Deluxe Stateroom Deck 3
30% Ponant Bonus
19 m²
2
From the pearl of the French Riviera to the splendid Maltese capital, set sail on an 11-day cruise in the Mediterranean Sea. Aboard Le Dumont-d’Urvile, discover the Isle of Beauty, the Italian shores and Malta during an unforgettable trip.
Throughout your journey, you will benefit from an excursion included per person per port of call, to choose from a selection offered by PONANT. During this cruise, dive into the teeming waters of the wild Revellata peninsula at the gates of Calvi, discover the Villa Dei Mulini, Napoleon’s former winter residence in Portoferraio, and immerse yourself in gladiatorial history in the Neapolis Archaeological Park, in Syracuse. The diversity of experiences on offer promises you intense and varied moments (to discover the full range of excursions, go to the itinerary tab). The diversity of experiences on offer promises you intense and varied moments (to discover the full range of excursions, go to the itinerary tab).
From Nice, you will set sail for Calvi in the heart of the Balagne region. Between steep peaks and sublime beaches with turquoise waters, you will experience a wild and authentic Corsica. A little further south, at the foot of the mountains of Cap Corse and the Agriates desert, the beauty of the landscapes gives Saint-Florent a picture-postcard appearance.
After a port of call at Portoferraio, a small corner of paradise on the island of Elba, where Napoleon spent many days in exile, you will stop in 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.
Your exploration will continue to the Tuscan Island of Giglio. Then, your ship will stop at Porto Ercole, a charming Tuscan village with colourful houses, on the Monte Argentario peninsula. Here, you will have the possibility of meeting fishermen from the Orbetello Lagoon as well as local producers. The peninsula’s rolling and lush landscapes will also provide you with opportunities for magnificent outings.
A little further south, you will discover the Aeolian islands. Lipari is the capital of the Aeolian volcanic archipelago and is renowned for its many natural and architectural gems.
Then you will head for Malta and Gozo, an unspoiled island that is home to a megalithic site listed with UNESCO. Explore the island — famous for its wine — and its spectacular scenery, from the endless azure sea to the dreamlike decor of the salt marshes.
Your cruise will come to an end in Valletta, capital of the island of Malta and former stronghold of the Knights of the Order of Malta.
Ref : EU300725
Cruise from the French Riviera to the Maltese capital, to discover the cultures, regional heritage and natural wonders of the Mediterranean. UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the Aeolian Islands, the temples of...
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Shore Excursions, Overlands & Pre/Post Programmes
To complete your voyage, PONANT can organise a range of shore excursions, pre & post cruise activities and packages, plus transfers.
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*Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability, and subject to change at any time. The category of stateroom to which this price applies may no longer be available.
Services provided
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:
For men:
Officer’s evening:
For all cruises longer than 8 nights, an Officer’s Evening with a white dress code may be organized. Therefore, we encourage you to bring a stylish white outfit for the occasion (otherwise black and white).
Gala evening:
During the cruise, two gala evenings will be organised on board. Thus, we recommend that you bring one or two formal outfits.
For women:
For men:
SHOP:
A small shop is available on board offering a wide range of outfits, jewellery, leather goods and many accessories.
A laundry service (washing/ironing) is available on board, but unfortunately there are no dry cleaning services. For safety reasons, your cabin is not equipped with an iron.
ACCESSORIES:
HEALTH CARE:
OUTFITS ON BOARD:
PRECAUTIONS:
In your hand luggage, remember to bring any medicines that you need, and possibly a small spare bag of toiletries (in case of delay in the delivery of your baggage by the airline). Remember to always have your travel documents with you in case you need them: hotel vouchers, cruise vouchers, return flight tickets... Never leave them in your hold luggage.
All our cabins have a safe. We recommend not to go ashore with valuable jewellery.
PONANT activities
Diving & initiation dive
Supervision of the dives
Your dives will be led by your PONANT instructor. He will take care of your safety and that all goes smoothly. On some diving sites, as in natural reserves or if the local regulations require it, a local guide will escort the diving.
Level required for scuba diving on this cruise
The minimum level required for scuba diving on this cruise is 1 star CMAS or the PADI Open Water Diver (or equivalent). The certification card, the diving log book and a recent medical certificate (less than 12 months) must be presented at the beginning of the cruise to our main diving instructor.
Process of the dives (certified divers)
The instructor reserves the right to check divers’ ability for maximum safety. As we will dive in remote places, the dives will be done without decompression stop. A safety stop of 3 minutes at 5 metres will be mandatory. The depth that can be reached will depend on the certification of the divers:
Process of the initiation dives (novice divers)
Before your initiation dive, your instructor will show you the equipment and will explain to you how to communicate underwater using hand gestures and how to breathe through a regulator. Once in the water, equipped with your material, you will learn how to breathe through your regulator on the surface for a couple of minutes. When your instructor feels you are ready, he will immerse you in water for about 20 minutes to a depth of 6 metres maximum.
Duration of the dives
The diving activity lasts from 2 to 3 hours, which includes the journey to the diving site and the diving. This duration may vary according to the site, the level of divers, weather conditions and the number of participants. For experienced divers, the duration of dives varies between 35 and 60 minutes depending on the site, the diver’s experience and consumption.
Supplied equipment
Mask and snorkel: for health reasons due to Covid-19, we strongly recommend that you come on board with your own mask and snorkel .As an exception, you will be able to borrow them in accordance with sanitary conditions.
The passenger may participate in scuba diving activities, subject to compliance with certain conditions established in accordance with the health, scientific and medical measures applicable on the day of the dive.
* within the limit of available stock.
Fauna of the Mediterranean Sea
The fauna of the Mediterranean Sea is very varied. During the various dives, divers could observe various species of benthic fauna such as rainbow wrasse, dusky grouper, sea bass, and pelagic fauna as tuna, amberjack, as well as endemic wildlife such as red gorgonians, red coral.
Scuba diving activities on this cruise
PORTS OF CALL |
DIVES (for certified divers) |
DISCOVER SCUBA DIVING (for beginners) |
France - Nice |
NO |
NO |
Corsica - Calvi |
YES |
YES |
Corsica – Saint-Florent |
YES |
NO |
Italy – Portoferraio, Elba |
NO |
NO |
Italy - Portofino |
NO |
NO |
Italy – Giglio |
YES |
YES |
Italy – Porto Ercole |
YES |
YES |
Italy – Lipari – Aeolien Islands |
NO |
NO |
Malta – Mgarr- Gozo Island |
YES |
YES |
Malta - Valletta |
NO |
NO |
These sites are indicative. The proposed diving excursions may be changed depending on weather and safety conditions and the number of divers.
Rates
This activity must be pre-booked before departure with your travel advisor. Any reservation made after this deadline will only be confirmed once on board and subject to availability.
Price per person
*Pre-bookings open around two months before the start of the cruise; requests are processed on a first-come first-served basis, subject to availability.
Embarkation 30/7/2025 From 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Departure 30/7/2025 at 6:00 pm
Capital of the Cote d’Azur, Nice is surrounded by an amphitheatre of hills and mountains that protects it from the wind. You will probably want to explore the Promenade des Anglais, where you can sit on one of the famous blue chairs laid out opposite the baie des Anges. The Château hill is also a very pleasent place to walk. This is the entrance to the old city, with its bustling markets and regional products along the main street, the Cours Saleya.
Arrival 31/7/2025 mid morning
Departure 31/7/2025 late evening
Nestled on a rocky spur in the north-west of Corsica, the port of Calvi offers its whiteness between two sapphire-coloured bays. Capital of the Balagne region, the Genoese city benefits from an exceptional natural setting between the abrupt relief of the central chain, fertile hills and long sandy beaches. From the promontory of the Notre-Dame-de-la-Serra chapel, built in the 19th century on the ruins of a 15th century sanctuary, you will not miss the sublime panorama of the seaside, the mountains and the Calvi citadel. A little further west, you will have the opportunity to discover with the peninsula of Revelatta, a wilder and more preserved part of Corsica.
Arrival 1/8/2025 early morning
Departure 1/8/2025 late afternoon
In the hollow of one of the most beautiful gulfs of the Mediterranean to which it owes its name, Saint-Florent is an ancient Genoese city whose citadel dominates the bay with its circular architecture. A link between the mountains of Upper Corsica and the Agriates desert, the fishing village has become a renowned seaside resort. In front of this jewel nestled in the hollow of a wild and isolated region, sublime beaches of fine sand border a sea of infinite turquoise shades. At the western tip of the gulf, the Tower of Mortella, built in the 16th century under the Republic of Genoa to prevent from invaders, stands watch. Like most of the towers that dot the Corsican coast, it is an emblematic and familiar symbol of the island.
Arrival 2/8/2025 early morning
Departure 2/8/2025 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.
Arrival 3/8/2025 early morning
Departure 3/8/2025 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.
Arrival 4/8/2025 midday
Departure 4/8/2025 evening
On the shores of the Tyrrhenian Sea, the small island of Giglio is home to a concentration of all of Tuscany’s secrets and beauty. Fine sandy beaches and hidden coves compose a landscape in which the emerald sea serves as a setting for wild nature. This mountainous land is covered by garrigue on which pine forest and vineyards grow, a real paradise in the Mediterranean. A walk through the heart of this bucolic environment will also be the opportunity to discover rich history, as reflected in the medieval village of Giglio Castello.
Arrival 5/8/2025 early morning
Departure 5/8/2025 late evening
With its landscapes of undulating hills covered in lush meadows, narrow streets with colourful houses, and picturesque paths shaded by pines... Porto Ercole is a concentration of all of Tuscany’s beauty. And what would it be without a fascinating, mystery-filled history? Overlooked by its 16th century fortress, this small village is renowned for having witnessed the final days of the famous painter Caravaggio, said to be buried there. On the Monte Argentario peninsula, you might have the chance to meet the fishermen of the Orbetello Lagoon, classed as a natural reserve, who perpetuate traditional fishing methods, or meet local wine, olive oil and cheese producers. For our sportier guests, the surrounding wild and pristine nature will provide the opportunity for a hike along the island’s heights to enjoy breathtaking views.
Arrival 6/8/2025 early morning
Departure 6/8/2025
During your journey at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This journey without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, depending on the activities offered, or to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.
Arrival 7/8/2025 early morning
Departure 7/8/2025 early afternoon
Of the seven Aeolian islands, this is the largest and the most populated. Lying off the north coast of Sicily, in the Tyrrhenian sea, Lipari is one of UNESCO’s marvellous World Heritage sites. Its lava stone quarries and obsidian flow of Rocce Rosse are indications of its volcanic nature. The town, the largest urban area in the whole archipelago, proudly houses its citadel and its castle, both rooted in Antiquity. If you head further into the centre, you’ll be surprised to come across a Norman cathedral, complete with a magnificent baroque façade.
Arrival 8/8/2025 early morning
Departure 8/8/2025 late evening
Located to the north of Malta, a lot less urbanised than its larger sibling and protected from mass tourism, the small island of Gozo has managed to remain natural and authentic. Lush hills and valleys alternate with a mosaic of cultivated fields. The buildings, some of which are medieval, are built from honey-coloured limestone and blend in perfectly with the surrounding scenery. Gozo also boasts a unique historic site that is now listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site: the megalithic temples of Ggantija near the town of Xaghra. An archaeological museum adjoining the site presents a number of objects that were found there. Red-sand beaches and a crystal-clear sea add to the calm and serenity of Gozo.
Arrival 9/8/2025 early morning
Disembarkation 9/8/2025 at 8:00 am
The whole of the Maltese capital Valletta is UNESCO World Heritage listed and occupies a peninsula in the north-east of the island. From the fountain of Tritons to Saint-Elme fort, there are as many majestic streets as there are narrow staircase vennels to explore. The painted loggia and carved corbels on the tall houses will accompany you in your explorations, and you’ll rarely be bothered by traffic. You can visit the Grandmasters palace decorated with coats of arms and frescoes. Saint-John’s cathedral and the ramparts which have guarded the city since the 16th century are also among the most emblematic sites of the city. Arranged in terraces, the Barrakka Gardens will punctuate your promenade with a green and floral experience.
From the pier, you will board your minivan for a 15-minutes drive to Ggantija Temples.
Located in Xaghra, Ggantija Temples are one of the most important archaeological sites in the Maltese Islands and part of UNESCO World Heritage. The well-preserved site consists of two temples dating back to between 3600 and 3200 B.C. Considered to be one of the oldest free-standing monuments in the world predating Stonehenge and the Egyptian pyramids, they represent phenomenal culture.
Follow your guide and visit the newly constructed Interpretation Centre which helps put context to this mysterious civilization. From here you will explore the site via an external pathway that provides unique views of the natural landscape that surrounds Ggantija.
After discovering the Ggantija Temples, you will enjoy a scenic route to Ramla Bay and Marsovin winery where you will taste local wines and delicacies.
Finally, you will return to your ship.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Kid Explorers
Welcome to all our young explorers! Thanks to the Kid Explorers Club children aged 4 on all our ships, and children aged 6 on board Le Commandant Charcotland up can take advantage of a wide variety of activities orchestrated by a team of activity leaders: creative activities, board games, DVD evenings, finding out what the crew do, or supervised outings and walks ashore for the 4+ age group. Helping children to learn about the oceans and the need to protect them is at the heart of our approach. So why not savour the magic of your destination in peace and quiet knowing your child is busy with an activity programme, specially designed for them and posted each day in the daily program.
Excursions included
During your journey, enjoy an excursion included per person per port of call, to choose from a selection offered by PONANT. Whether this is the visit of an emblematic museum or a UNESCO World Heritage Site, an activity in the heart of nature or a tasting of local products, or one of many other highlights, you will benefit from a careful selection of activities throughout your itinerary.
Pre-bookings will open around two months before the start of the cruise; requests will be processed on a first-come first-served basis, subject to availability.
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.
Diving
During an introduction to scuba diving or a more advanced dive for holders of the necessary certifications (level 1 on yachting cruises and 2 on expedition cruises), explore the planet’s most beautiful underwater environments in the company of a PONANT diving instructor, as well as a local instructor when required by local legislation. They will ensure that your dives are conducted smoothly and safely: supervision of four certified divers at a time, evaluation of diving skills and experience, adherence to safety stops, zones and the maximum depth authorised.
A recent medical certificate (less than 12 months) must be presented at the beginning of the cruise to the main diving instructor.
Shore excursions, Pre/Post & Overlands
From the pier, you will board your minivan for a 15-minutes drive to Ggantija Temples.
Located in Xaghra, Ggantija Temples are one of the most important archaeological sites in the Maltese Islands and part of UNESCO World Heritage. The well-preserved site consists of two temples dating back to between 3600 and 3200 B.C. Considered to be one of the oldest free-standing monuments in the world predating Stonehenge and the Egyptian pyramids, they represent phenomenal culture.
Follow your guide and visit the newly constructed Interpretation Centre which helps put context to this mysterious civilization. From here you will explore the site via an external pathway that provides unique views of the natural landscape that surrounds Ggantija.
After discovering the Ggantija Temples, you will enjoy a scenic route to Ramla Bay and Marsovin winery where you will taste local wines and delicacies.
Finally, you will return to your ship.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Enhance your cruise and extend your trip with a specially designed program.
Day 1 - Valletta
After breakfast aboard disembark the ship and depart on a walking excursion of UNESCO World Heritage-listed Valletta, Malta's fortified capital city located on a hilly peninsula between two natural harbors.
You will visit the Upper Barrakka Gardens to enjoy panoramic views over the Grand Harbor. Proceed to the 16th-century St. John's Co-Cathedral and view Carravaggio's famous masterpiece, The Beheading of St. John the Baptist, during an inside visit.
Then, you will board your coach and drive to a local vineyard. At the Meridiana Winery, enjoy a wine tasting of some of the country's most delicious wines. Proceed to a historic local restaurant for a lunch of traditional Maltese specialties.
After lunch, you will reboard your coach and drive to the Hagar Qim Temples, a UNESCO World Heritage site (after a photostop at Blue Grotto). The temple complex dates to 3600 BC and is in a beautiful location on a cliff overlooking the sea.
You will be transferred to your hotel The Phoenica 5*.
Check-in in your room.
The end of the day and dinner are at leisure.
Day 2 - Valletta
After breakfast at the hotel, check out and transfer to Malta International Airport for flights home.
Your hotel:
The luxurious Phoenicia Hotel 5* dates back to 1935. Surrounded by seven acres of gardens, it is ideally located next to the Triton Fountain in Valletta's City Gate Square, just outside the ancient city walls. The rooms are spacious and elegant with modern furnishings. You have a choice of three restaurants, serving a range of Maltese and Mediterranean food. The pool bar and restaurant offer a resort-style setting overlooking Grand Harbour. The hotel is also equipped with a gym and spa. Wi-Fi is available to all guests, throughout the hotel.
Upgraded rooms are also available depending on availability and on a supplement basis. Contact your travel professional for further details.
Your programme includes:
Your programme does not include:
Please note:
Hotel contact information:
Phoenicia Hotel
The Mall Floriana
FRN 1478, MALTA
Telephone number: +356 2122 5241
Duration of the visits are given as a guide only. The order of the visits may be reversed. 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 : AU$960
Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.Travel with peace of mind as PONANT organizes your daytime between airport and embarkation port.
Valletta
After disembarkation procedures are completed, you will be greeted at pier by our local representative.
Drive to Dingli Cliff for a photostop brefore Mdina visiting. Then, proceed to Mdina - Malta’s Old Capital, one of the locations used by the film “Black Eagle” featuring Jean-Claude Van Damme, and by “Game of Thrones” series. Mdina is one of Europe’s finest examples of an ancient walled city, with its extraordinary mix of medieval and Baroque architecture.
Then, Mosta discovery, famous for its church and its spectacular dome inspired by the Pantheon, in Rome.
Continue with the visit of Palazzo Parisio, a unique 19th century palace in the heart of the Mediterranean. Palazzo Parisio is not only another palace of the legendary Knights of St. John, but the ultimate memorial of ambitions, aspirations and pretensions of a 19th century noble family. It houses two baroque walled gardens, including a lovely orangery – a miniature Versailles.
Enjoy a small snack in the Palace.
Transfer to Malta Airport on time for the flight selected by PONANT.
Your programme includes:
Your programme does not include:
Duration and price of the visits are given as a guide only. The order of the visits may be reversed. 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 : AU$290
Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.