Deluxe Stateroom Deck 3
20% Ponant Bonus
19 m²
2
Southern France and the Italian Riviera by Sea – with Smithsonian Journeys
Barcelona - Civitavecchia (Rome)
Dates:
26/4/2025
to
3/5/2025
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.
Join us for this voyage along both the French and Italian Rivieras, exploring the rich history and culture of the fabled lands on the northern shores of the Mediterranean Sea.
Setting sail from Barcelona, your discovery of southern France begins from Port-Vendres in the Occitanie with the hilltop city of Carcassonne and its medieval citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The ancient port of Marseille is your gateway to either Aix-en-Provence, "city of a thousand fountains" and home to Paul Cézanne, or to Van Gogh's Arles and the UNESCO World Heritage "City of Popes," Avignon.
Nice, the last French port on this leg of your voyage, offers a tour of nearby Monte Carlo and a trip to the medieval hilltop village of Eze, with panoramic views of the Côte d'Azur. Or journey to St. Paul de Vence to visit the Maeght Foundation’s collection of modern and contemporary art and sculpture.
The small Italian fishing village of Portofino, now a favored haunt of the rich and famous, welcomes you for a relaxing afternoon and evening of leisurely browsing through its shops and galleries and perhaps a chance to sample the local cuisine.
Porto Venere can serve as your gateway to discovery of the UNESCO World Heritage Cinque Terre, the villages at the heart of the Italian Riviera. Or you may spend the day exploring Romanesque Lucca, birthplace of Giacomo Puccini, and medieval Pisa, with its magnificent Duomo, Baptistry, and Leaning Tower.
From Livorno, a full day excursion to Florence introduces you to the heart of the Italian Renaissance. Or if you prefer, you may explore the Etruscan ruins and museum at nearby Volterra.
Your voyage ends in the Roman port of Civitavecchia, with easy access to Rome.
Ref : BC3445US - EG260425
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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Your trip in detail
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Complete your trip
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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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5/11/2025 to the 23/11/2025
LE CHAMPLAIN
3/12/2025 to the 13/12/2025
*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 Ross King, a best-selling author of books on French and Italian art and history , and Paolo Squatriti, a professor of medieval European history and Italian.
- UNESCO World Heritage sites in Carcassonne, Avignon, Florence, and the Cinque Terre.
- The art of Bonnard, Miró, and more in Nice and St. Paul de Vence.
- The Palace of the Popes in Avignon.
- An evening in the resort town of Portofino.
- Pisa's Leaning Tower and the Duomo of Florence.
- The natural beauty of the Riviera.
Ports of Call & Excursions
26 April 2025 - Barcelona
Embarkation 26/4/2025 From 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Departure 26/4/2025 at 6:00 pm
Located on the seashore between the mountains of Montjuïc and Tibidabo, Barcelona offers its many visitors a perfect blend of tradition and modernism. Truly an open-air museum, the “prodigious town” reveals an astonishing range of artistic treasures and museums, combining Roman ruins, medieval districts and a number of avant-garde elements from the 20th Century. Over the years, it has been marked by some of the greatest artists, such as Picasso, Miró or Gaudí, most of whose work has been listed as World Heritage Sites by UNESCO. Take the time to stroll along the Ramblas and enjoy the gentle, typically Mediterranean lifestyle of the capital of Catalonia.
27 April 2025 - Port-Vendres
Arrival 27/4/2025 early morning
Departure 27/4/2025 evening
The coastal town of Port-Vendres stands proudly in the heart of the Roussillon region. In the curve of a sheltered bay, Port-Vendres offers a unique blend of historic heritage and exceptional natural scenery. The 17th-century fortifications, erected by Vauban, bear witness to its strategic importance to the defence of France. The coastal town’s many charming features include its cobblestoned streets, edged with houses with colourful façades, which gracefully wind their way to the fishing port, where traditional boats mingle with luxury yachts. In the distance, the foothills of the Albères tumble down to the coast, offering a green setting for this haven of peace where there is a harmonious blend of the hustle and bustle of the quays and the serenity of walks on the ramparts.
28 April 2025 - Marseille
Arrival 28/4/2025 early morning
Departure 28/4/2025 late afternoon
The oldest harbour in France, Marseille is the city where PONANT has chosen to set up its company headquarters. Heart vibrating in its setting of Mediterranean Calanques, it reveals its raw and authentic beauty, made up of a thousand influences and cultures which, over the centuries, have made up its wealth. A stroll through the Old Port will allow you to discover the places corresponding to the city founded by the Greeks as well as Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde Basilica, with its astonishing neo-Byzantine architecture, which overlooks it. Close to the quays, the Place de Lenche, which covers the ancient agora, will be perfect for a break in one of its lively cafés before melting into the maze of narrow streets with colourful houses in the Panier district, just a stone's throw away.
29 April 2025 - Nice
Arrival 29/4/2025 early morning
Departure 29/4/2025 evening
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.
30 April 2025 - Portofino
Arrival 30/4/2025 midday
Departure 30/4/2025
Close to the Cinque Terre, Portofino is the jewel of the Ligurian Riviera. This "small village that stretches like a half moon around a silent basin", described by Guy de Maupassant, is today a pretty, lively little port that has managed to preserve the authenticity of its maritime traditions, which have been recognised since Ancient times. Built in the hollow of a small natural cove sheltered by the pine forest, the village is at the heart of a protected maritime reserve. The shimmering colours of its house fronts and the exceptional location of this village have inspired many authors and artists. You will also see the Portofino lighthouse, immaculate in its green setting. Perched on the Punta del Capo, it watches over the peninsula and its postcard setting.
1 May 2025 - Porto Venere
Arrival 1/5/2025 early morning
Departure 1/5/2025 evening
Located on the magnificent chiselled coast of Liguria, to the north-west of the Italian peninsula, Portovenere is an unusual little fishing village. Clinging to the southernmost tip of the Cinque Terre National park, this charming town benefits from an exceptional location, at the mouth of the gulf of La Spezia. As soon as you set foot on land, you will be mesmerised by the pastel shades of the buildings. Via Capellini is its lively and welcoming main street, brimming with shops and restaurants. At the end of a long promenade, a steep road leads to Doria castle. Below, on its rocky spur, the Church of Saint Peter offers a splendid view of Palmaria island.
2 May 2025 - Livorno
Arrival 2/5/2025 early morning
Departure 2/5/2025 evening
On the ligurian coast, Livorno invites us to Tuscany, a charming region offering archaeological vestiges, Renaissance treasures, undulating landscapes and a pleasant way of life. When the Medicis arrived in the 16th century they developed the city, which became one of the most important ports in the Mediterranean. Cosmopolitan and multireligious, Livorno has welcomed many immigrants and is a wonderful example of cultural diversity. Built during that period, Fortezza Vecchia and Fortezza Nuova attest to the city’s power. At the foot of the new fort, Nuova Venezia is an enchanting district with small canals and streets to stroll along to discover a few architectural treasures, such as the magnificent Santa Caterina da Siena church in the Tuscan baroque style.
3 May 2025 - Civitavecchia (Rome)
Arrival 3/5/2025 early morning
Disembarkation 3/5/2025 at 8:00 am
Built on an Etruscan site, between the Tyrrhenian sea and the Monti della Tolfa, Civitavecchia respires the dolce vita. This very modern and easy going town combines art and history with panache. You can also visit superb historical sites like Fort Michelangelo or the Cathedral of Saint Francis of Assisi. Just 80 kilometres from Rome, the town is a beautiful first step to the Italian capital.
Carcassonne: Quintessential Medieval City
Carcassonne, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997, is well worth the 80-mile drive from Sète through the hills of Languedoc. One of the architectural wonders of the world, this marvelously well-preserved city is an archetype of the citadels of the Middle Ages.
A guided walking tour of the city, surrounded by 2 miles of city walls, 52 towers, and 2 concentric outer defensive walls, includes the Basilica of Saint Nazaire, the Jean-Deschamps theatre, the ancient walls themselves, and the spectacular entrance gates to the city, the Porte d'Aude and the Porte Narbonnaise. You will also see the Canal Du Midi, itself another World Heritage site, built by Louis XIV as part of the network of waterways meant to connect the Atlantic Ocean to the Mediterranean Sea. The guided tour ends with a visit to Château Comtal, the 12th-century castle built by the Viscounts of Carcassonne.
Following lunch at a local restaurant, enjoy some free time exploring the shops and boutiques of this bustling city before returning to Sète and your ship.
- This is a moderate excursion, involving a total of about 2 miles of walking over cobblestones and uneven surfaces. It is not suitable for those with limited mobility. We recommend sturdy, comfortable walking shoes and layered clothing to deal with changeable weather.
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.
Highlights of Perpignan
Perpignan, about a 45-minute drive north of Port-Vendres, is a town rich in history and proud of its Catalan heritage. Your exploration of this beautiful city, famous for the sunshine it enjoys more than 300 days a year, begins at the Palace, which for nearly a century (1276 - 1344) was the capital of the Kingdom of Majorca. The castle's lavishly decorated rooms reflect Perpignan's status as a political and cultural center of the medieval Mediterranean. Continue your walking tour through the streets of the old town as your guide points out the historical significance of various monuments and landmarks, including the emblematic Le Castillet, which served as Perpignan's main gate during the period of Aragonese rule and now houses a museum.
After the tour, enjoy time to explore the center of town on your own before a visit to Les Halles Vauban, a covered market in the center of town that features more than twenty artisanal food shops. Here you will be served an aperitif and invited to sample the wares of one of the cheese shops and delicatessens.
- This is a moderate excursion, involving a total of approximately 1.5 miles of walking over a variety of surfaces, some pave and some cobblestoned. Comfortable walking 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.
Salses Castle and Wine Tasting
A scenic drive north from Port-Vendres along the coast and through the town of Perpignan, brings you to the village of Salses le Château, named for the remarkably well-preserved fortress that dominates the town. Originally built by King Ferdinand of Aragon to protect what was then the border between Spain and France, the castle sits on a narrow, flat stretch of land that had once been the route of Hannibal's army on its way to Italy in 218 BCE. During your tour of the castle, your guide will describe its extensive defenses—defenses that successfully withstood attack for 150 years, until the French finally conquered it during the Thirty Years War.
After your visit to Salses, travel to the nearby wine region of Rivesaltes to visit Château Saint Michel/Domaine de Besombes, a well-known vineyard producing Roussillon reds and whites, and of course, the fortified Muscat for which the region is famous. Enjoy a tour of the winery and a sampling of its vintages before returning to Port Vendres and your ship.
- This is a moderate excursion, involving a total of approximately one mile of walking over some cobblestoned surfaces and some stairs. Comfortable walking 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.
Collioure and Chateau de l'Ou
From Port-Vendres, a small but busy fishing port just north of France's border with Spain, drive to neighboring Collioure, once a Phoenician port and now a charming village nestled against the backdrop of the Alberes mountains.
A guided walking tour of the town includes the 17th-century Notre-Dame-des-Anges Church and the majestic Château Royal de Collioure, which has served as an outpost for the Knights Templars, the Kings of Aragon and of Majorca, the Hapsburgs, and the Bourbons. But it is the ambiance of the village itself—its beaches, cafés, and classic whitewashed houses—that many visitors find most compelling. Indeed, it is this aspect of Collioure that attracted artists from around Europe in the early 20th century, including Matisse, Picasso, Chagall, Dufy, Mackintosh, and Dali, earning the village notoriety as the birthplace of Fauvism.
After some time at leisure in the village to explore on your own, travel to Le Château de l'Ou, one of the leading vineyards of Roussillon, where you will visit the cellar and enjoy a sampling of their wines, accompanied by a board of cheeses and charcuterie.
- This is a moderate excursion, involving a total of approximately 1.5 miles of walking, including cobblestoned surfaces and some stairs. Comfortable walking 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.
Avignon and Chateauneuf
Avignon, located about 50 miles northwest of Marseille, rose to prominence in the 14th century, when a succession of Popes from 1309 to 1377 moved the Holy See here, largely to escape the political turmoil prevalent in central Italy at the time. To this day, the architecture of the city is dominated by these seven decades of papal rule.
Your walking tour of the lovely streets and squares of Avignon's old town, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995, focuses on the Palais des Papes, the largest Gothic palace ever built, and includes, as well, the Place du Palais, the Petit Palais, and Bell Tower Square. As you explore the sumptuously decorated chambers, chapels, and passages of the Palace and the 15-foot-thick ramparts that surround it, you will come to understand something of the wealth and power of the medieval papacy—a power that ruled over Avignon until 1791, when France reclaimed it during the Revolution.
After a light lunch at a local restaurant, continue to nearby Châteauneuf-du-Pape, where you will be treated to a tasting of the region’s famous wines, paired with bread and local snacks. Chateauneuf wines were made here long before Popes added their title to name of the village. But the wealth and commerce attracted to the region because of the Pope's presence helped to spread word of the magnificent wines produced here along the Rhône.
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This is a moderate excursion involving a total of approximately 2 miles of walking over cobblestones and inclines. There are many steps in the Palace. It is not recommended for guests with limited mobility. Sturdy, comfortable walking shoes are a must, as well as layered clothing 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.
Arles and Les Baux
This excursion is a wonderful introduction to the charnms of Provence through the varied lenses of an ancient city on the banks of the Rhone and a medieval village in the Alpilles mountains.
Begin with a drive in the Provençal countryside, through lush vineyards, orchards, and cypress trees, to Arles, once a Roman provincial capital and one of the premier centers of Gallo-Roman art in France. Your guided walking tour through the Old Town includes the Romanesque Church of St. Trophime, renowned for its glorious carvings, the Hotel de Ville, and Forum Square-a favorite meeting place for centuries. As you make your way along the narrow streets, you may be reminded of Van Gogh, who produced more than 200 paintings during the time he lived here. Also visit the Roman amphitheater, designated, along with other mounments in the city, as a UNESCO Heritage Site in 1981. The amphitheater is the most impressive of these monuments and is still in use for concerts and for bullfights.
After lunch, drive into the mountiains northwest of Arles to Les Baux, perched on a rocky outcropping with commanding views of the surrounding region. Its easily fotrified position made Les Baux a nearly impregnable stronghold and was used as such by a string of petty tyrants, insurrectionists, and kidnappers until Cardinal Richelieu ordered its destruction in 1632. In the 20th century, the ruins of the village were 'rediscovered' and Les Baux was resurrected as an example of medieval life. It has since earned a well-deserved reputation as one of the most beautiful villages in France. Enjoy a walking tour through the town, followed by time at leisure to explore, browse, and shop on your own.
- This is a moderate excursion, involving approximately 2 miles of walking over cobblestones, uneven surfaces, and sometimes steep inclines (in Les Baux). It is not recommended for guests with limited mobility. As always, sturdy shoes and protection from the sun are encouraged.
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.
Highlights of Marseille & Aix-en-Provence
Begin your discovery of two of southern France's most popular cities with a panoramic tour of Marseille aboard a luxury motorcoach. Driving through this bustling and proudly multicultural city, pass by the Cathèdral La Major, a massive neo-Byzantine structure built in the 19th-century, on the way to the picturesque Old Port, guarded by Fort Saint-Jean, built by Louis XIV. Nearby is the award-winning MUCEM (Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilizations). Passing by iconic Notre-Dame de la Garde, the impressive Basilica that sits atop the highest point in the city, enter the Corniche Kennedy, a three-mile boulevard on the Marseille coast named for America's 35th president.
Travel to Aix-en-Provence, the first Roman settlement in Gaul, noting the town's elegant 18th- and 19th-century architecture as you arrive. A walking tour of the city center includes a stroll along the tree-lined Cours Mirabeau, the Baroque Hotel de Ville, and the Cathedral of Saint-Sauveur, built on the site of the ancient Roman forum. Time at leisure to explore on your own is followed by the return to the ship in Marseille.
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This is an easy excursion, requiring about a mile of walking during the guided tour of Aix. Comfortable shoes, layered clothing, and sun protection 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.
Medieval Eze and Villa Rothschild
This excursion introduces you to two of the most unforgettable places you will encounter during your time on the French Riviera—the medieval village of Eze and the Villa Ephrussi Rothschild—both of which overlook the sea and both of which feature extraordinary gardens.
"Stunning" doesn't begin to do justice the views as you drive along the Moyenne Corniche into the hills east of Nice to arrive at Eze, where you enjoy a guided walking tour of this carefully maintained village of centuries-old stonework, wrought-iron street lamps, and colorfully painted shutters. Near the top of the village, take some time to explore the award-winning Jardin Exotique d'Eze, showcasing a variety of exotic succulents from around the world as well as local species, and take in the remarkable views that stretch as far as the Gulf of St. Tropez. Before leaving Eze, you will have time to browse the shops and galleries that line the winding streets leading back to your coach.
The drive back down the Moyenne Corniche leads to a coastal road and the small peninsula of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, among the most exclusive locations on the Cote d'Azur and site of the Villa Ephrussi Rothschild. The villa itself and the gardens surrounding it were built in the early 20th century under the direction of Baroness Beatrice Rothschild, who used it as her winter residence, decorating it with exquisite art from a variety of periods. Wander here among the 14-acre garden arranged by themes (French, Spanish, Exotic, and so on) while also enjoying the views over two bays—Villefranche to the west, and Beaulieu-sur-Mer to the east.
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This is a moderate excursion with a total of approximately 2 miles of walking over cobblestone terrain, much of it up and down in Eze. It is not recommended for guests with limited mobility. Comfortable shoes and sun protection are important.
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.
Nice's Old Town & Wine Tasting
A short drive from the port brings you to the center of Nice, the unofficial capital of the French Riviera. Enjoy a guided walking tour of the highlights of this ancient city, founded by the Greeks in the 4th century BCE and coming under the sway of successive civilizations and empires until it was permanently annexed by France in 1860. As you explore the lively Old Town, you will get a sense of what has attracted so many artists to the city, perhaps most famously, Henri Matisse and Marc Chagall.
Your tour comes to an end at Cave Bianchi, the oldest wine cellars in Nice, where you will be introduced to the wine production of the region and have the chance to taste three different local wines, accompanied by small canapés with cheese. After the tasting, enjoy some time at leisure to explore Nice on your own, perhaps shopping, or simply basking in the Niçoise way of life.
-
This is a moderate excursion with a total of approximately 1.5 miles of walking over cobblestones and some inclines. We recommend comfortable 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.
Monaco and Monte Carlo
This excursion to Monaco, the second smallest sovereign state in the world, begins at the Rock of Monaco, a 200-foot-tall monolith of limestone that juts into the Mediterranean Sea, with spectacular views over the two marinas that serve the city. Elevators take you from the base of the Rock to the top, where your guide leads you on a tour of the oldest section of the city, Monaco-Ville, through narrow streets, past the Oceanographic Museum, the Cathedral containing the tomb of Princess Grace and Prince Rainier, and the Prince's Palace. Enjoy time at leisure to explore the world-famous shops and boutiques of Monaco before you rejoin your motor coach for the short drive to Monte Carlo.
Perhaps the most famous quarter of Monaco, Monte Carlo is identified with its eponymous Casino and with the Formula 1 circuit that runs through its streets. Your visit here begins with a walk along a portion of the grand prix course to reach Casino Square, where you encounter the Grand Casino, the Hotel de Paris and the Cafe de Paris. Those who wish may step inside the Casino for a glimpse. Enjoy some time at leisure to stroll around the square, browsing in the designer boutiques or trying your luck with the slot machines at the Cafe de Paris Casino before returning to Nice.
- This is a moderate excursion, involving a total of approximately a mile of walking over mainly paved surfaces. There is a steep incline and steps to reach Casino Square in Monte Carlo. We recommend comfortable walking shoes, layered clothing, 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.
St.-Paul-de-Vence and the Maeght Foundation
Departing Nice, enjoy beautiful views of the Mediterranean Sea and the majestic Alpes Maritimes as you travel north to magical St.-Paul-de-Vence. This 16th-century walled village, built by Francois I, has managed to retain much of its medieval charm and is representative of the fortified towns that once guarded the frontier. Meet you guide at the town's main gate to begin a tour through the streets and alleyways as you discover why this spot proved so enticing to early 20th-century artists, including Signac, Modigliani, Bonnard, and Soutine. After the tour, enjoy some time on your own to stroll the narrow, cobblestone lanes and discover the many boutiques, art galleries and shops that are found here.
Continue to the Maeght Foundation, a museum of modern art set amid a garden of monumental sculptures atop a hill overlooking St.-Paul-de-Vence. The museum building is itself a work of art, designed by José Luis Sert in collaboration with the artists whose works are found here—Joan Miró, Marc Chagall, Alberto Giacometti, Georges Braque, Alexander Calder and Fernand Léger. You will have ample time to explore the exhibits and stroll through the gardens at your leisure before returning to Nice and your ship.
- The tour of St.-Paul-de-Vence involves some steep uphill climbs on uneven cobblestone surface, so participants should be in good physical condition. Total walking is approximately 2 miles. You will want comfortable and sturdy walking shoes, as well as 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.
Portofino: Heart of the Italian Riviera
Built between its lovely bay and a wooded headland and hills, Portofino was once a fishing village, but is now a glamorous resort, its small marina packed with expensive yachts. The waterfront is lined with multicolored pastel buildings, canopied outdoor cafes, and a quay often filled with strolling young lovers. Its surrounding hills are dotted with bougainvillea-garnished villas owned by the rich and famous.
Your guided tour follows an attractive walking path through one of the densest concentrations of decorative fauna in the Mediterranean. Fantastic views of the entire bay and the Ligurian Sea present themselves as you will walk up the hill to the Church of San Giorgio. Perched high above the town, this church contains relics of St. George brought from the Holy Land by crusaders returning to their homes. From here you may continue the walk to the Punto del Capo, the Portofino lighthouse, for still more stunning views, before returning to the ship.
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This is a moderate excursion, involving a total of about 2 miles of walking, some uphill, over cobblestones and uneven surfaces. It is not suitable for those with limited mobility. We recommend sturdy, comfortable walking shoes and layered clothing to deal with changeable weather.
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.
Lucca & Pisa
Lucca is unusual, perhaps unique, among walled cities in that the ramparts that enclose it are one of its defining characteristics and an enduring resource for communal activity. Arriving after an hour and a half of driving through scenic Tuscan countryside, you will be struck, first, by the sheer size of the 16th- and 17th-century walls that completely surround the historic center of the city. They have a circumference of 3 miles, stand 40 feet high, and are topped with a tree-lined footpath that is in constant use for picnics, playgrounds, and evening strolls.
Once inside the walls, your expert guide will lead you on a walking tour, beginning with the Basilica of San Frediano, said to have been founded by a bishop of that name in the 6th century. It is famous for the large mosaic on its facade depicting Christ the Redeemer ascending to heaven. Just across from the church is Piazza dell'Anfiteatro, the site of a Roman amphitheater built in the 1st century AD. The remains of the Roman structure are now incorporated in the buildings that border the piazza, giving it a distinctive elliptical shape.
Your path through the labyrinthine streets of the medieval city passes the Romanesque Cathedral of San Martino, believed to have been decorated in part by Nicola Pisano, before culminating in the Piazza San Michele, the historic center of the city. Enjoy some time at leisure before sitting down to lunch at a local restaurant.
It is a 30-minute drive from Lucca to Pisa, where your guide will accompany you to the Piazza dei Miracoli (Square of Miracles) and allow you to explore this area of wonderful art and architecture on your own, perhaps beginning with the world-famous Leaning Tower. Visit the Duomo, dedicated to Santa Maria Assunta, the Romanesque Baptistery, and the Monumental Cemetery, at your own pace and following your own interests. After about an hour and a half of this self-guided tour, meet up with your guide and return to Livorno.
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This is an excursion for guests who are capable of and enjoy walking: in Lucca the walking totals approximately 2.5 miles, and in Pisa it can be as much as 2 additional miles. Sturdy, comfortable shoes are a must, as is 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.
The Cinque Terre by Sea
The Cinque Terre are five fishing villages situated on isolated, cliff-bound inlets of the Ligurian Sea. Remote and rustic, they are justly famed for their seclusion and for the distance from worldly cares that their isolation entails.
Meet your guide at the pier in Porto Venere and board a local motorboat to begin your cruise along the coastline to the furthest north, and largest, of the five villages and the only one with a proper beach—Monterosso al Mare. Here you will be free to explore on your own. Walk along the seaside promenade, visit the Capuchin convent set on the hill that divides the old town from the more modern, or simply take in the views of the sea and the surrounding hills covered with vineyards and olive groves. When you reboard your private boat, set sail for nearby Vernazza.
With its narrow streets and small squares, Vernazza is arguably the most charming of the five towns. Because it is the only of the Cinque Terre with a natural harbor, it became wealthier than its neighbors—as evidenced by its elaborate arcades, loggias, and marblework. The village's pink, slate-roof houses and colorful squares contrast with the remains of the medieval Genoese fort and castle in the old town.
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This is an easy excursion, since the amount of walking is at your discretion. You will want comfortable shoes, layered clothing (particularly on during the cruise), 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.
Lucca & Pisa
Lucca is unusual, perhaps unique, among walled cities in that the ramparts that enclose it are one of its defining characteristics and an enduring resource for communal activity. Arriving after an hour's drive through scenic Tuscan countryside, you will be struck, first, by the sheer size of the 16th- and 17th-century walls that completely surround the historic center of the city. They have a circumference of 3 miles, stand 40 feet high, and are topped with a tree-lined footpath that is in constant use for picnics, playgrounds, and evening strolls.
Once inside the walls, your expert guide will lead you on a walking tour, beginning with the Basilica of San Frediano, said to have been founded by a bishop of that name in the 6th century. It is famous for the large mosaic on its facade depicting Christ the Redeemer ascending to heaven. Just across from the church is Piazza dell'Anfiteatro, the site of a Roman amphitheater built in the 1st century AD. The remains of the Roman structure are now incorporated in the buildings that border the piazza, giving it a distinctive elliptical shape.
Your path through the labyrinthine streets of the medieval city passes the Romanesque Cathedral of San Martino, believed to have been decorated in part by Nicola Pisano, before culminating in the Piazza San Michele, the historic center of the city. Enjoy some time at leisure before sitting down to lunch at a local restaurant.
It is a 30-minute drive from Lucca to Pisa, where your guide will accompany you to the Piazza dei Miracoli (Square of Miracles) and allow you to explore this area of wonderful art and architecture on your own, perhaps beginning with the world-famous Leaning Tower. Visit the Duomo, dedicated to Santa Maria Assunta, the Romanesque Baptistery, and the Monumental Cemetery, at your own pace and following your own interests. After about an hour and a half of this self-guided tour, meet up with your guide and return to Livorno.
-
This is an excursion for guests who are capable of and enjoy walking: in Lucca the walking totals approximately 2.5 miles, and in Pisa it can be as much as 2 additional miles. Sturdy, comfortable shoes are a must, as is 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.
Renaissance Florence
Florence is universally acknowledged as the cradle of the Italian Renaissance and is a virtual living museum of art and architecture—a piazza, or building, or sculpture, designed by Brunelleschi, or Michelangelo, or Alberti seemingly around every corner. This full day excursion offers an opportunity to see many of the most important of them.
Arriving in Florence after a drive through the Tuscan countryside, meet your expert guide at the Galleria dell ’Accademia, which houses Michelangelo's David. Commissioned in 1501 by the Opera Del Duomo and originally placed in the public square in front of the Palazzo della Signoria, Michelangelo's masterpiece was moved indoors in 1873 to protect it from the weather. The statue has been revered throughout the ages as one of the Renaissance's greatest achievements.
In the Piazza del Duomo, you will find Brunelleschi's Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, the 4th largest church in Europe, as well as the octagonal Baptistery of St. John and Giotto's Bell Tower, designed in 1334. Continue to Piazza della Signoria, famous for its outdoor sculpture gallery and for the magnificent Palazzo Vecchio, which still serves as Florence’s town hall.
The last stop on your guided tour will be the Basilica of Santa Croce, built by Arnolfo di Cambio in 1294 for the Franciscan order. Santa Croce is something of a Pantheon for the illustrious citizens of Florence, housing the graves of Michelangelo, Machiavelli, Galileo Galilei, and Rossini, among many others.
After lunch at one of Florence's many fine restaurants, enjoy some time at leisure to browse on your own before returning to Livorno and your ship.
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There is a great deal of walking during this excursion—as much as 3.5 miles—most of it on cobblestones. Guests should be in good physical condition, wear sturdy shoes, and bring 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.
Volterra and its Etruscan Museum
From Livorno, a drive of about an hour through the Tuscan countryside brings you to the city of Volterra, whose original Etruscan walls are still visible today. On arrival, you will be joined by your expert local guide for a walking tour of the city center.
Reflecting its rich history, Volterra's old town is a mix of Roman and medieval buildings. Begin your tour with the 13th-century Palazzo dei Priori, Tuscany's first town hall. Its simple facade and fortress-like crenellations served as a model for other similar structures throughout the region, including Florence's Palazzo Vecchio. Volterra's town leaders still meet here in the palace's Sala del Consiglio.
Moving from the political center of the city to the religious, visit Volterra's Duomo and Baptistery, both of which are invaluable examples of Romanesque art and architecture. A highlight of the Duomo (officially, the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta) is the group of five brightly painted wooden sculptures from the 13th century that portray the Deposition of Christ from the Cross. The 16th-century pulpit in the middle of the nave is adorned with fine 14th-century sculpted panels, attributed the Pisano family, while the Baptistery features both a small marble baptismal font carved by Andrea Sansovino in 1502 and a much larger one from the 18th-century.
The Etruscan Museum, the last stop on your guided tour, is one of the earliest public museums in Europe, founded by Mario Guarnacci, an avid collector of antiquities, when he donated his collection to “the citizens of the city of Volterra” in 1761.
After lunch at a local restaurant, enjoy ample time at leisure to explore Volterra on your own and perhaps to shop for some alabaster, for which Volterra has been famous since Etruscan times.
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This is a lengthy excursion, involving a total of approximately 3.5 miles of walking over sometime steep terrain and often over cobblestones. It is not recommended for guests with limited mobility. Sturdy, comfortable shores are a must -- as is 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.
Le Bougainville
Welcoming and spacious common areas, refined open-to-the-sea design, sleek exterior lines, a marina to make access to the ship's zodiac inflatables easier, hi-tech equipment, an outdoor pool, a multisensorial underwater lounge… Le Bougainville represents the new generation of ships designed to combine discovery and exploration with luxury, even in the planet's most remote and isolated regions.
Decks
Shore excursion in each port of call + transfers included
PONANT has organized the following included programme for you, which starts the day of embarkation.
Included Features:
- A program of onboard enrichment provided by two Smithsonian Journeys Experts, including Ross King, a best-selling author of books on French and Italian art and history and Paolo Squatriti, a professor of medieval European history and Italian
- Transfers and luggage handling from the airport in Barcelona 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 Rome 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
- Programme is subject to change without notice
Special Guest Speaker
On our departures in alliance with Smithsonian Journeys, we are joined by two Smithsonian Journeys Experts who will provide an insightful English-language lecture series that enhances your experience with valuable context and new perspectives. From enriching talks to casual conversations on board, their in-depth knowledge will bring you deeper into the history, culture, and natural world of your destination.
Shore excursions, Pre/Post & Overlands
TREASURES OF CATALONIA: BARCELONA AND MONTSERRAT (2 NIGHTS)
Catalonia enjoys one of the richest cultural heritages in Spain. This specially designed program introduces you to two very different elements of that heritage: the 12th-century Benedictine monastery on Montserrat and the modernist city of Barcelona.
Day 1 – Barcelona, Spain
Arrive in Barcelona, where you will be met and transferred to the Hotel ME Barcelona. Check-in time is 3:00PM. A local representative will be present at the hospitality desk in the afternoon to welcome you and to offer suggestions for dining and independent exploration. Join fellow travelers this evening for a welcome reception at the hotel. Dinner is on your own.
Day 2 – Barcelona | Montserrat
After breakfast, meet your guide for an excursion to the astonishing Monastery of Montserrat. A scenic drive through the countryside north of Barcelona brings you to a chain of serrated limestone mountains, where you board a cog railway for the steep climb up the mountain to the Benedictine monastery on a terrace near the summit. Your guided tour includes the ornate basilica, whose highlight is a wooden statue of the Virgin that has attracted pilgrims since the 12th century. You will also visit the museum, displaying pieces of art collected in the last century and containing important works of Monet, Rusiñol, Casas, and Picasso. Lunch will be served in the restaurant located in what were once the monastery's stables before you return to the hotel. The remainder of the day is at your leisure with time for independent exploration. Dinner is on your own.
Day 3 – Barcelona, Spain | Embark
After breakfast at the hotel, join an excursion to the monuments and neighborhoods that define the extraordinary personality and vitality of Barcelona. Begin with a scenic drive along the elegant Passeig de Gràcia, a boulevard adorned with stunning modernist architecture. Admire the architectural marvels of Gaudí's Casa Batlló and Puig i Cadafalch's Casa Amatller, two iconic buildings that form part of the renowned "Block of Discord." Next, immerse yourself in the spiritual and architectural wonder of Antoni Gaudi’s iconic Sagrada Familia. Begun in 1884 and still unfinished, this monument of spirituality awes and inspires visitors from around the world. Your guided tour will introduce you to Gaudí's vision and to the ongoing effort to achieve it. After enjoying lunch, delve into the heart of Barcelona’s history by exploring Barrio Gótico, the oldest part of the city. Wander through its narrow, winding streets and discover hidden gems like the great 14th-century Cathedral and Plaça Sant Jaume. End at the pier to embark your ship in the late afternoon.
Your hotel:
Your hotel, ME Barcelona, is a 5-star boutique hotel in Barcelona’s city center. It is only a few steps from Passeig de Gràcia, where you can find stylish shopping, restaurants, bars, and museums. The hotel itself houses a restaurant and a rooftop bar, a wellness and fitness center, a rooftop pool, and urban garden.
Your program includes:
- 2 nights at the Hotel ME Barcelona (or similar).
- Transfer and luggage handling from the airport to the hotel on the scheduled program arrival day.
- Transfer and luggage handling from the hotel to the ship on Day 3.
- Welcome cocktail reception on Day 1.
- Breakfast on Days 2 and 3.
- Lunch on Days 2 and 3.
- Sightseeing and programming as noted in the itinerary.
- Local English-speaking guide.
- Gratuities for the drivers and local guides.
Your program does not include:
- Transfer from the airport to the hotel on any day other than the scheduled program arrival day
- Personal expenses and other services and meals not mentioned as included in the program
Please note:
- It is imperative that your flight arrival details are communicated at least 90 days prior to the beginning of your cruise in order to secure your transfer from the airport to the hotel.
- 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.
- The official currency is the Euro. Credit cards are largely accepted in hotels, shops, and restaurants.
- This pre-cruise program is offered as a package. There will be no refunds for unused accommodations, meals, or excursions.
- Program is offered on a space available basis.
- Program is subject to change without notice.
Hotel contact information:
ME Barcelona
C/ de Casp, 1-13, L'Eixample
08010 Barcelona
Spain
Telephone: +34 932 77 94 18
Total : AU$2,450
Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.Carcassonne: Quintessential Medieval City
Carcassonne, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997, is well worth the 80-mile drive from Sète through the hills of Languedoc. One of the architectural wonders of the world, this marvelously well-preserved city is an archetype of the citadels of the Middle Ages.
A guided walking tour of the city, surrounded by 2 miles of city walls, 52 towers, and 2 concentric outer defensive walls, includes the Basilica of Saint Nazaire, the Jean-Deschamps theatre, the ancient walls themselves, and the spectacular entrance gates to the city, the Porte d'Aude and the Porte Narbonnaise. You will also see the Canal Du Midi, itself another World Heritage site, built by Louis XIV as part of the network of waterways meant to connect the Atlantic Ocean to the Mediterranean Sea. The guided tour ends with a visit to Château Comtal, the 12th-century castle built by the Viscounts of Carcassonne.
Following lunch at a local restaurant, enjoy some free time exploring the shops and boutiques of this bustling city before returning to Sète and your ship.
- This is a moderate excursion, involving a total of about 2 miles of walking over cobblestones and uneven surfaces. It is not suitable for those with limited mobility. We recommend sturdy, comfortable walking shoes and layered clothing to deal with changeable weather.
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.
Highlights of Perpignan
Perpignan, about a 45-minute drive north of Port-Vendres, is a town rich in history and proud of its Catalan heritage. Your exploration of this beautiful city, famous for the sunshine it enjoys more than 300 days a year, begins at the Palace, which for nearly a century (1276 - 1344) was the capital of the Kingdom of Majorca. The castle's lavishly decorated rooms reflect Perpignan's status as a political and cultural center of the medieval Mediterranean. Continue your walking tour through the streets of the old town as your guide points out the historical significance of various monuments and landmarks, including the emblematic Le Castillet, which served as Perpignan's main gate during the period of Aragonese rule and now houses a museum.
After the tour, enjoy time to explore the center of town on your own before a visit to Les Halles Vauban, a covered market in the center of town that features more than twenty artisanal food shops. Here you will be served an aperitif and invited to sample the wares of one of the cheese shops and delicatessens.
- This is a moderate excursion, involving a total of approximately 1.5 miles of walking over a variety of surfaces, some pave and some cobblestoned. Comfortable walking 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.
Salses Castle and Wine Tasting
A scenic drive north from Port-Vendres along the coast and through the town of Perpignan, brings you to the village of Salses le Château, named for the remarkably well-preserved fortress that dominates the town. Originally built by King Ferdinand of Aragon to protect what was then the border between Spain and France, the castle sits on a narrow, flat stretch of land that had once been the route of Hannibal's army on its way to Italy in 218 BCE. During your tour of the castle, your guide will describe its extensive defenses—defenses that successfully withstood attack for 150 years, until the French finally conquered it during the Thirty Years War.
After your visit to Salses, travel to the nearby wine region of Rivesaltes to visit Château Saint Michel/Domaine de Besombes, a well-known vineyard producing Roussillon reds and whites, and of course, the fortified Muscat for which the region is famous. Enjoy a tour of the winery and a sampling of its vintages before returning to Port Vendres and your ship.
- This is a moderate excursion, involving a total of approximately one mile of walking over some cobblestoned surfaces and some stairs. Comfortable walking 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.
Collioure and Chateau de l'Ou
From Port-Vendres, a small but busy fishing port just north of France's border with Spain, drive to neighboring Collioure, once a Phoenician port and now a charming village nestled against the backdrop of the Alberes mountains.
A guided walking tour of the town includes the 17th-century Notre-Dame-des-Anges Church and the majestic Château Royal de Collioure, which has served as an outpost for the Knights Templars, the Kings of Aragon and of Majorca, the Hapsburgs, and the Bourbons. But it is the ambiance of the village itself—its beaches, cafés, and classic whitewashed houses—that many visitors find most compelling. Indeed, it is this aspect of Collioure that attracted artists from around Europe in the early 20th century, including Matisse, Picasso, Chagall, Dufy, Mackintosh, and Dali, earning the village notoriety as the birthplace of Fauvism.
After some time at leisure in the village to explore on your own, travel to Le Château de l'Ou, one of the leading vineyards of Roussillon, where you will visit the cellar and enjoy a sampling of their wines, accompanied by a board of cheeses and charcuterie.
- This is a moderate excursion, involving a total of approximately 1.5 miles of walking, including cobblestoned surfaces and some stairs. Comfortable walking 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.
Avignon and Chateauneuf
Avignon, located about 50 miles northwest of Marseille, rose to prominence in the 14th century, when a succession of Popes from 1309 to 1377 moved the Holy See here, largely to escape the political turmoil prevalent in central Italy at the time. To this day, the architecture of the city is dominated by these seven decades of papal rule.
Your walking tour of the lovely streets and squares of Avignon's old town, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995, focuses on the Palais des Papes, the largest Gothic palace ever built, and includes, as well, the Place du Palais, the Petit Palais, and Bell Tower Square. As you explore the sumptuously decorated chambers, chapels, and passages of the Palace and the 15-foot-thick ramparts that surround it, you will come to understand something of the wealth and power of the medieval papacy—a power that ruled over Avignon until 1791, when France reclaimed it during the Revolution.
After a light lunch at a local restaurant, continue to nearby Châteauneuf-du-Pape, where you will be treated to a tasting of the region’s famous wines, paired with bread and local snacks. Chateauneuf wines were made here long before Popes added their title to name of the village. But the wealth and commerce attracted to the region because of the Pope's presence helped to spread word of the magnificent wines produced here along the Rhône.
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This is a moderate excursion involving a total of approximately 2 miles of walking over cobblestones and inclines. There are many steps in the Palace. It is not recommended for guests with limited mobility. Sturdy, comfortable walking shoes are a must, as well as layered clothing 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.
Arles and Les Baux
This excursion is a wonderful introduction to the charnms of Provence through the varied lenses of an ancient city on the banks of the Rhone and a medieval village in the Alpilles mountains.
Begin with a drive in the Provençal countryside, through lush vineyards, orchards, and cypress trees, to Arles, once a Roman provincial capital and one of the premier centers of Gallo-Roman art in France. Your guided walking tour through the Old Town includes the Romanesque Church of St. Trophime, renowned for its glorious carvings, the Hotel de Ville, and Forum Square-a favorite meeting place for centuries. As you make your way along the narrow streets, you may be reminded of Van Gogh, who produced more than 200 paintings during the time he lived here. Also visit the Roman amphitheater, designated, along with other mounments in the city, as a UNESCO Heritage Site in 1981. The amphitheater is the most impressive of these monuments and is still in use for concerts and for bullfights.
After lunch, drive into the mountiains northwest of Arles to Les Baux, perched on a rocky outcropping with commanding views of the surrounding region. Its easily fotrified position made Les Baux a nearly impregnable stronghold and was used as such by a string of petty tyrants, insurrectionists, and kidnappers until Cardinal Richelieu ordered its destruction in 1632. In the 20th century, the ruins of the village were 'rediscovered' and Les Baux was resurrected as an example of medieval life. It has since earned a well-deserved reputation as one of the most beautiful villages in France. Enjoy a walking tour through the town, followed by time at leisure to explore, browse, and shop on your own.
- This is a moderate excursion, involving approximately 2 miles of walking over cobblestones, uneven surfaces, and sometimes steep inclines (in Les Baux). It is not recommended for guests with limited mobility. As always, sturdy shoes and protection from the sun are encouraged.
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.
Highlights of Marseille & Aix-en-Provence
Begin your discovery of two of southern France's most popular cities with a panoramic tour of Marseille aboard a luxury motorcoach. Driving through this bustling and proudly multicultural city, pass by the Cathèdral La Major, a massive neo-Byzantine structure built in the 19th-century, on the way to the picturesque Old Port, guarded by Fort Saint-Jean, built by Louis XIV. Nearby is the award-winning MUCEM (Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilizations). Passing by iconic Notre-Dame de la Garde, the impressive Basilica that sits atop the highest point in the city, enter the Corniche Kennedy, a three-mile boulevard on the Marseille coast named for America's 35th president.
Travel to Aix-en-Provence, the first Roman settlement in Gaul, noting the town's elegant 18th- and 19th-century architecture as you arrive. A walking tour of the city center includes a stroll along the tree-lined Cours Mirabeau, the Baroque Hotel de Ville, and the Cathedral of Saint-Sauveur, built on the site of the ancient Roman forum. Time at leisure to explore on your own is followed by the return to the ship in Marseille.
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This is an easy excursion, requiring about a mile of walking during the guided tour of Aix. Comfortable shoes, layered clothing, and sun protection 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.
Medieval Eze and Villa Rothschild
This excursion introduces you to two of the most unforgettable places you will encounter during your time on the French Riviera—the medieval village of Eze and the Villa Ephrussi Rothschild—both of which overlook the sea and both of which feature extraordinary gardens.
"Stunning" doesn't begin to do justice the views as you drive along the Moyenne Corniche into the hills east of Nice to arrive at Eze, where you enjoy a guided walking tour of this carefully maintained village of centuries-old stonework, wrought-iron street lamps, and colorfully painted shutters. Near the top of the village, take some time to explore the award-winning Jardin Exotique d'Eze, showcasing a variety of exotic succulents from around the world as well as local species, and take in the remarkable views that stretch as far as the Gulf of St. Tropez. Before leaving Eze, you will have time to browse the shops and galleries that line the winding streets leading back to your coach.
The drive back down the Moyenne Corniche leads to a coastal road and the small peninsula of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, among the most exclusive locations on the Cote d'Azur and site of the Villa Ephrussi Rothschild. The villa itself and the gardens surrounding it were built in the early 20th century under the direction of Baroness Beatrice Rothschild, who used it as her winter residence, decorating it with exquisite art from a variety of periods. Wander here among the 14-acre garden arranged by themes (French, Spanish, Exotic, and so on) while also enjoying the views over two bays—Villefranche to the west, and Beaulieu-sur-Mer to the east.
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This is a moderate excursion with a total of approximately 2 miles of walking over cobblestone terrain, much of it up and down in Eze. It is not recommended for guests with limited mobility. Comfortable shoes and sun protection are important.
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.
Nice's Old Town & Wine Tasting
A short drive from the port brings you to the center of Nice, the unofficial capital of the French Riviera. Enjoy a guided walking tour of the highlights of this ancient city, founded by the Greeks in the 4th century BCE and coming under the sway of successive civilizations and empires until it was permanently annexed by France in 1860. As you explore the lively Old Town, you will get a sense of what has attracted so many artists to the city, perhaps most famously, Henri Matisse and Marc Chagall.
Your tour comes to an end at Cave Bianchi, the oldest wine cellars in Nice, where you will be introduced to the wine production of the region and have the chance to taste three different local wines, accompanied by small canapés with cheese. After the tasting, enjoy some time at leisure to explore Nice on your own, perhaps shopping, or simply basking in the Niçoise way of life.
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This is a moderate excursion with a total of approximately 1.5 miles of walking over cobblestones and some inclines. We recommend comfortable 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.
Monaco and Monte Carlo
This excursion to Monaco, the second smallest sovereign state in the world, begins at the Rock of Monaco, a 200-foot-tall monolith of limestone that juts into the Mediterranean Sea, with spectacular views over the two marinas that serve the city. Elevators take you from the base of the Rock to the top, where your guide leads you on a tour of the oldest section of the city, Monaco-Ville, through narrow streets, past the Oceanographic Museum, the Cathedral containing the tomb of Princess Grace and Prince Rainier, and the Prince's Palace. Enjoy time at leisure to explore the world-famous shops and boutiques of Monaco before you rejoin your motor coach for the short drive to Monte Carlo.
Perhaps the most famous quarter of Monaco, Monte Carlo is identified with its eponymous Casino and with the Formula 1 circuit that runs through its streets. Your visit here begins with a walk along a portion of the grand prix course to reach Casino Square, where you encounter the Grand Casino, the Hotel de Paris and the Cafe de Paris. Those who wish may step inside the Casino for a glimpse. Enjoy some time at leisure to stroll around the square, browsing in the designer boutiques or trying your luck with the slot machines at the Cafe de Paris Casino before returning to Nice.
- This is a moderate excursion, involving a total of approximately a mile of walking over mainly paved surfaces. There is a steep incline and steps to reach Casino Square in Monte Carlo. We recommend comfortable walking shoes, layered clothing, 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.
St.-Paul-de-Vence and the Maeght Foundation
Departing Nice, enjoy beautiful views of the Mediterranean Sea and the majestic Alpes Maritimes as you travel north to magical St.-Paul-de-Vence. This 16th-century walled village, built by Francois I, has managed to retain much of its medieval charm and is representative of the fortified towns that once guarded the frontier. Meet you guide at the town's main gate to begin a tour through the streets and alleyways as you discover why this spot proved so enticing to early 20th-century artists, including Signac, Modigliani, Bonnard, and Soutine. After the tour, enjoy some time on your own to stroll the narrow, cobblestone lanes and discover the many boutiques, art galleries and shops that are found here.
Continue to the Maeght Foundation, a museum of modern art set amid a garden of monumental sculptures atop a hill overlooking St.-Paul-de-Vence. The museum building is itself a work of art, designed by José Luis Sert in collaboration with the artists whose works are found here—Joan Miró, Marc Chagall, Alberto Giacometti, Georges Braque, Alexander Calder and Fernand Léger. You will have ample time to explore the exhibits and stroll through the gardens at your leisure before returning to Nice and your ship.
- The tour of St.-Paul-de-Vence involves some steep uphill climbs on uneven cobblestone surface, so participants should be in good physical condition. Total walking is approximately 2 miles. You will want comfortable and sturdy walking shoes, as well as 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.
Portofino: Heart of the Italian Riviera
Built between its lovely bay and a wooded headland and hills, Portofino was once a fishing village, but is now a glamorous resort, its small marina packed with expensive yachts. The waterfront is lined with multicolored pastel buildings, canopied outdoor cafes, and a quay often filled with strolling young lovers. Its surrounding hills are dotted with bougainvillea-garnished villas owned by the rich and famous.
Your guided tour follows an attractive walking path through one of the densest concentrations of decorative fauna in the Mediterranean. Fantastic views of the entire bay and the Ligurian Sea present themselves as you will walk up the hill to the Church of San Giorgio. Perched high above the town, this church contains relics of St. George brought from the Holy Land by crusaders returning to their homes. From here you may continue the walk to the Punto del Capo, the Portofino lighthouse, for still more stunning views, before returning to the ship.
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This is a moderate excursion, involving a total of about 2 miles of walking, some uphill, over cobblestones and uneven surfaces. It is not suitable for those with limited mobility. We recommend sturdy, comfortable walking shoes and layered clothing to deal with changeable weather.
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.
Lucca & Pisa
Lucca is unusual, perhaps unique, among walled cities in that the ramparts that enclose it are one of its defining characteristics and an enduring resource for communal activity. Arriving after an hour and a half of driving through scenic Tuscan countryside, you will be struck, first, by the sheer size of the 16th- and 17th-century walls that completely surround the historic center of the city. They have a circumference of 3 miles, stand 40 feet high, and are topped with a tree-lined footpath that is in constant use for picnics, playgrounds, and evening strolls.
Once inside the walls, your expert guide will lead you on a walking tour, beginning with the Basilica of San Frediano, said to have been founded by a bishop of that name in the 6th century. It is famous for the large mosaic on its facade depicting Christ the Redeemer ascending to heaven. Just across from the church is Piazza dell'Anfiteatro, the site of a Roman amphitheater built in the 1st century AD. The remains of the Roman structure are now incorporated in the buildings that border the piazza, giving it a distinctive elliptical shape.
Your path through the labyrinthine streets of the medieval city passes the Romanesque Cathedral of San Martino, believed to have been decorated in part by Nicola Pisano, before culminating in the Piazza San Michele, the historic center of the city. Enjoy some time at leisure before sitting down to lunch at a local restaurant.
It is a 30-minute drive from Lucca to Pisa, where your guide will accompany you to the Piazza dei Miracoli (Square of Miracles) and allow you to explore this area of wonderful art and architecture on your own, perhaps beginning with the world-famous Leaning Tower. Visit the Duomo, dedicated to Santa Maria Assunta, the Romanesque Baptistery, and the Monumental Cemetery, at your own pace and following your own interests. After about an hour and a half of this self-guided tour, meet up with your guide and return to Livorno.
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This is an excursion for guests who are capable of and enjoy walking: in Lucca the walking totals approximately 2.5 miles, and in Pisa it can be as much as 2 additional miles. Sturdy, comfortable shoes are a must, as is 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.
The Cinque Terre by Sea
The Cinque Terre are five fishing villages situated on isolated, cliff-bound inlets of the Ligurian Sea. Remote and rustic, they are justly famed for their seclusion and for the distance from worldly cares that their isolation entails.
Meet your guide at the pier in Porto Venere and board a local motorboat to begin your cruise along the coastline to the furthest north, and largest, of the five villages and the only one with a proper beach—Monterosso al Mare. Here you will be free to explore on your own. Walk along the seaside promenade, visit the Capuchin convent set on the hill that divides the old town from the more modern, or simply take in the views of the sea and the surrounding hills covered with vineyards and olive groves. When you reboard your private boat, set sail for nearby Vernazza.
With its narrow streets and small squares, Vernazza is arguably the most charming of the five towns. Because it is the only of the Cinque Terre with a natural harbor, it became wealthier than its neighbors—as evidenced by its elaborate arcades, loggias, and marblework. The village's pink, slate-roof houses and colorful squares contrast with the remains of the medieval Genoese fort and castle in the old town.
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This is an easy excursion, since the amount of walking is at your discretion. You will want comfortable shoes, layered clothing (particularly on during the cruise), 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.
Lucca & Pisa
Lucca is unusual, perhaps unique, among walled cities in that the ramparts that enclose it are one of its defining characteristics and an enduring resource for communal activity. Arriving after an hour's drive through scenic Tuscan countryside, you will be struck, first, by the sheer size of the 16th- and 17th-century walls that completely surround the historic center of the city. They have a circumference of 3 miles, stand 40 feet high, and are topped with a tree-lined footpath that is in constant use for picnics, playgrounds, and evening strolls.
Once inside the walls, your expert guide will lead you on a walking tour, beginning with the Basilica of San Frediano, said to have been founded by a bishop of that name in the 6th century. It is famous for the large mosaic on its facade depicting Christ the Redeemer ascending to heaven. Just across from the church is Piazza dell'Anfiteatro, the site of a Roman amphitheater built in the 1st century AD. The remains of the Roman structure are now incorporated in the buildings that border the piazza, giving it a distinctive elliptical shape.
Your path through the labyrinthine streets of the medieval city passes the Romanesque Cathedral of San Martino, believed to have been decorated in part by Nicola Pisano, before culminating in the Piazza San Michele, the historic center of the city. Enjoy some time at leisure before sitting down to lunch at a local restaurant.
It is a 30-minute drive from Lucca to Pisa, where your guide will accompany you to the Piazza dei Miracoli (Square of Miracles) and allow you to explore this area of wonderful art and architecture on your own, perhaps beginning with the world-famous Leaning Tower. Visit the Duomo, dedicated to Santa Maria Assunta, the Romanesque Baptistery, and the Monumental Cemetery, at your own pace and following your own interests. After about an hour and a half of this self-guided tour, meet up with your guide and return to Livorno.
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This is an excursion for guests who are capable of and enjoy walking: in Lucca the walking totals approximately 2.5 miles, and in Pisa it can be as much as 2 additional miles. Sturdy, comfortable shoes are a must, as is 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.
Renaissance Florence
Florence is universally acknowledged as the cradle of the Italian Renaissance and is a virtual living museum of art and architecture—a piazza, or building, or sculpture, designed by Brunelleschi, or Michelangelo, or Alberti seemingly around every corner. This full day excursion offers an opportunity to see many of the most important of them.
Arriving in Florence after a drive through the Tuscan countryside, meet your expert guide at the Galleria dell ’Accademia, which houses Michelangelo's David. Commissioned in 1501 by the Opera Del Duomo and originally placed in the public square in front of the Palazzo della Signoria, Michelangelo's masterpiece was moved indoors in 1873 to protect it from the weather. The statue has been revered throughout the ages as one of the Renaissance's greatest achievements.
In the Piazza del Duomo, you will find Brunelleschi's Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, the 4th largest church in Europe, as well as the octagonal Baptistery of St. John and Giotto's Bell Tower, designed in 1334. Continue to Piazza della Signoria, famous for its outdoor sculpture gallery and for the magnificent Palazzo Vecchio, which still serves as Florence’s town hall.
The last stop on your guided tour will be the Basilica of Santa Croce, built by Arnolfo di Cambio in 1294 for the Franciscan order. Santa Croce is something of a Pantheon for the illustrious citizens of Florence, housing the graves of Michelangelo, Machiavelli, Galileo Galilei, and Rossini, among many others.
After lunch at one of Florence's many fine restaurants, enjoy some time at leisure to browse on your own before returning to Livorno and your ship.
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There is a great deal of walking during this excursion—as much as 3.5 miles—most of it on cobblestones. Guests should be in good physical condition, wear sturdy shoes, and bring 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.
Volterra and its Etruscan Museum
From Livorno, a drive of about an hour through the Tuscan countryside brings you to the city of Volterra, whose original Etruscan walls are still visible today. On arrival, you will be joined by your expert local guide for a walking tour of the city center.
Reflecting its rich history, Volterra's old town is a mix of Roman and medieval buildings. Begin your tour with the 13th-century Palazzo dei Priori, Tuscany's first town hall. Its simple facade and fortress-like crenellations served as a model for other similar structures throughout the region, including Florence's Palazzo Vecchio. Volterra's town leaders still meet here in the palace's Sala del Consiglio.
Moving from the political center of the city to the religious, visit Volterra's Duomo and Baptistery, both of which are invaluable examples of Romanesque art and architecture. A highlight of the Duomo (officially, the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta) is the group of five brightly painted wooden sculptures from the 13th century that portray the Deposition of Christ from the Cross. The 16th-century pulpit in the middle of the nave is adorned with fine 14th-century sculpted panels, attributed the Pisano family, while the Baptistery features both a small marble baptismal font carved by Andrea Sansovino in 1502 and a much larger one from the 18th-century.
The Etruscan Museum, the last stop on your guided tour, is one of the earliest public museums in Europe, founded by Mario Guarnacci, an avid collector of antiquities, when he donated his collection to “the citizens of the city of Volterra” in 1761.
After lunch at a local restaurant, enjoy ample time at leisure to explore Volterra on your own and perhaps to shop for some alabaster, for which Volterra has been famous since Etruscan times.
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This is a lengthy excursion, involving a total of approximately 3.5 miles of walking over sometime steep terrain and often over cobblestones. It is not recommended for guests with limited mobility. Sturdy, comfortable shores are a must -- as is 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.
ROMAN HIGHLIGHTS (2 NIGHTS)
This program is carefully curated to give you a taste of the treasures of Rome and to introduce you to some of its most important monuments. The visit to Castel Gandolfo on the second day is a special treat, immersing you in the beauty of the countryside and in the relaxed atmosphere along the shore of Lake Albano.
Day 1 – Disembark |Civitavecchia | Rome
After breakfast aboard, drive into Rome, where your exploration of the Eternal City begins with a panoramic tour of its major monuments—the Caracalla Baths, Tiberina Island, Circus Maximus, and Villa Borghese Park. Then, leaving the coach behind, follow your guide on a walking tour of some of the most famous piazzas and fountains in Rome, including the Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon, and Navona Square.
After lunch at a local restaurant, visit the Forum, the heart of ancient Rome, and walk the Via Sacra, the route followed by generations of Romans as they worshipped their emperors and celebrated their triumphs when Rome considered itself the center of the world, “Caput Mundi." Stroll among the monuments of Palatine Hill, erected to memorialize grand victories, and of course, marvel at the Colosseum, symbol of the Roman Empire. A masterpiece of classical architecture, the Colosseum is an enormous amphitheater in which some 50,000 spectators could watch as gladiators battled to the death, wild beasts were unleashed on human prey, and whatever other entertainments were organized for their amusement.
Rejoin your coach for a short ride to the historic Sina Bernini Bristol Hotel, your home for the next two nights. The evening is at leisure and dinner is independent.
Day 2 – Rome
Today's excursion is to the resort town of Castel Gandolfo, about an hour south of Rome on the shores of Lake Albano. Toward the end of the 1st century CE, the Roman emperor Domitian built an enormous residence here, some remains of which are still visible. But the focus of your visit will be on the Papal enclave, which served as the Pope's summer retreat from the 17th century.
Begin your tour of this spectacular 135-acre property with a drive through the estate's magnificent gardens, including a stop at the Papal farm, where organic produce is grown on site. Continue to the Apostolic Palace, the former Papal residence, converted to a museum by Pope Francis in 2016, for a guided tour, including access to the Pope's private apartments. At the end of your visit, enjoy time at leisure to browse the charming town of Castel Gandolfo before sitting down to lunch at a local restaurant with views over the lake.
On your return to Rome and the Hotel Bernini Bristol, the balance of the day is at leisure. Dinner is independent.
Day 3 – Rome | Depart
After breakfast at the hotel and check out, transfer to the airport for flights homeward.
Your hotel:
Located in heart of Rome, the historic Sina Bernini Bristol is one of the most famous 5-star hotels in the Eternal City. Once the hotel of choice for Russian Tsars, Princes of Wales, the Rockefellers, and the Vanderbilts, the Bernini Bristol enjoys a privileged location between Piazza Barberini and Via Veneto, just a few minutes’ walk from the Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps. The bedrooms are well appointed in classic and contemporary style. Each room features an Italian marble tile bathroom, satellite TV, a safe, minibar, and hairdryer. The hotel has a rooftop restaurant with panoramic views, as well as a spa and fitness center.
Your program includes:
- 2 nights at the Sina Bernini Bristol (or similar).
- Transfer and luggage handling from the pier to the hotel on Day 1.
- Transfer and luggage handling from the hotel to the airport on Day 3.
- Lunch on Days 1 and 2.
- Breakfast on Days 2 and 3.
- Sightseeing and programming as noted in the itinerary.
- Local English-speaking guide.
- Gratuities for the drivers and local guides.
Your program does not include:
- Transfer from the hotel to the airport on any day other than the scheduled program departure day.
- Personal expenses and other services and meals not mentioned as included in the program.
Please note:
- Late check-out is 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.
- This program involves a lot of walking over uneven surfaces, cobblestones, and steps, and is not suitable for guests with mobility issues.
- The official currency is the Euro. Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, shops, and restaurants.
- This post-cruise program is offered as a package. There will be no refunds for unused accommodations, meals, or excursions.
- Program is offered on a space available basis.
- Program is subject to change without notice.
Hotel contact information:
Sina Bernini Bristol
Piazza Barberini 23,
00187 Rome
Italy
Telephone: +39 855-516-1090
Total : AU$2,680
Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.