Study Voyage: Norwegian Fjords and Scotland
With French elegance and a spirit of discovery aboard Le Champlain
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Bergen → Glasgow (Greenock)
This seven-night voyage aboard Le Champlain, in association with Smithsonian Journeys, links the Norwegian western fjords with the Scottish isles. From Bergen the route runs via Flåm and Olden to the Shetlands and Orkneys and through the Inner Hebrides to Glasgow. The 184-guest Explorer-class ship bridges two worlds of North Atlantic history shaped by the Vikings of the west. Smithsonian experts accompany the voyage with lectures on Norse heritage, geology and natural history. Full board, beverages and excursions are part of the premium all-inclusive concept.
Route highlights
- Bergen: Hanseatic city at the gateway to the fjords, with the Bryggen World Heritage waterfront.
- Flåm: small village at the head of the Aurlandsfjord, terminus of the celebrated Flåm Railway.
- Olden: gateway to the Briksdalsbreen glacier at the inner reaches of the Nordfjord.
- Lerwick: capital of the Shetlands, shaped by herring fisheries and Norse heritage.
- Kirkwall: Orkney capital with the twelfth-century St Magnus Cathedral.
- Portree: principal village of the Isle of Skye, with the Cuillin range as a backdrop.
- Fort William: gateway to Ben Nevis, Britain's highest mountain.
- Glasgow (Greenock): Scotland's Atlantic harbour and end of the voyage on the Clyde.
Early booking advantage: Voyages in 2027 fill quickly - premium cabins are often reserved 18-24 months in advance. An early booking enquiry is non-binding and secures your preferred cabin category.
The Route
Bergen
7 nights
Glasgow (Greenock)
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Bergen · Embarkation
Bergen is the gateway to Norway's fjords. The colourful wooden houses of Bryggen on the harbour (UNESCO) tell of the Hanseatic era; Mount Fløyen with its funicular offers panoramic views over the seven-hill city.
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Flam
Flåm sits at the innermost end of the Aurlandsfjord - a side arm of the Sognefjord, the longest and deepest fjord in the world. The Flåm Railway, one of the steepest adhesion railways in the world, winds up through 20 tunnels to the Hardangervidda plateau. The UNESCO-listed fjord and the Nærøyfjord passage are among Norway's most spectacular experiences.
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Olden
Olden lies at the inner end of the Nordfjord in western Norway, framed by tall mountains and the glacier tongues of the Jostedalsbreen, the largest glacier on mainland Europe. It is a popular starting point for excursions to the turquoise Briksdalsbreen glacier lake, which has retreated significantly in recent decades due to global warming.
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Lerwick, Shetlandinseln
Lerwick is the main town of the Shetland Islands in northern Scotland and sits on a sheltered natural harbour. Stone houses, Fort Charlotte and the nearby Viking-inspired Up Helly Aa fire festival shape the town.
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Kirkwall, Orkneyinseln
Main town of Scotland's Orkney Islands, north of the British mainland. At its centre stands the red 12th-century St Magnus Cathedral, one of the northernmost in Britain, with the Neolithic stone circles of Brodgar nearby.
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Portree, Isle of Skye
On a sheltered bay on the east coast of the Scottish Isle of Skye in the Inner Hebrides, this small harbour town serves as the island's administrative and social centre. The distinctive colourful houses along the Skye Bay quayside create the town's iconic image.
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Fort William
Fort William lies in the western Scottish Highlands at the foot of Ben Nevis, Britain's highest mountain. The town is the starting point for the West Highland Way.
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Glasgow, Schottland · Disembarkation
Climate & best time to sail
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Air °C | 4 | 4 | 6 | 9 | 13 | 16 | 17 | 17 | 14 | 11 | 7 | 5 |
| Sea °C | 7 | 6 | 6 | 7 | 10 | 13 | 15 | 16 | 14 | 12 | 9 | 8 |
| Rain mm | 190 | 150 | 170 | 110 | 106 | 132 | 148 | 190 | 283 | 271 | 259 | 235 |
Long-term monthly normals · Reference: Norwegian coast / Scotland (Bergen)
Destination
Le Champlain
Le Champlain belongs to the Ponant Explorer class: 184 guests, Blue Eye Underwater Lounge, Zodiac fleet and equipment designed for the most remote waters on earth. Expedition and luxury - at Ponant, no contradiction.
In northern Europe, Le Champlain sails through the fjords of Norway, the Baltic Sea and along the coasts of Scotland - expedition routes with cultural depth.
The Ship
Cabins
Owner's Suite
The most exclusive suite on board, located on Deck 6. Separate bedroom, balneo bathtub, panoramic views, butler service and personalised attention from the crew.
Cabin layout
Prestige Suite with Balcony
Elegant suites on Decks 5 and 6. Separate living and sleeping areas, two dressing rooms, generous balcony. Round-the-clock butler service.
Cabin layout
Deluxe Suite with Balcony
Spacious suites on Deck 6 with a separate bathtub and shower, sitting area and a private balcony. Butler service included.
Cabin layout
Deluxe Cabin
Outside cabin with a large panoramic window on Deck 3. Ideal for solo travellers or couples. All on-board amenities included.
Cabin layout
Deluxe Cabin with Balcony
Comfortable outside cabins on Decks 3 and 4 with a private balcony. Convertible twin or double beds, shower bathroom.
Cabin layout
Prestige Cabin with Balcony
The most popular category: premium cabins on Decks 4-6 with a private balcony, sitting area and convertible beds. Unobstructed views of the destination.
Cabin layout
Deck plan · Le Champlain
Cabin prices
Prices per person in double cabin (suites: based on double occupancy), all-inclusive. Subject to availability.
| Category | Price p.P. | Status | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deluxe Stateroom - 3 | € 7.750 | On request | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 4 - 4 | € 8.550 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 5 - 5 | € 8.960 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 6 - 6 | € 9.440 | Available | Enquire |
| Deluxe Suite Deck 3 - 3 | € 12.980 | On request | Enquire |
| Deluxe Suite Deck 4 - 4 | € 12.980 | On request | Enquire |
| Deluxe Suite Deck 5 - 5 | € 12.980 | On request | Enquire |
| Deluxe Suite Deck 6 - 6 | € 12.980 | On request | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 5 Suite - | € 17.400 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 6 Suite - | € 18.290 | On request | Enquire |
| Privilege Suite Deck 5 - 5 | € 19.170 | Available | Enquire |
| Privilege Suite Deck 6 - 6 | € 19.170 | Available | Enquire |
| Grand Deluxe Suite Deck 6 - 6 | € 21.010 | Available | Enquire |
| Owner's Suite - 6 | € 23.180 | Available | Enquire |
Prices as of: 14.08.2026
Standard inclusions of the ship voyage
On board
- Schiffsreise in der gewählten Kabinenkategorie
- Vollpension an Bord: Frühstücksbuffet, französische Brasserie-Küche zum Mittagessen, mehrgängiges Abendessen
- Große Auswahl an Getränken in Markenqualität (Mineralwasser, Softdrinks, Wein, Bier, Champagner, Kaffee, Tee, ausgewählte Spirituosen)
- Inhalt der Minibar
- 24-Stunden-Roomservice
- Unbegrenzter WiFi-Zugang an Bord
- Ein Landausflug pro Person und Anlaufhafen
- Vorträge und Begleitung der Naturforscher und Lektoren an Bord
- Abendunterhaltung, Vorträge und Shows
- Zugang zu Fitnessbereich und Sauna
- Nicht-motorisierte Wassersport-Aktivitäten (Kajak, Stand-up-Paddle)
- Bei Expeditionsreisen: Zodiac-Anlandungen und Ausfahrten
- Hafen- und Sicherheitsgebühren
Not included
- An- und Abreise zum Schiff (Flüge, Bahn)
- Flughafentransfers
- Reiseversicherung
- Trinkgelder für Crew (übliche Empfehlung 8 bis 10 Euro pro Person und Tag)
- Premium-Spirituosen und ausgewählte Edel-Weine
- Zusätzliche, optionale Landausflüge
- Spa- und Wellness-Anwendungen
- Persönliche Ausgaben (Wäscheservice, Boutique)
- Tauchgänge
Frequently asked questions
How do I book this voyage?
Send us a non-binding enquiry via the form on this page. Our team replies personally within 24 hours with availability, cabin options and a tailored offer. No enquiry fee, no upfront payment.
What is included in the price?
The base price per person (twin cabin) includes the cabin in your chosen category, full board, all port fees and the onboard programme. Flights and transfers are quoted separately. 7 nights from EUR 7.490 p.p. With Ponant, selected wines and beverages at meals are included.
How many guests sail on the Le Champlain?
A maximum of 184 guests - extraordinarily intimate compared to standard cruise ships. The high crew-to-guest ratio ensures personal attention throughout the voyage.
Can the itinerary change?
Yes - all itineraries are subject to weather, port availability and the captain's decisions. This is part of the charm of small-ship cruising: flexibility allows for unexpected discoveries.
Are there specials for early bookers or solo travellers?
Yes. Early bookers receive discounts for timely booking. Solo travellers often benefit from a reduced or waived single supplement. Simply mention your preferences in the enquiry.
Is my booking protected?
Yes. As a German tour operator, ivent-sailing provides a travel protection certificate (Reisesicherungsschein) under German law. Your payment is fully insured.
What about flights and transfers?
We arrange flights and transfers on request as part of your personal offer. This allows us to find the best connections for your specific departure date and home airport.
Are there shore excursions?
Yes. All cruise lines offer shore excursions - from guided cultural tours to nature experiences. The concepts vary by fleet. We are happy to provide details on available excursions for your chosen voyage.
What water sports and activities are available?
Depending on the ship and route: snorkelling, kayaking, stand-up paddling, diving, and Zodiac landings (on expedition voyages). Many ships have a marina platform for direct access to the water. We will be happy to tell you exactly what is available on your voyage.
When is the best time to sail this voyage?
The best time to sail this route is May to September.
Non-binding enquiry
Your enquiry reaches a person familiar with this voyage and ship.
