Guest of Honour 
Event 
Guest Speaker 
Kid Explorers 
Superior Stateroom
21 m²
3
- Last staterooms
From sublime Istanbul to Venice the Serenissima
Istanbul - Venice
Dates:
04/08/2023
to
13/08/2023
days
nights on board
With featured guest the Paris Opera dancer Eugénie Drion for a new artist-in-residence project.
Kid Explorers Club in partnership with MAUD FONTENOY FOUNDATION.
Give in to the temptation of an exceptional cruise between the Bosphorus and stunning Istanbul, and Venice and the shores of the Adriatic Sea. For ten days, sail the Mediterranean aboard Le Lyrial between Turkey, Greece, Montenegro, Croatia and Italy.
Your cruise will begin in Istanbul, the gateway to the East between Europe and Asia, listed as World Heritage by UNESCO.
You will discover the volcanic island of Limnos, near the Dardanelles Strait. Protected during Antiquity by Hephaestus, the god of fire, this green and lush island has now become one of Greece’s major seaside resorts.
You will then head for the region of Thessaly, at the foot of Mount Pelion, in the port of Volos. Among the treasures of this region, you will be able to discover the Meteora, a magnificent set of sandstone rock formations listed with UNESCO, atop which monasteries were built.
On board Le Lyrial, you will travel through the astonishing Corinth Canal, a famous sea channel dug out by men in the 19th century.
Next Corfu, the most famous Ionian island, will reveal the hidden treasures of its Greco-Byzantine and Venetian architectural heritage. Do not miss the chance to visit the Achilleion, the luxurious neoclassical palace built for the Empress Sissi.
Your ship will chart a course north towards Montenegro where the Bay of Kotor, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, will welcome you for a wonderful journey through four mountainous gulfs where sheer cliffs plunge into a deep blue sea.
You will then head to the aptly named 'Pearl of the Adriatic', Dubrovnik, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Surrounded by medieval ramparts, its terracotta-tiled roofs, its palaces, cloisters and fountains are bound to impress you and will plunge you into the heart of Croatian history.
Then the national park of the island of Mljet, surrounded by a wildly beautiful coastline, will be the occasion for a timeless interlude in the shade of the green oaks and Aleppo pines, between lush vegetation and saltwater lakes. You will also be able to discover the mountain island of Korčula and its medieval city, where Marco Polo was born.
After a stop on the magnificent island of Hvar, the last stage of your trip will take you to Rovinj, giving you an opportunity to discover this city with Venetian influences. Moreover, it proudly bears Venice’s symbolic winged lion on the Balbi's Arch, which you can admire during a stroll through its picturesque town centre.
As a grand finale, your voyage will draw to a close in Venice the Serenissima and its lagoon.
Ref : LY040823
Your itinerary
With featured guest the Paris Opera dancer Eugénie Drion for a new artist-in-residence project. Kid Explorers Club in partnership with MAUD FONTENOY FOUNDATION. Presentation of the project and screening of...
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Your trip in detail
Our guest of honour
Eugénie Drion
“For this new artists in residence, sailing between Istanbul and Venice, we are delighted to be here with you and create living artworks to the flow of the water, lights, exchanges and ideas.”
Eugénie Drion
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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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*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
Eugénie Drion
After completing her studies at the Paris Opera Ballet School, in 2014 Eugénie Drion won the Prix Jeunes Espoirs and joined the company.
She has performed in major classical ballets like Swan Lake and Giselle, as well as global creations like Forsythe’s Blake Works I, and danced as a soloist notably at the Young Dancers 2021 evening as Bluebird (Sleeping Beauty) and the third shade (spirit) from La Bayadère in 2022.
In 2018, Eugénie founded the Independanse association of which she is co-artistic director. It is an artists’ collective that aims to promote classical and contemporary dance to young people and communities that do not have access to this art form. Organising galas and workshops in France and abroad, the association’s first project took place in Egypt in 2019 in partnership with the Cairo Opera and support from the Institut-Français. This collaboration with different artists from the partner country promotes cultural exchanges linked with contemporary artistic expressions.
As well as her career with the Paris Opéra, Eugénie Drion is passionate about innovation in the artistic field, and thanks to Independanse and the NFTs she is able to initiate and participate in collaborative projects.
Language spoken: French
Photo credit: Albane Drion
Florian Astraudo
Born in 1998 in the South East of France, Florian Astraudo's work and research interests lie in the fields of movement, performance, photography and music. After starting to learn dance at the age of 5, he obtained his National Diploma of Professional Dancer at the Paris Opera School of Dance. Performing on stage in iconic ballets such as Swan Lake, La Bayadère, Romeo and Juliet, as well as more contemporary works such as Crystal Pite's The Season's Canon, he was also keen to expand his body vocabulary and experiences and so left the Paris National Opera company in 2019 to move to Portugal. He trained in contemporary dance and performance art where he worked with dancers renowned in their fields (Gonçalo Lobato, Ricardo Ambrozio, Inaki Azpillaga, Tomislav English, Máté Mészáros, Isael Cruz, etc.).
With this new spectrum of mastery of movement, he moved back to Paris in 2021.
Professional dancer, choreographer, organiser of events and cultural actions around the body, composer, photographer, etc., it is as a self-taught and multidisciplinary creative that he never stops exploring new horizons and meeting the curious.
Languages spoken: French and English
Photo credit: Julien Benhamou
Nathan Bisson
Nathan Bisson was born on 12 December 1999 in Lyon. After several years at the Conservatoire Régional de Lyon, he joined the Conservatoire Supérieur de Paris, where he was awarded a prize in 2017, and then entered the Paris Opera Ballet School. He joined the corps de ballet of the opera in 2018. He danced the flower festival in Genzano during the young dancers' evening and took part in the entry into the repertoire of Pina Bausch's legendary Kontakthof. Taking part in galas at theatres in France and abroad has enabled her to perform a variety of pas de deux as well as contemporary pieces.
Languages spoken: French and English
Photo credit : ARR
Albane Drion
A final year student on a five-year art direction course at Penninghen, Albane Drion specialises in photography and videos. She contributes as an artistic director to Independanse projects and is interested in opportunities linked to the development of NFTs.
In 2022, she produced an edition of Parisian underground techno parties which groups a selection of photos taken since 2019 before, during and after confinements due to Covid 19.
She presents a free community in search of life, artists from the Parisian scene and short poems inspired by this environment.
As well as doing public relations for several techno music collectives, she is also artistic director of New Brain Underground whose Paris-based events are developing rapidly and have succeeded in attracting an engaged and committed community.
Her appetite for dance and music led her to choose this universe for her thesis and final diploma.
Language spoken: French
Photo credit: Albane Drion
Subject to withdrawal in case of force majeure
Eugénie Drion
After completing her studies at the Paris Opera Ballet School, in 2014 Eugénie Drion won the Prix Jeunes Espoirs and joined the company.
She has performed in major classical ballets like Swan Lake and Giselle, as well as global creations like Forsythe’s Blake Works I, and danced as a soloist notably at the Young Dancers 2021 evening as Bluebird (Sleeping Beauty) and the third shade (spirit) from La Bayadère in 2022.
In 2018, Eugénie founded the Independanse association of which she is co-artistic director. It is an artists’ collective that aims to promote classical and contemporary dance to young people and communities that do not have access to this art form. Organising galas and workshops in France and abroad, the association’s first project took place in Egypt in 2019 in partnership with the Cairo Opera and support from the Institut-Français. This collaboration with different artists from the partner country promotes cultural exchanges linked with contemporary artistic expressions.
As well as her career with the Paris Opéra, Eugénie Drion is passionate about innovation in the artistic field, and thanks to Independanse and the NFTs she is able to initiate and participate in collaborative projects.
Language spoken: French
Photo credit: Albane Drion
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
Kid Explorers
PONANT has joined forces with the Maud Fontenoy Foundation to run its Kid Explorers children’s club.
As part of its commitment to safeguarding the oceans, during your cruise PONANT offers an activity programme for children aged 4 to 13 years old to familiarise them with issues related to protecting our oceans. We have special educational kits, activity sheets and themed videos all provided by the Foundation.
Every day a team of activity leaders organises creative activities (crafts, painting, etc.), fun educational workshops, board games, introduction to meditation sessions and more, as well as activities specific to the cruise itinerary and number of participants. There are also activities ashore to prolong the experience for your Kid Explorers such as walks, treasure hunts and swimming.
The activity programme is available every day up to 9.30pm (and as an exception until 10.30pm on gala evenings). To best meet your needs, the schedule is adapted to fit in with your cruise programme. For more information, contact the team organising the activities.
Activity schedules are posted daily in the logbook.
Every child receives a welcome kit with gifts enclosed.
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Activities will depend on the number and age of the children who register and the weather conditions.
Parents or guardians must read the ‘General information on the PONANT Kid Explorers Club’ and sign a form authorising the Kid Explorers Club to look after their child on board and for outings ashore.
Maud Fontenoy Foundation
Since 2008, the Maud Fontenoy Foundation has been operating in France and internationally to protect our oceans. We organise educational activities focused on the environment for the younger generation and general public, with support from scientific partners and the French Ministry of National Education. The latter has made us responsible for its Sea Education programme and relaunch of the Sea Classes initiative. Our aim is both ecological and social: to protect the ocean and save people. We start from a strong principle that protecting the environment, particularly the ocean, is a humanitarian issue that affects all mankind, without exception. For us, the oceans are a powerful force, a potential for the future. Every year, 700,000 children benefit from our programmes.
"We will be creating tableaus captured in digital form to be part of an NFT (Non Fungible Token) collection. Details in the slow movement - a dancing image with subtle changes taking you on a voyage - will provide the framework. Some ports of call will set the stage for our images, imbuing each painting of gestures with a certain aura."
Eugénie Drion
Subject to withdrawal in case of force majeure
Highlights
- With featured guest the Paris Opera dancer Eugénie Drion for a new artist-in-residence project.
- Kid Explorers Club in partnership with MAUD FONTENOY FOUNDATION.
- Presentation of the project and screening of the previous project on the first day, discussions over tea, dance lessons and improvisation workshops, and finally a farewell show.
- Improvisation workshop: a guided meditation, a form of initiation to dance, leading to an awareness of the body and movement, through the rediscovery of sensations.
- A Mediterranean cruise combining breathtaking scenery and exceptional cultural visits as you discover five countries: Turkey, Greece, Croatia, Montenegro and Italy.
- UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the Meteora from Volos, the old towns of Corfu and Dubrovnik, Bay of Kotor, the plain of Stari Grad on the island of Hvar.
- Crossing the Corinth Canal.
- Sailing in the Bay of Kotor.
- Panorama of the Croatian islands: Hvar and Rovinj.
Ports of Call & Excursions
4 August 2023 - Istanbul
Embarkation 04/08/2023 from 16:00 to 17:00
Departure 04/08/2023 at 18:00
Located on the Bosphorus, Istanbul is one of the most beautiful of all Turkish cities. Named Byzantium when founded by the Greeks, and then Constantinople under the Roman Empire, this city is steeped in history and, for this reason, is a listed UNESCO World Heritage site. Located on Sultanahmet hill, the great Blue Mosque, the mysterious Hagia Sophia and the vast Topkapi palace and its countless mosaics, dominate the Marmara Sea. In the Beyazit district, the Grand Bazaar allows to discover elegant covered passages. A little further away, delicate aroma of loukoum and spices will draw the visitors’ attention at the Egyptian Bazaar.
5 August 2023 - Limnos Island
Arrival 05/08/2023 midday
Departure 05/08/2023 late afternoon
A volcanic island located near the Dardanelles Strait, Limnos was venerated during Antiquity. Legend has it that Hephaestus, the god of fire, had his forge here. Now one of Greece’s major seaside resorts, Lemnos offers its visitors many superb sandy beaches. It is also home to several archaeological sites, such as the towers of Kastro, an ancient acropolis fortified by the Venetians, or the neolithic site of Poliochni and the city of Hephaestia. Renowned for its olives, fruits, wheat and honey, and for the authenticity of its inhabitants, Lemnos is also known for the quality of its restaurants, ideal for tasting typical Greek dishes.
6 August 2023 - Volos
Arrival 06/08/2023 early morning
Departure 06/08/2023 mid afternoon
Volos, one of the biggest port cities in Greece, is located at the foot of Mount Pelion. According to mythology, Mount Pelion was a place of celebration for gods and heroes, and the home of the centaurs. The beauty of the place and the magical atmosphere that reigns here can indeed only have been inspired by the gods: the clear water that flows from a multitude of sources bathes the plane trees, apple trees, oaks, beech trees, gardenias, camellias, and hydrangeas that thrive in the fertile soil of Thessaly. Do not miss your chance to visit picturesque village of Milies in the hills, and to discover its traditional architecture.
7 August 2023 - Crossing the Corinth Canal
Arrival 07/08/2023 mid morning
Departure 07/08/2023 midday
The Corinth Canal cuts through the Isthmus of Corinth, turning the Peloponnese into an island as it separates the region from the Greek mainland. Inaugurated in 1893, the canal is a little over six kilometres long and enables merchant vessels and passenger to avoid a long 400-km detour around the peninsula. The two sides of the canal reach a height of approximately fifty metres. From the exterior decks, don’t miss this unique opportunity to watch the ship as it navigates along the narrow strip of water encased between tall, ochre cliffs. What an experience!
8 August 2023 - Corfu
Arrival 08/08/2023 early morning
Departure 08/08/2023 early afternoon
Named after the island, Corfu is the most famous city in the Ionian islands. Protected by citadel fortifications, its old city, designated UNESCO World Heritage, displays unusual Greco-Byzantine and Venetian architecture. Above the water stands Saint George’s church, looking uncannily like a classical temple. The picturesque Pontikonisi, a stone’s throw from the southern point of the town, is the legendary island where Odysseus landed.
9 August 2023 - Sailing in the Bay of Kotor
Arrival 09/08/2023 early morning
Departure 09/08/2023 mid morning
The long walls of the fortified city of Kotor unfurl before your eyes as you admire this medieval construction enclosed between the sea and the rugged cliffs from the decks of your ship. The still, deep waters of the bay plus the clouds of mist floating here and there create a surreal and magical atmosphere. Small islands with churches and fortresses built on them remind us that a proud maritime people has lived here for centuries, in this bay that forms a perfect natural harbour, used by sailors since ancient times. At the crossroads of Latin and Byzantine cultures, you will have the pleasure of observing the natural treasures of Montenegro during an unforgettable journey.
9 August 2023 - Dubrovnik
Arrival 09/08/2023 midday
Departure 09/08/2023 late evening
Emblem of the Dalmatian coast, Dubrovnik is magnificently positioned on a rocky spur. History is sovereign here, in this ancient city, now a listed UNESCO World Heritage site. You will perhaps be surprised by the proportions of La Placa, the central drag through the city. The sheer width of it can be explained by the fact that it straddles a former lagoon. The elegant houses along La Placa are built in the legendary travertine stone. At Pile gate, you will be greeted by the statue of the patron saint of Dubrovnik, and you can admire the coastline as you walk along the ramparts. But what’s inside Fort Saint John, adjoining the outer walls? A maritime museum and an aquarium featuring rare fish from the Adriatic.
10 August 2023 - Mljet
Arrival 10/08/2023 early morning
Departure 10/08/2023 midday
Discover Mljet Island off the Pelješac peninsula. Known for its national park and its protected forests, this Croatian splendid, pristine island offers many opportunities for walking with bays linked to two salt water lakes. On the largest lake, Veliko Jezero, a small island is home to an old Benedictine monastery.
10 August 2023 - Korcula
Arrival 10/08/2023 early afternoon
Departure 10/08/2023 late evening
This harbour town has a very special location, presiding on a spur on the north-eastern coast of the island of Korçula. The ramparts in its medieval district provide perfect vantage points over the Pelješac peninsula. To get there, you can take the monumental staircase in the Revelin Tower. Another way is to climb the steps in the shade of palm trees from the MorskaVrata (Marine portal). As you make your way through the little streets, you’ll see the bell-tower of Saint Mark’s cathedral rise above you. This landmark will help you locate the house where Marco Polo was born. The island also has some of its own famous wines like the red Plavac and the white Posip.
11 August 2023 - Hvar
Arrival 11/08/2023 early morning
Departure 11/08/2023 early evening
Off the coast of Split, Hvar will surprise you by its traditions that have not changed since Antiquity. The country’s oldest town, Stari Grad, is here on this Dalmatian Island. The town nestles by a cove on the north-west coast, surrounded by dry stone wall structures on the Stari Grad plains. These have been designated a UNESCO World Heritage site because they were built in the time of the Ancient Greeks. From these parcels of land come wines and olive oil manufactured manually. In the upper part of town, it is possible to discover hams and cheeses made by local producers.
12 August 2023 - Rovinj
Arrival 12/08/2023 midday
Departure 12/08/2023 late afternoon
Rovinj is located in Istria, a region bordering Slovenia. This becomes apparent as you walk through its old cobblestoned town. There are many monuments of Venetian influence here. If you study the Balbi arch, you will see the winged lion, symbol of Venice. The bell-tower erected beside Saint Euphemia Cathedral was designed like the bell of Saint Mark in Venice. From the top of the tower, you can scan the entire historical district. To absorb its quaint atmosphere, take a walk in the ochre and sepia-coloured streets leading to bustling squares and terraces shaded by canvas awnings.
13 August 2023 - Venice
Arrival 13/08/2023 early morning
Disembarkation 13/08/2023 at 07:00
Proud and eternal, Venice has reigned on its lagoon ever since the 6th century. You may think you know this city before even setting foot here. You will inevitably fall in love with the charm of the innumerable treasures of the Serenissima: Saint Mark’s square, the basilica, Doges palace, the Grand Canal and the gondolas. Yet, secret Venice is also waiting for you to explore its little interlacing streets and canals, to ramble through its squares and to push open the doors of its churches. The city’s extraordinary heritage shouldn’t stop you from enjoying a glass of Spritz and a few tramezzini.
Limnos boat tour
The best way to discover Limnos Island is by the sea. Admire the landscapes with romantic beaches, coves and bays with crystal-clear waters.
From the pier, board your private caique (traditional wooden boat) for a cruise along the coast of Limnos to the sandy beaches of the northeastern cape.
Your one-hour cruise will lead you to a beach where you can relax or swim in the crystal-clear waters of the Aegean Sea.
Finally, you will re-embark your caique for your one-hour sail back to the ship. Refreshments and snacks will be served on board.
- This tour involves few walking times with some steps. We recommend you wear your swimsuit under your clothes, bring a towel from the ship, wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun. Refreshment and snacks are included on your tour. Snorkel equipment is provided. The boat is equipped with toilets and changing room but not with a covered-roof. Sun chair and umbrella at the beach are included in your price. The tour is limited to 25 participants.
Total : 100 €
According to availability, price per passenger.
Poliochni archaeological site & winery
From the pier, board your coach and start your 50-minute drive to the east coast of Limnos, where you will find the archaeological site of Poliochni.
Here, in 1930, Italian archaeologists discovered seven different layers of civilisations, one on the top of the other. The Neolithic town predates Egyptian dynasties, the Minoan Kingdoms of Crete and even Troy, but was destroyed by an earthquake in 2100 BC and was never rebuilt. Poliochni is considered one of the largest early urban centres of the Early Bronze Age and the first city in Europe with a basic social and civic structure. It is believed to have welcomed a number of craftsmen as many gold jewels were discovered during the excavations.
Following your visit to Poliochni, you will proceed to a Limnos winery for a wine tasting accompanied with local snacks.
Finally, you will board your coach and return to the pier, a 30-minute drive.
- This tour involves approximately 1 hour of walking on uneven terrain with some steps. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun. This tour is not recommended for guests in a wheelchair or with mobility difficulties. The wine tasting is included on your tour. This tour is limited to 60 participants. If your ship calls at Limnos on the weekly closing day of the archaeological site, it will specially open for PONANT guests only.
Total : 75 €
According to availability, price per passenger.
Countryside hike
Get acquainted with the natural beauty of Lemnos by taking an approximately 5- to 6-kilometre, easy and pleasant walk through greenery, pleasant scenery, beautiful trees and mountains.
From the pier, board your coach for a 20-minute drive to Agios Dimitrios, the starting point of your hike. The hike takes about one and a half hours at a gentle pace, enabling people to enjoy the walk.
There are two small churches you’ll pass during your walk, which are always open and available for guests to have a look inside; one is at the beginning of the walk and the second towards the end of it.
Your hike will end at the village of Kondias, where you will have some time to rest and have a drink with a local sweet at a “kafeneio” in the village, before you board your coach for your return drive to the pier.
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This tour involves approximately one and a half hours of walking (about 4 mi or 6km) at a gentle pace. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes, protect yourself from the sun and take a backpack with water. Participants should be in good physical condition and have a level of fitness which allows them to walk the aforementioned distance. This tour is limited to 20 participants.
Total : 70 €
According to availability, price per passenger.
Relax at Plati Beach
Enjoy two and a half hours at Plati Beach, one of the best-loved stretches on the island.
Just a few minutes’ drive from Myrina, it’s got all the essentials – soft sand for relaxing under the sun and a crystal-clear sea for swimming.
Sun beds and umbrellas will be reserved ahead of time for your convenience.
You will then board your coach for the drive back to Myrina’s port.
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This tour includes transportation and a 2.5-hour package including a set of two sunbeds and one umbrella. The price is based on 2 persons per set; single guest will have to pay a supplement. We recommend you wear comfortable footwear, your swimsuit and a beach towel, and protect yourself from the sun with a hat and sunscreen. A beach bar is available for refreshments and ice cream (on a supplement basis). The tour is limited to 70 persons.
Total : 60 €
According to availability, price per passenger.
Spectacular Meteora monasteries
Meteora is one of the most imposing sights in mainland Greece: giant rocks in bizarre shapes, ranging in height from 100 to 150 metres.After disembarking, you will board your coach for a two hours and a half drive, leaving the port of Volos to head Northwest crossing the agricultural plains of Thessaly. You will pass provincial towns such as Larissa and Trikala before reaching Kalambaka, a small town nestled at the footsteps of the Meteora rocks.A short restroom stop with refreshments will take place there before continuing to the "monasteries in the sky" of the Meteora.
Once a monastic community with 24 monasteries, Meteora now consists of only five active ones. They were first built in the 14th century by monks who searched for a place where they could stay isolated and pray undisturbed from the rest of the world. Until 1920 most of the Meteora monasteries could only be reached by getting into a net and hauled up by a rope. Fortunately, steps were cut afterwards to all of the monasteries.
You will visit two of the most beautiful and representative Monasteries of the valley, where you will admire icons, mosaics and frescoes, old manuscripts, domed roofs as well as breathtaking views of nearby monasteries and of the surrounding area.
After your visit to the monasteries, proceed to a local restaurant in Kalambaka for a Greek lunch.Then, via the same road passing Trikala and Larrisa, you will return to the port of Volos to join your ship, a 2h30 drive.
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This excursion involves two hours of walking and standing with many steps. We recommend you to wear comfortable shoes and protect yourself from the sun. Appropriate clothing must be worn when visiting the religious buildings: trousers for men and skirts covering the knees for the ladies. The lunch and refreshment are included in your tour. This tour is limited to 150 participants.
Total : 135 €
According to availability, price per passenger.
Mythical villages of Pelion
According to Greek mythology, Mount Pelion was the place where the ancient Greek gods and heroes were entertained. It was also the home of the Centaurs.
You can easily understand why this place was chosen by the gods, once you have visited its picturesque villages (24 in total, only 2 villages are included on your tour). The villages are spread out along the slopes among chestnut and apple trees, with many springs of crystalline waters. Most of the villages have remained untouched over the centuries and the architecture of their houses is unique.
From the pier, embark your coach for a 30-minute drive to Portaria. Like many villages in Pelion, Portaria was developed around a monastery: the Monastery of Panagia Portarea (13th century). During your walking tour, you may admire the natural landscape, the cool springs, the mansion houses, the picturesque paths and the churches.
You will then continue to Makrinitsa, perhaps the most beautiful village in Pelion, and one of the prettiest in Greece. There you will stroll along the traditional houses, the old churches and the little shops with local delicacies. Afterwards you can rest and have a cup of coffee in the central square, under the shade of the plane trees. Apart from the view offered from here, you may also admire the frescoes painted by the famous painter Theophilos in one of the cafes in the square.
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This excursion involves between 30 and 45 minutes of walking on paved, narrow and climb streets with some steps. We recommend you to wear comfortable shoes and protect yourself from the sun. A refreshment is included on your tour. This tour is limited to 120 participants.
Total : 90 €
According to availability, price per passenger.
Corfu's local delicacies
The Old Town of Corfu belongs to the UNESCO World Heritage Sites list; it is a unique site, a maze of historical buildings and winding paved pedestrian streets dating back to the 18th century. During this walking tour, follow your guide to discover and taste traditional Corfiot delicacies while visiting local family-owned shops.
Your first stop will be the traditional 'Tyria Paramythias' store, whose owner still makes the original 'nouboulo' (olive wood smoked ham) and salami. Your second stop is at the traditional taverna of Sakis, where you will have the chance to try some traditional Corfiot recipes, like the spicy 'bourdetto', a casserole dish cooked with fresh fish and sweet paprika, served with fresh baked bread and local wine.
Continue your tour through the old town, past the Orthodox Church of Saint Sophia to the delicatessen shop run by Mr Papagiorgis, where you get to taste his fresh-made ice cream with kumquat or ginger-beer flavours.
Your walking tour continues in the serpentine-like streets to the Town Hall Square, past the historical town hall San Giacomo building and the Catholic Cathedral 'Duomo' of St. Jacob and St. Patrick. Visit the 16th century Church of Saint Spyridon dedicated to the patron saint of the island, renowned for its frescoes and the silver and gold gilded coffin that treasures the holy remains of the Saint.
Further down the street, at the local products shop 'Afthonia' in the neighbourhood, you will have the occasion to taste a unique locally produced kumquat liquor, made from a peculiar citrus fruit that only grows in a few parts of the world.
After this culinary experience, you can either continue your visit of the town and return on your own to your ship (time permitting), or follow your guide and return directly to the pier. The order of the various stops may vary.
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This tour involves two and a half hours of walking and standing on cobble stone streets covering approximately 2 km (1.4 mi). Wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun.
Total : 115 €
According to availability, price per passenger.
Corfu Town & Mon Repos Palace
From the pier, you will board your coach to Mon Repos Palace.
The Palace was built by the British Commissioner Sir Adam Maitland in 1828, as a gift to his beautiful Corfiot wife. It was used as the Summer Residence of the High Commissioners, while their official residence was the Palace of St. Michael and St. George located in the town of Corfu. Today Mon Repos belongs to the Ministry of Culture and the Municipality of Corfu. It houses a museum with mainly local finds from ancient Corfu.
Then, re-board your coach for a short transfer to Corfu city centre. Upon arrival, follow your guide through the narrow cobbled-stoned serpentine streets of the Old Town known as "kandounia" and charming little "piazzas" (squares) built by the Venetians in the 14th century. During your walking tour, you will pass by the arcades of "liston", the replica of the "Rue de Rivoli" of Paris and the Old Town Hall. You will also visit the Church of St. Spyridon, patron saint of Corfu.
At the end of the visit, you will return to the pier.
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This tour involves two hours of walking and standing. There are some steps at the Mon Repos Palace. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun. Appropriate dress is recommended to enter religious sites (shoulders and knees covered).
Total : 65 €
According to availability, price per passenger.
Treasures & panorama of Dubrovnik
From the pier, meet your guide and start your stroll through the streets of this medieval town.
Along the way you will visit, among other places, the Franciscan Monastery whose cloister ranks among the most inspiring sites of the city. The Monastery houses also the oldest still working pharmacy in Europe and the third oldest pharmacy in the world founded in 1317. It is still active and still offers creams manufactured according to ancestral recipes.
After visiting the monastery, you will go to the Assumption Cathedral built in the 18th century on the ruins of a church dating from the 12th century destroyed by an earthquake in 1667. This one might surprise you by its simplicity and the clarity of its interior, but its treasure is among the richest in Europe, with a unique collection of relics in gold and silver.
You will continue with the Dominican Monastery, soberer than the previous one, and its museum with a fine collection of Renaissance paintings, including the triptych of N. Bozidarevic representing Dubrovnik before the earthquake or the table of Titian representing Sainte Madeleine and Saint Blaise.
Other fine buildings will be viewed from the outside, like the Sponza Palace notable for its columned courtyard with elaborate stone carvings, Church of Saint Blaise, Onofriou's Fountain, etc.
Then, enjoy some time on your own in the Old Town, before proceeding to the Dubrovnik cable car. A short ride will take you up to the top of Srd hill from where you can admire Dubrovnik Old town, Elaphite Islands and Lokrum.
Enjoy a refreshment before heding back to your ship.
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This tour is mainly done by foot on cobblestone streets with some steps. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun. Appropriate clothing is recommended to enter religious sites: shoulders and knees must be covered. In case of religious office, the visit of the Cathedral will be cancelled. It is not permitted to take photos of the treasures. According to the period, some waiting time can be expected at the cable car.
Total : 75 €
According to availability, price per passenger.
Walking on Ston walls & oyster tasting
From the pier, board your coach for a 1-hour scenic drive along the Adriatic Road toward the town of Ston.
Ston was built according to the plans approved by the Dubrovnik government in 1335 and amended in 1370 and is considered one of the best planned and best structured cities in Europe. The walls of Ston were a massive architecture and construction feat. Originally 7,000 metre long (22,965 ft.), they consist of several parts; the Ston city walls, the Mali Ston city walls and the Big wall with its three forts. Its forts and towers are strengthened by 10 round and 31 square flanking towers, as well as 6 semicircular bastions. It took almost four centuries to finish these complex defence walls, as the builders had to adapt to the rough terrain and advancements in warfare technology. The walls were last used for defence in the 19th century, and today they are a priceless monument of immense architectural and cultural value.
Once arriving at Ston’s walls, you will start your hiking passing distance of almost 900 meters over demanding terrain with more than 250 steps before joining your coach for a ride to Mali Ston, the 'oysters capital' of Croatia.
Upon arrival in Mali Ston, you will board a local boat which will take you to oyster and mussel beds. Your host will welcome you on board and introduce you with oyster & mussel farming in this area. You will have the opportunity to learn about the oyster & mussel production as well as to taste freshly prepared oysters & mussels including mussel buzara (mussels cooked with wine, garlic and olive oil).
Finally, re-board your coach for a 1-hour return ride back to Dubrovnik along the old historical road passing through the old villages of Dubrovacko Primorje.
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This tour is an active hiking tour and involves approximately 2 miles (3 km) of walking on uneven and sloping grounds with over 250 steps. We recommend you wear comfortable hiking shoes and protect yourself from the sun. The tasting is included on your tour. This tour is limited to 40 participants.
Total : 80 €
According to availability, price per passenger.
Culinary traditions with Miloslavic family
During this tour, you will be immersed in the lively and nature-oriented daily life of the Miloslavic family. They open their doors and their hearts to share their way of life and their love for their land, and what it has to offer, with you.
The Miloslavic family is now composed of six persons. Pero and Marija, the parents, and their 4 daughters Nevia, Mara, Pere and Nika. Pero's father was among the first in the civil parish to have the OPG label, which stands for "Obiteljsko poljoprivredno gospodarstvo" (literally translates to a family farm, and more specifically an agricultural business made up of members of the same family), and Pero inherited it. This tradition has continued, and our hosts have passed it on to their 4 daughters. Today, you will be part of the family.
Away from the habitual kitchens and regular restaurants, discover the local cuisine full of homemade olive oil, wines, seasonal vegetables, homemade prosciutto and pancetta.
With the help of the Miloslavic family, you will prepare savoury meals, full of heritage and tastes of the Dubrovnik region. In this unique cooking class, you will learn how to appreciate each of the ingredients to their fullest, how to treat them, and how to savour their essence. The menu depends as much on the availability of ingredients. You will have the opportunity to get know and appreciate all the flavours of this cuisine using all your senses, in the comfortable setting of the rural family home.
Their farming philosophy meets the needs of existing and future generations, while also ensuring profitability, environmental health, and social and economic equity.
At the end of your experience, you will get acquainted with the Dubrovnik region with the help of locals, who are not only passionate about what they do for living, but also just as passionate about the land where they live.
Finally, it will be time to head back to your ship.
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This tour involves very few walking but on uneven and cobblestone paths with some steps. We recommend you wear comfortable shoes and protect yourself from the sun. Tastings are included in the tour.
Total : 220 €
According to availability, price per passenger.
Elafiti Islands by speedboat and lunch
From the pier, you will board a speedboat and start a 30-minute scenic cruise along the walled city towards the Elaphite Islands.
You will sail along the Elaphite Islands discovering this preserved natural beauty with its cliffs and sea caves. This tiny archipelago, full of history and legends, has been inhabited for many years.
You will visit Kolocep Island, the closest to Dubrovnik. Kolocep, the smallest of the three main Elafiti islands, is covered from east to west with a pine forest whose branches descend to the surface of the sea. Here, you will enjoy a refreshment before sailing to Lopud Island.
The “middle” island of the Elafiti trio, Lopud is home to just over 200 people although is considered the most developed of the three islands. This island houses many ruins from all periods.
Enjoy lunch served in front of the sea, then you will have 2 hours of free time to stroll or relax on a beach.
You will get back to you ship after 30 minutes of sailing.
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We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes, wear your swimsuit under your clothes and take a towel from the ship. The time spent on the island is free, sunbeds and umbrellas are not included in the price. Lunch is included on your tour. This tour is limited to 36 participants.
Total : 200 €
According to availability, price per passenger.
The history of Korcula
Built on a peninsula, the streets of Korcula are organised around its main artery according to a "fishbone" plan drawn in the 13th century. To overcome the lack of space within the walls of the old town, squares are small, houses are narrow, churches and public buildings are constructed vertically. Fully fortified in the 16th century; its walls were destroyed in the 19th century and only a section of a wall still faces the harbour.
From the pier, meet your guide and start your walking tour of the old town.
Your first visit will be the Bishop’s Palace and its Icon museum. The museum contains a unique collection of Byzantine Icons from the 13th to the 15th century and ceremonial pieces from the 17th and 18th centuries. The collection is primarily from Korcula sailors, who acquired the pieces on their journeys, especially to Crete, in the 17th and 18th centuries.
Then, you will discover Saint Mark’s Cathedral. This cathedral is probably the most important building in Korcula Old Town. Completed in the 15th century at the place of another church from 13th century, it is built in Gothic-Renaissance style. It was erected by local masters and craftsmen of stone masonry, very well known for their Renaissance and Baroque pieces in Dubrovnik and Venice.
Continue your exploration with the visit of the Korcula Town Museum. Facing the cathedral, the museum is housed in Gabrielis palace, a 3-storey building with basement and attic built between the 15th and 16th century. The museum presents various collections covering the history and culture of the town from the Ancient times to nowadays.
During your walking tour, you can see the monumental staircase which joins the Revelin Tower. This 14th century portal and its 15th century Revelin tower frame the only land access to the walled Old Town. The gate is embellished on the inside with a sculpture of Saint Mark's lion over its arch.
Finally, you will have the choice between following your guide to join your ship or strolling on your own.
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This tour involves approximately 1 mile (1.5 km) of walking on narrow streets with some steps. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun. The order of sites visits may vary.
Total : 30 €
According to availability, price per passenger.
Korcula hiking tour
Board your mini-van for the ride to Zrnovo where your adventure begins. Experience the unique combination of the sea and the mountains.
Walking across the lively Korcula region, the trail takes you through vineyards and Mediterranean forest. Short breaks are made occasionally in order for the tour guide to introduce you to the historical and natural characteristics of Korcula Island.
During your hike you will see beautiful views on the peninsula of Peljesac and enjoy protected areas. After hiking you will take a break in the Agroturizam Grubinjac venue, where you will have the opportunity to taste a local snack. Your tour will end with a slight downhill walk back to the ship.
- This strenuous hike involves approximately 3 miles (4.5 km) during 2h30 – 3h00 of walking over uneven surfaces, climbing, gravel and steps. We recommend you wear comfortable shoes and protect yourself from the sun. This tour is only conducted in English. There is only a short van transfer to the start of the hike, from there it is a hiking tour all the way back to the ship. Itinerary might be reversed.
Total : 50 €
According to availability, price per passenger.
Sea kayaking
From the pier, you will walk 15 minutes to join the kayak centre.
Your tour will allow you to combine shore-side and offshore visits. You will have the chance to paddle and swim across the exotic coastal scenery of the small islands.
After receiving your safety instructions, board your kayak and start your adventure towards hidden coves and secluded pebble beaches.
Then, you will head to a beach for some time to relax or go for a refreshing swim while a local snack and a refreshment will be served.
Finally, you will head back to your ship.
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Children under the age of 12 and pregnant women may not participate. Participants must be good swimmers and physically fit. Please take a hat, sunglasses, shoes that can get wet, a towel from the ship, your reusable bottle and sunscreen. Please wear your swimwear under your clothes as there are no changing facilities or toilets available. You will be required to wear a life jacket. Waterproof compartments are available to store your belongings, however please keep these to a minimum. This tour is limited to 24 participants. 2-seater kayaks are available.
Total : 65 €
According to availability, price per passenger.
Hvar & its religious heritage
This small and charming town is located around a natural port and it is undoubtedly one of the most famous seaside resorts of Dalmatian coast.
A lot of splendid monuments as the Cathedral, the ancient Arsenal and different palaces are bearing witness to a rich history of Gothic and Renaissance arts.
From the pier, follow your guide through narrow tiny streets to the 15th century Franciscan Monastery. The cloister with its rounded arches and a well in the middle dominates the Renaissance monastery. The former spacious refectory and a small, adjacent room have been turned into the monastery museum. Along with a collection of old books and coins, the famous "Last Supper", a work belonging to the Venetian School of Palma the Younger from the end of the 16th century, has the strongest claims on the attention of the numerous visitors.
After crossing the main square, you will pass by the Cathedral of Saint Stephan (outside visit). It was built in stages during the 16th and 17th centuries, while the interior was not wholly completed until the 18th century. From outside, it has the characteristics of the Renaissance style and inside the baroque style.
Then, you will visit the Benedictine Monastery, which holds a rich collection of lace made of agave leaves.
After this walking tour you may follow your guide back to the pier or stay in town for some time at leisure.
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This excursion involves 2 hours of walking, covering approximately 1 mile (1.5 km) over cobblestone streets and some steps. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun. Appropriate dress is recommended to enter religious sites (shoulders and knees must be covered).
Total : 40 €
According to availability, price per passenger.
Hvar highlights by VW Beetle
From the pier, follow your guide on a 30-minute walking tour of the old town on the way to the parking area, where you will meet up with your convoy leader.
The Volkswagen beetles are the old model and have all been restored by this family owned company. After a safety briefing, follow the lead car on a 3-hour drive through Hvar’s hinterland discovering abandoned villages and learning about their rich history. Enjoy the panoramic views from the Fortica fortress dominating Hvar offering breathtaking views over the old harbour and outlying islands.
Follow your guide on a walking tour of Stari Grad, the second largest town on Hvar and one of the oldest towns in Europe. Stari Grad was originally named Faros by the Greek settlers, it lies on the north side of the island and it is known as the most fertile plain, farmed since pre-historic times. This most ancient part of Stari Grad falls within the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Finally, you will head back to your ship.
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The driver must be at least 21 years old and present a valid driver’s license and will be asked to sign a waiver. The vehicles are manual shift, open top, and 2-door. The roads you will be driving on are mainly asphalted, there is no off-roading. There will be a lead car and a car in the back closing the convoy. We recommend you wear a hat and protect yourself from the sun. The minimum to operate this tour is 3 cars. This excursion is not recommanded for children.
Total : 250 €
According to availability, price per passenger.
Porec and its Basilica
From the pier, board your coach and start your 45-minute scenic drive to Porec.
Once arriving, you will start your walking tour of the old town.
You will begin with the Episcopal Complex of the Euphrasian Basilica in the historic centre of Porec. The group of religious monuments in Porec, where Christianity was established as early as the 4th century, constitutes the most complete surviving complex of its type. The basilica, atrium, baptistery and Episcopal palace are outstanding examples of religious architecture, while the basilica itself combines classical and Byzantine elements.
This complex was enrolled in the UNESCO World Heritage list in 1997.
After the visit to the Episcopal Complex, you will have some free time in Porec before rejoining your coach for the drive back to Rovinj.
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This excursion involves around 1.5 miles (2 km) of walking on cobblestone ground with some steps. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun. Appropriate dress is recommended to enter religious sites (shoulders and knees must be covered).
Total : 45 €
According to availability, price per passenger.
Rovinj & its cathedral
From the pier, follow your guide and start your walking tour of the historical centre of Rovinj. The historical centre is almost entirely built on a rocky island and connected to the mainland since the 13th century. During your tour, you will discover the Venetian influence and its rich cultural legacy, omnipresent in the architecture of the tall houses with warm red tiled roofs and the narrow streets intersected by covered passageways and archways, decorated with ancient frescoes.
The highlight of your visit will most certainly be the Church of Saint Euphemia, a prestigious building dating from the 8th century. Its 63-metre high bell tower rises out of the city centre, and is the most remarked symbol in the Istria region.
Built on the ancient ruins of a Roman church, it was altered in the 17th century in the Baroque style, and houses the relics of Saint Euphemia. They were brought from Constantinople in the 9th century for their safekeeping in a marble sarcophagus. There is also a mural depicting the life and the martyrdom of the saint. Every year on 16 September, the faithful gather around her tomb.
The church contains several treasures and works of art like Gothic statues from the 15th century and paintings from the 16th and the 17th centuries (The Last Supper and Christ in the Gethsemane).
At the end of your visit, you will enjoy a local snack before returning to your ship.
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This excursion involves approximately 1.5 hour of walking on cobblestone streets with some steps. We recommend you to wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun. Appropriate dress is recommended to enter religious sites (shoulders and knees must be covered).
Total : 30 €
According to availability, price per passenger.
Le Lyrial
First introduced in 2015 and the fourth ship in the Sisterships series, Le Lyrial is the very embodiment of this new generation of intimately sized cruise ships. Its exterior and interior lines, all sober understatement and refinement, make it a yacht of a rare and innovative kind.
For the interior decoration, we took inspiration from the tones and colours of our destinations and used a palette made up of blues, from the soft, luminous grey-like tones of the polar ice to the vivid notes and turquoises of Mediterranean inlets and coves.
Up to 244 Guests
122 staterooms & suites
145 crew members
Spa
2 restaurants
Decks
Event
Experience exceptional moments with PONANT during cruises specially designed to commemorate key historical events or in conjunction with the world’s leading arts establishments. Without a doubt, commemorating the bicentenary of Emperor Napoleon’s death where it happened in Saint Helena, attending a concert featuring the Opéra de Paris’ most beautiful voices or celebrating a host of other events in style and comfort aboard our luxurious ships constitutes an unforgettable experience.
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.
Kid Explorers
Welcome to all our young explorers! Thanks to the Kid Explorers Club by the Maud Fontenoy Foundation, children aged 4 and up can take advantage of a wide variety of activities orchestrated by a team of activity leaders: creative activities, board games, DVD evenings, finding out what the crew do, or supervised outings and walks ashore for the 4+ age group. Helping children to learn about the oceans and the need to protect them is at the heart of our approach. So why not savour the magic of your destination in peace and quiet knowing your child is busy with an activity programme, specially designed for them in partnership with the Maud Fontenoy Foundation and posted each day in the daily program.
Shore excursions, Pre/Post & Overlands
04/08/2023 - FLIGHTS FROM/TO PARIS + PREMIUM TRANSFER FROM ISTANBUL AIRPORT AND PIER (PRE) + DIRECT TRANSFER FROM PORT TO VENICE AIRPORT (POST)
1.090 €
Find out more 02/08/2023 - FLIGHTS FROM/TO PARIS + ISTANBUL, WHERE EAST MEETS WEST 2N (PRE) + DIRECT TRANSFER FROM PORT TO VENICE AIRPORT (POST)
2.080 €
Find out morePREMIUM TRANSFER FROM ISTANBUL AIRPORT TO THE PIER
Travel with peace of mind as PONANT organises your transfer between the airport and your port of embarkation.
Istanbul
Meet at Istanbul airport at the gate of the aircraft . Look for PONANT sign. You will be greeted by our local representative off the flight selected by PONANT.
You will benefit a fast track assistance services from the gate of the aircraft to the transfer vehicle.
You will reach Karakoy district where you will enjoy a foodie walk. You will discover some local delicacies and at the same time one of the most vibrant and cosmopolite district of Istanbul.
You will then be transferred to the pier to embark on your ship.
Your programme includes:
- Transfer as mentioned in the programme.
- Local tasting.
- Services of a local English-speaking guide from the airport to the port.
- Services of a fast track assistance (meet and greet by personal assistant at gate arrival, fast-track security, luggage porterage).
Your programme does not include:
- Lunch.
- Visa fees, if necessary.
- Personal expenses and other services not mentioned in the programme.
- Tips for the driver and local guide.
Duration and order of the visits may vary. To know your PONANT flight schedule, please contact your travel agent; it is also indicated on your electronic ticket included in your travel documents.
Total : 300 €
Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.
ISTANBUL, WHERE EAST MEETS WEST (2 NIGHTS)
Enhance your cruise and extend your trip with a carefully designed programme.
Day 1 - Istanbul
Meet at Istanbul Airport in the Arrival hall. Look for PONANT sign. You will be greeted by our local representative off the flight selected by PONANT or any other flight (provided that you have previously communicated your flight schedule to your travel agent).
You will be transferred to the hotel Ciragan Palace Kempinski 5* (about 40-minutes’ drive).
Check-in.
End of the day and dinner at leisure.
Day 2 – Istanbul
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel, then set off for your first day of discoveries!
Built along the Bosphorus, a 32-km-long (30 miles) strip of sea connecting the Sea of Marmara to the Black Sea, Istanbul is a megalopolis straddling both Europe and Asia. Each of the two shores has its own charm, personality and history. Inhabited since the 7th century BC, Istanbul has had many rulers and several names, including Byzantium and Constantinople. The sultans and emperors made this city their place of residence, and it served as the capital of the Roman and Ottoman empires, as well as a number of other kingdoms.
You will head for the Asian side of Istanbul. To get there, you will cross the Bosphorus Bridge, connecting the European and Asian shores.
Your first stop will be Beylerbeyi Palace. This palace with a French Baroque architecture was built from white marble in 1865. Originally a summer palace, it became the residence of heads of state. It interior decor blends Eastern and Western influences.
Next, you will visit the charming Kuzguncuk neighbourhood, which has successfully preserved the traditional atmosphere of villages along the Bosphorus. You will be able to soak it in as you enjoy a coffee break in a historical café.
As you wander through its streets, you will see the typical architecture of the neighbourhood’s traditional wooden houses overlooking small gardens. As evidenced by the different places of worship (synagogues, Armenian and orthodox churches, mosques), a unique atmosphere of tolerance also reigns here, maintained over the years as different waves of people settled in this part of the city. At first, Jewish, Armenian, and Greek communities could be found in the neighbourhood. Then, in the 1960s, a small group of farmers from the Black Sea moved in, and more recently, in the past 20 years, it has been attracting artists and intellectuals.
Your next stop will be Kadikoy, where lunch will be served at a local restaurant popular with Istanbul locals. After your meal, you will enjoy a sightseeing tour of this district founded in ancient times by the Chalcedonians. Its bustling, narrow streets and its markets are an opportunity to observe the frantic pace of local life.
After this immersion on the Asian side of the city, you will embark on a private cruise along the Bosphorus. This will be a chance to rest while enjoying a not-to-be-missed experience in Istanbul.
The boat will drop you off at your hotel. The rest of the day, including dinner, will be free time to spend at your leisure.
Or you may choose:
Optional dinner - Fish dinner in a local restaurant of Arnavutkoy district.
From your hotel, you will be driven to the vibrant Arnavutkoy district, a pleasant place along the Bosphorus, popular with the Istanbul elite. You will enjoy a menu of local fish-based specialities (including 2 glasses of local beverages with or without alcool). Then transfer back to your hotel.
Day 3 - Istanbul
After the breakfast, you will leave your hotel to explore the European side of Istanbul.
You will start your discovery by visiting Topkapi Palace, the political centre of the Ottoman Empire and the main residence of the Ottoman sultans for nearly 400 years (from 1465 to 1853). The visit also includes the separate entrance to the palace harem, where the sultan lived with his family and concubines.
(When Topkapi Palace is closed, on Tuesdays, this visit is replaced by Dolmabahçe Palace. Boasting a monumental architecture, Dolmabahçe Palace – also called the “Ottoman Versailles” – was the final residence of the Ottoman sultans and their families, from 1853 to 1922).
You will stroll along a few of the streets in the historical centre to reach the local restaurant where you will be having lunch.
Not far from there, the afternoon’s activities will continue with a paper marbling workshop, a traditional Turkish art called “Ebru”. This book art was introduced to Turkey via the Silk Road in the 15th century and is now on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. It consists in creating colourful patterns by applying coloured pigments and then transferring them to paper. You will learn more about the different techniques used and the importance of this tradition.
You will then be transferred to the pier of Antalya to embark on board your ship.
Your hotel:
Formerly home to Ottoman sultans, The Ciragan Palace Kempinski is a luxury hotel sits right on the shore of the Bosphorus, the scenic strait that separates Europe from Asia Minor.
The property includes two grand buildings: a restored 19th century Ottoman palace reserved for special suites and banquet facilities, and a modern annex housing most of the rooms, suites and restaurants. Situated right on the water, the garden has the grandest open area, stretching along nearly a mile of seafront.
The Istanbul hotel’s old-style interior architecture blends the two structures. The grandeur of the historic palace continues into the modern building with antique furniture, abundant velvet and satin upholstery, wooden panelling, ornate rugs and textiles and marble detailing.
This 5-star hotel features a heated outdoor infinity pool with views of the Bosphorus. It has a spa and wellness centre.
Upgraded rooms are also available depending on availability and on a supplement basis. Contact your travel professional for further detail.
Your programme includes:
- 2-night accommodation in Standard Park room at Ciragan Palace Kempinski 5* (local standard) or similar, breakfast included.
- Meals as mentioned in the programme.
- Beverage package during meals (1 mineral water +1 soft drink or 1 local beer or local glass of wine and 1 coffee or tea).
- Transfers, visits, and entrance fees as mentioned in the programme.
- The services of a local English-speaking guide.
Your programme does not include:
- Dinner on day 1 & 2.
- Optional dinner.
- Personal expenses.
- Visa if necessary.
- Tips for the driver and local guide.
- Other services not mentioned in the programme.
- Early check-in and latte check-out.
Please note:
- It is imperative that the details of your departure flight are provided to your travel agent, no later than 30 days before the start date of your cruise, to secure the proper private transfer.
- Turkey’s unit is the Turkish Lira.
- When Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesdays, Dolmabahce Palace will be visited.
- During religious festivals and public holidays, the Spice Bazaar and the Grand Bazaar will be closed. Museum hours are also subject to change.
- Women must cover their heads when visiting religious sites, we recommend to bring a scarf in particular to visit the relics room of Topkapi Palace.
- This programme is done mostly on foot and involves some stairs. We advise you to wear comfortable walking shoes.
- This programme is not suitable for people with reduced mobility.
Contact of your hotel:
The Ciragan Palace Kempinski
Yildiz Mh., Ciragan Cd. No: 32
34349 Besiktas – Istanbul
Turkey
Telephone number: +90 212 326 46 46
Duration and order of the visits may vary. To know your PONANT flight schedule, please contact your travel agent; it is also indicated on your electronic ticket included in your travel documents.
Total : 1.290 €
Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.
Limnos boat tour
The best way to discover Limnos Island is by the sea. Admire the landscapes with romantic beaches, coves and bays with crystal-clear waters.
From the pier, board your private caique (traditional wooden boat) for a cruise along the coast of Limnos to the sandy beaches of the northeastern cape.
Your one-hour cruise will lead you to a beach where you can relax or swim in the crystal-clear waters of the Aegean Sea.
Finally, you will re-embark your caique for your one-hour sail back to the ship. Refreshments and snacks will be served on board.
- This tour involves few walking times with some steps. We recommend you wear your swimsuit under your clothes, bring a towel from the ship, wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun. Refreshment and snacks are included on your tour. Snorkel equipment is provided. The boat is equipped with toilets and changing room but not with a covered-roof. Sun chair and umbrella at the beach are included in your price. The tour is limited to 25 participants.
Total : 100 €
According to availability, price per passenger.
Poliochni archaeological site & winery
From the pier, board your coach and start your 50-minute drive to the east coast of Limnos, where you will find the archaeological site of Poliochni.
Here, in 1930, Italian archaeologists discovered seven different layers of civilisations, one on the top of the other. The Neolithic town predates Egyptian dynasties, the Minoan Kingdoms of Crete and even Troy, but was destroyed by an earthquake in 2100 BC and was never rebuilt. Poliochni is considered one of the largest early urban centres of the Early Bronze Age and the first city in Europe with a basic social and civic structure. It is believed to have welcomed a number of craftsmen as many gold jewels were discovered during the excavations.
Following your visit to Poliochni, you will proceed to a Limnos winery for a wine tasting accompanied with local snacks.
Finally, you will board your coach and return to the pier, a 30-minute drive.
- This tour involves approximately 1 hour of walking on uneven terrain with some steps. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun. This tour is not recommended for guests in a wheelchair or with mobility difficulties. The wine tasting is included on your tour. This tour is limited to 60 participants. If your ship calls at Limnos on the weekly closing day of the archaeological site, it will specially open for PONANT guests only.
Total : 75 €
According to availability, price per passenger.
Countryside hike
Get acquainted with the natural beauty of Lemnos by taking an approximately 5- to 6-kilometre, easy and pleasant walk through greenery, pleasant scenery, beautiful trees and mountains.
From the pier, board your coach for a 20-minute drive to Agios Dimitrios, the starting point of your hike. The hike takes about one and a half hours at a gentle pace, enabling people to enjoy the walk.
There are two small churches you’ll pass during your walk, which are always open and available for guests to have a look inside; one is at the beginning of the walk and the second towards the end of it.
Your hike will end at the village of Kondias, where you will have some time to rest and have a drink with a local sweet at a “kafeneio” in the village, before you board your coach for your return drive to the pier.
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This tour involves approximately one and a half hours of walking (about 4 mi or 6km) at a gentle pace. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes, protect yourself from the sun and take a backpack with water. Participants should be in good physical condition and have a level of fitness which allows them to walk the aforementioned distance. This tour is limited to 20 participants.
Total : 70 €
According to availability, price per passenger.
Relax at Plati Beach
Enjoy two and a half hours at Plati Beach, one of the best-loved stretches on the island.
Just a few minutes’ drive from Myrina, it’s got all the essentials – soft sand for relaxing under the sun and a crystal-clear sea for swimming.
Sun beds and umbrellas will be reserved ahead of time for your convenience.
You will then board your coach for the drive back to Myrina’s port.
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This tour includes transportation and a 2.5-hour package including a set of two sunbeds and one umbrella. The price is based on 2 persons per set; single guest will have to pay a supplement. We recommend you wear comfortable footwear, your swimsuit and a beach towel, and protect yourself from the sun with a hat and sunscreen. A beach bar is available for refreshments and ice cream (on a supplement basis). The tour is limited to 70 persons.
Total : 60 €
According to availability, price per passenger.
Spectacular Meteora monasteries
Meteora is one of the most imposing sights in mainland Greece: giant rocks in bizarre shapes, ranging in height from 100 to 150 metres.After disembarking, you will board your coach for a two hours and a half drive, leaving the port of Volos to head Northwest crossing the agricultural plains of Thessaly. You will pass provincial towns such as Larissa and Trikala before reaching Kalambaka, a small town nestled at the footsteps of the Meteora rocks.A short restroom stop with refreshments will take place there before continuing to the "monasteries in the sky" of the Meteora.
Once a monastic community with 24 monasteries, Meteora now consists of only five active ones. They were first built in the 14th century by monks who searched for a place where they could stay isolated and pray undisturbed from the rest of the world. Until 1920 most of the Meteora monasteries could only be reached by getting into a net and hauled up by a rope. Fortunately, steps were cut afterwards to all of the monasteries.
You will visit two of the most beautiful and representative Monasteries of the valley, where you will admire icons, mosaics and frescoes, old manuscripts, domed roofs as well as breathtaking views of nearby monasteries and of the surrounding area.
After your visit to the monasteries, proceed to a local restaurant in Kalambaka for a Greek lunch.Then, via the same road passing Trikala and Larrisa, you will return to the port of Volos to join your ship, a 2h30 drive.
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This excursion involves two hours of walking and standing with many steps. We recommend you to wear comfortable shoes and protect yourself from the sun. Appropriate clothing must be worn when visiting the religious buildings: trousers for men and skirts covering the knees for the ladies. The lunch and refreshment are included in your tour. This tour is limited to 150 participants.
Total : 135 €
According to availability, price per passenger.
Mythical villages of Pelion
According to Greek mythology, Mount Pelion was the place where the ancient Greek gods and heroes were entertained. It was also the home of the Centaurs.
You can easily understand why this place was chosen by the gods, once you have visited its picturesque villages (24 in total, only 2 villages are included on your tour). The villages are spread out along the slopes among chestnut and apple trees, with many springs of crystalline waters. Most of the villages have remained untouched over the centuries and the architecture of their houses is unique.
From the pier, embark your coach for a 30-minute drive to Portaria. Like many villages in Pelion, Portaria was developed around a monastery: the Monastery of Panagia Portarea (13th century). During your walking tour, you may admire the natural landscape, the cool springs, the mansion houses, the picturesque paths and the churches.
You will then continue to Makrinitsa, perhaps the most beautiful village in Pelion, and one of the prettiest in Greece. There you will stroll along the traditional houses, the old churches and the little shops with local delicacies. Afterwards you can rest and have a cup of coffee in the central square, under the shade of the plane trees. Apart from the view offered from here, you may also admire the frescoes painted by the famous painter Theophilos in one of the cafes in the square.
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This excursion involves between 30 and 45 minutes of walking on paved, narrow and climb streets with some steps. We recommend you to wear comfortable shoes and protect yourself from the sun. A refreshment is included on your tour. This tour is limited to 120 participants.
Total : 90 €
According to availability, price per passenger.
Corfu's local delicacies
The Old Town of Corfu belongs to the UNESCO World Heritage Sites list; it is a unique site, a maze of historical buildings and winding paved pedestrian streets dating back to the 18th century. During this walking tour, follow your guide to discover and taste traditional Corfiot delicacies while visiting local family-owned shops.
Your first stop will be the traditional 'Tyria Paramythias' store, whose owner still makes the original 'nouboulo' (olive wood smoked ham) and salami. Your second stop is at the traditional taverna of Sakis, where you will have the chance to try some traditional Corfiot recipes, like the spicy 'bourdetto', a casserole dish cooked with fresh fish and sweet paprika, served with fresh baked bread and local wine.
Continue your tour through the old town, past the Orthodox Church of Saint Sophia to the delicatessen shop run by Mr Papagiorgis, where you get to taste his fresh-made ice cream with kumquat or ginger-beer flavours.
Your walking tour continues in the serpentine-like streets to the Town Hall Square, past the historical town hall San Giacomo building and the Catholic Cathedral 'Duomo' of St. Jacob and St. Patrick. Visit the 16th century Church of Saint Spyridon dedicated to the patron saint of the island, renowned for its frescoes and the silver and gold gilded coffin that treasures the holy remains of the Saint.
Further down the street, at the local products shop 'Afthonia' in the neighbourhood, you will have the occasion to taste a unique locally produced kumquat liquor, made from a peculiar citrus fruit that only grows in a few parts of the world.
After this culinary experience, you can either continue your visit of the town and return on your own to your ship (time permitting), or follow your guide and return directly to the pier. The order of the various stops may vary.
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This tour involves two and a half hours of walking and standing on cobble stone streets covering approximately 2 km (1.4 mi). Wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun.
Total : 115 €
According to availability, price per passenger.
Corfu Town & Mon Repos Palace
From the pier, you will board your coach to Mon Repos Palace.
The Palace was built by the British Commissioner Sir Adam Maitland in 1828, as a gift to his beautiful Corfiot wife. It was used as the Summer Residence of the High Commissioners, while their official residence was the Palace of St. Michael and St. George located in the town of Corfu. Today Mon Repos belongs to the Ministry of Culture and the Municipality of Corfu. It houses a museum with mainly local finds from ancient Corfu.
Then, re-board your coach for a short transfer to Corfu city centre. Upon arrival, follow your guide through the narrow cobbled-stoned serpentine streets of the Old Town known as "kandounia" and charming little "piazzas" (squares) built by the Venetians in the 14th century. During your walking tour, you will pass by the arcades of "liston", the replica of the "Rue de Rivoli" of Paris and the Old Town Hall. You will also visit the Church of St. Spyridon, patron saint of Corfu.
At the end of the visit, you will return to the pier.
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This tour involves two hours of walking and standing. There are some steps at the Mon Repos Palace. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun. Appropriate dress is recommended to enter religious sites (shoulders and knees covered).
Total : 65 €
According to availability, price per passenger.
Treasures & panorama of Dubrovnik
From the pier, meet your guide and start your stroll through the streets of this medieval town.
Along the way you will visit, among other places, the Franciscan Monastery whose cloister ranks among the most inspiring sites of the city. The Monastery houses also the oldest still working pharmacy in Europe and the third oldest pharmacy in the world founded in 1317. It is still active and still offers creams manufactured according to ancestral recipes.
After visiting the monastery, you will go to the Assumption Cathedral built in the 18th century on the ruins of a church dating from the 12th century destroyed by an earthquake in 1667. This one might surprise you by its simplicity and the clarity of its interior, but its treasure is among the richest in Europe, with a unique collection of relics in gold and silver.
You will continue with the Dominican Monastery, soberer than the previous one, and its museum with a fine collection of Renaissance paintings, including the triptych of N. Bozidarevic representing Dubrovnik before the earthquake or the table of Titian representing Sainte Madeleine and Saint Blaise.
Other fine buildings will be viewed from the outside, like the Sponza Palace notable for its columned courtyard with elaborate stone carvings, Church of Saint Blaise, Onofriou's Fountain, etc.
Then, enjoy some time on your own in the Old Town, before proceeding to the Dubrovnik cable car. A short ride will take you up to the top of Srd hill from where you can admire Dubrovnik Old town, Elaphite Islands and Lokrum.
Enjoy a refreshment before heding back to your ship.
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This tour is mainly done by foot on cobblestone streets with some steps. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun. Appropriate clothing is recommended to enter religious sites: shoulders and knees must be covered. In case of religious office, the visit of the Cathedral will be cancelled. It is not permitted to take photos of the treasures. According to the period, some waiting time can be expected at the cable car.
Total : 75 €
According to availability, price per passenger.
Walking on Ston walls & oyster tasting
From the pier, board your coach for a 1-hour scenic drive along the Adriatic Road toward the town of Ston.
Ston was built according to the plans approved by the Dubrovnik government in 1335 and amended in 1370 and is considered one of the best planned and best structured cities in Europe. The walls of Ston were a massive architecture and construction feat. Originally 7,000 metre long (22,965 ft.), they consist of several parts; the Ston city walls, the Mali Ston city walls and the Big wall with its three forts. Its forts and towers are strengthened by 10 round and 31 square flanking towers, as well as 6 semicircular bastions. It took almost four centuries to finish these complex defence walls, as the builders had to adapt to the rough terrain and advancements in warfare technology. The walls were last used for defence in the 19th century, and today they are a priceless monument of immense architectural and cultural value.
Once arriving at Ston’s walls, you will start your hiking passing distance of almost 900 meters over demanding terrain with more than 250 steps before joining your coach for a ride to Mali Ston, the 'oysters capital' of Croatia.
Upon arrival in Mali Ston, you will board a local boat which will take you to oyster and mussel beds. Your host will welcome you on board and introduce you with oyster & mussel farming in this area. You will have the opportunity to learn about the oyster & mussel production as well as to taste freshly prepared oysters & mussels including mussel buzara (mussels cooked with wine, garlic and olive oil).
Finally, re-board your coach for a 1-hour return ride back to Dubrovnik along the old historical road passing through the old villages of Dubrovacko Primorje.
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This tour is an active hiking tour and involves approximately 2 miles (3 km) of walking on uneven and sloping grounds with over 250 steps. We recommend you wear comfortable hiking shoes and protect yourself from the sun. The tasting is included on your tour. This tour is limited to 40 participants.
Total : 80 €
According to availability, price per passenger.
Culinary traditions with Miloslavic family
During this tour, you will be immersed in the lively and nature-oriented daily life of the Miloslavic family. They open their doors and their hearts to share their way of life and their love for their land, and what it has to offer, with you.
The Miloslavic family is now composed of six persons. Pero and Marija, the parents, and their 4 daughters Nevia, Mara, Pere and Nika. Pero's father was among the first in the civil parish to have the OPG label, which stands for "Obiteljsko poljoprivredno gospodarstvo" (literally translates to a family farm, and more specifically an agricultural business made up of members of the same family), and Pero inherited it. This tradition has continued, and our hosts have passed it on to their 4 daughters. Today, you will be part of the family.
Away from the habitual kitchens and regular restaurants, discover the local cuisine full of homemade olive oil, wines, seasonal vegetables, homemade prosciutto and pancetta.
With the help of the Miloslavic family, you will prepare savoury meals, full of heritage and tastes of the Dubrovnik region. In this unique cooking class, you will learn how to appreciate each of the ingredients to their fullest, how to treat them, and how to savour their essence. The menu depends as much on the availability of ingredients. You will have the opportunity to get know and appreciate all the flavours of this cuisine using all your senses, in the comfortable setting of the rural family home.
Their farming philosophy meets the needs of existing and future generations, while also ensuring profitability, environmental health, and social and economic equity.
At the end of your experience, you will get acquainted with the Dubrovnik region with the help of locals, who are not only passionate about what they do for living, but also just as passionate about the land where they live.
Finally, it will be time to head back to your ship.
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This tour involves very few walking but on uneven and cobblestone paths with some steps. We recommend you wear comfortable shoes and protect yourself from the sun. Tastings are included in the tour.
Total : 220 €
According to availability, price per passenger.
Elafiti Islands by speedboat and lunch
From the pier, you will board a speedboat and start a 30-minute scenic cruise along the walled city towards the Elaphite Islands.
You will sail along the Elaphite Islands discovering this preserved natural beauty with its cliffs and sea caves. This tiny archipelago, full of history and legends, has been inhabited for many years.
You will visit Kolocep Island, the closest to Dubrovnik. Kolocep, the smallest of the three main Elafiti islands, is covered from east to west with a pine forest whose branches descend to the surface of the sea. Here, you will enjoy a refreshment before sailing to Lopud Island.
The “middle” island of the Elafiti trio, Lopud is home to just over 200 people although is considered the most developed of the three islands. This island houses many ruins from all periods.
Enjoy lunch served in front of the sea, then you will have 2 hours of free time to stroll or relax on a beach.
You will get back to you ship after 30 minutes of sailing.
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We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes, wear your swimsuit under your clothes and take a towel from the ship. The time spent on the island is free, sunbeds and umbrellas are not included in the price. Lunch is included on your tour. This tour is limited to 36 participants.
Total : 200 €
According to availability, price per passenger.
The history of Korcula
Built on a peninsula, the streets of Korcula are organised around its main artery according to a "fishbone" plan drawn in the 13th century. To overcome the lack of space within the walls of the old town, squares are small, houses are narrow, churches and public buildings are constructed vertically. Fully fortified in the 16th century; its walls were destroyed in the 19th century and only a section of a wall still faces the harbour.
From the pier, meet your guide and start your walking tour of the old town.
Your first visit will be the Bishop’s Palace and its Icon museum. The museum contains a unique collection of Byzantine Icons from the 13th to the 15th century and ceremonial pieces from the 17th and 18th centuries. The collection is primarily from Korcula sailors, who acquired the pieces on their journeys, especially to Crete, in the 17th and 18th centuries.
Then, you will discover Saint Mark’s Cathedral. This cathedral is probably the most important building in Korcula Old Town. Completed in the 15th century at the place of another church from 13th century, it is built in Gothic-Renaissance style. It was erected by local masters and craftsmen of stone masonry, very well known for their Renaissance and Baroque pieces in Dubrovnik and Venice.
Continue your exploration with the visit of the Korcula Town Museum. Facing the cathedral, the museum is housed in Gabrielis palace, a 3-storey building with basement and attic built between the 15th and 16th century. The museum presents various collections covering the history and culture of the town from the Ancient times to nowadays.
During your walking tour, you can see the monumental staircase which joins the Revelin Tower. This 14th century portal and its 15th century Revelin tower frame the only land access to the walled Old Town. The gate is embellished on the inside with a sculpture of Saint Mark's lion over its arch.
Finally, you will have the choice between following your guide to join your ship or strolling on your own.
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This tour involves approximately 1 mile (1.5 km) of walking on narrow streets with some steps. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun. The order of sites visits may vary.
Total : 30 €
According to availability, price per passenger.
Korcula hiking tour
Board your mini-van for the ride to Zrnovo where your adventure begins. Experience the unique combination of the sea and the mountains.
Walking across the lively Korcula region, the trail takes you through vineyards and Mediterranean forest. Short breaks are made occasionally in order for the tour guide to introduce you to the historical and natural characteristics of Korcula Island.
During your hike you will see beautiful views on the peninsula of Peljesac and enjoy protected areas. After hiking you will take a break in the Agroturizam Grubinjac venue, where you will have the opportunity to taste a local snack. Your tour will end with a slight downhill walk back to the ship.
- This strenuous hike involves approximately 3 miles (4.5 km) during 2h30 – 3h00 of walking over uneven surfaces, climbing, gravel and steps. We recommend you wear comfortable shoes and protect yourself from the sun. This tour is only conducted in English. There is only a short van transfer to the start of the hike, from there it is a hiking tour all the way back to the ship. Itinerary might be reversed.
Total : 50 €
According to availability, price per passenger.
Sea kayaking
From the pier, you will walk 15 minutes to join the kayak centre.
Your tour will allow you to combine shore-side and offshore visits. You will have the chance to paddle and swim across the exotic coastal scenery of the small islands.
After receiving your safety instructions, board your kayak and start your adventure towards hidden coves and secluded pebble beaches.
Then, you will head to a beach for some time to relax or go for a refreshing swim while a local snack and a refreshment will be served.
Finally, you will head back to your ship.
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Children under the age of 12 and pregnant women may not participate. Participants must be good swimmers and physically fit. Please take a hat, sunglasses, shoes that can get wet, a towel from the ship, your reusable bottle and sunscreen. Please wear your swimwear under your clothes as there are no changing facilities or toilets available. You will be required to wear a life jacket. Waterproof compartments are available to store your belongings, however please keep these to a minimum. This tour is limited to 24 participants. 2-seater kayaks are available.
Total : 65 €
According to availability, price per passenger.
Hvar & its religious heritage
This small and charming town is located around a natural port and it is undoubtedly one of the most famous seaside resorts of Dalmatian coast.
A lot of splendid monuments as the Cathedral, the ancient Arsenal and different palaces are bearing witness to a rich history of Gothic and Renaissance arts.
From the pier, follow your guide through narrow tiny streets to the 15th century Franciscan Monastery. The cloister with its rounded arches and a well in the middle dominates the Renaissance monastery. The former spacious refectory and a small, adjacent room have been turned into the monastery museum. Along with a collection of old books and coins, the famous "Last Supper", a work belonging to the Venetian School of Palma the Younger from the end of the 16th century, has the strongest claims on the attention of the numerous visitors.
After crossing the main square, you will pass by the Cathedral of Saint Stephan (outside visit). It was built in stages during the 16th and 17th centuries, while the interior was not wholly completed until the 18th century. From outside, it has the characteristics of the Renaissance style and inside the baroque style.
Then, you will visit the Benedictine Monastery, which holds a rich collection of lace made of agave leaves.
After this walking tour you may follow your guide back to the pier or stay in town for some time at leisure.
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This excursion involves 2 hours of walking, covering approximately 1 mile (1.5 km) over cobblestone streets and some steps. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun. Appropriate dress is recommended to enter religious sites (shoulders and knees must be covered).
Total : 40 €
According to availability, price per passenger.
Hvar highlights by VW Beetle
From the pier, follow your guide on a 30-minute walking tour of the old town on the way to the parking area, where you will meet up with your convoy leader.
The Volkswagen beetles are the old model and have all been restored by this family owned company. After a safety briefing, follow the lead car on a 3-hour drive through Hvar’s hinterland discovering abandoned villages and learning about their rich history. Enjoy the panoramic views from the Fortica fortress dominating Hvar offering breathtaking views over the old harbour and outlying islands.
Follow your guide on a walking tour of Stari Grad, the second largest town on Hvar and one of the oldest towns in Europe. Stari Grad was originally named Faros by the Greek settlers, it lies on the north side of the island and it is known as the most fertile plain, farmed since pre-historic times. This most ancient part of Stari Grad falls within the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Finally, you will head back to your ship.
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The driver must be at least 21 years old and present a valid driver’s license and will be asked to sign a waiver. The vehicles are manual shift, open top, and 2-door. The roads you will be driving on are mainly asphalted, there is no off-roading. There will be a lead car and a car in the back closing the convoy. We recommend you wear a hat and protect yourself from the sun. The minimum to operate this tour is 3 cars. This excursion is not recommanded for children.
Total : 250 €
According to availability, price per passenger.
Porec and its Basilica
From the pier, board your coach and start your 45-minute scenic drive to Porec.
Once arriving, you will start your walking tour of the old town.
You will begin with the Episcopal Complex of the Euphrasian Basilica in the historic centre of Porec. The group of religious monuments in Porec, where Christianity was established as early as the 4th century, constitutes the most complete surviving complex of its type. The basilica, atrium, baptistery and Episcopal palace are outstanding examples of religious architecture, while the basilica itself combines classical and Byzantine elements.
This complex was enrolled in the UNESCO World Heritage list in 1997.
After the visit to the Episcopal Complex, you will have some free time in Porec before rejoining your coach for the drive back to Rovinj.
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This excursion involves around 1.5 miles (2 km) of walking on cobblestone ground with some steps. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun. Appropriate dress is recommended to enter religious sites (shoulders and knees must be covered).
Total : 45 €
According to availability, price per passenger.
Rovinj & its cathedral
From the pier, follow your guide and start your walking tour of the historical centre of Rovinj. The historical centre is almost entirely built on a rocky island and connected to the mainland since the 13th century. During your tour, you will discover the Venetian influence and its rich cultural legacy, omnipresent in the architecture of the tall houses with warm red tiled roofs and the narrow streets intersected by covered passageways and archways, decorated with ancient frescoes.
The highlight of your visit will most certainly be the Church of Saint Euphemia, a prestigious building dating from the 8th century. Its 63-metre high bell tower rises out of the city centre, and is the most remarked symbol in the Istria region.
Built on the ancient ruins of a Roman church, it was altered in the 17th century in the Baroque style, and houses the relics of Saint Euphemia. They were brought from Constantinople in the 9th century for their safekeeping in a marble sarcophagus. There is also a mural depicting the life and the martyrdom of the saint. Every year on 16 September, the faithful gather around her tomb.
The church contains several treasures and works of art like Gothic statues from the 15th century and paintings from the 16th and the 17th centuries (The Last Supper and Christ in the Gethsemane).
At the end of your visit, you will enjoy a local snack before returning to your ship.
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This excursion involves approximately 1.5 hour of walking on cobblestone streets with some steps. We recommend you to wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun. Appropriate dress is recommended to enter religious sites (shoulders and knees must be covered).
Total : 30 €
According to availability, price per passenger.
DIRECT TRANSFER FROM PORT TO VENICE AIRPORT
Travel with peace of mind as PONANT organises your transfer between your port of disembarkation and the airport.
Venice
After disembarkation procedures are completed, you will be greeted at the port by our local English-speaking representative. You will be taken by coach to the airport in time for check-in for the PONANT selected flight.
Your programme includes:
- Transfers by coach.
- Services of a local English-speaking assistant.
Your programme does not include:
- Personal expenses.
- Other services not mentioned in the programme.
- Tips for the driver and local guide.
To know your PONANT flight schedule, please contact your travel advisor; it is also indicated on your electronic ticket included in your travel documents.
In the event of schedule changes of PONANT’s selected flight, your programme will be adapted to ensure the most seamless and enriching experience. The content of your revised programme will be updated on the PONANT website, in My Ponant space and on the PONANT app. The final programme will also be sent to you along with your cruise documents.
Total : 50 €
Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.
FLIGHTS FROM/TO PARIS + PREMIUM TRANSFER FROM ISTANBUL AIRPORT AND PIER (PRE) + DIRECT TRANSFER FROM PORT TO VENICE AIRPORT (POST)
Total : 1.090 €
Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.
FLIGHTS FROM/TO PARIS + ISTANBUL, WHERE EAST MEETS WEST 2N (PRE) + DIRECT TRANSFER FROM PORT TO VENICE AIRPORT (POST)
Total : 2.080 €
Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.