Set off to discover Estonia’s largest island, where wild nature and ancestral history co-exist in a unique atmosphere. With its sea, lakes, forests, windmills and medieval castles, Saaremaa will not leave you indifferent as it unveils its breathtaking scenery. 

Your adventure will begin in a car driving through the island’s magical landscapes, between forests and fields, passing via the pretty village of Leisi and the hill adorned with windmills in Angla, where you will stop to admire cinq typical wooden windmills that date back to the last century and are considered to be some of the main symbols of the island.

The excursion will continue with a visit to Saaremaa’s veritable geological curiosity, Lake Kaali, with its atmosphere full of mystery. In reality, the lake is a crater caused by a meteorite falling to Earth almost 7,000 years ago and forming a lake with a 110- metre (360-foot) diameter.

In the island’s capital, Kuressaare, you will visit the medieval castle, one of the town’s most important sites, dating back to the 14th century. Now converted into a museum, it has kept its original form and is perfectly conserved. A little walk in the castle park will enable you to admire this beautiful building, which bears witness to Saaremaa’s rich past. After a short wander around the old town, you will be able to enjoy lunch in a typical and charming restaurant, in the heart of the medieval city.

The day will end with a visit to the Mihkli Farm Museum. Created in 1959, it recreates the activities of a typical 19th-century Estonian farm; everything here has been made by the inhabitants of the six generations living there for 200 years. It is an extraordinary testimony to rural life on the island in the past.

• The level of difficulty of this excursion is medium. The ground is flat, with uneven surfaces and some stairs.
  

Fall under the spell of one of Puglia’s jewels, Gallipoli, listen to its history in the old town’s maze of narrow lanes and admire its historic and architectural heritage.

A visit through its enigmatic lanes is like a journey back in time, a living exploration of the cultural strata that make Gallipoli such a rare pearl. Time here sometimes seems to stand still. Near the port, where your guided tour will begin, the fisherman are hard at work. Off in the distance, the gates of the old town open onto a maze of narrow lanes edged withbright- and warm-coloured dwellings, where the shade of the buildings draws a mystical labyrinth. Each street corner tells its own story of this medieval city, with its multiple heritages and cultural influences. Take the time to listen to the stories told by your local guide, as you admire the surprising St. Agatha’s Cathedral, its columns and its stunning baroque frescoes.

The sun-drenched hills of Gallipoli, bathed by the blue waters of the Mediterranean, made it a regional stronghold in olive-oil production as of the 15th century. The exports of this “liquid gold” were so significant that its production was stored in the four corners of the city in underground cisterns dug out of the local limestone, called carparo. You will have the opportunity to discover the production techniques that were used in the past, as you visit one of the 35 recently renovated underground oil mills.

·        This excursion includes three hours of walking on uneven surfaces. This visit is not accessible for persons with reduced mobility or in a wheelchair. We recommend that you wear comfortable walking shoes and sun protection. Appropriate clothing is recommended when visiting places of worship: trousers for men, and skirts covering the knees for women.

A short drive along the shore of the Bay of Kotor brings you to the tiny town of Perast, one of the best-preserved towns on the entire Adriatic coast. Perast flourished under Venetian rule, when the tiny town was a valued trading partner of the Republic and also a bulwark against the advance of the Ottomans. Your walking tour will introduce you to the beautiful baroque buildings that are part of the Venetian heritage, stopping to explore the interior of the St. Nicholas Church, dedicated to the patron saint of sailors, and whose bell tower dominates the skyline.

At the waterfront, board a local boat for the 10-minute ride to the man-made island of Our Lady of the Rocks. Legend says that the island was built up over time as sailors returning to port would honor the Virgin Mary, whose icon had mysteriously appeared there, by adding additional rocks to the growing islet. Old ships were later scuttled on the rocks to increase their area, and a church dedicated to the Assumption was built. Renovated in 1722, the church exhibits paintings and tapestries by artists from Perast.

Returning to Kotor, your walking tour of this UNESCO World Heritage site begins with the Romanesque Cathedral of Saint Tryphon. Originally constructed in the 12th century, St. Tryphon is older than many cathedrals in Europe and houses treasures of immense value —frescoes from the 14th century, an ornate stone ornament above the main altar depicting the life of St. Tryphon, and a gilded-silver altar screen.

Your tour continues with a visit to the Maritime Museum, with exhibits chronicling the development of the naval and merchant marine traditions of Kotor, and memorializing the town's pride in their seamen's contributions to trade and to the defense of Montenegro against foes from pirates to the Ottomans. At the end of the tour, return to the pier.

• This is a moderate excursion, involving a total of approximately 1.5 miles of walking over mostly even ground, some paved. There are about 35 steps total from the various sites. We recommend sturdy and comfortable shoes, and as always, protection from the sun.

Travel with peace of mind as PONANT organises your daytime between your port of disembarkation and the airport.

Malaga

After disembarkation procedures are completed, you will be greeted at the port by our local English-speaking representative.

Start your walking exploration: pass by the Cathedral with its renaissance style, the Picasso Museum, hosted in a 16th-century palace of Andalusian architecture, and the nearby famous painter´s birthplace.

You will then be transferred to the airport in time for check-in for the PONANT selected flight.

Your programme includes:

• Transfers and visits as mentioned in the programme.
• Services of a local English-speaking guide.

Your programme does not include:

• Tips for the driver and local guide.
• Personal expenses
• Other services not mentioned in the programme.

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.

Travel with peace of mind as PONANT organises your transfer between the airport and your port of embarkation.

Casablanca 

After disembarkation procedures are completed, you will be greeted at the port by our local English-speaking representative.

You will then be transferred to the airport in time for check-in for the PONANT selected flight.

Your programme includes:

• Transfers and visits 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.

Travel with peace of mind as PONANT organises your day time between your port of disembarkation and the airport.

Darwin

After disembarkation procedures are completed, you will be greeted at the port by our local English-speaking representative.

You will depart the pier by coach for a panoramic tour of Darwin ending at the airport. Located in Australia's Northern Territory, also known as the "Top End", Darwin is a beautiful tropical city, where over 50 different cultures live and work side by side.

Discover Darwin's rich history and culture and learn about Darwin's role during World War II as you see its many historic wartime landmarks. You will visit on your own the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory (MAGNT), which boasts an impressive collection of indigenous art.

Late morning transfer to the airport in time for check-in for the PONANT selected flight.

Your programme includes:

• Transfers and visits as mentioned in the programme.
• Services of a local English-speaking guide.

Your programme does not include:

• Lunch.
• Tips for the driver and local guide.
• Personal expenses and other services not mentioned in the programme.

Please note:

• The local currency is the Australian dollar.
• There is no time to include lunch in your programme. You will find at Darwin airport numerous express dining options. We recommend you that you take small denomination notes to pay your personal expenses.

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.

Travel with peace of mind as PONANT organises your day time between your port of disembarkation and the airport.

Darwin

After disembarkation procedures are completed, you will be greeted at the port by our local English-speaking representative.

After some free time in Darwin so you can have a glimpse of this tropical city, you will visit the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory (MAGNT), which boasts an impressive collection of indigenous art.

Lunch will be served in a local restaurant.

Afterwards, you will be transferred to the airport in time for check-in for the PONANT selected flight.

Your programme includes:

• Transfers and visits as mentioned in the programme.
• Services of a local English-speaking guide.

Your programme does not include:

• Personal expenses and other services not mentioned in the programme.
• Tips for the driver and local guide.

Please note:

• The local currency is the Australian dollar.

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.

Travel with peace of mind as PONANT organises your transfer day time between your port of disembarkation and the airport.

Dublin

After disembarkation procedures are completed, you will be greeted at the port by our local English-speaking representative.

Departing from the pier and enjoy a panoramic city tour.

Then visit Dublin Castle. The castle played an important role from the Middle Ages up until 1922 as it was the residence of representatives of the British monarchy. It has survived numerous rebellions during its history, such as the 1916 uprising, and is today the theatre of official ceremonies such as the investiture of the President of the Republic. It was here that the 1998 peace agreements with Northern Ireland were signed.

You will have lunch in a local restaurant.

After lunch, reach the fascinating EPIC Museum, where Irish heritage is celebrated. Located within the vaults of the elegantly restored CHQ building in the Dublin Docklands, EPIC is a thought-provoking experiential museum devoted to Irish history. The displays explore Ireland's influence on the arts, education, science, politics, and sports, and feature some of the country's most popular exports, such as Riverdance, Guinness, and the tradition of the Irish pub. This immersive experience tells some of the most remarkable tales of sacrifice, endurance and discovery the world has ever known, and brings to life the amazing stories of Irish emigration through the centuries.

You will then be transferred to the airport in time for check-in for the PONANT selected flight.

Your programme includes:

• Transfers and visits as mentioned in the programme.
• Lunch with beverage package (beer or wine or soft drink + mineral water + coffee or tea).
• Services of an English-speaking guide.

Your programme does not include:

• Tips for the driver and local guide.
• Personal expenses.
• Other services not mentioned in the programme.

Please note:

• The castle may close with little to no notice due to State functions.

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.

Travel with peace of mind as PONANT organises your transfer day time between your port of disembarkation and the airport.

Dublin

After disembarkation procedures are completed, you will be greeted at the port by our local English-speaking representative.

Departing from the pier and enjoy a short panoramic city tour.

On the road, visit Dublin Castle. The castle played an important role from the Middle Ages up until 1922 as it was the residence of representatives of the British monarchy. It has survived numerous rebellions during its history, such as the 1916 uprising, and is today the theatre of official ceremonies such as the investiture of the President of the Republic. It was here that the 1998 peace agreements with Northern Ireland were signed.

You will have lunch in a local restaurant.

After lunch, you will then be transferred to the airport in time for check-in for the PONANT selected flight.

Your programme includes:

• Transfers and visits as mentioned in the programme.
• Lunch with beverage package (beer or wine or soft drink + mineral water + coffee or tea).
• Services of an English-speaking guide.

Your programme does not include:

• Tips for the driver and local guide.
• Personal expenses.
• Other services not mentioned in the programme.

Please note:

• The castle may close with little to no notice due to State functions.

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.

Travel with peace of mind as PONANT organises your daytime between your port of disembarkation and the airport.

Durban

After disembarkation procedures are completed, you will be greeted at the port by our local representative.

Your first stop will be the Phanzi museum in Berea.

Their exhibitions deal with prejudice, myth, collective memory, histories, customs, traditions, power and loss. And of course, skill and craft and the materials that come to hand.

Continue to the Durban Botanic Gardens for a relaxing walk in the beautiful garden settings. The Durban Botanic Gardens is currently Africa’s oldest surviving botanic garden and remains a national and local asset contributing to plant conservation and education. This 15-hectare botanic garden curates major collections such as cycads, palms, orchids both indigenous and exotic in nature. Refreshments will be served.

Thereafter, continue to a local Restaurant for lunch and some free time on the Promenade of Ushaka followed by a short drive to King Shaka International Airport for your in time for check-in of the PONANT selected flight.

Your programme includes:

·        Transfers and visits as mentioned in the programme.

·        Lunch with beverage package (1 mineral water + 1 soft drink or 1 local beer or 1 local glass of wine + 1 coffee or tea).

·        Services of a local English-speaking guide.

Your programme does not include:

·        Tips for the driver and local guide.

·        Visa Fees if necessary.

·        Personal expenses and other services not mentioned in the programme.

Please note:

·        Rand is the official currency in South Africa. Euros and US dollars can easily be changed in the banks or exchange offices. International credit cards are widely accepted in the hotels, shops and restaurants.

·        We strongly recommend that all guests contact their medical practitioners prior to travel for advice on the appropriate anti malaria precautions and/or any other inoculations, vaccinations etc.

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.

Travel with peace of mind as PONANT organises your daytime between your port of disembarkation and the airport.

Fort-de-France

After disembarkation procedures are completed, you will be greeted at the port by our local representative.

First you will be taken to Balata Botanical Garden Created by the expert botanist Jean-Philippe Thoze in 1982, this garden is an epic floral works of art made out of roses, hibiscus, orchids, and many other plants. Today it contains about 3,000 varieties of tropical plants from around the world. It is organized around the family house built in a typical creole style. You will experience a nice stroll in the quiet, shady paths lined with colourful flowers appealing to the eyes as much as to the smell.

You will then join the restaurant where your lunch will be served.

You will continue your exploration to the village of Le Francois for the visit of the Habitation Clement. The Habitation Clement stands an important place in the architectural and industrial patrimony of Martinique. It has been recognized as a Historic Monument by the Ministry of Culture. The term 'Habitation' in its Creole sense, describes a property and its structures dedicate to agricultural or commercial purpose. You will get the chance to visit the domain, the main house and the distillery. At the end of your visit, enjoy a Rum tasting.

After your visit, you will be transferred to the airport in time for check-in for the PONANT selected flight.

Your programme includes:

• Lunch with beverages package (mineral water + 1 soft drink or 1 local beer or 1 glass of wine + 1 coffee or tea).
• Transfers and visits as mentioned in the programme.
• Services of a local English-speaking guide.

Your programme does not include:

• Tips for the driver and local guide.
• Personal expenses and 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.

Travel with peace of mind as PONANT organises your day time between your port of disembarkation and the airport.

Greenock/Glasgow

After disembarkation procedures are completed, you will be greeted at the port by our local English-speaking representative.

Take your transfer from Greenock to Glasgow.

Enjoy your day to discover Glasgow.

Lunch at a local restaurant.

You will then be transferred to the airport in time for check-in for the PONANT selected flight.

Your programme includes:

• Lunch with beverages package (mineral water + 1 soft drink or 1 local beer or 1 glass of white or red wine + 1 coffee).
• Transfers and visits as mentioned in the programme.
• Services of a local English-speaking guide.

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.

Travel with peace of mind as PONANT organises your transfer between your port of disembarkation and the airport.

Lisbon

After disembarkation procedures are completed, you will be greeted at the port by our local English-speaking representative.

Then, you will then be transferred to the airport in time for check-in for the PONANT selected flight.

Your programme includes:

• Transfer 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.

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.