Deluxe Stateroom Deck 3
30% Ponant Bonus
19 m²
2
A Celebration of Art Featuring the 61st Venice Biennale
Valletta - Venice
Dates:
01/07/2026
to
09/07/2026
days
nights on board
Shore excursion in each port of call + transfers included
This cruise is part of a collection of PONANT themed voyages that are specially-tailored for English-speaking travelers who want to engage with the world. In addition to the usual elements of the PONANT experience, the listed price for these voyages includes transfers to and from the ship, talks and discussions aboard ship by world class experts, and a shore excursion or activity in each port of call that encourages guests to embrace the sights, sounds, tastes, and smells of the local environment and culture.
This carefully curated voyage from Valletta to Venice revels in the rich diversity of art and architecture found in Sicily and in the cities along Italy's Adriatic coast—the Greek and Roman ruins at Syracuse; the proudly Baroque architecture of Lecce; the Renaissance treasures of Urbino; and the Byzantine mosaics in Ravenna. But the true highlight of the journey is at its end in the glorious city of Venice, where our ship remains docked for two full days as we join in the world's first celebration of contemporary art—the 61st Venice Biennale —with exclusive visits to the Pinault Collection .
Our first port of call is the Sicilian city of Syracuse , which long rivaled Athens as one of the most powerful cities of the ancient world. You may choose to explore the extensive archaeological park, including the Roman Amphitheater of Augustus and a 15,000 seat Greek Theater. Or you may prefer to tour Ortygia , Syracuse's old town, home to many ancient monuments, including the city's Cathedral and the Palazzo Bellomo Museum .
During an afternoon in Otranto , visit the recently renovated Castello Aragonese, an art museum with marvelous views over the sea, and spend time exploring the Cathedral , known for its magnificent mosaics. Alternatively, you can travel to the hilltop town of Lecce , famous for its unique architectural style— Barocco Leccese — an exuberant blending of Baroque and Rococo . A walking tour of this remarkable city includes the Piazza del Duomo and Cathedral and the Basilica of Santa Croce .
From the port city of Bari , drive through olive groves and wheat fields to reach Alberobello , a UNESCO World Heritage Site that features over 1,500 trulli houses. These remarkable, white-washed structures with conical, domed roofs are constructed of local corbelled limestone without mortar, using a prehistoric building technique that has survived to this day.
Ancona offers the opportunity to travel to the town of Jesi, where the Holy Roman Emperor Frederick II was born, to tour its well-preserved center of Renaissance and Baroque palaces and churches . Or you may choose to spend the day exploring nearby Urbino, birthplace of Raphael and home to the Palazzo Ducale , which houses the National Gallery of the Marche , one of the most important collections of Renaissance art in the world.
Ravenna is an ancient city that in the early Middle Ages served as the center of Byzantine power in Italy. The churches built here in the 5th and 6th centuries were collectively designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in large part because of their stunning mosaics. You will visit several of these churches, including the Basilica of San Vitale , the nearby Mausoleum of Galla Placidia , which contains the earliest mosaics in Ravenna, and the Basilica of Sant'Apollinare .
Your trip comes to an end with two glorious days in Venice celebrating the Biennale with a series of very special events. A tour of the Contemporary Art Biennale , conducted by official Biennale guides, is followed by a private tour of the Punta della Dogana , a former customs house converted to a museum to house part of the extensive Pinault Collection . And your final day of this extraordinary journey ends with an exclusive tour of the Pinault Collection's Palazzo Grassi and a festive dinner in the palace's atrium.
Ref : VVKT45US - EG010726
Your itinerary
A voyage specially-tailored for English-speaking travelers including discussions with experts, transfers before and after your cruise, and an included excursion in each port of call. Engaging lectures and...
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Your trip in detail
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Included in your cruise
For more peace of mind, PONANT organizes your trip before or after the cruise. This package is included in the price of your cruise.
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L'AUSTRAL
LE LAPÉROUSE
02/04/2026 to the 12/04/2026
LE CHAMPLAIN
03/12/2025 to the 13/12/2025
LE BORÉAL
14/05/2026 to the 24/05/2026
LE COMMANDANT CHARCOT
14/05/2026 to the 28/05/2026
*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.
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Services provided
- 24-hour room service
- Inclusive Wifi internet access (availability dependent on navigation and latitude)
- Individually-controlled air conditioning
- Dressing room with shelves and closet
- Dressing table and hairdryer
- Diptyque Paris top-of-the-line bath products
- Minibar
- 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
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:
For all cruises longer than 8 nights, 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 voyage specially-tailored for English-speaking travelers including discussions with experts, transfers before and after your cruise, and an included excursion in each port of call.
- Engaging lectures and discussions aboard with two accompanying art experts, including Kathryn Widing, a specialist in post-war and contemporary art at Christie's auction house.
- Two full days of exclusive access to exhibits and events of the Venice Biennale, including exclusive visits and dinner at the museums of the Pinault Collection.
- The Greek and Roman ruins in Syracuse.
- The unique Baroque/Rococo architecture of Lecce.
- The Renaissance art of the National Gallery of the Marche.
- The trulli houses of Alberobello.
- Ravenna's Byzantine churches and their mosaics.
Ports of Call & Excursions
1 July 2026 - Valletta
Embarkation 01/07/2026 from 16:00 to 17:00
Departure 01/07/2026 at 18:00
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.
2 July 2026 - Syracuse, Sicily
Arrival 02/07/2026 early morning
Departure 02/07/2026 early afternoon
Its undulating rocky coastline, the endless sandy beaches, the menacing form of Mount Etna which surveys its island like a patriarch, the flowery gardens on the hillside... Sicily lays out its varied landscapes like a shopkeeper displays his wares. Described by Cicero as “the most beautiful city in the world”, Syracuse was one of the most prestigious cities in Sicily and at her height was even a rival for Athens. A central city of Ancient Greece, it was home to a succession of civilisations, each of which has left their mark. The blend of Arabic, Roman, Norman, Byzantine and Spanish cultures makes Syracuse a town that is extraordinarily rich in fragrances, colours and flavours.
3 July 2026 - Otranto
Arrival 03/07/2026 midday
Departure 03/07/2026 evening
Located in the Apulia region, Otrante is the easternmost transalpine town. Behind its medieval ramparts, you will taste the sweetlife of Salento, the “heel on Italy’s boot”. Inhabited since Antiquity, Otrante has today become a very pleasant seaside town. Yet its history is still visible as you meander through the little streets of its old centre. With its magnificent 12th century ornamental mosaic tiling, the Cathedral is one of its most beautiful treasures. During a stroll along the ramparts, you can sit and relax at a café terrace.
4 July 2026 - Bari
Arrival 04/07/2026 early morning
Departure 04/07/2026 midday
Extending out along a fertile plain facing the Adriatic Sea amid infinite landscapes sculpted by the water and wind, Bari bears the traces of the peoples which, over the centuries, have conquered it, settled it, or simply visited it fleetingly before making their way to faraway lands. Though its exact origins are lost among the mysteries of archaeology, the many sites here provide evidence of the town’s rich past. The Saracens, Byzantines, Normans and Swabians have left a trace here, each bringing their own cultural baggage. During your stop here, stroll along the minuscule streets in Bari Vecchia, the historic centre, where you will find small churches and monuments from bygone eras.
5 July 2026 - Ancona
Arrival 05/07/2026 early morning
Departure 05/07/2026 evening
Situated on the promontory of Monte Conero, Ancona, the capital of the Marche region, offers visitors all the charm of a typical Italian historical city. Founded by the Greeks in 390 BC and conquered by Julius Caesar in 49 BC, Ancona has a long history that was very much shaped by its harbour, a hub attracting different populations and cultures. When your ship calls here, take the time to discover the city’s many buildings, such as the cathedral dedicated to Judas Cyriacus and its façade made of white and pink marble, the Arch of Trajan, which is considered to be the port’s main embellishment, or the 15th century mansion where the painter Raphael was raised.
6 July 2026 - Ravenna
Arrival 06/07/2026 early morning
Departure 06/07/2026 evening
Linked to the Adriatic Sea by a canal, the city of Ravenna and its countless monuments offer you a rich journey back in time. Roman and Byzantine cultures intermingle here, and the fruits of this history adorn the interiors of the cityﾒs religious buildings: the abundance of classical mosaics is the most stunning witness to Ravennaﾒs glorious past. Eight UNESCO World Heritage listed Paleo-Christian sites punctuate your journey into the historic heart of the city. Still very lively despite the weight of its history, Ravenna has much to offer to visitors.
7 July 2026 9 July 2026 - Venice
Arrival 07/07/2026 early morning
Disembarkation 09/07/2026 at 08:00
Proud and eternal, Venice has reigned on its lagoon ever since the 6th century. You may think you know this city before even setting foot here. You will inevitably fall in love with the charm of the innumerable treasures of the Serenissima: Saint Mark’s square, the basilica, Doges palace, the Grand Canal and the gondolas. Yet, secret Venice is also waiting for you to explore its little interlacing streets and canals, to ramble through its squares and to push open the doors of its churches. The city’s extraordinary heritage shouldn’t stop you from enjoying a glass of Spritz and a few tramezzini.
Le Bougainville
Welcoming and spacious common areas, refined open-to-the-sea design, sleek exterior lines, a marina to make access to the ship's zodiac inflatables easier, hi-tech equipment, an outdoor pool, an underwater lounge… Le Bougainville represents the new generation of ships designed to combine discovery and exploration with luxury, even in the planet's most remote and isolated regions.
Decks
Shore excursion in each port of call + transfers included
PONANT has organized the following included program for you, which starts the day of embarkation.
Included Features:
- Engaging lectures and discussions aboard with two accompanying art experts, including Kathryn Widing, a specialist in post-war and contemporary art at Christie's auction house
- Two full days of exclusive access to exhibits and events of the Venice Biennale, including exclusive visits and dinner at the museums of the Pinault Collection
- Transfers and luggage handling from the airport in Valletta to the ship on the day of embarkation
- Comprehensive 8-night cruise aboard the deluxe Le Bougainville , with all the amenities for which PONANT ships are famous
- One included shore excursion each day in each port of call (see “Itinerary” for more information and choice of excursions, if applicable)
- Gratuities for ship crew and for guides and drivers on excursions
- Transfer from the ship to the airport in Venice at the end of the cruise on the morning of disembarkation
Not included:
- Independent meals and beverages ashore
- Personal expenses (such as laundry, telephone, etc.)
Notes:
- This trip is offered on a space available basis
- Program is subject to change without notice
Quintessential Collection
PONANT Quintessential Collection voyages are designed for travelers who want to engage with the world in order to understand it.
In addition to the usual elements of the PONANT experience, these voyages include lectures and performances aboard ship by world class experts and musicians and one or two exceptional activities ashore that encourage guests to embrace the sights and sounds, tastes and smells of the local culture. They also offer pre- or post-cruise stay with excursions relevant to the theme. We believe that travel approached in this way has the power ato transform us and to make us better citizens of the world.
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.
Timeless
With one included excursion per day and per guest*, and the presence of expert lecturers on board, Timeless Explorations blend cultural curiosity, immersive experiences, and serene relaxation. A refined way to journey far from the everyday, both in mind and in spirit.
- Activities: One included excursion per day and per guest. Optional paid excursions are also available depending on the port of call.
- Landings (depending on the destination): By dock, tender boat, or aboard local vessels.
- Your experts on board: The dedicated excursion team and one or more guest lecturers.
- Children: Children from one year of age are welcome on board (from 8 years old on board Le Commandant Charcot).
*Excluding Paul Gauguin
The full program of all excursions, both included and optional, is available eight months prior to departure. Reservations open approximately two months before departure.
No single supplement
FREE SINGLE SUPPLEMENT *
*The supplement for single usage of a double cabin is waived, according to availability and staterooms categories.
Art & Literature
Share exceptional moments and attend lectures by curators from national and international museums, as well as renowned figures from the world of culture — writers, actors, and philosophers. They share their passion through conferences and private visits, offering a unique opportunity to open yourself to new perspectives.