Scandinavian Wonderland & Christmas Markets

HIGHLIGHTS

• With featured guest Julien Gueslin, chief curator and head of the Musée de La Contemporaine.
• A brand-new PONANT journey discovering the emblematic cities bordering the Baltic Sea during the enchanted winter period.
• Experience the magical period of the Christmas holidays with your family and savour the enchantment of Scandinavian traditions during the winter period.   
• Aboard Commandant Charcot, a luxurious and reassuring cocoon open to the outside world, take the time to observe unique landscapes during fascinating cruises, including one to the Stockholm archipelago.
• The enchantment of Scandinavian cities outside high season.
• Dive into the enchanting universe of the festive season as you wander cities of a thousand lights and discover handicrafts and local gastronomy in the aisles of the traditional Christmas markets.
• A magical overnight stay opposite the old town of Stockholm.

ITINERARY

Expedition code: CC021224

HELSINKI
Embarkation 12/2/2024 from 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Departure 12/2/2024 at 6:00 PM

Seated in the southern peninsula of Finland, Helsinki offers the buzz of a cosmopolitan city that has opted for both
elegance and beauty. Explore its historical centre where the soft hues of neoclassical buildings are juxtaposed with
spectacular modern constructions. The bustling Kallio district is teeming with boutiques and restaurants where you
can taste some local specialities like graavilohi - a sweet, marinated, aromatic salmon dish. Keskuspuisto park, a
stone’s throw from the centre, is a good place to sit and unwind.

STOCKHOLM
Arrival 12/3/2024 early afternoon
Departure 12/4/2024 late morning

Anchored opposite the old town, which shines brightly during this Advent period, you will be immersed in the
unrivalled wonderland of Stockholm as it prepares for Christmas - Jul in Swedish. Singing and music resonate from the
narrow and lit-up streets of the historic centre Gamla Stan. Share the Swedish enthusiasm for this time of the year
and indulge in a hot glögg spicy mulled wine at the stalls of a Christmas market, amidst the aromas of cinnamon and
ginger. In daylight hours, you will sail through the hushed decor of the Stockholm archipelago. A constellation of
skerries – islets and reefs that rise to the surface of the water - stretches over fifty or so kilometres (30 miles) in the
Baltic Sea. On the inhabited lands, bright red facades punctuate the blue-tinged landscape formed by the water and
the sky.

VISBY, GOTLAND
Arrival 12/5/2024 early morning
Departure 12/5/2024 early afternoon

Visby, a veritable Viking-era treasure anchored off the southeastern Swedish coast, is the largest town on the island of
Gotland. Take shelter from the wind behind the ringmuren, the 3.5 km (2.2 mile) long perimeter wall that encircles the
town, dotted with towers and gates. Dive into the history of this city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, through the
remains of the 12th-century church and Saint Mary’s Cathedral. Learn more by visiting the Gotland Museum, which has
many archaeological discoveries dating back to the Viking era. Wander the paved streets edged with cafés and
restaurants where you can try the local speciality, Saffranspannkaka, saffron pancakes served with berries and cream.
And if you visit a sheep farm, make the most of it to bring back a beautiful grey and curly sheepskin from one of the
island’s flock.

GDANSK
Arrival 12/6/2024 early morning
Departure 12/6/2024 late evening

Dive into the medieval atmosphere of Gdansk, whose red brick architecture reflects its Hanseatic past. Look at the
gabled houses, churches and galleries, admire the illuminated quaysides and enjoy its nocturnal buzz! At the
Christmas market, let yourself be carried away by the enchantment of the enormous Christmas tree and wander
among the delightful wooden chalets amidst the aromas of chocolate, cinnamon, orange and roasted walnuts. Oliwa
Park offers spectacular illuminations at nightfall. Its Cistercian abbey and its cathedral, home to a magnificent sculpted
wooden organ, are also well worth a visit. Finally, perhaps you will have the opportunity to make a nod to Chopin by
attending a private concert at the Polish Baltic F. Chopin Philharmonic.

AT SEA
Arrival 12/7/2024
Departure 12/7/2024

The unrivalled comfort of Le Commandant Charcot makes it an ideal cocoon for your winter cruise. The interior spaces,
opening wide out onto the exterior, were designed to let you easily reconnect with the surrounding landscapes. In
the spa, you will be able to relax during long winter evenings. The Blue Lagoon, an outdoor pool heated thanks to an
energy recovery system, the snow room, the detox bar and the uninterrupted outside promenade deck will enable
you to make the most of the pure air, at every opportunity. Finally, you will have the opportunity to take part in more
educational moments during conferences.

RIGA
Arrival 12/8/2024 early morning
Departure 12/8/2024 late evening

Considered the Art Nouveau capital, Riga captivates with its many contrasts. As you stroll through its old town, a
UNESCO World Heritage Site, you will appreciate its medieval architecture, its cathedral, the remains of old walls and the
narrow streets. Trace the origins of the Christmas market and the decorated tree invented here in 1510, in pagan
times. In the old town’s park, a stone’s throw from a giant tree, the stalls offer local craft objects like wooden
chandeliers, jewellery made from Baltic amber, hand-knitted gloves and Christmas decorations. Sheltered under a
wooden hut, warm yourself up by sipping some mulled wine accompanied by gingerbread.

AT SEA
Arrival 12/9/2024
Departure 12/9/2024

The unrivalled comfort of Le Commandant Charcot makes it an ideal cocoon for your winter cruise. The interior spaces,
opening wide out onto the exterior, were designed to let you easily reconnect with the surrounding landscapes. In
the spa, you will be able to relax during long winter evenings. The Blue Lagoon, an outdoor pool heated thanks to an
energy recovery system, the snow room, the detox bar and the uninterrupted outside promenade deck will enable
you to make the most of the pure air, at every opportunity. Finally, you will have the opportunity to take part in more
educational moments during conferences.

TALLINN
Arrival 12/10/2024 early morning
Departure 12/10/2024 evening

Tallinn unveils all its charms in winter, even if the days are short. Located in the far north of Estonia, this remarkably
well-preserved city of the Hanseatic League, a UNESCO World Heritage site, has a myriad of exceptional historical
monuments, such as the recently restored St. Nicholas Church. In December, the churches, shops, cafés and paved
streets shine brightly and the atmosphere is festive. Come and make your wishes beneath the luxurious Christmas
tree that dominates the Town Hall Square (Raekoja plats). At the Christmas market, you will find hand-knitted wool
garments and share the traditional glögi mulled wine accompanied by  spiced almonds.

HELSINKI
Arrival 12/11/2024 early morning
Disembarkation 12/11/2024 at 8:00 AM

Seated in the southern peninsula of Finland, Helsinki offers the buzz of a cosmopolitan city that has opted for both
elegance and beauty. In the historic centre, softly coloured neoclassical buildings mix with spectacular modern
structures. The lively district of Kallio is home to many boutiques and restaurants offering local specialities such as
graavilohi, pickled, sweetened and flavoured salmon. And the large Christmas craft market is the ideal place to unearth
Finnish design items.

WHAT'S INCLUDED

This is a cruise only offer with full board and regular inclusions that Ponant offers.