Deluxe Stateroom Deck 3
30% Ponant Bonus
204 ft²
2
Epicurean Delights of Sicily and the Adriatic Coast of Italy
Valletta - Venice
Dates:
6/10/2025
to
6/18/2025
days
nights on board
Shore excursion in each port of call + transfers included
This cruise is part of a collection of PONANT themed voyages that are specially-tailored for English-speaking travelers who want to engage with the world. In addition to the usual elements of the PONANT experience, the listed price for these voyages includes transfers to and from the ship, talks and discussions aboard ship by world class experts, and a shore excursion or activity in each port of call that encourages guests to embrace the sights, sounds, tastes, and smells of the local environment and culture.
This carefully curated voyage to Sicily and Italy's Adriatic coast combines visits to some of the most culturally rich destinations in the country with a focus also on the distinctive culinary traditions of the regions visited. Moving from Greco-Roman Sicily, through the Baroque cities of Puglia and the Renaissance town of Urbino, to Ravenna and Venice, you explore no fewer than seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites. And as you make your way, you sample the wines of Etna, Apulia, San Marcello, Romagna, and Valdobbiadene, as well as the breads, olives, meats, and cheeses of each province. An ideal way to experience Italy, where food—its cultivation and preparation—has always been central to the good life.
As a special treat, acclaimed Italian chef Denny Imbroisi and his team will join you aboard to prepare authentic Italian dishes for you to enjoy during your voyage.
After departing Valletta, Malta, your experience of Sicily begins in Syracuse, where you may choose to focus on Ortygia, the ancient center of this once-powerful Greek colony, and on the city's extensive archaeological park; enjoy a tasting at a nearby winery; or join excursions—including one to Baroque Noto—that combine visits to historical sites with samplings of arancini, cheeses, salamis, breads, and desserts.
The beautiful resort town of Taormina, perched high on a cliff overlooking the Ionian Sea, is home to a stunning Greek theater, an Odeon from Roman times, buildings blending Arab and Norman cultures, and villas built by European aristocracy in the 18th and 19th centuries. It is also your gateway to Mt. Etna and the vineyards that thrive in the rich volcanic soils of its slopes.
Leaving Sicily, the first two calls on the Italian mainland are in the wine- and olive-producing region of Puglia. The seaside town of Otranto offers a choice of excursions—to Lecce or to Nardo—both of which explore the Baroque architectural heritage that dominates Puglia, and both of which offer samplings of local cuisine paired with Apulian wines. In Bari, the region's capital, you may choose to travel inland to the Valle d'Itria to visit a mozzarella farm and to explore the lovely town of Martina Franca and the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Alberobello's trulli houses. Or you may stay in Bari for a walking tour of the Old Town, including tastings of local specialties like focaccia, panzerotto, sgagliozze, and cremoso.
A full day in Ancona offers a variety of possibilities for discovery of the Marche. Visit Jesi, where the Holy Roman Emperor Frederick II was born and where a splendid museum traces his life and work; travel to an artisanal winery in San Marcello where the famous Lacrima di Morro D'Alba is produced; or spend the day exploring Urbino, birthplace of Raphael and home to one of the most important collections of Renaissance art in the world.
Ravenna's 5th- and 6th-century churches are known for their stunning Byzantine mosaics, and you will want to spend time admiring them and what Dante described as their "symphony of color." Or you may want to travel into the hills of Romagna, where Sangiovese di Romagna red wine is produced, or to the town of Brisighella, source of the eponymous extra virgin olive oil.
Your final day on this cultural and culinary journey is in Venice. Three possible excursions are in the city itself: an introduction to the uniquely Venetian crafts of mask-making and gondola manufacture; bar-hopping in the tavernas around the Rialto Bridge, sampling wines and cicchetti along the way; and a tour of Venice's hidden gardens. An additional possibility is to travel to Valdobbiadene, famous for its production of Prosecco Superiore.
Ref : VVIF45US - EG100625
Your itinerary
A voyage specially-tailored for English-speaking travelers including discussions with experts, transfers before and after your cruise, and an included excursion in each port of call. Engaging discussions and...
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Your trip in detail
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Included in your cruise
For more peace of mind, PONANT organizes your trip before or after the cruise. This package is included in the price of your cruise.
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.
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Services provided
- 24-hour room service
- Inclusive Wifi internet access (availability dependent on navigation and latitude)
- Individually-controlled air conditioning
- Dressing room with shelves and closet
- Dressing table and hairdryer
- Diptyque Paris top-of-the-line bath products
- Minibar
- Nespresso coffee maker and boiler
- Electronic safe
- Direct line telephone
- Bose Bluetooth speaker
- Flat screen TV, international channels (availability dependent on navigation) and videos on demand
- 110V American (two flat pins)/220V European (round sockets with two round pins)
- Two ADA staterooms
Select your stateroom category
Ideal clothes for life on board:
During the days spent on board, you are advised to wear comfortable clothes or casual outfits. The entire ship is air-conditioned, so a light sweater, a light jacket or a shawl may be necessary. When moving about in the public areas of the ship and the decks, light but comfortable shoes are recommended.
Informal evening:
In the evening, you are advised to wear smart-casual attire, especially when dining in our restaurants where wearing shorts and tee-shirts is not allowed.
For women:
- Simple dress
- Skirt or trousers
- Blouse
- Polo
For men:
- Pleated trousers or chinos
- Sports jacket
- Shirt
- Polo
Officer’s evening:
For all cruises longer than 8 nights, an Officer’s Evening with a white dress code may be organized. Therefore, we encourage you to bring a stylish white outfit for the occasion (otherwise black and white).
Gala evening:
During the cruise, two gala evenings will be organised on board. Thus, we recommend that you bring one or two formal outfits.
For women:
- Cocktail attire
- Evening dress (if you wish to)
For men:
- Dark suit
- Tie recommended, possibly bow tie (if you wish to)
SHOP:
A small shop is available on board offering a wide range of outfits, jewellery, leather goods and many accessories.
A laundry service (washing/ironing) is available on board, but unfortunately there are no dry cleaning services. For safety reasons, your cabin is not equipped with an iron.
ACCESSORIES:
- Polarized sunglasses
- Swimsuit (for the Spa on board)
- Gym wear (fitness)
- Battery charger and memory cards for your camera
- Mobile phone charger
- Hat/cap
HEALTH CARE:
- Sunscreen and after-sun lotion
- Medications and prescriptions
OUTFITS ON BOARD:
- Casual outfits for the day
- Smarter outfits for dinners
- Elegant outfits for Gala evenings
- White or black and white outfit
PRECAUTIONS:
In your hand luggage, remember to bring any medicines that you need, and possibly a small spare bag of toiletries (in case of delay in the delivery of your baggage by the airline). Remember to always have your travel documents with you in case you need them: hotel vouchers, cruise vouchers, return flight tickets... Never leave them in your hold luggage.
All our cabins have a safe. We recommend not to go ashore with valuable jewellery.
PONANT activities
Highlights
- A voyage specially-tailored for English-speaking travelers including discussions with experts, transfers before and after your cruise, and an included excursion in each port of call.
- Engaging discussions and tastings onboard with three food and wine experts: Italian food writer Maureen Fant and Italian wine co-experts John Camacho Vidal and Barbara D’Agapiti.
- Italian cuisine aboard prepared by special guest chef Denny Imbroisi.
- A sampling of local cuisines and award-winning wines throughout the voyage.
- UNESCO World Heritage sites, including Syracuse, Noto, the trulli of Alberobello, Urbino, the Churches of Ravenna, Venice and its Lagoon, and the hill country of Valdobbiadene.
- Well-preserved Greek and Roman ruins in Syracuse and Taormina.
- Outstanding examples of Baroque and Rococo architecture, especially in Noto, Lecce, and Martina Franca.
- Stunning Byzantine mosaics in Ravenna.
- A full day of exploration in Venice, La Serenissima.
Ports of Call & Excursions
June 10, 2025 - Valletta
Embarkation 6/10/2025 from 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Departure 6/10/2025 at 6:00 PM
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.
June 11, 2025 - Syracuse, Sicily
Arrival 6/11/2025 early morning
Departure 6/11/2025 evening
Its undulating rocky coastline, the endless sandy beaches, the menacing form of Mount Etna which surveys its island like a patriarch, the flowery gardens on the hillside... Sicily lays out its varied landscapes like a shopkeeper displays his wares. Described by Cicero as “the most beautiful city in the world”, Syracuse was one of the most prestigious cities in Sicily and at her height was even a rival for Athens. A central city of Ancient Greece, it was home to a succession of civilisations, each of which has left their mark. The blend of Arabic, Roman, Norman, Byzantine and Spanish cultures makes Syracuse a town that is extraordinarily rich in fragrances, colours and flavours.
June 12, 2025 - Taormina, Sicily
Arrival 6/12/2025 early morning
Departure 6/12/2025 late afternoon
Located on Sicily’s eastern coast, in the province of Messina, the seaside town of Taormina is Sicily’s Saint-Tropez, boasting heritage sites, secluded beaches and luxury shopping. You can visit its medieval centre, suspended 300 metres above sea level, where terraces offer a spectacular view of the Mediterranean Sea. Another vestige from its past are the ruins of the Greco-Roman theatre. This extremely well-preserved site attracts visitors who are fascinated by the natural beauty of the area which overlooks a turquoise bay.
June 13, 2025 - Otranto
Arrival 6/13/2025 midday
Departure 6/13/2025 evening
Located in the Apulia region, Otrante is the easternmost transalpine town. Behind its medieval ramparts, you will taste the sweetlife of Salento, the “heel on Italy’s boot”. Inhabited since Antiquity, Otrante has today become a very pleasant seaside town. Yet its history is still visible as you meander through the little streets of its old centre. With its magnificent 12th century ornamental mosaic tiling, the Cathedral is one of its most beautiful treasures. During a stroll along the ramparts, you can sit and relax at a café terrace.
June 14, 2025 - Bari
Arrival 6/14/2025 early morning
Departure 6/14/2025 midday
Extending out along a fertile plain facing the Adriatic Sea amid infinite landscapes sculpted by the water and wind, Bari bears the traces of the peoples which, over the centuries, have conquered it, settled it, or simply visited it fleetingly before making their way to faraway lands. Though its exact origins are lost among the mysteries of archaeology, the many sites here provide evidence of the town’s rich past. The Saracens, Byzantines, Normans and Swabians have left a trace here, each bringing their own cultural baggage. During your stop here, stroll along the minuscule streets in Bari Vecchia, the historic centre, where you will find small churches and monuments from bygone eras.
June 15, 2025 - Ancona
Arrival 6/15/2025 early morning
Departure 6/15/2025 evening
Situated on the promontory of Monte Conero, Ancona, the capital of the Marche region, offers visitors all the charm of a typical Italian historical city. Founded by the Greeks in 390 BC and conquered by Julius Caesar in 49 BC, Ancona has a long history that was very much shaped by its harbour, a hub attracting different populations and cultures. When your ship calls here, take the time to discover the city’s many buildings, such as the cathedral dedicated to Judas Cyriacus and its façade made of white and pink marble, the Arch of Trajan, which is considered to be the port’s main embellishment, or the 15th century mansion where the painter Raphael was born and raised.
June 16, 2025 - Ravenna
Arrival 6/16/2025 early morning
Departure 6/16/2025 evening
Linked to the Adriatic Sea by a canal, the city of Ravenna and its countless monuments offer you a rich journey back in time. Roman and Byzantine cultures intermingle here, and the fruits of this history adorn the interiors of the cityﾒs religious buildings: the abundance of classical mosaics is the most stunning witness to Ravennaﾒs glorious past. Eight UNESCO World Heritage listed Paleo-Christian sites punctuate your journey into the historic heart of the city. Still very lively despite the weight of its history, Ravenna has much to offer to visitors.
June 17, 2025 June 18, 2025 - Venice
Arrival 6/17/2025 early morning
Disembarkation 6/18/2025 at 8:00 AM
Proud and eternal, Venice has reigned on its lagoon ever since the 6th century. You may think you know this city before even setting foot here. You will inevitably fall in love with the charm of the innumerable treasures of the Serenissima: Saint Mark’s square, the basilica, Doges palace, the Grand Canal and the gondolas. Yet, secret Venice is also waiting for you to explore its little interlacing streets and canals, to ramble through its squares and to push open the doors of its churches. The city’s extraordinary heritage shouldn’t stop you from enjoying a glass of Spritz and a few tramezzini.
Le Bougainville
Welcoming and spacious common areas, refined open-to-the-sea design, sleek exterior lines, a marina to make access to the ship's zodiac inflatables easier, hi-tech equipment, an outdoor pool, a multisensorial underwater lounge… Le Bougainville represents the new generation of ships designed to combine discovery and exploration with luxury, even in the planet's most remote and isolated regions.
Decks
Shore excursion in each port of call + transfers included
PONANT has organized the following included program for you, which starts the day of embarkation.
Included Features:
- A program of onboard enrichment provided by three food and wine experts: Italian food writer Maureen Fant and Italian wine co-experts John Camacho Vidal and Barbara D’Agapiti
- Italian cuisine aboard prepared by special guest chef Denny Imbroisi.
- Transfers and luggage handling from the airport in Valletta to the ship on the day of embarkation
- Comprehensive 8-night cruise aboard the deluxe Le Bougainville, with all the amenities for which PONANT ships are famous
- One included shore excursion in each port of call (see “Itinerary” for more information and choice of excursions, if applicable)
- Gratuities for ship crew and for guides and drivers on excursions
- Transfer from the ship to the airport in Venice at the end of the cruise on the morning of disembarkation
Not included:
- Independent meals and beverages ashore
- Personal expenses (such as laundry, telephone, etc.)
Notes:
- This voyage is offered on a space available basis
Program is subject to change without notice
Gastronomy & Wine
Succumb to the pleasures of fine dining as you enjoy the delights dreamed up or selected by the most talented sommeliers and Michelin-starred chefs of their generation. They will share with you their passion for the art of eating through gala dinners, tastings, workshops and fascinating talks. Special attention will be paid to the wines offered to you during these Gastronomy and Wine cruises: an exclusive wine list, expert wine and food pairings... As you visit the carefully selected ports of call in cities with a rich cultural heritage, the exceptional culinary and wine-tasting experiences are sure to surprise you.
Quintessential Collection
PONANT Quintessential Collection voyages are designed for travelers who want to engage with the world in order to understand it.
In addition to the usual elements of the PONANT experience, these voyages include lectures and performances aboard ship by world class experts and musicians and one or two exceptional activities ashore that encourage guests to embrace the sights and sounds, tastes and smells of the local culture. They also offer pre- or post-cruise stay with excursions relevant to the theme. We believe that travel approached in this way has the power ato transform us and to make us better citizens of the world.
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.
No single supplement
FREE SINGLE SUPPLEMENT *
*The supplement for single usage of a double cabin is waived, according to availability and staterooms categories.
Shore excursions, Pre/Post & Overlands
MALTESE HIGHLIGHTS (2 NIGHTS)
This specially designed program is an opportunity to get a sense of the extraordinarily rich history of this small island nation in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea. Learn about the importance of Malta as a crossroads of trade and as the headquarters of the Knights of St. John, as well as something of the island's Neolithic past as preserved in the prehistoric megaliths of Hagar Qim. Enjoy all of this while staying at one of the world's truly grand hotels.
Day 1 – Valletta, Malta
On arrival at the Malta International Airport, you will be met and transferred to the Phoenicia Malta hotel (or similar), your home for the next two nights. Official check-in time is 3:00 p.m. A local representative will be present at a hospitality desk in the afternoon to welcome you and answer any questions you may have.
Join your fellow travelers for a welcome cocktail reception this evening. Dinner is independent and at your leisure.
Day 2 – Valletta
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before joining a guided walking tour of Valletta, Malta’s fortified capital city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Begin with a stroll to the Upper Barrakka Gardens for panoramic views over the Grand Harbor. Your visit to the extraordinary interior of the 16th-century Co-Cathedral of St. John affords the opportunity to see Caravaggio’s massive masterpiece, The Beheading of St. John the Baptist. And during your tour of the Palace of the Grand Master, which serves today as the office of the president of Malta, you will see the richly decorated state rooms and tapestry chamber.
The balance of the day is at leisure, with independent lunch and dinner.
Day 3 - Valletta | Embarkation
After breakfast and check out of the hotel, drive inland to the city of Mdina, the capital of Malta until the Knights of St. John moved it to Valletta in the 16th century. Your walking tour includes the stunning Baroque Cathedral of St. Paul, built on the site where it is said Paul converted the Roman governor to Christianity in the months following his shipwreck on the island in the year 60. From Mdina, drive to the a nearby winery for a tasting of some of Malta's finest wines before stopping at a historic local restaurant for a lunch of traditional Maltese specialties.
After lunch, drive to the southern coast of the island to visit the Hagar Qim Temples, a UNESCO World Heritage site dating to 3600 BC. Located on a hilltop overlooking the sea, Hagar Qim is among the earliest free-standing stone buildings in the world. Following your guided tour of this extraordinary site, transfer to the pier to embark your ship.
Your hotel:
The Phoenicia Malta, a member of The Leading Hotels of the World, is Malta’s landmark hotel with a storied history spanning over 60 years. Surrounded by beautifully landscaped gardens, the hotel is situated in an ideal location just outside the walled city of Valletta and its 16th-century bastions. From the hotel’s front door, the historic wonders of Valletta, including St. John’s Co-Cathedral, are all within easy walking distance. The hotel boasts 136 rooms and suites combining old-world elegance and a fresh style. Its modern conveniences ensure a comfortable and luxurious stay.
Your program includes:
- 2 nights at The Phoenicia Malta (or similar), including breakfast
- Transfer and luggage handling from the airport to the hotel on the scheduled program arrival day
- Transfer and luggage handling to the pier on embarkation day
- Welcome cocktail reception on Day 1
- Breakfast on days 2 and 3
- Lunch on Day 3
- Sightseeing and programming as noted in the itinerary
- Local English-speaking guide
- Gratuities for the drivers and local guides
Your program does not include:
- Transfer from the airport to the hotel on any day other than the scheduled program arrival day
- Personal expenses and other services and meals not mentioned as included in the program
Please note:
- It is imperative that your flight arrival details are communicated at least 60 days prior to the beginning of your cruise in order to secure your transfer from the airport to the hotel.
- Early check-in and/or late check-out are available depending on availability and at a supplement. An additional night is possible, upon request and depending on hotel availability. Please, contact reservations or your travel agent for further details.
- The official currency is the Euro. Credit cards are largely accepted in hotels, shops, and restaurants.
- The duration of the visits is given as a guide only, and the order of the visits may change.
- This pre-cruise program is offered as a package. There will be no refunds for unused accommodations, meals, or excursions.
- Program is offered on a space available basis.
- Program is subject to change without notice.
Hotel contact information:
The Phoenicia Malta
The Mall
Floriana FRN1478
Malta
Telephone: +356.2122.5241
Total : $1,470
Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.THE FOOD AND WINE OF LA SERENISSIMA (2 NIGHTS)
This specially-curated post-cruise program is designed to extend your experience of the cuisines of Sicily and the Italian Adriatic to include the very special culinary traditions of Venice, 'the most serene republic'. On day one, explore the food and wine of two of the Venetian Lagoon's many islands, and on the following day, prepare your own meal with guidance from professional chefs—the perfect ending to your pursuit of epicurean delights.
Day 1 – Venice | Cruising the Lagoon
After breakfast aboard, disembark Le Bougainville and meet your guide, who will lead you on a leisurely cruise aboard a private motor-launch through the Venetian Lagoon to discover some of the more than 40 islands that share this large salt-water lake with the city itself. Your first stop will be on the island of Mazzorbo to tour the Venissa Wine Resort, home to a medieval walled vineyard that cultivates the rare Dorona grape, found only in the region around Venice. Learn about the history of this grape and this vineyard and enjoy a tasting of two wines from the most recent vintage.
After the tasting, continue your cruise as you sail to the tiny island of Burano, known for the brightly colored houses that line its cobblestone streets and for the fine lace that is produced here. Enjoy some time at leisure to explore on your own before sitting down to a lunch of local specialties at the award-winning Trattoria da Romano, known for its seafood and risotto. Return to Venice and transfer to the hotel Splendid Venice, your home for the next two nights. Dinner is independent.
Day 2 – Venice | Cooking Class
Today is devoted to discovering Venetian culinary traditions under the tutelage of the chefs of one of Venice's oldest trattorias, Ristorante Antica Besseta. When you arrive at this cozy, out-of-the-way restaurant furnished in 19th-century elegance with Thonet chairs and marble tabletops, you will be divided into four teams, each led by a chef trained by executive chef James Cassan. Your team will then be assigned one of four courses typical of Venetian cuisine and made with produce mostly from the region of the Lagoon: Antipasto, of shrimp and asparagus; Primo, of pasta with salsa di pomodoro; Secondo, of fillet of sea bass; and Tiramisu as the dessert. When all is done, enjoy an aperitif followed by the lunch you have prepared.
Return to your hotel via water taxi. The balance of the day is at leisure and dinner is independent.
Day 3 – Venice | Depart
After breakfast at the hotel and check out, transfer to the airport for flights homeward.
Your hotel:
The Splendid Venice is a 4-star property in the center of the city, near St. Mark's Square and the Doge's Palace. It features 165 rooms, a restaurant, two lounge bars, 24-hour room service, marvelous views of the surrounding area, and all of the services you would expect from a luxury hotel in a major European city.
Your program includes:
- 2 nights at The Splendid Venice (or similar)
- Transfer and luggage handling from the ship to the hotel on the scheduled program arrival day
- Transfer and luggage handling from the hotel to the airport on the day or departure
- Breakfast on days 2 and 3
- Lunch on days 1 and 2
- Sightseeing and programming as noted in the itinerary
- Local English-speaking guide
- Gratuities for the drivers and local guides
Your program does not include:
- Transfer from the hotel to the airport on any day other than the scheduled program departure day
- Personal expenses and other services and meals not mentioned as included in the program
Please note:
- It is imperative that your flight details are communicated at least 60 days prior to the beginning of your cruise in order to secure your transfer from the hotel to the airport.
- Hotel check-out on the last morning is by 10:00am. Late check-out may be arranged, 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 widely accepted in hotels, shops, and restaurants.
- This post-cruise program is offered as a package. There will be no refunds for unused accommodations, meals, or excursions.
- Program is offered on a space available basis.
- Program is subject to change without notice.
Hotel contact information:
The Splendid Venice
S. Marco Mercerie, 760
30124 Venice, Italy
Telephone: +39 041 5200755
Total : $2,260
Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.