Set sail on a 14-day cruise aboard Le Commandant Charcot, venturing into Autumn Splendours: From Lofoten to the Norwegian Fjords. Narvik, near the Arctic Circle, awaits potential recognition as a sustainable tourist destination, offering stunning mountain and fjord vistas. The historic Ofoten Line connects to Sweden's mining history. Lofoten Islands present awe-inspiring alpine peaks, sandy coves, Viking heritage, and charming fishing ports like Reine and Flakstad. Bronnoysund features a captivating natural environment, a granite dome named Torghatten, and a 250-year-old herb garden farm. Smola, an island paradise, boasts rich biodiversity and fishing traditions. Geirangerfjord's Eagle Road offers breathtaking views, while Alesund showcases Art Nouveau architecture, stunning vistas, and cultural heritage.
Highlights
Featuring guest Nick Rains, an Australian photo ambassador
Explore the Viking heritage at Lofotr Viking Museum
Witness the miraculous cod fishing tradition dating to the Vikings
Embrace the wild natural environment of Bronnoysund's archipelago
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
Fly from Paris to Narvik, where you will be greeted at the airport by a local English-speaking representative. Afterward, proceed to the pier for embarkation.
Beyond the Arctic Circle, you will discover Narvik, nestling in the heart of impressive mountains that plunge into the Ofotfjord. It is on the verge of obtaining the “sustainable destination” label, a national label awarded to destinations that are committed to a sustainable approach to tourism for the long term. You will be mesmerized by its scenery. From Narvik, it is possible to take the Ofoten Line towards Sweden. This historic railway once linked the mineral-rich mines of Kiruna in Sweden to the ice-free port of Narvik.
Beyond the Arctic Circle, you will discover Narvik, nestling in the heart of impressive mountains that plunge into the Ofotfjord. It is on the verge of obtaining the “sustainable destination” label, a national label awarded to destinations that are committed to a sustainable approach to tourism for the long term. You will be mesmerized by its scenery. From Narvik, it is possible to take the Ofoten Line towards Sweden. This historic railway once linked the mineral-rich mines of Kiruna in Sweden to the ice-free port of Narvik.
Are you attracted by the force of the elements, by the world’s end, by untamed landscapes? Welcome to the Lofoten Islands, an archipelago moored in the Norwegian Sea, beyond the Arctic Circle. Here, you will sail in majestic decors of alpine summits, sandy coves, sharp peaks emerging from the sea, and deep-blue fjords rippling with fish. The small town of Leknes is on Vestvagoy Island. All around you are the jagged shapes of mountains, and bays that empty and fill with the tides. During this port of call, you will be able to hike or partake in other open-air activities to ensure that you really appreciate all the region’s natural treasures. You will set off to meet the Vikings at the Lofotr Viking Museum and reach the small fishing port of Henningsvær, which is picturesque and lively, with its cafés, art gallery, and modern art museum.
Norwegians consider the small fishing port of Reine to be their country’s most beautiful village; it seems to have been naturally set in the heart of a bay encircled by craggy mountains. Very close by, Flakstad stands out thanks to its superb white sandy beach and bronze-colored waters, and its red wooden onion-domed church emerging from the cliffs. Other villages are scattered along the roads; they follow the rhythm of skrei (cod) fishing, which helps the region prosper. Here, the seagulls absorb the silence on the roofs of the fishermen’s houses built on stilts. A few weeks later, these rorbuers are going to welcome thousands of people from all over Norway who will take part in the “miraculous fishing” that stretches from January to April every year, continuing an ancestral tradition that goes as far back as the Vikings.
Sitting on the Torget peninsula, surrounded by water and a myriad of islands, Brønnøysund invites you to the heart of a wild natural environment. This former Viking city nestled around a narrow harbor enjoys a strategic location and centralizes fishing- and trade-related activities. The lively atmosphere that reigns around the marina contrasts with the tranquillity of the archipelago. At the Norwegian Aquaculture Centre, you will better understand the global success of Norwegian aquaculture and sample its excellent products. You will also have the chance to hike along the mythical granite dome of Torghatten, the pierced hat-shaped mountain, to admire the astonishing natural hole formed in the rock during the Ice Age. A few kilometers from Brønnøysund, in Tilrem, lies a still-working, 250-year-old farm comprising a glorious herb garden, a shop selling items produced at the farm, and a family-run restaurant.
A natural paradise, Smøla is an island surrounded by an archipelago of thousands of small islands, islets, and reefs, all bathed in extraordinary light. The sheep freely graze the moorland. Ocean and freshwater meet, forming bays, ponds, and pools of brackish water conducive to the development of a high biodiversity. In winter, the island serves as a refuge for numerous seabird species. One of these is the sea eagle, or white-tailed eagle – a protected species of which the densest population is found here. The island’s inhabitants subsist primarily on fishing and will share their culinary traditions with you by introducing you to some local products. If you are feeling adventurous, you can even try your hand at fishing in the crystal-clear waters or you can visit the island of Hitra.
In this wild fjord topped by high mountains with snow-covered peaks, the only road that remains open in winter is called Eagle Road. Leaving the village of Geiranger, it rises sharply to 625 meters (2,000 feet) above the fjord via 12 hairpin bends. The summit offers a magnificent panorama over the Geirangerfjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will able to hear the rumble of the Seven Sisters Waterfall, which tumbles down into the fjord in a cloud of foam. The road then continues up Mount Dalsnibba, which rises to an altitude of 1,475 meters (almost 5,000 feet). In this region, as you will learn at the Norwegian Fjord Centre, agriculture follows a tradition dating back to the Vikings. A farm in the vicinity has been run by the same family for 300 years. With several hundred goats, it is one of the largest summer farms in the country’s mountains.
Fall under the spell of Ålesund, which is crossed by the pretty Brosundet Canal and surrounded by a string of rocky islets, fjord inlets, and majestic mountains. This large herring fishing port is especially reputed for its Art Nouveau architecture. Following the 1904 fire that reduced much of the city to ashes, German architects and artisans rebuilt it in stone and brick, creating a unique homogenous ensemble. You will find out more about it at the Art Nouveau Museum. You will then be able to take to the heights of Godøy Island and climb the Godøyfjellet Mountain to enjoy a magnificent panorama. The picturesque Alnes Lighthouse also offers spectacular views over the Atlantic Ocean. The relief changes sharply on Giske Island, which is flat and fertile.
Nordfjordeid is a small town nestling at the end of an arm of the gigantic Nordfjord. Featuring valleys with abundant vegetation and mountainous terrain, nature here offers a 360-degree view that was conducive to the early settlement of Viking communities, as evidenced by the large number of tombs, some of the country’s largest and richest. You will be able to deepen your knowledge of Nordic culture and traditions at the Sagastad Viking Centre, a surprising museum with interactive exhibitions, also home to the Myklebust, one of the world’s largest Viking ships, measuring 30 meters (98 feet) in length. In addition to its stunning setting, the town is known for its many breeders of Norwegian farm horses, the Fjord horse, offering the opportunity for wonderful hikes in the surrounding area.
Nestled in the heart of the fjord country, less than 200 kilometers from Bergen, the picturesque village of Flåm – pronounced Flôm – offers you an experience of authentic Norway. You can mosey around the brightly colored streets and admire the majestic contours of the surrounding mountains. The town is also the departure point for the mythical train route Flamsbana, 20 kilometers long, whose journey offers a superb view of the scenery, as sublime as it is pristine. This attraction makes Flåm one of the country’s main tourist destinations.
Aboard Le Commandant Charcot, you will sail in the Sognefjord. This stunning fjord extends approximately 200 kilometers (125 miles) inland, making it the longest in Europe. The Sognefjord is also the widest fjord in Norway, stretching across 4.5 kilometers (2.8 miles) on average. Its depth can range from 100 meters (328 feet) near its mouth to more than 1,300 meters (4,265 feet). You will see charming villages suspended on the mountainside or nestling along the banks and admire the waterfalls and perfectly carved wild shores. Like the great rivers with multiple tributaries, the Sognefjord branches off into a large number of arms and fjords that you will be able to glimpse during this magnificent cruise.
The small and charming capital of the Shetland Islands, with its sea front of old houses and narrow streets, offers travelers its old districts and a warm port atmosphere. Geopark Shetland, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is located to the north. Incredibly well-preserved archaeological sites and ruins prove that the islands’ occupation dates back to the first Neolithic colonies. The Shetland Museum and Archives recounts the Shetlands’ history of heritage and culture: Lerwick’s abundant waters were even fished by the Dutch in the past.
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 open-air museum, Bergen is home to a thriving artistic community of painters, potters, jewelers. 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 14: Bergen | Disembark
1 Breakfast
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 open-air museum, Bergen is home to a thriving artistic community of painters, potters, and jewelers. 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.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
$14,6602-3 travelers
Rates are dynamic and fluctuate based on capacity. Contact us for a specific quote.
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Prestige Stateroom Deck 6
20m² and a 5m² private balcony, king-sized bed or two twin beds, private bathroom with shower, dressing table with hairdryer, flat-screen tv, wifi, minibar and safe
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Prestige Stateroom Deck 7
20m² and a 5m² private balcony, king-sized bed or two twin beds, private bathroom with shower, dressing table with hairdryer, flat screen tv, wifi, minibar and safe
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Prestige Stateroom Deck 8
20m² and a 5m² private balcony, king-sized bed or two twin beds, private bathroom with shower, dressing table with hairdryer, flat screen tv, wifi, minibar and safe
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Deluxe Suite Deck 6
28m² and a 5m² private balcony, king-sized bed or two twin beds, private bathroom with shower, dressing table with hairdryer, flat-screen tv, wifi, minibar, and safe
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Deluxe Suite Deck 7
28m² and a 5m² private balcony, king-sized bed or two twin beds, private bathroom with shower, dressing table with hairdryer, flat-screen tv, wifi, minibar and safe.
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Deluxe Suite Deck 8
28m² and a 5m² private balcony, king-sized bed or two twin beds, private bathroom with shower, dressing table with hairdryer, flat-screen tv, wifi, minibar and safe.
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Prestige Suite Deck 7
40m² and a 10m² private balcony, king-sized bed or two twin beds, private bathroom with two showers, dressing table with hairdryer, flat screen tv, wifi, minibar and safe
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Prestige Suite Deck 8
40m² and a 10m² private balcony, king-sized bed or two twin beds, private bathroom with two showers, dressing table with hairdryer, flat screen tv, wifi, minibar and safe
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Grand Prestige Suite
42m² and a 12.5m² private balcony, king-sized bed or two twin beds, private bathroom with shower and Balneo bathtub, dressing table with hairdryer, butler service, flat screen tv, wifi, minibar and safe
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Privilege Suite
48m² and a 12.5m² private balcony, king-sized bed or two twin beds, private bathroom with shower and Balneo bathtub, dressing table with hairdryer, butler service, flat screen tv, wifi, minibar and safe
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Suite Duplex
48m² and a 26m² private balcony with jacuzzi, king-sized bed or two twin beds, private bathroom with shower and Balneo bathtub, dressing table with hairdryer, butler service, flat screen tv, wifi, minibar and safe
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Owner's Suite
114m² and a 186m² private balcony with jacuzzi, king-sized bed or two twin beds, private bathroom with shower and Balneo bathtub, dressing table with hairdryer, butler service, flat screen tv, wifi, minibar and safe
Notes
Please note:
Fares are based on double occupancy and are capacity controlled. Rates may increase at any time as the ship sells out and are subject to change without notice.
Initial deposit is 30%, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 100 days prior to departure by Visa, Mastercard, Discover or AmEx. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and a maximum of $20,000 charge
For full cancellation policy details, please contact us for a quote.
Included
13 Breakfasts, 12 Lunches, 13 Dinners
13 Nights Accommodations
Accommodations as listed
Ground transportation as listed
Activities as listed
Meals as listed
Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
Ponant Activities: A variety of excursions and activities will be offered during your cruise, weather dependent, and can be reserved on board
Port Fees
Unlimited Wifi
Onboard Entertainment
Captain’s Welcome Cocktail and Gala Dinner
Gratuities to Onboard Crew
“Open Bar” (pouring wines, house champagne, alcohol except premium brands...list available upon request)
24h Room Service (special selection)
English-Speaking Lecturer
Highly experienced and bilingual (French-English) expedition staff
Park Entry Fees into Protected Areas
Water sports activities (except scuba diving) using the ship’s equipment, when permitted by local authorities and confirmed by ship Master according to safety and sea conditions onsite.
Flight Paris - Narvik selected by PONANT in economy class.
Excluded
Travel Insurance
Personal Expenses
Flight costs (please request a quote)
Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
Visa Fees
Optional Excursions - Ponant allows you to pre-book your excursions approximately six to two months prior to the cruise* departure. Please note that this is subject to change. Please contact us for more details.
Any ground services before and/or after the cruise other than the ones mentioned
Luggage Handling
Laundry Services, Hair Salon, and à La Carte Spa Treatments
Pre or post cruise programs, overland programs or shore excursions
Beverages other than the ones mentioned in inclusions
CDP recommends that every Traveler has full and adequate travel insurance covering the risks of cancellation, assistance being required, repatriation, damages to and loss of baggage, and medical expenses
Map
When to Go
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Good to ideal period to travel, and many people choose to visit at this time.
Everything was amazing! The planning with Adventure Life went smoothly. The actual trip was fantastic! One of the best trips I have experienced. The cruise staff members were knowledgeable and attentive. I will be writing more about this on the blog!
Justin Chappelle
TrustScore 4.8 | 176 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 176 reviews on
9 hours ago
Adventure Life is always an excellent choice when planning complicated, extreme, or exotic vacations or expeditions. They provide friendly professional services and advice and are enthusiastic and encouraging in helping us to prepare and thoroughly enjoy our trip. They handle all the details which greatly reduces the stress of planning a difficult trip. I'm very impressed with Adventure Life and definitely recommend them to friends and family.
Scott Trochim
2 days ago
The response from Adventure Life to my first inquiry was prompt and promising. I worked with Jamie Broeckel, Trip Planner, via text, email, and phone calls- always extremely responsive and thorough with information and explaining the process to arrange a private tour for me to Malaysia Borneo. Within about week, the booking was complete and I made decisions because of Jamie's great customer service , friendly manner, and overall competence on behalf of the company's travel expertise. Now I have an itinerary, additional Trip Planner Assistants, several links for vital information for traveling to Maylasia, etc. Still many details for Sept. trip, but now the heavy lifting is done and I can enjoy the rest of the anticipation and research!! Thanks Jamie- you are amazing!!!!
Susan Campo
4 days ago
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
5 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.
