Le Bellot, 8 Night A Symphony at Sea: The Musical Traditions of Ireland and France ex Glasgow, Scotland to Bordeaux, France

This cruise is part of a collection of PONANT themed voyages that are specially-tailored for English-speaking travelers who want to engage with the world. In addition to the usual elements of the PONANT experience, the listed price for these voyages includes transfers to and from the ship, talks and discussions aboard ship by world class experts, and a shore excursion or activity in each port of call that encourages guests to embrace the sights, sounds, tastes, and smells of the local environment and culture.

The cities and towns on this voyage to Ireland and Brittany are at the center of a fiercely proud Celtic culture that has flourished here since before historical time—a culture that has endured overlords and suffered famine and oppression, but which has never been subdued. Join us aboard Le Bellot as we sail from Glasgow to Bordeaux, discovering the sense of celebration at the heart of the Celtic tradition through specially curated excursions ashore and musical performances aboard ship from a group of world-class musicians led by Boston Pops conductor Keith Lockhart. Your musicians include pianist Jihye Chang, cellist Alistair MacRae, soprano Allison Pohl, violist Scott Rawls, violinist Wendy Rawls, and violinist Benjamin Sung.

Call first in Belfast, where possible activities include an excursion to Northern Ireland's spectacularly scenic Antrim Coast and the remarkable natural stone formations of the Giant’s Causeway; a visit to Titanic Belfast, a museum with state-of-the-art exhibits that tell the story of the ill-fated ship's construction and tragic end; or a walking tour of the city that ends at a pub where world champion Irish dancers and musicians regale you with songs that have been heard in Belfast's ship-yards, mills, and markets for centuries.

In Dublin, you may join a tour of the city focused on its long history as seen through the lens of its architectural monuments—from the 10th-century Viking Quarter and Christchurch Cathedral to iconic Dublin Castle, built in the 13th century and still an important government center. Or, you may choose to head to the Old Storehouse Pub where dancers and musicians, veterans of Riverdance and Lord of the Dance, will entertain and encourage you to join in their cèilidh.

The port of Cobh is your gateway to Ireland's second city, Cork, where you may choose to join a guided walking tour of the city center, encompassing both the stately architecture of the buildings along quays south of the River Lee and the bustling cafes, bookshops, and antique stores to the north. Or you may prefer a panoramic coach tour of the city followed by a trip to the village of Midleton, the town from which the extremely rare Irish whiskey gets its name, to visit the Old Jameson Distillery for a tour and tasting.

A day at sea with a performance from Keith Lockhart and friends is followed by a visit to the fiercely proud seafaring town of Saint-Malo—the lifelong home of explorer Jacques Cartier, and during the 17th and 18th centuries, a booming center of trade (and piracy). Enjoy a walking tour of the old city followed by a cider tasting and a performance of medieval and Celtic music. Alternatively, you may choose to spend the day on an excursion to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Mont-Saint-Michel, the stunning landmark that has served as a fortress, a monastery, a pilgrimage site, and a prison at various periods during its long history.

Another day at sea with a musical performance, brings Le Bellot to the port of Pauillac, on the Gironde, north of Bordeaux. Spend the final day of your journey touring the world-famous wineries of the Médoc, and sampling the wines at one of the many châteaux on the peninsula. Your voyage ends in Bordeaux.

Featuring innovative and environmentally-friendly equipment, elegantly designed staterooms, spacious suites with large windows, and lounge areas that open onto the outside, this new limited-capacity yacht boasting just 92 staterooms and suites will offer you a truly unique cruising experience.

As the first ship in a new series that remains true to the Ponant spirit, Le Bellot will embody the unique atmosphere that is the cruise line’s hallmark: a subtle blend of refinement, intimacy and comfort.

Aboard this ship that flies the French flag, you will experience the incomparable pleasure of an intimate cruise, with the possibility of exploring an ever-increasing range of destinations in an ethnic-chic ambiance with luxury service.

Experience a luxurious setting where the accent is on authenticity and passion for travel.

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...