Guest Speaker 
Deluxe Stateroom
15% Ponant Bonus
204 ft2
2
Ancient civilisations of the Eastern Mediterranean
Aqaba - Valletta
Dates:
4/15/2023
to
4/25/2023
days
nights on board
Board Le Champlain for an 11-day cruise from Aqaba and the Jordanian shores to Valletta, the capital of Malta. As you sail along the waters of the Near East on this journey through the Eastern Mediterranean, the cultural discoveries and stunning landscapes are sure to impress you.
After your embarkation in Aqaba, your first port of call will be Eilat in Israel. You will be able to discover the majestic fortress of Massada looming over the Dead Sea.
You will sail on to Egypt, where you will call at Ain Sukhna in the northern Gulf of Suez. This Egyptian city is the departure point for discovering the wonders of Ancient Egypt, such as the pyramids of Giza and the Colossus of Ramesses II.
Your adventure continues as you cross the world-famous Suez Canal, built by Ferdinand de Lesseps and widened recently to facilitate trade. Then, its onwards to Rhodes, whose old medieval town, built by the Knights of St John, is surrounded by ramparts. It is the largest of the Dodecanese islands and was once home to one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World: its famous Colossus.
After visiting a Greek Island, you will venture to Turkey, where you will call at Kusadasi. An old fishing village with history going back 5,000 years, not far from the Ephesus site, the town is now one of the country’s most famous seaside resorts.
Your ship will take you to the southern Aegean Sea to discover the capital of Crete, Heraklion, built on a hillside overlooking the port and encircled by formidable Venetian walls.
The cruise comes to an end in Valletta, capital of the island of Malta and the former stronghold of the Knights of the Order of Malta.
Ref : EC150423
Your itinerary
A cruise between the shores of the Levant and the Maltese capital, to discover six Mediterranean countries: Jordan, Israel, Egypt, Greece, Turkey and Malta. UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Petra and Wadi Rum from...
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Your trip in detail
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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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LE CHAMPLAIN
7/24/2023 to the 8/2/2023
L'AUSTRAL
4/10/2023 to the 4/19/2023
L'AUSTRAL
8/10/2023 to the 8/26/2023
- New
LE LYRIAL
LE CHAMPLAIN
8/2/2023 to the 8/10/2023
*Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability, and subject to change at any time. The category of stateroom to which this price applies may no longer be available.
Services provided
- 24h room service
- Butler service and priority boarding : Owner’s suite, Grand de Luxe Suite, Privilege Suites, Prestige Suite Deck 6
- Inclusive Internet access Wifi (availability dependent on navigation and latitude)
- Individually-controlled air conditioning
- Dressing room with shelves and closet
- Dressing table and hairdryer
- Selection of Hermès top-of-the-line bath products
- Minibar included
- Nespresso coffee maker and boiler
- Electronic safe
- Direct line telephone
- Bose Bluetooth speaker
- Flat screen TV, international channels (availability dependent on navigation) and videos on demand
- 110V American (two flat pins)/220V European (round sockets with two round pins)
- Two ADA staterooms
Select your stateroom category
Ideal clothes for life on board:
During the days spent on board, you are advised to wear comfortable clothes or casual outfits. The entire ship is air-conditioned, so a light sweater, a light jacket or a shawl may be necessary. When moving about in the public areas of the ship and the decks, light but comfortable shoes are recommended.
Informal evening:
In the evening, you are advised to wear smart-casual attire, especially when dining in our restaurants where wearing shorts and tee-shirts is not allowed.
For women:
- Simple dress
- Skirt or trousers
- Blouse
- Polo
For men:
- Pleated trousers or chinos
- Sports jacket
- Shirt
- Polo
Officer’s evening:
Depending on the itinerary and the program of your cruise, an Officer’s Evening with a white dress code may be organized. Therefore, we encourage you to bring a stylish white outfit for the occasion (otherwise black and white).
Gala evening:
During the cruise, two gala evenings will be organised on board. Thus, we recommend that you bring one or two formal outfits.
For women:
- Cocktail attire
- Evening dress (if you wish to)
For men:
- Dark suit
- Tie recommended, possibly bow tie (if you wish to)
SHOP:
A small shop is available on board offering a wide range of outfits, jewellery, leather goods and many accessories.
A laundry service (washing/ironing) is available on board, but unfortunately there are no dry cleaning services. For safety reasons, your cabin is not equipped with an iron.
ACCESSORIES:
- Polarized sunglasses
- Swimsuit (for the Spa on board)
- Gym wear (fitness)
- Battery charger and memory cards for your camera
- Mobile phone charger
- Hat/cap
HEALTH CARE:
- Sunscreen and after-sun lotion
- Medications and prescriptions
OUTFITS ON BOARD:
- Casual outfits for the day
- Smarter outfits for dinners
- Elegant outfits for Gala evenings
- White or black and white outfit
PRECAUTIONS:
In your hand luggage, remember to bring any medicines that you need, and possibly a small spare bag of toiletries (in case of delay in the delivery of your baggage by the airline). Remember to always have your travel documents with you in case you need them: hotel vouchers, cruise vouchers, return flight tickets... Never leave them in your hold luggage.
All our cabins have a safe. We recommend not to go ashore with valuable jewellery.
PONANT activities
Highlights
- A cruise between the shores of the Levant and the Maltese capital, to discover six Mediterranean countries: Jordan, Israel, Egypt, Greece, Turkey and Malta.
- UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Petra and Wadi Rum from Aqaba (embarkation port), from Eilat the majestic fortress of Massada looming over the Dead Sea, the sacred island of Delos, the medieval city of Rhodes, the Pyramids of Gizeh from Ain Sokhna, the historical sites of Ephesus from Kusadasi.
- A varied cruise, including lively cities, historic and cultural sites.
- Crossing the Suez Canal.
Ports of Call & Excursions
April 15, 2023 - Aqaba
Embarkation 4/15/2023 from 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Departure 4/15/2023 at 6:00 PM
Located in the Red Sea within the eponymous gulf, Aqaba offers Jordan its only access to the sea. At the crossroads of the land and sea routes that linked Asia, Africa and Europe, the town is rich with more than 5,000 years of history. The warm waters of the Red Sea attract holidaymakers and divers to this seaside destination; the underwater sites home to coral and fishes are some of the most beautiful in the world. Aqaba is also the gateway to the magnificent desert of Wadi Rum and the marvellous site of Petra.
April 16, 2023 - Eilat
Arrival 4/16/2023 early morning
Departure 4/16/2023 evening
Situated in the far south of the State of Israel, on the banks of the Gulf of Eilat, on the edge of the Negev Desert between Egypt and Jordan, Eilat is internationally renowned as a high-end seaside resort and spa town, as well as for its magnificent natural sites. The first references to this place date back to the time of King Solomon. His legendary mines are said to be located not far from the now-modern city. It is the departure point for visiting the Masada fortress and for the incredible experience of swimming in the Dead Sea.
April 17, 2023 - At sea
Arrival 4/17/2023
Departure 4/17/2023
During your day at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This day without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.
April 18, 2023 - Ain Sukhna
Arrival 4/18/2023 early morning
Departure 4/18/2023 early evening
Ain Sukhna, which means “hot spring,” is located in the Gulf of Suez, facing the Red Sea. Around fifty kilometres from the entrance to the Suez Canal, and less than two hours from the Egyptian capital, it is an elegant seaside town that is popular with wealthy families from Cairo. Ain Soukhna is an ideal base for discovering the marvels of Ancient Egypt.
April 19, 2023 - Crossing the Suez Canal
Arrival 4/19/2023
Departure 4/19/2023
Without the waterway linking the Red Sea to the Mediterranean this part of the world would be an arid sandy desert inhabited by a few nomads. The Suez Canal slices through 162 km of desert and was inaugurated in 1869 in the presence of Empress Eugenie, then nationalised by Nasser in 1956.
April 20, 2023 - At sea
Arrival 4/20/2023
Departure 4/20/2023
During your day at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This day without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.
April 21, 2023 - Rhodes
Arrival 4/21/2023 early morning
Departure 4/21/2023 mid afternoon
With its particularly agreeable climate, the island of Rhodes invites you to walk its pathways and discover its immaculate villages and sumptuous medieval city, a UNESCO World Heritage site. At the centre of the island the mountains are covered in forest and on the western slopes we find vineyards and crops. Rhodes also owes much of its charm and its character to the Knights of St John who reigned over the island from 1310 to 1522 and built impressive defensive walls punctuated with majestic gateways. Do not miss this delightful island with its peaceful beaches and its large walkways, perpetuating the myth of the famous Colossus, the legendary statue that is one of the Seven Wonders of the World.
April 22, 2023 - Kusadasi
Arrival 4/22/2023 early morning
Departure 4/22/2023 early afternoon
The attractive seaside resort of Kusadasi is located in a gulf on the western coast of Turkey. You can bathe there in clear waters or stroll along the coastal walk, in the shade of palms. In the historical district, you can take a mosey down the narrow streets and explore the colourful shops in the bazaar. Close by, the Ephesus archaeological site in the hillsides provides an opportunity to discover the ruins of one of the most famous cities of Antiquity.
April 23, 2023 - Heraklion, Crete
Arrival 4/23/2023 early morning
Departure 4/23/2023 early afternoon
Heraklion, the capital of Crete, is the island’s most populous city. The hustle and bustle of this seaport is an integral part of its charm. It is built on a hillside overlooking the port and is encircled by impressive Venetian walls. From the top of these, you will be able to enjoy one of the most beautiful views of the city. The old town is teeming with small shops, squares, cafés and vibrant architectural evidence of the city’s long history. The Palace of Knossos illustrates the wealth and power of its legendary sovereign, King Minos. The archaeological museum houses one of the largest collections of Minoan artefacts and is worth a visit.
April 24, 2023 - At sea
Arrival 4/24/2023
Departure 4/24/2023
During your day at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This day without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.
April 25, 2023 - Valletta
Arrival 4/25/2023 early morning
Disembarkation 4/25/2023 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.
The Grand Egyptian Museum & the Pyramids
This full day excursion provides a visit of the most important and significant sites of Egypt's: the Grand Egyptian museum, the Great Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx.
From the pier of Ain Sukhna, board your coach for a 2.5-hour drive to Cairo, via the desert road. During your journey, your guide will provide interesting facts about the sites you will be visiting.
Once arriving, you will visit the Great Pyramids of Egypt. The Great Pyramids are considered the most famous of Egypt’s attractions and the only monuments left of the Ancient Wonders. The three main Pyramids at Giza were built as tombs by Cheops, his son Chephren, and Chephren’s son Mykerinus to preserve each of the pharaohs’ mummified body for eternity. For centuries, these unique structures have intrigued the world while surviving the rise and fall of great dynasties.
Southeast of the Great Pyramids stands the Sphinx, carved out of solid rock around 2650 BC. Steeped in legend and superstition, the Sphinx was a monument either to the sun god Ra or to Pharaoh Chephren. It has the head of a man and the body of a lion. The monument faces east, probably to greet the rising sun and the return of life each day.
After enjoying lunch, you will visit the Grand Egyptian museum. This museum is an immense case of concrete, glass and steel that will display among 100,000 objects covering 5,000 years of history. One of the museum highlights will be the visit of King Tutankhamen exhibition. Tutankhamen is the boy-king who ruled Egypt for nine years. Its royal treasure represents a collection of more than 5,000 pieces.
After the visit of the museum, you will drive back to Ain Sukhna where your ship is docked.
- This excursion involves approximately 1.2 mile (2 km) of walking on flat ways with some steps. We recommend you wear comfortable shoes and protect yourself from the sun. The lunch is included on your tour. Cameras are permitted at the Pyramids. Opening of the Grand Egyptian museum is expected to be in October 2021. In case of delay and if the museum is not open on the date of our port of call, its visit will have to be cancelled.
Price range:
Find out more
€€€€: the excursion price is more than €150.
The price of the excursion will be available approximately two months prior to the cruise departure.
The complete programme of excursions, including up-to-date prices, will be provided with the Travel book that you will receive before the departure of your cruise.
PONANT also allows you to pre-book your excursions approximately two months prior to the cruise* departure. Billing is done on board.
*Excluding Expedition cruises.
According to availability, price per passenger.
Panoramic views of Rhodes
From the pier, board your coach for a scenic drive around the east coast of Rhodes island. You will drive along the walls surrounding the city before heading up Mount Smith (named after the English Admiral Sydney Smith, who kept an eye on the Napoleonic fleet from here). From this point, you can enjoy panoramic views over Rhodes and the castles. If the weather is good, you may even catch a glimpse of the Turkish coast and the neighbouring islands.
You will reach Lindos by a route passing through the hinterland. From one promontory, you can see the whole of the famous Acropolis. Built between the 7th and 6th century BC, the Lindos Acropolis is a sprawling complex of structures from various historic periods, perched dramatically above the town. A place of worship from the Mycenaean age, it was enlarged in the Hellenistic period before the Knights of the Order of Hospitallers established a fortress here, a role it retained until the Ottoman era.
Following the panoramic route, you will arrive at Faliraki, a traditional fishermen village where you will enjoy some local snacks with a glass of Greece's trademark Ouzo.
The road back to your ship goes through typical villages.
- This tour is a panoramic tour and involves few walking times. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun.
Price range:
Find out more
€€: the excursion price is between €50 and €100.
The price of the excursion will be available approximately two months prior to the cruise departure.
The complete programme of excursions, including up-to-date prices, will be provided with the Travel book that you will receive before the departure of your cruise.
PONANT also allows you to pre-book your excursions approximately two months prior to the cruise* departure. Billing is done on board.
*Excluding Expedition cruises.
According to availability, price per passenger.
Walking tour of Rhodes
From the ship, discover the Knights City on a guided walking tour.
Follow your guide through the cobbled streets to the impressive Palace of the Grand Masters of the Order of Hospitallers, which dates from the 14th century and contains some Greek and Roman mosaics originating from the island of Kos.
After visiting the palace, you will walk along the famous Avenue of the Knights lined with the old Knights’ inns from the Order’s various nationalities. It is unusually straight for a medieval street, and its sombre buildings present a majestic and forbidding face to the world, with their 15th century Gothic walls and arcades worn smooth over the centuries. Retracing an ancient route, the straight line of this street cuts through the maze of winding alleyways surrounding it.
After your guided tour, you can return directly to your ship with your guide or wander around the streets and shops at your leisure.
- This tour is only on foot and involves walking on cobblestone streets, so we advise you to wear comfortable shoes and protect yourself from the sun.
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.
According to availability, price per passenger.
The Ephesus archaeological site
From the pier, embark your coach for a 30-minute drive to the Ephesus site, one of the best-preserved ancient cities in the Mediterranean basin.
Originally dedicated to Cybele, the goddess of fertility, during the prehistoric times, the city was claimed by the Ionians for Artemis and later to Diana by the Romans.
Ephesus is one of the best-preserved Greco-Roman sites of the ancient world in the whole Mediterranean. Excavated since 1869, most of the main streets and public buildings have been unearthed and opened for visitors. Everything is here: town hall, dwellings, shops and even public toilets. A town of white marble dazzling in the sunshine, Ephesus is like a stone history book recounting the story of what daily life must have been like in the time of the Greeks and Romans.
During your tour, you will discover the Roman Ephesus. Most of the monuments were built during the reign of Emperor Augustus. Due to its location, the city was developed into two sections: the upper part of the city was the administrative sector with the town hall, a civil basilica and the Odeon aligned on the north side of the State Agora. The lower section facing the port houses religious, commercial and cultural buildings, such as the famous Celsius Library, Roman Villas, commercial agora and its theatre, which accommodated up to 24,000 spectators, and the stadium.
Residences of the town’s nobility are grouped on the slopes of Mount Pion and Mount Coressos on either side of Couretes Street, which links the town’s two districts. The site is also famous for its Hercules Gate, the ancient Scholastikia baths, the Marble Street and Hadrian’s temple.
- This tour involves one hour and a half of walking on uneven ground with some steps. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun.
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.
According to availability, price per passenger.
Ephesus & Roman Villas
From the pier, you will embark your coach for a 30-minute drive to the Ephesus site, one of the best-preserved ancient cities in the Mediterranean basin.
Originally dedicated to Cybele, the goddess of fertility, during the prehistoric times, the city was claimed by the Ionians for Artemis and later to Diana by the Romans. Ephesus is one of the best-preserved Greco-Roman sites of the ancient world in the whole Mediterranean. Excavated since 1869, most of the main streets and public buildings have been unearthed and opened for visitors. Everything is here: town hall, dwellings, shops and even public toilets. A town of white marble dazzling in the sunshine, Ephesus is like a stone history book recounting the story of what daily life must have been like in the time of the Greeks and Romans.
During your tour, you will discover the Roman Ephesus. Most of the monuments were built during the reign of Emperor Augustus. Due to its location, the city was developed into two sections: the upper part of the city was the administrative sector with the town hall, a civil basilica and the Odeon aligned on the north side of the State Agora. The lower section facing the port houses religious, commercial and cultural buildings, such as the famous Celsius Library, Roman Villas, commercial agora and its theatre, which accommodated up to 24,000 spectators, and the stadium.
You will start your tour at the upper gate of Ephesus, which is also known as the Magnesium Gate. Your guide will lead you on a leisurely downhill walking tour through Ephesus’ marble streets, passing and pointing out all the historically important buildings on the way.
You will move on to the recently excavated Terrace Houses complex which are also known as the houses of the rich Ephesians. Located on the northern slope of Bulbul Mountain next to Curetes Street and opposite the Temple of Hadrian, these houses were built in the peristyle form with a courtyard surrounded by Ionic colonnades. They are finely decorated with mosaics and frescoes. Built in the period of Augustus, they were inhabited until the 7th century AD according to evidence from excavations.
Then, you will visit one of the most impressive sites of Ephesus, the Library of Celsus. Built in 135 BC by a son in homage to his father, this library is finely decorated with columns and sculptures.
Finally, after just a short walk away, you will join the Grand theatre where St Paul preached to the Ephesians, imploring them to give up their worship of Artemis and embrace the Christian faith.
- This tour involves two and a half hours of walking on uneven ground with many steps. The surface can be slippery. We recommend that you wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun. This tour is limited to 40 participants.
Price range:
Find out more
€€: the excursion price is between €50 and €100.
The price of the excursion will be available approximately two months prior to the cruise departure.
The complete programme of excursions, including up-to-date prices, will be provided with the Travel book that you will receive before the departure of your cruise.
PONANT also allows you to pre-book your excursions approximately two months prior to the cruise* departure. Billing is done on board.
*Excluding Expedition cruises.
According to availability, price per passenger.
Minoan Palace & archaeological museum
Crete’s fertile soil and towering peaks witnessed the development of one of the earliest recorded civilizations on earth: the Minoan.
Knossos is the most important of the Minoan palaces and the most famous Cretan site since its discovery in 1878. Occupied for 9,000 years before present and associated with the legend of the palace of King Minos, the site was the capital of Crete during the Minoan period. It was the court of the legendary King Minos, whose wife Pasiphae gave birth to the Minotaur, half-bull, half-man. The excavations on the site were begun in 1893 by the English archaeologist Sir Arthur Evans and his team and lasted 35 years.
From the pier, you will board your coach for the 30-minute drive to Knossos.
During this tour, you will discover the Great Palace through the West Court, where one can easily understand why the legend of the labyrinth grew up here. It takes about one hour and a half to walk around the site and explore all the parts of the Palace. See the Royal Quarters’ Throne room with its antechamber and main throne, as well as the Queen’s Quarters, whose wall above the entrance door is decorated with a copy of the famous dolphin frescos. Your guide will also tell about the Minotaur legend.
You will continue your journey with a visit of the Archaeological Museum in Heraklion. The museum houses archaeological finds from all over Crete, covering over 5,500 years of the island's history. With its twenty halls, the museum presents the finds from the Minoan era, including the frescoes from the Royal Palace of Knossos.
After your visit of the museum, you will board your coach and join your ship after a 15-minute drive.
- This excursion involves 1,5 km (1 mile) of walking with some steps. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun.
Price range:
Find out more
€€: the excursion price is between €50 and €100.
The price of the excursion will be available approximately two months prior to the cruise departure.
The complete programme of excursions, including up-to-date prices, will be provided with the Travel book that you will receive before the departure of your cruise.
PONANT also allows you to pre-book your excursions approximately two months prior to the cruise* departure. Billing is done on board.
*Excluding Expedition cruises.
According to availability, price per passenger.
Phaestos Palace
From the pier, board your coach and drive across Crete and towards the Libyan Sea to Phaestos.
One of the most important centres of the Minoan civilization, Phaestos was the wealthiest and most powerful city in Southern Crete. It was inhabited from the Neolithic Age until the development of the Minoan palaces in the 15th century BC. Upon arrival, proceed to a visit of the Phaestos Palace, also known as the ‘Phaistos Palace’, and commence your guided walking tour.
The Phaestos Palace’s superb architectural design and near-perfect construction is one of the finest and most typical of all Minoan palaces. The ruins of the Old and New Palace are both preserved; the Old Palace is protected under a shed, with some remains dating back to Neolithic times. The New Palace consists of a central peristyle court flanked by storerooms and shrines on the west side, the royal quarters on the north and the workshops on the east. The ‘theatral area’ with the ‘processional ways’ is situated west of the storerooms, and the granaries of the Old Palace are located in the lower strata. The West Propylon, the palace’s monumental entrance, is the most impressive known structure of its kind. The artefacts from the palace are now exhibited in the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion.
Following your guided tour, depart the archaeological site of Phaestos for the drive back to the pier.
- This excursion involves approximately 2.4 km (1 ½ miles) of walking on uneven ground and several steps. Please wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun. This tour is not recommended to guests with limited mobility.
Price range:
Find out more
€€: the excursion price is between €50 and €100.
The price of the excursion will be available approximately two months prior to the cruise departure.
The complete programme of excursions, including up-to-date prices, will be provided with the Travel book that you will receive before the departure of your cruise.
PONANT also allows you to pre-book your excursions approximately two months prior to the cruise* departure. Billing is done on board.
*Excluding Expedition cruises.
According to availability, price per passenger.
Le Champlain
Like the rest of the PONANT EXPLORERS series, Le Champlain successfully manages to subtly combine the desire to explore the remotest regions of the planet with the comfort and privacy of a cosily intimate ship.
To the innovative and environmentally friendly equipment are added elegant design and a unique atmosphere in keeping with the whole PONANT universe. Your dream of a cruise onboard a cosily intimate ship is thus made possible through the combination of an authentically genuine voyage experience together with discreet luxury.
Up to 184 Guests
92 staterooms & suites
118 crew members
Spa
2 restaurants
Decks
Guest Speaker
Aboard your ship, an English-speaking lecturer will enlighten you about the culture and history of your destination to deepen your knowledge of the origins of local traditions, the history of emblematic sites, and stories involving famous personalities and those of major historical significance. During on-board lectures or on your shore visits, this expert will be there to share their precious knowledge with you throughout your PONANT cruise.
Shore excursions, Pre/Post & Overlands
SNORKELING IN THE RED SEA (1 NIGHT)
Enhance your cruise and extend your trip with a carefully designed programme.
Day 1 - Aqaba
Meet at Aqaba Airport in the Arrival hall. Look for PONANT sign. You will be greeted by our local representative off the flight selected by PONANT or any other flight (provided that you have previously communicated your flight schedule to your travel agent).
You will be transferred to the Kempinski Aqaba Red Sea 5*.
Dinner at leisure.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 2 - Aqaba
Breakfast.
Morning at leisure.
Late-morning departure. Board your vehicle for a short ride and embark a local boat to discover the crystal-clear water, coral gardens and multicolored fish that makes the Red sea so rich. Your snorkeling instructor will assist you and will help you to understand to diversity of the Jordan seabed. Upon your return to the beach, enjoy a local and simple lunch and some free time at the beach.
You will then be transferred to the pier to embark on board your ship.
Your hotel:
The Kempinski Aqaba Red Sea 5* is located on a white sandy Red Sea beach, close to Aqaba city centre. Deluxe rooms are contemporary in design and feature a private balcony overlooking the Red Sea. A glass wall separates the bathroom from the room to take advantage of the natural light. The hotel has an extensive 2-floors spa with panoramic sea views.
Upgraded rooms are also available depending on availability and on a supplement basis. Contact your travel professional for further detail.
Your programme includes:
- 1-night accommodation in Deluxe room at Kempinski Aqaba Red Sea 5*(local standard) or similar, breakfast included.
- Meals as mentioned in the programme.
- Beverage package during meals (bottled water + 1 soft drink or 1 glass of wine and 1 coffee or tea).
- Transfers and activities as mentioned in the programme.
- The services of a local English-speaking guide.
- Visa delivery upon arrival in Aqaba.
Your programme does not include:
- Dinner on day 1.
- Personal expenses.
- Tips for the driver and local guide.
- Other services not mentioned in the programme.
Please note:
- 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.
- The entry visa in Jordan will only be delivered if you have shared your full travel information.
- Knowing how to swim is highly recommended to fully enjoy this tour. If that is not the case and to ensure your safety, please inform your travel advisor and we will make arrangements with the snorkeling instructor.
Contact of your hotel:
Kempinski Hotel Aqaba Red Sea
Ing Hussein Street, 77110 Aqaba, Jordan
Telephone: +962 3 209 0888
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 : $720
Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.
BEAUTIFUL WADI RUM AND PETRA (2 NIGHTS)
Enhance your cruise and extend your trip with a carefully designed programme.
Take advantage of three unforgettable days to discover the treasures of Jordan, between breath-taking landscapes and ancient sites. Go into the desert to meet the Bedouins and explore a forgotten city. This program rich in emotions will be an ideal prelude to your cruise.
Day 1 - Aqaba/Petra
Meet at Aqaba airport in the Arrival hall. Look for PONANT sign. You will be greeted by our local representative off the flight selected by PONANT or any other flight (provided that you have previously communicated your flight schedule to your travel agent).
You will be transferred to the Kempinski Aqaba Red Sea Hotel 5*.
Check-in.
Overnight in Aqaba.
Day 2 - Aqaba/Wadi Rum/Petra
After breakfast, you will be transferred by coach to Wadi Rum (1-hour drive). Upon arrival in Wadi Rum, you will board four-wheel drive Bedouin truck driven by a local Bedouin, then start a 2 hours'drive inside the beautiful desert. The landscape of Wadi Rum, also known as "Valley of the Moon, with its immensity, colours and awe-inspiring shapes, creates an almost supernatural atmosphere. The place has been the setting for the film "Lawrence of Arabia", as well as the actual location where T. E. Lawrence set his camp, whose book The Seven Pillars of Wisdom was named after the seven natural columns varying in height located in route to Wadi Rum. Bedouin camps are evident in the Wadi, which is still home to many Bedouin families, who welcome visitors with the hospitality and generosity that Bedouins are so famous for.
Proceed to a Bedouin camp for some rest and lunch.
You will then have a 2-hour drive to reach Petra.
Late afternoon check-in at the hotel Mövenpick Resort Petra 5*.
The rest of the day is at leisure. Dinner at the hotel.
Day 3 - Petra/Aqaba
After breakfast and check-out, you will depart your hotel on foot and tour the ancient rose-red city of Petra, which was built by the Nabataeans more than 2,000 years ago. Learn about this fascinating culture and the amazing relics they left behind. In these times, Petra was a fortress carved out of craggy rocks, in an area which was virtually inaccessible. In the first and second century, after the Romans took over, the city reached the peak of its fame.
From the entrance, it is an 800 meter ( 1/2 mi.) walk to the entrance of the old city. Then continue your walk on foot along the « Siq » to visit the rose-red city of Petra. Petra covers an area of about 100 square km (38 sq. mi.), where over 800 monuments can be found.
When shipping slowly displaced caravan routes, the city's importance gradually dwindled ; it fell into disuse and was lost to the world until 1812, when it was rediscovered by the Swiss explorer Johann Ludwig Burkhart. Nowadays, Petra is Jordan's number one tourist attraction, known as the "rose-red city half as old as time".
The Khazneh (Treasury) of Petra stared in the famous movie "Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade".
At the end of your visit, enjoy a lunch in a local restaurant inside the site.
In the early afternoon it will be time to proceed to Aqaba (2-hour drive) before reaching the port in time for embarkation aboard your ship.
Your hotels:
Kempinski Aqaba Red Sea 5* Hotel is gracefully situated on the sandy beaches and azure waters of the Red Sea, in a city embedded with fusion of history, nature, and city life surrounded by picturesque mountains and blue sea. All Rooms has spacious rooms and dramatic sea views. Cutting edge modern fittings and luxurious bathrooms.
Mövenpick Resort Petra 5* Hotel is located directly at the entrance to the historic city of Petra. This resort with an oriental flair features an exciting combination of natural stone, handcrafted wood and luxurious Middle Eastern fabrics and textures. With 183 newly renovated rooms and suites and a wide variety of restaurants for your culinary cravings, the Mövenpick Resort Petra will certainly provide long lasting memories. Enjoy your time spent in one of the world's most extraordinary destinations.
Your programme includes:
- 1-night accommodation in Standard room at Kempinski Aqaba Red Sea 5* local standards (or similar).
- 1-night accommodation in Standard room at Mövenpick Resort Petra 5* local standards (or similar).
- Meals as mentioned in the programme.
- Beverages package during lunches and dinners (mineral water + 1 soft drink or 1 local beer + 1 coffee or tea).
- Transfers, visits and entrance fees as mentioned in the programme.
- Services of a local English-speaking guide.
- Visa delivery upon arrival in Aqaba.
Your programme does not include:
- Personal expenses.
- Tips for the driver and local guide.
- Other services not mentioned in the programme.
Please note:
- 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.
- This program involves extensive walking over sandy and uneven terrain and is not suitable for guests with walking difficulty. No vehicles are allowed within Petra site ; the day tour of Petra will be a whole walking tour.
- The vehicles used at Wadi Rum are simple all-terrain vehicles owned and operated by local Bedouins through their cooperatives. The drive will be bumpy as you travel over uneven ground in the desert.
Contact of your hotels:
Kempinski Hotel Aqaba Red Sea
King Hussein Street
O Box 1441 77110
Aqaba Jordan
Phone : +962 3 2090888
Mövenpick Resort Petra
Tourism Street
Petra
71810 Jordan
Telephone : +962 3 215 71 11
Duration of the visits are given as a guide only. The order of the visits may be reversed. For the times of your PONANT flight, please contact your travel agent ; they are also shown on your electronic ticket included in your travel documents.
Total : $1,540
Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.
TREASURES OF JORDAN (4 NIGHTS)
Enhance your cruise and extend your trip with a carefully designed programme.
Take advantage of five unforgettable days to discover the treasures of Jordan, between holy places, ancient sites and breath-taking landscapes. Visit sacred sites, explore a forgotten city and go into the desert to meet the Bedouins. This program rich in emotions will be an ideal prelude to your embarkation.
Day 1 - Amman
Meet at Amman Airport in the Arrival hall. Look for PONANT sign. You will be greeted by our local representative off the flight selected by PONANT or any other flight (provided that you have previously communicated your flight schedule to your travel agent).
You will be transferred to the Intercontinental Amman Hotel 5*.
Check-in.
Overnight.
Day 2 - Amman/Jerash/Dead Sea
After check out, proceed to the Citadel Of Amman. The Citadel which towers above the city from atop Jabal al-Qala'a is a good place to begin a tour of the city. The Citadel is the site of ancient Rabbath-Ammon and excavations here have revealed numerous Roman, Byzantine and early Islamic remains. The most impressive building of the Citadel, known simply as al-Qasr (the Palace) dates back to the Islamic Umayyad period. A colonnaded street also runs through the complex. To the north and northeast are the ruins of Umayyad palace grounds. Downhill from the Citadel, the Roman is the most obvious and impressive relic of ancient Philadelphia. The theatre, which was built during the reign of Antonius Pius (AD 138-161), is cut into the northern side of a hill, it can accommodate 6,000 spectators. Beautifully restored, the theatre is still used periodically for sporting and cultural events. Afterwards, free time will be allocated for you to purchase souvenirs.
Proceed then to Jerash (a 1-hour drive). Nestled in the hills of Gilead is the Greco-Roman city of Jerash, where archaeological remains from the Neolithic, Greek, Roman, Byzantine and Umayyad eras, amongst others, have been found. Jerash's golden age, however, arrived with the Roman era. Today, Jerash is known as one of the best-preserved provincial cities of the Roman Empire. Jerash was also a member of the Decapolis, a dynamic commercial league of ten Greco-Roman cities which were grouped together because of their language, culture, location and political status, wherein each functioned as an autonomous city-state.
After your visit, enjoy lunch in a local restaurant.
Board your coach and head to your hotel Kempinski Ishtar Dead Sea 5* (a 1,5 hour drive).
Check-in at the hotel.
Time at leisure to enjoy the Dead Sea.
Dinner is served at the hotel.
Day 3 - Dead Sea/Madaba/Mount Nebo/Petra
After check-out, embark your coach for the one-hour drive to Madaba, one of the most memorable places in the holy land, located south of Amman. Dubbed “the city of mosaics,” Madaba offers many sites to explore. Amongst them the main attraction – in the contemporary Greek Orthodox church of St George – is a wonderfully vivid, 6th century Byzantine mosaic map, showing Jerusalem and other holy sites. With two million pieces of coloured stone and a full 25 x 25 meters (82 ft) in its original state – most of which can still be seen today – the map depicts hills and valleys, villages and towns, as far away as the Nile Delta. This masterpiece is unrivalled in Jordan, but there are literally dozens of other mosaics from the 5th through the 7th centuries scattered throughout Madaba’s churches and homes.
Lunch will be served in a local restaurant.
Then proceed to Mount Nebo. According to the Bible, Mount Nebo is the mountain where Moses was allowed to see the Holy Land. Nowadays, the mountain is a memorial site where you can find the “Church of Moses,” built by the first Christians, which displays a large number of beautiful mosaics. Ever since the first days of Christianity, this mountain has been a holy place and a destination for pilgrimage. Like Moses, you can have a great view over Jordan, the Dead Sea and Israel. When the weather is clear, you should even be able to see Jerusalem, which is about 60 kilometres (37 mi.) away.
Board your coach in the mid-afternoon for 3 hours transfer to the hotel Movenpick Petra 5*.
Day 4 – Petra/Wadi Rum
Depart your hotel on foot and tour the ancient rose-red city of Petra was built by the Nabataeans more than 2,000 years ago. Learn about this fascinating culture and the amazing relics they left behind. In these times, Petra was a fortress carved out of craggy rocks, in an area which was virtually inaccessible. In the first and second century, after the Romans took over, the city reached the peak of its fame.
From the entrance, it is an 800 meter (½ mi.) walk to the entrance of the old city. Then continue your walk on foot along the « Siq » to visit the rose-red city of Petra. Petra covers an area of about 100 square km (38 sq. mi.), where over 800 monuments can be found.
When shipping slowly displaced caravan routes, the city's importance gradually dwindled; it fell into disuse and was lost to the world until 1812, when it was rediscovered by the Swiss explorer Johann Ludwig Burkhart. Nowadays, Petra is Jordan's number one tourist attraction, known as the "rose-red city half as old as time".
At the end of your visit, enjoy a lunch in a local restaurant inside the site.
Board your coach for 2,5 hours drive to your Bedouin camp Saraya Camp 4*, in the desert of Wadi Rum to enjoy a privilege evening under the stars.
Dinner and overnight.
Day 5 – Wadi Rum/Petra
Otherwise known as Valley of the Moon, Wadi Rum is the largest - and most magnificent - of Jordan's desert landscapes and has been virtually untouched by humans. A maze of monolithic rock formations rises up from the desert floor to heights of 1,750 meters (5,740 feet), creating a natural challenge for serious mountaineers. However, Wadi Rum may be best known for its connection with British officer T. E. Lawrence, who passed through several times during the Arab Revolt of 1917 –18. In the 1980s one of the rock formations in Wadi Rum was named "The Seven Pillars of Wisdom" after Lawrence's book penned in the aftermath of the war, although the 'Seven Pillars' referred to in the book have no connection with Rum.
Enjoy a four-hour excursion of Wadi Rum in a four-wheel-drive vehicle. Please note that this excursion is conducted on board a simple vehicle which is operated by a local charity foundation. The revenue generated through these tours helps support the livelihood of the local Bedouins.
Lunch will be served during the course of the tour under a Bedouin tent.
Continue to the port of Aqaba to embark onboard your ship.
Your hotels:
An oasis of modern luxury, Intercontinental Amman Hotel 5* is perched on one of the city's seven hills, in the heart of the diplomatic district. All 440 newly renovated rooms and suites are equipped with stylish and convenient amenities. Relax and rejuvenate in the indoor and outdoor pools, enjoy signature treatments at the full-service spa or try one of six restaurants.
Kempinski Ishtar Dead Sea 5* is ideally located on the edge of the Dead Sea. It features 9 outdoor swimming pools offering magnificient views of the the Dead Sea, Spa facilities and several restaurants and bars.
Hayat Zaman Hotel & Resort 5* is ideally located 10 minutes away from entrance of Petra and features a late 19th century jordanian village. All rooms have air-conditionning, a minibar and a private balcony.
Saraya Rum Camp Wadi Rum 4* is located off the beaten path in the desert of Wadi Rum. This Bedouin camp was selected to experience the Bedouin culture and gastronomy while stargazing in a privileged environment. The bungalows feature a true Bedouin decoration inside and outside out, a small and private patio, a fully equipped bathroom and mostly a two-sided panorama on the Wadi Rum.
Upgraded rooms are also available depending on availability and on a supplement basis. Contact your travel professional for further detail.
Your programme includes:
- 1-night accommodation in Deluxe room at the Intercontinental Amman 5* local standards (or similar), breakfast included.
- 1-night accommodation in Superior room at the Kempinski Ishtar Dead Sea 5* local standards (or similar), breakfast included.
- 1-night accommodation in Superior room at the Mövenpick Resort Petra 5* local standards (or similar), breakfast included.
- 1-night accommodation in Standard Bungalow at the Saraya Rum Wadi Rum Camp 4* (or similar), breakfast included.
- Meals as mentioned in the programme.
- Beverage package during meals (bottled water + 1 soft drink and 1 coffee or tea).
- Transfers, visits, and entrance fees as mentioned in the programme.
- The services of a local English-speaking guide.
- The visa fees.
Your programme does not include:
- Personal expenses.
- Tips for the driver and local guide.
- Other services not mentioned in the programme.
Please note:
- 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.
- This programme involves extensive walking over sandy and uneven terrain and is not suitable for guests with walking difficulty. No vehicles are allowed within Petra site; the day tour of Petra will be a whole walking tour.
- The vehicles used at Wadi Rum are simple all-terrain vehicles owned and operated by local Bedouins through their cooperatives. The drive will be bumpy as you travel over uneven ground in the desert. Those vehicles are basic, they do not have air-conditioning or seatbelts.
- The visit of Petra involves a 8km walk. We recommend you wear a comfortable walking outfit.
Contact of your hotels:
InterContinental Amman
Islamic College Street
11180 Jordanie
Téléphone : + 962 6 464 1361
Kempinski Ishtar Dead Sea
Swaimeh
Dead Sea 11194 Jordan
Telephone: +962 5 356 8888
Hayat Zaman Hotel & Resort
P.O BOX 2
Wadi Mousa
71873 Petra, Jordan.
Telephone : 00962 3 2150111
Saraya Rum Camp
Wadi Rum Protected Area
Wadi Rum Camp
Telephone: +962 7 9966 1007
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 : $2,880
Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.
The Grand Egyptian Museum & the Pyramids
This full day excursion provides a visit of the most important and significant sites of Egypt's: the Grand Egyptian museum, the Great Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx.
From the pier of Ain Sukhna, board your coach for a 2.5-hour drive to Cairo, via the desert road. During your journey, your guide will provide interesting facts about the sites you will be visiting.
Once arriving, you will visit the Great Pyramids of Egypt. The Great Pyramids are considered the most famous of Egypt’s attractions and the only monuments left of the Ancient Wonders. The three main Pyramids at Giza were built as tombs by Cheops, his son Chephren, and Chephren’s son Mykerinus to preserve each of the pharaohs’ mummified body for eternity. For centuries, these unique structures have intrigued the world while surviving the rise and fall of great dynasties.
Southeast of the Great Pyramids stands the Sphinx, carved out of solid rock around 2650 BC. Steeped in legend and superstition, the Sphinx was a monument either to the sun god Ra or to Pharaoh Chephren. It has the head of a man and the body of a lion. The monument faces east, probably to greet the rising sun and the return of life each day.
After enjoying lunch, you will visit the Grand Egyptian museum. This museum is an immense case of concrete, glass and steel that will display among 100,000 objects covering 5,000 years of history. One of the museum highlights will be the visit of King Tutankhamen exhibition. Tutankhamen is the boy-king who ruled Egypt for nine years. Its royal treasure represents a collection of more than 5,000 pieces.
After the visit of the museum, you will drive back to Ain Sukhna where your ship is docked.
- This excursion involves approximately 1.2 mile (2 km) of walking on flat ways with some steps. We recommend you wear comfortable shoes and protect yourself from the sun. The lunch is included on your tour. Cameras are permitted at the Pyramids. Opening of the Grand Egyptian museum is expected to be in October 2021. In case of delay and if the museum is not open on the date of our port of call, its visit will have to be cancelled.
Price range:
Find out more
€€€€: the excursion price is more than €150.
The price of the excursion will be available approximately two months prior to the cruise departure.
The complete programme of excursions, including up-to-date prices, will be provided with the Travel book that you will receive before the departure of your cruise.
PONANT also allows you to pre-book your excursions approximately two months prior to the cruise* departure. Billing is done on board.
*Excluding Expedition cruises.
According to availability, price per passenger.
Panoramic views of Rhodes
From the pier, board your coach for a scenic drive around the east coast of Rhodes island. You will drive along the walls surrounding the city before heading up Mount Smith (named after the English Admiral Sydney Smith, who kept an eye on the Napoleonic fleet from here). From this point, you can enjoy panoramic views over Rhodes and the castles. If the weather is good, you may even catch a glimpse of the Turkish coast and the neighbouring islands.
You will reach Lindos by a route passing through the hinterland. From one promontory, you can see the whole of the famous Acropolis. Built between the 7th and 6th century BC, the Lindos Acropolis is a sprawling complex of structures from various historic periods, perched dramatically above the town. A place of worship from the Mycenaean age, it was enlarged in the Hellenistic period before the Knights of the Order of Hospitallers established a fortress here, a role it retained until the Ottoman era.
Following the panoramic route, you will arrive at Faliraki, a traditional fishermen village where you will enjoy some local snacks with a glass of Greece's trademark Ouzo.
The road back to your ship goes through typical villages.
- This tour is a panoramic tour and involves few walking times. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun.
Price range:
Find out more
€€: the excursion price is between €50 and €100.
The price of the excursion will be available approximately two months prior to the cruise departure.
The complete programme of excursions, including up-to-date prices, will be provided with the Travel book that you will receive before the departure of your cruise.
PONANT also allows you to pre-book your excursions approximately two months prior to the cruise* departure. Billing is done on board.
*Excluding Expedition cruises.
According to availability, price per passenger.
Walking tour of Rhodes
From the ship, discover the Knights City on a guided walking tour.
Follow your guide through the cobbled streets to the impressive Palace of the Grand Masters of the Order of Hospitallers, which dates from the 14th century and contains some Greek and Roman mosaics originating from the island of Kos.
After visiting the palace, you will walk along the famous Avenue of the Knights lined with the old Knights’ inns from the Order’s various nationalities. It is unusually straight for a medieval street, and its sombre buildings present a majestic and forbidding face to the world, with their 15th century Gothic walls and arcades worn smooth over the centuries. Retracing an ancient route, the straight line of this street cuts through the maze of winding alleyways surrounding it.
After your guided tour, you can return directly to your ship with your guide or wander around the streets and shops at your leisure.
- This tour is only on foot and involves walking on cobblestone streets, so we advise you to wear comfortable shoes and protect yourself from the sun.
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.
According to availability, price per passenger.
The Ephesus archaeological site
From the pier, embark your coach for a 30-minute drive to the Ephesus site, one of the best-preserved ancient cities in the Mediterranean basin.
Originally dedicated to Cybele, the goddess of fertility, during the prehistoric times, the city was claimed by the Ionians for Artemis and later to Diana by the Romans.
Ephesus is one of the best-preserved Greco-Roman sites of the ancient world in the whole Mediterranean. Excavated since 1869, most of the main streets and public buildings have been unearthed and opened for visitors. Everything is here: town hall, dwellings, shops and even public toilets. A town of white marble dazzling in the sunshine, Ephesus is like a stone history book recounting the story of what daily life must have been like in the time of the Greeks and Romans.
During your tour, you will discover the Roman Ephesus. Most of the monuments were built during the reign of Emperor Augustus. Due to its location, the city was developed into two sections: the upper part of the city was the administrative sector with the town hall, a civil basilica and the Odeon aligned on the north side of the State Agora. The lower section facing the port houses religious, commercial and cultural buildings, such as the famous Celsius Library, Roman Villas, commercial agora and its theatre, which accommodated up to 24,000 spectators, and the stadium.
Residences of the town’s nobility are grouped on the slopes of Mount Pion and Mount Coressos on either side of Couretes Street, which links the town’s two districts. The site is also famous for its Hercules Gate, the ancient Scholastikia baths, the Marble Street and Hadrian’s temple.
- This tour involves one hour and a half of walking on uneven ground with some steps. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun.
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.
According to availability, price per passenger.
Ephesus & Roman Villas
From the pier, you will embark your coach for a 30-minute drive to the Ephesus site, one of the best-preserved ancient cities in the Mediterranean basin.
Originally dedicated to Cybele, the goddess of fertility, during the prehistoric times, the city was claimed by the Ionians for Artemis and later to Diana by the Romans. Ephesus is one of the best-preserved Greco-Roman sites of the ancient world in the whole Mediterranean. Excavated since 1869, most of the main streets and public buildings have been unearthed and opened for visitors. Everything is here: town hall, dwellings, shops and even public toilets. A town of white marble dazzling in the sunshine, Ephesus is like a stone history book recounting the story of what daily life must have been like in the time of the Greeks and Romans.
During your tour, you will discover the Roman Ephesus. Most of the monuments were built during the reign of Emperor Augustus. Due to its location, the city was developed into two sections: the upper part of the city was the administrative sector with the town hall, a civil basilica and the Odeon aligned on the north side of the State Agora. The lower section facing the port houses religious, commercial and cultural buildings, such as the famous Celsius Library, Roman Villas, commercial agora and its theatre, which accommodated up to 24,000 spectators, and the stadium.
You will start your tour at the upper gate of Ephesus, which is also known as the Magnesium Gate. Your guide will lead you on a leisurely downhill walking tour through Ephesus’ marble streets, passing and pointing out all the historically important buildings on the way.
You will move on to the recently excavated Terrace Houses complex which are also known as the houses of the rich Ephesians. Located on the northern slope of Bulbul Mountain next to Curetes Street and opposite the Temple of Hadrian, these houses were built in the peristyle form with a courtyard surrounded by Ionic colonnades. They are finely decorated with mosaics and frescoes. Built in the period of Augustus, they were inhabited until the 7th century AD according to evidence from excavations.
Then, you will visit one of the most impressive sites of Ephesus, the Library of Celsus. Built in 135 BC by a son in homage to his father, this library is finely decorated with columns and sculptures.
Finally, after just a short walk away, you will join the Grand theatre where St Paul preached to the Ephesians, imploring them to give up their worship of Artemis and embrace the Christian faith.
- This tour involves two and a half hours of walking on uneven ground with many steps. The surface can be slippery. We recommend that you wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun. This tour is limited to 40 participants.
Price range:
Find out more
€€: the excursion price is between €50 and €100.
The price of the excursion will be available approximately two months prior to the cruise departure.
The complete programme of excursions, including up-to-date prices, will be provided with the Travel book that you will receive before the departure of your cruise.
PONANT also allows you to pre-book your excursions approximately two months prior to the cruise* departure. Billing is done on board.
*Excluding Expedition cruises.
According to availability, price per passenger.
Minoan Palace & archaeological museum
Crete’s fertile soil and towering peaks witnessed the development of one of the earliest recorded civilizations on earth: the Minoan.
Knossos is the most important of the Minoan palaces and the most famous Cretan site since its discovery in 1878. Occupied for 9,000 years before present and associated with the legend of the palace of King Minos, the site was the capital of Crete during the Minoan period. It was the court of the legendary King Minos, whose wife Pasiphae gave birth to the Minotaur, half-bull, half-man. The excavations on the site were begun in 1893 by the English archaeologist Sir Arthur Evans and his team and lasted 35 years.
From the pier, you will board your coach for the 30-minute drive to Knossos.
During this tour, you will discover the Great Palace through the West Court, where one can easily understand why the legend of the labyrinth grew up here. It takes about one hour and a half to walk around the site and explore all the parts of the Palace. See the Royal Quarters’ Throne room with its antechamber and main throne, as well as the Queen’s Quarters, whose wall above the entrance door is decorated with a copy of the famous dolphin frescos. Your guide will also tell about the Minotaur legend.
You will continue your journey with a visit of the Archaeological Museum in Heraklion. The museum houses archaeological finds from all over Crete, covering over 5,500 years of the island's history. With its twenty halls, the museum presents the finds from the Minoan era, including the frescoes from the Royal Palace of Knossos.
After your visit of the museum, you will board your coach and join your ship after a 15-minute drive.
- This excursion involves 1,5 km (1 mile) of walking with some steps. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun.
Price range:
Find out more
€€: the excursion price is between €50 and €100.
The price of the excursion will be available approximately two months prior to the cruise departure.
The complete programme of excursions, including up-to-date prices, will be provided with the Travel book that you will receive before the departure of your cruise.
PONANT also allows you to pre-book your excursions approximately two months prior to the cruise* departure. Billing is done on board.
*Excluding Expedition cruises.
According to availability, price per passenger.
Phaestos Palace
From the pier, board your coach and drive across Crete and towards the Libyan Sea to Phaestos.
One of the most important centres of the Minoan civilization, Phaestos was the wealthiest and most powerful city in Southern Crete. It was inhabited from the Neolithic Age until the development of the Minoan palaces in the 15th century BC. Upon arrival, proceed to a visit of the Phaestos Palace, also known as the ‘Phaistos Palace’, and commence your guided walking tour.
The Phaestos Palace’s superb architectural design and near-perfect construction is one of the finest and most typical of all Minoan palaces. The ruins of the Old and New Palace are both preserved; the Old Palace is protected under a shed, with some remains dating back to Neolithic times. The New Palace consists of a central peristyle court flanked by storerooms and shrines on the west side, the royal quarters on the north and the workshops on the east. The ‘theatral area’ with the ‘processional ways’ is situated west of the storerooms, and the granaries of the Old Palace are located in the lower strata. The West Propylon, the palace’s monumental entrance, is the most impressive known structure of its kind. The artefacts from the palace are now exhibited in the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion.
Following your guided tour, depart the archaeological site of Phaestos for the drive back to the pier.
- This excursion involves approximately 2.4 km (1 ½ miles) of walking on uneven ground and several steps. Please wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun. This tour is not recommended to guests with limited mobility.
Price range:
Find out more
€€: the excursion price is between €50 and €100.
The price of the excursion will be available approximately two months prior to the cruise departure.
The complete programme of excursions, including up-to-date prices, will be provided with the Travel book that you will receive before the departure of your cruise.
PONANT also allows you to pre-book your excursions approximately two months prior to the cruise* departure. Billing is done on board.
*Excluding Expedition cruises.
According to availability, price per passenger.
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:
- Transfers, and visits as mentioned in the programme.
- Services of a local English-speaking guide.
Your programme does not include:
- Tips for the driver and local guide.
- 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 : $150
Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.