Guest of Honour 
Media 
Guest Speaker 
Deluxe Stateroom
20% Ponant Bonus
19 m2
2
Ancient civilisations of the Eastern Mediterranean
Valletta - Aqaba
Dates:
29/10/2022
to
8/11/2022
days
nights on board
In partnership with PARIS MATCH, with the exceptional presence of Dominique de Villepin, former Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Interior Minister.
Board Le Champlain for a brand-new 11-day cruise from Valletta, the capital of Malta to Aqaba and the Jordanian shores. As you sail along the waters of the Near East on this journey through the Eastern Mediterranean, the cultural discoveries and stunning landscapes are sure to impress you.
Your cruise will start in Valletta, the capital of the island of Malta, and former stronghold of the Knights of the Order of Malta.
Your ship will take you to the southern Aegean Sea to discover the capital of Crete, Heraklion, built on a hillside overlooking the port and encircled by formidable Venetian walls.
You will then set a course for Turkey, where you will call at Kusadasi. An old fishing village with history going back 5,000 years, not far from the Ephesus site, the town is now one of the country’s most famous seaside resorts.
In Rhodes, you will fall under the charm of the Gothic architecture in the medieval city, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
After sailing through the legendary Suez Canal, you will call at Ain Sokhna, the ideal starting point for a visit to the Egypt of the Pharaohs.
Le Champlain will make a brief incursion into the warm waters of the Red Sea before sailing to the other side of the Sinai Peninsula and reaching Eilat in Israel. You will be able to discover the majestic fortress of Massada looming over the Dead Sea.
Your journey will end in Aqaba, a Jordanian port city on the shores of the Red Sea.
Ref : C291022
Your itinerary
In partnership with PARIS MATCH, with the exceptional presence of Dominique de Villepin, former Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Interior Minister. A brand-new cruise between the Maltese...
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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
LE SOLEAL
21/10/2022 to the 1/11/2022
- 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
*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
- Butler service and priority boarding : Owner’s suite, Grand de Luxe Suite, Privilege Suites, Prestige Suite Deck 6
- Inclusive Internet access Wifi (availability dependent on navigation and latitude)
- Individually-controlled air conditioning
- Dressing room with shelves and closet
- Dressing table and hairdryer
- Selection of 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
Dominique de Villepin
Dominique de Villepin, ENA graduate, Foreign Affairs Minister, Interior Minister and Prime Minister under the Republic Presidency of Jacques Chirac, is also passionate about history. Of note among the many reference books he has written are works on Napoleon, international diplomacy and his critically acclaimed analysis of the world entitled Mémoires de paix par temps de guerre.
Language spoken: French
Photo credit: Paris Match
Subject to withdrawal in case of force majeure
Dominique de Villepin
Dominique de Villepin, ENA graduate, Foreign Affairs Minister, Interior Minister and Prime Minister under the Republic Presidency of Jacques Chirac, is also passionate about history. Of note among the many reference books he has written are works on Napoleon, international diplomacy and his critically acclaimed analysis of the world entitled Mémoires de paix par temps de guerre.
Language spoken: French
Photo credit: Paris Match
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
Paris Match
For the last five years, Paris Match has been embarking on magnificent human adventures on the seven seas aboard the PONANT ships. There was the Arctic with the photographers Philip Plisson and Francis Latreille; China with the writer, media commentator and filmmaker Philippe Labro; South America with the astronaut Patrick Baudry; Indonesia with Jean-Marie Rouart from the Académie française…
Taking the form of “encounters and conferences”, these moments of discussion with a personality, led by Philippe Legrand*, are always an opportunity to travel through history and linger over new episodes.
Famous for its slogan "le poids des mots, le choc des photos” [the weight of the words, the impact of photos], Paris Match is France’s biggest selling news magazine, as well as being present in 120 countries, and occupies a special position in the media world. Its archives tell more than 60 years of history and reveal that very special link with celebrities that has been its strength and its identity.
A number of its editions are considered to be references that collectors hold on to preciously. From the assassination of John F. Kennedy to man walking on the moon, via icons, anonymous talents, or essential testimony, the major events of the century are recounted in its pages.
* Philippe Legrand is a journalist, author, radio and television presenter, director of communication and editorial diversification. He joined Paris Match in 1999.
Dominique de Villepin
Dominique de Villepin, ENA graduate, Foreign Affairs Minister, Interior Minister and Prime Minister under the Republic Presidency of Jacques Chirac, is also passionate about history. Of note among the many reference books he has written are works on Napoleon, international diplomacy and his critically acclaimed analysis of the world entitled Mémoires de paix par temps de guerre.
Language spoken: French
Photo credit: Paris Match
Philippe Legrand
Philippe Legrand, journalist, author, presenter and director at Paris Match of communications and editorial diversification, he presents L’Entretien at 7.45pm every Saturday on Europe 1. He also hosts Face Caméra with aplomb on France 3, be it with Charles Aznavour or Marc Levy. On the internet he has developed Web series, and is also the author behind 12 books including Mère Teresa – Ce qu’elle n’a pas dit which reached more than two million people, and Kennedy – Le roman des derniers jours.
Language spoken: French
Photo credit: Paris Match/E1
Marc Brincourt
Marc Brincourt, former Paris Match photographer and editor-in-chief, is an expert renowned throughout the media world for his exceptional “eye” for a good image. Curator of exhibitions and author of beautiful books on Brigitte Bardot and Les Présidents who left their mark on history, he is often consulted by TV channels to comment on images of current events.
Language spoken: French
Photo credit: ARR
Subject to withdrawal in case of force majeure
Highlights
- In partnership with PARIS MATCH, with the exceptional presence of Dominique de Villepin, former Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Interior Minister.
- A brand-new cruise between the Maltese capital and the shores of the Levant, to discover six Mediterranean countries: Malta, Greece, Turkey, Egypt, Israel and Jordan.
- UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Valetta (embarkation port), the historical sites of Ephesus from Kusadasi, the Pyramids of Gizeh from Ain Sokhna, the medieval city of Rhodes, from Eilat the majestic fortress of Massada looming over the Dead Sea, Petra and Wadi Rum from Aqaba (disembarkation port).
- A varied cruise, including lively cities, historic and cultural sites.
- Crossing the Suez Canal.
- After your cruise, you have the opportunity of visiting the ancient caravan city of Petra and the desert of Wadi Rum.
Ports of Call & Excursions
29 October 2022 - Valletta
Embarkation 29/10/2022 from 2:30 pm to 3:30 pm
Departure 29/10/2022 at 4:00 pm
The whole of the Maltese capital Valletta is UNESCO World Heritage listed and occupies a peninsula in the north-east of the island. From the fountain of Tritons to Saint-Elme fort, there are as many majestic streets as there are narrow staircase vennels to explore. The painted loggia and carved corbels on the tall houses will accompany you in your explorations, and you’ll rarely be bothered by traffic. You can visit the Grandmasters palace decorated with coats of arms and frescoes. Saint-John’s cathedral and the ramparts which have guarded the city since the 16th century are also among the most emblematic sites of the city. Arranged in terraces, the Barrakka Gardens will punctuate your promenade with a green and floral experience.
30 October 2022 - At sea
Arrival 30/10/2022
Departure 30/10/2022
During your day at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This day without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.
31 October 2022 - Heraklion, Crete
Arrival 31/10/2022 early morning
Departure 31/10/2022 early afternoon
Heraklion, the capital of Crete, is the island’s most populous city. The hustle and bustle of this seaport is an integral part of its charm. It is built on a hillside overlooking the port and is encircled by impressive Venetian walls. From the top of these, you will be able to enjoy one of the most beautiful views of the city. The old town is teeming with small shops, squares, cafés and vibrant architectural evidence of the city’s long history. The Palace of Knossos illustrates the wealth and power of its legendary sovereign, King Minos. The archaeological museum houses one of the largest collections of Minoan artefacts and is worth a visit.
1 November 2022 - Kusadasi
Arrival 1/11/2022 early morning
Departure 1/11/2022 early afternoon
The attractive seaside resort of Kusadasi is located in a gulf on the western coast of Turkey. You can bathe there in clear waters or stroll along the coastal walk, in the shade of palms. In the historical district, you can take a mosey down the narrow streets and explore the colourful shops in the bazaar. Close by, the Ephesus archaeological site in the hillsides provides an opportunity to discover the ruins of one of the most famous cities of Antiquity.
2 November 2022 - Rhodes
Arrival 2/11/2022 early morning
Departure 2/11/2022 mid afternoon
With its particularly agreeable climate, the island of Rhodes invites you to walk its pathways and discover its immaculate villages and sumptuous medieval city, a UNESCO World Heritage site. At the centre of the island the mountains are covered in forest and on the western slopes we find vineyards and crops. Rhodes also owes much of its charm and its character to the Knights of St John who reigned over the island from 1310 to 1522 and built impressive defensive walls punctuated with majestic gateways. Do not miss this delightful island with its peaceful beaches and its large walkways, perpetuating the myth of the famous Colossus, the legendary statue that is one of the Seven Wonders of the World.
3 November 2022 - At sea
Arrival 3/11/2022
Departure 3/11/2022
During your day at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This day without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.
4 November 2022 - Crossing the Suez Canal
Arrival 4/11/2022 late afternoon
Departure 4/11/2022 late afternoon
Without the waterway linking the Red Sea to the Mediterranean this part of the world would be an arid sandy desert inhabited by a few nomads. The Suez Canal slices through 162 km of desert and was inaugurated in 1869 in the presence of Empress Eugenie, then nationalised by Nasser in 1956.
5 November 2022 - Ain Sukhna
Arrival 5/11/2022 at night
Departure 5/11/2022 evening
Ain Sukhna, which means “hot spring,” is located in the Gulf of Suez, facing the Red Sea. Around fifty kilometres from the entrance to the Suez Canal, and less than two hours from the Egyptian capital, it is an elegant seaside town that is popular with wealthy families from Cairo. Ain Soukhna is an ideal base for discovering the marvels of Ancient Egypt.
6 November 2022 - At sea
Arrival 6/11/2022
Departure 6/11/2022
During your day at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This day without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.
7 November 2022 - Eilat
Arrival 7/11/2022 early morning
Departure 7/11/2022 evening
Situated in the far south of the State of Israel, on the banks of the Gulf of Eilat, on the edge of the Negev Desert between Egypt and Jordan, Eilat is internationally renowned as a high-end seaside resort and spa town, as well as for its magnificent natural sites. The first references to this place date back to the time of King Solomon. His legendary mines are said to be located not far from the now-modern city. It is the departure point for visiting the Masada fortress and for the incredible experience of swimming in the Dead Sea.
8 November 2022 - Aqaba
Arrival 8/11/2022
Disembarkation 8/11/2022 at 7:00 am
Located in the Red Sea within the eponymous gulf, Aqaba offers Jordan its only access to the sea. At the crossroads of the land and sea routes that linked Asia, Africa and Europe, the town is rich with more than 5,000 years of history. The warm waters of the Red Sea attract holidaymakers and divers to this seaside destination; the underwater sites home to coral and fishes are some of the most beautiful in the world. Aqaba is also the gateway to the magnificent desert of Wadi Rum and the marvellous site of Petra.
Minoan Palace & archaeological museum
Crete’s fertile soil and towering peaks witnessed the development of one of the earliest recorded civilizations on earth: the Minoan.
Knossos is the most important of the Minoan palaces and the most famous Cretan site since its discovery in 1878. Occupied for 9,000 years before present and associated with the legend of the palace of King Minos, the site was the capital of Crete during the Minoan period. It was the court of the legendary King Minos, whose wife Pasiphae gave birth to the Minotaur, half-bull, half-man. The excavations on the site were begun in 1893 by the English archaeologist Sir Arthur Evans and his team and lasted 35 years.
From the pier, you will board your coach for the 30-minute drive to Knossos.
During this tour, you will discover the Great Palace through the West Court, where one can easily understand why the legend of the labyrinth grew up here. It takes about one hour and a half to walk around the site and explore all the parts of the Palace. See the Royal Quarters’ Throne room with its antechamber and main throne, as well as the Queen’s Quarters, whose wall above the entrance door is decorated with a copy of the famous dolphin frescos. Your guide will also tell about the Minotaur legend.
You will continue your journey with a visit of the Archaeological Museum in Heraklion. The museum houses archaeological finds from all over Crete, covering over 5,500 years of the island's history. With its twenty halls, the museum presents the finds from the Minoan era, including the frescoes from the Royal Palace of Knossos.
After your visit of the museum, you will board your coach and join your ship after a 15-minute drive.
- This excursion involves 1,5 km (1 mile) of walking with some steps. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun.
Total : €80
According to availability, price per passenger.
Ephesus & the house of Mary
From the pier, you will embark your coach for a 30-minute drive through a picturesque winding road lined with pine trees to reach the House of Virgin Mary, a protected pilgrimage site.
Clinging to the side of Bulbul Mountain outside of Ephesus, this house is believed to be the last home of the Virgin Mary. According to the Vatican, Mary came here towards the end of her life in the company of St. John around 40 AD. Nowadays, every year, Christians and Muslims (who honour “Meryemana” as the mother of a great Prophet), make religious pilgrimages to the site. Below the house you will find a fountain, where a sacred spring feeds three fonts, each bestowing a unique blessing upon visitors.
From the house of the Virgin Mary, you will continue on to nearby Ephesus. Originally dedicated to Cybele, the goddess of fertility, during the prehistoric times, the city was claimed by the Ionians for Artemis and later to Diana by the Romans.
Ephesus is one of the best-preserved Greco-Roman sites of the ancient world in the whole Mediterranean. Excavated since 1869, most of the main streets and public buildings have been unearthed and opened for visitors. Everything is here: town hall, dwellings, shops and even public toilets. A town of white marble dazzling in the sunshine, Ephesus is like a stone history book recounting the story of what daily life must have been like in the time of the Greeks and Romans.
During your tour, you will discover the Roman Ephesus. Most of the monuments were built during the reign of Emperor Augustus. Due to its location, the city was developed into two sections: the upper part of the city was the administrative sector with the town hall, a civil basilica and the Odeon aligned on the north side of the State Agora. The lower section facing the port houses religious, commercial and cultural buildings, such as the famous Celsius Library, Roman Villas, commercial agora and its theatre, which accommodated up to 24,000 spectators, and the stadium.
Residences of the town’s nobility are grouped on the slopes of Mount Pion and Mount Coressos on either side of Couretes Street, which links the town’s two districts. The site is also famous for its Hercules Gate, the ancient Scholastikia baths, the Marble Street and Hadrian’s temple.
- This tour involves two and half hours of walking on uneven ground with some steps. We recommend that you wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun.
Total : €50
According to availability, price per passenger.
Ephesus & Roman Villas
From the pier, you will embark your coach for a 30-minute drive to the Ephesus site, one of the best-preserved ancient cities in the Mediterranean basin.
Originally dedicated to Cybele, the goddess of fertility, during the prehistoric times, the city was claimed by the Ionians for Artemis and later to Diana by the Romans. Ephesus is one of the best-preserved Greco-Roman sites of the ancient world in the whole Mediterranean. Excavated since 1869, most of the main streets and public buildings have been unearthed and opened for visitors. Everything is here: town hall, dwellings, shops and even public toilets. A town of white marble dazzling in the sunshine, Ephesus is like a stone history book recounting the story of what daily life must have been like in the time of the Greeks and Romans.
During your tour, you will discover the Roman Ephesus. Most of the monuments were built during the reign of Emperor Augustus. Due to its location, the city was developed into two sections: the upper part of the city was the administrative sector with the town hall, a civil basilica and the Odeon aligned on the north side of the State Agora. The lower section facing the port houses religious, commercial and cultural buildings, such as the famous Celsius Library, Roman Villas, commercial agora and its theatre, which accommodated up to 24,000 spectators, and the stadium.
You will start your tour at the upper gate of Ephesus, which is also known as the Magnesium Gate. Your guide will lead you on a leisurely downhill walking tour through Ephesus’ marble streets, passing and pointing out all the historically important buildings on the way.
You will move on to the recently excavated Terrace Houses complex which are also known as the houses of the rich Ephesians. Located on the northern slope of Bulbul Mountain next to Curetes Street and opposite the Temple of Hadrian, these houses were built in the peristyle form with a courtyard surrounded by Ionic colonnades. They are finely decorated with mosaics and frescoes. Built in the period of Augustus, they were inhabited until the 7th century AD according to evidence from excavations.
Then, you will visit one of the most impressive sites of Ephesus, the Library of Celsus. Built in 135 BC by a son in homage to his father, this library is finely decorated with columns and sculptures.
Finally, after just a short walk away, you will join the Grand theatre where St Paul preached to the Ephesians, imploring them to give up their worship of Artemis and embrace the Christian faith.
- This tour involves two and a half hours of walking on uneven ground with steps. We recommend that you wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun. The visit of the Roman Villas will be guided by the archaeologist who leads the excavations. This tour is limited to 40 participants.
Total : €60
According to availability, price per passenger.
Walking tour of Rhodes
From the ship, discover the Knights City on a guided walking tour.
Follow your guide through the cobbled streets to the impressive Palace of the Grand Masters of the Order of Hospitallers, which dates from the 14th century and contains some Greek and Roman mosaics originating from the island of Kos.
After visiting the palace, you will walk along the famous Avenue of the Knights lined with the old Knights’ inns from the Order’s various nationalities. It is unusually straight for a medieval street, and its sombre buildings present a majestic and forbidding face to the world, with their 15th century Gothic walls and arcades worn smooth over the centuries. Retracing an ancient route, the straight line of this street cuts through the maze of winding alleyways surrounding it.
After your guided tour, you can return directly to your ship with your guide or wander around the streets and shops at your leisure.
- This tour is only on foot and involves walking on cobblestone streets, so we advise you to wear comfortable shoes and protect yourself from the sun.
Total : €30
According to availability, price per passenger.
Panoramic views of Rhodes
From the pier, board your coach for a scenic drive around the east coast of Rhodes island. You will drive along the walls surrounding the city before heading up Mount Smith (named after the English Admiral Sydney Smith, who kept an eye on the Napoleonic fleet from here). From this point, you can enjoy panoramic views over Rhodes and the castles. If the weather is good, you may even catch a glimpse of the Turkish coast and the neighbouring islands.
You will reach Lindos by a route passing through the hinterland. From one promontory, you can see the whole of the famous Acropolis. Built between the 7th and 6th century BC, the Lindos Acropolis is a sprawling complex of structures from various historic periods, perched dramatically above the town. A place of worship from the Mycenaean age, it was enlarged in the Hellenistic period before the Knights of the Order of Hospitallers established a fortress here, a role it retained until the Ottoman era.
Following the panoramic route, you will arrive at Kolymbia, a traditional fishermen village where you will enjoy some local snacks with a glass of Greece's trademark Ouzo.
The road back to your ship goes through the typical villages of Faliraki and Kalithea.
- This tour is a panoramic tour and involves few walking times. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun.
Total : €60
According to availability, price per passenger.
Memphis & Sakkara
From the pier, board your coach and start your day with a drive for around two hours and half to Dahshur area, located in South Sakkara where stand the pyramids of Dahshur: The Red and the Bent Pyramids.
The constructor of these pyramids is thought to have been Snofru (2575-2551 BC), who was the first ruler of the 4th Dynasty. He is also thought to have built the pyramid at Maidoun. The Red Pyramid is thought to be older, and the Bent Pyramid was built out of limestone which was quarried locally.
Following the visit of Dahshur you will drive toward Memphis, the Capital of ancient Egypt. Founded in 3100 BC by Menes of Tanis, Memphis was once considered the largest city in the world with a population of over 30,000. At its zenith, the city had many temples, palaces and gardens.
Once arriving, you will see the enormous limestone statue, Colossus of Ramses. Over 33 feet (10 metres) long, this giant lying statue depicts Ramses II, the Egyptian pharaoh from 1290 to 1224 BC. The Alabaster Sphinx and the ruins of the temple of Ptah can also be viewed during your visit.
From Memphis, you will proceed to the restaurant for lunch.
Then, you will be taken to Sakkara, the necropolis of ancient Memphis. You will be visiting the famous step Pyramid of Zoser built 5,000 years ago by the engineer Imhotep, the pyramid and its surrounding complex was designed to be as grand as it was unique and revolutionary. At the “cemetery city” of Sakkara, experience an inside visit to one of the mastabas or funerary chambers.
Finally, a quick visit will be made at a carpet school before driving back to join your ship for approximate another two hours and half.
- This excursion involves approximately 1.5 mile (2 km) of walking on sandy and flat ways with some steps. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun. The lunch is included on your tour.
Total : €140
According to availability, price per passenger.
The Grand Egyptian Museum & the Pyramids
This full day excursion provides a visit of the most important and significant sites of Egypt's: the Grand Egyptian museum, the Great Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx.
From the pier of Ain Sukhna, board your coach for a 2.5-hour drive to Cairo, via the desert road. During your journey, your guide will provide interesting facts about the sites you will be visiting.
Once arriving, you will visit the Great Pyramids of Egypt. The Great Pyramids are considered the most famous of Egypt’s attractions and the only monuments left of the Ancient Wonders. The three main Pyramids at Giza were built as tombs by Cheops, his son Chephren, and Chephren’s son Mykerinus to preserve each of the pharaohs’ mummified body for eternity. For centuries, these unique structures have intrigued the world while surviving the rise and fall of great dynasties.
Southeast of the Great Pyramids stands the Sphinx, carved out of solid rock around 2650 BC. Steeped in legend and superstition, the Sphinx was a monument either to the sun god Ra or to Pharaoh Chephren. It has the head of a man and the body of a lion. The monument faces east, probably to greet the rising sun and the return of life each day.
After enjoying lunch, you will visit the Grand Egyptian museum. This museum is an immense case of concrete, glass and steel that will display among 100,000 objects covering 5,000 years of history. One of the museum highlights will be the visit of King Tutankhamen exhibition. Tutankhamen is the boy-king who ruled Egypt for nine years. Its royal treasure represents a collection of more than 5,000 pieces.
After the visit of the museum, you will drive back to Ain Sukhna where your ship is docked.
- This excursion involves approximately 1.2 mile (2 km) of walking on flat ways with some steps. We recommend you wear comfortable shoes and protect yourself from the sun. The lunch is included on your tour. Cameras are permitted at the Pyramids. Opening of the Grand Egyptian museum is expected to be in October 2021. In case of delay and if the museum is not open on the date of our port of call, its visit will have to be cancelled.
Total : €200
According to availability, price per passenger.
Timna park & panoramic Eilat
From the pier, you will board your coach and start your 30-minute drive to Timna park.
On the way, your guide will give you information about the Rabin border, between Israel and Jordan. A stop en route will be made at an observation point to admire the neighbouring city of Aqaba.
The Timna park is located approximately 25 kilometres north of Eilat, in the middle of the Red Sea Desert. The horseshoe-shaped park was created by tectonic plate movement tens of millions of years ago. This extraordinary locale contains within it an astonishing "window" to the geology of the region.
Timna boasts the world's earliest copper mine. Copper mining began more than 6,000 years ago, at the end of the fifth millennium BC, when Egyptians established their copper mine.
During your 3-hour visit, you will discover:
- "Mines of Time" - a multimedia presentation on a revolving stage takes you on a journey to ancient Egypt. The stories of a bygone age include the origin of the copper serpent and the significance of the Egyptian Gods to the copper cult.
- The Mushroom - a natural rock formation of a perfect mushroom created from red sandstone, situated next to the work camp where the copper ore was smelted in special ovens.
- The Arches - a natural phenomenon, the stone Arch. From here, you can climb a few steps for a panoramic view of the valley.
- Solomon's Pillars and the Temple of the Goddess Hathor - incredible 50-metre-high pillars from Timna's sandstone. To the right of the pillars, stone stairs lead to an Egyptian rock carving in which we see Pharaoh Ramses III presenting an offering to the Goddess of mines and turquoise, Hathor. From the viewing platform, you can see the remains of the temple dedicated to the Goddess.
You will continue to the Timna Lake and discover the coloured sand.
After a day steeped in history, you will return to Eilat and enjoy a panoramic drive of the town before reaching your ship.
- This tour involves approximately 0.7 mile (1 km) of walking with some steps. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun.
Total : €65
According to availability, price per passenger.
Masada & Dead Sea
From the pier, boarding your coach and travel through the Negev Desert, a 2,5-hour drive before descending 3,600 feet (over 1,000 metres) toward the Dead Sea – the lowest point on earth, over 1,300 feet (over 300 metres) below sea level. A refreshment stop will be made en-route.
Before arriving at the Dead Sea, enjoy a visit to Masada Fortress, the most spectacular ancient archaeological site in Israel. Perched on the tip of a titanic rock face, this Jewish shrine was the last stronghold of the zealots back in the days of King Herod. A cable car will carry you to the top where you will explore the ancient ruins which include King Herod’s three-tiered palace, the synagogue, the baths, the defending walls and the water cisterns.
Your Masada exploration complete, you will rejoin your coach for a 25-minute drive to the hotel resort where you will enjoy lunch.
After lunch, you will have the opportunity of a lifetime: to experience the sensation of floating effortlessly upon the buoyant waters of the Dead Sea. With more salt and minerals than any other body of water in the world, the Dead Sea is claimed to be a natural health and beauty spa.
Finally, you will get back to your ship after a 2,5-hour drive.
- This tour involves approximately 1 mile (1,5 km) on uneven and cobblestone paths with some steps. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes, swimsuit under your clothes, bring a towel from the ship and to protect yourself from the sun. There are changing rooms in the hotel. The lunch is included on your tour. Your beverage package includes a bottle of water and a glass of wine.
Total : €140
According to availability, price per passenger.
Le Champlain
Like the rest of the PONANT EXPLORERS series, Le Champlain successfully manages to subtly combine the desire to explore the remotest regions of the planet with the comfort and privacy of a cosily intimate ship.
To the innovative and environmentally friendly equipment are added elegant design and a unique atmosphere in keeping with the whole PONANT universe. Your dream of a cruise onboard a cosily intimate ship is thus made possible through the combination of an authentically genuine voyage experience together with discreet luxury.
Up to 184 Guests
92 staterooms & suites
118 crew members
Spa
2 restaurants
Decks
Media
Discuss and debate geopolitics, societal changes and the major challenges of the future with editors, journalists and columnists from major news outlets. On board, Paris Match, Le Figaro, L’Express or Le Point, undisputed references when it comes to quality news and information, offer in-depth analyses of the shifts occurring in our society. Partnerships with GEO and Point de Vue cater to our guests who are passionate about photography, geography and history.
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
Minoan Palace & archaeological museum
Crete’s fertile soil and towering peaks witnessed the development of one of the earliest recorded civilizations on earth: the Minoan.
Knossos is the most important of the Minoan palaces and the most famous Cretan site since its discovery in 1878. Occupied for 9,000 years before present and associated with the legend of the palace of King Minos, the site was the capital of Crete during the Minoan period. It was the court of the legendary King Minos, whose wife Pasiphae gave birth to the Minotaur, half-bull, half-man. The excavations on the site were begun in 1893 by the English archaeologist Sir Arthur Evans and his team and lasted 35 years.
From the pier, you will board your coach for the 30-minute drive to Knossos.
During this tour, you will discover the Great Palace through the West Court, where one can easily understand why the legend of the labyrinth grew up here. It takes about one hour and a half to walk around the site and explore all the parts of the Palace. See the Royal Quarters’ Throne room with its antechamber and main throne, as well as the Queen’s Quarters, whose wall above the entrance door is decorated with a copy of the famous dolphin frescos. Your guide will also tell about the Minotaur legend.
You will continue your journey with a visit of the Archaeological Museum in Heraklion. The museum houses archaeological finds from all over Crete, covering over 5,500 years of the island's history. With its twenty halls, the museum presents the finds from the Minoan era, including the frescoes from the Royal Palace of Knossos.
After your visit of the museum, you will board your coach and join your ship after a 15-minute drive.
- This excursion involves 1,5 km (1 mile) of walking with some steps. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun.
Total : €80
According to availability, price per passenger.
Ephesus & the house of Mary
From the pier, you will embark your coach for a 30-minute drive through a picturesque winding road lined with pine trees to reach the House of Virgin Mary, a protected pilgrimage site.
Clinging to the side of Bulbul Mountain outside of Ephesus, this house is believed to be the last home of the Virgin Mary. According to the Vatican, Mary came here towards the end of her life in the company of St. John around 40 AD. Nowadays, every year, Christians and Muslims (who honour “Meryemana” as the mother of a great Prophet), make religious pilgrimages to the site. Below the house you will find a fountain, where a sacred spring feeds three fonts, each bestowing a unique blessing upon visitors.
From the house of the Virgin Mary, you will continue on to nearby Ephesus. Originally dedicated to Cybele, the goddess of fertility, during the prehistoric times, the city was claimed by the Ionians for Artemis and later to Diana by the Romans.
Ephesus is one of the best-preserved Greco-Roman sites of the ancient world in the whole Mediterranean. Excavated since 1869, most of the main streets and public buildings have been unearthed and opened for visitors. Everything is here: town hall, dwellings, shops and even public toilets. A town of white marble dazzling in the sunshine, Ephesus is like a stone history book recounting the story of what daily life must have been like in the time of the Greeks and Romans.
During your tour, you will discover the Roman Ephesus. Most of the monuments were built during the reign of Emperor Augustus. Due to its location, the city was developed into two sections: the upper part of the city was the administrative sector with the town hall, a civil basilica and the Odeon aligned on the north side of the State Agora. The lower section facing the port houses religious, commercial and cultural buildings, such as the famous Celsius Library, Roman Villas, commercial agora and its theatre, which accommodated up to 24,000 spectators, and the stadium.
Residences of the town’s nobility are grouped on the slopes of Mount Pion and Mount Coressos on either side of Couretes Street, which links the town’s two districts. The site is also famous for its Hercules Gate, the ancient Scholastikia baths, the Marble Street and Hadrian’s temple.
- This tour involves two and half hours of walking on uneven ground with some steps. We recommend that you wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun.
Total : €50
According to availability, price per passenger.
Ephesus & Roman Villas
From the pier, you will embark your coach for a 30-minute drive to the Ephesus site, one of the best-preserved ancient cities in the Mediterranean basin.
Originally dedicated to Cybele, the goddess of fertility, during the prehistoric times, the city was claimed by the Ionians for Artemis and later to Diana by the Romans. Ephesus is one of the best-preserved Greco-Roman sites of the ancient world in the whole Mediterranean. Excavated since 1869, most of the main streets and public buildings have been unearthed and opened for visitors. Everything is here: town hall, dwellings, shops and even public toilets. A town of white marble dazzling in the sunshine, Ephesus is like a stone history book recounting the story of what daily life must have been like in the time of the Greeks and Romans.
During your tour, you will discover the Roman Ephesus. Most of the monuments were built during the reign of Emperor Augustus. Due to its location, the city was developed into two sections: the upper part of the city was the administrative sector with the town hall, a civil basilica and the Odeon aligned on the north side of the State Agora. The lower section facing the port houses religious, commercial and cultural buildings, such as the famous Celsius Library, Roman Villas, commercial agora and its theatre, which accommodated up to 24,000 spectators, and the stadium.
You will start your tour at the upper gate of Ephesus, which is also known as the Magnesium Gate. Your guide will lead you on a leisurely downhill walking tour through Ephesus’ marble streets, passing and pointing out all the historically important buildings on the way.
You will move on to the recently excavated Terrace Houses complex which are also known as the houses of the rich Ephesians. Located on the northern slope of Bulbul Mountain next to Curetes Street and opposite the Temple of Hadrian, these houses were built in the peristyle form with a courtyard surrounded by Ionic colonnades. They are finely decorated with mosaics and frescoes. Built in the period of Augustus, they were inhabited until the 7th century AD according to evidence from excavations.
Then, you will visit one of the most impressive sites of Ephesus, the Library of Celsus. Built in 135 BC by a son in homage to his father, this library is finely decorated with columns and sculptures.
Finally, after just a short walk away, you will join the Grand theatre where St Paul preached to the Ephesians, imploring them to give up their worship of Artemis and embrace the Christian faith.
- This tour involves two and a half hours of walking on uneven ground with steps. We recommend that you wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun. The visit of the Roman Villas will be guided by the archaeologist who leads the excavations. This tour is limited to 40 participants.
Total : €60
According to availability, price per passenger.
Walking tour of Rhodes
From the ship, discover the Knights City on a guided walking tour.
Follow your guide through the cobbled streets to the impressive Palace of the Grand Masters of the Order of Hospitallers, which dates from the 14th century and contains some Greek and Roman mosaics originating from the island of Kos.
After visiting the palace, you will walk along the famous Avenue of the Knights lined with the old Knights’ inns from the Order’s various nationalities. It is unusually straight for a medieval street, and its sombre buildings present a majestic and forbidding face to the world, with their 15th century Gothic walls and arcades worn smooth over the centuries. Retracing an ancient route, the straight line of this street cuts through the maze of winding alleyways surrounding it.
After your guided tour, you can return directly to your ship with your guide or wander around the streets and shops at your leisure.
- This tour is only on foot and involves walking on cobblestone streets, so we advise you to wear comfortable shoes and protect yourself from the sun.
Total : €30
According to availability, price per passenger.
Panoramic views of Rhodes
From the pier, board your coach for a scenic drive around the east coast of Rhodes island. You will drive along the walls surrounding the city before heading up Mount Smith (named after the English Admiral Sydney Smith, who kept an eye on the Napoleonic fleet from here). From this point, you can enjoy panoramic views over Rhodes and the castles. If the weather is good, you may even catch a glimpse of the Turkish coast and the neighbouring islands.
You will reach Lindos by a route passing through the hinterland. From one promontory, you can see the whole of the famous Acropolis. Built between the 7th and 6th century BC, the Lindos Acropolis is a sprawling complex of structures from various historic periods, perched dramatically above the town. A place of worship from the Mycenaean age, it was enlarged in the Hellenistic period before the Knights of the Order of Hospitallers established a fortress here, a role it retained until the Ottoman era.
Following the panoramic route, you will arrive at Kolymbia, a traditional fishermen village where you will enjoy some local snacks with a glass of Greece's trademark Ouzo.
The road back to your ship goes through the typical villages of Faliraki and Kalithea.
- This tour is a panoramic tour and involves few walking times. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun.
Total : €60
According to availability, price per passenger.
Memphis & Sakkara
From the pier, board your coach and start your day with a drive for around two hours and half to Dahshur area, located in South Sakkara where stand the pyramids of Dahshur: The Red and the Bent Pyramids.
The constructor of these pyramids is thought to have been Snofru (2575-2551 BC), who was the first ruler of the 4th Dynasty. He is also thought to have built the pyramid at Maidoun. The Red Pyramid is thought to be older, and the Bent Pyramid was built out of limestone which was quarried locally.
Following the visit of Dahshur you will drive toward Memphis, the Capital of ancient Egypt. Founded in 3100 BC by Menes of Tanis, Memphis was once considered the largest city in the world with a population of over 30,000. At its zenith, the city had many temples, palaces and gardens.
Once arriving, you will see the enormous limestone statue, Colossus of Ramses. Over 33 feet (10 metres) long, this giant lying statue depicts Ramses II, the Egyptian pharaoh from 1290 to 1224 BC. The Alabaster Sphinx and the ruins of the temple of Ptah can also be viewed during your visit.
From Memphis, you will proceed to the restaurant for lunch.
Then, you will be taken to Sakkara, the necropolis of ancient Memphis. You will be visiting the famous step Pyramid of Zoser built 5,000 years ago by the engineer Imhotep, the pyramid and its surrounding complex was designed to be as grand as it was unique and revolutionary. At the “cemetery city” of Sakkara, experience an inside visit to one of the mastabas or funerary chambers.
Finally, a quick visit will be made at a carpet school before driving back to join your ship for approximate another two hours and half.
- This excursion involves approximately 1.5 mile (2 km) of walking on sandy and flat ways with some steps. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun. The lunch is included on your tour.
Total : €140
According to availability, price per passenger.
The Grand Egyptian Museum & the Pyramids
This full day excursion provides a visit of the most important and significant sites of Egypt's: the Grand Egyptian museum, the Great Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx.
From the pier of Ain Sukhna, board your coach for a 2.5-hour drive to Cairo, via the desert road. During your journey, your guide will provide interesting facts about the sites you will be visiting.
Once arriving, you will visit the Great Pyramids of Egypt. The Great Pyramids are considered the most famous of Egypt’s attractions and the only monuments left of the Ancient Wonders. The three main Pyramids at Giza were built as tombs by Cheops, his son Chephren, and Chephren’s son Mykerinus to preserve each of the pharaohs’ mummified body for eternity. For centuries, these unique structures have intrigued the world while surviving the rise and fall of great dynasties.
Southeast of the Great Pyramids stands the Sphinx, carved out of solid rock around 2650 BC. Steeped in legend and superstition, the Sphinx was a monument either to the sun god Ra or to Pharaoh Chephren. It has the head of a man and the body of a lion. The monument faces east, probably to greet the rising sun and the return of life each day.
After enjoying lunch, you will visit the Grand Egyptian museum. This museum is an immense case of concrete, glass and steel that will display among 100,000 objects covering 5,000 years of history. One of the museum highlights will be the visit of King Tutankhamen exhibition. Tutankhamen is the boy-king who ruled Egypt for nine years. Its royal treasure represents a collection of more than 5,000 pieces.
After the visit of the museum, you will drive back to Ain Sukhna where your ship is docked.
- This excursion involves approximately 1.2 mile (2 km) of walking on flat ways with some steps. We recommend you wear comfortable shoes and protect yourself from the sun. The lunch is included on your tour. Cameras are permitted at the Pyramids. Opening of the Grand Egyptian museum is expected to be in October 2021. In case of delay and if the museum is not open on the date of our port of call, its visit will have to be cancelled.
Total : €200
According to availability, price per passenger.
Timna park & panoramic Eilat
From the pier, you will board your coach and start your 30-minute drive to Timna park.
On the way, your guide will give you information about the Rabin border, between Israel and Jordan. A stop en route will be made at an observation point to admire the neighbouring city of Aqaba.
The Timna park is located approximately 25 kilometres north of Eilat, in the middle of the Red Sea Desert. The horseshoe-shaped park was created by tectonic plate movement tens of millions of years ago. This extraordinary locale contains within it an astonishing "window" to the geology of the region.
Timna boasts the world's earliest copper mine. Copper mining began more than 6,000 years ago, at the end of the fifth millennium BC, when Egyptians established their copper mine.
During your 3-hour visit, you will discover:
- "Mines of Time" - a multimedia presentation on a revolving stage takes you on a journey to ancient Egypt. The stories of a bygone age include the origin of the copper serpent and the significance of the Egyptian Gods to the copper cult.
- The Mushroom - a natural rock formation of a perfect mushroom created from red sandstone, situated next to the work camp where the copper ore was smelted in special ovens.
- The Arches - a natural phenomenon, the stone Arch. From here, you can climb a few steps for a panoramic view of the valley.
- Solomon's Pillars and the Temple of the Goddess Hathor - incredible 50-metre-high pillars from Timna's sandstone. To the right of the pillars, stone stairs lead to an Egyptian rock carving in which we see Pharaoh Ramses III presenting an offering to the Goddess of mines and turquoise, Hathor. From the viewing platform, you can see the remains of the temple dedicated to the Goddess.
You will continue to the Timna Lake and discover the coloured sand.
After a day steeped in history, you will return to Eilat and enjoy a panoramic drive of the town before reaching your ship.
- This tour involves approximately 0.7 mile (1 km) of walking with some steps. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun.
Total : €65
According to availability, price per passenger.
Masada & Dead Sea
From the pier, boarding your coach and travel through the Negev Desert, a 2,5-hour drive before descending 3,600 feet (over 1,000 metres) toward the Dead Sea – the lowest point on earth, over 1,300 feet (over 300 metres) below sea level. A refreshment stop will be made en-route.
Before arriving at the Dead Sea, enjoy a visit to Masada Fortress, the most spectacular ancient archaeological site in Israel. Perched on the tip of a titanic rock face, this Jewish shrine was the last stronghold of the zealots back in the days of King Herod. A cable car will carry you to the top where you will explore the ancient ruins which include King Herod’s three-tiered palace, the synagogue, the baths, the defending walls and the water cisterns.
Your Masada exploration complete, you will rejoin your coach for a 25-minute drive to the hotel resort where you will enjoy lunch.
After lunch, you will have the opportunity of a lifetime: to experience the sensation of floating effortlessly upon the buoyant waters of the Dead Sea. With more salt and minerals than any other body of water in the world, the Dead Sea is claimed to be a natural health and beauty spa.
Finally, you will get back to your ship after a 2,5-hour drive.
- This tour involves approximately 1 mile (1,5 km) on uneven and cobblestone paths with some steps. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes, swimsuit under your clothes, bring a towel from the ship and to protect yourself from the sun. There are changing rooms in the hotel. The lunch is included on your tour. Your beverage package includes a bottle of water and a glass of wine.
Total : €140
According to availability, price per passenger.
DIRECT TRANSFER FROM AQABA PIER TO AQABA AIRPORT
Travel with peace of mind as PONANT organises your transfer between your port of disembarkation and the airport.
Aqaba
After disembarkation procedures are completed, you will be greeted at the pier by our local representative.
You will be transferred to Aqaba King Hussein Airport, in time for check-in of the PONANT selected flight.
Your programme includes:
- Visa delivery upon arrival in Aqaba.
- Group transfer by coach from port to airport as mentioned in the programme.
- Services of a local English-hostess during the transfer.
- Tips for the driver and the hostess.
Your programme does not include:
- Personal expenses.
- Other services not mentioned in the programme.
For the times of your PONANT flight, please contact your travel agent; they are also shown on your electronic ticket included in your travel documents.
Total : €150
Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.
POST BEAUTIFUL WADI RUM AND PETRA (2 NIGHTS)
Enhance your cruise and extend your trip with a carefully designed programme.
Take advantage of three unforgettable days to discover the treasures of Jordan, between breath-taking landscapes and ancient sites. Explore a forgotten city and go into the desert to meet the Bedouins. This program rich in emotions will be an ideal conclusion to your cruise.
Day 1 - Aqaba/Petra
After disembarkation procedures are completed, you will be greeted at the port by our local representative.
You will depart early the pier by coach for a 2-hour drive to Petra.
The ancient rose-red city of Petra was built by the Nabataeans more than 2,000 years ago. Learn about this fascinating culture and the amazing relics they left behind. In these times, Petra was a fortress carved out of craggy rocks, in an area which was virtually inaccessible. In the first and second century, after the Romans took over, the city reached the peak of its fame.
From the entrance, it is an 800 meter (½ mi.) walk to the entrance of the old city. Then continue your walk on foot along the « Siq » to visit the rose-red city of Petra. Petra covers an area of about 100 square km (38 sq. mi.), where over 800 monuments can be found.
When shipping slowly displaced caravan routes, the city's importance gradually dwindled; it fell into disuse and was lost to the world until 1812, when it was rediscovered by the Swiss explorer Johann Ludwig Burkhart. Nowadays, Petra is Jordan's number one tourist attraction, known as the "rose-red city half as old as time".
At the end of your visit, enjoy a lunch in a local restaurant inside the site.
Free time to walk back to the main entrance at your pace.
A shuttle is available to drive you to your hotel (15 minutes drive)
Dinner is served at the hotel.
Day 2 - Petra/Wadi Rum/Aqaba
You will depart the hotel by coach for a 2-hour drive to Wadi Rum.
Upon arrival in Wadi Rum, you will board four-wheel drive Bedouin truck driven by a local Bedouin, then start a 2-hour drive inside the beautiful desert. The landscape of Wadi Rum, also known as "Valley of the Moon", with its immensity, colours and awe-inspiring shapes, creates an almost supernatural atmosphere. The place has been the setting for the famous film Lawrence of Arabia, as well as the actual location where T. E. Lawrence set his camp, whose book The Seven Pillars of Wisdom was named after the seven natural columns varying in height located in route to Wadi Rum. Bedouin camps are evident in the Wadi, which is still home to many Bedouin families, who welcome visitors with the hospitality and generosity that characterizes them.
Proceed to a Bedouin camp for some rest and lunch.
After lunch, you will be taken to Aqaba.
Mid-afternoon check-in at Kempinski Hotel Aqaba Red Sea 5*.
The rest of the day is at leisure to enjoy the hotel facilities.
Dinner is served at the hotel.
Day 3 - Aqaba
Proceed to check-out and you will then be transferred to the airport in time for check-in for the PONANT selected flight or any other flight (provided that you have previously communicated your flight schedule to your travel agent).
Your hotels:
The Hayat Zaman Hotel & Resort 5* is ideally located 15 minutes away from entrance of Petra and features a late 19th century jordanian village. All rooms have air-conditionning, a minibar and a private balcony.
Kempinski Hotel Aqaba 5* is situated on a white sandy Red Sea beach, close to Aqaba city centre. Deluxe rooms are contemporary in design and feature a private balcony overlooking the Red Sea. A glass wall separates the bathroom from the room to take advantage of the natural light. The hotel has an extensive 2-floors spa with panoramic sea views.
Your programme includes:
- 1-night accommodation in Junior Suite at the Hayat Zaman Hotel & Resort 5* local standards (or similar).
- 1-night accommodation in Deluxe room at the Kempinski Hotel Aqaba Red Sea 5* local standards (or similar).
- Meals as mentioned in the programme.
- Beverages package during lunches and dinners (mineral water + 1 soft drink or 1 local beer + 1 coffee or tea).
- Transfers and visits mentioned in the programme.
- The services of a local English-speaking guide.
- Visa delivery upon arrival in Aqaba.
Your programme does not include:
- Tips for the driver and local guide.
- Personal expenses.
- Other services not mentioned in the programme.
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.
- This program involves extensive walking over sandy and uneven terrain and is not suitable for guests with walking difficulty. No vehicles are allowed within Petra site; the day tour of Petra will be a whole walking tour.
- The vehicles used at Wadi Rum are simple all-terrain vehicles owned and operated by local Bedouins through their cooperatives. The drive will be bumpy as you travel over uneven ground in the desert. Those vehicles are basic, they do not have air-conditioning or seatbelts.
Contact of your hotels:
Hayat Zaman Hotel & Resort
P.O BOX 2
Wadi Mousa
71873 Petra, Jordan.
Telephone : 00962 3 2150111
Kempinski Hotel Aqaba Red Sea
Ing Hussein Street, 77110 Aqaba, Jordan
Telephone: +962 3 209 0888
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 : €1,200
Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.
TREASURES OF JORDAN (4 NIGHTS)
Enhance your cruise and extend your trip with a carefully designed programme.
Day 1 – Aqaba/Wadi Rum
After disembarkation procedures are completed, you will be greeted at the port by our local representative.
Welcome to the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, a country with outstanding ancient history, biblical sites of importance and beautiful desert landscapes.
Transfer to Wadi Rum.
Otherwise known as Valley of the Moon, Wadi Rum is the largest - and most magnificent - of Jordan's desert landscapes and has been virtually untouched by humans. A maze of monolithic rock formations rises up from the desert floor to heights of 1,750 meters (5,740 feet), creating a natural challenge for serious mountaineers. However, Wadi Rum may be best known for its connection with British officer T. E. Lawrence, who passed through several times during the Arab Revolt of 1917–18. In the 1980s one of the rock formations in Wadi Rum was named "The Seven Pillars of Wisdom" after Lawrence's book penned in the aftermath of the war, although the 'Seven Pillars' referred to in the book have no connection with Rum.
Enjoy a four-hour excursion of Wadi Rum in a four-wheel-drive vehicle. Please note that this excursion is conducted on board a simple vehicle which is operated by a local charity foundation. The revenue generated through these tours helps support the livelihood of the local Bedouins.
Lunch will be served during the course of the tour under a Bedouin tent.
Continue to your Bedouin camp Saraya Camp 4*, in the desert to enjoy a privilege evening under the stars.
Dinner and overnight.
Day 2 – Wadi Rum/Petra
Breakfast at your Camp, check out and transfer out of the camp for a 2 hours drive to reach Petra.
The ancient rose-red city of Petra was built by the Nabataeans more than 2,000 years ago. Learn about this fascinating culture and the amazing relics they left behind. In these times, Petra was a fortress carved out of craggy rocks, in an area which was virtually inaccessible. In the first and second century, after the Romans took over, the city reached the peak of its fame.
From the entrance, it is an 800 meter (½ mi.) walk to the entrance of the old city. Then continue your walk on foot along the « Siq » to visit the rose-red city of Petra. Petra covers an area of about 100 square km (38 sq. mi.), where over 800 monuments can be found.
When shipping slowly displaced caravan routes, the city's importance gradually dwindled; it fell into disuse and was lost to the world until 1812, when it was rediscovered by the Swiss explorer Johann Ludwig Burkhart. Nowadays, Petra is Jordan's number one tourist attraction, known as the "rose-red city half as old as time".
At the end of your visit, enjoy a lunch in a local restaurant inside the site.
Free time to walk back to the main entrance at your pace.
A shuttle will be available to take you to your hotel when you are ready (15 minutes drive).
Dinner at the hotel.
Day 3 – Petra/Madaba/Dead Sea
Breakfast at your hotel, check out and proceed to Madaba. The drive takes about 3 hours.
South of Amman proudly stands Madaba, the "City of Mosaics", perched on an archaeological site with more than 4,000 years of history buried beneath it. The quality and quantity of the mosaic flooring found here has made Madaba one of the most prominent cities in the world for mosaics. St. George's Church houses a world-famous mosaic floor containing a large mosaic map of Palestine, which also features a detailed map of Jerusalem as it was during the sixth century. At the Church of the Apostles, at the southern entrance of the city, is a mosaic floor attributed to the craftsman Salamanios, depicting the sea, with the central figure of a woman encircled with a selection of creatures, vegetation and an inscription.
Your lunch will be served in a local restaurant.
After your lunch, drive to your hotel in the Dead Sea, enjoy a photo stop en-route.
The Dead Sea has a historical and spiritual legacy of its own. It is believed to be the site of five biblical cities: Sodom, Gomorrah, Admah, Zeboiim and Zoar (Bela).
At 400 meters below sea level, the Dead Sea is infinite in what it has to offer. Ever since the days of Herod the Great, people have flocked to the Dead Sea in search of its curative secrets. Due to high annual temperatures, low humidity and high atmospheric pressure, the air is extremely exogenous, and the high content of oxygen and magnesium in the air make breathing a lot easier.
With the highest content of minerals and salts in the world, the Dead Sea water possesses anti-inflammatory properties, and the dark mud found on the shores have been used for over 2000 years for therapeutic purposes.
Rest of the day at leisure to enjoy the hotel and experience floating in the Dead Sea.
Dinner will be served at your hotel.
Day 4 – Dead Sea/Jerash/Amman
Breakfast.
Morning at leisure.
Meet your guide in the late-morning and proceed to Jerash.
Nestled in the hills of Gilead is the Greco-Roman city of Jerash, where archaeological remains from the Neolithic, Greek, Roman, Byzantine and Umayyad eras, amongst others, have been found. Jerash's golden age, however, arrived with the Roman era. Today, Jerash is known as one of the best-preserved provincial cities of the Roman Empire. Jerash was also a member of the Decapolis, a dynamic commercial league of ten Greco-Roman cities which were grouped together because of their language, culture, location and political status, wherein each functioned as an autonomous city-state.
After your visit, enjoy lunch in a local restaurant.
Afterwards, proceed to Amman for a Panoramic Tour.
After your visit, drive back to your hotel in Amman.
Enjoy dinner at the hotel.
Day 5 – Amman/Paris
After breakfast and check-out, time at leisure depending on your flight schedule.
You will then be transferred to the airport in time for check-in for the PONANT selected flight or any other flight (provided that you have previously communicated your flight schedule to your travel agent).
Your hotels:
Saraya Rum Camp Wadi Rum 4* is located off the beaten path in the desert of Wadi Rum. This Bedouin camp was selected to experience the Bedouin culture and gastronomy while stargazing in a privileged environment. The bungalows feature a true Bedouin decoration inside and outside out, a small and private patio, a fully equipped bathroom and mostly a two-sided panorama on the Wadi Rum.
Hayat Zaman Hotel & Resort 5* is ideally located 10 minutes away from entrance of Petra and features a late 19th century jordanian village. All rooms have air-conditionning, a minibar and a private balcony.
Kempinski Ishtar Dead Sea 5* is ideally located on the edge of the Dead Sea. It features 9 outdoor swimming pools offering magnificient views of the the Dead Sea, Spa facilities and several restaurants and bars.
An oasis of modern luxury, Intercontinental Amman Hotel 5* is perched on one of the city's seven hills, in the heart of the diplomatic district. All 440 newly renovated rooms and suites are equipped with stylish and convenient amenities. Relax and rejuvenate in the indoor and outdoor pools, enjoy signature treatments at the full-service spa or try one of six restaurants.
Upgraded rooms are also available depending on availability and on a supplement basis. Contact your travel professional for further detail.
Your programme includes:
- 1-night accommodation in Standard Bungalow at the Saraya Rum Wadi Rum Camp 4* (or similar), breakfast included.
- 1-night accommodation in Superior room at the Mövenpick Resort Petra 5* local standards (or similar), breakfast included.
- 1-night accommodation in Superior room at the Kempinski Ishtar Dead Sea 5* local standards (or similar), breakfast included.
- 1-night accommodation in Deluxe room at the Intercontinental Amman 5* local standards (or similar), breakfast included.
- Meals as mentioned in the programme.
- Beverage package during meals (bottled water + 1 soft drink and 1 coffee or tea).
- Transfers, visits, and entrance fees as mentioned in the programme.
- The services of a local English-speaking guide.
- The visa fees.
Your programme does not include:
- Personal expenses.
- Tips for the driver and local guide.
- Other services not mentioned in the programme.
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.
- This programme involves extensive walking over sandy and uneven terrain and is not suitable for guests with walking difficulty. No vehicles are allowed within Petra site; the day tour of Petra will be a whole walking tour.
- The vehicles used at Wadi Rum are simple all-terrain vehicles owned and operated by local Bedouins through their cooperatives. The drive will be bumpy as you travel over uneven ground in the desert. Those vehicles are basic, they do not have air-conditioning or seatbelts.
- The visit of Petra involves a 8km walk. We recommend you wear a comfortable walking outfit.
Contact of your hotels:
Saraya Rum Camp
Wadi Rum Protected Area
Wadi Rum Camp
Telephone: +962 7 9966 1007
Hayat Zaman Hotel & Resort
P.O BOX 2
Wadi Mousa
71873 Petra, Jordan.
Telephone : 00962 3 2150111
Kempinski Ishtar Dead Sea
Swaimeh
Dead Sea 11194 Jordan
Telephone: +962 5 356 8888
InterContinental Amman
Islamic College Street
11180 Jordanie
Téléphone : + 962 6 464 1361
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 : €2,350
Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.