The fire, frost and water symbolized by the red, white and blue of Iceland’s flag are manifested in this land. Reykjavik, or Smoky Bay, was so named in 874 A.D. by Ingolf Arnarson when he sighted the numerous hot springs on the Seltjarnarnes Peninsula. Today this remarkably pollution-free city is wrapped around a sweeping bay and has managed to retain its charming Old-World atmosphere. A pastiche of red-blue-and green-roofed houses together with the tall gray tower of Hallgrim’s Church dominate the skyline. In Old Town, many of the wooden buildings have been lovingly restored and stand side by side with modern timber and concrete structures. There are fine museums and art galleries; historic pubs present activity in late afternoon. The beautiful countryside outside of Reykjavik includes such natural wonders as volcanoes, geysers, glaciers, mountains and spectacular waterfalls.
Like the other ships in the PONANT EXPLORERS series, Le Bellot has been designed to provide absolute comfort for its passengers, even at the heart of the world's most remote and isolated regions. Racy lines, state-of-the-art equipment, a refined design, a softly muted and at the same time convivial ambiance together with a deliberately restricted number of cabins all contribute to the modernity of Le Bellot, a unique ship in the world of cruising.
Jul 29, 2027 - Reykjavik
The fire, frost and water symbolized by the red, white and blue of Iceland’s flag are manifested in this land. Reykjavik, or Smoky Bay, was so named in 874 A.D. by Ingolf Arnarson when he sighted the numerous hot springs on the Seltjarnarnes Peninsula. Today this remarkably pollution-free city is wrapped around a sweeping bay and has managed to retain its charming Old-World atmosphere. A pastiche of red-blue-and green-roofed houses together with the tall gray tower of Hallgrim’s Church dominate the skyline. In Old Town, many of the wooden buildings have been lovingly restored and stand side by side with modern timber and concrete structures. There are fine museums and art galleries; historic pubs present activity in late afternoon. The beautiful countryside outside of Reykjavik includes such natural wonders as volcanoes, geysers, glaciers, mountains and spectacular waterfalls.
Jul 30, 2027 - At Sea
Jul 31, 2027 - Kap Farvel
Aug 01, 2027 - Qaqortoq
Qaqortoq means "The White Place", and the town is the educational and cultural center of Southern Greenland. The sheep farms give this part of Greenland special character. Qaqortoq has a sculpture park "Stone and Man" made by 18 Nordic sculptors. The result is 24 sculptures and reliefs spread all over town. Greenland's only public fountain is in the town square. The square is the historical part of town, with many buildings from colonial times and a museum concentrating on Greenlandic culture, the Norse period and the history of Qaqortoq. Close to the square is "Brædtet" market where local fishermen and hunters sell the days catch. There are 2 churches in town; "Frelserens" from 1832 and "Gertrud Raschs" from 1973. "Frelserens" hans the lifebuoy and memorial tablet with the names of those missing from M/S Hans Hedtoft, which went down in January 1959. "Gertrud Raschs" has one of Greenlands most beautiful altar pieces made by artist Maria Haagen-Müller.
Aug 02, 2027 - At Sea
Aug 03, 2027 - At Sea
Aug 04, 2027 - L'Anse Au Meadow
L'Anse-aux-Meadows is the oldest European habitation site in North America. Led by Leif Eriksson, son of the Eric the Red, the Scandinavian Vikings crossed the North Atlantic in 1000 AD, becoming the first known Europeans to land in North America. Now protected as a national park, the historic site is set on the edge of the Strait of Belle Isle, across from Labrador, in a rough, rocky northern environment. It's a fascinating place, made special by the unobtrusive, low-key approach taken in its development. The Viking settlement includes replicas of sod buildings, complete with smoky scent, and there are also eight unearthed originals of wood and sod. There's an interpretive center to help make sense of things, and some Viking snacks might even be offered. Two-hour tours on a replica Viking ship are also offered.
Aug 05, 2027 - St. John's, Newfoundland
St. John's, a classic harbor city, is capital of Newfoundland. Old accents and customs are common, yet Saint John is still modern. The city recently celebrated its 500th anniversary as a modern city with preserved heritage and culture. It offers old world charm, unique architectural and historic landmarks, fine cuisine and many other attractions. Historic downtown features unique sites, such as Cabot Tower on Signal Hill overlooking the harbor and the city. The famous friendliness, hospitality and charm of the people of Saint John, plus the Newfoundland folk music found in many of the lively waterfront bars, ensure a perfect visit. A 3 mile Rennies River Trail cuts through the city along a wooded stream and ends at the only public fluvarium in North America, where in late October/early November one can observe spawning brown and brook trout in their natural habitat through underwater windows. The Bowring Victorian park was donated by the wealthy Bowring family in 1911, and resembles the parks of London after which is was modeled.
Aug 06, 2027 - St. Pierre and Miquelon, NF
St Pierre is the southernmost island of the territory of St Pierre and Miquelon situated in the North Atlantic Ocean south of the coast of Newfoundland. It is a French protectorate consisting of two small groups of islands principally St Pierre, Miquelon, and Langlade. The islands are mostly barren and rocky but are important for cod-fishing.
Aug 07, 2027 - Miquelon
Aug 08, 2027 - Cap-aux-Meules
Cap-aux-Meules is an unincorporated Canadian community on the Magdalen Islands in Quebec. Although small, this community has a lot to offer visitors, including kayaking, kite boarding, seal watching, lively shops, and friendly restaurants. Looking around the island visitors will discover a church constructed from a ship wreck, a church paying homage to marine life, and at Pointe herisse a modern lighthouse.
Aug 09, 2027 - St. Lawrence River
Cruising
Aug 10, 2027 - Tadoussac
Tadoussac/Tatoushak, a small village surrounded by hills conjures up wooded, rocky coasts. The charming beauty of the Bay of Tadoussac enabled it to become a member of the Select Club of the World's Thirty Most Beautiful Bays in l998, becoming North America's first official member. For more than l50 years, the village has been able to inspire local people as well as visitors and welcome, year after year, some 600,000 visitors fascinated by the beauty of this natural site and the wealth of its heritage. For an extended journey or a short stay, whether a nature lover, whale watcher, music fan, history buff or fine gourmet, visitors will spend some memorable moments in Tadoussac.
Aug 11, 2027 - Montreal
Montréal is truly an experience: old world charm, French joie de vivre and a modern style all its own. Montreal is a stunning city to visit and there is so much to see. Along the St. Lawrence River many people come to take a horse-drawn calèche ride through cobbled streets for romantic moments. Just miles away are the skyscrapers of the city as they tower above the city’s businesses and restaurants. Montreal is the world’s second largest French-speaking City. It's top ten attractions are: The Biosphere, Old Montreal, Biodome de Montreal, Musee d'Art Contemporain, Montreal Botanical Gardens, Chinatown, Notre-Dame Basilica, Insectarium, Cours Mont-Royal, and the Canadian Centre for Architecture.
Aug 12, 2027 - St. Lawrence River
Cruising
Aug 13, 2027 - Toronto
It’s been called “a city that works.” As the capital of Ontario and Canada’s largest city, Toronto has become a dynamic cosmopolitan hub known for entertainment, culture, sports, high fashion and big business. The city boasts more than 20,000 retail stores and restaurants. Yet for such a large city (current population is 4.4 million) it is miraculously clean, safe and friendly. Tourists are drawn to the charm of the Lake Ontario waterfront district, the high-rise splendor of the popular Yonge Street, and the trendy shops and quaint cafés along College Street and Queen Street. With a flourishing music and performing arts scene, Toronto is very popular with young people.