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Gastronomy, Vineyards & Grands Crus

Gastronomy, Vineyards & Grands Crus

From AUD $7,890

Description

In partnership with Ducasse Paris and Château Latour.

From Lisbon to Saint-Malo, PONANT invites you to join an exceptional gastronomic and oenological cruise in partnership with Ducasse Paris and Château Latour.

Board L’Austral for a 10-day cruise to the land of rich flavours and discover all the know-how and excellence of Alain Ducasse’s teams during prestigious gala dinners.

From the port of Leixões, you will first visit Porto. Capital of the northern region of Portugal, this “city of granite”, the centre of which is a UNESCO World Heritage site, is renowned for its wine.

You will discover San Sebastián, the elegant capital of Gipuzkoa province. With its distinctive shell-shaped bay, opulent-looking buildings and small streets that are ideal for strolling, this city provides a fine glimpse at the charms of the Spanish Basque Country.

L’Austral will then make its way up the Gironde estuary for a first stop in Pauillac, will several visits and wine tastings at some very beautiful wine estates in the Saint-Estephe, Margaux and Pauillac appellations. In the evening, the moored ship will have Château Latour as a backdrop: in this magnificent setting, a gala dinner held on board will enchant you with its wine and dish pairings.

Two days in Bordeaux, the wine capital of the world, will follow. You will be captivated by its rich wine-making tradition and have the opportunity to visit the Cité du Vin, the medieval village of Saint-Émilion, and other châteaux.

Then, you will call at Belle-Île-en-Mer, before heading to Saint-Malo, a town famous for the legendary Route du Rhum yacht race, lose yourself in the diversity of its heritage, stroll along its rampart walks, and fall under the charm of the city of privateers.

Trip Name
Gastronomy, Vineyards & Grands Crus
Days
9
Overview
Vessel Type: Luxury Expedition / Cruise Ship Length: 142 metres Passenger Capacity: 264 (200 in Antarctica) Built: 2011 This superb mega-yacht with 132 cabins is the result of the expertise of the Italian Fincantieri shipyard and French sophistication, as interpreted by designer Jean-Philippe Nuel. L'Austral has a unique atmosphere, a subtle blend of luxury, intimacy and well-being. A sleek silhouette softened by elegantly smooth contours and large, arched windows opening up to the sea and the light: so many features come together to give L’Austral her distinctive shape. Precious materials, discreet elegance and a perfect balance between chic and casual, combine to make you feel as if you are on your own private yacht. A design blending tradition and innovation, where a nautical mood has been subtly recreated. Precious materials in smoothing neutral tones are brought to life with splashes of cheerful reds. So many personal touches create the spirit of a “private yacht”. Cuisine Loyal to the great French tradition, the haute cuisine on board is worthy of the finest restaurants, where discreet, attentive service is the hallmark. Our two restaurants welcome you for breakfasts, lunch and dinner. The Gastronomic Restaurant, with a capacity of 268 persons, is situated on Le Liberté Deck and serves you French and international cuisine accompagnied by fine wine. On the Grill Restaurant, you will have the opportuniny to eat outside and enjoy buffet lunch and themed dinner. Life On Board Whether you want to join other guests in the theatre or games area (Wii™ consoles, etc), or relax on your own in a quiet corner of the library, L'Austral has been designed to meet the needs of every guest. Everything has been done to preserve the independence of each guest to suit their personal tastes: lounges for lectures and shows, a spa in partnership with Sothys™, but also more intimate spaces such as the library and internet corner. Comfortable cabins, nearly all with private balcony, are available for families either as triples or as communicating cabins. There is also a games area with Wii™ consoles, children’s menus, and a baby-sitting service. Just as if you were on a private yacht, your time is your own to do as you please. Fitted with the latest equipment (Kinesis Wall, running machine) and in partnership with the famous Sothys™ brand, the Beauty Centre on L'Austral welcomes you for some unforgettable moments of relaxation and pampering (beauty treatments, hairdresser).

Itinerary



Day 1 - Day 1 LISBON
Portugal’s capital city located on the banks of the Tagus, only a few kilometres from the Atlantic coast, is a city of exceptionally rich cultural diversity. At the mouth of the river harbour, impose two UNESCO World Heritage monuments, Jeronimos monastery and Belem tower. Sample the local delicacies such as the pasteis de nata—delicious creamy bakery flans. On the Alfama hillside, as you explore the Moorish streets, you may well hear sounds of fado drifting from the bars. Along Chiado’s elegant streets, big fashion labels will entice in you for a bit of luxury shopping.
Day 2 - Day 2 LEIXÕES - PORTO
Located at the mouth of the Douro River, the port of Leixões lies less than 10 kilometres from Porto. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the historic centre of Porto is worth a visit for its famous Ribeira district, the metallic silhouette of the Dom-Luis bridge looming over its ancient houses, its richly decorated Baroque churches and its national Soares dos Reis museum. The São Bento station is also interesting for its typically Portuguese decoration, using Azulejos, blue square ceramic tiles decorated with geometric patterns or figurative scenes.
Day 3 - Day 3 AT SEA
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.
Day 4 - Day 4 PASAJES – SAN SEBASTIÁN
On the Spanish Basque coast, discover Pasaia, a picturesque little town nestling in the hollow of verdant mountains, on the shores of the bay. The town is home to buildings with historical significance, such as the Arizabalo Palace, a baroque-style edifice dating from the 17th century, the Santo Christo de Bonanza Basilica and the house where the French writer Victor Hugo stayed. The coastal footpath offers magnificent views over the sea and goes all the way to San Sebastián. Nicknamed the “Pearl of Cantabria” because of its shell-shaped bay, this renowned seaside resort in the Bay of Biscay combines an idyllic natural setting with the charm of the Belle Époque.
Day 5 - Day 5 PAUILLAC
Discover Pauillac, a town in southwestern France located a few kilometres away from Bordeaux, stretching along the Gironde. The undisputed capital of Médoc, Pauillac will open up its magical universe for you, from culture and heritage to vineyards and châteaux. This stop will be a voyage of myriad flavours, particularly during the tasting of the region’s wines, revealing their soft ruby colours and reflections turning amber with time. Enjoy both a sensorial adventure and an adventure into the heart of the town. Don’t miss the visit of Saint Martin’s Church or the mysterious grotto of Artigues, dominated by a statue of the Virgin Mary. As for the Aspic Tower, it is topped with a dome from which the harvesters’ work used to be overseen.
Day 6 - Days 6 - 7 BORDEAUX
Bordeaux stretches along the banks of the Garonne river, in South-West France. Its rich wine tradition makes it the world capital of wine.. You can uncover this city’s secrets in the Bordeaux Wine and Trade museum as well as in the bars housed in the historical wine cellars of the old city centre. Let yourself be carried away by the history of the made a UNESCO World Heritage site for its prestigious classical architecture. On the famous Place de la Bourse, the past and the present unite: here you can observe the majestic old buildings reflected in the contemporary Miroir d’eau creation.
Day 7 - Day 8 BELLE-ÎLE-EN-MER
Lying to the South of Brittany, Belle-Île is very aptly named. The largest of the Ponant islands, it owes its glowing reputation to its exceptional environment and generous natural attributes: pristine moors and dunes, headlands and cliffs cut into granite points, rocky inlets, and sheltered bays with sandy or pebble beaches. Aboard your ship, let the wild coastline of Belle-île-en-Mer surprise you, this little speck of land lying on the ocean, sparkling with colours in the morning light.
Day 8 - Days 9 - 10 SAINT-MALO
The mere mention of Saint-Malo’s name is enough to plunge us back into the richness of its past. The fortifications stand as testimony to the Malouins’ determination to defend their citadel, fought over by France and Britain in turn. When we drop anchor here, immerse yourself in the diversity of its heritage: the time when privateers sailed the oceans in search of trade and victories; the legendary yacht races the port city is still famous for, such as the Route du Rhum; and the final resting place of the French writer François-René de Chateaubriand, who was born here and chose to be buried here anonymously.
Day 9 - Please Note:
Itineraries are subject to change.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
17-04-202126-04-2021AUD $7,890Superior Stateroom
17-04-202126-04-2021AUD $8,580Deluxe Stateroom
17-04-202126-04-2021AUD $9,690Prestige Stateroom Deck 4
17-04-202126-04-2021AUD $10,200Prestige Stateroom Deck 5
17-04-202126-04-2021AUD $10,760Prestige Stateroom Deck 6
17-04-202126-04-2021AUD $15,320Deluxe Suite
17-04-202126-04-2021AUD $21,090Prestige Suite Deck 5
17-04-202126-04-2021AUD $22,170Prestige Suite Deck 6
17-04-202126-04-2021AUD $25,610Owner's Suite

Inclusions

    • An exceptional cruise focused on wine and gastronomy, in partnership with Ducasse Paris, and Château Latour.
    • UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Tower of Belem and the Monastery of the Hieronymites (Jeronimos Monastery) in Lisbon (your boarding port), the historic centre of Porto, the Port of the Moon in Bordeaux.
    • From San Sebastián, opportunity to visit the Balenciaga Museum in Getaria and the town of Biarritz.
    • Overnight in Bordeaux, capital of the Aquitaine region.
    • Possibility to visit Lisbon before your cruise.

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