Gautier Capucon's Baltic Symphony at Sea

You arrive in Helsinki on Finland’s southern peninsula, a capital that blends urban energy with coastal setting. You walk the historic core lined with neoclassical landmarks beside contemporary architecture. You explore Kallio’s shops and restaurants and sample local dishes such as graavilohi, marinated salmon. You step into Keskuspuisto park near the city center for quiet green space and relaxation.

You explore Stockholm, Sweden’s capital spread across an eastern archipelago where Lake Mälaren meets the Baltic Sea. You walk Gamla Stan’s medieval streets leading to the Royal Palace. You visit Djurgården to see the Vasa Museum, Skansen open-air museum, and the ABBA Museum. You ride SkyView, a glass gondola ascending the Ericsson Globe for panoramic city views.

Spend exceptional moments sailing aboard Le Commandant Charcot, the world’s first luxury polar exploration vessel and the first PC2-class polar cruise ship capable of sailing into the very heart of the ice, on seas and oceans which the frozen conditions render inaccessible to ordinary ships. Le Commandant Charcot is fitted with oceanographic and scientific equipment selected by a committee of experts. Take advantage of the on-board lectures and opportunities for discussion with these specialists to learn more about the poles. Participate in furthering scientific research with PONANT and let travelers discover together what these fascinating destinations have yet to reveal to them.

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 specialties, namely saffron pancakes with red fruit.

Included Excursion

Free time in Visby
Duration : 6h00
Imagine disembarking in a place surrounded by natural beauty and cultural treasures, where each landscape promises a unique adventure. On this escapade, you will be free to roam, alone or with a PONANT destination expert, and discover the hidden gems of the place at your own pace. Take the time to immerse yourself in the history and culture, savor the local cuisine, stroll around and explore the local arts and crafts, or unwind on a heavenly beach. This will be an opportunity to lose yourself in the beauty of the moment and fully enjoy the essence of the town.

Visby, a medieval gem cradled by the Baltic Sea, invites you to enjoy an enchanted interlude. Let the whispers of the past guide you as you wander its centuries-old ramparts and cobbled streets. Stroll at your leisure under the gentle Gotland sun, explore the remains of medieval churches and let the sparkling sea whisper its secrets to you. The cafés, tucked away in shady corners, invite you to linger a while, savor a tasty dish and daydream. No pre-booking required; open to all guests.      

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 colorful facades of the houses. Along the Vistula Quays, you can take a pleasant stroll among the crafts shops. In elegant Mariacka street, the amber jewelers 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.

Spend exceptional moments sailing aboard Le Commandant Charcot, the world’s first luxury polar exploration vessel and the first PC2-class polar cruise ship capable of sailing into the very heart of the ice, on seas and oceans which the frozen conditions render inaccessible to ordinary ships. Le Commandant Charcot is fitted with oceanographic and scientific equipment selected by a committee of experts. Take advantage of the on-board lectures and opportunities for discussion with these specialists to learn more about the poles. Participate in furthering scientific research with PONANT and let the travelers discover together what these fascinating destinations have yet to reveal to them.

At the place where East meets West on the edge of the Baltic Sea, Riga, the capital of Latvia, will charm you with its contrasts. Although it is one of the oldest cities in the Baltic states, with a unique atmosphere that is imbued with the memory of its medieval past, Riga is also tangibly dynamic and modern. As you stroll through its old town, you will enjoy its exceptional architecture, its cathedrals, the remains of old walls and the typical narrow streets. Nicknamed “the Paris of the North” in the 1930s, this cosmopolitan city boasts a rich heritage.

Spend exceptional moments sailing aboard Le Commandant Charcot, the world’s first luxury polar exploration vessel and the first PC2-class polar cruise ship capable of sailing into the very heart of the ice, on seas and oceans which the frozen conditions render inaccessible to ordinary ships. Le Commandant Charcot is fitted with oceanographic and scientific equipment selected by a committee of experts. Take advantage of the on-board lectures and opportunities for discussion with these specialists to learn more about the poles. Participate in furthering scientific research with PONANT and let the travelers discover together what these fascinating destinations have yet to reveal to them.

Opening onto the Baltic sea, to the far north of Estonia, the town of Tallinn will win you over with the picturesque charm of its architecture. You can meander through its little streets in the heart of the medieval center 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.

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 center 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 center, is a good place to sit and unwind.