Cruising the Historic Cities of the Baltic Sea

From Stockholm to Copenhagen Aboard the 184-guest Le Dumont-d’Urville

A cruise offering from Smithsonian Journeys and PONANT

8 days from $7,570* July 18–25, 2024

Discover the rich history and culture of the Baltic Sea region as you cruise to some of northern Europe’s most intriguing cities. Experience the innovative architecture and design of Helsinki, and step into the past in the medieval old towns of Tallinn and Visby. Trace 20th-century history in Gdansk, during an exclusive presentation by Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Lech Walesa. Soak up local culture in seaside Klaipeda, Lithuania, and explore the islands of Gotland and Bornholm.

Highlights Include

Helsinki: Discover Helsinki’s renowned architecture and innovative design aesthetic on a city tour that includes Temppeliaukio Church, and meander through Market Square at leisure. Or take the ferry to Suomenlinna Island for a tour of its World Heritage-listed fortress.

Tallinn: Revel in the medieval charms of Tallinn’s World Heritage-listed Old Town. Visit Toompea Castle and the only intact Gothic-style Town Hall in northern Europe. Or delve into Estonia’s 20th-century history at Maarjamäe Palace, where an interactive exhibit traces the hardships of the Communist era.

Visby: On the Swedish island of Gotland, venture to Visby, a fortified center of the medieval Hanseatic League. Retrace the history of Vikings and merchants at the excellent Gotland Museum, and take a walking tour of the picturesque walled old city.

Klaipeda, Lithuania: Stroll among half-timbered houses in seaside Klaipeda and listen to traditional Lithuanian songs. Alternatively, venture to the World Heritagelisted Curonian Spit to explore a fishing village and the legendary Hill of Witches, or travel into the countryside to a family-owned bee farm.

Gdansk, Poland: Meet Polish statesman Lech Walesa to learn firsthand about the Solidarity movement that changed the course of history in eastern Europe.

Bornholm, Denmark: Spend today on the island of Bornholm, once a Viking stronghold. Choose to explore cliff-top Hammershus Castle, the fishing village of Allinge, a glassblowing workshop in Gudhjem, and the Østerlars round church.

Add a one-night extension in Stockholm or Copenhagen.

The Smithsonian Journeys/PONANT Experience Each cruise will feature two Smithsonian Journeys Experts and an included excursion or activity in each port of call. Our experts on this cruise are Professor of Russian and East European History Nadia Kizenko and Hugh Neighbour, a former diplomat with expertise in history, culture, and current affairs.

Cruising the Norwegian Fjords

From Bergen to Oslo Aboard the 184-guest Le Champlain A cruise offering from Smithsonian Journeys and PONANT

8 days from $7,185* July 20–27, 2024

Sail into the heart of the Norwegian fjords, discovering extraordinary landscapes of sheer cliffs, snowcapped peaks, jewel-toned lakes, and picturesque villages. See natural wonders from the Jostedal ice cap to precipitous Pulpit Rock, and venture to historic sites from Viking settlements to centuries-old ironworks. Opt for active excursions by electric bike or Nordic walking, and explore local music, art, and cuisine.

Highlights Include

Alesund: Admire Art Nouveau architecture on a city tour, encounter the marine life of the region on an excursion to the Atlantic Ocean Park, or explore this stunning city of islands by electric bike.

Norwegian Fjords and Glaciers: Venture deep into the fjord lands to the spectacular Geirangerfjord, and set out to explore a dramatic landscape of snowcapped mountains, verdant valleys, and glittering lakes. Then encounter continental Europe’s largest ice cap, exploring the edge of a glacier or riding a cable car for a panoramic view of the ice. Stavanger and Lysefjord: Explore Norway’s history at the important Viking site of Ullandhaug and the oil town of Stavanger, hear a recital at the 13th-century Utstein Monastery, or discover Stavanger the Norwegian way—on a guided Nordic walking excursion. Then sail the magnificent Lysefjord along iconic Pulpit Rock, rising nearly 2,000 feet above the water.

Arendal: Explore the fascinating Naes Ironworks Museum to see equipment that dates back to the 1600s and learn about the evolution of iron and steel production. Then visit picturesque Tvedestrand and enjoy free time to meander among the wooden houses of this “international book town.” Or opt to hike along the coast in beautiful Raet National Park.

Gothenburg, Sweden: During a day in Sweden, discover lively Gothenburg on a panoramic tour, and visit either the world-renowned Museum of Fine Art—one of the best in Northern Europe—or the Volvo Museum, where every model since 1927 is on display.

Add a one-night extension in Bergen.

*Pricing reflects a savings bonus ranging from 5% to 30%, based on the number of staterooms available at the time of printing. See our website for current pricing and details on the ship and deck plan. Book early for higher savings.

The Smithsonian Journeys/PONANT Experience

Each cruise will feature two Smithsonian Journeys Experts and an included excursion or activity in each port of call. Our experts on this cruise are archaeologist and geologist Peter Bobrowsky and Terje Leiren, a professor emeritus of Scandinavian studies and history.

Iceland Voyage: Land of Fire and Ice

Round-trip from Reykjavík Aboard the 184-guest Le Bellot A cruise offering from Smithsonian Journeys and PONANT

8 days from $7,910*

June 15–22, 2024

Encounter the geological extremes of Iceland, where glaciers and still-warm lava fields coexist, and emerald mountains give way to bursting geysers and waterfalls. On a voyage that includes some of Iceland’s most remote corners—including the Arctic island of Grimsey—discover spectacular landscapes imbued with mythology, encounter sea birds and whales, and learn about the resilient people who have made their life in these rugged lands.

Highlights Include

Southern Islands: At Heimaey Island, witness one of Iceland’s largest puffin colonies; see Mount Eldfell, with its still-warm lava fields; and view Surtsey, the youngest island in the world. Or observe belugas in a private sanctuary and learn about efforts to protect puffins. Snaefellsnes Peninsula: Arrive at the iconic cone-shaped peak of Kirkjufell and explore this mystical peninsula, from black-pebble beaches to charming villages set amid stunning lava landscapes.

Grimsey: Spend an afternoon in the Arctic on Grimsey Island, a birdwatcher’s paradise that straddles the Arctic Circle. Enjoy the often-mild weather to watch for auks, puffins, and more.

Lake Myvatn: Spend a day near cerulean Lake Myvatn, where volcanic activity—both past and current—is seen in the steaming geothermal field of Namaskard, the unique pseudo-craters Skútustaðir, and the surreal lava formations of Dimmuborgir. Another highlight is legendary Godafoss, “Waterfall of the Gods.”

Westfjords: Experience the beauty of this rugged region of mountains and fjords as you explore fishing villages and the town of Isafjördur. Learn about the area’s rich maritime history and fishing traditions at the Heritage Museum, and explore the turf-roofed fishing shacks of Osvör Maritime Museum. Or visit the abandoned whaling village of Hesteyri, set on the edge of Hornstrandir Nature Reserve.

Golden Circle and Reykjavík: Encounter some of Iceland’s most iconic sites: Thingvellir, home of shifting tectonic plates and the world’s first legislative body; the two-tiered waterfall of Gullfoss; and the geothermal landscape of Geysir. Then take in panoramic views of Reykjavík from the viewing deck of the Pearl.

*Pricing reflects a savings bonus, ranging from 5% to 30% based on availability at the time this catalog was printed. See our website for current pricing. Book early for the highest savings.

The Smithsonian Journeys/PONANT Experience

Each cruise will feature two Smithsonian Journeys Experts and an included excursion or activity in each port of call. Our experts on this cruise are astrophysicist Michelle Thaller and Elisabeth Ward, an expert in Scandinavian literature.