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Ancient Shores of the Mediterranean – Malta, Italy, Tunisia, Algeria and Spain in Luxury

Ancient Shores of the Mediterranean – Malta, Italy, Tunisia, Algeria and Spain in Luxury

From AUD $7,540

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Description

With a departure from Valetta, PONANT invites you to discover archaeological and historical sites – most of them UNESCO World Heritage sites – on a 10-day cruise to Malta, Italy, Tunisia, Algeria and Spain. You will be captivated by an unforgettable voyage aboard Le Lapérouse in the Mediterranean.
Throughout your journey, you will benefit from an excursion included per person per port of call, to choose from a selection offered by PONANT. During this cruise, marvel at Greek, Norman and Baroque influences during a walk on the island of Ortygia in Syracuse, discover the ruins of Hippo Regius in Annaba, or explore the history-laden streets of the Casbah, the jewel of Algiers ’s heritage. The diversity of experiences on offer promises you intense and varied moments (to discover the full range of excursions, go to the itinerary tab).
Leaving from Valletta, capital of the island of Malta and former stronghold of the Knights of the Order of Malta, you will set sail north towards Italian shores. In Syracuse, the Sicilian soul unfolds across the island of Ortygia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The oldest part of the city, a maze of small streets dotted with churches, palaces, ancient remnants, shelters a majestic cathedral in its very heart. Then you will head for Porto Empedocles, gateway to the legendary Greek temples of Agrigento: some of the most fascinating ruins in the Mediterranean, also UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Le Lapérouse resumes its journey to head for the Tunisian shores and capital, Tunis. Rome’s great rival, Ancient Carthage, is yours to discover as you visit its ruins, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Your journey then continues along the coast of nearby Algeria to Annaba, where you visit the archaeological site of Hippo, one of Roman Africa’s main cities.
You will set sail again, heading for “Algiers the White”. The capital of Africa’s largest country, radiant and vibrant, will reveal its centuries of history. In Tipasa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the wisteria-scented ruins mingle with the sun and the sea, summoning up the Nuptials essays by Albert Camus.
After a call at Palma de Majorca, one of the jewels of the Balearic Archipelago, known for its four main islands that are charming, picturesque and discreet, sitting atop the clear waters of the Mediterranean like grains of sand, you will join Valencia, with its remarkable architectural splendours.
Your last port of call will be Cartagena, an ancient walled city with a remarkable architectural heritage, lying in the heart of a rolling landscape. Finally, you will sail to Malaga, the bustling cultural capital of the Costa del Sol, where you will disembark.

Trip Name
Ancient Shores of the Mediterranean - Malta, Italy, Tunisia, Algeria and Spain in Luxury
Days
10
Overview
Vessel Type: Luxury Expedition / Cruise Ship Length: 142 meters Passenger Capacity: 264 (in twin cabins, 200 in Antarctica) Built: 2011 A superb mega-yacht with 132 cabins, she is the fruit of the expertise of the Italian Fincantieri shipyard and French sophistication, as interpreted by designer Jean-Philippe Nuel. Le Boreal remains faithful to our philosophy - to create a unique atmosphere, a subtle blend of luxury, intimacy and well-being. Superior materials, discreet elegance and a tasteful décor combined with exterior and interior lines to reflect a nautical mood, subtly revisited. On board, soothing neutral tones are enlivened by splashes of red, our signature theme linking tradition and innovation to create personal touches in 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 Liberte 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, Le Boreal 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 Carita™, but also more intimate spaces such as the library and internet corner. Comfortable cabins, nearly all with private balcony, are available forfamilies either as triples or as communicating cabins. There is also a games area with Wii™ consoles, children’s menus, and a baby-sitting ser vice.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 Carita™ brand, the Beauty Centre on Le Boreal welcomes you for some unforgettable moments of relaxation and pampering (beauty treatments, hairdresser, hammam, balneotherapy).

Itinerary



Day 1 - Day 1 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 2 - Day 2 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 3 - Day 3 Porto Empedocle, Sicily
Huddled on the south-western coast of Sicily, Porto Empedocles bears the name of the philosopher Empedocles, who lived in the region in the 5th century BC. An age-old city offered up to sun and sea, this is your doorway to the exceptional archaeological site of Temple Valley, a high place of Greek civilisation listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. You can admire the remains of many temples dedicated to Zeus, his wife Hera and Hephaestus. Make sure you take in the magnificent Italian countryside, with its olive orchards that cover the hillsides.
Day 4 - Day 4 Tunis
At the crossroads of civilisations, the capital of Tunisia is rich in cultural discoveries. The ruins of Ancient Carthage, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and particularly well preserved, testify to the splendour of this city that was once Rome’s great rival. The hill of Byrsa, the former fortified citadel of the Phoenician port and one of the presumed burial places of Saint Louis who died there during the Eighth Crusade, offers spectacular views over the Gulf of Tunis. In the Bardo National Museum, you will be able to admire one of the world’s finest Roman mosaic collections, including the magnificent portrait of the poet Virgil.
Day 5 - Day 5 Annaba
Annaba, a coastal town in eastern Algeria, is the country's fourth largest city. It contains many heritage treasures, including the ancient site of Hippo, the largest Roman forum in Africa. From the Cap de Garde lighthouse, you get  a splendid and varied panoramic view with mountains and sea, while the basilica of Saint Augustine, the bishop of Hippo in the 4th century, overlooks the city with its majestic white dome. A stroll along the Corniche and the Cours de la Révolution will introduce you to the lively, elegant town that inspired numerous artists and writers.
Day 6 - Day 6 Algiers
The beauty of the Bay of Algiers offers travellers arriving by sea an unforgettable view. The Casbah houses cascade down to the Haussmann-style buildings and the hustle and bustle of the Mediterranean city creates a unique atmosphere. Algiers the White proudly bears the traces of its history with its magnificent Casbah, listed as UNESCO World Heritage, its tropical garden called Jardin d’Essai, its Martyr’s Memorial, its imposing Basilica of Our Lady of Africa, and its lively city centre with its Grande Poste (main post office) and French quarter. Seventy kilometres (43 miles) away, you will have the possibility of visiting Tipaza, one of the most extraordinary archaeological complexes of the Maghreb, listed as World Heritage by UNESCO. Once a trading post of the Carthaginians and later the Romans, the ancient city is home to the Royal Mausoleum of Mauretania, a funerary monument providing precious evidence of what was once the Punic world.
Day 7 - Day 7 Palma de Mallorca, Balearic Islands
Palma de Mallorca will reveal its many treasures: idyllic coves, majestic limestone cliffs that plunge into the clear sapphire- and turquoise-coloured waters of the Mediterranean, and vast plains planted with almond trees, olive trees and vineyards. When your ship calls at the capital of the Balearic Islands, take a walk to discover its emblematic monuments, such as its famous cathedral, and amble through its old streets. Here, like a painting, the island’s historical heritage forms a backdrop to the lively and warm cosmopolitan atmosphere of the Mediterranean.  
Day 8 - Day 8 Valencia
Valencia - the city of Art and Sciences. Two hearts beat in this Spanish city: one is modern, avantgarde and almost futuristic; the other is more provincial, more traditional and nostalgic. Valencia has the temperament of a great Mediterranean city whose wide avenues form a border around the old town. The city has an abundance of architectural styles that coexist harmoniously, but above all it resolutely embraces the 21st Century with the futuristic structures of its Agora congress centre and City of Arts and Sciences, emerging from a crystal blue pool.
Day 9 - Day 9 Cartagena
Surrounded by hills, the natural site of the Bay of Carthagena presided over the fate of this former fortress which has been home to the greatest European civilisations. Today, these Phoenician, Roman, Carthaginian, Moorish and Christian influences form a rich architectural heritage. Its Roman theatre is one of the most significant and best conserved in Spain. You will also be able to cross the landscapes of vines and citrus groves stretching endlessly towards Murcia, to visit this dynamic regional capital.
Day 10 - Day 10 Málaga
A historical and festive town, Malaga is located in Andalusia, on the Costa del Sol. Between the marina and the beaches, the seaside promenade of La Farola offers an ideal setting for strolling and relaxing. Set slightly further back, the Malagueta bullring is one of the emblematic sites of the city. From the hill overlooking the old town, one can see Gibralfaro castle and the Alcazaba, two fortified ensembles rising out from the cypresses and maritime pines. To visit Pablo Picasso’s birthplace, you will go first to the courtly plaza de la Merced. A few streets back from here, you can explore the museum dedicated to the artist, in the Buenavista palace.
Day 11 - Please note:
Itineraries are subject to change.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
12-12-202521-12-2025AUD $0Deluxe Stateroom
12-12-202521-12-2025AUD $0Prestige Stateroom Deck 4
12-12-202521-12-2025AUD $0Prestige Stateroom Deck 5
12-12-202521-12-2025AUD $0Prestige Stateroom Deck 6
12-12-202521-12-2025AUD $0Deluxe Suite
12-12-202521-12-2025AUD $0Prestige Suite Deck 5
12-12-202521-12-2025AUD $0Prestige Suite Deck 6
12-12-202521-12-2025AUD $0Privilege Suite
12-12-202521-12-2025AUD $0Grand Deluxe Suite
12-12-202521-12-2025AUD $0Owner's Suite
05-05-202614-05-2026AUD $0Superior Stateroom
05-05-202614-05-2026AUD $0Deluxe Stateroom
05-05-202614-05-2026AUD $0Prestige Deck 4
05-05-202614-05-2026AUD $0Prestige Deck 5
05-05-202614-05-2026AUD $0Prestige Deck 6
05-05-202614-05-2026AUD $0Deluxe Suite
05-05-202614-05-2026AUD $0Prestige Deck 5 Suite
05-05-202614-05-2026AUD $0Prestige Deck 6 Suite

Inclusions

    • A cruise taking in Europe and the Maghreb to discover five countries: Malta, Italy, Tunisia, Algeria and Spain.
    • UNESCO World Heritage sites: the historic centre of Syracuse; the ruins of Agrigento at Porto Empedocles; the ruins of Carthage in Tunis, the site of Tipasa; the Casbah in the citadel of Algiers; the Silk Exchange in Valencia.
    • A cruise following the traces of ancient Mediterranean civilisations.
    • Make the most of an excursion included* per person per port of call during your cruise thanks to the selection made by our destination experts.
    • Discover the spirit of the Balearics, from Palma de Mallorca, their capital.

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