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7th annual Piano Festival at Sea
Athens - Livorno
Dates:
8/9/2022
to
15/9/2022
8
days
days
7
nights on board
nights on board
Starting from*
€3,760
25% Ponant Bonus
Music 
Guest Speaker In partnership with RADIO CLASSIQUE.
PONANT invites you to discover the marvellous antiquities of the Mediterrean shores, from Greece to Italy. Set sail aboard Le Bougainville for an 8-day cruise.
From Athens, you will follow a memorable crossing of the Corinth Canal and call at Itea, not far from the marvellous Delphi archaeological site, on the slopes of Mount Parnassus.
After calling at Katakolon, you will leave Greece for Italy. You will then head to Taormina, overlooking Etna’s blanket of snow. Its streets will lead you to its famed ancient Greek theatre, where the quality of the acoustics is exceptional.
Le Bougainville will then head for the Amalfi Coast, the jewel of Southern Italy, where you will visit Salerno, a superb little town particularly renowned for its Duomo.
You will sail to Sorrento. Clinging to the cliffs across the Bay of Naples, the town can be proud to have captivated famous authors such as Byron, Tolstoy, Dickens or Goethe, with its gentle way of life and romantic atmosphere.
You will then stop at Porto Santo Stefano, a town built along a hillside and surrounded by a 17th century fortress.
Your cruise will end along the Tuscan shoreline in Livorno, a port city famous for its Renaissance fortifications. The Little Venice district, as it is known, offers a picturesque setting in which to enjoy fish and seafood.
Ref : G080922
Your itinerary
A musical cruise in partnership with RADIO CLASSIQUE, with the exceptional presence on board of Alain Duault and of artists. A cruise from Greece to Italy, to discover the cultures and landscapes of the...
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For more peace of mind, PONANT selects flights and takes care of your transfers for your trip as well as shore visits before and after the cruise.
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*Price is per person, double occupancy, is based on availability, and subject to change at any time. The category of cabin to which this price applies may no longer be available.
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Services provided
- Individually-controlled airconditioning
- Stateroom layout: king-size bed, or twin beds, communicating staterooms available (Children welcome)
- Minibar
- Flat screen satellite TV
- Video on demand
- Bose™ Bluetooth speaker
- Desk with stationery
- Safe
- Hermès® bath products
- Dressing table, bath robes, Hairdryer
- Direct line telephone
- 110V American (two flat pins) /220V European (round sockets with two round pins)
- 24hr room service
- Inclusive Internet access Wifi
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Our guests
Nikolai Lugansky
Nikolai Lugansky is a pianist who combines elegance and grace with powerful virtuosity, a true incarnation of the Russian tradition on the international classical stage. Recognised as a master of Russian and late romantic repertoire, Lugansky is renowned for his interpretations of Rachmaninov, Prokofiev, Chopin and Debussy. He has received numerous awards for recordings and artistic merit and regularly works with top level conductors such as Yuri Temirkanov, Kent Nagano, Mikhail Pletnev, Stanislav Kochanovsky, Gianandrea Noseda, and Vladimir Jurowski.
Concerto highlights for the upcoming seasons include performances with Berliner Philharmoniker, Hamburgisches Staatsorchester, Orchestre Philharmonique de France, Netherlands Philharmonic Orchestra and NHK in Tokyo. Lugansky also tours the UK with Temirkanov and the St Petersburg Philharmonic Orchestra. A regular recitalist the world over he frequently appears in Paris, Prague, Amsterdam Concertgebouw, Vienna Konzerthaus and Wigmore Hall in London. Lugansky regularly performs at the La Roque-d’Anthéron Festival in France and at the Verbier Festival.
In June 2019 Nikolai Lugansky received the Russian Federation National Award in Literature and Art, for his contribution to the development and advancement of Russian and international classical music culture over the past 20 years. Nikolai has won several awards for his many recordings. His recital CD featuring Rachmaninov's Piano Sonatas won the Diapason d’Or, whilst his recording of concertos by Grieg and Prokofiev with Kent Nagano and the Deutsches Symphonie-Orchester Berlin was a Gramophone Editor’s Choice. Nikolai records for harmonia mundi and released his new album featuring the late Beethoven Sonatas opp. 101, 109 and 111 in November 2020.
Languages spoken: French, English, Russian
Photo credit: Marco Borggreve / Naïve-Ambroisie
Nicholas Angelich
Born in the United States in 1970, Nicholas Angelich began studying the piano at five with his mother. At the age of seven, he gave his first concert with Mozart’s Concerto K. 467. He entered at 13 the Conservatoire National Supérieur de Musique in Paris where he studied with Aldo Ciccolini, Yvonne Loriod, Michel Beroff and Marie‑Françoise Bucquet. He won the First Prize for piano and chamber music.
Nicholas Angelich followed master-classes with Leon Fleisher, Dmitri Bashkirov, and Maria Joao Pires. In 1989 he won the Second Prize of the International Piano Competition R. Casadesus in Cleveland and in 1994 the First Prize of the International Piano Competition Gina Bachauer. In 1996 he was invited as a resident of the International Piano Foundation of Cadennabia (Italy). In 2002 he received the “International Klavierfestival Ruhr – Young Talent Award” (Germany) from Leon Fleischer where he performed in June 2003. At the Victoires de la Musique Classique 2013, he received the Victoire of the “Instrumental Soloist of the Year”.
He made his debuts in May 2003 with the New-York Philharmonic under Kurt Masur at the Lincoln Center in New-York. Valdimir Jurowski invited him to open with him the 2007/08 season of the Russian National Orchestra in Moscow.
He also performed with the Orchestre National de France under Marc Minkowski, Orchestre de Paris, Orchestre Philharmonique de Radio France under Paavo Järvi and Krzysztof Urbanski, Orchestre National de Lyon and David Robertson, Orchestre Philharmonique de Monte-Carlo under Jesus Lopez-Cobos and Kenneth Montgomery, Saint-Petersbourg Symphony under Alexandre Dimitriev, Strasbourg and Montpellier orchestras, Toulouse Orchestra under Jaap van Zweden in Amsterdam and Yannick Nezet-Sequin in San Sebastian, the Orchestre de chambre de Lausanne and Christian Zacharias, the SWR Baden-Baden orchestra, the Dresdner Philharmoniker under Michael Sanderling, the Francfort Radio orchestra under Hugh Wolff and Paavo Jarvi, the Swiss-Italian Radio Orchestra and Charles Dutoit, the Tonkünstler Orchester and K. Järvi, the Stuttgart Radio Orchestra and Roger Norrington, the Montreal Symphony, Atlanta Symphony under E. Krivine, the Rotterdam Philharmonic, the Seoul Philharmonic under M.-W. Chung, the London Philharmonic under Kazuchi Ono and Vladimir Jurowski, the London Symphony and David Afkham, the Swedish Radio Orchestra and Daniel Harding, the Los Angeles Symphony with Stephane Denève, the Pittsburgh Symphony with Gianandrea Noseda, the Mahler Chamber Orchestra and Tugan Sokhiev, the Chamber Orchestra of Europe and Y. Nezet-Seguin, the Mariinsky Theatre Orchestra and Valery Gergiev ; as well as recitals in London, Munich, Geneva, Amsterdam, Brussels, Luxembourg, Rome, Lisbon, Brescia, Tokyo, Paris. He is a regular guest of the Verbier Festival and Martha Argerich’s festival in Lugano. He made his debuts at the BBC Proms in July 2009 with the Scottish Chamber Orchestra and Y. Nezet-Seguin.
Great interpreter of classic and romantic repertoire, Nicholas Angelich played all Beethoven Sonatas and Liszt’s Années de Pélerinage in different countries. He is also very interested in 20th century music such as Rachmaninoff, Prokofiev, Shostakovitsh, Bartok, Ravel, as well as Messiaen, Stockhausen, Pierre Boulez, Eric Tanguy, Bruno Mantovani, Baptiste Trotignon (Different Spaces/Naïve CD), and Pierre Henry, who dedicated to him the « Concerto for piano without orchestra ».
Always enthusiastic about playing chamber music, his partners are Martha Argerich, Gil Shaham, Yo-Yo Ma, Gautier and Renaud Capuçon, Maxim Vengerov, Akiko Suwanai, Dimitri Sitkovetsky, Joshua Bell, Gérard Caussé, Daniel Müller-Schott, Jian Wang, Paul Meyer, the Ysaye, Prazak, Pavel Haas, Modigliani, and Ebène Quartets.
Languages spoken : French, English
Photo credit: Jean François Leclercq
Maurizio Baglini
Visionary pianist, with a taste for musical challenges, Maurizio Baglini has an intense international concert career. Winner of the “World Music Piano Master” of Monte Carlo at the age of 24, he regularly performs at the Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia, the Teatro alla Scala of Milan, the Teatro San Carlo of Naples, the Salle Gaveau of Paris, the Kennedy Center of Washington and he is guest of prestigious festivals, including La Roque d’Anthéron, Yokohama Piano Festival, Australian Chamber Music Festival, International piano festival of Bergamo and Brescia.
He works together with orchestras such as Orchestra Sinfonica Nazionale Rai, Gustav Mahler Jugendorchester, Orchestre Philharmonique de Monaco, New Japan Philharmonic Orchestra, Orchestra del Maggio Musicale Fiorentino, and with conductors such as Luciano Acocella, Francesco Angelico, Marco Angius, John Axelrod, Antonello Allemandi, Umberto Benedetti Michelangeli, Giampaolo Bisanti, Marcello Bufalini, Massimiliano Caldi, Tito Ceccherini, Daniel Cohen, Howard Griffiths, Armin Jordan, Seikyo Kim, Emanuel Krivine, Antonello Manacorda, Karl Martin, Donato Renzetti, Corrado Rovaris, Ola Rudner, Daniele Rustioni and Maximiano Valdes, Tobias Woegerer. He is dedicatee of “Tre Quadri”, Concerto for piano and orchestra by Francesco Filidei, which he performed with Rai National Symphonic Orchestra and Tito Ceccherini as a conductor in a world premiere streamed on Rai Cultura, Rai Radio3, EuroRadio and broadcasted on Rai5 in November 2020.
Approved by excellent reviews, his record production for Decca/Universal includes piano music by Liszt, Brahms, Schubert, Domenico Scarlatti and Mussorgsky and the Live at Amiata Piano Festival series. Baglini is also recording the complete piano works by Schumann and the first 5 available CDs are considered an interpretative reference point.
He is among the few virtuosos in the world who perform the “Ninth Symphony” by Beethoven in the transcendental piano transcription by Liszt. Since 2008 he has been invited to perform this whirling masterpiece on many prestigious stages – in cities like Rome, Milan, Cremona, Paris, Munich, Tel Aviv, Beirut, Rio de Janeiro – and in 2020 he exceed the record of one hundred performances.
He created the innovative "Web Piano" project in which his live performances - from Carnaval by Schumann to the Pictures at an Exhibition by Mussorgsky or Images by Debussy - are accompanied by the video projections by the artist Giuseppe Andrea L'Abbate (The Roque d'Anthéron, Lisztomanias, Châteauroux, Emilia Romagna Festival).
Also passionate in chamber music repertoire, he performed with Kristóf Baráti, Enrico Bronzi, Gautier Capuçon, Renaud Capuçon, Cinzia Forte, Corrado Giuffredi, Andrea Griminelli, Gabriele Pieranunzi, Roberto Prosseda, Massimo Quarta, La Scala String Quartet and other distinguished colleagues. Since 2006 he regularly plays with the cellist Silvia Chiesa, with whom he performed in more than 250 concerts worldwide.
He is artistic director of the Amiata Piano Festival, the international music festival that he founded in 2005 and that since 2015 has been taking place at the Bertarelli Concert Hall in Poggi del Sasso (Grosseto, Tuscany). Since 2013 he is artistic consultant for dance and music of Teatro Comunale “Verdi” of Pordenone, which in recent years has organised exclusive concerts for Italy, has created an editorial series in collaboration with Ets and has become the main partner of the Gustav Mahler Jugendorchester on its European tours. In 2019 he was nominated Honorary Member of the Aiarp, the Italian Association of Piano Tuners and Repairers «for the high merits and important artistic contributions that his activity brought to the piano.»
He plays a Fazioli grand piano.
Languages spoken: Italian, French, English
Photo credit: Davide Cerati
Vanessa Benelli Mosell
Vanessa Benelli Mosell is a rising star on the international music scene. Vanessa Benelli Mosell began playing the piano at the age of three and started her comprehensive musical studies when she was exceptionally admitted at the International Piano Academy in Imola at seven years old. In 2007 she was invited to the Moscow Tchaikovsky Conservatory. Vanessa entered the Royal College of Music in London in 2007, where she graduated in 2012, generously supported by the Russell Gander Award.
Vanessa was awarded the Elba Festival Prize by Yuri Bashmet, and more recently she has won the first Award of the Festival Pietrasanta as an outstanding young talent. She has been supported by the Keyboard Charitable Trust and in 2016 was appointed as a Steinway Artist. Vanessa Benelli Mosell is internationally renowned for her performances of Karlheinz Stockhausen's Klavierstücke. Following her recording of Klavierstücke I-IV, she was invited by the composer to study under him. She has performed often with the Moscow Soloists, with whom she replaced Martha Argerich in 2012 and then has worked with the most important orchestras of the world on the 5 continents and in the most beautiful halls like Seoul art Center, Shanghai Concert Hall, New York Carnegie Hall, Scala da Milano, Auditorio Nacional in Madrid, Royal Festival Hall in London, Berliner Philharmonie or auditorium de Radio France in Paris…
Language spoken : French, English, Italian, Russian
Photo credit : Michele Maccaronne
Tanguy de Williencourt
The press does not fail to accompany the emergence of this complete musician, whose pianistic authority and rich colourful palette distinguish him as one of the future greats of the piano.
Tanguy de Williencourt performs on international stages, including the Paris Philharmonic, Maison de Radio France, Théâtre des Champs-Elysées, Lille Opera, Bordeaux Auditorium, Grand Théâtre de Provence, St. Petersburg Philharmonic, Berlin Philharmonic, and Bonn Opera.
His discography includes solo recordings for Mirare: Wagner/liszt piano transcriptions and a complete set of Beethoven’s Bagatelles (Classica and Diapason) and for harmonia mundi: 3 CDs with Bruno Philippe, a Berlioz CD with Stéphanie d’Oustrac, Debussy: the late works which received the 2019 « BBC Music Magazine Award » and the « Gramophone Award » and, to be released, « Proust » with violinist Théotime Langlois de Swarte (March 2021).
Tanguy de Williencourt is supported by the Blüthner, Banque Populaire, ADAMI and SPEDIDAM Foundations. He was awarded the double Prize of the Jury and the Public of the Geneva Arts Society and is laureate of the Paris Play-Direct Competition at the Philharmonie de Paris with the Orchestre de Chambre de Paris.
Language spoken : French
Photo credit : Jean Baptiste Millot
Alain Duault
The novelist, poet, journalist, musicologist and radio and television presenter Alain Duault has been sharing his passion for and knowledge of classical music for more than 30 years. Considered to be one of the greatest opera specialists in France he is now President of the Prix Pelléas jury, and has been made an Officier de la Légion d’Honneur and Commandeur des Arts et Lettres.
Alain Duault studied literature, philosophy and psycho-analysis in Paris, then musicology and piano. His first TV appearance was as a guest of Bernard Pivot for his book of poems, Colorature. This led to a number of radio programmes dedicated to classical music, notably on RTL, the radio station where Alain Duault would be “Mr Classical Music” for 22 years, before joining Radio Classique with daily slots until 2018. A role that he also took on for the France 3 television channel, presenting a number of exceptional programmes (masterclasses with Ruggero Raimondi in the Salle Gaveau, Musiques en fête at the Chorégies d’Orange festival…).
In 1999, he conceived and presented Intégrale Chopin (225 works, 60 pianists), broadcast on France 3. Then in 2001, he wrote and performed an ambitious and very popular show, Verdi, une passion, un destin (with Jean Piat and 250 musicians). In the wake of this success, he wrote and performed two other shows: Victor Hugo, la légende d’un siècle in 2002 and Rencontre avec George Sand (with Marie-Christine Barrault) in 2004 and 2005.
Alain Duault also puts his writing skills to the service of classical music. The author of a number of books, including Dans la peau de Maria Callas, (Le Passeur Éditeur, 2014, pocket edition, 2017), Dictionnaire amoureux illustré de l’Opéra (Plon Gründ, 2016), Ce léger rien des choses qui ont fui, poetry (Gallimard, 2017), he also writes editorials for Classica.
Language spoken: French
Photo credit: Laurent Rouvrais @Radio Classique
Subject to withdrawal in case of force majeure
Packing Checklist
Ideal clothes for life on board:
During the days spent on board, you are advised to wear comfortable clothes or casual outfits. The entire ship is air-conditioned, so a light sweater, a light jacket or a shawl may be necessary. When moving about in the public areas of the ship and the decks, light but comfortable shoes are recommended.
Informal evening:
In the evening, you are advised to wear smart-casual attire, especially when dining in our restaurants where wearing shorts and tee-shirts is not allowed.
For women:
- Simple dress
- Skirt or trousers
- Blouse
- Polo
For men:
- Pleated trousers or chinos
- Sports jacket
- Shirt
- Polo
Officer’s evening:
Depending on the itinerary and the program of your cruise, an Officer’s Evening with a white dress code may be organized. Therefore, we encourage you to bring a stylish white outfit for the occasion (otherwise black and white).
Gala evening:
During the cruise, two gala evenings will be organised on board. Thus, we recommend that you bring one or two formal outfits.
For women:
- Cocktail attire
- Evening dress (if you wish to)
For men:
- Dark suit
- Tie recommended, possibly bow tie (if you wish to)
SHOP:
A small shop is available on board offering a wide range of outfits, jewellery, leather goods and many accessories.
A laundry service (washing/ironing) is available on board, but unfortunately there are no dry cleaning services. For safety reasons, your cabin is not equipped with an iron.
Advice
ACCESSORIES:
- Polarized sunglasses
- Swimsuit (for the Spa on board)
- Gym wear (fitness)
- Battery charger and memory cards for your camera
- Mobile phone charger
- Hat/cap
HEALTH CARE:
- Sunscreen and after-sun lotion
- Medications and prescriptions
OUTFITS ON BOARD:
- Casual outfits for the day
- Smarter outfits for dinners
- Elegant outfits for Gala evenings
- White or black and white outfit
PRECAUTIONS:
In your hand luggage, remember to bring any medicines that you need, and possibly a small spare bag of toiletries (in case of delay in the delivery of your baggage by the airline). Remember to always have your travel documents with you in case you need them: hotel vouchers, cruise vouchers, return flight tickets... Never leave them in your hold luggage.
All our cabins have a safe. We recommend not to go ashore with valuable jewellery.
PONANT activities
Radio Classique
Every day RADIO CLASSIQUE attracts over a million listeners with a promise to celebrate the best works in the classical repertoire by top performers, and bring classical music into the hearts of the greatest number of people in a welcoming and relaxed atmosphere. Radio Classique achieves this by employing well-known personalities with a passion for music, offering a varied play list from symphonies to film music, as well as interactive programmes and numerous live concert broadcasts.
It is these values which set Radio Classique apart, as an accessible, elegant radio station which is much appreciated by epicurean and discerning listeners ; values that are perfectly in tune with what PONANT’s musical cruises have to offer, under the artistic direction of Alain Duault. A truly unforgettable musical experience awaits passengers in the company of outstanding artists in an intimate and privileged setting.
Subject to withdrawal in case of force majeure
Highlights
-
A musical cruise in partnership with RADIO CLASSIQUE, with the exceptional presence on board of Alain Duault and of artists.
- A cruise from Greece to Italy, to discover the cultures and landscapes of the Mediterranean.
- Numerous UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the Acropolis of Athens (your embarkation port), the sanctuary of Delphi from Itea, the Olympia site from Katakolon, Taormina and its Greek Theatre, the archeological site of Paestum from Salerno, Pompei andHerculanum from Sorrento, the Amalfi Coast.
- Crossing the Corinth Canal.
- Discover the beauty of the Amalfi Coast.
- A call at Sorrente, a romantic town, symbol of the dolce vita.
Ports of Call & Excursions
8 September 2022 Athens
Embarkation 8/9/2022 from 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Departure 8/9/2022 at 6:00 pm
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.
9 September 2022 Crossing the Corinth Canal
Arrival 9/9/2022
Departure 9/9/2022
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!
9 September 2022 Itea
Arrival 9/9/2022 midday
Departure 9/9/2022 late afternoon
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 whose ancient ruins are surrounded by steep mountains.
2 possible excursions
to this stopover
10 September 2022 Katakolon
Arrival 10/9/2022 early morning
Departure 10/9/2022 midday
This picturesque village stretches along the Ionian sea in the west of the Peloponnese. Its main harbour offers a vast panorama of the coastline’s wooded hillsides. Dazzling white, the church of Saint-Nicolas houses a selection of sumptuous icons. You can also pay a visit the archaeological site of Olympus on the slopes of Mount Kronos.
1 possible excursion
to this stopover
11 September 2022 Taormina, Sicily
Arrival 11/9/2022 midday
Departure 11/9/2022 early evening
Located on Sicily’s eastern coast, in the province of Messina, the seaside town of Taormina is Sicily’s Saint-Tropez, boasting heritage sites, secluded beaches and luxury shopping. You can visit its medieval centre, suspended 300 metres above sea level, where terraces offer a spectacular view of the Mediterranean Sea. Another vestige from its past are the ruins of the Greco-Roman theatre. This extremely well-preserved site attracts visitors who are fascinated by the natural beauty of the area which overlooks a turquoise bay.
1 possible excursion
to this stopover
12 September 2022 Salerno
Arrival 12/9/2022 midday
Departure 12/9/2022 early evening
Generating a veritable explosion of intense emotions, the province of Salerno fascinates and enchants travellers. Its fascinating history will lead you to the extraordinary archaeological site of Pompeii, whose sprawling ruins provide a grandiose and moving vision of what a Roman city looked like in Imperial times. The city which was frozen in time under the ashes from the eruption of Mont Vesuvius offers you its peerless historical and cultural wealth, as well as the unique beauty of its location, which has earned it classification as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
1 possible excursion
to this stopover
13 September 2022 Sorrento
Arrival 13/9/2022 early morning
Departure 13/9/2022 late afternoon
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.
2 possible excursions
to this stopover
14 September 2022 Porto Santo Stefano
Arrival 14/9/2022 midday
Departure 14/9/2022 late afternoon
In Southern Tuscany, Porto Santo Stefano, a charming seaside resort located on the Monte Argentario peninsula, is renowned for its enchanting setting. Nestling on the side of a hill, the small town offers beautiful sandy beaches with crystal-clear water and a picturesque town centre. Stroll around its steep alleyways lined with coloured houses and discover La Rocca, a Spanish fortress built in the 17th century to protect the town against pirate attacks. There, you can enjoy a stunning view over the port and the Gulf of Talamone.
15 September 2022 Livorno
Arrival 15/9/2022 early morning
Disembarkation 15/9/2022 at 7:00 am
On the Ligurian coast, Livorno invites us to Tuscany, a charming region offering archaeological vestiges, Renaissance treasures, undulating landscapes and a pleasant way of life. When the Medicis arrived in the 16th century they developed the city, which became one of the most important ports in the Mediterranean. Cosmopolitan and multireligious, Livorno has welcomed many immigrants and is a wonderful example of cultural diversity. Built during that period, Fortezza Vecchia and Fortezza Nuova attest to the city’s power. At the foot of the new fort, Nuova Venezzia is an enchanting district with small canals and streets to stroll along to discover a few architectural treasures, such as the magnificent Santa Caterina da Siena church in the Tuscan baroque style.
Sacred site of Delphi
4 h 00
From the pier, board your coach for a 30-minute picturesque drive through olive groves before reaching the Archaeological Site.
Once arriving, you will take the Sacred Way that was followed by ancient pilgrims and visitors to the site. The path begins at the southeast corner of the site and winds its way up the hillside, past ancient treasuries and monuments, to the temple of Apollo.
It is an imposing temple of the Doric order whose existence was woven through the turbulent history of the site and endured numerous incarnations. The remains that you can see date back to the 4th century B.C. The Temple of Apollo was first built around the 7th century B.C. by the two legendary architects Trophonios and Agamedes. The exterior was decorated with shields captured from the Persians at Plataea. This temple was also of the Doric order and had 6 columns at the front, and 15 columns at the flanks. Today, you can see one complete column of the facade and portions of five more columns. Also visible are the foundations of the outer colonnade and the interior sekos.
You will continue your walk and pass the spare ruins of the Senate of Delphi, followed be a pile of rocks, marking the site of the early Delphi Oracle which according to legend was guarded by the snake Python. For those who wish, the Theatre can be visited.
A few steps from the sanctuary of Apollo, the Delphi museum has exhibited for over a century, the objects found at the archaeological site. He is one of the four largest museums in Greece, with Athens and Olympia. Vases, bronzes, sculptures found in temples, offerings made to Apollo by the pilgrims, objects of gold and ivory found under the slabs of the Sacred Way can be admired in this museum.
At the end of your visit, you will join your coach and enjoy magnificent views over the Bay of Itea before reaching the charming town of Delphi.
Once arriving, you will enjoy free time to browse the shops before your return on Itea.
- This tour involves 3 hours of walking over uneven ground with some steps. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun.
Price range:
More
€€: the excursion price is between €50 and €100.
The price of the excursion will be available approximately two months prior to the cruise departure.
The complete programme of excursions, including up-to-date prices, will be provided with the Travel book that you will receive before the departure of your cruise.
PONANT also allows you to pre-book your excursions approximately two months prior to the cruise* departure. Billing is done on board.
*Excluding Expedition cruises.
According to availability, price per passenger.
Monastery of Saint Lucas & Arachova
4 h 00
From the pier, embark your coach for the one-hour drive to the Saint Lucas Monastery. On the way, you will pass by Delphi and Arachova villages.
The historic walled monastery is one of the most important monuments of Middle Byzantine architecture and art and is listed on UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites in Greece. It was founded in the early 10th century by the hermit Saint Lucas, whose relics are kept in the monastery. The main shrine is the tomb of Saint Lucas, originally situated in the vault, but later placed at the juncture of the two churches, the church of Theotokos and the Catholic Church which is the oldest in the complex.
Continue your journey with the visit of Arachova village. Arachova is a mountain small village and its quaint houses are built up on the north slopes of Mount Parnassos, with 3300 inhabitants, at 800 – 1,100m altitude. In 2000 B.C. Homer mentioned in the Iliad two famous generals who took part in the Trojan War Epistrophos and Schedias from the old towns of Anemoria and Kiparissos. These towns were situated around where Arachova stands today. Later, in about 334 B.C. Philip the Second King of Macedonia destroyed both towns and their populations dispersed over the hills until a new town, Arachova, was built. Today the 'jewel' of Parnassos Arachova remains vital because it keeps its traditions alive and the residents remain simple and hospitable. From the first moment, you will feel a different wind blowing up here, and understand why the locals work so hard to upkeep the areas natural beauty. This town is famous for its carpets and blankets woven by hand and for its wines and cheeses.
After a short walking tour and time to browse through the narrow streets with the numerous souvenir and local product shops, you will return to the ship.
- This tour involves 1 hour of walking over uneven and flat cobblestones streets and many steps (approximately 50 steps on the Monastery). We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun. Appropriate dress is recommended: shoulders and knees covered.
Price range:
More
€€: the excursion price is between €50 and €100.
The price of the excursion will be available approximately two months prior to the cruise departure.
The complete programme of excursions, including up-to-date prices, will be provided with the Travel book that you will receive before the departure of your cruise.
PONANT also allows you to pre-book your excursions approximately two months prior to the cruise* departure. Billing is done on board.
*Excluding Expedition cruises.
According to availability, price per passenger.
Olympia & its museum
4 h 15
From the pier, you will board your coach for a drive to the site of Olympia, in the Alpheus valley on the slopes of Mount Cronion. Entering the Olympia sanctuary is like going back nearly 2,800 years in time, when the first edition of the Olympic Games took place in the 7th century BC. With every step, you will discover Olympia's numerous treasures: temples, altars, theatres, and marble and bronze statues. The location is an UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1989.
The Altis enclosed a levelled space about 200 metres long and 177 metres wide, dedicated to the main centres of worship and the buildings associated with the organisation of the games. The oldest of the great Greek temples is the Temple of Hera, which is probably the first known Doric building, built around 600 BC. It houses the table on which garlands for the winners were prepared. The most celebrated of the temples of Zeus is located here in Olympia, and once featured an ivory and gold statue of the god, a masterpiece by the sculptor Phidias made in 436 BC. The temple was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
Next to it is the Zeus altar where offerings were made in honour of the god. The votive temples comprised a row of chapels referred to as the "Treasure houses", which received the Greek people's offerings. Below the terrace of Treasure houses you will note the presence of a row of