Cruise Description

Classical, contemporary… Join the dance on this unique cruise in partnership with the Paris Opera Ballet and exceptionally featuring two prima ballerinas, accompanied by several of the company’s dancers.

Over 11 days, come and experience an itinerary discovering Scandinavian history, with stage performances both on board and on land, dance and classical bar lessons, dance conferences, and screenings followed by discussions.

Throughout your journey, you will benefit from an excursion included per person per port of call, to choose from a selection offered by PONANT. During this cruise, discover vestiges of the Viking era from Aalborg; visit Sofiero Palace, a former Swedish royal family country mansion, from Helsinborg; or walk in the countryside through the villages of Bornholm from Gudhjem. The diversity of experiences on offer promises you intense and varied moments (to discover the full range of excursions, go to the itinerary tab).

From Fredrikstad, Northern Europe's best preserved fortified town, you will sail towards the southern part of Denmark, along the shores of the Limfjorden strait, to reach the city of Aalborg. Founded by the Vikings, it is home among other things to the archaeological remains of a circular fortress built during the same period.

You will then head for Swedish shores. Founded over nine centuries ago, Helsingborg is one of the oldest Nordic cities. Dynamic and lively, it shelters the remains of a rich historic past, like its castle, built in the 15th century, of which only the dungeon of its central tower, the Kärnan, remains.

Further east, find out about the history of Karlskrona. This city, whose history is intrinsically linked to the Swedish Navy, boasts exceptional UNESCO-listed architecture that is characteristic of late-17th-century European naval cities.

After a unique and brand-new port of call in the medieval city of Kalmar, where the union between the kingdoms of Norway, Sweden and Denmark was proclaimed in 1397, you will then head towards Stockholm.Built on water, the Swedish capital embraces nature, which is omnipresent there. Its blend of medieval architecture, colourful houses and trendy neighbourhoods makes it a particularly enjoyable city to visit.

Le Lapérouse will then sail to the Swedish island of Gotland and call at Visby, a site that was important for the Hanseatic League in the Baltic Sea around the 13th century. UNESCO Heritage Site, this once opulent city still has remarkably well-preserved ramparts, public buildings, merchant houses and warehouses.

Then your ship will chart a course towards the charming town of Gudhjem, on the small Danish island of Bornholm, which is greatly appreciated by the Danish for its variety of landscapes ranging from granite to great sandy beaches.

Your ship will finally reach Copenhagen, where you can explore its canals and historic districts.