Guest of Honour 
Event 
Guest Speaker 
Deluxe Stateroom
30% Ponant Bonus
19 m2
2
Ancient jewels of the Mediterranean
Athens - Valletta
Dates:
21/03/2024
to
28/03/2024
Other available dates
days
nights on board
In partnership with UGC and with featured guest: Patrice Leconte, the director of Les Bronzés, Ridicule, Le Mari de la coiffeuse, La Fille sur le pont, Maigret and many other cult films and popular hits.
Starting in Athens, step aboard Le Bougainville for an 8-day cruise between Greece and the majestic Maltese coast.
Le Bougainville will take you to Patmos where you will discover its monastery and the cave where Saint John is said to have received his visions.
This cruise will also enable you to discover Hydra, a small island of old-worldly charm where motorised traffic is banned.
You will then 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, Southern Italy promises suspended moments where the beauty of the shores combines with the beauty of its historical remnants, which remain fascinating. In Puglia, Gallipoli, meaning “beautiful town” in Greek, reveals its Hellenic origins and offers up its singular atmosphere, where life is good. In Syracuse, the Sicilian soul unfolds across the island of Ortygia - the oldest part of the city -, a maze of small streets dotted with churches, palaces, ancient remnants, sheltering a majestic cathedral in its very heart.
You will make a final call on Gozo, an unspoiled island that is home to a megalithic site listed with UNESCO.
Your cruise will come to an end in Valletta, capital of the island of Malta and former stronghold of the Knights of the Order of Malta.
Ref : EG210324
Your itinerary
A cruise from Greece to Malta via the Sicilian coast, discovering majestic landscapes. UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the Acropolis in Athens (embarkation port), the Monastery of Saint John the Theologian, and...
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Your trip in detail
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*Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability, and subject to change at any time. The category of stateroom to which this price applies may no longer be available.
Services provided
- 24h room service
- Inclusive Wi-Fi Internet access (availability dependent on navigation and latitude)
- Individually-controlled air conditioning
- Dressing room with shelves and closet
- Dressing table and hairdryer
- Dyptique Paris 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
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Patrice Leconte
In about thirty films, Patrice Leconte has never stopped surprising us and amusing himself, while dealing with every film genre and inventing for himself a place quite apart in the French cinema landscape. An eclectic filmmaker, he has directed popular comedies and action films now cult movies (Les Bronzés, Les Bronzés font du ski, Les Spécialistes), elegant and scathing comedies (Tandem, Ridicule for which he was awarded the César of best film director), unforgettable films noirs (Monsieur Hire, The Widow of Saint Pierre), unexpected encounters (Intimate Strangers, Man on the Train), and unique films full of fantasy, daring, freedom and poetry (The Hairdresser’s Husband, Girl on the Bridge). And even an animated film (The Suicide Shop) …
An excellent actors’ director he has made films with some of the biggest names : Fanny Ardant, Juliette Binoche, Sandrine Bonnaire, Vanessa Paradis, Jean Rochefort, Jean-Pierre Marielle, Philippe Noiret, Alain Delon, Jean-Paul Belmondo, Daniel Auteuil, Christian Clavier, Gérard Jugnot, Fabrice Lucchini, Michel Blanc, Johnny Hallyday… Curious and passionate, he is also a very good storyteller who easily shares his experiences and crushes.
Language spoken: French
Photo credit: Claire Garate
Jean-Pierre Lavoignat
Jean-Pierre Lavoignat started as a journalist at Agence France Presse in Paris. He then launched with his fellow journalist Marc Esposito two magazines, PREMIERE first and then STUDIO MAGAZINE, whose success, as early as the 80’s, changed the landscape of film magazines. He was PREMIERE’s director from 1982 to 1986 and STUDIO’s director from 1987 to 2006.He was also a film commentator on channels France 5, Canal + and France Infos.
Since he left STUDIO MAGAZINE, after being curator of the first extensive Romy Schneider exhibition, he has shared his time between writing books with prominent figures from the world of cinema such as Catherine Deneuve, Pierre Lescure, Dominique Besnehard, Gérard Oury – Rabbi Jacob’s director – and his daughter Danièle Thompson and producing and making documentaries portraying actors and directors : Steven Spielberg, Jean-Pierre Jeunet, James Gray, Charlotte Gainsbourg, Audrey Tautou, Jean Dujardin, John Landis, Alan Parker, etc. for channels Canal + Cinéma and OCS Cinéma. Recently, three documentaries portraying the three most prestigious Mexican film directors in Hollywood, Alfonso Cuaron, Alejandro Inarritu and Guillermo Del Toro, were selected at the Festival Lumière in Lyon.
Since 2013, Jean-Pierre Lavoignat has also kept on working with UGC, STUDIO’s former shareholder, selecting and presenting world film classics at « UGC Culte » weekly screenings.
Languages spoken: French, English
Photo credit: Christopher Poulain
Subject to withdrawal in case of force majeure
Patrice Leconte
In about thirty films, Patrice Leconte has never stopped surprising us and amusing himself, while dealing with every film genre and inventing for himself a place quite apart in the French cinema landscape. An eclectic filmmaker, he has directed popular comedies and action films now cult movies (Les Bronzés, Les Bronzés font du ski, Les Spécialistes), elegant and scathing comedies (Tandem, Ridicule for which he was awarded the César of best film director), unforgettable films noirs (Monsieur Hire, The Widow of Saint Pierre), unexpected encounters (Intimate Strangers, Man on the Train), and unique films full of fantasy, daring, freedom and poetry (The Hairdresser’s Husband, Girl on the Bridge). And even an animated film (The Suicide Shop) …
An excellent actors’ director he has made films with some of the biggest names : Fanny Ardant, Juliette Binoche, Sandrine Bonnaire, Vanessa Paradis, Jean Rochefort, Jean-Pierre Marielle, Philippe Noiret, Alain Delon, Jean-Paul Belmondo, Daniel Auteuil, Christian Clavier, Gérard Jugnot, Fabrice Lucchini, Michel Blanc, Johnny Hallyday… Curious and passionate, he is also a very good storyteller who easily shares his experiences and crushes.
Language spoken: French
Photo credit: Claire Garate
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
UGC
The UGC Group is one of the main actors in the movie industry with 50 cinemas, with 521 screens in France, including UGC Ciné Cité Les Halles in Paris, the number one cinema in the world in terms of audience (Source Comscore). The Group also has 7 cinemas with 74 screens in Belgium.
The UGC network was recently strengthened with the opening of six new cinemas in 2021 and 2022: UGC Plaisir (9 screens), UGC Ciné Cité Bassins à flot in Bordeaux (13 screens), UGC Montaudran in Toulouse (7 screens), UGC Ciné Cité Part-Dieu in Lyon (18 screens), UGC Ciné Cité Maillot in Paris (12 screens) and UGC Issy-les-Moulineaux (7 screens).
UGC is also a major player in film and TV production.
Just like the movies shown in its cinemas, UGC produces and distributes a wide variety of movies, ranging from successful popular comedies such as the Qu'est ce qu'on a fait au Bon Dieu ? or Ducobu films, to major independent films by Leos Carax : Annette, Bruno Podalydès : Les Deux Alfred, Comme un avion, Jacques Audiard : Un Prophète, Dheepan, De rouille et d’os or Florian Zeller : The Father.
The television series production activity launched in recent years, brings together five structures in France and one in the UK. Producing TV series for all broadcasters in the market, including TF1 : Prométhée and HPI, France 2 : J'ai menti, Netflix : Christmas Flow, La Révolution, Disney+ : Oussekine, Amazon : Ten Percent, the English remake of Dix pour cent. In France, in 2022, The UGC Group is the 4th largest fiction producer in terms of broadcasted hours.
A cruise under the sign of the cinema! With an exceptional guest: Patrice Leconte, the director of Les Bronzés, Ridicule, Le Mari de la coiffeuse, La Fille sur le pont, Maigret and many other cult films and popular successes, who will present five of his films. During two long conversations on board, moderated by Jean-Pierre Lavoignat, co-founder and former director of Studio Magazine, Patrice Leconte will also talk about his career and his work. As will the actor he has chosen to accompany him. Organised in partnership with UGC, this cinema cruise will also be an opportunity to hear former UGC general manager Alain Sussfeld talk about his job and the major challenges facing cinema today.
Subject to withdrawal in case of force majeure
Highlights
- A cruise from Greece to Malta via the Sicilian coast, discovering majestic landscapes.
- UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the Acropolis in Athens (embarkation port), the Monastery of Saint John the Theologian, and the Cave of the Apocalypse on the Island of Pátmos, Delphi from Itea, the old town of Syracuse and Noto, the temples of Ggantija on the island of Gozo, the historic centre of Valletta (disembarkation port).
- An all-new port of call in Gallipoli to immerse yourself in the gentle way of life of the Puglia region and discover the ancient history of this former Greek city.
- Sicily with the call at Syracuse.
- In the heart of the Aegean Sea, discover Patmos, an unspoiled island in the Dodecanese archipelago.
Ports of Call & Excursions
21 March 2024 - Athens
Embarkation 21/03/2024 from 16:00 to 17:00
Departure 21/03/2024 at 18:00
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.
22 March 2024 - Patmos
Arrival 22/03/2024 midday
Departure 22/03/2024 late afternoon
Patmos is one of the legendary must-see islands in the Dodecanese. This is where Saint John resided, presumed author of the last book in the Bible. The cave of the Apocalypse and the Saint John Monastery are dedicated to him. These sites, which are listed by UNESCO as World Heritage, are located at the top of a hillside planted with vines and orchards. On the shore, the crystalline coves of Kambos and Lampi offer absolutely gorgeous swimming areas.
23 March 2024 - Hydra
Arrival 23/03/2024 early morning
Departure 23/03/2024 early afternoon
This unusual gem belonging to the Saronic islands is located to the east of the Peloponnese. There are no cars here. Named after the island, the harbour town is layered up the slopes of a mountainous bay. You may be surprised to see beautiful stone mansions. These are traditional here, as are the multi-coloured caïques along the quays. Further along the shore, you will discover the Historical Archives Museum. Collections from Athens National History Museum are exhibited in the elegant villa Koundouriotis.
23 March 2024 - Crossing the Corinth Canal
Arrival 23/03/2024
Departure 23/03/2024
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!
24 March 2024 - Itea
Arrival 24/03/2024 early morning
Departure 24/03/2024 early afternoon
Tucked away in the Gulf of Corinth, this little port is situated in continental Greece, north-west of Athens. Take an easy stroll along the old cobblestone quays, while gazing at the summits encircling the Bay of Itea. We wouldn’t be surprised if you are tempted by a visit to the Delphi Sanctuary. The sanctuary is located on a plateau on the slope of Mount Parnassus, just ten kilometres from Itea. A listed UNESCO World Heritage site, this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience whose ancient ruins are surrounded by steep mountains.
25 March 2024 - Gallipoli
Arrival 25/03/2024 midday
Departure 25/03/2024 late afternoon
Gallipoli, which comes from the Greek kalle polis, meaning beautiful town, is very aptly named. Located on the heel of the boot, the town known as “the pearl of Puglia” has many attractions. The whiteness of its façades recalls its Greek origins while its architecture echoes its multiple influences. Its old town, perched on a limestone island, concentrates the cultural heritage of this city with a thousand faces, alternately a Roman colony, then Byzantine, the property of the Popes, Norman, under the rule of Taranto… By itself, it tells the story of the different civilisations of the Mediterranean Sea.
26 March 2024 - Syracuse, Sicily
Arrival 26/03/2024 midday
Departure 26/03/2024 early evening
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.
27 March 2024 - Gozo
Arrival 27/03/2024 early morning
Departure 27/03/2024 midday
Located to the north of Malta, a lot less urbanised than its larger sibling and protected from mass tourism, the small island of Gozo has managed to remain natural and authentic. Lush hills and valleys alternate with a mosaic of cultivated fields. The buildings, some of which are medieval, are built from honey-coloured limestone and blend in perfectly with the surrounding scenery. Gozo also boasts a unique historic site that is now listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site: the megalithic temples of Ggantija near the town of Xaghra. An archaeological museum adjoining the site presents a number of objects that were found there. Red-sand beaches and a crystal-clear sea add to the calm and serenity of Gozo.
27 March 2024 28 March 2024 - Valletta
Arrival 27/03/2024 late afternoon
Disembarkation 28/03/2024 at 08:00
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.
Le Bougainville
Welcoming and spacious common areas, refined open-to-the-sea design, sleek exterior lines, a marina to make access to the ship's zodiac inflatables easier, hi-tech equipment, an outdoor pool, a multisensorial underwater lounge… Le Bougainville represents the new generation of ships designed to combine discovery and exploration with luxury, even in the planet's most remote and isolated regions.
Up to 184 Guests
92 staterooms & suites
118 crew members
Spa
2 restaurants
Decks
Event
Experience exceptional moments with PONANT during cruises specially designed to commemorate key historical events or in conjunction with the world’s leading arts establishments. Without a doubt, commemorating the bicentenary of Emperor Napoleon’s death where it happened in Saint Helena, attending a concert featuring the Opéra de Paris’ most beautiful voices or celebrating a host of other events in style and comfort aboard our luxurious ships constitutes an unforgettable experience.
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.