Le Lyrial, 9 Night From the Scottish archipelago to the Arctic Circle ex Rosyth, Scotland to Tromso, Norway

From the dreamlike landscapes of the British archipelago to the spellbinding rocky and snow-covered islets of the Arctic Circle, PONANT invites you aboard Le Lyrial for an all-new 10-day journey, discovering the natural marvels and age-old heritage of Scotland and Norway, lands of Celtic and Viking legends.

Departing from Edinburgh, city of history and labelled city of literature by UNESCO you will head for the Orkney archipelago and its windswept moorland landscape. Stromness, a small fishing port with stone houses, reveals a rich history of Vikings, merchants and sailors.

You will then reach Scrabster, Scotland’s northernmost port. Here you will discover wild nature, made of lush moors, and monumental granite cliffs where many bird species come to find refuge. In addition to its preserved aspect, the charming little town is distinguished by its rich history. It was on these hilly lands that Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother had the neo-Gothic Castle of Mey restored, after the death of King George VI.

Further north, Le Lyrial will sail towards the jagged Norwegian coastlines. Witness this breath-taking spectacle of vertiginous cliffs, immaculate coniferous forests and majestic fjords, and let yourself fall under the spell of these geological masterpieces produced by Mother Nature. Anchored at the entrance to the eponymous fjord and encircled by lush valleys, the picturesque mediaeval city of Trondheim, founded in the 10th century by the Viking King Olaf I, still retains traces of this opulent past, like its emblematic Nidaros Cathedral, an interesting blend of Gothic and Roman influences constructed at the end of the 11th century.

Surrounded by numerous rocky, verdant and snow-covered islets, your ship will approach the charming and historic Bronnoysund. A former Viking city, it is the gateway to the fascinating Vega Archipelago, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Formed of dozens of islands, reefs and isolated rocks, it is a veritable nature sanctuary for many colonies of seabirds, particularly eider ducks, during their nesting period.

The Arctic Circle draws increasingly close and this pristine nature unfolds before you. The deep blue water contrasts with the land and the season’s verdant vegetation.Your ship will then make its way south where you will witness the mysterious charm of the Lofoten archipelago. These islands have landscapes of surreal beauty alternating between sea, spectacular fjords, mountain slopes and bright-coloured huts on stilts.

Just north, at the gateway to the Vesterålen and Lofoten archipelagos, Hinnoya will surprise, captivate and fascinate. At the northern tip of this island, the fourth-largest in Norway, Harstad stands proudly in the centre of a veritable natural setting, between grandiose fjords and mountain chains that feature prominent curves. The former centre of power during the Iron Age, the charming city unveils its Viking culture through its picturesque alleyways and museums tracing this past, rich in legends, traditions and discoveries.

Your trip will end in Tromso, renowned for the architecture of its church, nicknamed the Arctic Cathedral.

Fourth ship in this superb series loyal to the PONANT spirit, Le Lyrial like her sisterships embodies the subtle alliance between luxury, intimacy and wellbeing which is PONANT’s signature. The elegance of her exterior and interior lines and her intimate size (only 122 staterooms and suites) make this a rare and innovative yacht on the cruise market.

Interoir Design:
We have been inspired by the destinations we visit and decided to create a subtle variation around a palette of blues. Ranging from the luminous delicate grey-blue of the Polar ice to splashes of the vivid turquoise blue found in Mediterranean coves, it also includes the blue light of the future pole star.

EXPERIENCE CRUISING ANOTHER WAY, DISCOVER THE MAGIC OF YACHT CRUISES.

Our mission is to transport you to mythical destinations and secret ports only accessible to small capacity ships.

To offer the delights of a French-inspired cuisine in an intimate environment - a discreet service where no attention to detail is spared - and unforgettable moments of relaxation on board elegant yachts of character.

To combine sophistication and conviviality, with priority given to authentic experiences, emotions and the ongoing quest for excellence.

Yacht cruises: more than a cruise, a privilege...

Attentive, professional, discreet and elegant, the fully bilingual service on board will meet your every desire. Our unique atmosphere is filled with a signature sentiment: a warm welcome from an experienced crew who are passionate about what they do, in the tradition of private yachting.

In the dining areas, our gourmet cuisine is worthy of top fine dining restaurants: exquisite wines are available, and menus are created with expertise by our skilled chefs with a French-inspired menu enhanced by specialties from our various ports of call.

Pleasure, enrichment, discovery: relax - we take care of everything...