Music 
Guest Speaker 
Deluxe Stateroom
20% Ponant Bonus
19 m2
2
7th annual Piano Festival at Sea
Athens - Livorno
Dates:
8/9/2022
to
15/9/2022
days
nights on board
In partnership with RADIO CLASSIQUE with the exceptional presence of Alain Duault.
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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Additional services
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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LE JACQUES-CARTIER
- New
LE COMMANDANT CHARCOT
L'AUSTRAL
4/11/2022 to the 20/11/2022
- New
LE LAPEROUSE
9/11/2022 to the 23/11/2022
LE LYRIAL
*Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability, and subject to change at any time. The category of stateroom to which this price applies may no longer be available.
Services provided
- 24h room service
- Inclusive Wi-Fi Internet access (availability dependent on navigation and latitude)
- Individually-controlled air conditioning
- Dressing room with shelves and closet
- Dressing table and hairdryer
- Hermès top-of-the-line bath products
- Minibar included
- Nespresso coffee maker and boiler
- Electronic safe
- Direct line telephone
- Bose Bluetooth speaker
- Flat screen TV, international channels (availability dependent on navigation) and videos on demand
- 110V American (two flat pins)/220V European (round sockets with two round pins)
- Two ADA staterooms
Select your stateroom category
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
Jean-Baptiste Fonlupt
Recently invited to play with prestigious orchestras such as the Mariinsky Orchestra and the Orchestre National de Bordeaux-Aquitaine, pianist Jean-Baptiste Fonlupt studied at the Conservatoire National Supérieur de Musique in Paris in the class of Bruno Rigutto and at the Hanns Eisler Hochschule in Berlin with Michael Endres. His other teachers include Georges Pludermacher, Yonty Solomon and the Russian-Georgian pianist Eliso Virssaladze at the Moscow State Tchaïkovsky Conservatory.
The great concert halls such as the Théâtre des Champs-Elysées in Paris, the Auditorium in Bordeaux, the Beijing Forbidden City Concert Hall as well as many other concert halls in China, the Salamanca Hall in Japan, the Mariinsky Theater in Saint-Petersbourg, and the Simon Bolivar Concert Hall in Caracas invited him to perform. His other regular concerts bring him to different prestigious festivals: Berlioz Festival, Piano aux Jacobins in Toulouse, the Lisztomanias Festival in Châteauroux, the Esprit du Piano Festival in Bordeaux, the Chopin Festival in Nohant, Piano en Valois in Angoulême, the Liszt en Provence Festival, Solistes à Bagatelle in Paris, and in numerous countries such as Italy, Belgium, Germany, United States or Korea.
His recordings include various composers, from Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach to Franz Liszt’s rare piano works, amongst them recordings dedicated to Frederic Chopin, Robert Schumann and a Live recording released by the Esprit du Piano label. These recordings are acclaimed by musical magazines such as Diapason, Classica or Gramophone and regularly broadcasted on radio.
Languages spoken : french, english, german and russian
Photo credit : Béatrice Cruveiller
Jonathan Fournel
Jonathan was revealed with brilliance to the top international scene in the spring 2021 as he won the much-coveted International Queen Elisabeth competition Grand Prix-Queen Mathilde Prize. Previously, Jonathan had taken First Prizes at the Scottish International Piano Competition in Glasgow and the International Viotti competition in Vercelli, at the age of 20.
What strikes most in Fournel’s playing besides his stunning technique and incredible palette of colours is this balanced mix of exquisite refinement and wild instinct, his natural lyricism and the bright clarity of his interpretations shining light on details with a very mature understanding of the work.
Jonathan is the guest of such venues and festivals as the Concertgebouw Amsterdam, Philharmonie de Paris, Théâtre des Champs-Elysées, the Louis Vuitton Foundation, Gewandhaus Leipzig, Luxembourg Philharmonie, Bozar Brusssels, Rheingau Festival, Verbier Festival, Klavier Festival Ruhr, Tongyeong Concert Hall in South Korea, Edinburgh’s Usher Hall, Warsaw Philharmonic Hall.
Jonathan is playing under the baton of conductors such as Stéphane Denève, Thomas Dausgaard, Howard Griffiths, Jonathon Heyward, Lawrence Foster, Peter Oundjian, Hugh Wolff, Fan Tao with such orchestras as the Orchestre Philharmonique de Luxembourg, Royal Scottish National Orchestra, Brussels Philharmonic, Deutsche Radio Philharmonie, Orchestre de Chambre de Paris, Belgian National Orchestra, Polish Radio NOSPR, Orchestre National d’Ile de France, Orchestre National de Bordeaux, the Croatian Radio and Television Orchestra.
Languages spoken: French, English
Photo credit: Serge Leblon
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
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.
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.
The Piano Festival at Sea has become one of the most popular rendezvous for lovers of the king instrument, and those who just adore music. On this beautiful route from the Aegean to the Adriatic Sea (with of course the famous Corinth Canal to cross, a virtuoso performance by the Captain and his crew!), this seventh edition offers up five exceptional recitals by high-flyers in the piano world. From the dazzling virtuoso Italian Maurizio Baglini, referred to as the “other Maurizio” by his compatriots in reference to the older Pollini; from the youthful Jonathan Fournel, who has just won the famous Queen Elisabeth of Brussels Competition (first time for a Frenchman since 1991, over 30 years ago!) to Tanguy de Williencourt, one of the most endearing artists who has been appearing on the international scene in recent years, with Beethoven or Liszt in particular. And last but by no means least we have the gifted Vanessa Benelli Mosell with us, who combines all the talents of a great soloist to those of an experienced conductor, and whose versatility of repertoires shows a single-minded assurance. We will be at the peak of performance every evening!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
Total : €70
According to availability, price per passenger.
Monastery of Saint Lucas & Arachova
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 3,300 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.
Total : €55
According to availability, price per passenger.
Olympia & its museum
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 16 statues of Zeus, paid for with money from heavy fines imposed by the Olympic judges on athletes who cheated or attempted to win by devious means. Outside to the east of the Altis were the access tunnel to the stadium, which had a large racetrack of 192.25 metres, and the hippodrome where the sporting events took place. The terraced seats of the stadium could accommodate 40,000 spectators.
Your visit would not be complete without stopping at the Olympia Museum, which brings together under one roof all the discoveries made on the site, including the sculptured ornaments from the Temple of Zeus.
- As this excursion involves around 3 hours of walking, half of which is on rough terrain, we advise you to wear comfortable shoes and to protect yourself from the sun.
Total : €55
According to availability, price per passenger.
Taormina & Greek Theatre
From the pier, you will be transferred by coach to the ancient Greek town of Taormina, a 30-minute drive.
Called Tauromenium in ancient times, Taormina clings to the side of Mount Tauro and offers superb views, splashed with the vibrant colours of bougainvillea and oleanders, of the Mediterranean Sea, Isola Bella and a snow-capped Etna in the background.
A maze of narrow streets, stairs and tiny squares, Taormina has attracted many civilisations over the centuries. It is home to theatres and a gymnasium from the Greek period, an Odeon and baths from Roman times, buildings blending Arab and Norman cultures, traces of Byzantine, and villas belonging to European aristocracy in the 18th and 19th centuries.
You will start your excursion with a visit on foot to the historic centre. You will cross the famous Corso Umberto to discover numerous monuments from several eras, and admire Porta Catania, the Cathedral, Piazza IX Aprile and Palazzo Corvaja.
You will then arrive at Teatro Antico, a theatre built by the Greeks in the 3rd century BC, and almost completely rebuilt by the Romans who created a gladiatorial arena. The theatre is the second largest in Sicily after the one in Syracuse. Due to its size and acoustic quality the theatre is still used to host festivals and concerts. Seated on the stone terraces, the audience can enjoy the concert while admiring a breath-taking panoramic view of the sea, Mount Tauro and Etna.
- As this excursion involves a walk of around 1.5 miles (2 km) on rough terrain with several stairways, we advise you wear comfortable shoes and protect yourself from the sun. Appropriate clothing is required when visiting religious monuments, with knees and shoulders covered.
Total : €70
According to availability, price per passenger.
Paestum
From the pier, embark your coach for a one-hour drive to Paestum, the city dedicated to Poseidon the god of the sea, and founded by the Greeks around 600 BC. Previously called Poseidonia, it was later occupied by the Lucanians, an italic population, from 400 BC until 273 BC, when it became a Roman colony under the name of Paestum.
Its three temples are the only example of Greek architecture and arts already present in Italy, and are better preserved than the Parthenon in Athens. The city was discovered under the marsh and the brushwood thanks to the King of Naples Carlo di Borbone III during the 17th century.
The Romans made of the ancient Poseidonia their colony, and subsequently it was embellished by magnificent buildings including the baths, the portico of the forum and the amphitheatre.
Walking through this ancient moment of history and looking at these imposing and gorgeous structures will leave an impression in people's mind of the best example of what the Greek culture was in the past.
Finally, you will board your coach and start your return drive to the ship.
- This tour involves one hour and a half of walking over uneven ground, we recommend you to wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun.
Total : €60
According to availability, price per passenger.
Herculaneum
From the pier, you will board your coach and be transferred to Herculaneum.
Herculaneum was founded by the Greeks and was named after Hercules, the Greek god. Later it became a Roman city, and in 79 A.D., it met its demise when Mt. Vesuvius erupted. Herculaneum was buried under approximately 50 feet of mud and ash, and it stayed buried for more than 1,600 years until 1709 when sewage workers digging a well accidentally discovered it.
Today, only parts of the ancient city have been excavated, lying virtually underneath the modern cities of Ercolano and Portici. The excavation site is surprisingly well preserved. Due to the wind direction and the timing of the eruption, the buildings filled up with the ash-mud mixture instead of caving in structures, which helped to preserve the city.
Your guided walking tour will take you through wealthy Roman villas with portico gardens, fountains and baths. The highlights include stunning wall frescoes and intricate floor mosaics.
Afterwards, you will re-board your coach and drive back to your ship.
- This tour involves 2 hours of walking over uneven ground, cobblestones and approximatively 30 steps. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun.
Total : €70
According to availability, price per passenger.
Pompeii
From the pier, embark your coach for a one-hour-and-fifteen drive to Pompeii.
Pompeii is considered the world's finest example of an ancient Roman town. The eruption of Vesuvius on August 24, 79 AD not only preserved structures, but also evidence of the ancient way of life, such as a fully equipped tavern with the last customer's money still on the counter.
Ancient Pompeii was a prosperous provincial centre with an estimated population of 20,000. Much of the town had been destroyed by an earthquake in 63 AD, and the rebuilding was still in process when the volcano erupted 16 years later. The whole town was buried beneath more than 20 feet (6 m) of ash and pumice stone. Residents were killed by lethal sulphur fumes or struck down by lava and pumice stone that rained down upon the city, although some of the people escaped. Abandoned until the 18th century, Pompeii was frozen in time until excavations revealed this amazing archaeological site. Plaster was poured into empty spaces in the lava to make body casts of some of the victims, such as a young man stretched out to protect his mother and young daughter, and the famous twisted body of a dog still tied to its chain.
The walking tour of Pompeii will be led by a guide who will help you relive the historical events and experience a typical day in antiquity. Admire the luxurious mansions and fabulous art of wealthy patricians who came to Pompeii to escape the turmoil in Rome. Their houses were designed around an inner garden with few windows on the exteriors, so residents could forget the outside world and get sunlight from their own courtyards. Visit some of the more modest homes and explore ancient baths, temples, theatres, markets and huge forum.
Finally, you will board your coach and start your return drive to the ship.
- This tour involves 2 hours of walking over uneven ground. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun.
Total : €75
According to availability, price per passenger.
The Tarot Garden and Orbetello
From the pier, you will board your coach and start your 45-minute drive to The Tarot Garden, in Southern Tuscany.
You will visit this unique garden, which was built by the internationally famous French-American artist Niki de Saint de Phalle in the second half of the last century and displays some huge and beautiful sculptures which depict the 22 Major Arcana of the Tarots cards.
The garden was the result of the wish to express Niki's idea of a “small Eden where man and nature meet each other”. She took inspiration from the beautiful Park Güell by Antoni Gaudì in Barcelona, Spain. She created and personally built great statues for the garden and worked at this colossal work for over 17 years, collaborating with many important contemporary artists, including Jean Tinguely her husband.
The sculptures represent the artist's personal view of the symbolic and esoteric Tarots cards, one of her passions. The Empress is probably the most representative sculpture: portrayed as a large woman-sphinx. This artistic house was also where Niki lived while working in the garden.
After your visit, you will board your coach for a 45-minute drive to Orbetello. Orbetello is geographically unique: this municipality stretches across a strip of land in the middle of its namesake lagoon in southern Tuscany. Famous for its long beaches and beautiful bay, Orbetello is linked to Monte Argentario via Diga Leopoldina, a road built in 1841 along an artificial embankment that divides the lagoon into two sections: the Laguna di Levante and Laguna di Ponente. Here, you will enjoy free time to discover Orbetello on your own, take photos and shop. Then, you will get back to your coach and drive back to your ship.
- This excursion involves a walking distance of approximately 1.3 miles (2 km), on uneven paths in the garden. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun.
Total : €75
According to availability, price per passenger.
Wine tasting & Orbetello
From the pier, you will board your coach and take the 30-minute drive to Poggio Ciliegio Estate.
Poggio Ciliegio is a traditional organic farmhouse and winery that lies between the low hills of the Tuscan Maremma in a spectacular landscape with olive trees, vineyards and fields of golden grain. The farm produces its extra-virgin olive oil and its organic wine.
Paolino and Vinicia, the founders of the estate, are two of the many creative and innovative minds that, coming from outside the borders of Tuscany, have given a new spirit and a new impulse to the Maremma viniculture.
The excellent quality of the wine is due to the use of indigenous vines like the San Giovese and Ciliegiolo. "Poggio Ciliegio" was born in 1989, a reserve obtained from table grapes of Ciliegiolo and the "Poggio Capitana" obtained from the grapes of Sangiovese. The level reached by these wine are so remarkable, that the Americans defined Paolino like the "architect of the wine".
Upon arrival, you will enjoy a guided visit of the estate, followed by wine tasting accompanied by local products. You will have the opportunity to see how to make a wine, starting with the grape harvest, through the vinification and aging and ending with bottling. After the tasting, you will have some free time to browse and shop at the winery.
Afterwards you will continue to Orbetello. This town is situated in the middle of a beautiful coastal lagoon. The small island where it stands is surrounded by the Levante and Ponente Lagoon, known respectively as the Tombolo della Feniglia and the Tombolo della Giannella, and offer visitors many kilometers of wonderful beaches. Here, you will explore with your local guide the charming streets. Orbetello is a lively and busy town whose principal resource has always been fishing, in fact, local seafood recipes are widely considered to be the best in the Maremma.
- The tour involves walking on flat and gravel ground during the visit of the estate. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun. Walking distance is at guest’s discretion.
Total : €75
According to availability, price per passenger.
Le Bougainville
Welcoming and spacious common areas, refined open-to-the-sea design, sleek exterior lines, a marina to make access to the ship's Zodiac® inflatables easier, hi-tech equipment, an outdoor pool, a multisensorial underwater lounge… Le Bougainville represents the new generation of ships designed to combine discovery and exploration with luxury, even in the planet's most remote and isolated regions.
Up to 184 Guests
92 staterooms & suites
118 crew members
Spa
2 restaurants
Decks
Music
Set sail on a musical journey! If you have a passion for classical instrumental music or opera, if you love Celtic melodies or jazz, treat yourself to a different and exclusive experience aboard a PONANT ship. On board or ashore, our guests of honour, including renowned artists, talented musicians and brilliant virtuosos, share their knowledge and their passion in an intimate and accessible manner during concerts or talks.
Guest Speaker
Aboard your ship, an English-speaking lecturer will enlighten you about the culture and history of your destination to deepen your knowledge of the origins of local traditions, the history of emblematic sites, and stories involving famous personalities and those of major historical significance. During on-board lectures or on your shore visits, this expert will be there to share their precious knowledge with you throughout your PONANT cruise.
Shore excursions, Pre/Post & Overlands
8/9/2022 - PANORAMIC TOUR OF ATHENS BEFORE BEING TRANSFERRED TO THE PORT OF PIRAEUS
€50
Find out moreATHENS AND SUNSET AT CAPE SOUNIO (2 NIGHTS)
Enhance your cruise and extend your trip with a carefully designed programme.
Enjoy three days of relaxation and discovery in an exclusive setting south of Athens, on the southernmost tip of Attica, at Cape Sounio. Gastronomic taverns and restaurants, elegance and relaxation, this programme will offer you a subtle contrast of flavours, colours and aromas, combining gastronomy, culture and nature. An ideal prelude to your cruise.
Day 1 - Athens
Meet at Athens airport arrival hall. Look for PONANT sign.
You will be greeted by our local English-speaking representative off the flight selected by PONANT or any other flight (provided that you have previously communicated your flight schedule to your travel agent).
You will be transferred to your resort hotel Cape Sounio Grecotel 4*.
Check-in.
The rest of the day and dinner are at leisure.
Day 2 - Cape Sounio
Your day is at leisure to enjoy hotel facilities.
Take advantage of a relaxing massage in the Elixir spa, sunbathe by the saltwater or swim off the private beach in the cool waters of the Aegean Sea.
With breathtaking views of the temple of Poseidon, Cape Sounio is a contemporary hotel in a peaceful location. The beautiful gardens at Cape Sounio are the perfect place to relax in the sun, lying next to the large seawater pool.
For your lunch, experience one of the hotel's restaurants where you will savour the chef's fusion of international and Greek cuisine, at a selection of fine restaurants overlooking the Sounio Bay and the temple of Poseidon. The Aegean grill, pool grill restaurant offers a tempting range of salads, main courses with fresh products throughout the day. Lunch is at leisure.
In the late afternoon, board your private vehicle for a short drive to Cape Sounion where you will visit the 5th century BC Temple of Poseidon. The temple is standing some 60 metres (200 ft) above the sea at the edge of a cliff and is one of the most breathtaking and deeply moving sights in all of Greece. This is the place where the ancient Greeks worshipped their mighty god of the seas, Poseidon. The 15 (of the original 34) columns of the Doric order that are still standing belong to the temple built here during the Golden Age of Pericles Athens, over the relics of an older one. The architect is unknown but is believed to be the same who built the Theseion in Athens.
After visiting the temple, you will return to your hotel for a delightful dinner at the Gourmet restaurant, on one of the outdoor terraces when the sun sets over Poseidon Temple, a nice visual experience.
Day 3 - Athens
Check-out.
You will leave the Cape Sounio Resort 4* for a scenic drive through the coastal suburbs to reach the historic city of Athens.
Athens is renowned as one of the greatest cities of the ancient world and the birthplace of western civilisation. This excursion is an ideal introduction for first-time visitors to the splendid highlights of this city.
During your drive through the city, you will see some of the most important sites of Athens such as Constitution Square, the Monument of the Unknown Soldier, the Temple of Zeus and the Olympic Stadium. A short photo stop will be made at the footsteps of the Acropolis hill.
You will then leave your coach and start your walking tour, during which you will have the opportunity to discover places in Athens which are known only by the locals and get familiar with typical Greek flavours during a relaxing and fun walk.
Beginning your walk in the centre of Athens, your first stop will be one of the oldest a traditional pastry shop where you will taste "loukoumades" a traditional fried dough sweet with honey syrup and cinnamon.
Continuing your walk, you will stop at the town's oldest bakery to taste its "koulouri" a cruller, wheel-shaped bread with sesame, a very common delicacy sold every morning outdoors by local vendors in all parts of Athens.
The central open-air market of Athens will be your next visit where one can find local products of very good quality. Afterwards, you will make a stop at a traditional liquor store to taste the famous Greek liquor "ouzo" with the typical Greek snacks known as "mezedes".
This tour would not be complete without the opportunity to taste the most famous Greek snack, the "souvlaki" made of spit-roasted meat wrapped in pita bread, at the well-known area of Monastiraki Square.
Full of flavours and images, you will board your coach again for a drive to the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Centre (SNFCC). In 2006, the Stavros Niarchos Foundation announced its plans to fund the development of the SNFCC, a project that includes the construction and complete outfitting of new facilities for the National Library of Greece and the Greek National Opera, as well as the creation of the 210,000 m² Stavros Niarchos Park. The project site is located 4,5 km (3 mi) south of the centre of Athens, on the edge of Faliro Bay, and the SNFCC is designed as a multifunctional arts, education and entertainment complex.
At the end of your visit, board your coach for your return trip to Piraeus Port, where you will board your ship.
Your hotel:
Overlooking Sounio Bay and blending in perfectly with the surrounding pine forest, Cape Sounio Grecotel 4* is a peaceful haven 40 km (25 mi) south of Athens, in Attica. Boasting beautiful sandy beaches, an ultra-modern spa with indoor pool, and several refined restaurants, it is a place of rest but also a base for discovering Athens away from the crowds before embarking on your cruise.
This elegant accommodation consists of bungalows laid out like a terracotta amphitheatre that melts into the authentic landscape. You will love the setting and the standard of hospitality at the Cape Sounio Grecotel, established in a historic location. Its restaurants will delight your taste buds by offering you a choice of Greek and international cuisine, Cretan dishes made with organic ingredients, creative Asian specialities, and seafood. Within any case, the sea as a backdrop.
Upgraded rooms are also available depending on availability and on a supplement basis. Contact your travel professional for further detail.
Your programme includes:
- 2-night accommodation in Bungalow Superior Mountain View at Cape Sounio Grecotel 4* (or similar), including breakfast.
- Meals as mentioned in the programme.
- Beverage package during meals (mineral water + 1 soft drink or 1 local beer + 1 coffee or tea).
- Transfers and visits as mentioned in the programme.
- The services of a local English-speaking guide.
Your programme does not include:
- Lunches on days 1 and 2; dinner on day 1.
- Personal expenses.
- Other services not mentioned in the programme.
- Tips for the driver and local guide.
Please note:
- It is imperative that the details of your departure flight are provided to your travel agent, no later than 30 days before the start date of your cruise, to secure the proper private transfer.
- Upon arrival, you room will be available at 4pm.
Contact of your hotel:
Cape Sounio Grecotel
67 km Athens-Sounio Rd
GR 19500 Sounio, Attica
Greece
Telephone number: +30 229-20-69-700
Duration and order of the visits may vary. To know your PONANT flight schedule, please contact your travel agent; it is also indicated on your electronic ticket included in your travel documents.
Total : €1,090
Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.
PANORAMIC TOUR OF ATHENS BEFORE BEING TRANSFERRED TO THE PORT OF PIRAEUS
Travel with peace of mind as PONANT organises your transfer between the airport and your port of embarkation.
Athens
Meet at Athens International Airport Eleftherios Venizelos - Arrival Hall. Look for PONANT sign. You will be greeted by our local representative off the flight selected by PONANT.
You will depart the airport by coach for a scenic tour of Athens en route to the port of Piraeus.
When you will reach Athens, you will make your first stop at the Panathenaic Stadium, a 19th-century reconstruction on Roman foundations, in which the first modern Olympic Games took place. This stadium is also known as the Kallimármaro which means “the beautiful marbled” because it is the only major stadium in the world built entirely of white marble. It was also restored to host some competitions during the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens.
You will enjoy a photo stop at the bottom of the Acropolis Hill with its spectacular view of the Parthenon before being transferred to the port of Piraeus where you will embark on your ship.
Your programme includes:
- Transfer by air-conditioned coach.
- Services of a local English-speaking guide.
Your programme does not include:
- Tips for the driver and local guide.
- Personal expenses.
- Other services not mentioned in the programme.
Note:
- Optional photo stops depending on embarkation time and traffic conditions.
Duration and order of the visits may vary. To know your PONANT flight schedule, please contact your travel agent; it is also indicated on your electronic ticket included in your travel documents.
Total : €50
Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.
Sacred site of Delphi
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.
Total : €70
According to availability, price per passenger.
Monastery of Saint Lucas & Arachova
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 3,300 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.
Total : €55
According to availability, price per passenger.
Olympia & its museum
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 16 statues of Zeus, paid for with money from heavy fines imposed by the Olympic judges on athletes who cheated or attempted to win by devious means. Outside to the east of the Altis were the access tunnel to the stadium, which had a large racetrack of 192.25 metres, and the hippodrome where the sporting events took place. The terraced seats of the stadium could accommodate 40,000 spectators.
Your visit would not be complete without stopping at the Olympia Museum, which brings together under one roof all the discoveries made on the site, including the sculptured ornaments from the Temple of Zeus.
- As this excursion involves around 3 hours of walking, half of which is on rough terrain, we advise you to wear comfortable shoes and to protect yourself from the sun.
Total : €55
According to availability, price per passenger.
Taormina & Greek Theatre
From the pier, you will be transferred by coach to the ancient Greek town of Taormina, a 30-minute drive.
Called Tauromenium in ancient times, Taormina clings to the side of Mount Tauro and offers superb views, splashed with the vibrant colours of bougainvillea and oleanders, of the Mediterranean Sea, Isola Bella and a snow-capped Etna in the background.
A maze of narrow streets, stairs and tiny squares, Taormina has attracted many civilisations over the centuries. It is home to theatres and a gymnasium from the Greek period, an Odeon and baths from Roman times, buildings blending Arab and Norman cultures, traces of Byzantine, and villas belonging to European aristocracy in the 18th and 19th centuries.
You will start your excursion with a visit on foot to the historic centre. You will cross the famous Corso Umberto to discover numerous monuments from several eras, and admire Porta Catania, the Cathedral, Piazza IX Aprile and Palazzo Corvaja.
You will then arrive at Teatro Antico, a theatre built by the Greeks in the 3rd century BC, and almost completely rebuilt by the Romans who created a gladiatorial arena. The theatre is the second largest in Sicily after the one in Syracuse. Due to its size and acoustic quality the theatre is still used to host festivals and concerts. Seated on the stone terraces, the audience can enjoy the concert while admiring a breath-taking panoramic view of the sea, Mount Tauro and Etna.
- As this excursion involves a walk of around 1.5 miles (2 km) on rough terrain with several stairways, we advise you wear comfortable shoes and protect yourself from the sun. Appropriate clothing is required when visiting religious monuments, with knees and shoulders covered.
Total : €70
According to availability, price per passenger.
Paestum
From the pier, embark your coach for a one-hour drive to Paestum, the city dedicated to Poseidon the god of the sea, and founded by the Greeks around 600 BC. Previously called Poseidonia, it was later occupied by the Lucanians, an italic population, from 400 BC until 273 BC, when it became a Roman colony under the name of Paestum.
Its three temples are the only example of Greek architecture and arts already present in Italy, and are better preserved than the Parthenon in Athens. The city was discovered under the marsh and the brushwood thanks to the King of Naples Carlo di Borbone III during the 17th century.
The Romans made of the ancient Poseidonia their colony, and subsequently it was embellished by magnificent buildings including the baths, the portico of the forum and the amphitheatre.
Walking through this ancient moment of history and looking at these imposing and gorgeous structures will leave an impression in people's mind of the best example of what the Greek culture was in the past.
Finally, you will board your coach and start your return drive to the ship.
- This tour involves one hour and a half of walking over uneven ground, we recommend you to wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun.
Total : €60
According to availability, price per passenger.
Herculaneum
From the pier, you will board your coach and be transferred to Herculaneum.
Herculaneum was founded by the Greeks and was named after Hercules, the Greek god. Later it became a Roman city, and in 79 A.D., it met its demise when Mt. Vesuvius erupted. Herculaneum was buried under approximately 50 feet of mud and ash, and it stayed buried for more than 1,600 years until 1709 when sewage workers digging a well accidentally discovered it.
Today, only parts of the ancient city have been excavated, lying virtually underneath the modern cities of Ercolano and Portici. The excavation site is surprisingly well preserved. Due to the wind direction and the timing of the eruption, the buildings filled up with the ash-mud mixture instead of caving in structures, which helped to preserve the city.
Your guided walking tour will take you through wealthy Roman villas with portico gardens, fountains and baths. The highlights include stunning wall frescoes and intricate floor mosaics.
Afterwards, you will re-board your coach and drive back to your ship.
- This tour involves 2 hours of walking over uneven ground, cobblestones and approximatively 30 steps. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun.
Total : €70
According to availability, price per passenger.
Pompeii
From the pier, embark your coach for a one-hour-and-fifteen drive to Pompeii.
Pompeii is considered the world's finest example of an ancient Roman town. The eruption of Vesuvius on August 24, 79 AD not only preserved structures, but also evidence of the ancient way of life, such as a fully equipped tavern with the last customer's money still on the counter.
Ancient Pompeii was a prosperous provincial centre with an estimated population of 20,000. Much of the town had been destroyed by an earthquake in 63 AD, and the rebuilding was still in process when the volcano erupted 16 years later. The whole town was buried beneath more than 20 feet (6 m) of ash and pumice stone. Residents were killed by lethal sulphur fumes or struck down by lava and pumice stone that rained down upon the city, although some of the people escaped. Abandoned until the 18th century, Pompeii was frozen in time until excavations revealed this amazing archaeological site. Plaster was poured into empty spaces in the lava to make body casts of some of the victims, such as a young man stretched out to protect his mother and young daughter, and the famous twisted body of a dog still tied to its chain.
The walking tour of Pompeii will be led by a guide who will help you relive the historical events and experience a typical day in antiquity. Admire the luxurious mansions and fabulous art of wealthy patricians who came to Pompeii to escape the turmoil in Rome. Their houses were designed around an inner garden with few windows on the exteriors, so residents could forget the outside world and get sunlight from their own courtyards. Visit some of the more modest homes and explore ancient baths, temples, theatres, markets and huge forum.
Finally, you will board your coach and start your return drive to the ship.
- This tour involves 2 hours of walking over uneven ground. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun.
Total : €75
According to availability, price per passenger.
The Tarot Garden and Orbetello
From the pier, you will board your coach and start your 45-minute drive to The Tarot Garden, in Southern Tuscany.
You will visit this unique garden, which was built by the internationally famous French-American artist Niki de Saint de Phalle in the second half of the last century and displays some huge and beautiful sculptures which depict the 22 Major Arcana of the Tarots cards.
The garden was the result of the wish to express Niki's idea of a “small Eden where man and nature meet each other”. She took inspiration from the beautiful Park Güell by Antoni Gaudì in Barcelona, Spain. She created and personally built great statues for the garden and worked at this colossal work for over 17 years, collaborating with many important contemporary artists, including Jean Tinguely her husband.
The sculptures represent the artist's personal view of the symbolic and esoteric Tarots cards, one of her passions. The Empress is probably the most representative sculpture: portrayed as a large woman-sphinx. This artistic house was also where Niki lived while working in the garden.
After your visit, you will board your coach for a 45-minute drive to Orbetello. Orbetello is geographically unique: this municipality stretches across a strip of land in the middle of its namesake lagoon in southern Tuscany. Famous for its long beaches and beautiful bay, Orbetello is linked to Monte Argentario via Diga Leopoldina, a road built in 1841 along an artificial embankment that divides the lagoon into two sections: the Laguna di Levante and Laguna di Ponente. Here, you will enjoy free time to discover Orbetello on your own, take photos and shop. Then, you will get back to your coach and drive back to your ship.
- This excursion involves a walking distance of approximately 1.3 miles (2 km), on uneven paths in the garden. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun.
Total : €75
According to availability, price per passenger.
Wine tasting & Orbetello
From the pier, you will board your coach and take the 30-minute drive to Poggio Ciliegio Estate.
Poggio Ciliegio is a traditional organic farmhouse and winery that lies between the low hills of the Tuscan Maremma in a spectacular landscape with olive trees, vineyards and fields of golden grain. The farm produces its extra-virgin olive oil and its organic wine.
Paolino and Vinicia, the founders of the estate, are two of the many creative and innovative minds that, coming from outside the borders of Tuscany, have given a new spirit and a new impulse to the Maremma viniculture.
The excellent quality of the wine is due to the use of indigenous vines like the San Giovese and Ciliegiolo. "Poggio Ciliegio" was born in 1989, a reserve obtained from table grapes of Ciliegiolo and the "Poggio Capitana" obtained from the grapes of Sangiovese. The level reached by these wine are so remarkable, that the Americans defined Paolino like the "architect of the wine".
Upon arrival, you will enjoy a guided visit of the estate, followed by wine tasting accompanied by local products. You will have the opportunity to see how to make a wine, starting with the grape harvest, through the vinification and aging and ending with bottling. After the tasting, you will have some free time to browse and shop at the winery.
Afterwards you will continue to Orbetello. This town is situated in the middle of a beautiful coastal lagoon. The small island where it stands is surrounded by the Levante and Ponente Lagoon, known respectively as the Tombolo della Feniglia and the Tombolo della Giannella, and offer visitors many kilometers of wonderful beaches. Here, you will explore with your local guide the charming streets. Orbetello is a lively and busy town whose principal resource has always been fishing, in fact, local seafood recipes are widely considered to be the best in the Maremma.
- The tour involves walking on flat and gravel ground during the visit of the estate. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun. Walking distance is at guest’s discretion.
Total : €75
According to availability, price per passenger.
TRANSFER FROM THE PIER OF LIVORNO TO THE AIRPORT
Travel with peace of mind as PONANT organises your transfer between your port of disembarkation and the airport.
Livorno / Florence
After disembarkation procedures are completed, you will be greeted at the port of Livorno by our local English-speaking representative.
You will then be transferred to the airport of Florence in time for check-in for the PONANT selected flight.
Your programme includes:
- Transfers as mentioned in the programme.
- Services of a local English-speaking assistance.
Your programme does not include:
- Tips for the driver and local guide.
- Personal expenses
- Other services not mentioned in the programme.
Duration and order of the visits may vary. To know your PONANT flight schedule, please contact your travel agent; it is also indicated on your electronic ticket included in your travel documents.
In the event of schedule changes of PONANT’s selected flight, your programme will be adapted to ensure the most seamless and enriching experience. The content of your revised programme will be updated on the PONANT website, in My Ponant space and on the PONANT app. The final programme will also be sent to you along with your cruise documents.
Total : €50
Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.