Music 
Guest Speaker 
Superior Stateroom Deck 3
15% Ponant Bonus
21 m²
3
3rd Lyric Festival at Sea
Málaga - Valletta
Dates:
02/05/2024
to
09/05/2024
days
nights on board
In partnership with RADIO CLASSIQUE and with featured guest Alain Duault.
RADIO CLASSIQUE and PONANT invite you on their third lyrical festival at sea. Enjoy eight timeless days aboard L’Austral, between discoveries of Mediterranean wonders and intimate concerts on board the ship.
Malaga, a sun-kissed city on the Costa del Sol and the birthplace of famous painter Pablo Picasso, marks the start of your Mediterranean musical odyssey.
Andalusia soon makes way for Murcia. You will arrive in Cartagena, a former Roman colony where there is still a majestic amphitheatre. As you roam the city, you will discover the many monuments reflecting its numerous influences and rich history.
You will leave the Iberian Peninsula for the African shores of the Mediterranean. You will follow in the footsteps of the Andalusian sailors who, in 902, crossed the Mediterranean to found Oran. “The radiant”, as it is dubbed, will be your gateway to Algeria, its secrets and its elusive poetry.
Algiers shines in the distance. From its legendary bay, the houses of its Casbah, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, seem to leap onto the Haussmann-style buildings of the sea front. The architectural styles mingle, the different eras find harmony, and the energy of the metropolis is captivating.
L’Austral resumes its journey to head for the Tunisian shores and capital, Tunis. Rome’s great rival, Ancient Carthage, is yours to discover as you visit its ruins, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Sicily, jewel of the Mediterranean, is the last port of call of this musical journey. Trapani and its ancient past welcome you for a dive into the heritage of the Mediterranean’s largest island.
Your cruise will come to an end in Valletta, capital of the island of Malta and former stronghold of the Knights of the Order of Malta.
Ref : AU020524
Your itinerary
A musical cruise in partnership with RADIO CLASSIQUE, with featured guests Alain Duault and an exceptional musical line-up. A brand-new cruise in the Mediterranean, from Andalusia to the Maltese shores via the...
View detailed itinerary
Your trip in detail
Choose your stateroom
Choose your stateroom
Superior Stateroom Deck 3
(21 m²)
From 4.880 €
15% Ponant Bonus
Deluxe Stateroom Deck 3
(18 m²)
From 5.290 €
15% Ponant Bonus
Prestige Stateroom Deck 4
(18 m²)
From 5.880 €
15% Ponant Bonus
Prestige Stateroom Deck 5
(18 m²)
From 6.170 €
15% Ponant Bonus
Prestige Stateroom Deck 6
(18 m²)
From 6.520 €
15% Ponant Bonus
Deluxe Suite Deck 6
(27 m²)
Fully booked
15% Ponant Bonus
Prestige Suite Deck 5
(37 m²)
From 12.290 €
15% Ponant Bonus
Prestige Suite Deck 6
(37 m²)
From 12.930 €
15% Ponant Bonus
Owner's Suite Deck 6
(45 m²)
Fully booked
Complete your trip
Complete your trip
Additional services
For more peace of mind, PONANT selects stays and flights then takes care of your transfers for your trip as well as shore visits before and after the cruise.
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LE BORÉAL
- New
L'AUSTRAL
11/03/2024 to the 26/03/2024
- New
LE BELLOT
LE PAUL GAUGUIN
- New
LE CHAMPLAIN
*Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability, and subject to change at any time. The category of stateroom to which this price applies may no longer be available.
Services provided
- 24-hour room service
- Inclusive Wifi internet access (availability dependent on navigation and latitude)
- Individually-controlled air conditioning
- Dressing room with shelves and closet
- Dressing table and hairdryer
- Dyptique Paris top-of-the-line bath products
- Minibar
- Nespresso coffee maker and boiler
- Electronic safe
- Direct line telephone
- Bose Bluetooth speaker
- Flat screen TV, international channels (availability dependent on navigation) and videos on demand
- 110V American (two flat pins)/220V European (round sockets with two round pins)
- Three ADA staterooms
Select your stateroom category
Joseph Calleja
Blessed with a golden-age voice that routinely inspires comparisons to legendary singers from earlier eras: Jussi Björling, Beniamino Gigli, even Enrico Caruso, Maltese-born Joseph Calleja has quickly become one of the most acclaimed and sought-after tenors today.
His expansive discography and frequent appearances on the world’s leading opera and concert stages prompted NPR to hail him as arguably today’s finest lyric tenor, and led to his being voted Gramophone magazine’s 2012 Artist of the Year.
Joseph Calleja kicks off the 2022/23 season returning to the Opéra National de Paris, where he sings Caravadossi in Tosca and later Don José in Carmen. Calleja’s signature role of Caravadossi also brings him to Barcelona, where the tenor celebrates his house debut at the Gran Teatre del Liceu (conductor: Henrik Nanasi), and to the Deutsche Oper in Berlin (conductor: Sir Donald Runnicles).
Besides that, Calleja sings Alfredo in La Traviata at the Bayerische Staatsoper. The tenor further follows the invitation to the Bayreuther Festspiele, where he performs Wagner’s last work Parsifal – a role debut for Calleja. Among other highlights of the season is Calleja’s Australia and New Zealand tour as well as his tour in Armenia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan.
Language spoken: English
Photo credit: ©Andrew Borg Carabott
Jodie Devos
After studying at the Institut de musique et de pédagogie de Namur, Jodie Devos won, in 2014, the Second Prize and the Audience Prize by the prestigious Queen Elisabeth Competition of Belgium.
Jodie Devos already performed under the direction of conductors such as Mikko Franck, Leonardo Garcia Alarcon, Philippe Jordan, Louis Langrée, Marc Minkowski, Christophe Rousset... and in productions by Romeo Castellucci, Denis Podalydès, John Turturro and Robert Wilson.
Among the outstanding productions of her young career, Die Zauberflöte at La Monnaie and at Opéra National de Paris, Les Contes d'Hoffmann and Les Indes galantes at the Opéra National de Paris, Il Barbiere di Siviglia, Le Comte Ory, Le Nozze di Figaro and La Fille du régiment at the Opéra Royal de Wallonie-Liège, Dialogues des Carmélites in Toulouse, Guillaume Tell at the Chorégies d'Orange and Die Entführung aus dem Serail in Monte Carlo.
Recently, she was Gabrielle (La Vie Parisienne) and Adina (L'Elisir d'amore) at the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées, Gilda (Rigoletto), Philine (Mignon) and Lakmé (Lakmé) at the Opéra Royal de Wallonie-Liège, Ophélie (Hamlet) at the Festival de Radio France in Montpellier and Julie Follavoine (On Purge Bébé !) in La Monnaie.
Among her recent and future projects: Hamlet at the Opéra Royal de Wallonie, On purge bébé !, a new piece by Philippe Boesmans in Lyon, Un Ballo in maschera in Barcelona, Lucie de Lammermoor at the Opéra de Tours and at the Opéra de Québec, Fantasio at the Opéra Comique, Dialogues des Carmélites and L’Olimpiade at the Théâtre des Champs-Elysées, L’Enfant et les sortilèges in Monte Carlo and, in concert, La Fille du régiment (Marie) at the Théâtre des Champs-Elysées, Mendelssohn’s Psalm 42 at the Teatro Carlo Felice di Genova, Mahler’s Symphony No. 4 with the Orchestre national de Lille, Carmina Burana with the Münchner Philhamoniker and the Orchestre National de Lyon.
Jodie Devos records exclusively for the Alpha Classics label.
Language spoken: French
Photo credit: © Marco Borggreve
Alexandre Duhamel
Nominated in the category « Révélation lyrique de l'Année » at the Victoires de La Musique Classique Awards, French Baritone Alexandre Duhamel is presumed to be one of the most interesting French singers of his generation. He studied at the Paris National Conservatoire and was a member of the Opera de Paris Young Artist Programme. He was awarded Le Prix Lyrique du Cercle Carpeaux and Le Prix de Association pour le rayonnement de l'Opéra National de Paris, which both reward the most noticeable young singer during a season. Alexandre made his debut at the Opera national de Paris in Gianni Schicchi and returned there La Fanciulla del West, Don Giovanni, Le Roi Arthus, Platée and Les Indes Galantes.
Engagements of the 2022/23 bring him as Alberich in Siegfried to Staatsoper Stuttgart, as Don Andrès de Ribeira in La Périchole and as Marcello/La Boheme to Théâtre des Champs-Elysées Paris and Opera Toulon, in the title role of Don Giovanni and as Don Alfonso in Cosi Fan Tutte to Versailles, as Golaud in Pelléas et Mélisande to Lille Opera and as Lescaut/Manon at Liceu Barcelona.
Highlights of his carreer include his début as Escamillo/Carmen at New National Theatre Toyko, Panthée in Les Troyens at Teatro alla Scala, Zurga in Les pêcheurs de perles in Salle Pleyel, Le Vice-roi in La Périchole at Salzburg Festival, Le Comte de Nevers in Les Huguenots at Grand Théâtre de Genève, Ramiro in L'heure espagnole at Stuttgart Liederhalle and Munich's Prinzregententheater, as well as Le Grand-Prêtre in Samson et Dalila, Paolo in Simon Boccanegra all for Opéra National de Bordeaux.
During his young career, he already worked with conductors such as Michel Plasson, Sir Antonio Pappano, Marc Minkowski, Philippe Jordan, Carlo Rizzi, Alain Altinoglu, or Jakub Hrůša.
Languages spoken : French and English
Photo credit : Marine Cessat-Begler
Antoine Palloc
Antoine Palloc was born in Nice, where he studied with Catherine Collard. From an early age, he specialized in vocal accompanying and studied with Dalton Baldwin and Martin Katz at the Westminster Choir College and the University of Michigan.
In his young career, he has already performed with such prestigious artists as Frederica Von Stade, Sonya Yoncheva, Norah Amsellem, Elisabeth Vidal, Nathalie Manfrino, Paul Gay, Annick Massis, Bruce Ford, Cristina Gallardo-Domas, Mireille Delunsch, Karine Deshayes, Patricia Petibon, Isabelle Cal, Elisabeth Vidal, David Daniels, Majella Cullagh, Brian Asawa, Anne-Sophie Duprels, Hedwig Fassbender, and Jennifer Larmore with whom he has recorded an album of American art songs (My Native Land) for the Teldec label and a DVD, Jennifer Larmore Live – VAI music.
His most recent engagements have taken him to the most known opera houses of Berlin, Nice, Toulouse, Lyon, Strasbourg, San Francisco, Rio, Geneva, Paris, Aix-en-Provence, Edinburg, Monte Carlo, Kennedy Center, Hanoi, Beijing, Liceu, Hong Kong, São Paulo, Amsterdam, etc…
Antoine Palloc devotes part of his time to teaching and regularly coaches master classes at the Opéra Studio Bastille in Paris, Strasbourg Opera house, the Nagaoka lyric hall in Japan, Tokyo Opera Studio, University of Michigan, University of Istanbul, Budapest, Monte Carlo…
Antoine Palloc also has recorded with Mezzo Soprano Isabelle Cals. Antoine Palloc is Musical director of the Jeunes voix du Rhin for the season 2007/2008 and he is musical director of l’Instant Lyrique.
Language spoken: French
Photo credit: Nikolai Schukoff
Marina Viotti
In April 2019 Marina Viotti was awarded the “Best Young Singer of the year” at the prestigious International Opera Awards in London. She also won the 3rd prize at the Concours de Genève in 2016, the International Belcanto Prize at the Rossini Festival in Wildbad in 2015 and was a finalist of Operalia competition in 2018.
After studying flute, Marina Viotti first experimented with jazz, gospel and heavy metal. She got a master’s degree in philosophy and literature, before she began her vocal training with Heidi Brunner in Vienna and con- tinued at the Lausanne University of Music in the class of Brigitte Balleys. She completed her studies with a diploma as a soloist and studied Belcanto with Raul Gimenez.
Marina Viotti’s first steps on the operatic stage after her studies took her to the Lausanne Opera, the Lucerne Theatre and, as part of the young ensemble, to the Grand Théâtre de Genève. She made her debut as Isabella/L’italiana in Algeri at the Rossini Festival in Bad Wildbad in 2015, and sang since in prestigious theaters such as Münich, Scala, Bolshoi, Bilbao, Zürich and the Liceu in Barcelona. Her repertoire includes Rossini’s Rosina, Isabella, and Cenerentola, but also Dorabella (Mozart), Olga (Onegin) and Elisabetta (Donizetti).
Next season She will debut her first Dorabella in September with maestro Barenboim, her first Octavian (Strauss) at la Scala and her first Arsace (Rossini) in Lausanne.
Marina Viotti is a sought-after concert singer. Her concert repertoire includes among others: The Seven last Words of our Saviour (Haydn), Beethoven’s Mass in D Major and Symphony No. 9, Kindertotenlieder (Mahler) with the OCL, Der Rose Pilgerfahrt (Schumann), La petite messe solennelle (Rossini), Verdi’s Requiem, El amor Brujo (De Falla) with the Ochestre de la Suisse Italienne, La Poème de l’amour et de la mer (Chausson), to name but a few.
Marina Viotti is regularly invited to festivals (Lavaux Classics, Solothurn Classics, Label Suisse) to present her recital programmes Love has no borders (duo piano voice) and About last night (cabaret) or duets with the guitarist Gabriel Bianco.
Languages spoken: French, English and Italian
Photo credit: David Ruano
Alain Duault
The novelist, poet, journalist, musicologist and radio and television presenter Alain Duault has been sharing his passion for and knowledge of classical music for more than 30 years. Considered to be one of the greatest opera specialists in France he is now President of the Prix Pelléas jury, and has been made an Officier de la Légion d’Honneur and Commandeur des Arts et Lettres.
Alain Duault studied literature, philosophy and psycho-analysis in Paris, then musicology and piano. His first TV appearance was as a guest of Bernard Pivot for his book of poems, Colorature. This led to a number of radio programmes dedicated to classical music, notably on RTL, the radio station where Alain Duault would be “Mr Classical Music” for 22 years, before joining Radio Classique with daily slots until 2018. A role that he also took on for the France 3 television channel, presenting a number of exceptional programmes (masterclasses with Ruggero Raimondi in the Salle Gaveau, Musiques en fête at the Chorégies d’Orange festival…).
In 1999, he conceived and presented Intégrale Chopin (225 works, 60 pianists), broadcast on France 3. Then in 2001, he wrote and performed an ambitious and very popular show, Verdi, une passion, un destin (with Jean Piat and 250 musicians). In the wake of this success, he wrote and performed two other shows: Victor Hugo, la légende d’un siècle in 2002 and Rencontre avec George Sand (with Marie-Christine Barrault) in 2004 and 2005.
Alain Duault also puts his writing skills to the service of classical music. The author of a number of books, including Dans la peau de Maria Callas, (Le Passeur Éditeur, 2014, pocket edition, 2017), Dictionnaire amoureux illustré de l’Opéra (Plon Gründ, 2016), Ce léger rien des choses qui ont fui, poetry (Gallimard, 2017), he also writes editorials for Classica.
Language spoken: French
Photo credit: Laurent Rouvrais @Radio Classique
Subject to withdrawal in case of force majeure
Ideal clothes for life on board:
During the days spent on board, you are advised to wear comfortable clothes or casual outfits. The entire ship is air-conditioned, so a light sweater, a light jacket or a shawl may be necessary. When moving about in the public areas of the ship and the decks, light but comfortable shoes are recommended.
Informal evening:
In the evening, you are advised to wear smart-casual attire, especially when dining in our restaurants where wearing shorts and tee-shirts is not allowed.
For women:
- Simple dress
- Skirt or trousers
- Blouse
- Polo
For men:
- Pleated trousers or chinos
- Sports jacket
- Shirt
- Polo
Officer’s evening:
For all cruises longer than 8 nights, an Officer’s Evening with a white dress code may be organized. Therefore, we encourage you to bring a stylish white outfit for the occasion (otherwise black and white).
Gala evening:
During the cruise, two gala evenings will be organised on board. Thus, we recommend that you bring one or two formal outfits.
For women:
- Cocktail attire
- Evening dress (if you wish to)
For men:
- Dark suit
- Tie recommended, possibly bow tie (if you wish to)
SHOP:
A small shop is available on board offering a wide range of outfits, jewellery, leather goods and many accessories.
A laundry service (washing/ironing) is available on board, but unfortunately there are no dry cleaning services. For safety reasons, your cabin is not equipped with an iron.
ACCESSORIES:
- Polarized sunglasses
- Swimsuit (for the Spa on board)
- Gym wear (fitness)
- Battery charger and memory cards for your camera
- Mobile phone charger
- Hat/cap
HEALTH CARE:
- Sunscreen and after-sun lotion
- Medications and prescriptions
OUTFITS ON BOARD:
- Casual outfits for the day
- Smarter outfits for dinners
- Elegant outfits for Gala evenings
- White or black and white outfit
PRECAUTIONS:
In your hand luggage, remember to bring any medicines that you need, and possibly a small spare bag of toiletries (in case of delay in the delivery of your baggage by the airline). Remember to always have your travel documents with you in case you need them: hotel vouchers, cruise vouchers, return flight tickets... Never leave them in your hold luggage.
All our cabins have a safe. We recommend not to go ashore with valuable jewellery.
PONANT activities
Radio Classique
Every day RADIO CLASSIQUE attracts over a million listeners with a promise to celebrate the best works in the classical repertoire by top performers, and bring classical music into the hearts of the greatest number of people in a welcoming and relaxed atmosphere. Radio Classique achieves this by employing well-known personalities with a passion for music, offering a varied play list from symphonies to film music, as well as interactive programmes and numerous live concert broadcasts.
It is these values which set Radio Classique apart, as an accessible, elegant radio station which is much appreciated by epicurean and discerning listeners ; values that are perfectly in tune with what PONANT’s musical cruises have to offer, under the artistic direction of Alain Duault. A truly unforgettable musical experience awaits passengers in the company of outstanding artists in an intimate and privileged setting.
Subject to withdrawal in case of force majeure
Highlights
- A musical cruise in partnership with RADIO CLASSIQUE, with featured guests Alain Duault and an exceptional musical line-up.
- A brand-new cruise in the Mediterranean, from Andalusia to the Maltese shores via the African coast, featuring exciting history and sumptuous scenery.
- UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the Casbah in Algiers, the Tipaza complex (from Algiers), the archaeological site of Carthage, the medina in Tunis, Valletta (disembarkation port).
- A dive into the ancient heritage of Cartagena.
- Three brand-new ports of call in the Maghreb, including two in Algeria, Algiers and Oran, and one in the Tunisian capital, Tunis.
- A port of call in Sicily with a stop in Trapani, former ancient city and jewel of the Mediterranean.
Ports of Call & Excursions
2 May 2024 - Málaga
Embarkation 02/05/2024 from 16:00 to 17:00
Departure 02/05/2024 at 18:00
A historical and festive town, Malaga is located in Andalusia, on the Costa del Sol. Between the marina and the beaches, the seaside promenade of La Farola offers an ideal setting for strolling and relaxing. Set slightly further back, the Malagueta bullring is one of the emblematic sites of the city. From the hill overlooking the old town, one can see Gibralfaro castle and the Alcazaba, two fortified ensembles rising out from the cypresses and maritime pines. To visit Pablo Picasso’s birthplace, you will go first to the courtly plaza de la Merced. A few streets back from here, you can explore the museum dedicated to the artist, in the Buenavista palace.
3 May 2024 - Cartagena
Arrival 03/05/2024 midday
Departure 03/05/2024 early evening
Surrounded by hills, the natural site of the Bay of Carthagena presided over the fate of this former fortress which has been home to the greatest European civilisations. Today, these Phoenician, Roman, Carthaginian, Moorish and Christian influences form a rich architectural heritage. Its Roman theatre is one of the most significant and best conserved in Spain. You will also be able to cross the landscapes of vines and citrus groves stretching endlessly towards Murcia, to visit this dynamic regional capital.
4 May 2024 - Oran
Arrival 04/05/2024 early morning
Departure 04/05/2024 mid afternoon
While it is impossible to fully capture the energy that Oran exudes, the city was a source of inspiration for great novels such as Don Quixote by Cervantes, The Plague by Camus, and more recently What the Day Owes the Night by Yasmina Khadra. Andalusian sailors founded the city in 902 and it continued to develop until becoming Algeria’s second largest city today. Dubbed “the radiant”, the city reflects its multiple influences, a blend of Middle Eastern, African, Mediterranean, and of course French. As you stroll through its streets, you will discover the Fort of Santa Cruz, the Hassan Pasha Mosque, the Sacred Heart Cathedral, the Mediterranean garden, and the magnificent seafront. Not far from there, in Sidi Bel Abbes, you may have the opportunity to visit a modern “khaima”, a traditional tent used by the Bedouins in the desert, and to discover Oran’s traditions and customs.
5 May 2024 - Algiers
Arrival 05/05/2024 early morning
Departure 05/05/2024 late afternoon
The beauty of the Bay of Algiers offers travellers arriving by sea an unforgettable view. The Casbah houses cascade down to the Haussmann-style buildings and the hustle and bustle of the Mediterranean city creates a unique atmosphere. Algiers the White proudly bears the traces of its history with its magnificent Casbah, listed as UNESCO World Heritage, its tropical garden called Jardin d’Essai, its Martyr’s Memorial, its imposing Basilica of Our Lady of Africa, and its lively city centre with its Grande Poste (main post office) and French quarter. Seventy kilometres (43 miles) away, you will have the possibility of visiting Tipaza, one of the most extraordinary archaeological complexes of the Maghreb, listed as World Heritage by UNESCO. Once a trading post of the Carthaginians and later the Romans, the ancient city is home to the Royal Mausoleum of Mauretania, a funerary monument providing precious evidence of what was once the Punic world.
6 May 2024 - At sea
Arrival 06/05/2024
Departure 06/05/2024
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 centre. 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. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.
7 May 2024 - Tunis
Arrival 07/05/2024 early morning
Departure 07/05/2024 late afternoon
At the crossroads of civilisations, the capital of Tunisia is rich in cultural discoveries. The ruins of Ancient Carthage, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and particularly well preserved, testify to the splendour of this city that was once Rome’s great rival. The hill of Byrsa, the former fortified citadel of the Phoenician port and one of the presumed burial places of Saint Louis who died there during the Eighth Crusade, offers spectacular views over the Gulf of Tunis. In the Bardo National Museum, you will be able to admire one of the world’s finest Roman mosaic collections, including the magnificent portrait of the poet Virgil.
8 May 2024 - Trapani, Sicily
Arrival 08/05/2024 early morning
Departure 08/05/2024 early afternoon
Bathed in the cobalt waters of the Tyrrhenian sea, Trapani is the former port of the Greek city of Erice, boasting a privileged natural position in western Sicily. As you wander through its little streets, you will discover a secular cultural heritage, bearing witness to the many influences of civilisations that came here: San Lorenzo Cathedral, Maria Santissima Annunziata sanctuary, the fountain of Triton. On the shaded restaurant terraces, savour some fresh fish from the morning’s catch. Or else you can opt for a seafood couscous, a culinary legacy from their Arab neighbours.
9 May 2024 - Valletta
Arrival 09/05/2024 early morning
Disembarkation 09/05/2024 at 08:00
The whole of the Maltese capital Valletta is UNESCO World Heritage listed and occupies a peninsula in the north-east of the island. From the fountain of Tritons to Saint-Elme fort, there are as many majestic streets as there are narrow staircase vennels to explore. The painted loggia and carved corbels on the tall houses will accompany you in your explorations, and you’ll rarely be bothered by traffic. You can visit the Grandmasters palace decorated with coats of arms and frescoes. Saint-John’s cathedral and the ramparts which have guarded the city since the 16th century are also among the most emblematic sites of the city. Arranged in terraces, the Barrakka Gardens will punctuate your promenade with a green and floral experience.
Cartagena and Roman theater
This excursion is the best way to immerse yourself in the ancient Roman city “Carthagonova” and discover the different aspects of the inhabitants’ daily life at that time.
From the pier, meet your guide and start your walking tour of the heart of Cartagena, a city proud of its millennial past, above all the famous Second Punic War: the confrontation between the Carthaginians and Romans.
Start your tour visiting the Roman theatre, one of the most emblematic monuments of Cartagena. This theatre played an important role at the time of Ancient Rome and had a capacity for 6.000 people.
Continue to the Conception castle, boarding a panoramic lift to the roof terrace, an integral part of lovely Torres Park, located on one of the city’s five defensive hills, offering breath-taking city views.
Before returning to the ship, you will explore the Calle Mayor, Cartagena’s major commercial and pedestrian street where you will have the opportunity to admire landmarks such as the Gran Hotel and the Cervantes House and enjoy some free time.
-
This excursion involves approximately 2 miles (3 km) of walking on cobblestone streets with some steps. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun. This tour is limited to 90 participants. The order of the visits may vary.
Total : 40 €
According to availability, price per passenger.
Horses of Spain
From the pier, embark your coach for a shorth drive to a beautiful Spanish finca, situated on the outskirts of Cartagena. Here, pure Spanish breed horses are bred and sent all over the world.
Upon arrival, visit the finca and learn more about Spanish horses and their natural environment. Dedicated staff will tell you about the horses breeding, livestock management and horse training. Observe a stampede of horses, a truly spectacular sight, while enjoying a local product tasting such as local wine and typical tapas.
Then, continue your visit of the finca before enjoying a short flamenco dance performed by a dancer and a horse.
Finally, get back to your coach for a short panoramic drive back to the pier.
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This tour involves walking 1 mile (1,5 km) on uneven and lawn ground and some steps. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun, with a hat. The horse show is performed outside and flies are expected. To avoid flies, you should not put perfume or perfumed cosmetic. Please be aware that there are long periods of standing as a limited number of seats are available in the finca.
Total : 120 €
According to availability, price per passenger.
L'Austral
Innovative design, sleek shape and profile, refined interior decoration, friendly, intimate atmosphere: French designers and decorators have managed to give this ship a unique style and veritable signature of its own. Combinations of fine materials, colours and tones harmoniously livened up with touches of bright colour, elegant lines, discreet and subtle refinement… everything has been designed to create a unique atmosphere onboard, a veritable personality: the chic style and naturally relaxing ambiance of a veritable private yacht.
Up to 264 Guests
132 staterooms & suites
145 crew members
Spa
2 restaurants
Decks
Music
Set sail on a musical journey! If you have a passion for classical instrumental music or opera, if you love Celtic melodies or jazz, treat yourself to a different and exclusive experience aboard a PONANT ship. On board or ashore, our guests of honour, including renowned artists, talented musicians and brilliant virtuosos, share their knowledge and their passion in an intimate and accessible manner during concerts or talks.
Guest Speaker
Aboard your ship, an English-speaking lecturer will enlighten you about the culture and history of your destination to deepen your knowledge of the origins of local traditions, the history of emblematic sites, and stories involving famous personalities and those of major historical significance. During on-board lectures or on your shore visits, this expert will be there to share their precious knowledge with you throughout your PONANT cruise.
Shore excursions, Pre/Post & Overlands
Cartagena and Roman theater
This excursion is the best way to immerse yourself in the ancient Roman city “Carthagonova” and discover the different aspects of the inhabitants’ daily life at that time.
From the pier, meet your guide and start your walking tour of the heart of Cartagena, a city proud of its millennial past, above all the famous Second Punic War: the confrontation between the Carthaginians and Romans.
Start your tour visiting the Roman theatre, one of the most emblematic monuments of Cartagena. This theatre played an important role at the time of Ancient Rome and had a capacity for 6.000 people.
Continue to the Conception castle, boarding a panoramic lift to the roof terrace, an integral part of lovely Torres Park, located on one of the city’s five defensive hills, offering breath-taking city views.
Before returning to the ship, you will explore the Calle Mayor, Cartagena’s major commercial and pedestrian street where you will have the opportunity to admire landmarks such as the Gran Hotel and the Cervantes House and enjoy some free time.
-
This excursion involves approximately 2 miles (3 km) of walking on cobblestone streets with some steps. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun. This tour is limited to 90 participants. The order of the visits may vary.
Total : 40 €
According to availability, price per passenger.
Horses of Spain
From the pier, embark your coach for a shorth drive to a beautiful Spanish finca, situated on the outskirts of Cartagena. Here, pure Spanish breed horses are bred and sent all over the world.
Upon arrival, visit the finca and learn more about Spanish horses and their natural environment. Dedicated staff will tell you about the horses breeding, livestock management and horse training. Observe a stampede of horses, a truly spectacular sight, while enjoying a local product tasting such as local wine and typical tapas.
Then, continue your visit of the finca before enjoying a short flamenco dance performed by a dancer and a horse.
Finally, get back to your coach for a short panoramic drive back to the pier.
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This tour involves walking 1 mile (1,5 km) on uneven and lawn ground and some steps. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun, with a hat. The horse show is performed outside and flies are expected. To avoid flies, you should not put perfume or perfumed cosmetic. Please be aware that there are long periods of standing as a limited number of seats are available in the finca.
Total : 120 €
According to availability, price per passenger.