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6th Annual Piano Festival at Sea (Le Bouganville)

6th Annual Piano Festival at Sea (Le Bouganville)

From AUD $7,600

Description

In partnership with RADIO CLASSIQUE, with the exceptional presence of Alain Duault.

Set sail with PONANT to discover the treasures of the Amalfi coast, Sicily and Malta, on an itinerary connecting Civitavecchia and Palermo.

During this 8-day cruise aboard our luxury expedition ship Le Bougainville, you will be able to explore mythical places at the crossroads of Eastern and Western civilisations.

Your ship will first call at Sorrento, a wonderful town on the top of steep cliffs that offer stunning views on the gulf of Naples. Further South, along the coastline, Amalfi and the little villages hidden nearby perched between sky and sea, are true treasures and UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

You will discover the amazing sight of the Stromboli volcano, an active volcano whose crater regularly erupts with lava flows, before reaching Lipari, the capital of the Aeolian volcanic archipelago, particularly known for its many natural and architectural gems.

After calling at beautiful Catania whose Late Baroque style monuments spread to the foot of Mount Etna, you will take the sea once again to discover Valletta, former stronghold of the Knights of the Order of Malta. This capital, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is home to many historical sites: St John’s Cathedral, the Grandmaster’s Palace and the churches of Our Lady of Victory, St Catherine and il Gesù.

Then, you will set sail for Syracuse, one of the most prestigious Sicilian cities, whose monuments are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage.

Your cruise will end in Palermo, the capital of Sicily, where you will be able to visit emblematic landmarks such as the 12th-century cathedral and Teatro Massimo, one of the largest theatres in Europe.

Trip Name
6th Annual Piano Festival at Sea (Le Bouganville)
Days
8
Overview
Vessel Type: Luxury Passenger Capacity: 92 cabins Built: 2017/2018 Featuring innovative and environmentally-friendly equipment, elegantly designed cabins, spacious suites with large windows, and lounge areas that open onto the outside, this new limited-capacity yacht boasting just 92 cabins and suites will offer you a truly unique cruising experience. As the first ship in a new series that remains true to the Ponant spirit, Le Bougainville 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. Through its two restaurants, Le Bougainville will invite you on a journey to elegance and epicureanism. In a relaxed atmosphere, a first dining area located on Deck 3 and able to seat 70 will serve grilled meats daily, along with a variety of salads and desserts. 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. PUBLIC AREAS Like Le Boréal and its sisterships, Le Bougainville 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 CIVITAVECCHIA (ROME)
Built on an Etruscan site, between the Tyrrhenian sea and the Monti della Tolfa, Civitavecchia respires the dolce vita. This very modern and easy going town combines art and history with panache. You can also visit superb historical sites like Fort Michelangelo or the Cathedral of Saint Francis of Assisi. Just 80 kilometres from Rome, the town is a beautiful first step to the Italian capital.
Day 2 - Day 2 SORRENTO
Perched on the cliffs that plunge into the deep blue of the Mediterranean, Sorrento is ideally located on a peninsula between the Gulf of Naples and the Amalfi Coast. Its peaceful alleyways, villas, hotels and gentle way of life have been charming visitors and the greatest authors since the 19th century, from Byron and Tolstoy to Dickens and Goethe. As you enjoy a walk in this romantic atmosphere, you will discover the mediaeval cloister of Saint-Francis Church and a magnificent panorama over the Gulf of Naples and Mount Vesuvius. Sorrento is surrounded by groves of oranges and lemons, flavours that can be enjoyed in particular in the form of a sweet liqueur, limoncello.
Day 3 - Day 3 AMALFI
The little town of Campania gives its name to the region containing the magnificent, UNESCO World Heritage listed, Amalfi coast. And for good reason. Located at the foot of Mount Cerreto, against a rock face of a gorge that opens onto the sea, Amalfi’s absolutely splendid natural scenery alone is enough to feast your eyes on before making for the medieval streets to explore some of its history. The mix of cultural influences from the Mediterranean Rim is omnipresent here. Don’t miss the dome of Saint André the Apostle and its beautiful cloister, before sipping a delicious lemon juice made from locally grown lemons at a terrace bar.
Day 4 - Day 4 LIPARI, AEOLIAN ISLANDS
Of the seven Aeolian islands, this is the largest and the most populated. Lying off the north coast of Sicily, in the Tyrrhenian sea, Lipari is one of UNESCO’s marvellous World Heritage sites. Its lava stone quarries and obsidian flow of Rocce Rosse are indications of its volcanic nature. The town, the largest urban area in the whole archipelago, proudly houses its citadel and its castle, both rooted in Antiquity. If you head further into the centre, you’ll be surprised to come across a Norman cathedral, complete with a magnificent baroque façade.
Day 5 - Day 5 CATANIA, SICILY
Sicily’s second city Catania is dominated by the majestic silhouette of Mount Etna. Nourishing and devastating at the same time, this giant crowned with smoke rings brought about the destruction of the city at the end of the 17th century. Catania was then rebuilt in the late Baroque style, and the many monuments of this epoch have earned its status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The baroque churches of the harmonious Via dei Crociferi perfectly illustrate the riches of this architectural heritage. During your stop, be sure to visit Saint Agatha Cathedral with its apses made of lava stones, and its square decorated with a fountain of the Elephant, the animal which allegedly has the power to calm the fury of Mount Etna …
Day 6 - Day 6 VALLETTA
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.
Day 7 - Day 7 SYRACUSE, SICILY
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.
Day 8 - Day 8 PALERMO, SICILY
Palermo is the guardian of the Sicilian soul. Many have been attracted to this city, the largest capital of the Italian islands. Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Romans, Byzantines, Arabs, Normans... Palermo is a rich culmination of so many cultural influences as seen in the Moorish designs on the cathedral, and the Byzantine mosaics of the Palatine chapel, which is itself housed within the precincts of the Norman palace. You will fall under the spell of the palaces, baroque splendours that grace the town with their obsolete beauty. It is thrilling to stumble upon one of those fabulous markets, high in colour, and headily picturesque.
Day 9 - Please Note:
Itineraries are subject to change.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
07-06-202114-06-2021AUD $7,600Deluxe Stateroom
07-06-202114-06-2021AUD $8,580Prestige Stateroom Deck 4
07-06-202114-06-2021AUD $9,020Prestige Stateroom Deck 5
07-06-202114-06-2021AUD $9,500Prestige Stateroom Deck 6
07-06-202114-06-2021AUD $13,540Deluxe Suite
07-06-202114-06-2021AUD $18,610Prestige Suite Deck 5
07-06-202114-06-2021AUD $19,570Prestige Suite Deck 6
07-06-202114-06-2021AUD $20,580Privilege Suite
07-06-202114-06-2021AUD $22,690Grand Deluxe Suite
07-06-202114-06-2021AUD $23,860Owner's Suite

Inclusions

    • A musical cruise in partnership with RADIO CLASSIQUE, in the presence of Alain Duault, and with an exceptional musical line-up.
    • Discover the wonder of the Tyrrhenian Sea.
    • UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Rome from Civitavecchia (embarkation port), the Amalfi Coast, the Aeolian Islands, the old town of Syracuse, the historic centre of Valletta.
    • A new call at Sorrente, a romantic town, symbol of the dolce vita.
    • Sailing by the Stromboli volcano.

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