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Wonders of the Orient with Ponant

Wonders of the Orient with Ponant

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Description

Set off to discover the splendours of the Orient. This brand new itinerary taking you from the Mediterranean to the Red Sea, from Antalya to Aqaba, has many a surprise in store.

During this 13-day cruise aboard Le Jacques Cartier, you will sail along the waters of the Near East and explore mythical sites, gems of the great civilisations.

Your ship will depart from Antalya, once a major Roman port and now a seaside resort on the Turkish Riviera, and set a course for Haifa. A city of many languages and cultures, Haifa mixes historical visits and the pleasures of the Mediterranean way of life. From there, you will be able to make your way to the legendary Galilee region and visit Nazareth, the birthplace of Christianity where Jesus is said to have been raised, or Acre, whose extraordinary old city is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Your cruise will continue along the shores of Israel until reaching Ashdod. The largest port in the country, this incredibly vibrant city is the gateway to the three-times-holy city of Jerusalem and to the extraordinary ancient site of Masada, overlooking the Dead Sea. You will also have the possibility of discovering Tel Aviv, the white city.

Chart a course for Egypt and the mythical Alexandria, the next port of call on your cruise. This legendary city has fascinated travellers since it was founded 2,300 years ago by Alexander the Great, who gave it his name.

You will cross the famous Suez Canal, which was built by Ferdinand de Lesseps and widened recently to facilitate trade before joining Safaga, in Egypt. From this port on the Red Sea, you will have the chance to discover the region’s exceptional underwater treasures, but also Luxor, the ancient city of Thebes and the capital of the pharaohs.

Your journey will end in Aqaba, a Jordanian port city on the shores of the Red Sea.

Trip Name
Wonders of the Orient with Ponant
Days
13
Overview
Vessel Type: Luxury Passenger Capacity: 92 cabins Built: 2018/2019 Featuring innovative and environmentally-friendly equipment, elegantly designed staterooms, spacious suites with large windows, and lounge areas that open onto the outside, this new limited-capacity yacht boasting just 92 staterooms and suites will offer you a truly unique cruising experience. As the sixth ship in a new series that remains true to the Ponant spirit, Le Jacques Cartier will embody the unique atmosphere that is the cruise line’s hallmark: a subtle blend of refinement, intimacy and comfort. Aboard this ship that flies the French flag, you will experience the incomparable pleasure of an intimate cruise, with the possibility of exploring an ever-increasing range of destinations in an ethnic-chic ambiance with luxury service. Experience a luxurious setting where the accent is on authenticity and passion for travel. RESTAURANTS As it is an essential part of French culture, gastronomy will naturally have pride of place aboard this new ship. To the back of Deck 4, you will find a 260 m² panoramic restaurant which can accommodate all of our passengers in a single sitting. Designed differently to that on our other ships, this dining area, which opens onto the outside, will have a buffet of salads, desserts and cheeses at your disposal. Our discreet and attentive crew will provide table service for hot meals. In a relaxed atmosphere, an outdoor grill on Deck 3 will serve grilled meats with a variety of salads and desserts. PUBLIC AREAS  Le Jacques Cartier has many common areas that are designed and equipped to meet all of your needs while preserving the intimacy of each passenger. A 140 m² reception area includes: A reception/concierge desk, An excursions desk, The ship’s administrative services, The sales office, manned by our Guest Relations Officer, Our 50 m² boutique which sells clothing, jewellery, beauty products, postcards and various accessories, Toilets accessible to passengers with reduced mobility. A new hydraulic platform with adjustable height provides:   Easier boarding than on any other cruise ship, Easier Zodiac embarkation and disembarkation for expeditions, Easier access to the sea for swimming and practising various water sports such as kayaking or paddle-boarding. A pool deck offering: A pool with a panoramic view, equipped with a counter-current swimming system, A pleasant solarium, An outdoor bar and lounge with armchairs and sofas. A 200 m² main lounge which can accommodate all of our passengers to share convivial moments and to host activities organised during the day or evening. Lastly, a theatre that seats 188, equipped with: The latest sound and lighting technology, A LED wall as the stage backdrop, for the projection of high-resolution images and videos.

Itinerary



Day 1 - Day 1 ANTALYA
On the Turkish Mediterranean coast, discover the seaside resort of Antalya. While the city sports magnificent fine sandy beaches, it is also known for its significant historical heritage. Many vestiges bear witness to the importance of this former Roman port, such as Hadrian's Gate, built in the year 130 in honour of the visiting emperor. In the old town, it is possible to admire magnificent Ottoman houses with flowery gardens, as well as the broken minaret, built on the ruins of a former Byzantine church. The city’s surroundings also provide an opportunity to discover major archaeological sites, such as that of the ancient city of Aspendos, renowned for its impressive Roman theatre.
Day 2 - Day 2 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 3 - Day 3 HAIFA
Ideally located on the shores of the Mediterranean, Haifa is a dynamic and lively city in the north of Israel and the country’s main port. Religious communities live together in harmony in the heart of this multicultural and welcoming city and you’ll be charmed by the riches of its historic heritage. In particular you’ll be able to discover the Cave of Elijah, a pilgrimage site for the three monotheistic religions, and Mount Carmel, from where you’ll enjoy magnificent views over the city and Haifa’s sacred Baháʼí sites, a UNESCO World Heritage Site: the Shrine of the Báb with its golden dome, recently restored, is a must-see monument and the Hanging Gardens an admirable work of art.
Day 4 - Day 4 ASHDOD
On the eastern shore of the Mediterranean, discover Ashdod, the largest port in Israel. An former Philistine city, the town is today home to the only museum in the world dedicated to the culture of this ancient people. Ashdod is also famous for being one of the gateways to Jerusalem. This city is one of the most sacred in the world and is fascinating due to its millennia-old history, its spirituality, and its incredibly rich religious heritage. Within its defensive walls, the Old City holds over 200 historic monuments including the Western Wall (or Wailing Wall), the Dome of the Rock, and the Holy Sepulchre. Visiting Jerusalem makes for a fascinating and moving experience as you immerse yourself in a mystical and magical place.
Day 5 - Day 5 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 6 - Day 6 ALEXANDRIA
The mythical Alexandria is a port city in the Nile Delta. Its rich history has always been the source of dreams for archaeologists, writers and artists around the world. Founded in 331 BC by Alexander the Great, the city was mainly known for its library and its monumental lighthouse. The library aimed to be a storehouse of universal knowledge, while the lighthouse was considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Both are now destroyed. Alexandria is also the place where began the legendary love story between Mark Antony and Cleopatra. For centuries, this city was one of the greatest cultural centres in the Mediterranean and its landmarks now provide a fascinating glimpse into its proud past.
Day 7 - Day 7 PORT SAID
The city was born from an audacious but successful project: to link the Mediterranean with the Red Sea in the 19th Century and create a maritime route via a canal. The Suez Canal crosses the desert for 162 kilometres and was inaugurated in 1869 in the presence of Empress Eugenie, then nationalised by Nasser in 1956. In the city, to the rhythm of the colourful carts, you will admire the colonial houses with their large balconies, which give Port Said its cachet.
Day 8 - Day 8 THE SUEZ CANAL
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.
Day 9 - Day 9 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 10 - Days 10 - 11 SAFAGA
A former fishing and mining village, Safaga is now a charming seaside resort with much to offer. Located on the western coast of the Red Sea and preserved from mass tourism, the town will really plunge you into the heart of authentic Egypt and is an ideal departure point for an excursion into the desert in search of the Bedouin. The site is also renowned for the beauty of its underwater world, perfect for scuba diving and snorkelling. Above all, though, this stop in Safaga provides the opportunity to discover Luxor, the ancient Egyptian city of Thebes, considered to be one of the world’s greatest open-air museums thanks to its exceptional Pharaonic heritage.
Day 11 - Day 12 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 12 - Day 13 AQABA
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.
Day 13 - Please Note:
Itineraries are subject to change.

Trip Dates

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Inclusions

    • A brand new cruise to the Near East, between the Mediterranean Sea and the Red Sea, discovering the splendours of the region’s great civilisations.
    • Brand new ports of call in Israel: Haifa, a multicultural city that is home to many treasures, listed with UNESCO, and Ashdod, one of the country’s main ports and the gateway to Jerusalem.
    • UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the Old City of Acre from Haifa, the Old City of Jerusalem and its Walls and the White City of Tel Aviv from Ashdod, Petra and Wadi Rum from Aqaba.
    • Port of call in Safaga, gateway to the marvels of Ancient Egypt: Karnak, Luxor and Hatshepsut temples, the Colossi of Memnon and the Valley of the Kings.
    • From Aqaba: possibility to discover the desert of Wadi Rum and the archaeological site of Petra.

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