Guest Speaker 
Deluxe Stateroom
19 m2
2
Tuscan shores and dolce vita
Nice - Livorno
Dates:
04/09/2023
to
11/09/2023
days
nights on board
Board Le Bougainville for an 8-day cruise to discover the wonders of the Italian shores and enjoy a taste of la dolce vita.
Setting sail from Nice, your ship will make its way to the Italian Riviera and Portofino. Built in a natural harbour protected by a pine forest, it is a picturesque and lively port that has successfully retained its authenticity and traditions.
Le Bougainville will then set a course for Porto Venere. This small fishing village lined with charming houses in pastel colours will win you over with its warm and lively atmosphere.
Portoferraio, a small corner of paradise on the island of Elba, where Napoleon spend many days in exile will be your next port of call.
Then your ship will sail to the Amalfi Coast, the jewel of southern Italy, where you will discover Salerno, a beautiful little town famous for its Duomo.
You will then call in Porto Santo Stefano, a town built along a hillside and surrounded by a 17th century fortress.
You will continue to sail along the Tuscan shoreline to Livorno, a port city famous for its Renaissance fortifications, the final stop on your trip to these lands brimming with history.
Ref : EG040923
Your itinerary
A cruise from Nice to Livorno, from the Italian Riviera to Tuscany. Visiting Portofino, a quiet fishing village with colourful houses. The island of Elba and Portoferraio, where Napoleon was exiled. Gaeta, a...
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Your trip in detail
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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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L'AUSTRAL
28/06/2023 to the 12/07/2023
LE PAUL GAUGUIN
LE CHAMPLAIN
29/05/2023 to the 05/06/2023
LE COMMANDANT CHARCOT
11/09/2023 to the 05/10/2023
*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
- 24h room service
- Inclusive Wi-Fi Internet access (availability dependent on navigation and latitude)
- Individually-controlled air conditioning
- Dressing room with shelves and closet
- Dressing table and hairdryer
- Hermès top-of-the-line bath products
- Minibar included
- 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)
- Two ADA staterooms
Select your stateroom category
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
Highlights
- A cruise from Nice to Livorno, from the Italian Riviera to Tuscany.
- Visiting Portofino, a quiet fishing village with colourful houses.
- The island of Elba and Portoferraio, where Napoleon was exiled.
- Gaeta, a renowned seaside destination in Roman times already.
- Discover the archaeological treasures of the province of Salerno
- Porto Santo Stefano, a small confidential port on the Tyrrhenian Sea.
Ports of Call & Excursions
4 September 2023 - Nice
Embarkation 04/09/2023 from 16:00 to 17:00
Departure 04/09/2023 at 19:00
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.
5 September 2023 - Portofino
Arrival 05/09/2023 early morning
Departure 05/09/2023 late evening
Close to the Cinque Terre, Portofino is the jewel of the Ligurian Riviera. This "small village that stretches like a half moon around a silent basin", described by Guy de Maupassant, is today a pretty, lively little port that has managed to preserve the authenticity of its maritime traditions, which have been recognised since Ancient times. Built in the hollow of a small natural cove sheltered by the pine forest, the village is at the heart of a protected maritime reserve. The shimmering colours of its house fronts and the exceptional location of this village have inspired many authors and artists. You will also see the Portofino lighthouse, immaculate in its green setting. Perched on the Punta del Capo, it watches over the peninsula and its postcard setting.
6 September 2023 - Porto Venere
Arrival 06/09/2023 midday
Departure 06/09/2023 early evening
Located on the magnificent chiselled coast of Liguria, to the north-west of the Italian peninsula, Portovenere is an unusual little fishing village. Clinging to the southernmost tip of the Cinque Terre National park, this charming town benefits from an exceptional location, at the mouth of the gulf of La Spezia. As soon as you set foot on land, you will be mesmerised by the pastel shades of the buildings. Via Capellini is its lively and welcoming main street, brimming with shops and restaurants. At the end of a long promenade, a steep road leads to Doria castle. Below, on its rocky spur, the Church of Saint Peter offers a splendid view of Palmaria island.
7 September 2023 - Portoferraio, Elba
Arrival 07/09/2023 early morning
Departure 07/09/2023 late afternoon
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.
8 September 2023 - Gaeta
Arrival 08/09/2023 midday
Departure 08/09/2023 early evening
Gaeta takes its name from the legend of the nanny of Aeneas. This illustrious relationship can be seen in the nobility of this old town, built on a peninsula, at the end of a headland. In Roman times, Gaeta was already a renowned seaside destination; it fell under Byzantine domination then became an autonomous duchy and an independent republic. The fortifications that surround this ancient fort remind us of this rich history, as does the cathedral bell tower, an elegant building of both Roman and Moor influence, decorated with ceramic in the style of bell-towers of Amalfi.
9 September 2023 - Salerno
Arrival 09/09/2023 early morning
Departure 09/09/2023 late afternoon
Generating a veritable explosion of intense emotions, the province of Salerno fascinates and enchants travellers. Its fascinating history will lead you to the extraordinary archaeological site of Pompeii, whose sprawling ruins provide a grandiose and moving vision of what a Roman city looked like in Imperial times. The city which was frozen in time under the ashes from the eruption of Mont Vesuvius offers you its peerless historical and cultural wealth, as well as the unique beauty of its location, which has earned it classification as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
10 September 2023 - Porto Santo Stefano
Arrival 10/09/2023 midday
Departure 10/09/2023 late afternoon
In Southern Tuscany, Porto Santo Stefano, a charming seaside resort located on the Monte Argentario peninsula, is renowned for its enchanting setting. Nestling on the side of a hill, the small town offers beautiful sandy beaches with crystal-clear water and a picturesque town centre. Stroll around its steep alleyways lined with coloured houses and discover La Rocca, a Spanish fortress built in the 17th century to protect the town against pirate attacks. There, you can enjoy a stunning view over the port and the Gulf of Talamone.
11 September 2023 - Livorno
Arrival 11/09/2023 early morning
Disembarkation 11/09/2023 at 08:00
On the ligurian coast, Livorno invites us to Tuscany, a charming region offering archaeological vestiges, Renaissance treasures, undulating landscapes and a pleasant way of life. When the Medicis arrived in the 16th century they developed the city, which became one of the most important ports in the Mediterranean. Cosmopolitan and multireligious, Livorno has welcomed many immigrants and is a wonderful example of cultural diversity. Built during that period, Fortezza Vecchia and Fortezza Nuova attest to the city’s power. At the foot of the new fort, Nuova Venezia is an enchanting district with small canals and streets to stroll along to discover a few architectural treasures, such as the magnificent Santa Caterina da Siena church in the Tuscan baroque style.
Portofino walking tour
Through the centuries, Portofino functioned primarily as a fishing village and, occasionally, as a small naval port. Today, it is a classy resort-village. Portofino's miniscule bay is neatly packed with pricey yachts, common boats and, as a vestige of its past, some fishing boats.
From the pier, you will meet your local guide and start your panoramic walking tour. If you don't bring your camera to Portofino, you will regret it. The town is striking with its brightly colored antique buildings hovering over sparkling blue water. And the surrounding luxuriant green hillsides of the Portofino Promontory are equally stunning.
Your walk heads up to the right as you face the harbour. You will enjoy a path through one of the largest concentrations of flora and fauna in the Mediterranean. For some fantastic views of the entire bay and the Tigullian Gulf, you will walk up the hill to the Church of San Giorgio. Perched high above the town, this church contains relics of St. George brought over by crusaders from the Holy Land. From here you will walk to another great lookout point at the Punto del Capo, the Portofino lighthouse.
Afterward, you will take the way back to the pier.
- This tour involves walking 2.5 miles (4 km) on flat and cobblestone ground and sloping floor. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun. Internal visits of the Church of San Giorgio and Portofino lighthouse are not included.
Total : 40 €
According to availability, price per passenger.
Charms of land and sea
From the pier, you will board a private boat for a 45-minute boat tour of the three islands of Palmaria, Tino and Tinetto.
The islands of Palmaria, Tino and Tinetto are part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site that includes Cinque Terre and Porto Venere. Although these islands are considered as one unit, each of them has its own history and rich culture. Tino is located on a military base and is therefore off-limits to tourists on most parts of the year. In Tinetto, there are several churches and ruined churches to explore. It reflects the religious culture of the people that inhabit this island. Palmaria is the most popular of these three islands. This island is best known for its beaches and the ocean that offers the perfect conditions for swimming, snorkelling, and diving.
Then, you will disembark at La Spezia for a walking tour. La Spezia is small and pretty, overlooking the Gulf of Poets, squeezed between the sea and the mountains. Your walking tour will take you to Via del Prione. You will discover La Spezia gardens, where you will notice many elements typical of the Art Nouveau era. Then, you will walk in front of the museum Amedeo Lia and the Piazza del Mercato (outside visits only). The famous market of La Spezia has its roots in the 19th century and has never closed since.
On the way back, you will stroll in the Morin promenade which is one of the most pleasant places in the city of La Spezia: true symbol of the city, it is characterized by a double row of palm trees with a mixed panorama consisting of the Apuan Alps to the east, the hills to the west and the waterfront that dominates the scene.
Afterward, you will board your private boat and cruise back to Porto Venere.
- This tour involves 0.9-mile (1,5 km) walking on flat and cobblestone ground, sometimes a bit steep. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun. The boat tour does not include stop on the Palmaria, Tino and Tinetto islands.
Total : 130 €
According to availability, price per passenger.
Western Elba
From the pier, board your coach for a 45-minute drive to Marciana Marina. Marciana Marina, which is wedged between the coast and the imposing steep slopes of Monte Capanne, is home to picturesque districts, small granite streets and pastel-coloured houses. At the entrance of the harbour is the Torre Saracena, an 11th-century tower. Upon your arrival, some free time will be allotted to explore the area at your leisure. Your guide will first give you a short historical and cultural introduction of this gem before letting you explore the town by yourself.
Then, you will board your coach for a 2-hour drive to Marina di Campo. On the way, you’ll enjoy a panoramic drive, passing by Chiessi, Fetovaia and Cavoli, including a photo stop.
Upon your arrival, you will visit Marina di Campo. This old fishing town is highlighted by approximately 1.2 miles (about 2 km) of pinewood-lined golden beaches, a beautiful promenade along the sea and splendid accommodations, making it among the most popular tourist centres on the island. You will then re-board your coach for the approximately 30-minute drive back to the port.
- This excursion is mainly a panoramic tour of Elba where you will stay in the bus. This tour is suitable for passengers with reduced/limited mobility. We recommend you wear comfortable clothes and shoes and protect yourself from the sun. The tour is limited to 40 participants.
Total : 70 €
According to availability, price per passenger.
Porto Azzurro and Napoleon's Villa
From the pier, board your coach for your half-day tour around the island of Elba. After a 30-minute drive to Porto Azzurro, you will be able to discover the town with your local guide. Porto Azzurro is one of the most picturesque and relaxing seaside resorts on Elba. Situated along a deep inlet on the eastern side of the island, Porto Azzurro is dominated by the early 17th century star-shaped Fort of San Giacomo, or “Forte Longone”.
You will then return to your coach and continue to Portoferraio, where you will enjoy a guided walking tour through the town en-route to the Villa Dei Mulini, the former winter residence of French emperor Napoleon Bonaparte. Although Napoleon’s exile on Elba was brief, he left behind a considerable cultural and historical heritage. During your visit to Villa Dei Mulini, you will discover paintings and other artefacts of this period. The garden is home to a copy of Canova’s Galatea and a statue of Minerva and offers a spectacular view of the Tuscan coast.
Finally, you will return to your coach and drive back to your ship.
- This tour involves walking 1.9 mile (3 km) on flat and cobblestones streets, with many steps to reach the Villa Dei Mulini (100 steps down to the port and 10 steps at the villa). We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun. The order of sights may vary.
Total : 80 €
According to availability, price per passenger.
Marciana Marina and Capoliveri
From the pier, board your coach for a 45-minute drive to Marciana Marina. Marciana Marina, which is wedged between the coast and the imposing steep slopes of Monte Capanne, is home to picturesque districts, small granite streets and pastel-coloured houses. At the entrance of the harbour is the Torre Saracena, an 11th-century tower. Upon your arrival, some free time will be allotted to explore the area at your leisure. Your guide will first give you a short historical and cultural introduction of this gem before letting you explore the town by yourself.
Then, you will board your coach for another 45-minute drive to Capoliveri. Perched on a 1,355-foot-high (413-metre-high) hilltop, Capoliveri is adorned with medieval architecture and the town centre boasts a wealth of history and charm. The Capoliveri coasts are among the most beautiful on the island, and feature overhanging cliffs, crystal-clear bays and superb views over the gulfs of Lacona and Campo. From here, you will enjoy a short guided-tour before being allowed to stroll along the narrow, picturesque streets and archways, or ‘chiassi’, browse the small boutiques, or stop for traditional cuisine and fine wine.
- This excursion involves a moderate amount of walking of approximately 0.6 miles (1 km) with some steps. We recommend you wear comfortable shoes and protect yourself from the sun. This tour is limited to 40 participants.
Total : 70 €
According to availability, price per passenger.
Tiberio Villa and Sperlonga
Sperlonga's main cultural attraction is the museum erected on the grounds of the former villa of Tiberius, showing the groups of sculpture celebrating the deeds of Odysseus, found in a grotto. According to Tacitus and Suetonius, the roof of the grotto collapsed while Tiberius was dining, and Sejanus rushed to save Tiberius, for which Tiberius in gratitude promoted him, launching his rise to power. Tiberius moved to Capri after 26 AD.
The villa included a grotto where some famous sculptures, now housed in the museum, have been found: these portrayed the assault of Scylla to Odysseus' ship, the blinding of Polyphemus, the theft of the Palladium and Odysseus lifting Achilles's corpse. The works have been attributed to Rhodian sculptors which are thought to be the same authors of the group of "Laocoön and His Sons". Yet whether the very same artists are responsible is questionable.
After your visit to the National Archaeological Museum and the adjacent grounds of the former house of Tiberius, rejoin your coach for Sperlonga city centre.
Sperlonga is a small sea village characterised by white houses placed on a promontory above the sea, and was rightly awarded as one of the most beautiful towns in Italy. On arrival, follow your guide for a walking tour through the cobblestoned streets of the town. You will visit the historical centre, the Church of St. Mary of Speloncae and you will admire the Truglia Tower.
Before returning to your ship you will enjoy some free time followed by a small snack.
- This excursion involves about two hours of walking on uneven ground with about ten stairs to climb. We recommend you to bring comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun. Appropriate dress is recommended for visiting religious sites (shoulders and knees must be covered). The interior visit of religious monuments may be canceled in the event of preparation for a particular event or religious service. The snack is included in your excursion.
Total : 70 €
According to availability, price per passenger.
Split Mountain of Gaeta and historical centre
From the pier, embark your coach and drive through the hearth of Gaeta to discover the famous so called “Split Mountain”, which still receives continuous pilgrimages. Visit the Sanctuary of the Split Mountain. The complex is composed of the church of the Santissima Trinità, the Benedictine monastery dating from 1071 and the "Grotta del turco", an open corridor. After going down 35 stair steps, you will join the deep and suggestive central split: according to the tradition, the mountain split at the death of Christ.
The geological phenomenon and the constant religious tradition made the Split Mountain internationally famous: it has been visited by Saints, Popes and Kings for centuries.
Next, discover the historical centre of Gaeta. You will visit the Gothic church of the Santissima Annunziata, which was renewed with baroque decorations in 1621.
Walking up toward the promontory, you will discover the medieval area of the town, a little centre of art that represented the political and religious heart of the Ducal period (9th to 12th century). The alleys, buildings, narrow streets, towers, steps, portals and little bell towers from the 12th to the 13th and following centuries, make a very interesting ensemble. Going up the Via Pius IX you will arrive at the castle that dominates the whole medieval centre.
Continuing through the Via Angioina, you will arrive to the neo-gothic church of San Francesco, built during the reign of Ferdinando II in the memory of Pius IX who was then exiled in Gaeta. The church was transformed into barracks and a military hospital during the French domination.
After your guided tour, follow your guide for the 15-minute walk back to the pier.
- This excursion involves 3-hour of walking on uneven terrains and steep slopes with 60 steps to negotiate. We recommend you wear comfortable shoes and protect yourself from the sun. Appropriate dress must be worn when visiting religious buildings (shoulders and knees should be covered). The inside visit of the religious sites cannot be guaranteed in case of preparation for special event or church services.
Total : 35 €
According to availability, price per passenger.
Paestum
From the pier, embark your coach for a one-hour drive to Paestum, the city dedicated to Poseidon the god of the sea, and founded by the Greeks around 600 BC. Previously called Poseidonia, it was later occupied by the Lucanians, an italic population, from 400 BC until 273 BC, when it became a Roman colony under the name of Paestum.
Its three temples are the only example of Greek architecture and arts already present in Italy, and are better preserved than the Parthenon in Athens. The city was discovered under the marsh and the brushwood thanks to the King of Naples Carlo di Borbone III during the 17th century.
The Romans made of the ancient Poseidonia their colony, and subsequently it was embellished by magnificent buildings including the baths, the portico of the forum and the amphitheatre.
Walking through this ancient moment of history and looking at these imposing and gorgeous structures will leave an impression in people's mind of the best example of what the Greek culture was in the past.
Finally, you will board your coach and start your return drive to the ship.
- This tour involves one hour and a half of walking over uneven ground, we recommend you to wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun.
Total : 65 €
According to availability, price per passenger.
Pompeii
From the pier, embark your coach for a forty-five-minute drive to Pompeii.
Pompeii is considered the world's finest example of an ancient Roman town. The eruption of Vesuvius on August 24, 79 AD not only preserved structures, but also evidence of the ancient way of life, such as a fully equipped tavern with the last customer's money still on the counter.
Ancient Pompeii was a prosperous provincial centre with an estimated population of 20,000. Much of the town had been destroyed by an earthquake in 63 AD, and the rebuilding was still in process when the volcano erupted 16 years later. The whole town was buried beneath more than 20 feet (6 m) of ash and pumice stone. Residents were killed by lethal sulphur fumes or struck down by lava and pumice stone that rained down upon the city, although some of the people escaped. Abandoned until the 18th century, Pompeii was frozen in time until excavations revealed this amazing archaeological site. Plaster was poured into empty spaces in the lava to make body casts of some of the victims, such as a young man stretched out to protect his mother and young daughter, and the famous twisted body of a dog still tied to its chain.
The walking tour of Pompeii will be led by a guide who will help you relive the historical events and experience a typical day in antiquity. Admire the luxurious mansions and fabulous art of wealthy patricians who came to Pompeii to escape the turmoil in Rome. Their houses were designed around an inner garden with few windows on the exteriors, so residents could forget the outside world and get sunlight from their own courtyards. Visit some of the more modest homes and explore ancient baths, temples, theatres, markets and huge forum.
Finally, you will board your coach and start your return drive to the ship.
- This tour involves 2 hours of walking over uneven ground, we recommend you to wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun.
Total : 50 €
According to availability, price per passenger.
Wine tasting and Orbetello
From the pier, you will board your coach and take the 30-minute drive to La Parrina Estate.
Tenuta la Parrina is one of the oldest historic farms that lies between the low hills of the Tuscan Maremma in a spectacular landscape with olive trees, vineyards and fields of golden grain. The estate is spread on an area of about 200 hectares, 60 of which are destined to vineyards, 40 to fruit production, 20 to the horticultural, 22 to the olive plants, and the remaining are divided between arable land and growing nurseries.
Upon arrival, you will enjoy a guided visit of the estate, followed by wine tasting accompanied by local products. You will have the opportunity to see how to make a wine, starting with the grape harvest, through the vinification and aging and ending with bottling. La Parrina DOC wines are produced in the basement of the estate since 1971. The cellar is certainly a tribute to the land, because it is the instrument with which they produce quality wines, but it is also the physical location in which they give the opportunity to their guests to come into direct contact with the production philosophy.
Afterwards you will continue to Orbetello. This town is situated in the middle of a beautiful coastal lagoon. The small island where it stands is surrounded by the Levante and Ponente Lagoon, known respectively as the Tombolo della Feniglia and the Tombolo della Giannella, and offer visitors many kilometers of wonderful beaches. Here, you will explore with your local guide the charming streets. Orbetello is a lively and busy town whose principal resource has always been fishing, in fact, local seafood recipes are widely considered to be the best in the Maremma.
- The tour involves walking on flat and gravel ground during the visit of the estate. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun. Walking distance is at guest’s discretion.
Total : 80 €
According to availability, price per passenger.
Hiking the Spanish Fortresses
From the pier, you will board your coach and start your 15-minute drive to Porto Ercole, where three fortresses were built during the Spanish domination and still characterise the unique landscape of the Argentario promontory.
Your hike will begin with the outside visit of Forte Filippo, a quiet demanding uphill walk towards the top of the cliff. Once at the top, you will be able to cover the entire perimeter of the walkway built for the soldiers who controlled the territory. A large stretch of coast is visible from the Orbetello lagoon to the southern coast of Tuscany.
Then a short coach journey of few minutes takes you to Forte Stella. This star-shaped fortress overlooks the blue Tyrrhenian Sea. To create this imposing structure, the Spanish turned to Cosimo I de Medici, who entrusted the management of the work to the architects Bernardo Buontalenti and Giovanni Camerini. The project started in the 15th century and took a long time to be finished: Forte Stella was in fact completed only in the middle of the 16th century. Forte Stella was used mostly as a watchtower from which you can enjoy a panoramic view of the coast, running from the southern bank of the Argentario to the Capo Linaro promontory near Civitavecchia.
Finally, another short ride by coach will lead you to the Rocca Aldobrandesca with the imposing emblem of the State of the Presidios that dominates the entrance portal.
After your visit, you will board your coach for the 15-minute drive back to your ship.
- This excursion involves a walking distance of 2,8 miles (4,5 km), quiet demanding at the beginning, then it is an easy and fascinating path. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun.
Total : 90 €
According to availability, price per passenger.
Panoramic Argentario and Porto Ercole
From the pier, you will meet your local guide and board your coach for the 40-minute panoramic drive to Porto Ercole. Here, you will start your walking tour of Porto Ercole, a lovely seaside resort located on the Argentario promontory.
The first inhabitants of Porto Ercole were fishermen and still today, walking along the small port, one encounters old sea wolves intent on repairing fishing nets. You will cross the Pisan door and take a walk in the heart of the village among alleys, squares overlooking the sea and stairways that will lead you to the church and then to the Rocca. You will walk along the promenade, where bars and restaurants with terraces overlooking the sea alternate with shops created from what once were fishermen's warehouses. You can still observe the construction sites dedicated to the repair work on the boats, and the landing of fish from the returning fishing boats.
In addition to the natural beauty, you will have the opportunity to admire the charm of the imposing Spanish fortresses that were built in the 16th century: Forte Filippo, the Rocca and Forte Stella.
On the way back to the port of Porto Santo Stefano, you will take a short detour to the convent of the Passionist Fathers, at the summit of Monte Argentario. At an altitude of 273 meters you will enjoy the splendid panorama that can be admired from the square. The convent, surrounded by generous vegetation, was built in the late 1700s at the behest of St. Paul of the Cross. The Passionist Fathers promote the memory of Christ's Passion, live in community and lead a life of study, prayer and missionary activity.
- This tour involves walking approximately 2.5 km, sometimes uphill and downhill, with some steps. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun. The inside visit of the convent is not included. Order of sights may vary.
Total : 45 €
According to availability, price per passenger.
Le Bougainville
Welcoming and spacious common areas, refined open-to-the-sea design, sleek exterior lines, a marina to make access to the ship's zodiac inflatables easier, hi-tech equipment, an outdoor pool, a multisensorial underwater lounge… Le Bougainville represents the new generation of ships designed to combine discovery and exploration with luxury, even in the planet's most remote and isolated regions.
Up to 184 Guests
92 staterooms & suites
118 crew members
Spa
2 restaurants
Decks
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
Portofino walking tour
Through the centuries, Portofino functioned primarily as a fishing village and, occasionally, as a small naval port. Today, it is a classy resort-village. Portofino's miniscule bay is neatly packed with pricey yachts, common boats and, as a vestige of its past, some fishing boats.
From the pier, you will meet your local guide and start your panoramic walking tour. If you don't bring your camera to Portofino, you will regret it. The town is striking with its brightly colored antique buildings hovering over sparkling blue water. And the surrounding luxuriant green hillsides of the Portofino Promontory are equally stunning.
Your walk heads up to the right as you face the harbour. You will enjoy a path through one of the largest concentrations of flora and fauna in the Mediterranean. For some fantastic views of the entire bay and the Tigullian Gulf, you will walk up the hill to the Church of San Giorgio. Perched high above the town, this church contains relics of St. George brought over by crusaders from the Holy Land. From here you will walk to another great lookout point at the Punto del Capo, the Portofino lighthouse.
Afterward, you will take the way back to the pier.
- This tour involves walking 2.5 miles (4 km) on flat and cobblestone ground and sloping floor. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun. Internal visits of the Church of San Giorgio and Portofino lighthouse are not included.
Total : 40 €
According to availability, price per passenger.
Charms of land and sea
From the pier, you will board a private boat for a 45-minute boat tour of the three islands of Palmaria, Tino and Tinetto.
The islands of Palmaria, Tino and Tinetto are part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site that includes Cinque Terre and Porto Venere. Although these islands are considered as one unit, each of them has its own history and rich culture. Tino is located on a military base and is therefore off-limits to tourists on most parts of the year. In Tinetto, there are several churches and ruined churches to explore. It reflects the religious culture of the people that inhabit this island. Palmaria is the most popular of these three islands. This island is best known for its beaches and the ocean that offers the perfect conditions for swimming, snorkelling, and diving.
Then, you will disembark at La Spezia for a walking tour. La Spezia is small and pretty, overlooking the Gulf of Poets, squeezed between the sea and the mountains. Your walking tour will take you to Via del Prione. You will discover La Spezia gardens, where you will notice many elements typical of the Art Nouveau era. Then, you will walk in front of the museum Amedeo Lia and the Piazza del Mercato (outside visits only). The famous market of La Spezia has its roots in the 19th century and has never closed since.
On the way back, you will stroll in the Morin promenade which is one of the most pleasant places in the city of La Spezia: true symbol of the city, it is characterized by a double row of palm trees with a mixed panorama consisting of the Apuan Alps to the east, the hills to the west and the waterfront that dominates the scene.
Afterward, you will board your private boat and cruise back to Porto Venere.
- This tour involves 0.9-mile (1,5 km) walking on flat and cobblestone ground, sometimes a bit steep. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun. The boat tour does not include stop on the Palmaria, Tino and Tinetto islands.
Total : 130 €
According to availability, price per passenger.
Western Elba
From the pier, board your coach for a 45-minute drive to Marciana Marina. Marciana Marina, which is wedged between the coast and the imposing steep slopes of Monte Capanne, is home to picturesque districts, small granite streets and pastel-coloured houses. At the entrance of the harbour is the Torre Saracena, an 11th-century tower. Upon your arrival, some free time will be allotted to explore the area at your leisure. Your guide will first give you a short historical and cultural introduction of this gem before letting you explore the town by yourself.
Then, you will board your coach for a 2-hour drive to Marina di Campo. On the way, you’ll enjoy a panoramic drive, passing by Chiessi, Fetovaia and Cavoli, including a photo stop.
Upon your arrival, you will visit Marina di Campo. This old fishing town is highlighted by approximately 1.2 miles (about 2 km) of pinewood-lined golden beaches, a beautiful promenade along the sea and splendid accommodations, making it among the most popular tourist centres on the island. You will then re-board your coach for the approximately 30-minute drive back to the port.
- This excursion is mainly a panoramic tour of Elba where you will stay in the bus. This tour is suitable for passengers with reduced/limited mobility. We recommend you wear comfortable clothes and shoes and protect yourself from the sun. The tour is limited to 40 participants.
Total : 70 €
According to availability, price per passenger.
Porto Azzurro and Napoleon's Villa
From the pier, board your coach for your half-day tour around the island of Elba. After a 30-minute drive to Porto Azzurro, you will be able to discover the town with your local guide. Porto Azzurro is one of the most picturesque and relaxing seaside resorts on Elba. Situated along a deep inlet on the eastern side of the island, Porto Azzurro is dominated by the early 17th century star-shaped Fort of San Giacomo, or “Forte Longone”.
You will then return to your coach and continue to Portoferraio, where you will enjoy a guided walking tour through the town en-route to the Villa Dei Mulini, the former winter residence of French emperor Napoleon Bonaparte. Although Napoleon’s exile on Elba was brief, he left behind a considerable cultural and historical heritage. During your visit to Villa Dei Mulini, you will discover paintings and other artefacts of this period. The garden is home to a copy of Canova’s Galatea and a statue of Minerva and offers a spectacular view of the Tuscan coast.
Finally, you will return to your coach and drive back to your ship.
- This tour involves walking 1.9 mile (3 km) on flat and cobblestones streets, with many steps to reach the Villa Dei Mulini (100 steps down to the port and 10 steps at the villa). We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun. The order of sights may vary.
Total : 80 €
According to availability, price per passenger.
Marciana Marina and Capoliveri
From the pier, board your coach for a 45-minute drive to Marciana Marina. Marciana Marina, which is wedged between the coast and the imposing steep slopes of Monte Capanne, is home to picturesque districts, small granite streets and pastel-coloured houses. At the entrance of the harbour is the Torre Saracena, an 11th-century tower. Upon your arrival, some free time will be allotted to explore the area at your leisure. Your guide will first give you a short historical and cultural introduction of this gem before letting you explore the town by yourself.
Then, you will board your coach for another 45-minute drive to Capoliveri. Perched on a 1,355-foot-high (413-metre-high) hilltop, Capoliveri is adorned with medieval architecture and the town centre boasts a wealth of history and charm. The Capoliveri coasts are among the most beautiful on the island, and feature overhanging cliffs, crystal-clear bays and superb views over the gulfs of Lacona and Campo. From here, you will enjoy a short guided-tour before being allowed to stroll along the narrow, picturesque streets and archways, or ‘chiassi’, browse the small boutiques, or stop for traditional cuisine and fine wine.
- This excursion involves a moderate amount of walking of approximately 0.6 miles (1 km) with some steps. We recommend you wear comfortable shoes and protect yourself from the sun. This tour is limited to 40 participants.
Total : 70 €
According to availability, price per passenger.
Tiberio Villa and Sperlonga
Sperlonga's main cultural attraction is the museum erected on the grounds of the former villa of Tiberius, showing the groups of sculpture celebrating the deeds of Odysseus, found in a grotto. According to Tacitus and Suetonius, the roof of the grotto collapsed while Tiberius was dining, and Sejanus rushed to save Tiberius, for which Tiberius in gratitude promoted him, launching his rise to power. Tiberius moved to Capri after 26 AD.
The villa included a grotto where some famous sculptures, now housed in the museum, have been found: these portrayed the assault of Scylla to Odysseus' ship, the blinding of Polyphemus, the theft of the Palladium and Odysseus lifting Achilles's corpse. The works have been attributed to Rhodian sculptors which are thought to be the same authors of the group of "Laocoön and His Sons". Yet whether the very same artists are responsible is questionable.
After your visit to the National Archaeological Museum and the adjacent grounds of the former house of Tiberius, rejoin your coach for Sperlonga city centre.
Sperlonga is a small sea village characterised by white houses placed on a promontory above the sea, and was rightly awarded as one of the most beautiful towns in Italy. On arrival, follow your guide for a walking tour through the cobblestoned streets of the town. You will visit the historical centre, the Church of St. Mary of Speloncae and you will admire the Truglia Tower.
Before returning to your ship you will enjoy some free time followed by a small snack.
- This excursion involves about two hours of walking on uneven ground with about ten stairs to climb. We recommend you to bring comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun. Appropriate dress is recommended for visiting religious sites (shoulders and knees must be covered). The interior visit of religious monuments may be canceled in the event of preparation for a particular event or religious service. The snack is included in your excursion.
Total : 70 €
According to availability, price per passenger.
Split Mountain of Gaeta and historical centre
From the pier, embark your coach and drive through the hearth of Gaeta to discover the famous so called “Split Mountain”, which still receives continuous pilgrimages. Visit the Sanctuary of the Split Mountain. The complex is composed of the church of the Santissima Trinità, the Benedictine monastery dating from 1071 and the "Grotta del turco", an open corridor. After going down 35 stair steps, you will join the deep and suggestive central split: according to the tradition, the mountain split at the death of Christ.
The geological phenomenon and the constant religious tradition made the Split Mountain internationally famous: it has been visited by Saints, Popes and Kings for centuries.
Next, discover the historical centre of Gaeta. You will visit the Gothic church of the Santissima Annunziata, which was renewed with baroque decorations in 1621.
Walking up toward the promontory, you will discover the medieval area of the town, a little centre of art that represented the political and religious heart of the Ducal period (9th to 12th century). The alleys, buildings, narrow streets, towers, steps, portals and little bell towers from the 12th to the 13th and following centuries, make a very interesting ensemble. Going up the Via Pius IX you will arrive at the castle that dominates the whole medieval centre.
Continuing through the Via Angioina, you will arrive to the neo-gothic church of San Francesco, built during the reign of Ferdinando II in the memory of Pius IX who was then exiled in Gaeta. The church was transformed into barracks and a military hospital during the French domination.
After your guided tour, follow your guide for the 15-minute walk back to the pier.
- This excursion involves 3-hour of walking on uneven terrains and steep slopes with 60 steps to negotiate. We recommend you wear comfortable shoes and protect yourself from the sun. Appropriate dress must be worn when visiting religious buildings (shoulders and knees should be covered). The inside visit of the religious sites cannot be guaranteed in case of preparation for special event or church services.
Total : 35 €
According to availability, price per passenger.
Paestum
From the pier, embark your coach for a one-hour drive to Paestum, the city dedicated to Poseidon the god of the sea, and founded by the Greeks around 600 BC. Previously called Poseidonia, it was later occupied by the Lucanians, an italic population, from 400 BC until 273 BC, when it became a Roman colony under the name of Paestum.
Its three temples are the only example of Greek architecture and arts already present in Italy, and are better preserved than the Parthenon in Athens. The city was discovered under the marsh and the brushwood thanks to the King of Naples Carlo di Borbone III during the 17th century.
The Romans made of the ancient Poseidonia their colony, and subsequently it was embellished by magnificent buildings including the baths, the portico of the forum and the amphitheatre.
Walking through this ancient moment of history and looking at these imposing and gorgeous structures will leave an impression in people's mind of the best example of what the Greek culture was in the past.
Finally, you will board your coach and start your return drive to the ship.
- This tour involves one hour and a half of walking over uneven ground, we recommend you to wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun.
Total : 65 €
According to availability, price per passenger.
Pompeii
From the pier, embark your coach for a forty-five-minute drive to Pompeii.
Pompeii is considered the world's finest example of an ancient Roman town. The eruption of Vesuvius on August 24, 79 AD not only preserved structures, but also evidence of the ancient way of life, such as a fully equipped tavern with the last customer's money still on the counter.
Ancient Pompeii was a prosperous provincial centre with an estimated population of 20,000. Much of the town had been destroyed by an earthquake in 63 AD, and the rebuilding was still in process when the volcano erupted 16 years later. The whole town was buried beneath more than 20 feet (6 m) of ash and pumice stone. Residents were killed by lethal sulphur fumes or struck down by lava and pumice stone that rained down upon the city, although some of the people escaped. Abandoned until the 18th century, Pompeii was frozen in time until excavations revealed this amazing archaeological site. Plaster was poured into empty spaces in the lava to make body casts of some of the victims, such as a young man stretched out to protect his mother and young daughter, and the famous twisted body of a dog still tied to its chain.
The walking tour of Pompeii will be led by a guide who will help you relive the historical events and experience a typical day in antiquity. Admire the luxurious mansions and fabulous art of wealthy patricians who came to Pompeii to escape the turmoil in Rome. Their houses were designed around an inner garden with few windows on the exteriors, so residents could forget the outside world and get sunlight from their own courtyards. Visit some of the more modest homes and explore ancient baths, temples, theatres, markets and huge forum.
Finally, you will board your coach and start your return drive to the ship.
- This tour involves 2 hours of walking over uneven ground, we recommend you to wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun.
Total : 50 €
According to availability, price per passenger.
Wine tasting and Orbetello
From the pier, you will board your coach and take the 30-minute drive to La Parrina Estate.
Tenuta la Parrina is one of the oldest historic farms that lies between the low hills of the Tuscan Maremma in a spectacular landscape with olive trees, vineyards and fields of golden grain. The estate is spread on an area of about 200 hectares, 60 of which are destined to vineyards, 40 to fruit production, 20 to the horticultural, 22 to the olive plants, and the remaining are divided between arable land and growing nurseries.
Upon arrival, you will enjoy a guided visit of the estate, followed by wine tasting accompanied by local products. You will have the opportunity to see how to make a wine, starting with the grape harvest, through the vinification and aging and ending with bottling. La Parrina DOC wines are produced in the basement of the estate since 1971. The cellar is certainly a tribute to the land, because it is the instrument with which they produce quality wines, but it is also the physical location in which they give the opportunity to their guests to come into direct contact with the production philosophy.
Afterwards you will continue to Orbetello. This town is situated in the middle of a beautiful coastal lagoon. The small island where it stands is surrounded by the Levante and Ponente Lagoon, known respectively as the Tombolo della Feniglia and the Tombolo della Giannella, and offer visitors many kilometers of wonderful beaches. Here, you will explore with your local guide the charming streets. Orbetello is a lively and busy town whose principal resource has always been fishing, in fact, local seafood recipes are widely considered to be the best in the Maremma.
- The tour involves walking on flat and gravel ground during the visit of the estate. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun. Walking distance is at guest’s discretion.
Total : 80 €
According to availability, price per passenger.
Hiking the Spanish Fortresses
From the pier, you will board your coach and start your 15-minute drive to Porto Ercole, where three fortresses were built during the Spanish domination and still characterise the unique landscape of the Argentario promontory.
Your hike will begin with the outside visit of Forte Filippo, a quiet demanding uphill walk towards the top of the cliff. Once at the top, you will be able to cover the entire perimeter of the walkway built for the soldiers who controlled the territory. A large stretch of coast is visible from the Orbetello lagoon to the southern coast of Tuscany.
Then a short coach journey of few minutes takes you to Forte Stella. This star-shaped fortress overlooks the blue Tyrrhenian Sea. To create this imposing structure, the Spanish turned to Cosimo I de Medici, who entrusted the management of the work to the architects Bernardo Buontalenti and Giovanni Camerini. The project started in the 15th century and took a long time to be finished: Forte Stella was in fact completed only in the middle of the 16th century. Forte Stella was used mostly as a watchtower from which you can enjoy a panoramic view of the coast, running from the southern bank of the Argentario to the Capo Linaro promontory near Civitavecchia.
Finally, another short ride by coach will lead you to the Rocca Aldobrandesca with the imposing emblem of the State of the Presidios that dominates the entrance portal.
After your visit, you will board your coach for the 15-minute drive back to your ship.
- This excursion involves a walking distance of 2,8 miles (4,5 km), quiet demanding at the beginning, then it is an easy and fascinating path. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun.
Total : 90 €
According to availability, price per passenger.
Panoramic Argentario and Porto Ercole
From the pier, you will meet your local guide and board your coach for the 40-minute panoramic drive to Porto Ercole. Here, you will start your walking tour of Porto Ercole, a lovely seaside resort located on the Argentario promontory.
The first inhabitants of Porto Ercole were fishermen and still today, walking along the small port, one encounters old sea wolves intent on repairing fishing nets. You will cross the Pisan door and take a walk in the heart of the village among alleys, squares overlooking the sea and stairways that will lead you to the church and then to the Rocca. You will walk along the promenade, where bars and restaurants with terraces overlooking the sea alternate with shops created from what once were fishermen's warehouses. You can still observe the construction sites dedicated to the repair work on the boats, and the landing of fish from the returning fishing boats.
In addition to the natural beauty, you will have the opportunity to admire the charm of the imposing Spanish fortresses that were built in the 16th century: Forte Filippo, the Rocca and Forte Stella.
On the way back to the port of Porto Santo Stefano, you will take a short detour to the convent of the Passionist Fathers, at the summit of Monte Argentario. At an altitude of 273 meters you will enjoy the splendid panorama that can be admired from the square. The convent, surrounded by generous vegetation, was built in the late 1700s at the behest of St. Paul of the Cross. The Passionist Fathers promote the memory of Christ's Passion, live in community and lead a life of study, prayer and missionary activity.
- This tour involves walking approximately 2.5 km, sometimes uphill and downhill, with some steps. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun. The inside visit of the convent is not included. Order of sights may vary.
Total : 45 €
According to availability, price per passenger.
TRANSFER FROM THE PIER OF LIVORNO TO THE AIRPORT OF FLORENCE
Travel with peace of mind as PONANT organises your transfer between your port of disembarkation and the airport.
Livorno / Florence
After disembarkation procedures are completed, you will be greeted at the port of Livorno by our local English-speaking representative.
You will then be transferred to the airport of Florence in time for check-in for the PONANT selected flight.
Your programme includes:
- Transfers as mentioned in the programme.
- Services of a local English-speaking assistance.
Your programme does not include:
- Tips for the driver and local guide.
- Personal expenses
- Other services not mentioned in the programme.
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.
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 : 70 €
Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.
CHARMING TUSCANY (2 NIGHTS)
Enhance your cruise and extend your trip with a carefully designed programme.
Day 1 – Livorno/Lucca/Florence
After disembarkation procedures are completed, you will be greeted at the port by our local representative.
Your day will start with a total immersion in the medieval city of Lucca (about a 40-minute drive from the port), where you will enjoy a guided walking tour of the historical centre.
Lying in a green valley, Lucca stands as a living testimony to past times, kingdoms and dominions. This almost perfectly preserved jewel of medieval architecture oozes charm and reveals layers of history along every one of its narrow, winding streets; a history that begins in Roman times, then continues through the Middle Ages, the Napoleonic era and the Risorgimento. Lucca's monuments, churches, palaces, roads, and even its very shape have a story to tell. The city’s characteristic broad, high walls are a feature from its past that adds to its charm in the present. The ancient city walls or ramparts surrounding the city of Lucca were built in the 16th and 17th centuries.
No longer used for defence, they are now crowned by 4 km (2.5 miles) of green parkland. The quaint Piazza dell’Anfiteatro, at the heart of the city, has an elliptical shape revealing the outline of the ancient Roman amphitheatre that once stood in its place. The majestic San Michele in Foro church, with its medieval facade, is built on the site formerly occupied by Lucca's Roman forum. In the Early Middle Ages, Lucca was the capital of an important Lombard duchy, Tuscia. With the creation of the Via Francigena/Romea pilgrim route, Lucca became one of the main resting stops on the journey to Rome. The combination of numerous churches and the line of medieval towers, the most impressive and original being the Guinigi Tower (topped with five secular holm oaks) give Lucca its unique character.
The famous composer Giacomo Puccini was born in Lucca in 1858, coming from a long line of musicians. You can admire the statue of him erected in front of his house of birth and the Church of San Paolino or Santi Paolino e Donato.
Santi Paolino e Donato is an example of a Renaissance-style church. Though originally dedicated to different saints, the church was renamed after being rebuilt in 1513. This is the church Puccini's family attended. Giacomo Puccini composed two motets, "Plaudite populi" and "Credo", dedicated to San Paolino (St Paulinus), the patron saint of the city of Lucca. His fellow citizens appreciated them and Puccini performed them in 1878 for the feast of St Paulinus. Both pieces were included in the first performance of the Messa a quattro voci on 12 July 1880.
After a lunch served at a local restaurant, you will be transported to Florence (estimated travel time of 1.5 hours).
Your coach will drop you off approximately 350 metres (0.2 miles) away from the Brunelleschi Hotel and you will cover the remaining distance on foot. Porters will take care of your luggage.
After check-in, your afternoon will be spent discovering one of the most beautiful cities in Italy.
Florence is renowned worldwide as the city of art, the capital of the Renaissance, and one of the most important centres of literary and scientific culture.
You will visit the Piazza del Duomo.
The Florence Duomo is dedicated to Santa Maria del Fiore and is a prime example of Italian Gothic architecture. The current cathedral was designed by Arnolfo di Cambio (c. 1245-1302), one of the greatest architects and sculptors of his time, who made the structure considerably larger than its predecessor. The structure was completed in about 1367 and clad in coloured marble like the earlier baptistery, although the uncompleted facade was not covered until the nineteenth century. The dome remained unfinished and in 1421 the polygonal base was erected. Two architects, Lorenzo Ghiberti (1368-1445) and Filippo Brunelleschi (1377-1446), won the competition to design the dome, but it was Brunelleschi who actually built it, using remarkable technical knowledge to achieve the unique, beautiful results we see today. Completed in 1436, the dome (duomo) is the most characteristic feature of the Florentine skyline, a symbol of a great cultural tradition and of the city's civic awareness.
The must-see Ponte Vecchio is the city’s oldest bridge, crossing the Arno at its widest point. It dates back to Roman times and has been rebuilt often.
After the great flood of 1333, it was re-constructed with a double row of shops, evolving from a defensive type of architecture to the current public one. In 1565, the east-facing Vasariano Corridor above the shops was built. The back shops (retrobotteghe) were added in the seventeenth century, giving the bridge its current structure.
Then it will be time to visit Piazza della Signoria, the political heart of the city since the Middle Ages.
It is named after the most important monument there, Palazzo della Signoria, now called Palazzo Vecchio, the city’s town hall. Designed by Arnolfo di Cambio in 1298-99 as the seat of the Republican government, it was later home to the Gonfalonier of Justice and the Priors of the Arts.
The square is not just the "civil" centre of Florence, it is also a splendid open-air museum. Piazzale degli Uffizi stretches out towards the Arno on the south side, with the eye-catching Loggia dei Lanzi (1376-1382), under whose late-Gothic style roof stand 15 statues, including Benvenuto Cellini's wonderful Perseus holding up the head of the Medusa.
The statues in the square deserve a chapter all to themselves. In addition to the wonderful sculptures lining the facade of Palazzo Vecchio, including a replica of Michelangelo’s David, visitors are drawn to Ammannati’s Fountain of Neptune and the Equestrian Monument of Cosimo I de Medici by Giambologna.
The visit will also include the Palazzo Vecchio Museum.
Palazzo Vecchio has been the symbol of the civic power of Florence for over seven centuries. Built between the late 13th and early 14th centuries to house the city’s supreme governing body, the Priori delle Arti and the Gonfaloniere of Justice, over time it has undergone a series of extensions and transformations.
The visit begins in the Cortile di Michelozzo, the courtyard adorned with stuccowork and frescoes, and continues on the first floor with the Salone dei Cinquecento, where a remarkable series of paintings celebrates the Apotheosis of Cosimo I de’ Medici and the city of Florence, and a range of sculptures accompany Michelangelo’s celebrated Genius of Victory. On the second floor of the museum are the private rooms of the Medici court, all sumptuously decorated and furnished. Among these is the marvellous Cappella di Eleonora, a chapel adorned with paintings by Agnolo Bronzino. The oldest decorations in the palace are kept in the Sala dell’Udienza and the Sala dei Gigli, where the original of Donatello’s Judith is also found. In the Sala delle Carte Geografiche, the Hall of Geographical Maps, an exceptionally large globe and more than fifty painted panels provide an extraordinary glimpse of all the parts of the world known in the 16th century. The mezzanine floor houses a remarkable collection of paintings and sculptures from the Middle Ages and the Renaissance period, bequeathed to the city of Florence by Charles Loeser.
End of the day and dinner at leisure.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 2 - Florence/Countryside/Fiesole
After breakfast, you will leave Florence and begin your discovery of the Tuscan countryside (approximately a 1-hour drive).
Castello del Trebbio lies among the green Tuscan hills, in the heart of the Chianti Rufina region.
This is a wine and agricultural estate also specialising in agritourism.
Immersed in a typically Tuscan landscape, the estate combines the great history of the city of Florence and the wonderful industriousness of its region.
You will be given a guided tour of the castle cellars and discover its wines while taking a pasta cooking class.
Suitable for all those who not only want to taste our wines but would like to try their hand at making pasta such as tagliatelle or tagliolini. An itinerant tasting of three wines with a guided tour inside our evocative cellar will reveal our history and that of our wines, before we move into the kitchen for a hands-on experience with pasta dough! At the end of the lesson, everyone sits around the table to enjoy the dishes we prepared.
Then on the way back to Florence, you will make a stop at Fiesole, which sits in the hills 8 km (5 miles) above Florence. You will enjoy a welcome break from museums and a wonderful view above the city. From here, the view of the Duomo and Brunelleschi's impressive dome will give you a new appreciation for what the Renaissance accomplished.
Fiesole began as an ancient Etruscan, and later Roman, village that held some power until it succumbed to barbarian invasions. The town eventually gave up its independence in exchange for Florence's protection. You will visit the Church of San Domenico.
Standing halfway between Florence and Fiesole, the Monastery of San Domenico was founded in 1406 and completed in 1435 by Bishop Jacopo Altoviti of Fiesole and Giovanni Dominici, both friars at the Basilica of Santa Maria Novella. It was an important training centre for young friars, in fact Antonino Pierozzi, a saint and former Archbishop of Florence, and Giovanni da Fiesole or Fra Angelico, an artist known for his altarpieces and panel paintings, such as the Crucifixion fresco in the monastery’s chapter house – were trained here. Many of the works he created here are now on display in the Uffizi Galleries, the Louvre, the Prado and the Hermitage.
Next to the monastery stands the church dating back to the first half of the 15th century.
Back to the hotel and dinner at leisure.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 3 - Florence
After breakfast and check-out, time at leisure depending on your flight schedule.
You will then be transferred to the airport in time for check-in for the PONANT selected flight or any other flight (provided that you have previously communicated your flight schedule to your travel agent).
Your hotel:
Located in the heart of the city just a stone’s throw away from the Uffizi Galleries, Piazza della Signoria, and Via Tornabuoni, one of the world’s most famous shopping streets, the Brunelleschi Hotel was created within a circular Byzantine tower dating back to the 6th century A.D., and a medieval church that has been entirely renovated but retains the unique characteristics of the original buildings. Inside, you can find a private museum in which are preserved Roman ruins discovered during the renovation of the hotel. The prestigious and historical Salone Liberty, open every day from 7:00 am to 10: 30 am, offers a rich, tasty, varied, and delicious selection of high-quality food.
Partially hidden in a quiet corner of the original Byzantine tower, the Brunelleschi Hotel’s restaurants, Osteria della Pagliazza and Santa Elisabetta, offer patrons a real taste of Tuscany.
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 Classic Executive room at Brunelleschi hotel 4* (local standard) or similar, breakfast included.
- Meals as mentioned in the programme.
- Beverage package during meals (bottled water + 1 soft drink or 1 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:
- Dinners on day 1 & 2 and lunch on day 3.
- Personal expenses.
- Visa if necessary.
- Tips for the driver and local guide.
- Other services not mentioned in the programme.
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.
- This programme involves approximately 5 km of walking.
Contact of your hotel:
Hotel Brunelleschi
Piazza Sant’Elisabetta, 3
50122 Florence
ITALY
Telephone number: +39 (055) 27370
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 : 1.320 €
Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.