A Circumnavigation of Sicily - with Smithsonian Journeys7 nights, call for pricing

Le Bougainville

4 May - 11 May 2023

Departs
Valletta
Arrives
Valletta

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Itinerary

In alliance with Smithsonian Journeys. This cruise is part of a collection of PONANT voyages that are specially-tailored for English-speaking travellers 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. We invite you to join us on a circumnavigation of Sicily, a crossroads of the many historical civilizations-Greek, Roman, Arab, Byzantine, Norman-that have flourished along the shores of the Mediterranean. Setting sail from Malta, your first stop is Porto Empedocle, gateway to the fabled Greek temples of Agrigento, among the most captivating ruins in the entire Mediterranean. Rounding the western tip of the island, you arrive in Trapani for an excursion into the countryside and the ancient Doric temple of Segesta or to medieval Erice, perched on a high triangular plateau sloping down to the sea. Your fourth day aboard Le Bougainville brings you to Palermo, founded by the Phoenicians in 827 BC and becoming one of Europe' greatest cities in the 12th century, when the Normans took control. Here you will visit Cappella Palatina, a Byzantine-Arab-Norman structure featuring dazzling mosaics and magnificent inlaid marble floors and walls. Or drive to nearby Monreale to explore its famed Norman cathedral. In Lipari, discover the 16th-century Norman castle-turned-archaeological museum on the site of an ancient acropolis before sailing in the evening to Stromboli, whose active volcano provides the backdrop as you cruise around the island. From Stromboli, your ship sails through the Strait of Messina to arrive at Taormina on Sicily' east coast. Visit a winery on the slopes of Mount Etna, the largest active volcano in Europe, or tour Taormina town with its emblematic Greek theater offering dramatic views of the coastline. The final port of call before your voyage comes to an end in Valletta is Syracuse, colonised by Greeks in the 8th century BC only to grow to rival Athens as one of the most powerful cities of the ancient world. You will visit the Roman Amphitheater of Augustus and the 15,000 seat Greek theater or Ortygia, the old town and its Baroque cathedral.

Day 1
Valletta, Malta 4 May 2023
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Palermo, Italy 7 May 2023
Day 5
Lipari, Italy 8 May 2023
Day 6
Taormina, Italy 9 May 2023
Day 7
Day 8
Valletta, Malta 11 May 2023

Book this cruise

After selecting your cabin, you'll be assigned a Ponant specialist as your personal cruise concierge. They will ensure that you get the most out of this cruise at the best possible price.


Le Bougainville

Featuring innovative and environmentally-friendly equipment, elegantly designed staterooms, spacious suites with large windows, and lounge areas that open onto the outside, this new limited-capacity yacht boasting just 92 staterooms and suites will offer you a truly unique cruising experience.

As the third ship in a new series that remains true to the Ponant spirit, Le Bougainville will embody the unique atmosphere that is the cruise line’s hallmark: a subtle blend of refinement, intimacy and comfort.

Aboard this ship that flies the French flag, you will experience the incomparable pleasure of an intimate cruise, with the possibility of exploring an ever-increasing range of destinations in an ethnic-chic ambiance with luxury service.

Experience a luxurious setting where the accent is on authenticity and passion for travel.

Le Bougainville Cruise Calendar
Ponant

Ponant

Unlike the giant ships of other cruise companies, our ships offer a more welcoming feel and a unique atmosphere. It also enables our ships to access original and quieter ports of call, guaranteeing exclusive cruises and attentive and personalised service for all our guests. From Antarctic ice to Pacific lagoons, Mediterranean coves to Asian shores, Ponant has sailed through every sea on the planet for nearly thirty years.

Our experts have put all their efforts into creating routes which enable you to access the Earth's treasures by sea. Every year, we organise more than 200 cruises, visiting more than 100 countries and nearly 400 ports on 100 different routes.

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