Deluxe Stateroom Deck 3
19 m²
2
In alliance with Smithsonian Journeys.
This cruise is part of a collection of PONANT voyages that are specially-tailored for English-speaking travelers who want to engage with the world. In addition to the usual elements of the PONANT experience, the listed price for these voyages includes transfers to and from the ship, talks and discussions aboard ship by world class experts, and a shore excursion or activity in each port of call that encourages guests to embrace the sights, sounds, tastes, and smells of the local environment and culture.
This voyage in the heart of the Mediterranean explores four islands that, despite their differences, share a history of successive waves of civilizations that have washed over them from prehistoric times to the present. Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, Arabs, Byzantines, French, and Italians—all have left their mark on the language, art, architecture, and cuisine of Elba, Corsica, Sardinia, and Sicily.
From Nice, France, your discovery of these very special islands begins in Portoferraio, the main harbor of the island of Elba. Most famous as the site of Napoleon Bonaparte’s exile in 1814-15, Portoferraio was founded by the Medicis in the 16th century. A visit to Villa San Martino, Napoleon’s summer residence during exile, is followed by a visit to the charming village of Porto Azzurro and a wine tasting and sampling of Tuscan mezze at a local vineyard.
You will want to be on deck as your ship navigates the narrow waterway that leads to Bonifacio, perched high on cliffs on Corsica's southern coast. Board a mini-train to transport you to the oldest part of the city, where you can stroll through winding medieval lanes of brightly colored houses and admire their fine Gothic architecture. Or you may prefer to explore the small archipelago of the Lavezzi Islands, a nature reserve famous for the Grotte du Sdragonatu (Dragon's Cave) accessible only by sea.
Cagliari, Sardinia's capital, is your gateway to the archaeological site of Nora. Founded by Phoenicians in the 8th century BC, it was subsequently taken over by Carthaginians, then by Romans. Explore the remains of Carthaginian warehouses, buildings from the time of the Roman Republic, a Carthaginian-Roman temple, large baths with splendid mosaics, and a theater, almost intact, dating to the time of the Empire.
Then, spend three days on the largest Mediterranean Island on your voyage, Sicily, as you visit the cities of Palermo, Taormina, and Syracuse. Palermo, Sicily's capital, was founded by the Phoenicians in 827 BC and became one of Europe’s greatest cities in the 12th century, when the Normans took control. Here you may combine Roger II's Cappella Palatina, featuring dazzling mosaics and magnificent inlaid marble floors and walls, with a drive to nearby Monreale to explore its famed Norman cathedral. Or you may choose to focus on Palermo's famous markets and street food, or decide to travel along the coast to the resort town of Cefalù.
The beautiful resort town of Taormina, perched high on a cliff overlooking the Ionian Sea, is home to a stunning Greek theater, an Odeon from Roman times, buildings blending Arab and Norman cultures, and villas built by European aristocracy in the 18th and 19th centuries. It is also a gateway to Mt. Etna and the vineyards that thrive in the rich volcanic soils of its slopes.
In Syracuse, your final port of call on the island and a town that once rivalled Athens as one of the most powerful cities of the ancient world, you may choose to explore the Roman Amphitheater of Augustus and the 15,000 seat Greek theater, or travel to nearby Noto, a Baroque World Heritage site, now rebuilt following a devastating earthquake in 1990. Also join a walking tour of Ortygia, Syracuse's old town.
Your voyage ends in Valletta, Malta.
Ref : NV9345US - EG260525
A voyage specially-tailored for English-speaking travelers including discussions with experts, transfers before and after your cruise, and an included excursion in each port of call. Engaging discussions...
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Included in your cruise
For more peace of mind, PONANT organizes your trip before or after the cruise. This package is included in the price of your cruise.
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.
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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:
For men:
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:
For men:
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:
HEALTH CARE:
OUTFITS ON BOARD:
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
Smithsonian Journeys
Smithsonian Journeys is the travel program of the Smithsonian Institution, the world’s largest museum, education and research complex, consisting of 21 museums, the National Zoological Park, education centers, research facilities, cultural centers, and libraries. Drawing on Smithsonian's resources dating back 175 years, these sailings will feature notable experts and experiences that embrace local cultures and dive deeper into a destination’s history, cuisine, language, environment, and wildlife. For more than 50 years, Smithsonian Journeys has been rooted in and focused on cultural immersion and discovery – with a goal of inspiring guests to become global citizens through travel.
Subject to withdrawal in case of force majeure
Embarkation 26/05/2025 from 16:00 to 17:00
Departure 26/05/2025 at 18:00
Capital of the Cote d’Azur, Nice is surrounded by an amphitheatre of hills and mountains that protects it from the wind. You will probably want to explore the Promenade des Anglais, where you can sit on one of the famous blue chairs laid out opposite the baie des Anges. The Château hill is also a very pleasent place to walk. This is the entrance to the old city, with its bustling markets and regional products along the main street, the Cours Saleya.
Arrival 27/05/2025 early morning
Departure 27/05/2025 evening
In the elbow of a creek on the northern coastline of Elba Island, a small corner of paradise awaits in the form of Portoferraio. As you approach its coastlines, you will make out the powerful and majestic contours of its Medici fortresses. Napoleon Bonaparte spent many of his 300 days in exile here. The Palazzina dei Mulini, his first imperial residence, whose gardens offer outstanding views of the sea, is a must-see. Historical treasures are followed by another kind of treasure, namely white sand beaches, and equally tempting local specialities including gurguglione and rice with cuttlefish ink.
Arrival 28/05/2025 early morning
Departure 28/05/2025 mid afternoon
The spectacular town of Bonifacio located on the very tip of southern Corsica, clings to a narrow promontory of white rock overhanging the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean. You can admire its limestone cliffs hewn out by the wind, before setting off on a cultural tour of its cultural treasures. From the little paved streets in the ancient Haute Ville, to the promenade on the open-air medieval chemin de ronde, this stunning town will take you on a journey back in time. Frequented or secluded, there are numerous beaches to choose from, all in keeping with the high standards of the “Île de Beauté”.
Arrival 29/05/2025 early morning
Departure 29/05/2025 early afternoon
The capital of Sardinia, Cagliari, like Rome, is built on seven hills. Its Sardinian name means “castle”, in reference to the citadel, its historic centre, which dominates the city. The old ramparts are now pleasant panoramic terraces bordering picturesque streets. The city hosted the Nuragic, Phoenician, Roman and Byzantine civilisations before the rein of the Spanish Hapsburgs and the House of Savoy. The monuments of Cagliari bear the traces of these successive dominations, such as the Bastion of Saint-Rémy or the Sainte-Marie Cathedral. On the sea front, Art Nouveau-style public monuments give way to the Poetto beach, a magnificent stretch of sand that is 8 kilometres long.
Arrival 30/05/2025 mid morning
Departure 30/05/2025 late afternoon
Palermo is the guardian of the Sicilian soul. Many have been attracted to this city, the largest capital of the Italian islands. Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Romans, Byzantines, Arabs, Normans... Palermo is a rich culmination of so many cultural influences as seen in the Moorish designs on the cathedral, and the Byzantine mosaics of the Palatine chapel, which is itself housed within the precincts of the Norman palace. You will fall under the spell of the palaces, baroque splendours that grace the town with their obsolete beauty. It is thrilling to stumble upon one of those fabulous markets, high in colour, and headily picturesque.
Arrival 31/05/2025 early morning
Departure 31/05/2025 evening
Located on Sicily’s eastern coast, in the province of Messina, the seaside town of Taormina is Sicily’s Saint-Tropez, boasting heritage sites, secluded beaches and luxury shopping. You can visit its medieval centre, suspended 300 metres above sea level, where terraces offer a spectacular view of the Mediterranean Sea. Another vestige from its past are the ruins of the Greco-Roman theatre. This extremely well-preserved site attracts visitors who are fascinated by the natural beauty of the area which overlooks a turquoise bay.
Arrival 01/06/2025 early morning
Departure 01/06/2025 evening
Its undulating rocky coastline, the endless sandy beaches, the menacing form of Mount Etna which surveys its island like a patriarch, the flowery gardens on the hillside... Sicily lays out its varied landscapes like a shopkeeper displays his wares. Described by Cicero as “the most beautiful city in the world”, Syracuse was one of the most prestigious cities in Sicily and at her height was even a rival for Athens. A central city of Ancient Greece, it was home to a succession of civilisations, each of which has left their mark. The blend of Arabic, Roman, Norman, Byzantine and Spanish cultures makes Syracuse a town that is extraordinarily rich in fragrances, colours and flavours.
Arrival 02/06/2025 early morning
Disembarkation 02/06/2025 at 08:00
The whole of the Maltese capital Valletta is UNESCO World Heritage listed and occupies a peninsula in the north-east of the island. From the fountain of Tritons to Saint-Elme fort, there are as many majestic streets as there are narrow staircase vennels to explore. The painted loggia and carved corbels on the tall houses will accompany you in your explorations, and you’ll rarely be bothered by traffic. You can visit the Grandmasters palace decorated with coats of arms and frescoes. Saint-John’s cathedral and the ramparts which have guarded the city since the 16th century are also among the most emblematic sites of the city. Arranged in terraces, the Barrakka Gardens will punctuate your promenade with a green and floral experience.
PONANT has organized the following included program for you, which starts the day of embarkation.
Included Features:
Not included:
Notes:
Guest Speaker
Aboard your ship, an English-speaking lecturer will enlighten you about the culture and history of your destination to deepen your knowledge of the origins of local traditions, the history of emblematic sites, and stories involving famous personalities and those of major historical significance. During on-board lectures or on your shore visits, this expert will be there to share their precious knowledge with you throughout your PONANT cruise.
Shore excursions, Pre/Post & Overlands
This specially designed program is an opportunity to experience the highlights of Provence before embarking on your voyage from the Riviera to Malta. From the rich history of Aix-en-Provence, once the capital of the region and still among its leading cities, to the charming villages of the Luberon massif, you will encounter a wonderful variety of architecture, sample one of the world's great cuisines, and marvel at cityscapes and landscapes that have inspired countless generations of artists, perhaps most famously Aix's own Paul Cézanne.
Day 1 – Marseille | Aix-en-Provence
On arrival at the Marseille-Provence Airport, you will be met and transferred to the Renaissance Aix-en-Provence Hotel, your home for the next three nights. Official check-in time is 3:00pm. A local representative will be present at a hospitality desk in the afternoon to welcome you and answer any questions you may have.
This evening, join fellow travelers for a welcome cocktail reception. Dinner is independent and at your leisure.
Day 2 – Aix-en-Provence
After breakfast, your introduction to Aix-en-Provence begins when you meet your leader in the lobby of the hotel and set off on foot for a guided tour. As you stroll through the charming streets, your expert guide will share stories and insights into the history of this beautiful city, showing you its remarkable architecture and bustling markets, and pointing out places closely associated with Aix's favorite son, Paul Cézanne. Discover the Cours Mirabeau, wander through the old Mazarin District, and marvel at the beauty of Saint-Sauveur Cathedral, with its multitude of contrasting architectural styles added through centuries of restoration and renovation.
At the end of the tour, the balance of the day is yours to explore on your own—to revisit favorite spots, sample the local cuisine, or simply relax and soak in the ambiance of this charming Provençal town.
Day 3 - Aix-en-Provence | Luberon Villages
After breakfast at the hotel, travel north to Luberon, a plateau located about halfway between Aix-en-Provence and Avignon, a region replete with the magnificent landscapes for which the south of France is known—rolling hills of flowers and lavender dotted with quaint villages on virtually every mountain top. After about an hour and a half of travel through this scenic countryside, you will reach Roussillon, a village in the heart of one of the largest deposits of ochre in the world and whose buildings are painted in an amazing array of colors derived from the reddish pigment. Your guided tour of this charming town includes a walk along the "Ochre Trail" through a now-abandoned quarry, as well as a stroll through the streets of the village proper.
Pause for a leisurely lunch of traditional Provençal cuisine at a restaurant in Roussillon, before traveling to Gordes, perennially cited as one of the most beautiful villages in France. A guided tour of the highlights of Gordes, built mostly of stone and known locally as "the Parthenon of Luberon" will orient you to its streets and markets so that you can enjoy some free time to explore at your own pace. Wander through the charming alleyways, visit local shops, or relax with a coffee and take in the stunning scenery.
Return to your hotel in Aix-en-Provence in late afternoon, where the evening is at leisure to explore local dining options or simply unwind after a day filled with unforgettable experiences.
Day 4 - Aix-en-Provence | Château Saint Martin | Nice | Embarkation
After breakfast and check out, join your guide and driver for the journey south and east to the Riviera and your waiting ship. About an hour and a half into the drive, stop in the village of Taradeau for a guided tour of the cellars of the Château de Saint Martin and a tasting of their wines. Then, enjoy some time on your own to explore the Liquoristerie de Provence, dedicated to preserving the art of producing fine liqueurs from natural ingredients (flowers, fruits, herbs) rather than from artificial infusions, before sitting down to a leisurely lunch at the Château.
Rejoin your coach and driver for the onward journey through more of the Provençal countryside and along the Riviera, passing Cannes and Antibes to arrive at the pier in Nice, where you embark Le Bougainville and set sail on your voyage.
Your hotel:
Located in the heart of the city, Renaissance Aix-en-Provence Hotel is a luxury property with beautifully appointed rooms and suites outfitted with all of the amenities you’d expect from a 5-star hotel. It has two pools, a fitness center and spa, and its two restaurants and lounge bar are known for their chefs' gourmet creations.
Your program includes:
Your program does not include:
Please note:
Hotel contact information:
Renaissance Aix-en-Provence
256 Avenue de Pérouse
Aix-en-Provence
France, 13100
Telephone: +33 4-86 915 500
Total : 1.840 €
Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.This specially designed program is an opportunity to get a sense of the extraordinarily rich history of this small island nation in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea. Learn about the importance of Malta as a crossroads of trade and as the headquarters of the Knights of St. John, as well as something of the island's Neolithic past as preserved in the prehistoric megaliths of Hagar Qim. Enjoy all of this while staying at one of the world's truly grand hotels.
Day 1 – Valletta, Malta
Enjoy breakfast aboard ship before joining a guided walking tour of Valletta, Malta’s fortified capital city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Your visit to the extraordinary interior of the 16th-century Co-Cathedral of St. John affords the opportunity to see Caravaggio’s massive masterpiece, The Beheading of St. John the Baptist. And during your tour of the Palace of the Grand Master, which serves today as the office of the president of Malta, you will see the richly decorated state rooms and tapestry chamber.
Continue with a stroll to the Upper Barrakka Gardens for panoramic views over the Grand Harbor and end at the Phoenicia Malta hotel, your home for the next two nights. Official check-in time is 3:00 p.m. The balance of the day is at leisure, with independent lunch and dinner.
Day 2 - Valletta
After breakfast at the hotel, drive inland to the city of Mdina, the capital of Malta until the Knights of St. John moved it to Valletta in the 16th century. Your walking tour includes the stunning Baroque Cathedral of St. Paul, built on the site where it is said Paul converted the Roman governor to Christianity in the months following his shipwreck on the island in the year 60. From Mdina, drive to a nearby winery for a private tour and tasting of some of Malta's finest wines before stopping at a historic local restaurant for a lunch of traditional Maltese specialties.
After lunch, drive to the southern coast of the island to visit the Hagar Qim Temples, a UNESCO World Heritage site dating to 3600 BC. Located on a hilltop overlooking the sea, Hagar Qim is among the earliest free-standing stone buildings in the world. Following your guided tour of this extraordinary site, return to the hotel. Dinner is independent and at your leisure.
Day 3 – Valletta | Depart
After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to the airport for flights homeward.
Your hotel:
The Phoenicia Malta, a member of The Leading Hotels of the World, is Malta’s landmark hotel with a storied history spanning over 60 years. Surrounded by beautifully landscaped gardens, the hotel is situated in an ideal location just outside the walled city of Valletta and its 16th-century bastions. From the hotel’s front door, the historic wonders of Valletta, including St. John’s Co-Cathedral, are all within easy walking distance. The hotel boasts 136 rooms and suites combining old-world elegance and a fresh style. Its modern conveniences ensure a comfortable and luxurious stay.
Your program includes:
Your program does not include:
Please note:
Hotel contact information:
The Phoenicia Malta
The Mall
Floriana FRN1478
Malta
Telephone: +356.2122.5241
Total : 1.110 €
Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.