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From the Serenissima to the City of Gods (Le Bougainville)

From the Serenissima to the City of Gods (Le Bougainville)

From AUD $7,250

Description

In partnership with Cuisine et Vins de France magazine.

PONANT invites you on an unforgettable circuit that will take you from the Adriatic Sea to the Aegean Sea, discovering the unmissable sites of Italy, Greece and the Dalmatian coastlines. Enjoy this 8-day cruise aboard Le Bougainville, between Venice and Athens.

Following a first port of call in the picturesque port of Hvar, you will continue to sail along the Dalmatian coastlines to Dubrovnik. Sitting high on a rocky outcrop, its old town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, watches the world go by.

You will then reach Montenegro after sailing in the Bay of Kotor, which is strangely reminiscent of Norwegian fjords. The city of Kotor nestles in a bay surrounded by wooded mountains. Its old town is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its medieval architecture.

From Brindisi, do not miss out on the visit to Lecce, justifiably nicknamed “the Florence of Southern Italy.” This city, a major site for Baroque architecture, is home to many architectural wonders.

You will then head to the Delphi sanctuary of Greek gods which you will reach via Itea. Delphi is located on a grandiose site that is one of Greece’s most beautiful natural landscapes. You will walk in the footsteps of the pilgrims of old, who came here to consult the famous oracle.

Your cruise will end in Athens, the mythical city dominated by the Acropolis.

Trip Name
From the Serenissima to the City of Gods (Le Bougainville)
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 VENICE
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.
Day 2 - Day 2 HVAR
Off the coast of Split, Hvar will surprise you by its traditions that haven’t changed since Antiquity. The country’s oldest town, Stari Grad, is here on this Dalmatian Island. The town nestles by a cove on the north-west coast, surrounded by dry stone wall structures on the Stari Grad plains. These have been designated a UNESCO World Heritage site because they were built in the time of the Ancient Greeks. From these parcels of land come wines and olive oil manufactured manually. In the upper part of town, it is possible to discover hams and cheeses made by local producers. The picturesque village of Vrisnik is also a good place to try some of local produce.
Day 3 - Day 3 DUBROVNIK
Emblem of the Dalmatian coast, Dubrovnik is magnificently positioned on a rocky spur. History is sovereign here, in this ancient city, now a listed UNESCO World Heritage site. You will perhaps be surprised by the proportions of La Placa, the central drag through the city. The sheer width of it can be explained by the fact that it straddles a former lagoon. The elegant houses along La Placa are built in the legendary travertine stone. At Pile gate, you will be greeted by the statue of the patron saint of Dubrovnik, and you can admire the coastline as you walk along the ramparts. But what’s inside Fort Saint John, adjoining the outer walls? A maritime museum and an aquarium featuring rare fish from the Adriatic.
Day 4 - Day 4 KOTOR
Situated in one of Montenegro’s most beautiful bays, the medieval city of Kotor is a small town full of charm, truly imbued with the traditions and stories of another time. Built between the 12th and 14th centuries, this village, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has preserved many historical monuments from this epoch. During your stop, be sure to admire the impressive castle that dominates the town, and let yourself fall under the charm of its maze of small streets and intimate squares on which folk festivals featuring magnificent colourful costumes are often organised.
Day 5 - Day 5 BRINDISI
Located on the “heel” of the Italian boot, Brindisi has been famous since Antiquity for its huge natural harbour, which is amongst the most sheltered in the Adriatic. The position of the city, turned towards the Orient, explains the commercial trade and the bonds established from the outset with Greece and other eastern Mediterranean countries. Brindisi is an ideal starting point for visiting the villages of the Puglia region, such as Alberobello and its famous trulli, the traditional dry stone dwellings with conical roofs, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, or Ostuni with its immaculate façades dominated by a majestic cathedral. The masseria, fortified farmhouses typical of the region, punctuate an ancient landscape of olive groves, vineyards and orchards.
Day 6 - Day 6 FISKARDO, CEPHALONIA
We know you’ll be won over by the charm of this fishing village located north-east of the island of Cephalonia. A best kept secret of the Ionian archipelago, Fiskardo gives onto the coasts of Ithaca, home of legendary king Odysseus. To see the coasts, just walk out onto the jetty. While you’re there, look back at the colourful houses along the quaysides: they have surprising architecture with evidence of Italian influence. Unwind at the café terraces along the water’s edge, in the shade of gazebos. While you watch the boats in the harbour, you can savour some local specialities like kreatopita, small meat pastries.
Day 7 - Day 7 ITEA & CROSSING THE CORINTH CANAL
Tucked away in the Gulf of Corinth, this little port is situated in continental Greece, north-west of Athens. Take an easy stroll along the old cobblestone quays, while gazing at the summits encircling the Bay of Itea. We wouldn’t be surprised if you are tempted by a visit to the Delphi Sanctuary. The sanctuary is located on a plateau on the slope of Mount Parnassus, just ten kilometres from Itea. A listed UNESCO World Heritage site, this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The ancient ruins are surrounded by steep mountains, and their Archaeological Museum is chock-full of cultural delights.The Corinth Canal cuts through the Isthmus of Corinth, turning the Peloponnese into an island as it separates the region from the Greek mainland. Inaugurated in 1893, the canal is a little over six kilometres long and enables merchant vessels and passenger to avoid a long 400-km detour around the peninsula. The two sides of the canal reach a height of approximately fifty metres. From the exterior decks, don’t miss this unique opportunity to watch the ship as it navigates along the narrow strip of water encased between tall, ochre cliffs. What an experience!
Day 8 - Day 8 ATHENS
The Greek capital city is located on the edge of the Saronic gulf, in the east of the country. It bears a plural name in reference to the first villages that surround the Acropolis. You will be enchanted by the rocky plateau presided by its monuments listed as UNESCO World Heritage. In the city below, you can visit some of the liveliest districts in Athens: Plaka, with its maze of colourful streets, and where, in the evenings the drifting aroma of moussaka and garlic prawns will tickle your taste buds. The National Archaeological museum and the Cycladic Art Museum are also some of the city’s key attractions and allow visitors to discover Athens’ cultural past.
Day 9 - Please Note:
Itineraries are subject to change.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
04-09-202111-09-2021AUD $7,250Deluxe Stateroom
04-09-202111-09-2021AUD $8,190Prestige Stateroom Deck 4
04-09-202111-09-2021AUD $8,620Prestige Stateroom Deck 5
04-09-202111-09-2021AUD $9,090Prestige Stateroom Deck 6
04-09-202111-09-2021AUD $12,940Deluxe Suite
04-09-202111-09-2021AUD $17,810Prestige Suite Deck 5
04-09-202111-09-2021AUD $18,740Prestige Suite Deck 6
04-09-202111-09-2021AUD $19,700Privilege Suite
04-09-202111-09-2021AUD $21,730Grand Deluxe Suite
04-09-202111-09-2021AUD $22,830Owner's Suite

Inclusions

    • A cruise in partnership with the French leading Gastronomy magazine: Cuisine et Vins de France.
    • Discover the Adriatic Sea and the Aegean Sea, featuring exceptional cultural sites, beautiful landscapes and ports with a unique charm.
    • Numerous UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the lagoon of Venice (embarkation port), the old towns of Dubrovnik and Kotor, Delphi from Itea, the Acropolis of Athens (disembarkation port).
    • The city of Lecce (from Brindisi), a major site for Baroque architecture.
    • Visit Hvar, Dubrovnik and Kotor, three unmissable spots in the Adriatic.
    • Sail in the Bay of Kotor.
    • Cross the Corinth Canal.
    • The possibility of visiting Venice (before your cruise) and Athens (after your cruise).

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