From 2026, clients of tailor-made specialist Audley Travel will be able to experience two new cruise experiences as part of bespoke trip itineraries featuring the US and Australia.

Partnering with luxury operator Ponant cruise, Audley's new USA's Great Lakes and Western Australia itineraries take in both carefully curated land and cruise elements - from iconic cities, to lakes and coral reefs. Ponant's ethos is a perfect fit with Audley's personalised service, bringing together prestigious chefs, renowned interior design on-board, and an intimate cruise experience where the destinations as well as first-class service are at the heart.

Clients booking a land and cruise trip with Audley curate their own bespoke 'hybrid trip' to maximise their travel time and destination exploration, whilst travelling in comfort, luxury and style. Audley's specialists apply their personalised approach to itinerary planning to all elements of the trip, from helping clients choose the right ship, stateroom or suite and onboard experiences, to expertly crafting bespoke landside activities and excursions.  

The USA's Great Lakes with a Ponant Cruise

Land highlights include:

• Exploring the architecture of Chicago's skyline via a city tour
• A walking food tour of Milwaukee, sampling some of the craft beers and cheeses that the 'Brew City' gained its reputation for
• Discovering Toronto via a twilight bike tour and taking a trip to the CN Tower, the tallest tower in the western hemisphere

Cruise highlights include:

• A visit to charming Mackinac Island, with its preserved Victorian architecture and horse-drawn carriages

• Cruising along Parry South in the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve east of Georgian Bay, taking in varied flora and fauna, forests of conifers, rocky shores and clear waters with magnificent reflections that change depending on the time of day and luminosity
• Sailing the Detroit River taking in panoramic views of the largest city in Michigan
• Visiting Lake Erie and, from Port Colborne, exploring the spectacular Niagara Falls

Audley Travel's 15-day tailor-made The USA's Great Lakes cruise with Ponant itinerary costs £11,100 per person (based on two travelling) and includes flights, transfers, accommodation, activities and excursions. The itinerary features two nights in Chicago, two nights in Toronto and nine nights onboard a Ponant cruise. 01993 838755 / www.audleytravel.com/usa

Western Australia with a Ponant cruise

Land highlights include:

• Visiting Rottnest Island to discover the beauty of this natural reserve
• Discovering Margaret River, the world-class wine resort home to ancient caves, eucalyptus forests and un-spoilt coastline
• Exploring Broome's breweries and pearl boutiques

Cruise highlights include:

• Discovering Western Australia's pristine beaches by luxury cruise
• Exploring national and marine parks — Jurien Bay (the only major breeding area for Australian sea lions along the west coast), the Abrolhos Islands (three main clusters of islands known for their rich biodiversity and unique ecosystems) and the Montebello Islands (flat limestone islands cover more than 58,000 hectares of ocean)
• Looking for dugongs, dolphins or humpback whales in Shark Bay World Heritage Area, the first location in Western Australia to receive UNESCO status in 1991
• Swimming and snorkelling over vibrant coral reefs including Ningaloo Coast World Heritage Area
• Cruising the Burrup Peninsula, a unique outdoor art gallery, believed to be one of the best sites in the world to view ancient Indigenous art

Audley Travel's 20-day tailor-made Western Australia with a Ponant cruise costs from £14,920 per person (based on two travelling) and includes flights, transfers, accommodation, activities and excursions. The itinerary features three nights in Perth, two nights in Margaret River, 10 nights onboard a Ponant cruise, and two nights in Broome.  01993 838 810 / www.audleytravel.com/australia

ENDS