Guest of Honour 
Music 
Guest Speaker 
Superior Stateroom Deck 3
226 ft²
3
- Last staterooms
3rd Opera Festival at Sea
Málaga - Valletta
Dates:
5/2/2024
to
5/9/2024
days
nights on board
In partnership with RADIO CLASSIQUE and with featured guest Alain Duault.
RADIO CLASSIQUE and PONANT invite you on their third lyrical festival at sea. Enjoy eight timeless days aboard L’Austral, between discoveries of Mediterranean wonders and intimate concerts on board the ship.
Malaga, a sun-kissed city on the Costa del Sol and the birthplace of famous painter Pablo Picasso, marks the start of your Mediterranean musical odyssey.
Andalusia soon makes way for Murcia. You will arrive in Cartagena, a former Roman colony where there is still a majestic amphitheatre. As you roam the city, you will discover the many monuments reflecting its numerous influences and rich history.
You will leave the Iberian Peninsula for the African shores of the Mediterranean. You will follow in the footsteps of the Andalusian sailors who, in 902, crossed the Mediterranean to found Oran. “The radiant”, as it is dubbed, will be your gateway to Algeria, its secrets and its elusive poetry.
Algiers shines in the distance. From its legendary bay, the houses of its Casbah, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, seem to leap onto the Haussmann-style buildings of the sea front. The architectural styles mingle, the different eras find harmony, and the energy of the metropolis is captivating.
L’Austral resumes its journey to head for the Tunisian shores and capital, Tunis. Rome’s great rival, Ancient Carthage, is yours to discover as you visit its ruins, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Sicily, jewel of the Mediterranean, is the last port of call of this musical journey. Trapani and its ancient past welcome you for a dive into the heritage of the Mediterranean’s largest island.
Your cruise will come to an end in Valletta, capital of the island of Malta and former stronghold of the Knights of the Order of Malta.
Ref : AU020524
Your itinerary
A musical cruise in partnership with RADIO CLASSIQUE, with featured guests Alain Duault and an exceptional musical line-up. A brand-new cruise in the Mediterranean, from Andalusia to the Maltese shores via the...
View detailed itinerary
Your trip in detail
Choose your stateroom
Choose your stateroom
Superior Stateroom Deck 3
(226 ft²)
Fully booked
Deluxe Stateroom Deck 3
(193 ft²)
Fully booked
Prestige Stateroom Deck 4
(193 ft²)
Fully booked
Prestige Stateroom Deck 5
(193 ft²)
From $8,770
Prestige Stateroom Deck 6
(193 ft²)
From $9,260
Deluxe Suite Deck 6
(290 ft²)
Fully booked
Prestige Suite Deck 5
(398 ft²)
Fully booked
Prestige Suite Deck 6
(398 ft²)
From $18,320
Owner's Suite Deck 6
(484 ft²)
Fully booked
Complete your trip
Complete your trip
Additional services
For more peace of mind, PONANT selects stays and flights then takes care of your transfers for your trip as well as shore visits before and after the cruise.
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*Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability, and subject to change at any time. The category of stateroom to which this price applies may no longer be available.
Services provided
- 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
- Dyptique 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)
- Three ADA staterooms
Select your stateroom category
Joseph Calleja
Blessed with a golden-age voice that routinely inspires comparisons to legendary singers from earlier eras: Jussi Björling, Beniamino Gigli, even Enrico Caruso, Maltese-born Joseph Calleja has quickly become one of the most acclaimed and sought-after tenors today.
His expansive discography and frequent appearances on the world’s leading opera and concert stages prompted NPR to hail him as arguably today’s finest lyric tenor, and led to his being voted Gramophone magazine’s 2012 Artist of the Year.
Joseph Calleja kicks off the 2022/23 season returning to the Opéra National de Paris, where he sings Caravadossi in Tosca and later Don José in Carmen. Calleja’s signature role of Caravadossi also brings him to Barcelona, where the tenor celebrates his house debut at the Gran Teatre del Liceu (conductor: Henrik Nanasi), and to the Deutsche Oper in Berlin (conductor: Sir Donald Runnicles).
Besides that, Calleja sings Alfredo in La Traviata at the Bayerische Staatsoper. The tenor further follows the invitation to the Bayreuther Festspiele, where he performs Wagner’s last work Parsifal – a role debut for Calleja. Among other highlights of the season is Calleja’s Australia and New Zealand tour as well as his tour in Armenia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan.
Language spoken: English
Photo credit: ©Andrew Borg Carabott
Jodie Devos
After studying at the Institut de musique et de pédagogie de Namur, Jodie Devos won, in 2014, the Second Prize and the Audience Prize by the prestigious Queen Elisabeth Competition of Belgium.
Jodie Devos already performed under the direction of conductors such as Mikko Franck, Leonardo Garcia Alarcon, Philippe Jordan, Louis Langrée, Marc Minkowski, Christophe Rousset... and in productions by Romeo Castellucci, Denis Podalydès, John Turturro and Robert Wilson.
Among the outstanding productions of her young career, Die Zauberflöte at La Monnaie and at Opéra National de Paris, Les Contes d'Hoffmann and Les Indes galantes at the Opéra National de Paris, Il Barbiere di Siviglia, Le Comte Ory, Le Nozze di Figaro and La Fille du régiment at the Opéra Royal de Wallonie-Liège, Dialogues des Carmélites in Toulouse, Guillaume Tell at the Chorégies d'Orange and Die Entführung aus dem Serail in Monte Carlo.
Recently, she was Gabrielle (La Vie Parisienne) and Adina (L'Elisir d'amore) at the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées, Gilda (Rigoletto), Philine (Mignon) and Lakmé (Lakmé) at the Opéra Royal de Wallonie-Liège, Ophélie (Hamlet) at the Festival de Radio France in Montpellier and Julie Follavoine (On Purge Bébé !) in La Monnaie.
Among her recent and future projects: Hamlet at the Opéra Royal de Wallonie, On purge bébé !, a new piece by Philippe Boesmans in Lyon, Un Ballo in maschera in Barcelona, Lucie de Lammermoor at the Opéra de Tours and at the Opéra de Québec, Fantasio at the Opéra Comique, Dialogues des Carmélites and L’Olimpiade at the Théâtre des Champs-Elysées, L’Enfant et les sortilèges in Monte Carlo and, in concert, La Fille du régiment (Marie) at the Théâtre des Champs-Elysées, Mendelssohn’s Psalm 42 at the Teatro Carlo Felice di Genova, Mahler’s Symphony No. 4 with the Orchestre national de Lille, Carmina Burana with the Münchner Philhamoniker and the Orchestre National de Lyon.
Jodie Devos records exclusively for the Alpha Classics label.
Language spoken: French
Photo credit: © Marco Borggreve
Alexandre Duhamel
Nominated in the category « Révélation lyrique de l'Année » at the Victoires de La Musique Classique Awards, French Baritone Alexandre Duhamel is presumed to be one of the most interesting French singers of his generation. He studied at the Paris National Conservatoire and was a member of the Opera de Paris Young Artist Programme. He was awarded Le Prix Lyrique du Cercle Carpeaux and Le Prix de Association pour le rayonnement de l'Opéra National de Paris, which both reward the most noticeable young singer during a season. Alexandre made his debut at the Opera national de Paris in Gianni Schicchi and returned there La Fanciulla del West, Don Giovanni, Le Roi Arthus, Platée and Les Indes Galantes.
Engagements of the 2022/23 bring him as Alberich in Siegfried to Staatsoper Stuttgart, as Don Andrès de Ribeira in La Périchole and as Marcello/La Boheme to Théâtre des Champs-Elysées Paris and Opera Toulon, in the title role of Don Giovanni and as Don Alfonso in Cosi Fan Tutte to Versailles, as Golaud in Pelléas et Mélisande to Lille Opera and as Lescaut/Manon at Liceu Barcelona.
Highlights of his carreer include his début as Escamillo/Carmen at New National Theatre Toyko, Panthée in Les Troyens at Teatro alla Scala, Zurga in Les pêcheurs de perles in Salle Pleyel, Le Vice-roi in La Périchole at Salzburg Festival, Le Comte de Nevers in Les Huguenots at Grand Théâtre de Genève, Ramiro in L'heure espagnole at Stuttgart Liederhalle and Munich's Prinzregententheater, as well as Le Grand-Prêtre in Samson et Dalila, Paolo in Simon Boccanegra all for Opéra National de Bordeaux.
During his young career, he already worked with conductors such as Michel Plasson, Sir Antonio Pappano, Marc Minkowski, Philippe Jordan, Carlo Rizzi, Alain Altinoglu, or Jakub Hrůša.
Languages spoken : French and English
Photo credit : Marine Cessat-Begler
Antoine Palloc
Antoine Palloc was born in Nice, where he studied with Catherine Collard. From an early age, he specialized in vocal accompanying and studied with Dalton Baldwin and Martin Katz at the Westminster Choir College and the University of Michigan.
In his young career, he has already performed with such prestigious artists as Frederica Von Stade, Sonya Yoncheva, Norah Amsellem, Elisabeth Vidal, Nathalie Manfrino, Paul Gay, Annick Massis, Bruce Ford, Cristina Gallardo-Domas, Mireille Delunsch, Karine Deshayes, Patricia Petibon, Isabelle Cal, Elisabeth Vidal, David Daniels, Majella Cullagh, Brian Asawa, Anne-Sophie Duprels, Hedwig Fassbender, and Jennifer Larmore with whom he has recorded an album of American art songs (My Native Land) for the Teldec label and a DVD, Jennifer Larmore Live – VAI music.
His most recent engagements have taken him to the most known opera houses of Berlin, Nice, Toulouse, Lyon, Strasbourg, San Francisco, Rio, Geneva, Paris, Aix-en-Provence, Edinburg, Monte Carlo, Kennedy Center, Hanoi, Beijing, Liceu, Hong Kong, São Paulo, Amsterdam, etc…
Antoine Palloc devotes part of his time to teaching and regularly coaches master classes at the Opéra Studio Bastille in Paris, Strasbourg Opera house, the Nagaoka lyric hall in Japan, Tokyo Opera Studio, University of Michigan, University of Istanbul, Budapest, Monte Carlo…
Antoine Palloc also has recorded with Mezzo Soprano Isabelle Cals. Antoine Palloc is Musical director of the Jeunes voix du Rhin for the season 2007/2008 and he is musical director of l’Instant Lyrique.
Language spoken: French
Photo credit: Nikolai Schukoff
Camille Schnoor
Camille Schnoor is a Franco-German soprano born 1986 in Nice. Her projects for the 2023/24 season include Mimì in La Bohème in Aix-la-Chapelle, Beethoven’s 9th Symphony in the Isarphilharmonie in Munich and the Liederhalle in Stuttgart, the Foreign Princess in Rusalka at the Nice Opera, Ciò-Ciò-San in Madama Butterfly at the Vichy Opera and Hanna Glawari in The Merry Widow at the Staatstheater am Gärtnerplatz in Munich.
She recently debuted at the Bayreuth Festival in Parsifal and she also sang Ariadne in Ariadne auf Naxos at the Limoges Opera and the Budapest National Opera. She made her debut with the Hamburg Elbphilharmonie directed by Laurence Equilbey, sang the Marschallin in Der Rosenkavalier in concert version at BFM in Geneva, Mimì in La Bohème at the Austrian Operklosterneuburg Festival and Hanna Glawari in The Merry Widow at the Nice Opera.
In 2019, she made her debut in Norway with Fiordiligi in Così fan tutte at the Bergen Opera and also at the Lorraine National Opera in the role of Hilda in Reyer’s Sigurd. Her interpretation of Ciò-Ciò-San in Madama Butterfly in 2018 at the Limoges Opera and Rouen Normandy Opera was unanimously acclaimed by the press and public and broadcast several times on France Télévivions.
Since 2016 to 2023, Camille Schnoor has been one of the principal soloists at the Staatstheater am Gärtnerplatz in Munich where she sings, among others, the roles of Donna Elvira in Don Giovanni, Fiordiligi in Così fan tutte, Mimì in La Bohème, Tatyana in Eugène Onegine, and Antonia and Giulietta in The Tales of Hoffmann.
Languages spoken: French, German, English and Italian
Photo credit: © Lukas Pokorny
Marina Viotti
In April 2019 Marina Viotti was awarded the “Best Young Singer of the year” at the prestigious International Opera Awards in London. She also won the 3rd prize at the Concours de Genève in 2016, the International Belcanto Prize at the Rossini Festival in Wildbad in 2015 and was a finalist of Operalia competition in 2018.
After studying flute, Marina Viotti first experimented with jazz, gospel and heavy metal. She got a master’s degree in philosophy and literature, before she began her vocal training with Heidi Brunner in Vienna and con- tinued at the Lausanne University of Music in the class of Brigitte Balleys. She completed her studies with a diploma as a soloist and studied Belcanto with Raul Gimenez.
Marina Viotti’s first steps on the operatic stage after her studies took her to the Lausanne Opera, the Lucerne Theatre and, as part of the young ensemble, to the Grand Théâtre de Genève. She made her debut as Isabella/L’italiana in Algeri at the Rossini Festival in Bad Wildbad in 2015, and sang since in prestigious theaters such as Münich, Scala, Bolshoi, Bilbao, Zürich and the Liceu in Barcelona. Her repertoire includes Rossini’s Rosina, Isabella, and Cenerentola, but also Dorabella (Mozart), Olga (Onegin) and Elisabetta (Donizetti).
Next season She will debut her first Dorabella in September with maestro Barenboim, her first Octavian (Strauss) at la Scala and her first Arsace (Rossini) in Lausanne.
Marina Viotti is a sought-after concert singer. Her concert repertoire includes among others: The Seven last Words of our Saviour (Haydn), Beethoven’s Mass in D Major and Symphony No. 9, Kindertotenlieder (Mahler) with the OCL, Der Rose Pilgerfahrt (Schumann), La petite messe solennelle (Rossini), Verdi’s Requiem, El amor Brujo (De Falla) with the Ochestre de la Suisse Italienne, La Poème de l’amour et de la mer (Chausson), to name but a few.
Marina Viotti is regularly invited to festivals (Lavaux Classics, Solothurn Classics, Label Suisse) to present her recital programmes Love has no borders (duo piano voice) and About last night (cabaret) or duets with the guitarist Gabriel Bianco.
Languages spoken: French, English and Italian
Photo credit: David Ruano
Alain Duault
The novelist, poet, journalist, musicologist and radio and television presenter Alain Duault has been sharing his passion for and knowledge of classical music for more than 30 years. Considered to be one of the greatest opera specialists in France he is now President of the Prix Pelléas jury, and has been made an Officier de la Légion d’Honneur and Commandeur des Arts et Lettres.
Alain Duault studied literature, philosophy and psycho-analysis in Paris, then musicology and piano. His first TV appearance was as a guest of Bernard Pivot for his book of poems, Colorature. This led to a number of radio programmes dedicated to classical music, notably on RTL, the radio station where Alain Duault would be “Mr Classical Music” for 22 years, before joining Radio Classique with daily slots until 2018. A role that he also took on for the France 3 television channel, presenting a number of exceptional programmes (masterclasses with Ruggero Raimondi in the Salle Gaveau, Musiques en fête at the Chorégies d’Orange festival…).
In 1999, he conceived and presented Intégrale Chopin (225 works, 60 pianists), broadcast on France 3. Then in 2001, he wrote and performed an ambitious and very popular show, Verdi, une passion, un destin (with Jean Piat and 250 musicians). In the wake of this success, he wrote and performed two other shows: Victor Hugo, la légende d’un siècle in 2002 and Rencontre avec George Sand (with Marie-Christine Barrault) in 2004 and 2005.
Alain Duault also puts his writing skills to the service of classical music. The author of a number of books, including Dans la peau de Maria Callas, (Le Passeur Éditeur, 2014, pocket edition, 2017), Dictionnaire amoureux illustré de l’Opéra (Plon Gründ, 2016), Ce léger rien des choses qui ont fui, poetry (Gallimard, 2017), he also writes editorials for Classica.
Language spoken: French
Photo credit: Laurent Rouvrais @Radio Classique
Subject to withdrawal in case of force majeure
Alain Duault
The novelist, poet, journalist, musicologist and radio and television presenter Alain Duault has been sharing his passion for and knowledge of classical music for more than 30 years. Considered to be one of the greatest opera specialists in France he is now President of the Prix Pelléas jury, and has been made an Officier de la Légion d’Honneur and Commandeur des Arts et Lettres.
Alain Duault studied literature, philosophy and psycho-analysis in Paris, then musicology and piano. His first TV appearance was as a guest of Bernard Pivot for his book of poems, Colorature. This led to a number of radio programmes dedicated to classical music, notably on RTL, the radio station where Alain Duault would be “Mr Classical Music” for 22 years, before joining Radio Classique with daily slots until 2018. A role that he also took on for the France 3 television channel, presenting a number of exceptional programmes (masterclasses with Ruggero Raimondi in the Salle Gaveau, Musiques en fête at the Chorégies d’Orange festival…).
In 1999, he conceived and presented Intégrale Chopin (225 works, 60 pianists), broadcast on France 3. Then in 2001, he wrote and performed an ambitious and very popular show, Verdi, une passion, un destin (with Jean Piat and 250 musicians). In the wake of this success, he wrote and performed two other shows: Victor Hugo, la légende d’un siècle in 2002 and Rencontre avec George Sand (with Marie-Christine Barrault) in 2004 and 2005.
Alain Duault also puts his writing skills to the service of classical music. The author of a number of books, including Dans la peau de Maria Callas, (Le Passeur Éditeur, 2014, pocket edition, 2017), Dictionnaire amoureux illustré de l’Opéra (Plon Gründ, 2016), Ce léger rien des choses qui ont fui, poetry (Gallimard, 2017), he also writes editorials for Classica.
Language spoken: French
Photo credit: Laurent Rouvrais @Radio Classique
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
Radio Classique
Every day RADIO CLASSIQUE attracts over a million listeners with a promise to celebrate the best works in the classical repertoire by top performers, and bring classical music into the hearts of the greatest number of people in a welcoming and relaxed atmosphere. Radio Classique achieves this by employing well-known personalities with a passion for music, offering a varied play list from symphonies to film music, as well as interactive programmes and numerous live concert broadcasts.
It is these values which set Radio Classique apart, as an accessible, elegant radio station which is much appreciated by epicurean and discerning listeners ; values that are perfectly in tune with what PONANT’s musical cruises have to offer, under the artistic direction of Alain Duault. A truly unforgettable musical experience awaits passengers in the company of outstanding artists in an intimate and privileged setting.
A week of pure joy for opera lovers with some of the finest artists on the opera scene today: Maltese tenor Joseph Calleja, soprano Camille Schnoor, Belgium coloratura soprano Jodie Devos, Swiss mezzo-soprano Marina Viotti and French baritone Alexandre Duhamel. Accompanied by the great vocal coach Antoine Palloc, they will be taking you on a journey every evening to see Rossini, Donizetti, Verdi, Puccini (for the centenary of his death), Massenet, Bizet, Delibes and many others. Exhilarating arias, love duets and hate-filled trios await, all the elements that make opera a burning passion to share.
Subject to withdrawal in case of force majeure
Highlights
- A musical cruise in partnership with RADIO CLASSIQUE, with featured guests Alain Duault and an exceptional musical line-up.
- A brand-new cruise in the Mediterranean, from Andalusia to the Maltese shores via the African coast, featuring exciting history and sumptuous scenery.
- UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the Casbah in Algiers, the Tipaza complex (from Algiers), the archaeological site of Carthage, the medina in Tunis, Valletta (disembarkation port).
- A dive into the ancient heritage of Cartagena.
- Three brand-new ports of call in the Maghreb, including two in Algeria, Algiers and Oran, and one in the Tunisian capital, Tunis.
- A port of call in Sicily with a stop in Trapani, former ancient city and jewel of the Mediterranean.
Ports of Call & Excursions
May 2, 2024 - Málaga
Embarkation 5/2/2024 from 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Departure 5/2/2024 at 6:00 PM
A historical and festive town, Malaga is located in Andalusia, on the Costa del Sol. Between the marina and the beaches, the seaside promenade of La Farola offers an ideal setting for strolling and relaxing. Set slightly further back, the Malagueta bullring is one of the emblematic sites of the city. From the hill overlooking the old town, one can see Gibralfaro castle and the Alcazaba, two fortified ensembles rising out from the cypresses and maritime pines. To visit Pablo Picasso’s birthplace, you will go first to the courtly plaza de la Merced. A few streets back from here, you can explore the museum dedicated to the artist, in the Buenavista palace.
May 3, 2024 - Cartagena
Arrival 5/3/2024 midday
Departure 5/3/2024 early evening
Surrounded by hills, the natural site of the Bay of Carthagena presided over the fate of this former fortress which has been home to the greatest European civilisations. Today, these Phoenician, Roman, Carthaginian, Moorish and Christian influences form a rich architectural heritage. Its Roman theatre is one of the most significant and best conserved in Spain. You will also be able to cross the landscapes of vines and citrus groves stretching endlessly towards Murcia, to visit this dynamic regional capital.
May 4, 2024 - Oran
Arrival 5/4/2024 early morning
Departure 5/4/2024 mid afternoon
While it is impossible to fully capture the energy that Oran exudes, the city was a source of inspiration for great novels such as Don Quixote by Cervantes, The Plague by Camus, and more recently What the Day Owes the Night by Yasmina Khadra. Andalusian sailors founded the city in 902 and it continued to develop until becoming Algeria’s second largest city today. Dubbed “the radiant”, the city reflects its multiple influences, a blend of Middle Eastern, African, Mediterranean, and of course French. As you stroll through its streets, you will discover the Fort of Santa Cruz, the Hassan Pasha Mosque, the Sacred Heart Cathedral, the Mediterranean garden, and the magnificent seafront. Not far from there, in Sidi Bel Abbes, you may have the opportunity to visit a modern “khaima”, a traditional tent used by the Bedouins in the desert, and to discover Oran’s traditions and customs.
May 5, 2024 - Algiers
Arrival 5/5/2024 early morning
Departure 5/5/2024 late afternoon
The beauty of the Bay of Algiers offers travellers arriving by sea an unforgettable view. The Casbah houses cascade down to the Haussmann-style buildings and the hustle and bustle of the Mediterranean city creates a unique atmosphere. Algiers the White proudly bears the traces of its history with its magnificent Casbah, listed as UNESCO World Heritage, its tropical garden called Jardin d’Essai, its Martyr’s Memorial, its imposing Basilica of Our Lady of Africa, and its lively city centre with its Grande Poste (main post office) and French quarter. Seventy kilometres (43 miles) away, you will have the possibility of visiting Tipaza, one of the most extraordinary archaeological complexes of the Maghreb, listed as World Heritage by UNESCO. Once a trading post of the Carthaginians and later the Romans, the ancient city is home to the Royal Mausoleum of Mauretania, a funerary monument providing precious evidence of what was once the Punic world.
May 6, 2024 - At sea
Arrival 5/6/2024
Departure 5/6/2024
During your journey at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This journey without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, depending on the activities offered, or to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.
May 7, 2024 - Tunis
Arrival 5/7/2024 early morning
Departure 5/7/2024 late afternoon
At the crossroads of civilisations, the capital of Tunisia is rich in cultural discoveries. The ruins of Ancient Carthage, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and particularly well preserved, testify to the splendour of this city that was once Rome’s great rival. The hill of Byrsa, the former fortified citadel of the Phoenician port and one of the presumed burial places of Saint Louis who died there during the Eighth Crusade, offers spectacular views over the Gulf of Tunis. In the Bardo National Museum, you will be able to admire one of the world’s finest Roman mosaic collections, including the magnificent portrait of the poet Virgil.
May 8, 2024 - Trapani, Sicily
Arrival 5/8/2024 early morning
Departure 5/8/2024 early afternoon
Bathed in the cobalt waters of the Tyrrhenian sea, Trapani is the former port of the Greek city of Erice, boasting a privileged natural position in western Sicily. As you wander through its little streets, you will discover a secular cultural heritage, bearing witness to the many influences of civilisations that came here: San Lorenzo Cathedral, Maria Santissima Annunziata sanctuary, the fountain of Triton. On the shaded restaurant terraces, savour some fresh fish from the morning’s catch. Or else you can opt for a seafood couscous, a culinary legacy from their Arab neighbours.
May 9, 2024 - Valletta
Arrival 5/9/2024 early morning
Disembarkation 5/9/2024 at 8:00 AM
The whole of the Maltese capital Valletta is UNESCO World Heritage listed and occupies a peninsula in the north-east of the island. From the fountain of Tritons to Saint-Elme fort, there are as many majestic streets as there are narrow staircase vennels to explore. The painted loggia and carved corbels on the tall houses will accompany you in your explorations, and you’ll rarely be bothered by traffic. You can visit the Grandmasters palace decorated with coats of arms and frescoes. Saint-John’s cathedral and the ramparts which have guarded the city since the 16th century are also among the most emblematic sites of the city. Arranged in terraces, the Barrakka Gardens will punctuate your promenade with a green and floral experience.
Horses of Spain
From the pier, embark your coach for a shorth drive to a beautiful Spanish finca, situated on the outskirts of Cartagena. Here, pure Spanish breed horses are bred and sent all over the world.
Upon arrival, visit the finca and learn more about Spanish horses and their natural environment. Dedicated staff will tell you about the horses breeding, livestock management and horse training. Observe a stampede of horses, a truly spectacular sight, while enjoying a local product tasting such as local wine and typical tapas.
Then, continue your visit of the finca before enjoying a short flamenco dance performed by a dancer and a horse.
Finally, get back to your coach for a short panoramic drive back to the pier.
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This tour involves walking 1 mile (1,5 km) on uneven and lawn ground and some steps. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun, with a hat. The horse show is performed outside and flies are expected. To avoid flies, you should not put perfume or perfumed cosmetic. Please be aware that there are long periods of standing as a limited number of seats are available in the finca.
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.
Cartagena and Roman theater
This excursion is the best way to immerse yourself in the ancient Roman city “Carthagonova” and discover the different aspects of the inhabitants’ daily life at that time.
From the pier, meet your guide and start your walking tour of the heart of Cartagena, a city proud of its millennial past, above all the famous Second Punic War: the confrontation between the Carthaginians and Romans.
Start your tour visiting the Roman theatre, one of the most emblematic monuments of Cartagena. This theatre played an important role at the time of Ancient Rome and had a capacity for 6.000 people.
Continue to the Conception castle, boarding a panoramic lift to the roof terrace, an integral part of lovely Torres Park, located on one of the city’s five defensive hills, offering breath-taking city views.
Before returning to the ship, you will explore the Calle Mayor, Cartagena’s major commercial and pedestrian street where you will have the opportunity to admire landmarks such as the Gran Hotel and the Cervantes House and enjoy some free time.
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This excursion involves approximately 2 miles (3 km) of walking on cobblestone streets with some steps. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun. This tour is limited to 90 participants. The order of the visits may vary.
Price range:
Find out more
€: the excursion price is less than €50.
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.
Tapas hopping in Cartagena
In addition to its history, one of Cartagena's great attractions is its gastronomy. Alongside this guided tour of the old town and its famous Roman theater, you will enjoy a typically Spanish activity, and indulge in a tapas tasting.
Meet your guide at the pier and begin your guided walking tour of Cartagena.
You will pass by emblematic sites of the historic centre of Cartagena, such as the Palace Hall, the Punic Wall (built in the 3rd century BC) and its modernist buildings, among others (outside visits). With the surrounded architecture, you will be immersed in the glorious past of the city, at different periods.
During your walking tour, you will stop off at different local bars. There, you will taste a "tapa" and a drink (soft or an alcoholic beverage).
Finally, your guide will take you for a visit of the Roman Theater (inside), before walking back, with your guide, to the pier.
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There is about 1,5 km of walking on cobblestones and uneven surfaces. There are a few steps to negotiate. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes.
Cartagena colourful market and tasting
In addition to its history and cultural influences, Cartagena also offers the chance to discover local flavors through its markets, especially the main one.
With your guide you will stroll from the pier, and you will be guided through the old center of Cartagena, where you will have a stop at the Market Hall.
The Murcia region produces some of the best fruit and vegetables in Spain. It is a vast agricultural area that has earned it the nickname "the orchard of Europe", and you will understand why every time you step into a store or visit a market in the region.
You will wander around and stop off at the various stalls, to admire and learn about the local produces: cheeses and charcuterie, smoked fish, fresh fish, fruit, vegetables, spices... all the colors and flavors will grab your attention. Your guide will take you to the best stalls (4 or 5) to sample local seasonal produce (depending on the season).
Then, you will have some free time to enjoy the area, before heading back to the pier and your ship.
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There is approximately 1,5 km of walking on cobblestones and uneven surfaces. There are some steps to negotiate. We recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes.
Discovering Murcia
From the pier, board your coach for a 1-hour drive through the foothills of the Sierra Carrascoy to Murcia.
Settled by the Moors in the 9th century and conquered by the Christians in the 13th century, this bustling city offers an array of architectural delights.
Once arriving, you will visit the cathedral. Located in the heart of Murcia near the Segura River, La Santa Iglesia Catedral de Santa María popularly known as the Cathedral de Murcia was built on the site of the demolished great Aljama Mosque of Murcia between the 14th and 18th centuries in several architectural styles. The interior of the Cathedral is composed with three naves mainly Gothic, its main facade is Baroque, the bell tower is Renaissance and Neoclassical, and the Junterones Chapel is Renaissance.
Then, you will see the Episcopal Palace before reaching the Royal Casino of Murcia. The Royal Casino of Murcia is one of the most historic buildings, situated in the heart of the city centre not far from the cathedral. The building, which dates from 1847, is a mixture of different artistic styles. In 1983 it was declared a National historic building. The Royal Casino of Murcia Society was founded on 11th June 1847. The society first started in the mansion of Marqués and later various other properties were acquired to form the present layout. Although, this is still an acting private club, the ground floor is being kept open to public and cultural events. After a period of decline in the second half of the 20th century, the Royal Casino of Murcia Society has been revived considerably. Between 2006 and 2009 the building was completely refurbished, and for this reason the King Don Juan Carlos I of Spain granted the Casino the title ´Real´ (Royal). Refurbishment of the whole building was done, many of the rooms were restored to their original decor and the latest technology was installed throughout the building.
You will also pass through the Squares of Santo Domingo and Romeo. There, you will enjoy a stop for a tapa and a drink, before walking back to your coach and return to the pier in Cartagena.
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This excursion involves approximately 2.5 miles (3.5 km) on cobblestone streets with some steps. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun. Appropriate clothe is required to enter religious sites: shoulders and knees must be covered. The order of the visits may vary.
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.
Traditions of Oran
From the pier, you will board your coach and start your 1 ¾-hour drive through the inland area of Oran, enjoying panoramic views of the countryside along the way to Sidi Belabes.
Upon your arrival at Sidi Belabes, you will visit a modern “Khaima”, which is literally a traditional tent used by bedouins in the desert in North Africa. In Saharan society, this word evokes a strong sense of sharing and family gathering. You will be welcomed with a soft drink before proceeding to watch a “fantasia”, a traditional cavalry display that goes back to ancient times.
You will then, have some free time to stroll in the gardens before being invited to enter the Khaima to share an authentic couscous lunch.
On your way back to Oran, you will drive through the city and enjoy short stops to give you the opportunity to discover this bustling city, which is less than 200 kilometres (124 miles) from Spain, and take a few photo souvenirs.
Finally, you will head back to your ship.
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This tour involves little walking with some steps. Appropriate clothing is required: shoulders and knees must be covered. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun. Due to religious restrictions, alcohol cannot be served. The toilets are rudimentary and not available in each stop.
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.
In the footsteps of Yves Saint Laurent
On this tour, you will follow the journey of the 20th century's greatest fashion designer, Yves Saint Laurent, who was born in Oran and lived there for the first 18 years of his life, before moving to Paris to work for Christian Dior.
Meet your guide at the pier and board your coach for a short drive to downtown Oran.
You will visit his childhood home, the places he used to frequent and the neighbourhood he was brought up in and got inspired by.
Your first stop will be to Old Pasteur Hight School where Yves Saint Laurent used to attend; it is a religious establishment with strict discipline. The rigour and classical teaching of this school were in strong opposition to his natural curiosity for lively modernity, the shows he watched and saw on stage at the theater, opera, or cinema (thanks to his father), as well as what he experienced at the various parties hosted by his parents at home.
Next, you will enjoy a short panoramic drive, passing by Murdjadjo cinema to Rue Larbi Benmhidi before continuing to La Place d'Armes, where you will see the magnificent Oran Regional Theatre, whose colours surely inspired the couturier. It was here in 1950, after seeing a theatre performance of "L'Ecole des Femmes", that Yves St Laurent decided to become a costume designer. The decor of the cinemas in the city centre have also been an impetus for his creative genius.
From here, you will walk to the former house of the great designer. Yves Saint Laurent's birthplace has just been restored at number 11 rue Stora, in Oran's working-class Plateau district, although now is is known as Adda ben Aouda.
Amidst the Haussmannian façades, this two-storey house nestles, its walls and high windows restored to their original beige-on-blue hues. Y. Saint-Laurent was born here on August 1, 1936, and spent his childhood here, drawing nearly 300,000 sketches. Take a private tour of the house, where a local guide will tell you the story of the famous couturier's first steps. The first floor was reserved for Yves' parents and the second floor for his cousins. The engineers who restored the house have worked hard to bring back the house's former aspect and atmosphere, in order to make it a "memory house".
After the tour, you'll enjoy refreshments at the house, before boarding your coach and returning to your ship in port.
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The tour involves 1.5 km of walking on flat, uneven surfaces. There are some stairs to negotiate at home. We recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes, conservative clothing (shoulders covered) for women and pants for men.
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.
A stroll in the busy souk & picnic
Board your coach for a short trip to the centre of Oran, stopping off at the "Marché de la Bastille" to immerse yourself in the local atmosphere; colourful tables filled with fresh fruit and vegetables, traditional sweets, bread and snacks. This is a very long street that runs through much of the city centre. It's a great opportunity to interact with the locals and feel the vibrant atmosphere of Oran. You will have the chance to buy a few souvenirs or indulge in some local delicacies.
You will then board your coach for your next stop, in the city's main square, Place du 1er Novembre (formerly Place d'Armes), considered the city's historic centre. It's surrounded by historic buildings, including the town hall, the opera house, and at its centre an obelisk topped by a sculpture named "La Gloire" by French sculptor Aimé-Jules Dalou. Follow your guide and stroll through the surrounding districts, such as the eccentric streets of Sidi El Houari, where you will make a short stop at the former Pacha Mosque, built in 1796 and listed as a historic monument.
From here, you will head for a picnic spot in the Ibn Badis Park, formerly known as the "Promenade de Létang", which offers beautiful views over the port of Oran. Built in 1847, it runs alongside the fortifications of the Palais du Bey. It also covers a large area, offering a green space close to Oran city centre. Enjoy a light refreshment with local snacks, while taking in the surroundings.
Then, it's time to re-board your coach and return to your ship at the pier.
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The tour involves 1.6 km of walking on flat and uneven surfaces. There are a few stairs to negotiate. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and women should wear conservative clothing (shoulders covered) and men should wear long trousers. We strongly recommend that you take care of your belongings and leave all valuables on board.
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.
Oran city highlights
Oran is an architecturally rich city, where the presence of Arab, Spanish, Ottoman and French influences is very evident. Its urban originality owes much to its eventful history during the medieval period, which profoundly altered the evolution of its landscape, to such an extent that today, unlike other Algerian cities, it is indelibly marked by its Hispanic past.
Meet your guide at the pier and board your coach for a short trip to the city centre.
Today, Oran can be described as an open-air museum of Western military architecture, rubbing shoulders with Arab- and Ottoman-influenced buildings as well as modern edifices dating from the French colonial period. You'll follow your guide on a stroll to discover the most remarkable buildings, including the cathedral, the Place du 1er Novembre 1954 (formerly the Place d'Armes), the Pacha Mosque, Sidi El Houari and the old Arab Quarters, before heading to Mont Aidour to admire the aerial view of Oran from the Santa Cruz belvedere.
After admiring all these highlights, you'll re-board your coach and return to your ship at the pier.
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The tour involves 1 km of walking on flat, uneven surfaces. There are a few stairs to negotiate. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and women should wear conservative clothing (shoulders covered) and men should wear long trousers. We strongly recommend that you take care of your belongings and leave all valuables on board.
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.
Tipasa & Mausoleum of Mauretania
This day trip will immerse you in Algeria's rich ancient past.
From the pier, you will board your coach for a 1 ½ hour drive to Tipasa.
Tipasa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, combines nature, beauty and architecture. Located on the shores of the Mediterranean, just 70 km west of Algiers, this site is comprised of two archaeological parks and the nearby Royal Mauretanian Mausoleum, perched on the west Sahel plateau.
Tipasa brings together one of the most important archaeological complexes of the Maghreb. This site is considered to be the most significant to the study of the contact between the indigenous civilizations and the different waves of colonization from the 6th century B.C. to the 6th century A.D.
This coastal city was first a Carthaginian trading centre. During this period, Tipasa was a maritime port of call for commerce. Numerous necropolises testify to the very varied types of burial and funerary practices that bear witness to the multicultural exchange of influences dating back to protohistoric times. The monumental, circular funerary building, called the Royal Mausoleum of Mauretania, with its stepped truncated roof covering, demonstrates the merger of the local architectural traditions with a number of the different contributions, notably Hellenistic and Pharaonic. This necropolis is one of the oldest and one of the most extensive of the Punic world.
The Roman period is marked by an ensemble of buildings, comprising extremely diversified architectural types. From the 3rd to the 4th centuries A.D. a striking increase in Christianity is demonstrated by the multitude of religious buildings. Some are decorated with mosaics illustrating scenes from daily life or geometric patterns. The Vandal invasion of the 430's did not mark the definitive end of prosperity in Tipasa, but the town, reconquered by the Byzantines in 531, gradually fell into decline from the 6th century.
Tipasa is a testimony to the Punic and Roman civilizations now disappeared. This site highlights their skills of town-planning and architecture all infused with history and botany. You will follow your guide on this pleasant walk in Tipasa where you will learn more about the history, archaeology and stories by writers like the famous Albert Camus who exclaimed “It is here that I understand what one calls glory: the right to love without measure”.
After enjoying a typical Algerian lunch, you will drive through Algiers city centre. During a sightseeing tour, you will be able to discover some of the most important landmarks, like the Martyrs Monument, La Grande Poste and the French Quarter.
Finally, you will head back to your ship.
- This tour involves approximately 2,5 km (1,5 mile) of walking on cobblestones and uneven streets with some steps. Appropriate clothing is required: shoulders and knees must be covered. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun. The toilets are rudimentary and are not available at every stop.
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.
Stroll in the Algiers' Casbah
This guided tour will show you the major landmarks of Algiers Casbah and give you an insight into the history and culture of Algeria
From the pier, you will board your coach with your guide for a 20-minute drive through the city centre.
Your coach will stop near the King’s Palace, where you will start your guided walk to a house in the higher Casbah and from here you will walk through a maze of narrow streets. After a short walk, you will be invited to Casbah house, to enjoy a glass of mint tea and typical local biscuits whilst taking time to absorb the atmosphere.
Imagine what it must have been like when the UNESCO Casbah was the heart of the city. You will get a feel of the closeness of the buildings whilst having views on the old medina of Algiers.
After the refreshments, you will walk down to the lower part of the Casbah. You will discover the play of light in the narrow passages, the protruding balconies held up by a series of wooden poles, the tiny workshops tucked away in the allies producing a variety of things such as wooden furniture, brass items or shoes.
Finally, you will proceed down to Martyrs’ Square where you can see three Mosques, including the beautiful Ketchaoua Mosque, before getting back to your ship.
- This tour involves approximately 1.5 km (1 mile) of walking on cobblestone and uneven streets with some steps. Appropriate clothe is required in town: shoulders and knees must be covered.We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun. Due to religious restrictions, alcohol cannot be served. The toilets are rudimentary and not available in each stop. All the visits are outside visits.
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.
Treasures of Algiers "la Blanche"
Discover emblematics sites of Algiers "La Blanche" during this tour, passing by peaceful as well as busy places.
From the pier, you will meet your guide and board your coach to proceed to the “Jardin d’Essai” to enjoy a leisurely stroll.
With 80 acres, “Jardin d’Essai” has a specific micro-climate allowing many tropical flora to grow within a French-style garden. The garden was created in 1832 by the French General Avisard. At the beginning, the park extended for only 12 acres, but it has not stopped growing, and now it houses more than 3,000 different plant species. Divided into 3 parts, you can stroll around the French-style garden, the long row of plane trees and the ancient garden. You will visit the jungle section of the Park which has been used to shoot sequences of the original movie Tarzan in 1932 with Johnny Weissmuller.
Leaving the gardens, you will drive through the bustling city centre. Your guide will show you numerous points of interest, such as La Grande Poste and the French Quarter.
You will visit the imposing Basilica of Notre-Dame d’Afrique (Our Lady of Africa). Sitting on a promontory, the basilica offers panoramic views over the city and point towards Rome, the capital of Christendom. Formerly known as “Madame l’Afrique” or “Lella Myriam”, it was built by the French architect Jean-Eugène Fromageau in 1872 after 14 years of work. The outside is inspired by the Byzantine style, while the interior is in the Hispano-Moorish-style. On entering the church, you will discover numerous marble tablets that cover the walls. These are tokens of gratitude from those whose prayers had been granted.
Finally, you will head back to your ship.
- This tour involves approximately 2 km (1.2 miles) of walking on cobblestones and uneven streets, with some steps. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun. Appropriate clothing is required to enter religious sites: shoulders and knees must be covered.
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.
Sidi Bou SaÎd & Carthage
During this half-day tour, you will experience the rich heritage of Romans in Tunisia, with the Unesco World Heritage site of Carthage, and have a taste of the slow life at Sidi Bou Saïd.
Meet your guide at the pier and embark on a short trip along the coast to the picturesque village of Sidi Bou Saïd.
This village is an artist's paradise, with its blue and white sugar-cube-shaped houses scattered on the hillside above the Mediterranean Sea. With your guide, you will stroll through its narrow, cobbled streets, dotted with cafés, restaurants and various art galleries. You will be seduced by the beauty of its traditional architecture and vistas and have some time to enjoy the town and its local crafts.
You will, then, catch your coach back down the hill to the impressive ruins of Carthage, which was founded in 800 BC by the Phoenicians. It was from here that Hannibal began his legendary journey, which ended with an elephant ride across the Pyrenees and Alps to Italy.
The Romans eventually prevailed, destroying and rebuilding Carthage in 146 BC, and the city became the second city of the Roman Empire.
You will first enjoy a coffee and Tunisian pastry, before beginning your tour of the various sites Carthage has to offer. You will visit the impressive Roman baths of Antonius Pius, the sanctuary of Tophet and the hill of Byra, where Carthage is said to have been founded by Queen Dido.
You will then discover many other sites on a panoramic drive through Carthage, including the remains of the Punic ports and the theatre.
The city was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979.
Then, it will be time to re-board your bus and head back to Tunis and your ship.
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This tour involves approximately 2km of walking on cobbled, uneven and sometimes steep surfaces. We advise you wear good walking shoes, comfortable clothing, a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen, and bring plenty of water.
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.
The essentials of Tunis
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.
4x4 adventure: past and present of Tunisia
On this excursion, you will get off the beaten track. You will discover some Roman heritages followed by a rural part of the northern side of the Tunisia's Dorsal Mountains.
You will meet your drivers-guides at the dock and board your 4x4 for a 45-minute scenic drive to your first stop.
You will start your day with a visit of Oudna, countaining one of the best-preserved Roman cities, with an amphitheater, capitol building, baths, cisterns, aqueduct and various dwellings, including wealthy villas.
Then, on to Zriba Oliya, an ancient Berber mountain-top village containing ruins of traditional Berber houses (stone houses with vaulted rooms and courtyards), some of which are still in good condition, including a present-day mosque. You will have a guided tour of the village, before enjoying refreshments with Tunisian pastries.
You will re-board your vehicle for a drive to Zaghouan, the water city. It is home to the water temple built by the Roman emperor to supply the city of Carthage with water. You will take a ride around the city to contemplate the buildings located at the foot of the 1295-metre-high Mount Zaghouan, and anjoy a photo stop at the Water Temple.
Then, you will head to Dar Zaghouan, a farmhouse in which you will have a delicious lunch made with locally farmed ingredients. Along with your host, you will take a nice walk around the farm and enjoy some free time before joining a workshop on how to make a traditional Tunisian pastry called Kaak Warka.
After this immersive adventure, you will head back to the pier with some great new memories.
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This tour involves approximately 5 km of walking over cobbled and uneven surfaces. We advise you wear good walking shoes, comfortable clothing, a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen, and bring plenty of water.
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.
Erice
From the pier, you will drive by coach to Erice, which is about half an hour away by road. Erice is a superb medieval village perched on a hill with spectacular views over the sea and Trapani.
Although this spot was occupied for millennia, it really developed in 831 with the arrival of the Arabs. In the Middle Ages, it reached its peak under the Normans. Called Monte San Giuliano until 1934, in Antiquity this place was dedicated to Venus and there are still traces of the ancient city walls. You will be stepping back in time to explore on foot this fascinating medieval city, with its fortress and watchtowers.
Erice still has former residences of Trapani’s wealthy families who would decamp here for the summer. Their influence can be seen in the city’s towers and fortifications and the English gardens.
After seeing the sights, you are free to wander around the streets at your leisure.
And finally, you will be given a panoramic tour of the salt flats and Trapani before boarding your ship.
- The visit of Erice is on foot and involves about 0.8 mile (1.2 km) of walking on cobblestones streets. We advise you to wear comfortable shoes. Appropriate dress is recommended when visiting religious sites (shoulders and knees should be covered). Note that Erice is 2.300 feet (700 m) above sea level, so it may be cold and windy.
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.
Segesta
From the pier, you will be taken by coach for the short drive to the town of Trapani, passing the Ligny Tower on the way, before heading to Segesta, an hour’s drive away (with photo stop) via Saline.
Called Egesta by the Greeks and Segesta by the Romans, it was one of the most advanced cities of the ancient Elymian civilisation along with Eryx (Erice) and Entella. The city was probably built between the 5th and 4th century BC, and lies on a wide plateau in a protected position between the two summits of Mount Barbaro. Today it is an important architectural site dating back to the Elmini people who originally came from Anatoly.
You will begin your tour at the Temple of Segesta, a Doric temple built from local limestone on a hill outside the ancient town. Its architecture is typical of the late 5th century. There is evidence to suggest that the temple was not completed, as the columns are unfluted and the substructure still has the bosses or nobs used for transport which should have been removed. You will then visit the theatre which dates back to the middle of the 3rd century and accommodated up to 3,000 spectators. It is on a slope at an altitude of 440 m overlooking the temple.
You will then return to the port at Trapani to board your ship.
- As this excursion involves 0.8 mile (1.2 km) of walking to Segesta on uneven ground, it is not recommended for people who have walking difficulty. The transfer to the theatre is by local shuttle bus that leaves every half hour. Expect some delay if there are a lot of people.
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.
Marsala's delights
From the pier, you will board your coach and drive towards the "via del sale" (the salt road) with the famous "saline" and windmills, where a brief photo stop will be made. During the 1-hour coach ride, you will enjoy a panoramic view of Mozia Island. Due to its location near the coast, and its role as an important trade city, Mozia was one of the most important Phoenician and Carthaginian settlements in the Mediterranean area.
You will arrive in Marsala, situated on Cape Boeo, which is the westernmost point of the island. Upon your arrival, a brief walking tour will give you the opportunity to discover this ancient city, founded by the Phoenicians refugees after the destruction of Mozia by the hand of Dionysius I of Syracuse. The history of Marsala is multicultural indeed, as the region was subjugated by the Romans, the Vandals and the Byzantines. Then, when the city felt to the Muslims, they called it Marsa-Allah (Port of Allah). And, when the Normans took Marsala in the 1072, they rebuilt the castle and constructed churches and convents.
The town of Marsala is also famous for a dessert wine, that it is named after it. For this reason, your next stop will be made at a local winery, the “Cantine Florio”, where, after visiting the wine cellars, you will have the opportunity to taste the Sicilian specialties such as arancini (rice balls), Sicilian bread and pizza, cannoli, accompanied by different local wines including, the Marsala.
After this tasty experience, you will head to the "Torre di Ligny" one of the most beautiful panoramic points of the city. It is a massive quadrangular-plan tower built in 1671 by Prince di Ligny. From here, you will see the Egadi Islands and two little islands, "Lazzaretto" and "Torre della Colombaia".
You will finally re-board your coach and drive back to Trapani.
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This excursion involves a minimum of 1,5 km of walking on uneven surfaces with some steps. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun. The tasting is included in the tour. You will be able to make some purchases at the winery, credit cards are accepted. This tour is limited to 60 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.
L'Austral
Innovative design, sleek shape and profile, refined interior decoration, friendly, intimate atmosphere: French designers and decorators have managed to give this ship a unique style and veritable signature of its own. Combinations of fine materials, colours and tones harmoniously livened up with touches of bright colour, elegant lines, discreet and subtle refinement… everything has been designed to create a unique atmosphere onboard, a veritable personality: the chic style and naturally relaxing ambiance of a veritable private yacht.
Decks
Music
Set sail on a musical journey! If you have a passion for classical instrumental music or opera, if you love Celtic melodies or jazz, treat yourself to a different and exclusive experience aboard a PONANT ship. On board or ashore, our guests of honour, including renowned artists, talented musicians and brilliant virtuosos, share their knowledge and their passion in an intimate and accessible manner during concerts or talks.
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
4/29/2024 - SPIRIT OF ANDALUSIA (3 NIGHTS)
$2,700
Find out moreHorses of Spain
Price range:
Cartagena and Roman theater
Price range:
Tapas hopping in Cartagena
Cartagena colourful market and tasting
Discovering Murcia
Price range:
Traditions of Oran
Price range:
In the footsteps of Yves Saint Laurent
Price range:
A stroll in the busy souk & picnic
Price range:
Oran city highlights
Price range:
Tipasa & Mausoleum of Mauretania
Price range:
Stroll in the Algiers' Casbah
Price range:
Treasures of Algiers "la Blanche"
Price range:
Sidi Bou SaÎd & Carthage
Price range:
The essentials of Tunis
Price range:
4x4 adventure: past and present of Tunisia
Price range:
Erice
Price range:
Segesta
Price range:
Marsala's delights
Price range:
5/9/2024 - HIGHLIGHTS OF MALTA
$570
Find out more
LUNCH AND WALKING TOUR OF MALAGA
Travel with peace of mind as PONANT organises your daytime between the airport and your port of embarkation.
Malaga
Meet at the airport in the Arrival hall. Look for PONANT sign. You will be greeted by our local representative off the flight selected by PONANT.
You will depart the airport by coach, reach the city centre of the capital of “Costa del Sol”.
Experience the local hospitality by tasting a tapas-style lunch at a typical tavern.
After lunch, start your walking exploration: pass by the Cathedral with its renaissance style, the Picasso Museum, hosted in a 16th-century palace of Andalusian architecture, and the nearby famous painter´s birth place.
You will then be transferred to the pier to embark on your ship.
Your programme includes:
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Lunch with beverages package (mineral water + 1 glass of white and red wine + 1 coffee).
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Transfers and visits as mentioned in the programme.
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Services of a local English-speaking guide.
Your programme does not include:
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Tips for the driver and local guide.
-
Personal expenses
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Other services not mentioned in the programme.
To know your PONANT flight schedule, please contact your travel agent; it is also indicated on your electronic ticket included in your travel documents.
In the event of schedule changes of PONANT selected flight, your programme will be adapted to ensure the most seamless and enriching experience. The content of your revised programme will be updated on the PONANT website, in My Ponant space and on the PONANT app. The final programme will also be sent to you along with your cruise documents.
Total : $132
SPIRIT OF ANDALUSIA (3 NIGHTS)
Enhance your cruise and extend your trip with a carefully designed programme.
Spend three nights in Andalusia and immerse yourself in local gastronomy, cultural heritage and intimate atmospheres: a voyage of the senses.
Day 1 - Malaga
Upon landing at Malaga International Airport, you will be greeted by our local French speaking staff that will be waiting for you at the Arrival Lounge. They will assist you with your private transfer to the Grand hotel Miramar 5*. Once there you will have the opportunity to get some local and practical information through our dedicated Hospitality Desk. You will find Hospitality Desk opening hours and other useful information in the Welcome Letter that will be given to you upon arrival.
Dinner at leisure.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 2 - Malaga
Breakfast at the hotel.
You will meet your local guide and reach the outstanding and inspiring Picasso Museum. This cultural center is the culmination of a wish expressed by Pablo Picasso himself: for his work to be on display in the city of his birth.
Today you will enjoy the unique chance to admire and understand Picasso's legacy without the usual hustle and bustle of the many visitors that the museum generally has. You will arrive before regular opening hours, so that you will have the Picasso Museum to yourself for some time.
The museum is housed in the Palacio de Buenavista, an historical building typical of 16th-century Andalusian architecture where Renaissance and Mudejar-elements elegantly mixed up.
The collection inside the museum reunites paintings, sculptures, drawings, ceramic, and graphic works from periods dating from 1890 to 1973.
After your visit it will be time to strengthen yourself with a light Andalusian coffee break in one of the local bars next to the Museum, before you get to learn a bit more of the diverse and energetic Malaga, loaded full of history.
Your guided walking tour through the city center will continue to the Cathedral, Plaza de la Merced in the very historic center of the city, near to monuments such as the Alcazaba, (the Arabic Castle, outside visit) and the Roman Theatre (outside visit).
After a local lunch, you will visit the Sala María Cristina, convent that currently serves as a local music theater. Sala Maria Cristina (Old Royal Conservatory Maria Cristina) is one of the most emblematic buildings of musical culture in the area, renowned for its perfect acoustics. After the visit, enjoy an exclusive musical performance by the professional performers of the nearby Galamian Music Academy.
Then, you will be transferred back to your hotel.
Dinner in a local restaurant.
Overnight at the hotel
Day 3 - Malaga / Grenada
After breakfast and check out, meet your local guide and start your journey to the astonishing city of Granada. Enjoy a 1,5 hrs drive along endless fields of olive trees and picturesque villages. Once you reach Granada, your firs stop will be San Cristobal viewpoint. You will be welcomed by a local guide, who will tell you about the history and the secrets of the Albaycin and the Sacromonte neighborhoods, about their past and their present, their multicultural reality and how different cultures have developed till today's times.
Start with a deep exploration of the Albaycin area: walk through its narrow streets and feel the vibes of this lively, popular neighborhood, where new and "old" neighbors live together. The next stop will be at Sacromonte. Discover the area and take in the views over the Alhambra, Sierra Nevada and Sacromonte Caves: a gift for your eyes and all your senses, a place where the gypsy culture is blooming every minute. After another short walk, reach Sacromonte Caves Interpretation Center. Here, you will meet a local poet, who will delight you with the first poem about the Alhambra, called "Abenamar". Enjoy a visit of the center, before hearing the soft sounds of a Flamenco guitar. Follow the music and you will reach another viewpoint. Here, enjoy some live music, played by a gypsy guitarist. Enjoy a nice glass of sangria to end this unique experience. Reboard the coach for a shorth transfer up to a local restaurant, to have a typical lunch prior to continue to the Alhambra , the most outstanding symbol of Moorish heritage in Spain.
The Alhambra was a palace, a fortress and home of the Nasrid Sultans, high government officials, servants of the court and elite soldiers of the Nasrid Dynasty (1238-1492), the last Islamic sultanate in the Iberian Peninsula.
Your guide will take you inside the "Alqala hamra", meaning "red castle" where you will visit the Nazaries Palaces with intricately carved stucco walls, knotted ceilings, elaborate honeycomb vaulting, and beautiful courtyards; "Serallo", the official residence of the Sultan and the Harem, which surrounds the famous "Patio de los Leones," with its fountains feeding water through the mouth of 12 lions (representing months of the year), and many other wonderful sites within the fortress.
Continuing with the tour you will visit the "Generalife Palace and gardens " which was build as the summer paradise for the Sultans of Granada. Its lovely terraces, grottoes, flowerbeds and fabulous fountains will make you feel the glamour of the Moorish inhabitants. Afterwards you will enjoy a splendid view of the Sierra Nevada, down to the Darro Valley and across to the Old Quarter of Albaicin.
After the visit, reach your hotel for check in.
Dinner at hotel restaurant and overnight.
Day 4 - Grenada / Malaga
After breakfast and upon check out, meet your guide at lobby and board your coach for an unforgettable day of full immersion in the Andalusian culture. Escaping to the country is one of those romantic notions that most of us thoroughly enjoy. It's wonderfully relaxing to appreciate the scenery, and wander round the local villages, but as a spectator, it often still leaves you wondering about what the locals and houses look like behind the closed doors.
You now have the chance to do a lot more than just be an observer, and really experience something truly unique: This is an opportunity for any visitor to go into the houses in a typical village, interact with the locals and experience the hospitality of real country people. Appreciate and photograph picturesque panoramas of the surrounding countryside, stop at thousand year old olive groves and learn about the importance of olives, almonds, pomegranates and other fruit of the area. Visit a local olive oil factory where you can see the process of making extra virgin olive oil, enjoy a sample with bread, and if you like it, why not buying some of its products.
Finally, walk through the streets of local village of Alfarnatejo, see local people busy in their daily routine, Taste some local wine in a restored ancient house and meet locals who will host you for lunch in their homes! The hospitality you will receive from these women is so outstanding that you will come away with a great, warm feeling- you will wish you could go back to visit time and again! At the end of this unique experience, it'll be time to reach the port of Malaga for embarkation on board of L'Austral.
Your hotels:
Grand Miramar Hotel 5*
The Gran Hotel Miramar Resort and Spa is located in the La Caleta area, between Paseo de Reding avenue and the sea front, just five minutes from the city`s top museums, including the Picasso, Carmen Thyssen, Centre Pompidou and Hermitage. With the principal entrance facing the Mediterranean Sea, it offers marvelous views over the Bay of Malaga. Considered the masterpiece of architect F. Guerrero Strachan`s work, it took five years to complete, finally being opened in 1926 by King Alfonso XIII under the name Hotel Principe de Asturias. This beautiful historic building has welcomed illustrious guests from European nobility, the world of the arts and Spanish high society. The hotel has a variety of luxury services and facilities, including five gastronomic restaurants focused on national and international cuisine. Surrounded by 9,000 square meters of lawns and gardens, it also features outdoor pools, extensive meeting facilities and a stunning spa.
Characterised by their elegance and refinement, the rooms can offer views of the city, the historical gardens or the royal courtyard. With the symbolic decoration of Palacio de Miramar covers an Arabic, Mediterranean, Nasrid, Classic or Modernist decor, the rooms combine contemporary design with state-of-the-art facilities. The 30sqm rooms feature queen-size or twin beds, en-suite marble bathroom for two people with shower and separate bath.
Hotel Palacio de Santa Paula 5*
Hotel Palacio de Santa Paula, Autograph Collection is on Granada's Gran Vía, a main street through the historic center. It occupies the former 14th-century Casa Morisco, and 16th-century Santa Paula Convent, with its impressive cloister. The hotel is a protected building, which retains features from the past, mixed with luxury modern facilities. It has a gym, sauna and Turkish bath. All air-conditioned rooms have a mini-bar and CD player. There is a bathrobe and slippers. Free WiFi is provided throughout the property.The hotel is 984 feet from Granada Cathedral, and the Alhambra is a 10-minute taxi ride away. Hotel Palacio de Santa Paula, Autograph Collection is a short walk from the historic Albaicín and Sacromonte areas of the city.
Upgraded rooms are also available depending on availability and on a supplement basis. Contact your travel professional for further details.
Your programme includes:
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2-nights accommodation in Premier room at Grand hotel Miramar 5* or similar, breakfast included.
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1 night accomodation in Standard room at Hotel Palacio de Santa Paula 5* or similar, breakfast included.
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Meals as mentioned in the programme.
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Beverage package during meals (bottled water + 1 soft drink or 1 local beer or 1 glass of wine and 1 coffee or tea).
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Transfers, visits, and entrance fees as mentioned in the programme.
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The services of a local English-speaking guide.
Your programme does not include:
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Dinner on day 1.
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Personal expenses.
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Tips for the driver and local guide.
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Other services not mentioned in the programme.
Please note:
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It is imperative that the details of your departure flight are provided to your travel agent, no later than 30 days before the start date of your cruise, to secure the proper private transfer.
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This programme is not suitable for people with reduced mobility.
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Tickets for Alhambra must be bought in advance and they will be personal and non-transferable and, therefore, purchased tickets may not be transferred to anyone other than the person registered as the beneficiary in the purchase system.
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To buy and confirm tickets, we will need passport details of all guests.
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Purchased tickets may not be returned, except for when the monument cannot be visited for reasons attributable to the Board of Trustees of the Alhambra and the Generalife.
Contacts of your hotels:
Grand hotel Miramar
P.º Reding, 22, 24, 29016 Málaga, Spain
+34 952 60 30 00
Hotel Palacio de Santa Paula
C. Gran Vía de Colón, 31, 18001 Granada, Spain
+34 958 80 57 40
Duration and order of the visits may vary. To know your PONANT flight schedule, please contact your travel agent; it is also indicated on your electronic ticket included in your travel documents.
Total : $2,700
Horses of Spain
From the pier, embark your coach for a shorth drive to a beautiful Spanish finca, situated on the outskirts of Cartagena. Here, pure Spanish breed horses are bred and sent all over the world.
Upon arrival, visit the finca and learn more about Spanish horses and their natural environment. Dedicated staff will tell you about the horses breeding, livestock management and horse training. Observe a stampede of horses, a truly spectacular sight, while enjoying a local product tasting such as local wine and typical tapas.
Then, continue your visit of the finca before enjoying a short flamenco dance performed by a dancer and a horse.
Finally, get back to your coach for a short panoramic drive back to the pier.
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This tour involves walking 1 mile (1,5 km) on uneven and lawn ground and some steps. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun, with a hat. The horse show is performed outside and flies are expected. To avoid flies, you should not put perfume or perfumed cosmetic. Please be aware that there are long periods of standing as a limited number of seats are available in the finca.
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.
Cartagena and Roman theater
This excursion is the best way to immerse yourself in the ancient Roman city “Carthagonova” and discover the different aspects of the inhabitants’ daily life at that time.
From the pier, meet your guide and start your walking tour of the heart of Cartagena, a city proud of its millennial past, above all the famous Second Punic War: the confrontation between the Carthaginians and Romans.
Start your tour visiting the Roman theatre, one of the most emblematic monuments of Cartagena. This theatre played an important role at the time of Ancient Rome and had a capacity for 6.000 people.
Continue to the Conception castle, boarding a panoramic lift to the roof terrace, an integral part of lovely Torres Park, located on one of the city’s five defensive hills, offering breath-taking city views.
Before returning to the ship, you will explore the Calle Mayor, Cartagena’s major commercial and pedestrian street where you will have the opportunity to admire landmarks such as the Gran Hotel and the Cervantes House and enjoy some free time.
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This excursion involves approximately 2 miles (3 km) of walking on cobblestone streets with some steps. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun. This tour is limited to 90 participants. The order of the visits may vary.
Price range:
Find out more
€: the excursion price is less than €50.
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.
Tapas hopping in Cartagena
In addition to its history, one of Cartagena's great attractions is its gastronomy. Alongside this guided tour of the old town and its famous Roman theater, you will enjoy a typically Spanish activity, and indulge in a tapas tasting.
Meet your guide at the pier and begin your guided walking tour of Cartagena.
You will pass by emblematic sites of the historic centre of Cartagena, such as the Palace Hall, the Punic Wall (built in the 3rd century BC) and its modernist buildings, among others (outside visits). With the surrounded architecture, you will be immersed in the glorious past of the city, at different periods.
During your walking tour, you will stop off at different local bars. There, you will taste a "tapa" and a drink (soft or an alcoholic beverage).
Finally, your guide will take you for a visit of the Roman Theater (inside), before walking back, with your guide, to the pier.
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There is about 1,5 km of walking on cobblestones and uneven surfaces. There are a few steps to negotiate. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes.
Cartagena colourful market and tasting
In addition to its history and cultural influences, Cartagena also offers the chance to discover local flavors through its markets, especially the main one.
With your guide you will stroll from the pier, and you will be guided through the old center of Cartagena, where you will have a stop at the Market Hall.
The Murcia region produces some of the best fruit and vegetables in Spain. It is a vast agricultural area that has earned it the nickname "the orchard of Europe", and you will understand why every time you step into a store or visit a market in the region.
You will wander around and stop off at the various stalls, to admire and learn about the local produces: cheeses and charcuterie, smoked fish, fresh fish, fruit, vegetables, spices... all the colors and flavors will grab your attention. Your guide will take you to the best stalls (4 or 5) to sample local seasonal produce (depending on the season).
Then, you will have some free time to enjoy the area, before heading back to the pier and your ship.
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There is approximately 1,5 km of walking on cobblestones and uneven surfaces. There are some steps to negotiate. We recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes.
Discovering Murcia
From the pier, board your coach for a 1-hour drive through the foothills of the Sierra Carrascoy to Murcia.
Settled by the Moors in the 9th century and conquered by the Christians in the 13th century, this bustling city offers an array of architectural delights.
Once arriving, you will visit the cathedral. Located in the heart of Murcia near the Segura River, La Santa Iglesia Catedral de Santa María popularly known as the Cathedral de Murcia was built on the site of the demolished great Aljama Mosque of Murcia between the 14th and 18th centuries in several architectural styles. The interior of the Cathedral is composed with three naves mainly Gothic, its main facade is Baroque, the bell tower is Renaissance and Neoclassical, and the Junterones Chapel is Renaissance.
Then, you will see the Episcopal Palace before reaching the Royal Casino of Murcia. The Royal Casino of Murcia is one of the most historic buildings, situated in the heart of the city centre not far from the cathedral. The building, which dates from 1847, is a mixture of different artistic styles. In 1983 it was declared a National historic building. The Royal Casino of Murcia Society was founded on 11th June 1847. The society first started in the mansion of Marqués and later various other properties were acquired to form the present layout. Although, this is still an acting private club, the ground floor is being kept open to public and cultural events. After a period of decline in the second half of the 20th century, the Royal Casino of Murcia Society has been revived considerably. Between 2006 and 2009 the building was completely refurbished, and for this reason the King Don Juan Carlos I of Spain granted the Casino the title ´Real´ (Royal). Refurbishment of the whole building was done, many of the rooms were restored to their original decor and the latest technology was installed throughout the building.
You will also pass through the Squares of Santo Domingo and Romeo. There, you will enjoy a stop for a tapa and a drink, before walking back to your coach and return to the pier in Cartagena.
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This excursion involves approximately 2.5 miles (3.5 km) on cobblestone streets with some steps. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun. Appropriate clothe is required to enter religious sites: shoulders and knees must be covered. The order of the visits may vary.
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.
Traditions of Oran
From the pier, you will board your coach and start your 1 ¾-hour drive through the inland area of Oran, enjoying panoramic views of the countryside along the way to Sidi Belabes.
Upon your arrival at Sidi Belabes, you will visit a modern “Khaima”, which is literally a traditional tent used by bedouins in the desert in North Africa. In Saharan society, this word evokes a strong sense of sharing and family gathering. You will be welcomed with a soft drink before proceeding to watch a “fantasia”, a traditional cavalry display that goes back to ancient times.
You will then, have some free time to stroll in the gardens before being invited to enter the Khaima to share an authentic couscous lunch.
On your way back to Oran, you will drive through the city and enjoy short stops to give you the opportunity to discover this bustling city, which is less than 200 kilometres (124 miles) from Spain, and take a few photo souvenirs.
Finally, you will head back to your ship.
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This tour involves little walking with some steps. Appropriate clothing is required: shoulders and knees must be covered. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun. Due to religious restrictions, alcohol cannot be served. The toilets are rudimentary and not available in each stop.
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.
In the footsteps of Yves Saint Laurent
On this tour, you will follow the journey of the 20th century's greatest fashion designer, Yves Saint Laurent, who was born in Oran and lived there for the first 18 years of his life, before moving to Paris to work for Christian Dior.
Meet your guide at the pier and board your coach for a short drive to downtown Oran.
You will visit his childhood home, the places he used to frequent and the neighbourhood he was brought up in and got inspired by.
Your first stop will be to Old Pasteur Hight School where Yves Saint Laurent used to attend; it is a religious establishment with strict discipline. The rigour and classical teaching of this school were in strong opposition to his natural curiosity for lively modernity, the shows he watched and saw on stage at the theater, opera, or cinema (thanks to his father), as well as what he experienced at the various parties hosted by his parents at home.
Next, you will enjoy a short panoramic drive, passing by Murdjadjo cinema to Rue Larbi Benmhidi before continuing to La Place d'Armes, where you will see the magnificent Oran Regional Theatre, whose colours surely inspired the couturier. It was here in 1950, after seeing a theatre performance of "L'Ecole des Femmes", that Yves St Laurent decided to become a costume designer. The decor of the cinemas in the city centre have also been an impetus for his creative genius.
From here, you will walk to the former house of the great designer. Yves Saint Laurent's birthplace has just been restored at number 11 rue Stora, in Oran's working-class Plateau district, although now is is known as Adda ben Aouda.
Amidst the Haussmannian façades, this two-storey house nestles, its walls and high windows restored to their original beige-on-blue hues. Y. Saint-Laurent was born here on August 1, 1936, and spent his childhood here, drawing nearly 300,000 sketches. Take a private tour of the house, where a local guide will tell you the story of the famous couturier's first steps. The first floor was reserved for Yves' parents and the second floor for his cousins. The engineers who restored the house have worked hard to bring back the house's former aspect and atmosphere, in order to make it a "memory house".
After the tour, you'll enjoy refreshments at the house, before boarding your coach and returning to your ship in port.
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The tour involves 1.5 km of walking on flat, uneven surfaces. There are some stairs to negotiate at home. We recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes, conservative clothing (shoulders covered) for women and pants for men.
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.
A stroll in the busy souk & picnic
Board your coach for a short trip to the centre of Oran, stopping off at the "Marché de la Bastille" to immerse yourself in the local atmosphere; colourful tables filled with fresh fruit and vegetables, traditional sweets, bread and snacks. This is a very long street that runs through much of the city centre. It's a great opportunity to interact with the locals and feel the vibrant atmosphere of Oran. You will have the chance to buy a few souvenirs or indulge in some local delicacies.
You will then board your coach for your next stop, in the city's main square, Place du 1er Novembre (formerly Place d'Armes), considered the city's historic centre. It's surrounded by historic buildings, including the town hall, the opera house, and at its centre an obelisk topped by a sculpture named "La Gloire" by French sculptor Aimé-Jules Dalou. Follow your guide and stroll through the surrounding districts, such as the eccentric streets of Sidi El Houari, where you will make a short stop at the former Pacha Mosque, built in 1796 and listed as a historic monument.
From here, you will head for a picnic spot in the Ibn Badis Park, formerly known as the "Promenade de Létang", which offers beautiful views over the port of Oran. Built in 1847, it runs alongside the fortifications of the Palais du Bey. It also covers a large area, offering a green space close to Oran city centre. Enjoy a light refreshment with local snacks, while taking in the surroundings.
Then, it's time to re-board your coach and return to your ship at the pier.
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The tour involves 1.6 km of walking on flat and uneven surfaces. There are a few stairs to negotiate. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and women should wear conservative clothing (shoulders covered) and men should wear long trousers. We strongly recommend that you take care of your belongings and leave all valuables on board.
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.
Oran city highlights
Oran is an architecturally rich city, where the presence of Arab, Spanish, Ottoman and French influences is very evident. Its urban originality owes much to its eventful history during the medieval period, which profoundly altered the evolution of its landscape, to such an extent that today, unlike other Algerian cities, it is indelibly marked by its Hispanic past.
Meet your guide at the pier and board your coach for a short trip to the city centre.
Today, Oran can be described as an open-air museum of Western military architecture, rubbing shoulders with Arab- and Ottoman-influenced buildings as well as modern edifices dating from the French colonial period. You'll follow your guide on a stroll to discover the most remarkable buildings, including the cathedral, the Place du 1er Novembre 1954 (formerly the Place d'Armes), the Pacha Mosque, Sidi El Houari and the old Arab Quarters, before heading to Mont Aidour to admire the aerial view of Oran from the Santa Cruz belvedere.
After admiring all these highlights, you'll re-board your coach and return to your ship at the pier.
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The tour involves 1 km of walking on flat, uneven surfaces. There are a few stairs to negotiate. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and women should wear conservative clothing (shoulders covered) and men should wear long trousers. We strongly recommend that you take care of your belongings and leave all valuables on board.
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.
Tipasa & Mausoleum of Mauretania
This day trip will immerse you in Algeria's rich ancient past.
From the pier, you will board your coach for a 1 ½ hour drive to Tipasa.
Tipasa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, combines nature, beauty and architecture. Located on the shores of the Mediterranean, just 70 km west of Algiers, this site is comprised of two archaeological parks and the nearby Royal Mauretanian Mausoleum, perched on the west Sahel plateau.
Tipasa brings together one of the most important archaeological complexes of the Maghreb. This site is considered to be the most significant to the study of the contact between the indigenous civilizations and the different waves of colonization from the 6th century B.C. to the 6th century A.D.
This coastal city was first a Carthaginian trading centre. During this period, Tipasa was a maritime port of call for commerce. Numerous necropolises testify to the very varied types of burial and funerary practices that bear witness to the multicultural exchange of influences dating back to protohistoric times. The monumental, circular funerary building, called the Royal Mausoleum of Mauretania, with its stepped truncated roof covering, demonstrates the merger of the local architectural traditions with a number of the different contributions, notably Hellenistic and Pharaonic. This necropolis is one of the oldest and one of the most extensive of the Punic world.
The Roman period is marked by an ensemble of buildings, comprising extremely diversified architectural types. From the 3rd to the 4th centuries A.D. a striking increase in Christianity is demonstrated by the multitude of religious buildings. Some are decorated with mosaics illustrating scenes from daily life or geometric patterns. The Vandal invasion of the 430's did not mark the definitive end of prosperity in Tipasa, but the town, reconquered by the Byzantines in 531, gradually fell into decline from the 6th century.
Tipasa is a testimony to the Punic and Roman civilizations now disappeared. This site highlights their skills of town-planning and architecture all infused with history and botany. You will follow your guide on this pleasant walk in Tipasa where you will learn more about the history, archaeology and stories by writers like the famous Albert Camus who exclaimed “It is here that I understand what one calls glory: the right to love without measure”.
After enjoying a typical Algerian lunch, you will drive through Algiers city centre. During a sightseeing tour, you will be able to discover some of the most important landmarks, like the Martyrs Monument, La Grande Poste and the French Quarter.
Finally, you will head back to your ship.
- This tour involves approximately 2,5 km (1,5 mile) of walking on cobblestones and uneven streets with some steps. Appropriate clothing is required: shoulders and knees must be covered. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun. The toilets are rudimentary and are not available at every stop.
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.
Stroll in the Algiers' Casbah
This guided tour will show you the major landmarks of Algiers Casbah and give you an insight into the history and culture of Algeria
From the pier, you will board your coach with your guide for a 20-minute drive through the city centre.
Your coach will stop near the King’s Palace, where you will start your guided walk to a house in the higher Casbah and from here you will walk through a maze of narrow streets. After a short walk, you will be invited to Casbah house, to enjoy a glass of mint tea and typical local biscuits whilst taking time to absorb the atmosphere.
Imagine what it must have been like when the UNESCO Casbah was the heart of the city. You will get a feel of the closeness of the buildings whilst having views on the old medina of Algiers.
After the refreshments, you will walk down to the lower part of the Casbah. You will discover the play of light in the narrow passages, the protruding balconies held up by a series of wooden poles, the tiny workshops tucked away in the allies producing a variety of things such as wooden furniture, brass items or shoes.
Finally, you will proceed down to Martyrs’ Square where you can see three Mosques, including the beautiful Ketchaoua Mosque, before getting back to your ship.
- This tour involves approximately 1.5 km (1 mile) of walking on cobblestone and uneven streets with some steps. Appropriate clothe is required in town: shoulders and knees must be covered.We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun. Due to religious restrictions, alcohol cannot be served. The toilets are rudimentary and not available in each stop. All the visits are outside visits.
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.
Treasures of Algiers "la Blanche"
Discover emblematics sites of Algiers "La Blanche" during this tour, passing by peaceful as well as busy places.
From the pier, you will meet your guide and board your coach to proceed to the “Jardin d’Essai” to enjoy a leisurely stroll.
With 80 acres, “Jardin d’Essai” has a specific micro-climate allowing many tropical flora to grow within a French-style garden. The garden was created in 1832 by the French General Avisard. At the beginning, the park extended for only 12 acres, but it has not stopped growing, and now it houses more than 3,000 different plant species. Divided into 3 parts, you can stroll around the French-style garden, the long row of plane trees and the ancient garden. You will visit the jungle section of the Park which has been used to shoot sequences of the original movie Tarzan in 1932 with Johnny Weissmuller.
Leaving the gardens, you will drive through the bustling city centre. Your guide will show you numerous points of interest, such as La Grande Poste and the French Quarter.
You will visit the imposing Basilica of Notre-Dame d’Afrique (Our Lady of Africa). Sitting on a promontory, the basilica offers panoramic views over the city and point towards Rome, the capital of Christendom. Formerly known as “Madame l’Afrique” or “Lella Myriam”, it was built by the French architect Jean-Eugène Fromageau in 1872 after 14 years of work. The outside is inspired by the Byzantine style, while the interior is in the Hispano-Moorish-style. On entering the church, you will discover numerous marble tablets that cover the walls. These are tokens of gratitude from those whose prayers had been granted.
Finally, you will head back to your ship.
- This tour involves approximately 2 km (1.2 miles) of walking on cobblestones and uneven streets, with some steps. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun. Appropriate clothing is required to enter religious sites: shoulders and knees must be covered.
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.
Sidi Bou SaÎd & Carthage
During this half-day tour, you will experience the rich heritage of Romans in Tunisia, with the Unesco World Heritage site of Carthage, and have a taste of the slow life at Sidi Bou Saïd.
Meet your guide at the pier and embark on a short trip along the coast to the picturesque village of Sidi Bou Saïd.
This village is an artist's paradise, with its blue and white sugar-cube-shaped houses scattered on the hillside above the Mediterranean Sea. With your guide, you will stroll through its narrow, cobbled streets, dotted with cafés, restaurants and various art galleries. You will be seduced by the beauty of its traditional architecture and vistas and have some time to enjoy the town and its local crafts.
You will, then, catch your coach back down the hill to the impressive ruins of Carthage, which was founded in 800 BC by the Phoenicians. It was from here that Hannibal began his legendary journey, which ended with an elephant ride across the Pyrenees and Alps to Italy.
The Romans eventually prevailed, destroying and rebuilding Carthage in 146 BC, and the city became the second city of the Roman Empire.
You will first enjoy a coffee and Tunisian pastry, before beginning your tour of the various sites Carthage has to offer. You will visit the impressive Roman baths of Antonius Pius, the sanctuary of Tophet and the hill of Byra, where Carthage is said to have been founded by Queen Dido.
You will then discover many other sites on a panoramic drive through Carthage, including the remains of the Punic ports and the theatre.
The city was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979.
Then, it will be time to re-board your bus and head back to Tunis and your ship.
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This tour involves approximately 2km of walking on cobbled, uneven and sometimes steep surfaces. We advise you wear good walking shoes, comfortable clothing, a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen, and bring plenty of water.
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.
The essentials of Tunis
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.
4x4 adventure: past and present of Tunisia
On this excursion, you will get off the beaten track. You will discover some Roman heritages followed by a rural part of the northern side of the Tunisia's Dorsal Mountains.
You will meet your drivers-guides at the dock and board your 4x4 for a 45-minute scenic drive to your first stop.
You will start your day with a visit of Oudna, countaining one of the best-preserved Roman cities, with an amphitheater, capitol building, baths, cisterns, aqueduct and various dwellings, including wealthy villas.
Then, on to Zriba Oliya, an ancient Berber mountain-top village containing ruins of traditional Berber houses (stone houses with vaulted rooms and courtyards), some of which are still in good condition, including a present-day mosque. You will have a guided tour of the village, before enjoying refreshments with Tunisian pastries.
You will re-board your vehicle for a drive to Zaghouan, the water city. It is home to the water temple built by the Roman emperor to supply the city of Carthage with water. You will take a ride around the city to contemplate the buildings located at the foot of the 1295-metre-high Mount Zaghouan, and anjoy a photo stop at the Water Temple.
Then, you will head to Dar Zaghouan, a farmhouse in which you will have a delicious lunch made with locally farmed ingredients. Along with your host, you will take a nice walk around the farm and enjoy some free time before joining a workshop on how to make a traditional Tunisian pastry called Kaak Warka.
After this immersive adventure, you will head back to the pier with some great new memories.
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This tour involves approximately 5 km of walking over cobbled and uneven surfaces. We advise you wear good walking shoes, comfortable clothing, a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen, and bring plenty of water.
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.
Erice
From the pier, you will drive by coach to Erice, which is about half an hour away by road. Erice is a superb medieval village perched on a hill with spectacular views over the sea and Trapani.
Although this spot was occupied for millennia, it really developed in 831 with the arrival of the Arabs. In the Middle Ages, it reached its peak under the Normans. Called Monte San Giuliano until 1934, in Antiquity this place was dedicated to Venus and there are still traces of the ancient city walls. You will be stepping back in time to explore on foot this fascinating medieval city, with its fortress and watchtowers.
Erice still has former residences of Trapani’s wealthy families who would decamp here for the summer. Their influence can be seen in the city’s towers and fortifications and the English gardens.
After seeing the sights, you are free to wander around the streets at your leisure.
And finally, you will be given a panoramic tour of the salt flats and Trapani before boarding your ship.
- The visit of Erice is on foot and involves about 0.8 mile (1.2 km) of walking on cobblestones streets. We advise you to wear comfortable shoes. Appropriate dress is recommended when visiting religious sites (shoulders and knees should be covered). Note that Erice is 2.300 feet (700 m) above sea level, so it may be cold and windy.
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.
Segesta
From the pier, you will be taken by coach for the short drive to the town of Trapani, passing the Ligny Tower on the way, before heading to Segesta, an hour’s drive away (with photo stop) via Saline.
Called Egesta by the Greeks and Segesta by the Romans, it was one of the most advanced cities of the ancient Elymian civilisation along with Eryx (Erice) and Entella. The city was probably built between the 5th and 4th century BC, and lies on a wide plateau in a protected position between the two summits of Mount Barbaro. Today it is an important architectural site dating back to the Elmini people who originally came from Anatoly.
You will begin your tour at the Temple of Segesta, a Doric temple built from local limestone on a hill outside the ancient town. Its architecture is typical of the late 5th century. There is evidence to suggest that the temple was not completed, as the columns are unfluted and the substructure still has the bosses or nobs used for transport which should have been removed. You will then visit the theatre which dates back to the middle of the 3rd century and accommodated up to 3,000 spectators. It is on a slope at an altitude of 440 m overlooking the temple.
You will then return to the port at Trapani to board your ship.
- As this excursion involves 0.8 mile (1.2 km) of walking to Segesta on uneven ground, it is not recommended for people who have walking difficulty. The transfer to the theatre is by local shuttle bus that leaves every half hour. Expect some delay if there are a lot of people.
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.
Marsala's delights
From the pier, you will board your coach and drive towards the "via del sale" (the salt road) with the famous "saline" and windmills, where a brief photo stop will be made. During the 1-hour coach ride, you will enjoy a panoramic view of Mozia Island. Due to its location near the coast, and its role as an important trade city, Mozia was one of the most important Phoenician and Carthaginian settlements in the Mediterranean area.
You will arrive in Marsala, situated on Cape Boeo, which is the westernmost point of the island. Upon your arrival, a brief walking tour will give you the opportunity to discover this ancient city, founded by the Phoenicians refugees after the destruction of Mozia by the hand of Dionysius I of Syracuse. The history of Marsala is multicultural indeed, as the region was subjugated by the Romans, the Vandals and the Byzantines. Then, when the city felt to the Muslims, they called it Marsa-Allah (Port of Allah). And, when the Normans took Marsala in the 1072, they rebuilt the castle and constructed churches and convents.
The town of Marsala is also famous for a dessert wine, that it is named after it. For this reason, your next stop will be made at a local winery, the “Cantine Florio”, where, after visiting the wine cellars, you will have the opportunity to taste the Sicilian specialties such as arancini (rice balls), Sicilian bread and pizza, cannoli, accompanied by different local wines including, the Marsala.
After this tasty experience, you will head to the "Torre di Ligny" one of the most beautiful panoramic points of the city. It is a massive quadrangular-plan tower built in 1671 by Prince di Ligny. From here, you will see the Egadi Islands and two little islands, "Lazzaretto" and "Torre della Colombaia".
You will finally re-board your coach and drive back to Trapani.
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This excursion involves a minimum of 1,5 km of walking on uneven surfaces with some steps. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun. The tasting is included in the tour. You will be able to make some purchases at the winery, credit cards are accepted. This tour is limited to 60 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.
HIGHLIGHTS OF MALTA
Enhance your cruise and extend your trip with a specially designed program.
Day 1 - Valletta
After breakfast aboard disembark the ship and depart on a walking excursion of UNESCO World Heritage-listed Valletta, Malta's fortified capital city located on a hilly peninsula between two natural harbors.
You will visit the Upper Barrakka Gardens to enjoy panoramic views over the Grand Harbor. Proceed to the 16th-century St. John's Co-Cathedral and view Carravaggio's famous masterpiece, The Beheading of St. John the Baptist, during an inside visit.
Then, you will board your coach and drive to a local vineyard. At the Meridiana Winery, enjoy a wine tasting of some of the country's most delicious wines. Proceed to a historic local restaurant for a lunch of traditional Maltese specialties.
After lunch, you will reboard your coach and drive to the Hagar Qim Temples, a UNESCO World Heritage site (after a photostop at Blue Grotto). The temple complex dates to 3600 BC and is in a beautiful location on a cliff overlooking the sea.
You will be transferred to your hotel The Phoenica 5*.
Check-in in your room.
The end of the day and dinner are at leisure.
Day 2 - Valletta
After breakfast at the hotel, check out and transfer to Malta International Airport for flights home.
Your hotel:
The luxurious Phoenicia Hotel 5* dates back to 1935. Surrounded by seven acres of gardens, it is ideally located next to the Triton Fountain in Valletta's City Gate Square, just outside the ancient city walls. The rooms are spacious and elegant with modern furnishings. You have a choice of three restaurants, serving a range of Maltese and Mediterranean food. The pool bar and restaurant offer a resort-style setting overlooking Grand Harbour. The hotel is also equipped with a gym and spa. Wi-Fi is available to all guests, throughout the hotel.
Upgraded rooms are also available depending on availability and on a supplement basis. Contact your travel professional for further details.
Your programme includes:
- 1-night accommodation at the Phoenicia Hotel 5* (or similar) in Executive room, breakfast included.
- Meals as mentioned in the programme.
- Beverages package during meals (mineral water + 1 soft drink or 1 local beer + 1 coffee or tea).
- Transfers, visits and entrance fees as mentioned in the programme.
- Local English-speaking guide.
Your programme does not include:
- Lunch and dinner of day 1.
- Tips for the guide and the driver.
- Personal expenses
- Other services not mentioned in the programme.
Please note:
- It is imperative that your flight arrival details are communicated at least 30 days prior to the beginning of your cruise in order to secure your transfer from the hotel to the airport.
- 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.
- The duration of the visits is given as a guide only, and the order of the visits may change.
Hotel contact information:
Phoenicia Hotel
The Mall Floriana
FRN 1478, MALTA
Telephone number: +356 2122 5241
Duration of the visits are given as a guide only. The order of the visits may be reversed. To know your PONANT flight schedule, please contact your travel agent; it is also indicated on your electronic ticket included in your travel documents.
Total : $570
VISIT OF MDINA AND PALAZZO PARISIO
Travel with peace of mind as PONANT organizes your daytime between airport and embarkation port.
Valletta
After disembarkation procedures are completed, you will be greeted at pier by our local representative.
Then, proceed to Mdina - Malta’s Old Capital, one of the locations used by the film “Black Eagle” featuring Jean-Claude Van Damme, and by “Game of Thrones” series. Mdina is one of Europe’s finest examples of an ancient walled city, with its extraordinary mix of medieval and Baroque architecture.
Continue with the visit of Palazzo Parisio, a unique 19th century palace in the heart of the Mediterranean. Palazzo Parisio is not only another palace of the legendary Knights of St. John, but the ultimate memorial of ambitions, aspirations and pretensions of a 19th century noble family. It houses two baroque walled gardens, including a lovely orangery – a miniature Versailles.
Enjoy a small snack in the Palace.
Transfer to Malta Airport on time for the flight selected by PONANT.
Your programme includes:
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Transfers, and visits as mentioned in the programme.
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Services of a local English-speaking guide.
Your programme does not include:
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Tips for the driver and local guide.
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Personal expenses and other services not mentioned in the programme.
Duration and price of the visits are given as a guide only. The order of the visits may be reversed. To know your PONANT flight schedule, please contact your travel agent; it is also indicated on your electronic ticket included in your travel documents.
In the event of schedule changes of PONANT’s selected flight, your programme will be adapted to ensure the most seamless and enriching experience. The content of your revised programme will be updated on the PONANT website, in My Ponant space and on the PONANT app. The final programme will also be sent to you along with your cruise documents.
Total : $192