Deluxe Stateroom Deck 3
19 m²
2
- Last staterooms
Mediterranean Island Voyage: Sicily, Sardinia, Corsica, and Elba – with Smithsonian Journeys
Nice - Valletta
Dates:
26/5/2025
to
2/6/2025
Other available dates
days
nights on board
Shore excursion in each port of call + transfers included
In alliance with Smithsonian Journeys.
This cruise is part of a collection of PONANT voyages that are specially-tailored for English-speaking travelers who want to engage with the world. In addition to the usual elements of the PONANT experience, the listed price for these voyages includes transfers to and from the ship, talks and discussions aboard ship by world class experts, and a shore excursion or activity in each port of call that encourages guests to embrace the sights, sounds, tastes, and smells of the local environment and culture.
This voyage in the heart of the Mediterranean explores four islands that, despite their differences, share a history of successive waves of civilizations that have washed over them from prehistoric times to the present. Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, Arabs, Byzantines, French, and Italians—all have left their mark on the language, art, architecture, and cuisine of Elba, Corsica, Sardinia, and Sicily.
From Nice, France, your discovery of these very special islands begins in Portoferraio, the main harbor of the island of Elba. Most famous as the site of Napoleon Bonaparte’s exile in 1814-15, Portoferraio was founded by the Medicis in the 16th century. A visit to Villa San Martino, Napoleon’s summer residence during exile, is followed by a visit to the charming village of Porto Azzurro and a wine tasting and sampling of Tuscan mezze at a local vineyard.
You will want to be on deck as your ship navigates the narrow waterway that leads to Bonifacio, perched high on cliffs on Corsica's southern coast. Board a mini-train to transport you to the oldest part of the city, where you can stroll through winding medieval lanes of brightly colored houses and admire their fine Gothic architecture. Or you may prefer to explore the small archipelago of the Lavezzi Islands, a nature reserve famous for the Grotte du Sdragonatu (Dragon's Cave) accessible only by sea.
Cagliari, Sardinia's capital, is your gateway to the archaeological site of Nora. Founded by Phoenicians in the 8th century BC, it was subsequently taken over by Carthaginians, then by Romans. Explore the remains of Carthaginian warehouses, buildings from the time of the Roman Republic, a Carthaginian-Roman temple, large baths with splendid mosaics, and a theater, almost intact, dating to the time of the Empire.
Then, spend three days on the largest Mediterranean Island on your voyage, Sicily, as you visit the cities of Palermo, Taormina, and Syracuse. Palermo, Sicily's capital, was founded by the Phoenicians in 827 BC and became one of Europe’s greatest cities in the 12th century, when the Normans took control. Here you may combine Roger II's Cappella Palatina, featuring dazzling mosaics and magnificent inlaid marble floors and walls, with a drive to nearby Monreale to explore its famed Norman cathedral. Or you may choose to focus on Palermo's famous markets and street food, or decide to travel along the coast to the resort town of Cefalù.
The beautiful resort town of Taormina, perched high on a cliff overlooking the Ionian Sea, is home to a stunning Greek theater, an Odeon from Roman times, buildings blending Arab and Norman cultures, and villas built by European aristocracy in the 18th and 19th centuries. It is also a gateway to Mt. Etna and the vineyards that thrive in the rich volcanic soils of its slopes.
In Syracuse, your final port of call on the island and a town that once rivalled Athens as one of the most powerful cities of the ancient world, you may choose to explore the Roman Amphitheater of Augustus and the 15,000 seat Greek theater, or travel to nearby Noto, a Baroque World Heritage site, now rebuilt following a devastating earthquake in 1990. Also join a walking tour of Ortygia, Syracuse's old town.
Your voyage ends in Valletta, Malta.
Ref : NV9345US - EG260525
Your itinerary
A voyage specially-tailored for English-speaking travelers including discussions with experts, transfers before and after your cruise, and an included excursion in each port of call. Engaging discussions...
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Included in your cruise
To make sure things run smoothly, PONANT has included certain elements before and after your cruise as part of the price.
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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LE LYRIAL
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LE CHAMPLAIN
26/5/2025 to the 3/6/2025
LE BOUGAINVILLE
10/6/2025 to the 18/6/2025
*Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability, and subject to change at any time. The category of stateroom to which this price applies may no longer be available.
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Services provided
- 24-hour room service
- Inclusive Wifi internet access (availability dependent on navigation and latitude)
- Individually-controlled air conditioning
- Dressing room with shelves and closet
- Dressing table and hairdryer
- Diptyque Paris top-of-the-line bath products
- Minibar
- 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
Smithsonian Journeys
Smithsonian Journeys is the travel program of the Smithsonian Institution, the world’s largest museum, education and research complex, consisting of 21 museums, the National Zoological Park, education centers, research facilities, cultural centers, and libraries. Drawing on Smithsonian's resources dating back 175 years, these sailings will feature notable experts and experiences that embrace local cultures and dive deeper into a destination’s history, cuisine, language, environment, and wildlife. For more than 50 years, Smithsonian Journeys has been rooted in and focused on cultural immersion and discovery – with a goal of inspiring guests to become global citizens through travel.
Subject to withdrawal in case of force majeure
Highlights
- A voyage specially-tailored for English-speaking travelers including discussions with experts, transfers before and after your cruise, and an included excursion in each port of call.
- Engaging discussions onboard with two Smithsonian Journeys Experts, including Mediterranean archaeologist Carrie Weaver and Hugh Neighbour, a former diplomat with deep policy and economic experience in and around the Mediterranean region.
- An opportunity to explore five Mediterranean islands on one itinerary: Elba, Corsica, Sardinia, Sicily, and Malta (disembarkation point).
- Five UNESCO World Heritage Sites en route: Palermo, Monreale, Taormina, Syracuse, and Noto.
- Well-preserved Greek and Roman ruins in Syracuse and Taormina, and on Sardinia.
- Stunning Byzantine-Arab mosaics in the Cappella Palatina in Palermo and the Norman Cathedral of Monreale.
- The medieval clifftop town of Bonifacio on Corsica.
- Napoleon's summer residence on Elba.
- Opportunities for tasting wines and local specialties in Noto, Taormina, Palermo, and Portoferraio.
Ports of Call & Excursions
26 May 2025 - Nice
Embarkation 26/5/2025 From 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Departure 26/5/2025 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.
27 May 2025 - Portoferraio, Elba
Arrival 27/5/2025 early morning
Departure 27/5/2025 evening
In the elbow of a creek on the northern coastline of Elba Island, a small corner of paradise awaits in the form of Portoferraio. As you approach its coastlines, you will make out the powerful and majestic contours of its Medici fortresses. Napoleon Bonaparte spent many of his 300 days in exile here. The Palazzina dei Mulini, his first imperial residence, whose gardens offer outstanding views of the sea, is a must-see. Historical treasures are followed by another kind of treasure, namely white sand beaches, and equally tempting local specialities including gurguglione and rice with cuttlefish ink.
28 May 2025 - Bonifacio, Corsica
Arrival 28/5/2025 early morning
Departure 28/5/2025 mid afternoon
The spectacular town of Bonifacio located on the very tip of southern Corsica, clings to a narrow promontory of white rock overhanging the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean. You can admire its limestone cliffs hewn out by the wind, before setting off on a cultural tour of its cultural treasures. From the little paved streets in the ancient Haute Ville, to the promenade on the open-air medieval chemin de ronde, this stunning town will take you on a journey back in time. Frequented or secluded, there are numerous beaches to choose from, all in keeping with the high standards of the “Île de Beauté”.
29 May 2025 - Cagliari, Sardinia
Arrival 29/5/2025 early morning
Departure 29/5/2025 early afternoon
The capital of Sardinia, Cagliari, like Rome, is built on seven hills. Its Sardinian name means “castle”, in reference to the citadel, its historic centre, which dominates the city. The old ramparts are now pleasant panoramic terraces bordering picturesque streets. The city hosted the Nuragic, Phoenician, Roman and Byzantine civilisations before the rein of the Spanish Hapsburgs and the House of Savoy. The monuments of Cagliari bear the traces of these successive dominations, such as the Bastion of Saint-Rémy or the Sainte-Marie Cathedral. On the sea front, Art Nouveau-style public monuments give way to the Poetto beach, a magnificent stretch of sand that is 8 kilometres long.
30 May 2025 - Palermo, Sicily
Arrival 30/5/2025 mid morning
Departure 30/5/2025 late afternoon
Palermo is the guardian of the Sicilian soul. Many have been attracted to this city, the largest capital of the Italian islands. Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Romans, Byzantines, Arabs, Normans... Palermo is a rich culmination of so many cultural influences as seen in the Moorish designs on the cathedral, and the Byzantine mosaics of the Palatine chapel, which is itself housed within the precincts of the Norman palace. You will fall under the spell of the palaces, baroque splendours that grace the town with their obsolete beauty. It is thrilling to stumble upon one of those fabulous markets, high in colour, and headily picturesque.
31 May 2025 - Taormina, Sicily
Arrival 31/5/2025 early morning
Departure 31/5/2025 evening
Located on Sicily’s eastern coast, in the province of Messina, the seaside town of Taormina is Sicily’s Saint-Tropez, boasting heritage sites, secluded beaches and luxury shopping. You can visit its medieval centre, suspended 300 metres above sea level, where terraces offer a spectacular view of the Mediterranean Sea. Another vestige from its past are the ruins of the Greco-Roman theatre. This extremely well-preserved site attracts visitors who are fascinated by the natural beauty of the area which overlooks a turquoise bay.
1 June 2025 - Syracuse, Sicily
Arrival 1/6/2025 early morning
Departure 1/6/2025 evening
Its undulating rocky coastline, the endless sandy beaches, the menacing form of Mount Etna which surveys its island like a patriarch, the flowery gardens on the hillside... Sicily lays out its varied landscapes like a shopkeeper displays his wares. Described by Cicero as “the most beautiful city in the world”, Syracuse was one of the most prestigious cities in Sicily and at her height was even a rival for Athens. A central city of Ancient Greece, it was home to a succession of civilisations, each of which has left their mark. The blend of Arabic, Roman, Norman, Byzantine and Spanish cultures makes Syracuse a town that is extraordinarily rich in fragrances, colours and flavours.
2 June 2025 - Valletta
Arrival 2/6/2025 early morning
Disembarkation 2/6/2025 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.
Capoliveri and the Ottone Botanical Garden
Begin with a wonderfully scenic drive through Elba's highlands to Capoliveri, a small village perched on hills overlooking the sea, where a guided tour introduces you to its narrow streets and arcades known as chiassi. After the tour, you will have time at leisure to explore the small artisanal shops and cafés of all sorts that line the streets.
After this seaside visit, drive north across the island to the camping resort of Rosselba le Palme, which houses the Ottone Botanical Garden. Established in 1910 by a wealthy Tuscan landowner, the Garden maintains a wide variety of plants that are native to places around the world, including the Americas, Australia, and East Asia, all of them meticulously identified by name, country of origin, characteristics and special properties. Enjoy time exploring this abundance of exotic flora, including the extremely rare European Blue Palm.
On the return drive, pause briefly at Punta delle Grotte, the site of ruins of a Roman Villa with magnificent views of the Gulf of Portoferraio and your ship in the distance.
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This is an easy excursion, with about half a mile of walking over mostly paved surfaces and few steps. As always, comfortable shoes and protection from the sun are recommended.
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.
Villa San Martino, Porto Azzurro, and Winery
Perhaps Elba's most famous resident, Napoleon Bonaparte spent a little less than a year on this tiny island where he was exiled in April 1814. Establishing himself in his role as Elba's ruler, he set about amassing a small army and navy, which he used to reclaim his position as Emperor in March 1815, only to be defeated at the Battle of Waterloo and exiled again, this time to the remote island of St. Helena in the South Atlantic Ocean.
Begin with a scenic drive to Elba's interior and Villa San Martino, located in a valley of vineyards and lush vegetation. Napoleon used this country estate as an escape from the heat and business of Portoferraio, occupying three of the eight rooms himself, with three for his officers and two for meetings and receptions. You will be able to see these rooms and also visit the Demidoff Gallery on the grounds of the estate, built by the husband of Napoleon's niece and filled with his collection of Napoleonic memorabilia.
From the Villa, travel across the island to the picturesque village of Porto Azzurro, where you will have time at leisure to stroll along the streets of this beautiful seaside town and perhaps do some shopping in its boutiques, before continuing to a nearby winery. Here you will be served a snack of local products and have the opportunity to sample 3 wines, before returning to the port and your ship.
- This is a moderate excursion, with approximately 1.2 miles of walking including a steep hill with cobblestones up to the villa and back and some steps inside the villa, as well as gravel in the garden. Comfortable shoes, layered clothing, and protection from the sun are recommended.
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.
Villa San Martino and Portoferraio
Perhaps Elba's most famous resident, Napoleon Bonaparte spent a little less than a year on this tiny island where he was exiled in April 1814. Establishing himself in his role as Elba's ruler, he set about amassing a small army and navy, which he used to reclaim his position as Emperor in March 1815, only to be defeated at the Battle of Waterloo and exiled again, this time to the remote island of St. Helena in the South Atlantic Ocean. This excursion takes you to two places on the island—a summer residence and a theater—that are associated with Napoleon's time here.
Begin with a scenic drive to Elba's interior and Villa San Martino, located in a valley of vineyards and lush vegetation. Napoleon used this country estate as an escape from the heat and business of Portoferraio, occupying three of the eight rooms himself, with three for his officers and two for meetings and receptions. You will be able to see these rooms and also visit the Demidoff Gallery on the grounds of the estate, built by the husband of Napoleon's niece and filled with his collection of Napoleonic memorabilia.
Return to Portoferraio, founded by the Romans on a pre-existing Tuscan settlement and eventually ruled by the Medici family. During a guided walk, you will explore the labyrinth of alleys, monuments and churches in its historical center including the Piazza della Repubblica and the Town Hall. Visit the beautiful Vigilanti Theater, commissioned by Napolean inside a building formerly housing a church and inaugurated as a theater in January 1815. Your tour will end with a stroll along the seaside promenade, before returning to the port and your ship.
- This is a moderately strenous excursion, with approximately 2.5 miles of walking including a steep hill with cobblestones up to the villa and back and some steps inside the villa, as well as gravel in the garden and a steep hill up to Portoferraio. Comfortable shoes, layered clothing, and protection from the sun are recommended.
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.
Bonifacio Highlights
Once ashore, board a wheeled mini-train that will take you up to the oldest part of the city and provide an overview of Bonifacio. Drive through the Bosco quarter, home to St. Francis convent, and pass by the mariners' cemetery, with strangely fascinating mausoleums built in a jumble of architectural styles. On a clear day you may be able to see the Italian island of Sardinia, a mere 7 miles away, before coming to the church of St Dominique, built in 1270—an example of gothic architecture, which is rare on Corsica.
Your visit continues on foot through tiny, narrow streets bordered by tall granite houses. Pass the church of St. Marie Majeure, a mixture of Romanesque and Baroque styles dating to the 14th century; Two Emperors Street, where both Charles V and Napoleon Bonaparte spent a few days at very different times; the Place des Armes; and the Jardins des Vestiges. The walk comes to an end at the old market, overlooking the 230-feet-high cliffs on top of which Bonifacio is perched.
- This is a moderate excursion, involving a total of approximately 1.5 miles of walking over cobblestones during the tour plus a 20 minute walk on flat terrain from the mini-train drop-off point to the pier at the end of the tour. We recommend comfortable walking shoes and layered clothing.
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.
The Lavezzi Islands
The Lavezzi Islands are an archipelago of small granite isles and reefs in the middle of the Strait of Bonifacio, about 6 miles southeast of the town. The islands are known for their extraordinarily clear waters and excellent snorkeling.
Your cruise aboard a local boat begins along the coastline of Bonifacio, as you see the citadel and the upper town from an angle that makes the buildings above appear as though they are about to topple into the sea. Weather and sea conditions permitting, the boat will navigate the narrow passage that leads to the Grotte du Sdragonatu (Dragon's Cave), a single huge chamber in the granite with a hole in the roof that resembles the outline Corsica.
Cruise by the Isle of Lavezzi, from which the archipelago gets its name. Home to white sand and shell beaches and several rare species of wild flower, including yellow-horned poppy and white sea daffodil, the island has been a protected natural reserve since 1982.
The ship will sail close to the private island of Cavallo and past the Pointe de Sperone as it returns to harbor and to the marina in Bonifacio.
- This an easy excursion, entirely on the boat. There are no restroom facilities on board. Although the boat has a cover, we recommend being prepared with sunscreen, hat, and water. Also note that the entrance into the Sdragonatu Cave cannot be guaranteed.
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.
Sartène
On this excursion, discover Sartène, the medieval hilltop fortress described by French novelist Prosper Mérimée as "the most Corsican of Corsican towns."
Begin with a scenic drive along Corsica's western coast, where the contrast between the beaches to your left and the rugged mountains of huge granite boulders and dense vegetation to your right could not be clearer. On the way to Sartene, pause at L'Oasis du Lion de Roccapina, a silhouette of a lion carved in red granite rock high up on a mountain overlooking the beach of Roccapina-Murtoli.
The village of Sartène itself is situated atop a rocky promontory dominating the surrounding countryside. Heavily fortified (some of the houses are literally carved out of the rock face), the town for much of its history was the scene of brutal fighting with Saracen pirates in the 10th century, Pisan and Genoese invaders in the later Middle Ages, and private feuds and vendettas throughout. Your guide on a walking tour will point out important sites in these various struggles as you explore the Old Town, the Place de la Libération, a 16th-century Genoese tower, and the Church of St Maria, which houses the hood, chain and cross carried by local penitents during the Good Friday Procession. Enjoy time at leisure for independent exploration before returning to Bonifacio.
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This is a relatively easy excursion, with little more than a mile of walking in Sartene over cobblestoned streets. Please note, however, that Corsican roads are winding, so this tour is not recommended for people suffering from vertigo or car sickness. Driving time to Sartène is approximately one hour and fifteen minutes each way. As ever, you will need comfortable shoes and protection from the sun.
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.
Cagliari and Ancient Nora
Cagliari, on Sardinia's southern coast, is the island's capital and home to one of the largest ports in the Mediterranean Sea. The area of the city has been inhabited for more than 5,000 years, from the Neolithic to the present, and has been a seat of government and trade for a succession of civilizations from Phoenicians and Carthaginians, through Romans, Byzantines, and Hapsburgs, to its role as the capital of the Kingdom of Sardinia, precursor to the Kingdom of Italy.
This excursion begins with a panoramic drive through the city and its surroundings, including the Bastione di San Remy, which towers over the Old Town, offering wonderful views from the battlements, and Monte Urpino, a hillside park in the center of the city. After this overview, continue along the southern coast to Nora, where you will enjoy a guided tour of its archaeological park, located on a peninsula that juts into the sea.
Founded by Phoenicians, Nora was both a Carthaginian and Roman center of trade, before disappearing from historical records in the 3rd century CE, presumably as the result of some natural disaster. You still see remains of Carthaginian warehouses, Roman buildings from the time of the Republic, a Carthaginian-Roman temple, large baths with splendid mosaics, and a theater dating to the time of the Empire that is almost intact. The system of water supply and drainage is particularly interesting, an engineering feat of large underwater pipes that worked both to bring water to the city and to take it away.
- This is a moderate excursion, involving a total of a bit more than a half mile of walking over rough and uneven terrain in Nora. You will need sturdy walking shoes and protection from the sun.
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.
Cagliari Walking Tour
Cagliari, on Sardinia's southern coast, is the island's capital and home to one of the largest ports in the Mediterranean Sea. The area of the city has been inhabited for more than 5,000 years, from the Neolithic to the present, and has been a seat of government and trade for a succession of civilizations from Phoenicians and Carthaginians, through Romans, Byzantines, and Hapsburgs, to its role as the capital of the Kingdom of Sardinia, precursor to the Kingdom of Italy.
This excursion is focused on the city itself, and begins with an orientation tour aboard a private motorcoach, including Monte Urpino, a hillside park in the center of the city, and a brief stop at the famed Poetto Beach, before you join a guided walking tour of Cagliari's Old Town. Here, you will discover the city's legacy of multiple cultures. You will see the Roman influence in the grandiose Amphitheatre, with its auditorium carved out of the rock. You will see the period of Pisan rule represented by two 13th-century towers known as the Elephant Tower and the Tower of San Pancrazio. You will see the town's walls and ramparts, built by Aragonese and Spanish rulers, and fine buildings like those with wrought iron balconies in the old districts of Stampace, Marina and Villanova, also part of the Iberian legacy.
Caligari's Cathedral, consecrated to Saint Mary, dates to the Romanesque period, but was restored and modified in the 17th century. Its interior is divided into three naves with side chapels, embellished with ornate baroque furnishings. Under the altar is a sanctuary carved out of the rock and containing urns of relics said to belong to early martyrs.
The Archaeological Museum of Cagliari, your final stop on the tour, is the most important archaeological museum in Sardinia, exhibiting over 4,000 objects that tell the island's long history from the neolithic age of the Mother Goddess and Nuragic bronzes; through jewels belonging to the Phoenician and Carthaginian era; to a superb collection of Byzantine objects as well.
- This is a moderate excursion with extensive (2.5 miles total) walking. Streets in the Old Town are cobblestone, and some are quite steep. Not recommended for guests with limited mobility.
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.
Cagliari and Audarya Wine Estate
Cagliari, on Sardinia's southern coast, is the island's capital and home to one of the largest ports in the Mediterranean Sea. The area of the city has been inhabited for more than 5,000 years, from the Neolithic to the present, and has been a seat of government and trade for a succession of civilizations from Phoenicians and Carthaginians, through Romans, Byzantines, and Hapsburgs, to its role as the capital of the Kingdom of Sardinia, precursor to the Kingdom of Italy. It is also a gateway to the bounty of Sardinia's interior.
A panoramic overview of the city and its surroundings, including brief pauses at the Bonaria Church and at Mount Urpino, leads to a drive through quaint villages, farms, and olive groves to Cantina Audarya in the center of the wine-growing region of Serdiana.
Launched in 2014 by the brother and sister team of Salvatore and Nicoletta Pala, this ambitious new winery, comprising some 90 acres of vineyards, has built on family tradition and brought the Audarya brand to the attention of connoisseurs throughout Italy and beyond, by producing wine only from native grape varieties tied to the terroir. A tour of the vineyards and the winery is followed by a tasting of some of their whites, rosés, and reds, including the most famous—the Cannonau (a local name for the Grenache grape).
- This is an easy excursion. Total walking is less than half a mile over mostly flat and paved surfaces (except in the vineyards). Sun protection is recommended for the tour of the vineyards.
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.
Hiking the Devil’s Saddle
Located precisely at the center of the Gulf of Angels, the Sella del Diavolo (Devil's Saddle) is one of the most evocative viewpoints of the city of Cagliari. This excursion is a two-mile hike from the base of this promontory to the summit and back, offering stunning views of the Gulf and of Poetto Beach, whose five miles of shoreline make it one of the longest beaches in Italy.
Because of its unusual shape and its strategic position, Sella del Diavolo has been the subject of legend and myth from the earliest times and has been used as the site of defensive fortifications for nearly as long. As you begin your hike from Cala Mosca, the entrance to the trail, your guide will tell you about the history of this area and you will discover a number of monuments that speak to the varied history of the site: the remains of an ancient temple to the goddess Astarte; Roman and Carthaginian cisterns; the ruins of an 11th-century monastery; and a watchtower, built by Spaniards in the 16th century.
The highlight of the walk for most people, however, is the beauty of the nature that surrounds you—the palm, juniper, and olive trees; the shrubs of mastic and euphorbia; and the expansive views of the Gulf of Angels and its beach.
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This is an active excursion, involving 2 miles of hiking along a trail of uneven surfaces, uphill and down. You should be in good physical shape, wear sturdy shoes suitable for hiking, and be sure you are protected from the sun.
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.
Churches of Palermo and Monreale
Situated on a wide bay beneath Mount Pellegrino, Palermo is a jewel in the crown of Sicily. In the 9th century, Palermo was famed for the wealth of its court and for its universities. Today, it is a cosmopolitan and international city, famed for its modern treasures as well as for its priceless ancient monuments of architecture and art.
Your excursion begins with a panoramic tour of Palermo through the main streets, passing by the Piazza Ruggero Settimo, Politeama Square, Massimo Opera House, and Quattro Canti square, before stopping at the Palatine Chapel, the royal chapel of the Norman kings of Sicily, where you will enjoy a guided tour.
The chapel was commissioned by Roger II of Sicily in 1132 to be built upon an older chapel constructed around 1080. It took eight years to build and many more to decorate with mosaics and fine art. The sanctuary, dedicated to Saint Peter, is reminiscent of Byzantine architecture, with three apses and six pointed arches that rest on recycled classical columns. The chapel's mosaics are of unparalleled elegance.
Reboard your coach for a 30-minute drive to Monreale to visit its Cathedral, the Duomo. The Cathedral of Monreale is one of the greatest extant examples of Norman architecture in the world. It was begun in 1174 by William II, and in 1182, the church, dedicated to the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, was elevated to the rank of a metropolitan cathedral. The church is a national monument of Italy and one of the most important attractions in Sicily. While in Monreale, you will also visit the Benedictine cloister, whose courtyard is enclosed by an arcade supported by 216 sets of twin columns, each with a different design and richly decorated capitals. There will be time at leisure for independent exploration and shopping before returning to the ship.
- This tour involves approximately 0.6 miles of walking on flat streets with 2 flights of stairs up to the Palantine Chapel and 90 steps to negotiate from the coach parking to the Monreale Cathedral. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun. Flash photography is not allowed inside the Palatine Chapel nor the Cathedral. Appropriate dress is requested when visiting religious sites (shoulders and knees must be covered). Please note that the Palatine Chapel is undergoing restoration work and viewing may be somewhat limited.
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.
Cefalù
Begin with a panoramic drive through the historical center of Palermo before joining the coastal highway on your way to the small medieval port town of Cefalù, nestled between the sea and a rocky promontory. A fishing village for most of its history, Cefalù is now a well-known resort town, but the Romanesque cathedral still dominates the landscape, towering over its network of narrow streets and ascending terraces.
Legend has it that Roger II, the Norman King of Sicily, commissioned the Cathedral at Cefalù, in gratitude for the divine intervention that brought him to safe harbor here during a terrible storm at sea. The result of the combined efforts of Arab, Byzantine, and Norman artisans, the Cathedral was begun on the site of earlier Roman buildings. But plans changed and the original building was never completed. The remains of the project are three roofs, which provide intriguing insight into the building techniques of bygone eras. Inside the present-day cathedral, you will marvel at the paintings and gold mosaics for which the Cathedral is famous—particularly a splendid vault covered in Byzantine tile work.
Your walking tour continues with a fascinating visit to a medieval communal wash-house that was still being used as a laundry well into the 20th century, before bringing you to the Osterio Magno, which tradition says was Roger II’s home. Excavations of the interior have discovered ancient edifices and ceramics from as early as Roman times. There will be time at leisure to browse the boutiques and shops that dot the waterfront before returning to Palermo and the ship.
- This excursion involves approximately 2 miles of walking, mostly over cobblestone streets with some steps. We recommend that you wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun. Appropriate dress is encouraged to enter religious sites (shoulders and knees must be covered). Driving time to Cefalu is approximately 1 hour each way.
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.
Palermo, Palazzo Conte Federico, & Sicilian Street Food
In the 9th century, Palermo was famed for the wealth of its court and for its universities. Today, it is a cosmopolitan and international city, famed for its modern treasures as well as for its priceless ancient monuments of architecture and art.
Palermo is also known for its food and wine and for the attention given to growing, preparing, and consuming them. This excursion offers an introduction to the highlights of the city and a glimpse of its contemporary food scene.
Begin with a drive through the picturesque streets of the ancient town and past the bustling crossroads of Quattro Canti that marks the center of Palermo. The architecture of this part of the city, including the Norman Castle that is now the seat of Sicilian government, is a fascinating blend of Byzantine, Arab, and Norman styles, representing the rich diversity that defines Sicily. Stop at Piazza Bellini for a visit inside the Chiesa di Santa Maria dell’Ammiraglio to see its splendid Byzantine mosaics.
Then you're off to Palazzo Conte Federico, one of the oldest buildings in Palermo, where you will be hosted by the Countess Federico or one of her sons on a tour of their palatial home before enjoying a tasting of typical local food, including some of the street food (panelle, arancini, pizza, crocché, and more) for which Palermo is justly famous.
On the walk back to your waiting coach, you will pause briefly to appreciate the grandeur of Palermo's Cathedral and perhaps capture the moment on camera.
- This is a moderate excursion involving a total of approximately 1.5 - 2 miles of walking over mostly flat terrain with a few steps. We recommend comfortable walking shoes and adequate protection from the sun. The order of visits may vary.
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.
Mt. Etna & Benanti Winery
Board your coach for a drive up the winding roads that work their way along the slopes of Mt. Etna, the largest active volcano in Europe. Begin with a drive through the small town of Naxos, which was founded by Greek colonizers in the 8th century B.C., and then pass the town of Giarre and the villages of Santa Venerina and Zafferana en route. Your destination on Mt. Etna is the Crateri Silvestri area, a collection of inactive craters that originated during a massive eruption in 1892. From here, the views across the Gulf of Catania and vineyards are breathtaking.
After taking time to appreciate the power of this site, continue to the Benanti Winery, Monte Serra Estate, where you will join vintners for a visit of the vineyards and the historic oak barrel room. Next, enjoy a typical Sicilian lunch and sample several of the winery’s finest vintages. It's a delightful experience that will leave you with an even greater understanding and appreciation of Sicilian flavors.
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This excursion includes about half a mile of walking along uneven and sometimes slippery terrain at Mt. Etna; some walking and steps at the winery. Altitude at Mt. Etna is about 6500 feet. We recommend you wear comfortable shoes and use sunscreen/hats for protection from the sun. We also recommend you bring a sweater or windproof jacket for this excursion.
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.
Taormina and its Greek Theater
Taormina clings to the side of Mount Tauro and offers superb views of the Mediterranean Sea, Isola Bella and a snow-capped Etna in the background. A maze of narrow streets, splashed with the vibrant colors of bougainvillea and oleanders, this location has attracted many civilizations over the centuries. It is home to theaters and a gymnasium from the Greek period, an Odeon and baths from Roman times, buildings blending Arab and Norman cultures, traces of Byzantium, and villas belonging to European aristocracy in the 18th and 19th centuries.
This excursion begins with a visit on foot of the historic center. Cross the famous Corso Umberto to discover numerous monuments from several eras, and admire Porta Catania, the Cathedral, Piazza IX Aprile, and Palazzo Corvaja.
Then, take time at Teatro Antico, the Ancient Greek Theater, to focus on this remarkable legacy of earlier cultures. The theater was built by the Greeks in the 3rd century B.C. and almost completely rebuilt by the Romans as a gladiatorial arena. It is the second largest theater in Sicily after the one in Syracuse. Because of its size and acoustic quality, it is still in use to host festivals and concerts in the summer. Seated on the stone terraces, the audience can enjoy the concert while admiring a breath-taking panoramic view of the sea, Mount Tauro, and Etna in the background.
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As this excursion involves a walk of about 1.5 miles over rough terrain with several stairways, we advise that you wear sturdy shoes and protect yourself from the sun. Shoulders and legs should be covered if entering the Cathedral.
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.
Ancient Taormina & Sicilian Winery
Taormina clings to the side of Mount Tauro, offering panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea, Isola Bella and a snow-capped Etna in the background. A maze of narrow streets, splashed with the vibrant colors of bougainvillea and oleanders, Taormina has attracted many civilizations over the centuries. It is home to theaters and a gymnasium from the Greek period, an Odeon and baths from Roman times, buildings blending Arab and Norman cultures, traces of Byzantium, and villas belonging to European aristocracy of the 18th and 19th centuries.
Your exploration of Taormina's historic center begins along the Corso Umberto, where you will see a number of monuments from several eras, before spending some time at Teatro Antico, the Ancient Greek Theater. Built by the Greeks in the 3rd century B.C. and almost completely rebuilt by the Romans as a gladiatorial arena, it is the second largest theater in Sicily. Because of its size and acoustic quality, it is still in use to host festivals and concerts in the summer.
After taking time to appreciate the power of this site, continue with a drive around the flanks of Mt. Etna to the Gambini Winery, where one of the vintners will lead a tour of the wine cellar and a wine tasting. Next, enjoy a brunch of Sicilian specialties, accompanied by several of the winery’s finest vintages. It's a delightful experience that will leave you with an even greater understanding and appreciation of Sicilian flavors.
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As this excursion involves a walk of about 1.5 miles over rough terrain with several stairways, we advise that you wear sturdy shoes and protect yourself from the sun. Shoulders and legs should be covered if entering the Cathedral.
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.
Catania, Street Food, and Fish Market
The port city of Catania, about 30 miles south of Taormina, is Sicily's economic and commercial hub. Its old town in the center of the city, rebuilt after a devastating earthquake in 1693, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, boasting some of the most exuberant late-Baroque architecture to be found anywhere in Europe—particularly the Cathedral and the Palazzo Biscari.
On arrival in Catania, you will walk along the city's main street, passing both of these spectacular buildings. Stop for a sample of arancini, Sicily's emblematic street food of fried rice balls filled with cheese, meat, or vegetables. Your walk continues to the authentic center of the city: the Mercato del Pesce, Catania's famed street market. As the name suggests, there is an abundance of seafood of every description on sale here, but just about any other sort of food you can imagine is also available—oranges and almonds from nearby orchards, roasted peppers, cured meats, fresh vegetables, cheeses, breads. The sights, sounds, and smells are absolutely exhilarating. You will then stop at a café for a taste a Sicilian-style cannoli - the perfect ending to your experience of Catania's food scene.
- This tour involves approximately 1.25 miles of walking over sometimes uneven cobblestone surfaces. It may not be suitable for guests with limited mobility. Weather appropriate clothing; sun cap; sunglasses; and flat, comfortable walking shoes are recommended. Shoulders and knees must be covered to enter the Cathedral.
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.
Archaeological Park & Museum
Colonized by the Greeks in the 8th century B.C., Syracuse became one of the most powerful and prestigious cities of the ancient world, rivaling even Athens. Your exploration of the remains of this flourishing culture begins with a guided tour of the extensive archaeological site, where you will visit the Roman Amphitheatre of Augustus, used for fights between gladiators and wild beasts; the Altar of Hieron, constructed in the 2nd century B.C. to celebrate the “Eleutherian Feast;” the Latomie of Paradise, huge caverns once used as prisons; and the Ear of Dionysius, an enormous grotto with extraordinary echo. A highlight is sure to be the 15,000 seat Greek Theater, one of the largest in the Hellenic World, constructed in the 5th century B.C. and successively enlarged.
From the archaeological area, continue to the Paolo Orsi Archaeological Museum, the largest and most complete in Sicily and one of the best collections in all of Europe. It houses materials found in Sicily from prehistoric times through the Romans but focuses mainly on the civilization of the Greek colonial period.
- This excursion involves approximately a mile of walking over uneven terrain, as well as a few steps. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun.
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.
Baroque Town of Noto
Noto has origins in the ancient past, having been founded in the 5th century B.C. during the period of Greek colonization, but it was destroyed in a massive earthquake in 1693. The subsequent rebuilding of the city according to 18th-century ideas of architectural design and town planning has made Noto the quintessential example of Sicilian Baroque. The town is built on terraces connected by monumental flights of steps and is filled with churches and palaces with varying degrees of embellishment but sharing a common architectural theme.
Upon arrival, walk across the Public Gardens, where busts of the artists who contributed to Noto’s urban culture and style are on display. The centrally located and resplendent Cathedral has been restored following the earthquake of 1990. You will also visit other impressive buildings, including the Churches of St. Domenico and St. Charles, the Ducezio Palace, and Villadorata Palace. Noto was declared a world heritage site by UNESCO, and the United Nations provides financial support for the reconstruction of the town’s monuments.
At the end of your walking tour of this beautiful town, stop at a local bar specializing in gelato and sorbet, where you will sample some of the treats for which Noto is famous – especially a granita with brioche and coffee.
- This excursion involves about 1 mile of walking over mostly easy terrain, with steps to enter churches. Comfortable shoes and using sunscreen/hats for sun protection is recommended. Appropriate dress is requested to enter churches (shoulders/knees covered).
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.
Walking Tour of Ortygia Island
Ortygia, a tiny island just off the coast, is the original center of the ancient city of Syracuse. Meet your guide at the pier and begin your exploration on foot of this tangle of narrow streets that open onto splendid piazzas.
At the Piazza Pancali discover the 6th-century B.C. Temple of Apollo, the oldest Doric temple in Sicily. Next, walk through the food market and delight in the sounds and smells as you discover a vast selection of the region’s produce, meats, seafood, and cheeses.
Walk through the Corso Matteotti and Archimedes Square en route to the stunning Piazza del Duomo. As the name suggests, this is the site of the Cathedral (Duomo) of Syracuse, a UNESCO World Heritage site, as is the entire city. Originally built in the 5th century B.C. as a temple dedicated to the goddess Athena and later turned into a Christian Basilica, it features a Baroque façade, constructed during the restoration following the 1693 earthquake.
End at the Fountain of Arethusa, one of Ortygia’s most beautiful monuments, reflecting the legend that the nymph Arethusa was turned into a beautiful spring by Artemis to help her escape the pursuit of a crazed lover, before walking back to the ship.
- This excursion involves approximately 2 miles of walking over uneven terrain and cobblestones as well as some steps. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun. Appropriate dress is requested to enter religious sites (shoulders and knees must be covered).
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.
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, an 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.
Decks
Shore excursion in each port of call + transfers included
PONANT has organized the following included program for you, which starts the day of embarkation.
Included Features:
- A program of onboard enrichment provided by two Smithsonian Journeys Experts, including Mediterranean archaeologist Carrie Weaver and Hugh Neighbour, a former diplomat with deep policy and economic experience in and around the Mediterranean region
- Transfers and luggage handling from the airport in Nice to the ship on the day of embarkation
- Comprehensive 7-night cruise aboard the deluxe Le Bougainville, with all the amenities for which PONANT ships are famous
- One included shore excursion in each port of call (see “Itinerary” for more information and choice of excursions, if applicable)
- Gratuities for ship crew and for guides and drivers on excursions
- Transfer from the ship to the airport in Valletta at the end of the cruise on the morning of disembarkation
Not included:
- Independent meals and beverages ashore
- Personal expenses (such as laundry, telephone, etc.)
Notes:
- This voyage is offered on a space available basis
- Program is subject to change without notice
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
PROVENÇAL HIGHLIGHTS (3 NIGHTS)
This specially designed program is an opportunity to experience the highlights of Provence before embarking on your voyage from the Riviera to Malta. From the rich history of Aix-en-Provence, once the capital of the region and still among its leading cities, to the charming villages of the Luberon massif, you will encounter a wonderful variety of architecture, sample one of the world's great cuisines, and marvel at cityscapes and landscapes that have inspired countless generations of artists, perhaps most famously Aix's own Paul Cézanne.
Day 1 – Marseille | Aix-en-Provence
On arrival at the Marseille-Provence Airport, you will be met and transferred to the Renaissance Aix-en-Provence Hotel, your home for the next three nights. Official check-in time is 3:00pm. A local representative will be present at a hospitality desk in the afternoon to welcome you and answer any questions you may have.
This evening, join fellow travelers for a welcome cocktail reception. Dinner is independent and at your leisure.
Day 2 – Aix-en-Provence
After breakfast, your introduction to Aix-en-Provence begins when you meet your leader in the lobby of the hotel and set off on foot for a guided tour. As you stroll through the charming streets, your expert guide will share stories and insights into the history of this beautiful city, showing you its remarkable architecture and bustling markets, and pointing out places closely associated with Aix's favorite son, Paul Cézanne. Discover the Cours Mirabeau, wander through the old Mazarin District, and marvel at the beauty of Saint-Sauveur Cathedral, with its multitude of contrasting architectural styles added through centuries of restoration and renovation.
At the end of the tour, the balance of the day is yours to explore on your own—to revisit favorite spots, sample the local cuisine, or simply relax and soak in the ambiance of this charming Provençal town.
Day 3 - Aix-en-Provence | Luberon Villages
After breakfast at the hotel, travel north to Luberon, a plateau located about halfway between Aix-en-Provence and Avignon, a region replete with the magnificent landscapes for which the south of France is known—rolling hills of flowers and lavender dotted with quaint villages on virtually every mountain top. After about an hour and a half of travel through this scenic countryside, you will reach Roussillon, a village in the heart of one of the largest deposits of ochre in the world and whose buildings are painted in an amazing array of colors derived from the reddish pigment. Your guided tour of this charming town includes a walk along the "Ochre Trail" through a now-abandoned quarry, as well as a stroll through the streets of the village proper.
Pause for a leisurely lunch of traditional Provençal cuisine at a restaurant in Roussillon, before traveling to Gordes, perennially cited as one of the most beautiful villages in France. A guided tour of the highlights of Gordes, built mostly of stone and known locally as "the Parthenon of Luberon" will orient you to its streets and markets so that you can enjoy some free time to explore at your own pace. Wander through the charming alleyways, visit local shops, or relax with a coffee and take in the stunning scenery.
Return to your hotel in Aix-en-Provence in late afternoon, where the evening is at leisure to explore local dining options or simply unwind after a day filled with unforgettable experiences.
Day 4 - Aix-en-Provence | Château Saint Martin | Nice | Embarkation
After breakfast and check out, join your guide and driver for the journey south and east to the Riviera and your waiting ship. About an hour and a half into the drive, stop in the village of Taradeau for a guided tour of the cellars of the Château de Saint Martin and a tasting of their wines. Then, enjoy some time on your own to explore the Liquoristerie de Provence, dedicated to preserving the art of producing fine liqueurs from natural ingredients (flowers, fruits, herbs) rather than from artificial infusions, before sitting down to a leisurely lunch at the Château.
Rejoin your coach and driver for the onward journey through more of the Provençal countryside and along the Riviera, passing Cannes and Antibes to arrive at the pier in Nice, where you embark Le Bougainville and set sail on your voyage.
Your hotel:
Located in the heart of the city, Renaissance Aix-en-Provence Hotel is a luxury property with beautifully appointed rooms and suites outfitted with all of the amenities you’d expect from a 5-star hotel. It has two pools, a fitness center and spa, and its two restaurants and lounge bar are known for their chefs' gourmet creations.
Your program includes:
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3 nights at the Renaissance Aix-en-Provence Hotel (or similar)
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Transfer and luggage handling from the airport to the hotel on the scheduled program arrival day
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Transfer and luggage handling to the pier on embarkation day
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Welcome cocktail reception on Day 1
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Breakfast on days 2, 3, and 4
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Lunch on Days 3 and 4
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Sightseeing and programming as noted in the itinerary
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Local English-speaking guide
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Gratuities for the drivers and local guides
Your program does not include:
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Transfer from the airport to the hotel on any day other than the scheduled program arrival day
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Personal expenses and other services and meals not mentioned as included in the program
Please note:
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It is imperative that your flight arrival details are communicated at least 60 days prior to the beginning of your cruise in order to secure your transfer from the airport to the hotel.
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Early check-in and/or late check-out are available depending on availability and at a supplement. An additional night is possible, upon request and depending on hotel availability. Please, contact reservations or your travel agent for further details.
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The official currency is the Euro. Credit cards are accepted in most hotels, shops, and restaurants.
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The duration of the visits is given as a guide only, and the order of the visits may change.
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This pre-cruise program is offered as a package. There will be no refunds for unused accommodations, meals, or excursions.
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Program is offered on a space available basis.
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Program is subject to change without notice.
Hotel contact information:
Renaissance Aix-en-Provence
256 Avenue de Pérouse
Aix-en-Provence
France, 13100
Telephone: +33 4-86 915 500
Total : AU$2,950
Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.Capoliveri and the Ottone Botanical Garden
Begin with a wonderfully scenic drive through Elba's highlands to Capoliveri, a small village perched on hills overlooking the sea, where a guided tour introduces you to its narrow streets and arcades known as chiassi. After the tour, you will have time at leisure to explore the small artisanal shops and cafés of all sorts that line the streets.
After this seaside visit, drive north across the island to the camping resort of Rosselba le Palme, which houses the Ottone Botanical Garden. Established in 1910 by a wealthy Tuscan landowner, the Garden maintains a wide variety of plants that are native to places around the world, including the Americas, Australia, and East Asia, all of them meticulously identified by name, country of origin, characteristics and special properties. Enjoy time exploring this abundance of exotic flora, including the extremely rare European Blue Palm.
On the return drive, pause briefly at Punta delle Grotte, the site of ruins of a Roman Villa with magnificent views of the Gulf of Portoferraio and your ship in the distance.
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This is an easy excursion, with about half a mile of walking over mostly paved surfaces and few steps. As always, comfortable shoes and protection from the sun are recommended.
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.
Villa San Martino, Porto Azzurro, and Winery
Perhaps Elba's most famous resident, Napoleon Bonaparte spent a little less than a year on this tiny island where he was exiled in April 1814. Establishing himself in his role as Elba's ruler, he set about amassing a small army and navy, which he used to reclaim his position as Emperor in March 1815, only to be defeated at the Battle of Waterloo and exiled again, this time to the remote island of St. Helena in the South Atlantic Ocean.
Begin with a scenic drive to Elba's interior and Villa San Martino, located in a valley of vineyards and lush vegetation. Napoleon used this country estate as an escape from the heat and business of Portoferraio, occupying three of the eight rooms himself, with three for his officers and two for meetings and receptions. You will be able to see these rooms and also visit the Demidoff Gallery on the grounds of the estate, built by the husband of Napoleon's niece and filled with his collection of Napoleonic memorabilia.
From the Villa, travel across the island to the picturesque village of Porto Azzurro, where you will have time at leisure to stroll along the streets of this beautiful seaside town and perhaps do some shopping in its boutiques, before continuing to a nearby winery. Here you will be served a snack of local products and have the opportunity to sample 3 wines, before returning to the port and your ship.
- This is a moderate excursion, with approximately 1.2 miles of walking including a steep hill with cobblestones up to the villa and back and some steps inside the villa, as well as gravel in the garden. Comfortable shoes, layered clothing, and protection from the sun are recommended.
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.
Villa San Martino and Portoferraio
Perhaps Elba's most famous resident, Napoleon Bonaparte spent a little less than a year on this tiny island where he was exiled in April 1814. Establishing himself in his role as Elba's ruler, he set about amassing a small army and navy, which he used to reclaim his position as Emperor in March 1815, only to be defeated at the Battle of Waterloo and exiled again, this time to the remote island of St. Helena in the South Atlantic Ocean. This excursion takes you to two places on the island—a summer residence and a theater—that are associated with Napoleon's time here.
Begin with a scenic drive to Elba's interior and Villa San Martino, located in a valley of vineyards and lush vegetation. Napoleon used this country estate as an escape from the heat and business of Portoferraio, occupying three of the eight rooms himself, with three for his officers and two for meetings and receptions. You will be able to see these rooms and also visit the Demidoff Gallery on the grounds of the estate, built by the husband of Napoleon's niece and filled with his collection of Napoleonic memorabilia.
Return to Portoferraio, founded by the Romans on a pre-existing Tuscan settlement and eventually ruled by the Medici family. During a guided walk, you will explore the labyrinth of alleys, monuments and churches in its historical center including the Piazza della Repubblica and the Town Hall. Visit the beautiful Vigilanti Theater, commissioned by Napolean inside a building formerly housing a church and inaugurated as a theater in January 1815. Your tour will end with a stroll along the seaside promenade, before returning to the port and your ship.
- This is a moderately strenous excursion, with approximately 2.5 miles of walking including a steep hill with cobblestones up to the villa and back and some steps inside the villa, as well as gravel in the garden and a steep hill up to Portoferraio. Comfortable shoes, layered clothing, and protection from the sun are recommended.
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.
Bonifacio Highlights
Once ashore, board a wheeled mini-train that will take you up to the oldest part of the city and provide an overview of Bonifacio. Drive through the Bosco quarter, home to St. Francis convent, and pass by the mariners' cemetery, with strangely fascinating mausoleums built in a jumble of architectural styles. On a clear day you may be able to see the Italian island of Sardinia, a mere 7 miles away, before coming to the church of St Dominique, built in 1270—an example of gothic architecture, which is rare on Corsica.
Your visit continues on foot through tiny, narrow streets bordered by tall granite houses. Pass the church of St. Marie Majeure, a mixture of Romanesque and Baroque styles dating to the 14th century; Two Emperors Street, where both Charles V and Napoleon Bonaparte spent a few days at very different times; the Place des Armes; and the Jardins des Vestiges. The walk comes to an end at the old market, overlooking the 230-feet-high cliffs on top of which Bonifacio is perched.
- This is a moderate excursion, involving a total of approximately 1.5 miles of walking over cobblestones during the tour plus a 20 minute walk on flat terrain from the mini-train drop-off point to the pier at the end of the tour. We recommend comfortable walking shoes and layered clothing.
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.
The Lavezzi Islands
The Lavezzi Islands are an archipelago of small granite isles and reefs in the middle of the Strait of Bonifacio, about 6 miles southeast of the town. The islands are known for their extraordinarily clear waters and excellent snorkeling.
Your cruise aboard a local boat begins along the coastline of Bonifacio, as you see the citadel and the upper town from an angle that makes the buildings above appear as though they are about to topple into the sea. Weather and sea conditions permitting, the boat will navigate the narrow passage that leads to the Grotte du Sdragonatu (Dragon's Cave), a single huge chamber in the granite with a hole in the roof that resembles the outline Corsica.
Cruise by the Isle of Lavezzi, from which the archipelago gets its name. Home to white sand and shell beaches and several rare species of wild flower, including yellow-horned poppy and white sea daffodil, the island has been a protected natural reserve since 1982.
The ship will sail close to the private island of Cavallo and past the Pointe de Sperone as it returns to harbor and to the marina in Bonifacio.
- This an easy excursion, entirely on the boat. There are no restroom facilities on board. Although the boat has a cover, we recommend being prepared with sunscreen, hat, and water. Also note that the entrance into the Sdragonatu Cave cannot be guaranteed.
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.
Sartène
On this excursion, discover Sartène, the medieval hilltop fortress described by French novelist Prosper Mérimée as "the most Corsican of Corsican towns."
Begin with a scenic drive along Corsica's western coast, where the contrast between the beaches to your left and the rugged mountains of huge granite boulders and dense vegetation to your right could not be clearer. On the way to Sartene, pause at L'Oasis du Lion de Roccapina, a silhouette of a lion carved in red granite rock high up on a mountain overlooking the beach of Roccapina-Murtoli.
The village of Sartène itself is situated atop a rocky promontory dominating the surrounding countryside. Heavily fortified (some of the houses are literally carved out of the rock face), the town for much of its history was the scene of brutal fighting with Saracen pirates in the 10th century, Pisan and Genoese invaders in the later Middle Ages, and private feuds and vendettas throughout. Your guide on a walking tour will point out important sites in these various struggles as you explore the Old Town, the Place de la Libération, a 16th-century Genoese tower, and the Church of St Maria, which houses the hood, chain and cross carried by local penitents during the Good Friday Procession. Enjoy time at leisure for independent exploration before returning to Bonifacio.
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This is a relatively easy excursion, with little more than a mile of walking in Sartene over cobblestoned streets. Please note, however, that Corsican roads are winding, so this tour is not recommended for people suffering from vertigo or car sickness. Driving time to Sartène is approximately one hour and fifteen minutes each way. As ever, you will need comfortable shoes and protection from the sun.
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.
Cagliari and Ancient Nora
Cagliari, on Sardinia's southern coast, is the island's capital and home to one of the largest ports in the Mediterranean Sea. The area of the city has been inhabited for more than 5,000 years, from the Neolithic to the present, and has been a seat of government and trade for a succession of civilizations from Phoenicians and Carthaginians, through Romans, Byzantines, and Hapsburgs, to its role as the capital of the Kingdom of Sardinia, precursor to the Kingdom of Italy.
This excursion begins with a panoramic drive through the city and its surroundings, including the Bastione di San Remy, which towers over the Old Town, offering wonderful views from the battlements, and Monte Urpino, a hillside park in the center of the city. After this overview, continue along the southern coast to Nora, where you will enjoy a guided tour of its archaeological park, located on a peninsula that juts into the sea.
Founded by Phoenicians, Nora was both a Carthaginian and Roman center of trade, before disappearing from historical records in the 3rd century CE, presumably as the result of some natural disaster. You still see remains of Carthaginian warehouses, Roman buildings from the time of the Republic, a Carthaginian-Roman temple, large baths with splendid mosaics, and a theater dating to the time of the Empire that is almost intact. The system of water supply and drainage is particularly interesting, an engineering feat of large underwater pipes that worked both to bring water to the city and to take it away.
- This is a moderate excursion, involving a total of a bit more than a half mile of walking over rough and uneven terrain in Nora. You will need sturdy walking shoes and protection from the sun.
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.
Cagliari Walking Tour
Cagliari, on Sardinia's southern coast, is the island's capital and home to one of the largest ports in the Mediterranean Sea. The area of the city has been inhabited for more than 5,000 years, from the Neolithic to the present, and has been a seat of government and trade for a succession of civilizations from Phoenicians and Carthaginians, through Romans, Byzantines, and Hapsburgs, to its role as the capital of the Kingdom of Sardinia, precursor to the Kingdom of Italy.
This excursion is focused on the city itself, and begins with an orientation tour aboard a private motorcoach, including Monte Urpino, a hillside park in the center of the city, and a brief stop at the famed Poetto Beach, before you join a guided walking tour of Cagliari's Old Town. Here, you will discover the city's legacy of multiple cultures. You will see the Roman influence in the grandiose Amphitheatre, with its auditorium carved out of the rock. You will see the period of Pisan rule represented by two 13th-century towers known as the Elephant Tower and the Tower of San Pancrazio. You will see the town's walls and ramparts, built by Aragonese and Spanish rulers, and fine buildings like those with wrought iron balconies in the old districts of Stampace, Marina and Villanova, also part of the Iberian legacy.
Caligari's Cathedral, consecrated to Saint Mary, dates to the Romanesque period, but was restored and modified in the 17th century. Its interior is divided into three naves with side chapels, embellished with ornate baroque furnishings. Under the altar is a sanctuary carved out of the rock and containing urns of relics said to belong to early martyrs.
The Archaeological Museum of Cagliari, your final stop on the tour, is the most important archaeological museum in Sardinia, exhibiting over 4,000 objects that tell the island's long history from the neolithic age of the Mother Goddess and Nuragic bronzes; through jewels belonging to the Phoenician and Carthaginian era; to a superb collection of Byzantine objects as well.
- This is a moderate excursion with extensive (2.5 miles total) walking. Streets in the Old Town are cobblestone, and some are quite steep. Not recommended for guests with limited mobility.
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.
Cagliari and Audarya Wine Estate
Cagliari, on Sardinia's southern coast, is the island's capital and home to one of the largest ports in the Mediterranean Sea. The area of the city has been inhabited for more than 5,000 years, from the Neolithic to the present, and has been a seat of government and trade for a succession of civilizations from Phoenicians and Carthaginians, through Romans, Byzantines, and Hapsburgs, to its role as the capital of the Kingdom of Sardinia, precursor to the Kingdom of Italy. It is also a gateway to the bounty of Sardinia's interior.
A panoramic overview of the city and its surroundings, including brief pauses at the Bonaria Church and at Mount Urpino, leads to a drive through quaint villages, farms, and olive groves to Cantina Audarya in the center of the wine-growing region of Serdiana.
Launched in 2014 by the brother and sister team of Salvatore and Nicoletta Pala, this ambitious new winery, comprising some 90 acres of vineyards, has built on family tradition and brought the Audarya brand to the attention of connoisseurs throughout Italy and beyond, by producing wine only from native grape varieties tied to the terroir. A tour of the vineyards and the winery is followed by a tasting of some of their whites, rosés, and reds, including the most famous—the Cannonau (a local name for the Grenache grape).
- This is an easy excursion. Total walking is less than half a mile over mostly flat and paved surfaces (except in the vineyards). Sun protection is recommended for the tour of the vineyards.
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.
Hiking the Devil’s Saddle
Located precisely at the center of the Gulf of Angels, the Sella del Diavolo (Devil's Saddle) is one of the most evocative viewpoints of the city of Cagliari. This excursion is a two-mile hike from the base of this promontory to the summit and back, offering stunning views of the Gulf and of Poetto Beach, whose five miles of shoreline make it one of the longest beaches in Italy.
Because of its unusual shape and its strategic position, Sella del Diavolo has been the subject of legend and myth from the earliest times and has been used as the site of defensive fortifications for nearly as long. As you begin your hike from Cala Mosca, the entrance to the trail, your guide will tell you about the history of this area and you will discover a number of monuments that speak to the varied history of the site: the remains of an ancient temple to the goddess Astarte; Roman and Carthaginian cisterns; the ruins of an 11th-century monastery; and a watchtower, built by Spaniards in the 16th century.
The highlight of the walk for most people, however, is the beauty of the nature that surrounds you—the palm, juniper, and olive trees; the shrubs of mastic and euphorbia; and the expansive views of the Gulf of Angels and its beach.
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This is an active excursion, involving 2 miles of hiking along a trail of uneven surfaces, uphill and down. You should be in good physical shape, wear sturdy shoes suitable for hiking, and be sure you are protected from the sun.
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.
Churches of Palermo and Monreale
Situated on a wide bay beneath Mount Pellegrino, Palermo is a jewel in the crown of Sicily. In the 9th century, Palermo was famed for the wealth of its court and for its universities. Today, it is a cosmopolitan and international city, famed for its modern treasures as well as for its priceless ancient monuments of architecture and art.
Your excursion begins with a panoramic tour of Palermo through the main streets, passing by the Piazza Ruggero Settimo, Politeama Square, Massimo Opera House, and Quattro Canti square, before stopping at the Palatine Chapel, the royal chapel of the Norman kings of Sicily, where you will enjoy a guided tour.
The chapel was commissioned by Roger II of Sicily in 1132 to be built upon an older chapel constructed around 1080. It took eight years to build and many more to decorate with mosaics and fine art. The sanctuary, dedicated to Saint Peter, is reminiscent of Byzantine architecture, with three apses and six pointed arches that rest on recycled classical columns. The chapel's mosaics are of unparalleled elegance.
Reboard your coach for a 30-minute drive to Monreale to visit its Cathedral, the Duomo. The Cathedral of Monreale is one of the greatest extant examples of Norman architecture in the world. It was begun in 1174 by William II, and in 1182, the church, dedicated to the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, was elevated to the rank of a metropolitan cathedral. The church is a national monument of Italy and one of the most important attractions in Sicily. While in Monreale, you will also visit the Benedictine cloister, whose courtyard is enclosed by an arcade supported by 216 sets of twin columns, each with a different design and richly decorated capitals. There will be time at leisure for independent exploration and shopping before returning to the ship.
- This tour involves approximately 0.6 miles of walking on flat streets with 2 flights of stairs up to the Palantine Chapel and 90 steps to negotiate from the coach parking to the Monreale Cathedral. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun. Flash photography is not allowed inside the Palatine Chapel nor the Cathedral. Appropriate dress is requested when visiting religious sites (shoulders and knees must be covered). Please note that the Palatine Chapel is undergoing restoration work and viewing may be somewhat limited.
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.
Cefalù
Begin with a panoramic drive through the historical center of Palermo before joining the coastal highway on your way to the small medieval port town of Cefalù, nestled between the sea and a rocky promontory. A fishing village for most of its history, Cefalù is now a well-known resort town, but the Romanesque cathedral still dominates the landscape, towering over its network of narrow streets and ascending terraces.
Legend has it that Roger II, the Norman King of Sicily, commissioned the Cathedral at Cefalù, in gratitude for the divine intervention that brought him to safe harbor here during a terrible storm at sea. The result of the combined efforts of Arab, Byzantine, and Norman artisans, the Cathedral was begun on the site of earlier Roman buildings. But plans changed and the original building was never completed. The remains of the project are three roofs, which provide intriguing insight into the building techniques of bygone eras. Inside the present-day cathedral, you will marvel at the paintings and gold mosaics for which the Cathedral is famous—particularly a splendid vault covered in Byzantine tile work.
Your walking tour continues with a fascinating visit to a medieval communal wash-house that was still being used as a laundry well into the 20th century, before bringing you to the Osterio Magno, which tradition says was Roger II’s home. Excavations of the interior have discovered ancient edifices and ceramics from as early as Roman times. There will be time at leisure to browse the boutiques and shops that dot the waterfront before returning to Palermo and the ship.
- This excursion involves approximately 2 miles of walking, mostly over cobblestone streets with some steps. We recommend that you wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun. Appropriate dress is encouraged to enter religious sites (shoulders and knees must be covered). Driving time to Cefalu is approximately 1 hour each way.
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.
Palermo, Palazzo Conte Federico, & Sicilian Street Food
In the 9th century, Palermo was famed for the wealth of its court and for its universities. Today, it is a cosmopolitan and international city, famed for its modern treasures as well as for its priceless ancient monuments of architecture and art.
Palermo is also known for its food and wine and for the attention given to growing, preparing, and consuming them. This excursion offers an introduction to the highlights of the city and a glimpse of its contemporary food scene.
Begin with a drive through the picturesque streets of the ancient town and past the bustling crossroads of Quattro Canti that marks the center of Palermo. The architecture of this part of the city, including the Norman Castle that is now the seat of Sicilian government, is a fascinating blend of Byzantine, Arab, and Norman styles, representing the rich diversity that defines Sicily. Stop at Piazza Bellini for a visit inside the Chiesa di Santa Maria dell’Ammiraglio to see its splendid Byzantine mosaics.
Then you're off to Palazzo Conte Federico, one of the oldest buildings in Palermo, where you will be hosted by the Countess Federico or one of her sons on a tour of their palatial home before enjoying a tasting of typical local food, including some of the street food (panelle, arancini, pizza, crocché, and more) for which Palermo is justly famous.
On the walk back to your waiting coach, you will pause briefly to appreciate the grandeur of Palermo's Cathedral and perhaps capture the moment on camera.
- This is a moderate excursion involving a total of approximately 1.5 - 2 miles of walking over mostly flat terrain with a few steps. We recommend comfortable walking shoes and adequate protection from the sun. The order of visits may vary.
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.
Mt. Etna & Benanti Winery
Board your coach for a drive up the winding roads that work their way along the slopes of Mt. Etna, the largest active volcano in Europe. Begin with a drive through the small town of Naxos, which was founded by Greek colonizers in the 8th century B.C., and then pass the town of Giarre and the villages of Santa Venerina and Zafferana en route. Your destination on Mt. Etna is the Crateri Silvestri area, a collection of inactive craters that originated during a massive eruption in 1892. From here, the views across the Gulf of Catania and vineyards are breathtaking.
After taking time to appreciate the power of this site, continue to the Benanti Winery, Monte Serra Estate, where you will join vintners for a visit of the vineyards and the historic oak barrel room. Next, enjoy a typical Sicilian lunch and sample several of the winery’s finest vintages. It's a delightful experience that will leave you with an even greater understanding and appreciation of Sicilian flavors.
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This excursion includes about half a mile of walking along uneven and sometimes slippery terrain at Mt. Etna; some walking and steps at the winery. Altitude at Mt. Etna is about 6500 feet. We recommend you wear comfortable shoes and use sunscreen/hats for protection from the sun. We also recommend you bring a sweater or windproof jacket for this excursion.
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.
Taormina and its Greek Theater
Taormina clings to the side of Mount Tauro and offers superb views of the Mediterranean Sea, Isola Bella and a snow-capped Etna in the background. A maze of narrow streets, splashed with the vibrant colors of bougainvillea and oleanders, this location has attracted many civilizations over the centuries. It is home to theaters and a gymnasium from the Greek period, an Odeon and baths from Roman times, buildings blending Arab and Norman cultures, traces of Byzantium, and villas belonging to European aristocracy in the 18th and 19th centuries.
This excursion begins with a visit on foot of the historic center. Cross the famous Corso Umberto to discover numerous monuments from several eras, and admire Porta Catania, the Cathedral, Piazza IX Aprile, and Palazzo Corvaja.
Then, take time at Teatro Antico, the Ancient Greek Theater, to focus on this remarkable legacy of earlier cultures. The theater was built by the Greeks in the 3rd century B.C. and almost completely rebuilt by the Romans as a gladiatorial arena. It is the second largest theater in Sicily after the one in Syracuse. Because of its size and acoustic quality, it is still in use to host festivals and concerts in the summer. Seated on the stone terraces, the audience can enjoy the concert while admiring a breath-taking panoramic view of the sea, Mount Tauro, and Etna in the background.
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As this excursion involves a walk of about 1.5 miles over rough terrain with several stairways, we advise that you wear sturdy shoes and protect yourself from the sun. Shoulders and legs should be covered if entering the Cathedral.
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.
Ancient Taormina & Sicilian Winery
Taormina clings to the side of Mount Tauro, offering panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea, Isola Bella and a snow-capped Etna in the background. A maze of narrow streets, splashed with the vibrant colors of bougainvillea and oleanders, Taormina has attracted many civilizations over the centuries. It is home to theaters and a gymnasium from the Greek period, an Odeon and baths from Roman times, buildings blending Arab and Norman cultures, traces of Byzantium, and villas belonging to European aristocracy of the 18th and 19th centuries.
Your exploration of Taormina's historic center begins along the Corso Umberto, where you will see a number of monuments from several eras, before spending some time at Teatro Antico, the Ancient Greek Theater. Built by the Greeks in the 3rd century B.C. and almost completely rebuilt by the Romans as a gladiatorial arena, it is the second largest theater in Sicily. Because of its size and acoustic quality, it is still in use to host festivals and concerts in the summer.
After taking time to appreciate the power of this site, continue with a drive around the flanks of Mt. Etna to the Gambini Winery, where one of the vintners will lead a tour of the wine cellar and a wine tasting. Next, enjoy a brunch of Sicilian specialties, accompanied by several of the winery’s finest vintages. It's a delightful experience that will leave you with an even greater understanding and appreciation of Sicilian flavors.
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As this excursion involves a walk of about 1.5 miles over rough terrain with several stairways, we advise that you wear sturdy shoes and protect yourself from the sun. Shoulders and legs should be covered if entering the Cathedral.
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.
Catania, Street Food, and Fish Market
The port city of Catania, about 30 miles south of Taormina, is Sicily's economic and commercial hub. Its old town in the center of the city, rebuilt after a devastating earthquake in 1693, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, boasting some of the most exuberant late-Baroque architecture to be found anywhere in Europe—particularly the Cathedral and the Palazzo Biscari.
On arrival in Catania, you will walk along the city's main street, passing both of these spectacular buildings. Stop for a sample of arancini, Sicily's emblematic street food of fried rice balls filled with cheese, meat, or vegetables. Your walk continues to the authentic center of the city: the Mercato del Pesce, Catania's famed street market. As the name suggests, there is an abundance of seafood of every description on sale here, but just about any other sort of food you can imagine is also available—oranges and almonds from nearby orchards, roasted peppers, cured meats, fresh vegetables, cheeses, breads. The sights, sounds, and smells are absolutely exhilarating. You will then stop at a café for a taste a Sicilian-style cannoli - the perfect ending to your experience of Catania's food scene.
- This tour involves approximately 1.25 miles of walking over sometimes uneven cobblestone surfaces. It may not be suitable for guests with limited mobility. Weather appropriate clothing; sun cap; sunglasses; and flat, comfortable walking shoes are recommended. Shoulders and knees must be covered to enter the Cathedral.
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.
Archaeological Park & Museum
Colonized by the Greeks in the 8th century B.C., Syracuse became one of the most powerful and prestigious cities of the ancient world, rivaling even Athens. Your exploration of the remains of this flourishing culture begins with a guided tour of the extensive archaeological site, where you will visit the Roman Amphitheatre of Augustus, used for fights between gladiators and wild beasts; the Altar of Hieron, constructed in the 2nd century B.C. to celebrate the “Eleutherian Feast;” the Latomie of Paradise, huge caverns once used as prisons; and the Ear of Dionysius, an enormous grotto with extraordinary echo. A highlight is sure to be the 15,000 seat Greek Theater, one of the largest in the Hellenic World, constructed in the 5th century B.C. and successively enlarged.
From the archaeological area, continue to the Paolo Orsi Archaeological Museum, the largest and most complete in Sicily and one of the best collections in all of Europe. It houses materials found in Sicily from prehistoric times through the Romans but focuses mainly on the civilization of the Greek colonial period.
- This excursion involves approximately a mile of walking over uneven terrain, as well as a few steps. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun.
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.
Baroque Town of Noto
Noto has origins in the ancient past, having been founded in the 5th century B.C. during the period of Greek colonization, but it was destroyed in a massive earthquake in 1693. The subsequent rebuilding of the city according to 18th-century ideas of architectural design and town planning has made Noto the quintessential example of Sicilian Baroque. The town is built on terraces connected by monumental flights of steps and is filled with churches and palaces with varying degrees of embellishment but sharing a common architectural theme.
Upon arrival, walk across the Public Gardens, where busts of the artists who contributed to Noto’s urban culture and style are on display. The centrally located and resplendent Cathedral has been restored following the earthquake of 1990. You will also visit other impressive buildings, including the Churches of St. Domenico and St. Charles, the Ducezio Palace, and Villadorata Palace. Noto was declared a world heritage site by UNESCO, and the United Nations provides financial support for the reconstruction of the town’s monuments.
At the end of your walking tour of this beautiful town, stop at a local bar specializing in gelato and sorbet, where you will sample some of the treats for which Noto is famous – especially a granita with brioche and coffee.
- This excursion involves about 1 mile of walking over mostly easy terrain, with steps to enter churches. Comfortable shoes and using sunscreen/hats for sun protection is recommended. Appropriate dress is requested to enter churches (shoulders/knees covered).
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.
Walking Tour of Ortygia Island
Ortygia, a tiny island just off the coast, is the original center of the ancient city of Syracuse. Meet your guide at the pier and begin your exploration on foot of this tangle of narrow streets that open onto splendid piazzas.
At the Piazza Pancali discover the 6th-century B.C. Temple of Apollo, the oldest Doric temple in Sicily. Next, walk through the food market and delight in the sounds and smells as you discover a vast selection of the region’s produce, meats, seafood, and cheeses.
Walk through the Corso Matteotti and Archimedes Square en route to the stunning Piazza del Duomo. As the name suggests, this is the site of the Cathedral (Duomo) of Syracuse, a UNESCO World Heritage site, as is the entire city. Originally built in the 5th century B.C. as a temple dedicated to the goddess Athena and later turned into a Christian Basilica, it features a Baroque façade, constructed during the restoration following the 1693 earthquake.
End at the Fountain of Arethusa, one of Ortygia’s most beautiful monuments, reflecting the legend that the nymph Arethusa was turned into a beautiful spring by Artemis to help her escape the pursuit of a crazed lover, before walking back to the ship.
- This excursion involves approximately 2 miles of walking over uneven terrain and cobblestones as well as some steps. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun. Appropriate dress is requested to enter religious sites (shoulders and knees must be covered).
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.
MALTESE HIGHLIGHTS (2 NIGHTS)
This specially designed program is an opportunity to get a sense of the extraordinarily rich history of this small island nation in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea. Learn about the importance of Malta as a crossroads of trade and as the headquarters of the Knights of St. John, as well as something of the island's Neolithic past as preserved in the prehistoric megaliths of Hagar Qim. Enjoy all of this while staying at one of the world's truly grand hotels.
Day 1 – Valletta, Malta
Enjoy breakfast aboard ship before joining a guided walking tour of Valletta, Malta’s fortified capital city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Your visit to the extraordinary interior of the 16th-century Co-Cathedral of St. John affords the opportunity to see Caravaggio’s massive masterpiece, The Beheading of St. John the Baptist. And during your tour of the Palace of the Grand Master, which serves today as the office of the president of Malta, you will see the richly decorated state rooms and tapestry chamber.
Continue with a stroll to the Upper Barrakka Gardens for panoramic views over the Grand Harbor and end at the Phoenicia Malta hotel, your home for the next two nights. Official check-in time is 3:00 p.m. The balance of the day is at leisure, with independent lunch and dinner.
Day 2 - Valletta
After breakfast at the hotel, drive inland to the city of Mdina, the capital of Malta until the Knights of St. John moved it to Valletta in the 16th century. Your walking tour includes the stunning Baroque Cathedral of St. Paul, built on the site where it is said Paul converted the Roman governor to Christianity in the months following his shipwreck on the island in the year 60. From Mdina, drive to a nearby winery for a private tour and tasting of some of Malta's finest wines before stopping at a historic local restaurant for a lunch of traditional Maltese specialties.
After lunch, drive to the southern coast of the island to visit the Hagar Qim Temples, a UNESCO World Heritage site dating to 3600 BC. Located on a hilltop overlooking the sea, Hagar Qim is among the earliest free-standing stone buildings in the world. Following your guided tour of this extraordinary site, return to the hotel. Dinner is independent and at your leisure.
Day 3 – Valletta | Depart
After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to the airport for flights homeward.
Your hotel:
The Phoenicia Malta, a member of The Leading Hotels of the World, is Malta’s landmark hotel with a storied history spanning over 60 years. Surrounded by beautifully landscaped gardens, the hotel is situated in an ideal location just outside the walled city of Valletta and its 16th-century bastions. From the hotel’s front door, the historic wonders of Valletta, including St. John’s Co-Cathedral, are all within easy walking distance. The hotel boasts 136 rooms and suites combining old-world elegance and a fresh style. Its modern conveniences ensure a comfortable and luxurious stay.
Your program includes:
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2 nights at The Phoenicia Malta (or similar), including breakfast
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Transfer and luggage handling from the pier to the hotel on disembarkation day
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Transfer and luggage handling to the pier from the hotel to the airport on the scheduled program departure day
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Breakfast on days 2 and 3
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Lunch on Day 2
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Sightseeing and programming as noted in the itinerary
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Local English-speaking guide
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Gratuities for the drivers and local guides
Your program does not include:
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Transfer from the hotel to the airport on any day other than the scheduled program departure day
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Personal expenses and other services and meals not mentioned as included in the program
Please note:
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It is imperative that your flight details are communicated at least 60 days prior to the beginning of your cruise in order to secure your transfer from the hotel to the airport.
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Early check-in and/or late check-out are available depending on availability and at a supplement. An additional night is possible, upon request and depending on hotel availability. Please, contact reservations or your travel agent for further details.
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The official currency is the Euro. Credit cards are largely accepted in hotels, shops, and restaurants.
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The duration of the visits is given as a guide only, and the order of the visits may change.
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This pre-cruise program is offered as a package. There will be no refunds for unused accommodations, meals, or excursions.
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Program is offered on a space available basis.
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Program is subject to change without notice.
Hotel contact information:
The Phoenicia Malta
The Mall
Floriana FRN1478
Malta
Telephone: +356.2122.5241
Total : AU$1,780
Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.