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Superior Stateroom
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From the city of Gods to the Eternal city
Athens - Civitavecchia (Rome)
Dates:
2/9/2022
to
9/9/2022
days
nights on board
Starting in Athens, step aboard Le Lyrial for an 8-day cruise between Greece and the majestic Italian coast.
You will discover Delos, a minuscule island in the Cyclades archipelago. According to mythology, Apollo was born here. Like an open-air museum, Delos offers unique testimony of the civilisations that followed one another in the Aegean world.
Next comes Mykonos, its beaches and windmills, with Alefkandra, a district that is typical of the island, with houses built right on the water’s edge. The unique Santorini, one of the pearls of the Cyclades awaits you, unfurling the grandiose circle of its caldera.
You will follow a memorable crossing of the Corinth Canal and make a port of call at Itea, not far from the marvellous Delphi archaeological site.
Then, you will make your way to Katokolon. On the slopes of Mt Cronion, you can enjoy the unique experience of visiting the UNESCO World Heritage listed Olympus archaeological site.
In Taormina, the streets will lead you to the impressive ancient theatre, where the quality of the acoustics is exceptional. And as a constant backdrop: the majestic Mount Etna.
During your stop in Naples, one of the oldest cities in the world, visit the baroque churches, the romantic plazas and the ancient palaces. The host of monuments and landmarks bear witness to the richness of this city dominated by Mount Vesuvius, which stands over 1,000 metres tall.
You will continue to sail along the Italian coast to Civitavecchia, the final stop on your trip to these lands brimming with history.
Ref : Y020922
Your itinerary
A cruise from Greece to Rome with a high concentration of must-see historical and archaeological ports of call. UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the Acropolis in Athens (embarkation port), Delos, the sacred...
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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
- Inclusive Internet access Wi-Fi (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)
- Three ADA staterooms
Select your stateroom category
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
Highlights
- A cruise from Greece to Rome with a high concentration of must-see historical and archaeological ports of call.
- UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the Acropolis in Athens (embarkation port), Delos, the sacred island, the Olympia site from Katakolon, Mount Etna from Taormina and its Greek theatre, Pompeii from Naples, Delphi from Itea, Rome from Civitavecchia (disembarkation port).
- Discover the magnificent Cyclades archipelago when you call at the unforgettable islands of Delos, Mykonos and Santorini.
- An unforgettable crossing of the Corinth Canal.
- Sicily with the call at Taormina.
- A stop in Naples, with its rich heritage dominated by Vesuvius.
Ports of Call & Excursions
2 September 2022 - Athens
Embarkation 2/9/2022 from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm
Departure 2/9/2022 at 8:00 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.
3 September 2022 - Delos
Arrival 3/9/2022 early morning
Departure 3/9/2022 midday
This legendary Cyclades island of Delos stands just a few miles southwest of Mykonos. The ceremonial solemnity of this ancient holy sanctuary will not leave you indifferent. The sheer size and importance of this UNESCO World Heritage site which covers over half of the island is thrilling in itself. From the Stoa of Antigonos, the Terrace of the Lions, to the carved marble animal statues, you will make discovery after discovery, against a backdrop of the Aegean stretching to the horizon. The theatre steps on the hillside are a particularly good place from which to enjoy the expansive view.
3 September 2022 - Mykonos
Arrival 3/9/2022 midday
Departure 3/9/2022 early evening
Nicknamed “little Venice”, Mykonos is famous for its Alefkandra district where houses are built right on the water’s edge. Their multi-coloured loggias are emblematic of this Cyclades island, as are the pelicans and windmills. You can get close up to the birds on the quaysides of the old port. Up on the hillside, you can see the windmill sails turning. In the cobbled streets of the pedestrian centre, bougainvillea bedeck immaculate facades. As you weave in and out of the little streets, snatches of coastline will undoubtedly call you to the island’s beaches, the quietest of which can be found on the northern coast.
4 September 2022 - Santorini
Arrival 4/9/2022 early morning
Departure 4/9/2022 late afternoon
The spectacular volcanic island of Santorini stands out proud in the Cyclades. Its basalt cliffs offer particularly expansive views of the Aegean. To enjoy these views, you can head for the capital, Fira. Its floral belvederes of bougainvillea provide a bird’s-eye view of several thousand metres of coastline. Further away, the gorgeous village of Oia looks like a stairway of blue and white houses on the slopes of the volcano. In the south of the island, you will be able to visit the stunning ruins of Akrotiri, an ancient city destroyed by an eruption and covered with a thick layer of lava stone.
5 September 2022 - Crossing the Corinth Canal
Arrival 5/9/2022
Departure 5/9/2022
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!
5 September 2022 - Itea
Arrival 5/9/2022 midday
Departure 5/9/2022 early evening
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.
6 September 2022 - Katakolon
Arrival 6/9/2022 early morning
Departure 6/9/2022 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.
7 September 2022 - Taormina, Sicily
Arrival 7/9/2022 midday
Departure 7/9/2022 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.
8 September 2022 - Naples
Arrival 8/9/2022 midday
Departure 8/9/2022 late afternoon
More Italian than Italy itself, Naples is the capital of the beautiful region of Campania, and is an unusual city to say the least. Its gulf, dominated by Vesuvius, is one of the world’s marvels. Built by the Greeks and then occupied by the Romans, the city has retained the memory of antiquity, as Castell dell’Ovo illustrates. But Naples has another side to it with its hustle and bustle, narrow streets, clothes hung out to dry at windows, Caravaggio paintings on the walls of a church, and incessant rumour in an sleepless city. This is a head-spinning city to visit and savour: don’t forget to eat a slice of pizza Margherita.
9 September 2022 - Civitavecchia (Rome)
Arrival 9/9/2022 early morning
Disembarkation 9/9/2022 at 7:30 am
Built on an Etruscan site, between the Tyrrhenian sea and the Monti della Tolfa, Civitavecchia respires the dolce vita. This very modern and easy going town combines art and history with panache. You can also visit superb historical sites like Fort Michelangelo or the Cathedral of Saint Francis of Assisi. Just 80 kilometres from Rome, the town is a beautiful first step to the Italian capital.
The archaeological site of Delos
Your tour will start directly from the pier where you will have disembarked by ship's tender. Follow your guide and go discover one of the best preserved archaeological sites in Greece.
Both the oldest and the largest open-air site in Europe, this antique site has many houses, temples and sacred shrines. Emerging from a burned grass carpet, the ruins are spread out below Mount Kynthos. At the top of this small hill and only relief of the island, the Sanctuary of Zeus and Athena Cynthiens dating from the 3rd century BC. Overlooking the area, as on the hillside, you can see a range of cultural institutions dedicated to oriental divinities. Frozen by 2,000 years of abandonment, the city ruins draw an impressive maze of white stone in which one can get lost like the pilgrims and the merchants of yesteryear, when Delos was beaming on the Aegean.
You will reach the sanctuary of Apollo, known as the “Temple of the Athenians”, where you will admire the temples dedicated to this god, their altars, their votive offerings and other buildings.
Then, you will discover the Terrace of the Lions, with its famous marble lions that dominated and protected the town. You will continue until the Theatre District, the most luxurious district of the ancient city with the mansions known as the home “of Dionysus”, “of Cleopatra” and “of Dioscuri”. You will see the different mosaics that adorned the floors of Hellenistic houses, and the streets, the houses, the workshops and the shops that made Delos a bustling city.
- This excursion is entirely on foot. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun. The museum is closed for revonation.
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.
Crater hiking & thermal springs
From the pier, you will join a caique (local sailing boat) at the Old port and start your 15-minute boat trip to the island of Nea Kameni. The sail will take you along the volcanic shores. The black volcanic rocks and the white pumice offers a contrasted and unique landscapes. Once disembarking at Nea Kameni, a 30-minute hike will take you to the crater of the still active volcano. During your walk up on an ascending path, you will have the opportunity to observe the lava fragments and the volcanic rock formations.
Once you have reached the crater, you will have time to relax and enjoy the panoramic view of Santorini Island and the cliff of the Caldera. Then, you start your descent back to the caique. Leaving the volcanic island, you will sail towards the thermal springs of Palea Kameni. The boat will go to the green sulphur waters with temperatures that reach 37°C (99°F). A swimming stop will be suggested for guests whishing.
After enjoying a bath, you will continue your boat trip visiting the inside the Caldera, then towards back to the old port and your ship.
- This tour involves 1 hour of walking on extensive uphill and uneven ground with some steps. We recommend you wear comfortable hiking shoes, wear your swimsuit under your clothes, bring a towel from the ship and protect yourself from the sun. Guests who wish to swim in the thermal springs must embark and disembark without assistance using the boat’s vertical ladder. Moreover, they must wear their swimsuit under their clothes and bring a towel from the ship. It is not recommended to swim in the hot spring’s sulphurous waters if you have sensitive skin. The boat is equipped with WC only. This tour is limited to 60 participants.
Total : €60
According to availability, price per passenger.
Akrotiri site & Oia
From your pier, board your coach for a 15-minute drive to Akrotiri.
The prehistorical site of Akrotiri, also called “the Pompeii of the Aegean” has reopened very recently after several years of closure. Akrotiri is known for the famous ruins dating back to the Neolithic, five thousand years before our era. In the Bronze Age, in the 17th century BC, the town was destroyed by a volcanic eruption and buried in volcanic ash. Archeological excavations have yielded urban remains in excellent state of preservation. This site was discovered in 1967 by Pr. Spyros Marinatos and his team. The archeological excavations are still in process nowadays.
Following your visit, reboard your coach for a drive to the village of Oia. En-route, you will pass through several small villages perched above the sea and see the different lava flows which have fashioned the island’s landscape for centuries. You will eventually arrive in Oia, a little jewel of a place on the side of a cliff overlooking the old crater (caldera) on the coast forming the north-west point of the island. The traditional Cyclades architecture has been scrupulously respected here and offers some stunning perspectives.
Then, you will join Fira town. You will walk a few hundred metres to the cable car station and take a cable car to the old port, where you will board your tender back to the ship.
- The return ticket for the cable car to the port is included in the price of this excursion. As the excursion involves around two and a half hours of walking over cobblestone streets and uneven ground, we advise you to wear non-slip and comfortable shoes and to protect yourself from the sun. In addition to the extensive amount of walking on this tour, there is a 5 to 10-minute walk from the bus parking area in Oia and a lengthy walk from the bus stop to the cable car station in Fira, all over cobblestones and with some steps.
Total : €65
According to availability, price per passenger.
Oia & Fira
Among the most fascinating aspects of Santorini are the scoria clad cliffs which remind you that the island is perched on the rim of a dormant volcano. Every square metre is cultivated: tomatoes, pistachios and vines, notably the Assyrtiko grapes which produce one of Greece’s best wines.
From the pier, board your coach and drive to the village of Oia. En-route, you will pass through several small villages perched above the sea and see the different lava flows which for centuries have fashioned the island’s landscape. You will eventually arrive in Oia, a little jewel of a place on the side of a cliff overlooking the old crater (caldera) on the coast forming the north-west point of the island. The traditional Cyclades architecture has been scrupulously respected here and offers some stunning perspectives.
Your next stop is Fira where you will visit the Museum of Prehistoric Thira. This museum houses finds from the excavations at Akrotiri of which a gold ibex as well as many frescoes.
At the end of your tour, take the cable car down to the port of Fira, form here you will rejoin the ship’s tender back to your ship.
- The excursion involves approximately 2h30 of walking with some steps. We recommend you wear non-slip and comfortable shoes and to protect yourself from the sun. The return ticket for the cable car to the port is included in the price of this excursion.
Total : €55
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.
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.
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.
Ascent of Mount Etna
Leave the landing pier by coach for the drive to Rifugio Sapienza, about 6,000 ft above sea level, on Mount Etna.
Mt. Etna is Europe’s largest active volcano, the slopes soar up to over 9,800 ft and the flanks are covered with scores of cones and craters. From there you will be able to gaze out across the Catania Gulf and view the woods, orchids and vineyards from the vantage point. But, of course, the major attractions are the crater and the remnants of the awe-inspiring streams of lava.
From there and with the assistance of a professional alpine guide, you will continue by cable car to 7,500 ft and then by special 4x4 minibuses to reach the basis of the main crater at about 8,800 ft above sea level. Up there and still accompanied with your guide, you will be able to go nearer to see last lava flows.
- Since this excursion involves walking at high altitude (9,800 ft – 2 900 m), participants should be in excellent physical condition. Bring a sweater or a jacket as it can be very chilly and windy, and wear sturdy walking shoes. A supplement of €10 per person will be applied if less than 10 persons want to realize the tour. This tour is conducted by an English-speaking photographer-guide. This tour is limited to 80 participants.
Total : €140
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.
Historical Naples
According to a legend, Naples was founded on the tomb of the Siren Parthenope, who bequeathed her irresistible charm and mysterious appeal to the city. Legend aside, Naples has perhaps more to offer than any other city in Italy, in terms of history art and sheer beauty.
Board your coach, for a panoramic drive of the old town. You will pass by Piazza Plebiscito, where you will have the chance to have an outside look of the Royal Palace and the San Carlo Opera House.
The guided visit will then continue by foot to the lower Decumanus, nicknamed Spaccanapoli (Naples splitter) because it seems to divide the city into two nearly equal parts. You will discover the outside of the large Jesuit church of Gesu’ Nuovo with its famous diamond point façade, and then the gothic church of Santa Chiara, built following the orders of Robert of Anjou in 1310. Then you will continue your walk and arrive at the heart of the Decumanus, the San Domenico Square adorned by its guglia (spire), raided in 1658 as a votive offering for delivering the city from the plague.
After some time at leisure, you will re-board your coach and return to your ship.
- This tour is mostly operated on foot through the pedestrian section of the old town. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun.
Total : €40
According to availability, price per passenger.
Pompeii
After disembarking, you will board your coach to a scenic thirty-minute drive to Pompeii, located 25 km from Naples at the foot of Mount Vesuvius. Founded in the 6th century BC, it counted approximately 20,000 inhabitants in 79. That year, a volcanic eruption completely buried the flourishing cities of Pompeii, Herculaneum and Stabies. Forgotten during 1,600 years, it was rediscovered by chance to become today one of the florets of archaeology and an extraordinary testimony of the Roman Empire.
You will enter the site by the Porta Marina. Similar to a bastion, facing west, together with Porta Ercolano it is the most imposing of the seven gates of Pompeii. The ring of walls, built in the 6th century BC and still visible today, is over 3,200-meter long. Arriving inside the city, you will first discover the administrative buildings located on the main square. The more recent has kept its marble floor, and its eastern hall might have been the meeting room for the decurions (administrators), and its central hall might be used for the tabularium (legal archive).
Next, opening onto via dell’Abbondanza, is the Comitium, an open-air hall where the populus was summoned to exercise their political-administrative rights. It held the administrators, who presided over the assemblies and supervised the voting procedures. You will proceed by the Macellum. The building, which was the city's main market, dates from the 2nd century BC and underwent subsequent renovations. You will also admire the Basilica dedicated to administering justice and for business negotiations. Passing by the merchant streets you will cross the Forum baths or public baths that where divided in different sections. They were inexpensive and heavily used: bath time was apparently in the early afternoon. You will enter some remarkable villas, modest homes and explore ancient baths, temples, theatres, markets and forum.
After some time at leisure at the end of your guided tour, you will re-board your coach and return to your ship.
- This excursion involves 1,5 miles (2.5 km) of walking over uneven grounds and cobblestone streets. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes.
Total : €65
According to availability, price per passenger.
Le Lyrial
First introduced in 2015 and the fourth ship in the Sisterships series, Le Lyrial is the very embodiment of this new generation of intimately sized cruise ships. Its exterior and interior lines, all sober understatement and refinement, make it a yacht of a rare and innovative kind.
For the interior decoration, we took inspiration from the tones and colours of our destinations and used a palette made up of blues, from the soft, luminous grey-like tones of the polar ice to the vivid notes and turquoises of Mediterranean inlets and coves.
Up to 244 Guests
122 staterooms & suites
145 crew members
Spa
2 restaurants
Decks
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
2/9/2022 - PANORAMIC TOUR OF ATHENS BEFORE BEING TRANSFERRED TO THE PORT OF PIRAEUS
€50
Find out more
9/9/2022 - DIRECT TRANSFER FROM THE PORT OF CIVITAVECCHIA TO ROME FIUMICINO AIRPORT
€50
Find out morePANORAMIC 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.
ATHENS 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.
The archaeological site of Delos
Your tour will start directly from the pier where you will have disembarked by ship's tender. Follow your guide and go discover one of the best preserved archaeological sites in Greece.
Both the oldest and the largest open-air site in Europe, this antique site has many houses, temples and sacred shrines. Emerging from a burned grass carpet, the ruins are spread out below Mount Kynthos. At the top of this small hill and only relief of the island, the Sanctuary of Zeus and Athena Cynthiens dating from the 3rd century BC. Overlooking the area, as on the hillside, you can see a range of cultural institutions dedicated to oriental divinities. Frozen by 2,000 years of abandonment, the city ruins draw an impressive maze of white stone in which one can get lost like the pilgrims and the merchants of yesteryear, when Delos was beaming on the Aegean.
You will reach the sanctuary of Apollo, known as the “Temple of the Athenians”, where you will admire the temples dedicated to this god, their altars, their votive offerings and other buildings.
Then, you will discover the Terrace of the Lions, with its famous marble lions that dominated and protected the town. You will continue until the Theatre District, the most luxurious district of the ancient city with the mansions known as the home “of Dionysus”, “of Cleopatra” and “of Dioscuri”. You will see the different mosaics that adorned the floors of Hellenistic houses, and the streets, the houses, the workshops and the shops that made Delos a bustling city.
- This excursion is entirely on foot. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun. The museum is closed for revonation.
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.
Crater hiking & thermal springs
From the pier, you will join a caique (local sailing boat) at the Old port and start your 15-minute boat trip to the island of Nea Kameni. The sail will take you along the volcanic shores. The black volcanic rocks and the white pumice offers a contrasted and unique landscapes. Once disembarking at Nea Kameni, a 30-minute hike will take you to the crater of the still active volcano. During your walk up on an ascending path, you will have the opportunity to observe the lava fragments and the volcanic rock formations.
Once you have reached the crater, you will have time to relax and enjoy the panoramic view of Santorini Island and the cliff of the Caldera. Then, you start your descent back to the caique. Leaving the volcanic island, you will sail towards the thermal springs of Palea Kameni. The boat will go to the green sulphur waters with temperatures that reach 37°C (99°F). A swimming stop will be suggested for guests whishing.
After enjoying a bath, you will continue your boat trip visiting the inside the Caldera, then towards back to the old port and your ship.
- This tour involves 1 hour of walking on extensive uphill and uneven ground with some steps. We recommend you wear comfortable hiking shoes, wear your swimsuit under your clothes, bring a towel from the ship and protect yourself from the sun. Guests who wish to swim in the thermal springs must embark and disembark without assistance using the boat’s vertical ladder. Moreover, they must wear their swimsuit under their clothes and bring a towel from the ship. It is not recommended to swim in the hot spring’s sulphurous waters if you have sensitive skin. The boat is equipped with WC only. This tour is limited to 60 participants.
Total : €60
According to availability, price per passenger.
Akrotiri site & Oia
From your pier, board your coach for a 15-minute drive to Akrotiri.
The prehistorical site of Akrotiri, also called “the Pompeii of the Aegean” has reopened very recently after several years of closure. Akrotiri is known for the famous ruins dating back to the Neolithic, five thousand years before our era. In the Bronze Age, in the 17th century BC, the town was destroyed by a volcanic eruption and buried in volcanic ash. Archeological excavations have yielded urban remains in excellent state of preservation. This site was discovered in 1967 by Pr. Spyros Marinatos and his team. The archeological excavations are still in process nowadays.
Following your visit, reboard your coach for a drive to the village of Oia. En-route, you will pass through several small villages perched above the sea and see the different lava flows which have fashioned the island’s landscape for centuries. You will eventually arrive in Oia, a little jewel of a place on the side of a cliff overlooking the old crater (caldera) on the coast forming the north-west point of the island. The traditional Cyclades architecture has been scrupulously respected here and offers some stunning perspectives.
Then, you will join Fira town. You will walk a few hundred metres to the cable car station and take a cable car to the old port, where you will board your tender back to the ship.
- The return ticket for the cable car to the port is included in the price of this excursion. As the excursion involves around two and a half hours of walking over cobblestone streets and uneven ground, we advise you to wear non-slip and comfortable shoes and to protect yourself from the sun. In addition to the extensive amount of walking on this tour, there is a 5 to 10-minute walk from the bus parking area in Oia and a lengthy walk from the bus stop to the cable car station in Fira, all over cobblestones and with some steps.
Total : €65
According to availability, price per passenger.
Oia & Fira
Among the most fascinating aspects of Santorini are the scoria clad cliffs which remind you that the island is perched on the rim of a dormant volcano. Every square metre is cultivated: tomatoes, pistachios and vines, notably the Assyrtiko grapes which produce one of Greece’s best wines.
From the pier, board your coach and drive to the village of Oia. En-route, you will pass through several small villages perched above the sea and see the different lava flows which for centuries have fashioned the island’s landscape. You will eventually arrive in Oia, a little jewel of a place on the side of a cliff overlooking the old crater (caldera) on the coast forming the north-west point of the island. The traditional Cyclades architecture has been scrupulously respected here and offers some stunning perspectives.
Your next stop is Fira where you will visit the Museum of Prehistoric Thira. This museum houses finds from the excavations at Akrotiri of which a gold ibex as well as many frescoes.
At the end of your tour, take the cable car down to the port of Fira, form here you will rejoin the ship’s tender back to your ship.
- The excursion involves approximately 2h30 of walking with some steps. We recommend you wear non-slip and comfortable shoes and to protect yourself from the sun. The return ticket for the cable car to the port is included in the price of this excursion.
Total : €55
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.
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.
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.
Ascent of Mount Etna
Leave the landing pier by coach for the drive to Rifugio Sapienza, about 6,000 ft above sea level, on Mount Etna.
Mt. Etna is Europe’s largest active volcano, the slopes soar up to over 9,800 ft and the flanks are covered with scores of cones and craters. From there you will be able to gaze out across the Catania Gulf and view the woods, orchids and vineyards from the vantage point. But, of course, the major attractions are the crater and the remnants of the awe-inspiring streams of lava.
From there and with the assistance of a professional alpine guide, you will continue by cable car to 7,500 ft and then by special 4x4 minibuses to reach the basis of the main crater at about 8,800 ft above sea level. Up there and still accompanied with your guide, you will be able to go nearer to see last lava flows.
- Since this excursion involves walking at high altitude (9,800 ft – 2 900 m), participants should be in excellent physical condition. Bring a sweater or a jacket as it can be very chilly and windy, and wear sturdy walking shoes. A supplement of €10 per person will be applied if less than 10 persons want to realize the tour. This tour is conducted by an English-speaking photographer-guide. This tour is limited to 80 participants.
Total : €140
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.
Historical Naples
According to a legend, Naples was founded on the tomb of the Siren Parthenope, who bequeathed her irresistible charm and mysterious appeal to the city. Legend aside, Naples has perhaps more to offer than any other city in Italy, in terms of history art and sheer beauty.
Board your coach, for a panoramic drive of the old town. You will pass by Piazza Plebiscito, where you will have the chance to have an outside look of the Royal Palace and the San Carlo Opera House.
The guided visit will then continue by foot to the lower Decumanus, nicknamed Spaccanapoli (Naples splitter) because it seems to divide the city into two nearly equal parts. You will discover the outside of the large Jesuit church of Gesu’ Nuovo with its famous diamond point façade, and then the gothic church of Santa Chiara, built following the orders of Robert of Anjou in 1310. Then you will continue your walk and arrive at the heart of the Decumanus, the San Domenico Square adorned by its guglia (spire), raided in 1658 as a votive offering for delivering the city from the plague.
After some time at leisure, you will re-board your coach and return to your ship.
- This tour is mostly operated on foot through the pedestrian section of the old town. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun.
Total : €40
According to availability, price per passenger.
Pompeii
After disembarking, you will board your coach to a scenic thirty-minute drive to Pompeii, located 25 km from Naples at the foot of Mount Vesuvius. Founded in the 6th century BC, it counted approximately 20,000 inhabitants in 79. That year, a volcanic eruption completely buried the flourishing cities of Pompeii, Herculaneum and Stabies. Forgotten during 1,600 years, it was rediscovered by chance to become today one of the florets of archaeology and an extraordinary testimony of the Roman Empire.
You will enter the site by the Porta Marina. Similar to a bastion, facing west, together with Porta Ercolano it is the most imposing of the seven gates of Pompeii. The ring of walls, built in the 6th century BC and still visible today, is over 3,200-meter long. Arriving inside the city, you will first discover the administrative buildings located on the main square. The more recent has kept its marble floor, and its eastern hall might have been the meeting room for the decurions (administrators), and its central hall might be used for the tabularium (legal archive).
Next, opening onto via dell’Abbondanza, is the Comitium, an open-air hall where the populus was summoned to exercise their political-administrative rights. It held the administrators, who presided over the assemblies and supervised the voting procedures. You will proceed by the Macellum. The building, which was the city's main market, dates from the 2nd century BC and underwent subsequent renovations. You will also admire the Basilica dedicated to administering justice and for business negotiations. Passing by the merchant streets you will cross the Forum baths or public baths that where divided in different sections. They were inexpensive and heavily used: bath time was apparently in the early afternoon. You will enter some remarkable villas, modest homes and explore ancient baths, temples, theatres, markets and forum.
After some time at leisure at the end of your guided tour, you will re-board your coach and return to your ship.
- This excursion involves 1,5 miles (2.5 km) of walking over uneven grounds and cobblestone streets. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes.
Total : €65
According to availability, price per passenger.
DIRECT TRANSFER FROM THE PORT OF CIVITAVECCHIA TO ROME FIUMICINO AIRPORT
Travel with peace of mind as PONANT organises your transfer between your port of disembarkation and the airport.
Civitavecchia/Rome
After disembarkation procedures are completed, you will be greeted at the port of Civitavecchia by our local English-speaking representative.
Then you will depart the pier by coach for Leonardo da Vinci International Airport of Rome, also called Rome Fiumicino Airport escorted by our English-speaking representative in time for check-in for the PONANT selected flight (about 1.30 at drive).
Your programme includes:
- Transfer as mentioned in the programme.
- Services of a local English-speaking escort.
Your programme does not include:
- Tips for the driver and local escort.
- Personal expenses and 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. 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.