call in the country of <strong>The Netherlands</strong>, 25% of which has been reclaimed from the sea via terps, dikes, windmills, and lake-draining. One of the most ambitious of these reclamation projects is the <strong>Woudagemaal </strong>steam-powered pumping station—built in the 1920s, now a UNESCO World Heritage site, and still in operation. Here you will learn about an early version of water management technology that will become increasingly important as sea levels around the world rise.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">As the official capital of The Netherlands, <strong>Amsterdam</strong> is home to a <strong>Royal Palace</strong> that hosts state visits and official receptions. A guided visit to the Palace will focus on its role in <strong>international politics and cultural exchange,</strong> but you will also be drawn to the elegance of its architecture and to artworks that recall the splendor of the Dutch Golden Age. A second possibility for your time in Amsterdam is a tour of the <strong>Dutch Resistance Museum,</strong> chronicling the hard work and heroism of the Dutch struggle against totalitarian rule during World War II. Alternatively, choose to enjoy a cruise through <strong>Amsterdam’s famous canals</strong>, or visit the world renowned <strong>Van Gogh Museum</strong> or <strong>Rijksmuseum</strong>.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>The Hague</strong>, which is home to the Dutch Parliament and the residence of the royal family, is also home to the <strong>International Court of Justice</strong>, housed within the <strong>Peace Palace</strong>, which you may explore on a guided tour. Or you may travel to nearby Rotterdam Harbor to see <strong>a floating dairy farm</strong>, that is both a demonstration of the practicability of <strong>sustainable farming in an intensely urban</strong> <strong>environment </strong>and a vision of the future. A third option for the day is to visit the 18th-century <strong>windmills at Kinderdijk</strong>, a UNESCO World Heritage site and another example of Dutch mastery of the art and science of water management.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">Antwerp is your gateway to <strong>Brussels </strong>and to a choice of tours of two institutions crucial to and depicting the history of the security of Europe and of the broader Atlantic world. A visit to the <strong>European Parliament,</strong> the legislative branch of the European Union, will introduce you to its work seeking to advance the common interests of its 27 member countries. Or you may prefer a guided tour through the <strong>Royal Museum of the Armed Forces and Military History</strong>, a collection spanning more than 10 centuries of military and technological history.  Alternatively, stay in Antwerp and explore the city’s historic <strong>Diamond District</strong>.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">From the Belgian port of Ostend, enjoy a walking tour of the exquisitely preserved <strong>medieval town of Bruges</strong>. Two other possible excursions focus on sustainability—one on the promise of wind power at the <strong>North Sea Offshore</strong> experience; the other a visit to <strong>Agrotopia</strong>, a state-of-the-art urban farm in the town of Roeselare. Alternatively, you may travel to nearby Raversyde, home to the remnants of the <strong>Atlantic Wall</strong>, a massive network of bunkers and tunnels built by the Germans and used in both World Wars.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">Dunkirk offers a choice of museums with displays on various aspects of the city's World War II history. The <strong>Dunkirk Museum</strong> focuses on Operation Dynamo, the evacuation of Allied Troops in 1940, while the <strong>Blockhaus d'Éperlecques</strong> and <strong>La Coupole</strong> tell the story of German military installations during the Occupation.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">On the final day of the voyage, <em>Le Champlain</em> sails from Dunkirk at midday, across the English Channel and up the Thames River, reaching <strong>London Bridge</strong> late in the evening, where the ship remains docked overnight before disembarkation in <strong>London</strong> the next day.</p>

<p style="text-align: justify;"><em>This cruise is part of a collection of PONANT themed voyages that are specially-tailored for 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 or performances 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.</em></p> <p style="text-align: justify;">The towns visited on this voyage through Greece are at the center of cultures that have flourished here since before historical time. Join us aboard <em>Le Champlain</em> as we sail among the Greek Isles of the Aegean Sea, discovering a sense of celebration at the heart of the Greek tradition through specially curated excursions ashore and musical performances aboard ship from a group of world-class musicians led by <strong>Boston Pops conductor Keith Lockhart</strong>. Your musicians include pianist Jihye Chang, cellist Alistair MacRae, soprano Allison Pohl, violist Scott Rawls, violinist Wendy Rawls, and violinist Benjamin Sung.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">In the southern Aegean Sea, set off from Athens to discover <strong>Crete</strong> from the capital, <strong>Heraklion</strong>, built on a hillside overlooking the port and surrounded by impressive Venetian walls. Explore the Bronze age archaeological site of the <strong>Palace of Knossos</strong>, a major center of Minoan civilization.  Or, in the village of <strong>Arolithos</strong>, discover Cretan traditions and customs. You may enjoy local snacks while attending <strong>a performance of traditional folkloric Cretan & Greek dances</strong></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Santorini</strong> offers a choice between browsing the sundrenched <strong>shops and restaurants of Thira and Oia,</strong> perched on cliffs overlooking the caldera of an ancient volcano, or exploring the <strong>Bronze Age site of Akrotiri</strong>, destroyed by a massive eruption of that volcano in the 2nd millennium BC, but preserved in ash and pumice just like Pompeii. Alternatively, at the <strong>Symposion Music & Mythology Cultural Center</strong>, which is dedicated to the preservation of Greek cultural heritage, take part in an immersive experience of music, art, and mythology, including <strong>a musical performance and exhibition of traditional Greek instruments.</strong></p> <p style="text-align: justify;">Next is the medieval town of<strong> Rhodes</strong>, whose labyrinthine streets and splendid plazas are the legacy of the <strong>Crusader Knights of St. John. </strong>Enjoy an exploration of the <strong>Acropolis of Lindos</strong>, which has been used since the 6^th century B.C. as a citadel and place of worship successively by Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, the Knights of St. John, and the Ottomans.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Amorgos</strong> represents a completely different aspect of life in the Aegean as it brings you face to face with age-old <strong>traditions of olive cultivation, herbal medicine, and religious devotion</strong> as they are still practiced in small villages in the mountains.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">The island of<strong> Delos</strong> was sacred to the ancient Greeks—the <strong>birthplace of Apollo and Artemis, and home to countless shrines and temples</strong>—a veritable open-air museum. <strong>Mykonos</strong>, by contrast, is a sophisticated island <strong>resort with smart cafes and boutiques</strong>, where you will enjoy an afternoon and evening at leisure to soak in all that this dazzling town has to offer.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">Although it has been a retreat for Greek celebrities since the 1950s, when Maria Callas and Aristotle Onassis made it famous, <strong>Hydra</strong> maintains its traditional character—in large part, because no motorized vehicles are allowed. Your walking tour of the island includes the <strong>Historical Archives Museum</strong> and the <strong>Church of the Dormition</strong>, but focuses on the <strong>Koundouriotis Mansion</strong>, a splendid example of traditional local architecture, displaying a variety of artifacts and family heirlooms of the wealthy shipowner who built the house at end of the 18^th century.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">Your voyage ends back in Athens.</p>

<p style="text-align: justify;">The calmness of an always turquoise sea, the craggy hills bathed in light, fertile plains, oceans of olive trees and slender cypress trees are all invitations to explore the Peloponnese, a land shaped by myths. During a 8-day journey aboard <em>Le Champlain</em>, set off to discover these unique landscapes and archaeological sites. In autumn, far from the crowds, these places imbued in legends seem to come alive through tales of Greek heroes, wrathful gods and ancient creatures.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">Throughout your journey, you will benefit from an excursion included per person per port of call, to choose from a selection offered by PONANT. During this cruise, explore the <strong>archaeological site of Delphi</strong> from Itea, or discover the ruins of Mycenae and Epidaurus from Nafplio, or discover the rich history of Hydra. The diversity of experiences on offer promises you intense and varied moments (to discover the full range of excursions, go to the itinerary tab).</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">After an equally mythic and remarkable crossing of the Corinth Canal, you will arrive in the small port of <strong>Itea</strong> from where it is possible to visit the incredible <strong>site of Delphi</strong> or even the <strong>Hosios Loukas monastery</strong>, both of which are <strong>UNESCO World Heritage Sites</strong>.  </p> <p style="text-align: justify;">Your ship then crosses the Gulf of Patras to reach the Ionian Sea and the Peloponnese. This legendary region immerses you in the tumultuous and glorious past of the country. From the port of <strong>Katakolon</strong>, you can visit the sublime <strong>site of Olympia, a UNESCO World Heritage site</strong>, whose ruins bear witness to its former grandeur.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">After a port of call in <strong>Gythio, the seaport of Ancient Sparta, </strong>the fortified peninsula of Monemvasia will reveal itself, monumental, like a ship of stone overlooking the azure.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Your ship will then set sail for Nafplion</strong><strong>, to arrive at your final port of call</strong><strong>.</strong> It is an opportunity to discover the mythical sites of <strong>Epidaurus</strong> and <strong>Mycenae</strong>, respectively a ancient theatre and a pre-Hellenic city, both of which are <strong>UNESCO World Heritage Sites</strong>. </p> <p style="text-align: justify;">The <strong>island of Hydra</strong>, famous for its incomparable light, will enchant you with the calm of its little streets, where all motor traffic is forbidden. </p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Athens</strong>, the mythical city dominated by the Acropolis and its monuments, which form the most extraordinary architectural and artistic ensemble bequeathed to the world by Ancient Greece, marks the end of this exceptional odyssey.</p>

<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>From Athens</strong>, set sail for an 8-day cruise in the heart of Greece. From the Thessaly region to the Peloponnese via Macedonia, discover ports nestling in gulfs, unspoiled islands, and ancient monasteries that seem to be hanging from the sky. From the sheer coastlines bordered by paradisiacal turquoise waters to the archaeological sites that are as emblematic as they are monumental, let yourself fall under the spell of these jewels of the Aegean Sea.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">Throughout your journey, you will benefit from an excursion included per person per port of call, to choose from a selection offered by PONANT. On this cruise, discover the <strong>royal tombs of Vergina</strong> in Thessaloniki, visit the <strong>Meteora monasteries</strong> from Volos, or wander through the remains of the <strong>fortified city of</strong> <strong>Philippi</strong>, a <strong>UNESCO World Heritage Site</strong>. The diversity of experiences on offer promises you intense and varied moments (to discover the full range of excursions, go to the itinerary tab). The diversity of experiences on offer promises you intense and varied moments (to discover the full range of excursions, go to the itinerary tab).</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">Discover the charming and verdant island of <strong>Skiathos</strong>, its beaches, its hiking trails, and its lovely port where some of the scenes in <em>Mamma Mia!</em> were filmed. You will then sail to the port of <strong>Volos</strong>, nestling in the curve of the Pagasetic Gulf. From there, access <strong>Meteora</strong>, home to a complex of Orthodox Christian monasteries that blend into the rock and are seemingly suspended in the sky.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">Your ship will set a course for <strong>Thessaloniki</strong>, a big city that is pleasant to wander through and bears the traces of several peoples and civilisations. Your ship will then sail along<strong> Mount Athos</strong>, a rocky peninsula to which cling twenty imposing monasteries surrounded by superb forests of chestnut trees.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Kavala</strong>, a medieval city home to a magnificent aqueduct, marks the spot where East meets West. Inland, the <strong>Philippi </strong>site is a must-see. Your ship will then take you to the capital of <strong>Limnos</strong>, Myrina, whose Venetian castle, built on a rocky outcrop, overlooks the sandy shore. From the port, follow the long shopping street lined with houses and shops with small gardens characteristic of the Thracian style.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Athens</strong>, the mythical city dominated by the Acropolis and its monuments, which form the most extraordinary architectural and artistic ensemble bequeathed to the world by Ancient Greece, will mark the end of this exceptional odyssey.</p>

<p style="text-align: justify;">Set off a cruise discovering <strong>ancient Mediterranean cities. From the Peloponnese to Sicily</strong>, each port of call will reveal grandiose heritage: <strong>Epidaurus and Mycenae, ancient jewels, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites; Monemvasia, a fortified city rising from the waves; Heraklion, guardian of Minoan mysteries; or Gythio, seaport of Ancient Sparta</strong>. They will all immerse you in the myths of the Mediterranean Sea. Corfu will then unveil its Venetian influences, the premise for your Italian ports of call. Between palaces and the fragrance of citrus fruits, discover <strong>Puglia and Gallipoli,</strong> meaning “beautiful city” in Greek, and <strong>Syracuse</strong>, with its labyrinth of small streets punctuated with churches and ancient vestiges, celebrating the soul of Sicily.</p>

<p style="text-align: justify;">In the mild and bright mid-autumn, the <strong>Mediterranean</strong> is adorned with golden tones and light caresses its <strong>ancient shores</strong>. Light breezes carry the whispers of civilisations past as the sun kisses the gentle waves, giving them a soothing glow. <strong>Between Malta, Italy, Tunisia, Algeria and Spain</strong>, sail this legendary sea of exchanges and cultures on a gastronomic voyage organised in partnership with <strong>Relais & Châteaux and with special guest Chef Clint Grech</strong>, who will be sharing his expertise and passion to offer you a unique culinary experience. Immerse yourself in the spirit of the Mediterranean and succumb to the magic of its unique landscapes and historic UNESCO World Heritage Sites.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">Experience a cruise where every moment is a journey through <strong>history, culture and natural beauty</strong>. Take in the spellbinding atmosphere of <strong>ancient cities</strong> where time seems to stand still, and marvel at the <strong>remains of a glorious past</strong>, including majestic temples, ruins from antiquity and World Heritage-listed buildings. Discover <strong>breathtaking landscapes</strong> where the deep blue of the sea meets the golden tones of the Mediterranean coast, and enjoy the tranquillity of places steeped in charm and elegance.</p>

<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Majestic volcanoes, lush green valleys, and cities with diverse heritages </strong>set the scene for this cultural journey with <strong>Franck Ferrand</strong>, between the Moroccan coast and the Spanish and Portuguese shores. From <strong>Tangier to Casablanca</strong>, from Madeira to the Canary Islands, immerse yourself in the heart of vibrant cities and discover their <strong>souks, squares, arcades, alleyways and bustling markets</strong>. Inland, the spectacle of lava landscapes on the enigmatic Lanzarote, the lunar island of fire, or in the heart of <strong>the Laurisilva of Madeira</strong>, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, invites tranquillity.</p>

<p style="text-align: justify;">Embark on an extraordinary journey to <strong>the volcanic archipelagos of the Canaries and Cape Verde</strong>, a blend of untamed nature and exceptional cultural heritage. Mythical volcanoes, lunar landscapes, lush valleys, secret coves... These volcanic lands are home to contrasting, breathtaking panoramas and unspoilt national parks that invite exploration. From <strong>vibrant Lanzarote </strong>to <strong>enchanting Praia</strong>, each port of call will immerse you in the unique atmosphere of the island’s towns, where colourful markets mingle with colonial architectural treasures, revealing a fascinating history of European and African influences.</p>

<p style="text-align: justify;">In the little-known reaches of the Atlantic, off the coast of Guinea-Bissau, where the infinite blue of the ocean meets the lush green of the islands, lies a rare jewel: the Bissagos Islands. Now a <strong>UNESCO Biosphere Reserve</strong>, this is one of the best preserved archipelagos in the world. It comprises 88 islands, most of which are uninhabited. In many parts, this environment is <strong>still completely untouched by man</strong>, so these islands offer the chance of a unique and authentic experience to the few visitors who explore them. On this unique voyage, discover some of these mysterious islands, lands of ancient civilisations and a refuge for many species.</p>

<p style="text-align: justify;">In the little-known reaches of the Atlantic, off the coast of Guinea-Bissau, where the infinite blue of the ocean meets the lush green of the islands, lies a rare jewel: the Bissagos Islands. Now a <strong>UNESCO Biosphere Reserve</strong>, this is one of the best preserved archipelagos in the world. It comprises 88 islands, most of which are uninhabited. In many parts, this environment is <strong>still completely untouched by man</strong>, so these islands offer the chance of a unique and authentic experience to the few visitors who explore them. On this unique voyage, discover some of these mysterious islands, lands of ancient civilisations and a refuge for many species.</p>

<p style="text-align: justify;">In the little-known reaches of the Atlantic, off the coast of Guinea-Bissau, where the infinite blue of the ocean meets the lush green of the islands, lies a rare jewel: the Bissagos Islands. Now a <strong>UNESCO Biosphere Reserve</strong>, this is one of the best preserved archipelagos in the world. It comprises 88 islands, most of which are uninhabited. In many parts, this environment is <strong>still completely untouched by man</strong>, so these islands offer the chance of a unique and authentic experience to the few visitors who explore them. On this unique voyage, discover some of these mysterious islands, lands of ancient civilisations and a refuge for many species.</p>

<p style="text-align: justify;">Embark on an extraordinary journey to <strong>the volcanic archipelagos of Cape Verde and the Canaries</strong>, a blend of untamed nature and exceptional cultural heritage. Mythical volcanoes, lunar landscapes, lush valleys, secret coves... These volcanic lands are home to contrasting, breathtaking panoramas and unspoilt national parks that invite exploration. From <strong>captivating Praia</strong> to <strong>vibrant Lanzarote</strong>, each port of call will immerse you in the unique atmosphere of the island’s towns, where colourful markets mingle with colonial architectural treasures, revealing a fascinating history of European and African influences.</p>

<p style="text-align: justify;">Cruise the heart of the Atlantic to discover breathtaking wild landscapes, fascinating historic cities and vibrant traditions. From the <strong>volcanic archipelagos of the Canaries and Madeira to the coast of Morocco</strong>, each port of call reveals sublime landscapes of majestic volcanoes, secluded coves, green cliffs and pine and laurel forests. In these sun-drenched lands, <strong>colourful houses, opulent palaces, bustling souks and lively squares recall a fascinating history of multicultural influences</strong> and invite travellers to enjoy unforgettable carefree moments.</p>

<p style="text-align: justify;">Set off on a unique journey at the crossroads of history, modernity and wild nature, <strong>along the shores of the North Sea and the Norwegian Sea</strong>, and cross the <strong>mythical Arctic Circle</strong>. At each port of call from <strong>Brest to Tromsø</strong>, the cities will reveal their cultural and architectural treasures, as well as the unique history that shaped them. The Norwegian coast will offer up its marvellous landscapes, a jagged coastline where the fjords are emerging from their winter coast to join the sea, and superb sailing experiences amidst narrow passages, where the history of the Vikings seems ubiquitous.</p>

<p style="text-align: justify;">From Tromsø, the gateway to the Arctic, to the wild landscapes of Scotland, this journey will take shape along magical fjords, jagged cliffs and windswept moors. In the north, the Lofoten Islands reveal their spectacular scenery, their colourful villages and steel-coloured waters. Further south, the Norwegian shores unveil their raw nature, punctuated by forests, fjords sheltering ancient glaciers and cities steeped in history. Next are the Orkney and Skye archipelagos, these Celtic lands with their strong insular character, before you head for Scotland’s western coast, with its mysterious lochs and misty mountains.</p>

<p style="text-align: justify;">The Hebrides, in the north west of Scotland, offer a singular journey between the sea and the sky into a world that has remained fiercely authentic. Sheer cliffs, deep lochs and windswept moors form a landscape draped in mystery. Megalithic and religious sites rise up out of the fog, while ancient mountains watch over the fishing ports and isolated hamlets. <br />Along sleepy lochs, the typical cottages and captivating gardens serve as reminders that the harshness of the region does stop it from being poetic, while the bird colonies populating the cliffs eroded by the ocean reveal the most important thing: nature reigns supreme here.</p>

<p style="text-align: justify;">The Hebrides, in the north west of Scotland, offer a singular journey between the sea and the sky into a world that has remained fiercely authentic. Sheer cliffs, deep lochs and windswept moors form a landscape draped in mystery. Megalithic and religious sites rise up out of the fog, while ancient mountains watch over the fishing ports and isolated hamlets. <br />Along sleepy lochs, the typical cottages and captivating gardens serve as reminders that the harshness of the region does stop it from being poetic, while the bird colonies populating the cliffs eroded by the ocean reveal the most important thing: nature reigns supreme here.</p>

<p style="text-align: justify;">The Hebrides, in the north west of Scotland, offer a singular journey between the sea and the sky into a world that has remained fiercely authentic. Sheer cliffs, deep lochs and windswept moors form a landscape draped in mystery. Megalithic and religious sites rise up out of the fog, while ancient mountains watch over the fishing ports and isolated hamlets. <br />Along sleepy lochs, the typical cottages and captivating gardens serve as reminders that the harshness of the region does stop it from being poetic, while the bird colonies populating the cliffs eroded by the ocean reveal the most important thing: nature reigns supreme here.</p>

<p style="text-align: justify;">Set off a bewitching cruise between <strong>Celtic and Scandinavian lands,</strong> where wild nature and ancient heritage come together. From one port of call to the next, the jagged coasts of <strong>Scotland</strong> and the <strong>peaceful Nordic coastlines,</strong> bathed in light that is popular with painters, will reveal their unique history. You will discover mysterious megaliths, valleys sculpted by ancient volcanos and <strong>Scandinavian cities steeped in history,</strong> veritable open-air museums. During this interlude combining raw nature, legends and living culture, you will experience the tranquillity of isolated coasts, the warmth of small ports and the authenticity of preserved traditions.</p>