Guest Speaker 
Deluxe Stateroom
10% Ponant Bonus
204 ft2
2
Wonders of the Orient
Antalya - Aqaba
Dates:
11/3/2023
to
11/12/2023
days
nights on board
During an exceptional cruise, sail Turkish, Egyptian, Israeli and Jordanian shores aboard Le Jacques-Cartier. On this 10-day itinerary, you will set off to discover the marvels of the eastern Mediterranean with its ancient remains and stunning landscapes.
You will board your ship in Antalya. With its Roman port, picturesque narrow streets and beautiful Ottoman homes this town, lying on the southern coast of Turkey, has maintained its many charms.
You will cross the world-famous Suez Canal, built by Ferdinand de Lesseps and widened recently to facilitate trade.
You will sail on to Egypt, where you will call at Ain Sukhna in the northern Gulf of Suez. This Egyptian city is the ideal departure point for discovering the wonders of Ancient Egypt, such as the pyramids of Giza and the Colossus of Ramesses II.
Le Jacques-Cartier will then head for Hurghada, a seaside resort renowned for its paradisiacal turquoise waters.
From Safaga port, you will have the chance to discover the region’s exceptional underwater treasures, but also Luxor, the ancient city of Thebes and the capital of the pharaohs.
Your last stop will take you into the Sinai Peninsula to Eilat, in Israel. You will be able to discover the majestic fortress of Massada looming over the Dead Sea.
Your journey will end in Aqaba, a Jordanian port city on the shores of the Red Sea.
Ref : EX031123
Your itinerary
A cruise to the Near East, between the Mediterranean Sea and the Red Sea, discovering the splendours of the region’s great civilisations. UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the Great Pyramids of Giza, Memphis and...
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Your trip in detail
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Choose your stateroom
Complete your trip
Complete your trip
Additional services
For more peace of mind, PONANT selects flights and takes care of your transfers for your trip as well as shore visits before and after the cruise.
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LE BELLOT
LE LYRIAL
- New
LE BOUGAINVILLE
- New
LE COMMANDANT CHARCOT
6/22/2023 to the 7/10/2023
LE BOUGAINVILLE
*Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability, and subject to change at any time. The category of stateroom to which this price applies may no longer be available.
Services provided
- 24h room service
- Inclusive Wi-Fi Internet access (availability dependent on navigation and latitude)
- Individually-controlled air conditioning
- Dressing room with shelves and closet
- Dressing table and hairdryer
- Hermès top-of-the-line bath products
- Minibar included
- 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:
Depending on the itinerary and the program of your cruise, 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
Highlights
- A cruise to the Near East, between the Mediterranean Sea and the Red Sea, discovering the splendours of the region’s great civilisations.
- UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the Great Pyramids of Giza, Memphis and Saqqarah from Ain Sukhna, from Eilat the majestic fortress of Massada looming over the Dead Sea.
- Crossing the Suez Canal.
- Sail in the Red Sea, surrounded by some of the world’s most renowned seabeds.
- Port of call in Safaga, gateway to the marvels of Ancient Egypt: Karnak, Luxor and Hatshepsut temples, the Colossi of Memnon and the Valley of the Kings.
- The opportunity to visit Antalya before your cruise.
Ports of Call & Excursions
November 3, 2023 - Antalya
Embarkation 11/3/2023 from 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Departure 11/3/2023 at 5:30 PM
On the Turkish Mediterranean coast, discover the seaside resort of Antalya. While the city sports magnificent fine sandy beaches, it is also known for its significant historical heritage. Many vestiges bear witness to the importance of this former Roman port, such as Hadrian's Gate, built in the year 130 in honour of the visiting emperor. In the old town, it is possible to admire magnificent Ottoman houses with flowery gardens, as well as the broken minaret, built on the ruins of a former Byzantine church. The city’s surroundings also provide an opportunity to discover major archaeological sites, such as that of the ancient city of Aspendos, renowned for its impressive Roman theatre.
November 4, 2023 - At sea
Arrival 11/4/2023
Departure 11/4/2023
During your day at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This day without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.
November 5, 2023 - Crossing the Suez Canal
Arrival 11/5/2023
Departure 11/5/2023 at night
Without the waterway linking the Red Sea to the Mediterranean this part of the world would be an arid sandy desert inhabited by a few nomads. The Suez Canal slices through 162 km of desert and was inaugurated in 1869 in the presence of Empress Eugenie, then nationalised by Nasser in 1956.
November 6, 2023 - Ain Sukhna
Arrival 11/6/2023 early morning
Departure 11/6/2023 evening
Ain Sukhna, which means “hot spring,” is located in the Gulf of Suez, facing the Red Sea. Around fifty kilometres from the entrance to the Suez Canal, and less than two hours from the Egyptian capital, it is an elegant seaside town that is popular with wealthy families from Cairo. Ain Soukhna is an ideal base for discovering the marvels of Ancient Egypt.
November 7, 2023 - Hurghada
Arrival 11/7/2023 midday
Departure 11/7/2023 evening
Once a small fishing village nestling in the entrance of the Gulf of Suez, Hurghada is now an important Red Sea resort. The city, which developed exponentially over the 20th century, is home to magnificent buildings, such as the Mosque El Mina Masjid: located near the port, it has different characteristics of Islamic architecture to be admired. However, the city is particularly renowned for its exceptional underwater world that you will be able to discover snorkelling. Unless you prefer to take an excursion in a glass-bottomed boat: a perfect opportunity to admire superb coral reefs and countless colourful fish without getting wet!
November 8, 2023 November 9, 2023 - Safaga
Arrival 11/8/2023 early morning
Departure 11/9/2023 evening
A former fishing and mining village, Safaga is now a charming seaside resort with much to offer. Located on the western coast of the Red Sea and preserved from mass tourism, the town will really plunge you into the heart of authentic Egypt and is an ideal departure point for an excursion into the desert in search of the Bedouin. The site is also renowned for the beauty of its underwater world, perfect for scuba diving and snorkelling. Above all, though, this stop in Safaga provides the opportunity to discover Luxor, the ancient Egyptian city of Thebes, considered to be one of the world’s greatest open-air museums thanks to its exceptional Pharaonic heritage.
November 10, 2023 - At sea
Arrival 11/10/2023
Departure 11/10/2023
During your day at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This day without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.
November 11, 2023 - Eilat
Arrival 11/11/2023 at night
Departure 11/11/2023 evening
Situated in the far south of the State of Israel, on the banks of the Gulf of Eilat, on the edge of the Negev Desert between Egypt and Jordan, Eilat is internationally renowned as a high-end seaside resort and spa town, as well as for its magnificent natural sites. The first references to this place date back to the time of King Solomon. His legendary mines are said to be located not far from the now-modern city. It is the departure point for visiting the Masada fortress and for the incredible experience of swimming in the Dead Sea.
November 12, 2023 - Aqaba
Arrival 11/12/2023 at night
Disembarkation 11/12/2023 at 7:00 AM
Located in the Red Sea within the eponymous gulf, Aqaba offers Jordan its only access to the sea. At the crossroads of the land and sea routes that linked Asia, Africa and Europe, the town is rich with more than 5,000 years of history. The warm waters of the Red Sea attract holidaymakers and divers to this seaside destination; the underwater sites home to coral and fishes are some of the most beautiful in the world. Aqaba is also the gateway to the magnificent desert of Wadi Rum and the marvellous site of Petra.
The Grand Egyptian Museum & the Pyramids
This full day excursion provides a visit of the most important and significant sites of Egypt's: the Grand Egyptian museum, the Great Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx.
From the pier of Ain Sukhna, board your coach for a 2.5-hour drive to Cairo, via the desert road. During your journey, your guide will provide interesting facts about the sites you will be visiting.
Once arriving, you will visit the Great Pyramids of Egypt. The Great Pyramids are considered the most famous of Egypt’s attractions and the only monuments left of the Ancient Wonders. The three main Pyramids at Giza were built as tombs by Cheops, his son Chephren, and Chephren’s son Mykerinus to preserve each of the pharaohs’ mummified body for eternity. For centuries, these unique structures have intrigued the world while surviving the rise and fall of great dynasties.
Southeast of the Great Pyramids stands the Sphinx, carved out of solid rock around 2650 BC. Steeped in legend and superstition, the Sphinx was a monument either to the sun god Ra or to Pharaoh Chephren. It has the head of a man and the body of a lion. The monument faces east, probably to greet the rising sun and the return of life each day.
After enjoying lunch, you will visit the Grand Egyptian museum. This museum is an immense case of concrete, glass and steel that will display among 100,000 objects covering 5,000 years of history. One of the museum highlights will be the visit of King Tutankhamen exhibition. Tutankhamen is the boy-king who ruled Egypt for nine years. Its royal treasure represents a collection of more than 5,000 pieces.
After the visit of the museum, you will drive back to Ain Sukhna where your ship is docked.
- This excursion involves approximately 1.2 mile (2 km) of walking on flat ways with some steps. We recommend you wear comfortable shoes and protect yourself from the sun. The lunch is included on your tour. Cameras are permitted at the Pyramids. Opening of the Grand Egyptian museum is expected to be in October 2021. In case of delay and if the museum is not open on the date of our port of call, its visit will have to be cancelled.
Price range:
Find out more
€€€€: the excursion price is more than €150.
The price of the excursion will be available approximately two months prior to the cruise departure.
The complete programme of excursions, including up-to-date prices, will be provided with the Travel book that you will receive before the departure of your cruise.
PONANT also allows you to pre-book your excursions approximately two months prior to the cruise* departure. Billing is done on board.
*Excluding Expedition cruises.
According to availability, price per passenger.
Semi-submarine excursion
This Aqua Scope excursion truly immerses you in the underwater world of the Red Sea, all while staying completely dry!
From the pier, board your coach for a short transfer to the Aqua Scope dock where you will board a two-deck touring vessel.
The top deck remains completely above water, while the bottom deck remains submerged under the surface of the sea. From this vantage point, you will get an unparalleled view of the marine life found in the Red Sea region. Your 90-minute cruise will allow you to discover not only colourful fish, but the coral formations hidden in the depths of these turquoise waters.
During the return journey, relax on the top deck while sipping a soft drink and enjoying the fresh sea breeze and warm sunshine.
When you arrive back at the dock, your coach will be ready to take you back to the ship.
- This excursion involves some walking with some steps. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun. You are not guaranteed to see any marine wildlife. A minimum of 10 participants is required to operate this tour. The Aqua Scope is privatized for PONANT's guests.
Price range:
Find out more
€€: the excursion price is between €50 and €100.
The price of the excursion will be available approximately two months prior to the cruise departure.
The complete programme of excursions, including up-to-date prices, will be provided with the Travel book that you will receive before the departure of your cruise.
PONANT also allows you to pre-book your excursions approximately two months prior to the cruise* departure. Billing is done on board.
*Excluding Expedition cruises.
According to availability, price per passenger.
Desert adventure by 4WD
This tour offers the opportunity to explore the Bedouin life and the beauty of the Egyptian desert. A true adventure straight out of Lawrence of Arabia!
From the pier, you will meet your guide and embark your 4x4 jeep for the 1-hour drive to the bedouin camp. You will soon leave the paved road and drive into the Eastern (Arabian) Desert. While enjoying this off-road scenic drive, you will discover the impressive natural landscapes of the Red Sea desert, a vast desolate area, made of rough terrain and stark rock-strewn outcrops.
Upon arrival, you will be warmly welcomed by nomads and will let you explore their camp and learn about their culture and life. Most of the Bedouins’ ancestors came from the Arabian Peninsula, so Bedouin laws, customs and religion blend both Islamic and pagan beliefs. Even today, the wealth of a Bedouin is measured in camels and children, but Western technology is slowly making its presence felt. You will have the opportunity to discuss with your hosts while tasting their aromatic sweet tea and flat unleavened bread and browse the Bedouin handicrafts for sale, if available during your visit.
- This tour involves few walking times on sandy and flat surface. We recommend wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun. Sandals and sleepers are not recommended. Each jeep will be driven by a Bedouin driver and can welcome 4 participants. This tour is not recommended to guests with back problems or reduced mobility.
Price range:
Find out more
€€: the excursion price is between €50 and €100.
The price of the excursion will be available approximately two months prior to the cruise departure.
The complete programme of excursions, including up-to-date prices, will be provided with the Travel book that you will receive before the departure of your cruise.
PONANT also allows you to pre-book your excursions approximately two months prior to the cruise* departure. Billing is done on board.
*Excluding Expedition cruises.
According to availability, price per passenger.
Dendera Temple
Upon disembarking the ship at Safaga Port, meet your guide and board your coach for the 2.5-hour drive to the city of Qena. During the drive, you'll enjoy majestic scenic vistas provided by the vast expanses of desert and barren mountains that are interspersed with areas of surprisingly fertile farmland.
Situated south of Qena on the west bank of the Nile, Dendera is one of the best sights in Luxor. Originally called Tentyris, it was one of the most important religious centres in ancient Egypt.
There are three temples to view in the complex and a scared pool. The whole complex covers the area of 40 000 square metre surrounded by a mud brick wall.
The cult temple was dedicated to “Hathor” the goddess of love, joy and beauty. It was built by Ptolemy XII around 380 BC and nearly completed by Queen Cleopatra VII around 54 to 20 BC. There is evidence of temples and other structures that date back all the way to 2550 BC.
After a truly unforgettable day immersing yourself in Egypt's mesmerizing ancient history and culture, you will join your coach for the drive back to the ship
- This excursion involves little walking (half a mile or less than 1 km) with few steps. We recommend you wear comfortable light clothing and protect yourself from the sun. A lunch box will be provided on the way back to the ship with one drink (No alcohol).
Price range:
Find out more
€€€: the excursion price is between €100 and €150.
The price of the excursion will be available approximately two months prior to the cruise departure.
The complete programme of excursions, including up-to-date prices, will be provided with the Travel book that you will receive before the departure of your cruise.
PONANT also allows you to pre-book your excursions approximately two months prior to the cruise* departure. Billing is done on board.
*Excluding Expedition cruises.
According to availability, price per passenger.
Bedouin camp safari
This tour offers the opportunity to explore the Bedouin life and the beauty of the Egyptian desert. A true adventure straight out of Lawrence of Arabia!
From the pier, board your motor coach toward the city of Hurghada where you will find your 4 x 4 vehicle. Leave quickly the asphalt road and drive through the Arabian Desert towards Om Garia to have a close look on the real life of the Bedouins. Photo stops are planned along the way.
Arriving to the destination, Bedouins will be waiting for you and will let you explore their camp and learn about their culture and life. Most of the Bedouins’ ancestors came from the Arabian Peninsula, so Bedouin laws, customs and religion blend both Islamic and pagan beliefs. Even today, the wealth of a Bedouin is measured in camels and children, but Western technology is slowly making its presence felt.
If you want, you can climb on the back of one of the camels for a memorable photo.
After enjoying a local snack, you will be transferred back to the ship.
- This excursion involves few walking times on flat and sandy ground with some steps. We recommend you wear comfortable shoes and protect yourself from the sun. Each jeep will be driven by a Bedouin driver and can welcome 4 to 6 participants. The photo on the back of the camel is included in the price of your tour. The snack is included on your tour: famous aromatic tea and flat bread. This tour is limited to 32 participants.
Price range:
Find out more
€€: the excursion price is between €50 and €100.
The price of the excursion will be available approximately two months prior to the cruise departure.
The complete programme of excursions, including up-to-date prices, will be provided with the Travel book that you will receive before the departure of your cruise.
PONANT also allows you to pre-book your excursions approximately two months prior to the cruise* departure. Billing is done on board.
*Excluding Expedition cruises.
According to availability, price per passenger.
Snorkelling in the Red Sea
This area of the Red Sea is known as one of the best snorkelling spots in the world. Enjoy the opportunity to snorkel among colourful tropical fish and intricate coral formations.
From the pier, board your coach for a short drive to your motorboat, where you will embark and start your snorkelling journey including two different spots.
After the security instructions and receiving your snorkel equipment, leave your boat and start your exploration to discover the marine life. Underwater sightings may include blue-spotted stingrays, grouper and other rainbow-coloured species.
Your guide will accompany you in the water, point out the best spots for snorkelling and observing the marine life, and provide you with assistance throughout the tour.
Following your tour, you will return to the motorboat launching site and embark your coach to be transferred back to the ship.
- This excursion involves few walking times on flat surface with some steps. We recommend you wear comfortable shoes and protect yourself from the sun. Participants will embark and disembark from the motorboat using a ladder without assistance. A refreshment is included on your tour. The boat is cover-roofed and equipped with a swim ladder, toilets, a shower and a changing room. The snorkel equipment provided includes a mask, snorkel and flippers. The observation of the marine life is not guaranteed. This tour is limited to 20 participants.
Price range:
Find out more
€€: the excursion price is between €50 and €100.
The price of the excursion will be available approximately two months prior to the cruise departure.
The complete programme of excursions, including up-to-date prices, will be provided with the Travel book that you will receive before the departure of your cruise.
PONANT also allows you to pre-book your excursions approximately two months prior to the cruise* departure. Billing is done on board.
*Excluding Expedition cruises.
According to availability, price per passenger.
Le Jacques-cartier
In keeping with the philosophy of PONANT and the PONANT EXPLORERS, Le Jacques-Cartier combines the desire for adventure with five-star travel. A modern ship with slender, tapered lines, it is environmentally friendly and equipped with innovative technology.
Tastefully decorated, Le Jacques-Cartier reflects the universe so dear to PONANT, with its light tones and open-to-the-sea design providing soft light and luminosity at every instant of the day. Its ethnic chic ambiance pays homage to the destinations we visit.
Located below the waterline, the Blue Eye, the first ever multisensorial lounge, offers a unique experience: the opportunity to enjoy undersea views and the sounds of the marine world whilst sharing a glass together.
Up to 184 Guests
92 staterooms & suites
118 crew members
Spa
2 restaurants
Decks
Guest Speaker
Aboard your ship, an English-speaking lecturer will enlighten you about the culture and history of your destination to deepen your knowledge of the origins of local traditions, the history of emblematic sites, and stories involving famous personalities and those of major historical significance. During on-board lectures or on your shore visits, this expert will be there to share their precious knowledge with you throughout your PONANT cruise.
Shore excursions, Pre/Post & Overlands
The Grand Egyptian Museum & the Pyramids
This full day excursion provides a visit of the most important and significant sites of Egypt's: the Grand Egyptian museum, the Great Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx.
From the pier of Ain Sukhna, board your coach for a 2.5-hour drive to Cairo, via the desert road. During your journey, your guide will provide interesting facts about the sites you will be visiting.
Once arriving, you will visit the Great Pyramids of Egypt. The Great Pyramids are considered the most famous of Egypt’s attractions and the only monuments left of the Ancient Wonders. The three main Pyramids at Giza were built as tombs by Cheops, his son Chephren, and Chephren’s son Mykerinus to preserve each of the pharaohs’ mummified body for eternity. For centuries, these unique structures have intrigued the world while surviving the rise and fall of great dynasties.
Southeast of the Great Pyramids stands the Sphinx, carved out of solid rock around 2650 BC. Steeped in legend and superstition, the Sphinx was a monument either to the sun god Ra or to Pharaoh Chephren. It has the head of a man and the body of a lion. The monument faces east, probably to greet the rising sun and the return of life each day.
After enjoying lunch, you will visit the Grand Egyptian museum. This museum is an immense case of concrete, glass and steel that will display among 100,000 objects covering 5,000 years of history. One of the museum highlights will be the visit of King Tutankhamen exhibition. Tutankhamen is the boy-king who ruled Egypt for nine years. Its royal treasure represents a collection of more than 5,000 pieces.
After the visit of the museum, you will drive back to Ain Sukhna where your ship is docked.
- This excursion involves approximately 1.2 mile (2 km) of walking on flat ways with some steps. We recommend you wear comfortable shoes and protect yourself from the sun. The lunch is included on your tour. Cameras are permitted at the Pyramids. Opening of the Grand Egyptian museum is expected to be in October 2021. In case of delay and if the museum is not open on the date of our port of call, its visit will have to be cancelled.
Price range:
Find out more
€€€€: the excursion price is more than €150.
The price of the excursion will be available approximately two months prior to the cruise departure.
The complete programme of excursions, including up-to-date prices, will be provided with the Travel book that you will receive before the departure of your cruise.
PONANT also allows you to pre-book your excursions approximately two months prior to the cruise* departure. Billing is done on board.
*Excluding Expedition cruises.
According to availability, price per passenger.
Semi-submarine excursion
This Aqua Scope excursion truly immerses you in the underwater world of the Red Sea, all while staying completely dry!
From the pier, board your coach for a short transfer to the Aqua Scope dock where you will board a two-deck touring vessel.
The top deck remains completely above water, while the bottom deck remains submerged under the surface of the sea. From this vantage point, you will get an unparalleled view of the marine life found in the Red Sea region. Your 90-minute cruise will allow you to discover not only colourful fish, but the coral formations hidden in the depths of these turquoise waters.
During the return journey, relax on the top deck while sipping a soft drink and enjoying the fresh sea breeze and warm sunshine.
When you arrive back at the dock, your coach will be ready to take you back to the ship.
- This excursion involves some walking with some steps. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun. You are not guaranteed to see any marine wildlife. A minimum of 10 participants is required to operate this tour. The Aqua Scope is privatized for PONANT's guests.
Price range:
Find out more
€€: the excursion price is between €50 and €100.
The price of the excursion will be available approximately two months prior to the cruise departure.
The complete programme of excursions, including up-to-date prices, will be provided with the Travel book that you will receive before the departure of your cruise.
PONANT also allows you to pre-book your excursions approximately two months prior to the cruise* departure. Billing is done on board.
*Excluding Expedition cruises.
According to availability, price per passenger.
Desert adventure by 4WD
This tour offers the opportunity to explore the Bedouin life and the beauty of the Egyptian desert. A true adventure straight out of Lawrence of Arabia!
From the pier, you will meet your guide and embark your 4x4 jeep for the 1-hour drive to the bedouin camp. You will soon leave the paved road and drive into the Eastern (Arabian) Desert. While enjoying this off-road scenic drive, you will discover the impressive natural landscapes of the Red Sea desert, a vast desolate area, made of rough terrain and stark rock-strewn outcrops.
Upon arrival, you will be warmly welcomed by nomads and will let you explore their camp and learn about their culture and life. Most of the Bedouins’ ancestors came from the Arabian Peninsula, so Bedouin laws, customs and religion blend both Islamic and pagan beliefs. Even today, the wealth of a Bedouin is measured in camels and children, but Western technology is slowly making its presence felt. You will have the opportunity to discuss with your hosts while tasting their aromatic sweet tea and flat unleavened bread and browse the Bedouin handicrafts for sale, if available during your visit.
- This tour involves few walking times on sandy and flat surface. We recommend wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun. Sandals and sleepers are not recommended. Each jeep will be driven by a Bedouin driver and can welcome 4 participants. This tour is not recommended to guests with back problems or reduced mobility.
Price range:
Find out more
€€: the excursion price is between €50 and €100.
The price of the excursion will be available approximately two months prior to the cruise departure.
The complete programme of excursions, including up-to-date prices, will be provided with the Travel book that you will receive before the departure of your cruise.
PONANT also allows you to pre-book your excursions approximately two months prior to the cruise* departure. Billing is done on board.
*Excluding Expedition cruises.
According to availability, price per passenger.
Dendera Temple
Upon disembarking the ship at Safaga Port, meet your guide and board your coach for the 2.5-hour drive to the city of Qena. During the drive, you'll enjoy majestic scenic vistas provided by the vast expanses of desert and barren mountains that are interspersed with areas of surprisingly fertile farmland.
Situated south of Qena on the west bank of the Nile, Dendera is one of the best sights in Luxor. Originally called Tentyris, it was one of the most important religious centres in ancient Egypt.
There are three temples to view in the complex and a scared pool. The whole complex covers the area of 40 000 square metre surrounded by a mud brick wall.
The cult temple was dedicated to “Hathor” the goddess of love, joy and beauty. It was built by Ptolemy XII around 380 BC and nearly completed by Queen Cleopatra VII around 54 to 20 BC. There is evidence of temples and other structures that date back all the way to 2550 BC.
After a truly unforgettable day immersing yourself in Egypt's mesmerizing ancient history and culture, you will join your coach for the drive back to the ship
- This excursion involves little walking (half a mile or less than 1 km) with few steps. We recommend you wear comfortable light clothing and protect yourself from the sun. A lunch box will be provided on the way back to the ship with one drink (No alcohol).
Price range:
Find out more
€€€: the excursion price is between €100 and €150.
The price of the excursion will be available approximately two months prior to the cruise departure.
The complete programme of excursions, including up-to-date prices, will be provided with the Travel book that you will receive before the departure of your cruise.
PONANT also allows you to pre-book your excursions approximately two months prior to the cruise* departure. Billing is done on board.
*Excluding Expedition cruises.
According to availability, price per passenger.
Bedouin camp safari
This tour offers the opportunity to explore the Bedouin life and the beauty of the Egyptian desert. A true adventure straight out of Lawrence of Arabia!
From the pier, board your motor coach toward the city of Hurghada where you will find your 4 x 4 vehicle. Leave quickly the asphalt road and drive through the Arabian Desert towards Om Garia to have a close look on the real life of the Bedouins. Photo stops are planned along the way.
Arriving to the destination, Bedouins will be waiting for you and will let you explore their camp and learn about their culture and life. Most of the Bedouins’ ancestors came from the Arabian Peninsula, so Bedouin laws, customs and religion blend both Islamic and pagan beliefs. Even today, the wealth of a Bedouin is measured in camels and children, but Western technology is slowly making its presence felt.
If you want, you can climb on the back of one of the camels for a memorable photo.
After enjoying a local snack, you will be transferred back to the ship.
- This excursion involves few walking times on flat and sandy ground with some steps. We recommend you wear comfortable shoes and protect yourself from the sun. Each jeep will be driven by a Bedouin driver and can welcome 4 to 6 participants. The photo on the back of the camel is included in the price of your tour. The snack is included on your tour: famous aromatic tea and flat bread. This tour is limited to 32 participants.
Price range:
Find out more
€€: the excursion price is between €50 and €100.
The price of the excursion will be available approximately two months prior to the cruise departure.
The complete programme of excursions, including up-to-date prices, will be provided with the Travel book that you will receive before the departure of your cruise.
PONANT also allows you to pre-book your excursions approximately two months prior to the cruise* departure. Billing is done on board.
*Excluding Expedition cruises.
According to availability, price per passenger.
Snorkelling in the Red Sea
This area of the Red Sea is known as one of the best snorkelling spots in the world. Enjoy the opportunity to snorkel among colourful tropical fish and intricate coral formations.
From the pier, board your coach for a short drive to your motorboat, where you will embark and start your snorkelling journey including two different spots.
After the security instructions and receiving your snorkel equipment, leave your boat and start your exploration to discover the marine life. Underwater sightings may include blue-spotted stingrays, grouper and other rainbow-coloured species.
Your guide will accompany you in the water, point out the best spots for snorkelling and observing the marine life, and provide you with assistance throughout the tour.
Following your tour, you will return to the motorboat launching site and embark your coach to be transferred back to the ship.
- This excursion involves few walking times on flat surface with some steps. We recommend you wear comfortable shoes and protect yourself from the sun. Participants will embark and disembark from the motorboat using a ladder without assistance. A refreshment is included on your tour. The boat is cover-roofed and equipped with a swim ladder, toilets, a shower and a changing room. The snorkel equipment provided includes a mask, snorkel and flippers. The observation of the marine life is not guaranteed. This tour is limited to 20 participants.
Price range:
Find out more
€€: the excursion price is between €50 and €100.
The price of the excursion will be available approximately two months prior to the cruise departure.
The complete programme of excursions, including up-to-date prices, will be provided with the Travel book that you will receive before the departure of your cruise.
PONANT also allows you to pre-book your excursions approximately two months prior to the cruise* departure. Billing is done on board.
*Excluding Expedition cruises.
According to availability, price per passenger.