Embark in Fredrikstad, a charming city nestled on the shores of the Glomma estuary. Known for its rich historical heritage, picturesque canals, and warm atmosphere, this fortified town invites exploration. Founded in 1567, Fredrikstad's old town features cobbled narrow streets lined with traditional wooden buildings, boutiques, and lively cafes.

Continue your exploration of Fredrikstad, where history meets vibrant local culture. Visit the remarkable Fredrikstad Fortress, offering stunning views of the city and the Glomma River. Discover the well-preserved ramparts that date back nearly five centuries and immerse in the city's captivating history. Nature enthusiasts can also explore the nearby hiking paths along the Oslo fjord, or venture to the idyllic beaches and lush landscapes of Hanko.

In the very north of Denmark, on the banks of the Limfjorden Sea, the Viking town of Aalborg opens its welcoming arms. A must-see is the Aalborg tower standing like a lighthouse in the middle of the town. At the top, a magnificent view of the surroundings awaits your visit. Several museums, including the Utzon Centre, propose a sample of local artistic creation. As far as shopping goes, the famous JomfruAneGade street and its district, include some of the most beautiful Danish fashion boutiques as well as numerous restaurants and cafes where you might try one of the country’s specialties such as “platte”

Included Excursion

AALBORG’S ANCIENT MONUMENTS AND ARCHITECTURAL JEWELS
Discover the charming old town of Aalborg as you stroll through its narrow streets, historic monuments, and redeveloped cultural neighborhoods. Visit landmarks like Jens Bang’s Renaissance mansion, Budolfi Cathedral, and the Monastery of the Holy Ghost. Explore the vibrant waterfront with modern architectural marvels such as the Nordkraft building and the Utzon Centre.

On the east coast of The Sound (Oresund), between Sweden and Denmark, Helsingborg captivates with its rich heritage and its beauty, with lush valleys and luxuriant forests. Walk along the cobbled streets of the historic town center of Helsingborg, where the charm of the old world encounters the vibrant energy of the new. Kronborg Castle, perched majestically on a hill, overlooks the city, evoking the era of Swedish kings and queens.

Included Excursion

HELSINGBORG, CITY OF HISTORY AND INNOVATION
Explore Helsingborg on foot, one of Europe’s most innovative cities with rich history and stunning natural beauty. Your guide will lead you through the city’s highlights, including Norra Hamnen marina, the Dunker Cultural House, the neo-Gothic City Hall, and the 14th-century Church of Saint Mary. Enjoy a stroll along Norra Storgatan’s charming half-timbered houses and finish at Kullagatan, Scandinavia’s first pedestrian street, with free time for shopping.

THE CITY OF HELSINGBORG AND ITS SURROUNDINGS
Explore Helsingborg’s highlights, including the medieval Karnan tower, Sofiero Gardens, and the scenic Palsjo Forest nature reserve, with visits to historic landmarks and a charming marina. Suitable for easy walking.

Discover Karlskrona on the southern coast of Sweden, between land and sea, spread over the small islands of the Blekinge archipelago. Its strategic position on the Baltic Sea made it the headquarters of the Swedish Royal Navy and its naval dockyard on the orders of King Karl XI of Sweden, in 1680. Constructed from nothing, the citadel has kept its architecture, whose coherence and conservation have today earned its listing as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its authentic colorful wooden houses facing the sea - which is never too far away - and its rich naval history give it an exquisite and unique charm. Do not miss this visit.

Included Excursion

CHARMING COTTAGES OF KARLSKRONA
Enjoy a panoramic tour of Karlskrona's UNESCO-listed city center before visiting Brändaholm, Sweden's most picturesque allotment gardens. Explore charming 1920s-style cottages and stroll through beautiful gardens. Savor a traditional Swedish "fika" with coffee and cake, then explore the historic Björkholmen quarter, known for its narrow streets and old wooden houses. A unique, immersive Swedish experience awaits with a visit inside a local cottage.

WALKING TOUR IN KARLSKRONA WORLD HERITAGE
Discover the naval heritage of Karlskrona, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1998, on this guided walk. Explore Stortorget Square, admire historic churches, and see the iconic Admiralty Clock Tower. Pass by the naval base, Shed of Wasa, and Ropewalk before visiting the Admiralty Church. Stroll to the Naval Museum to explore Sweden's military history, ship models, and the Cold War submarine HMS Neptune. The 3 km walk includes flat surfaces and cobblestones, so wear comfortable shoes and sun protection.

The former trading post of the Hanse, Kalmar is famous for its medieval castle, where in 1397 the Union between the crowns of Sweden, Denmark, and Norway was signed, to combat the powerful Hanseatic League. Located directly at the entrance to the port, this fortress surrounded by water, whose square tower dates from the 12th century, was then transformed into a Renaissance palace. You can discover the baroque historical center of the town and the charming narrow streets and colorful wooden houses of the Gamla Stan district. Opposite, the great island of Öland protects the city from attacks from the Baltic Sea. This lush green island with its huge beaches is one of the favorite summer destinations of Swedes.

Included Excursion

A DIVE INTO SWEDISH HISTORY IN KALMAR
Explore the historic town of Kalmar, Sweden, and its 16th-century castle set on a picturesque island. Enjoy views of colorful villages and wooded hills as you sail into the port. Visit the castle, famous for the Kalmar Union, and stroll through its English-style park. Continue into the charming town center, passing medieval landmarks, 17th-century wooden houses, and the grand baroque cathedral, before returning to the pier.

During your journey at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness center. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This journey without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, depending on the activities offered, or to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. It is a truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest, and entertainment.

The capital of Sweden occupies an archipelago in the east of the country at the junction of Malar Lake and the Baltic Sea. In Gamla stan, meaning “old town” in Swedish, you can stroll at your leisure in picturesque medieval streets until you reach the majestic Royal Palace. On the green island of Djurgården, you can visit several very different kinds of cultural centers: the Vasa museum is dedicated to a 17th-century three-mast, the ecomuseum of Skansen presents traditional customs, and the ABBA museum is dedicated to the legendary pop group. For a fantastic, all-encompassing view of Stockholm, you can take a ride in SkyView, a glass-encased sphere gondola that takes you to the top of the world’s largest building, the Ericsson Globe, a Stockholm landmark.

Included Excursion

STOCKHOLM BEAUTY LAND AND WATER
Explore Stockholm's highlights with a scenic land and water tour. Drive through the medieval Gamla Stan, passing the Royal Palace and historic landmarks. Then, enjoy a 50-minute canal cruise through Djurgården's lush parklands, Strandvägen, and beyond, discovering Stockholm’s natural beauty and cultural attractions.

STOCKHOLM CITY TOUR & VASA MUSEUM
Discover Stockholm's iconic landmarks on this guided tour. Visit the grand City Hall, renowned for its architecture and Nobel Prize banquet. Stroll through the Old Town, with its medieval charm and historic Royal Palace. End your journey with a visit to the Vasa Museum, home to a beautifully restored 17th-century warship, before returning to your ship.

This old Hanseatic city lies on the west coast of Gotland, a Swedish island in the Baltic Sea. Pass through the spectacular Visby fortifications and visit the old town, a UNESCO World Heritage site. You’ll discover the grand Visby homes of rich merchants as well as the lovely low wooden houses in the little cobbled streets. Don’t miss Saint Mary’s cathedral with its octagonal steeples, as well as the Powder tower along the fortifications. Make sure you stop over in one of the rose-adorned cafés; indeed roses abound in this town where you can taste one of the island’s specialties, namely saffron pancakes with red fruit.

Lying in the south-west of the Baltic Sea, the medieval village of Gudhjem, on the island of Bornholm, is one of the most visited and most popular villages in Denmark. As you stroll along its picturesque streets, you will fall under the spell of its varied landscapes, its easy way of life, and the authenticity of this charming town with half-timbered houses topped with red roofs, in the Danish tradition. It is here, along these charming streets, that the first herring smokehouses were built in the mid-19th century, attracting all the region’s fishermen. Tucked away in a gorgeous natural setting composed of rocky cliffs, dense forests, and beaches of white sand, Gudhjem will provide an unforgettable interlude where time will seem to stand still.

Included Excursion

NATURE AND VILLAGES OF BORNHOLM
Explore the charming island of Bornholm on a scenic drive through lush Danish countryside, coastal cliffs, and historic villages. Visit the impressive ruins of Hammershus Castle, stroll through Ronne’s cobbled streets, and stop for a photo at the 12th-century Osterlars round church. End the journey with a walk through the winding streets of Gudhjem.

THE BEST OF BORNHOLM
Embark on a scenic tour from Gudhjem through Bornholm's farmlands, visiting the renowned Baltic Sea Glass workshop. Explore Almindingen's Oesterlars round church and Hammershus fortress, Northern Europe's largest castle ruins. Conclude in Allinge, tasting smoked herring before returning to Gudhjem.

Connected to the far eastern side of Sealand island, a few kilometers away from the Swedish coasts, Copenhagen offers you the high color of Scandinavian capitals. You can discover the city's riches that weaves through the canal networks through the historical districts of Christiansborg and Nyhavn. Many palaces provide an apercu of Danish history. For eating, you can try out the smorrebrod, traditional Danish sandwiches made with ham, cheese or smoked fish.