Kids Club 
Guest Speaker 
Deluxe Stateroom
15% Ponant Bonus
19 m2
2
From sublime Istanbul to Venice the Serenissima
Istanbul - Venice
Dates:
17/08/2022
to
26/08/2022
Other available dates
days
nights on board
In partnership with MAUD FONTENOY FOUNDATION.
Give in to the temptation of an exceptional cruise between the Bosphorus and the stunning Istanbul, and Venice and the shores of the Adriatic Sea. For ten days, sail the Mediterranean aboard Le Jacques Cartier between Turkey, Greece, Montenegro, Croatia and Italy.
Your cruise will begin in Istanbul, the gateway to the East between Europe and Asia, listed as World Heritage by UNESCO.
You will discover the volcanic island of Limnos, near the Dardanelles Strait. Protected during Antiquity by Hephaestus, the god of fire, this green and lush island has now become one of Greece’s major seaside resorts.
You will then head for the region of Thessaly, at the foot of Mount Pelion, in the port of Volos. Among the treasures of this region, you will be able to discover the Meteora, a magnificent set of sandstone rock formations listed with UNESCO, atop which monasteries were built.
On board Le Jacques-Cartier, you will take the astonishing Corinth Canal, a famous sea channel dug out by men in the 19th century.
Next Corfu, the most famous Ionian island, will reveal the hidden treasures of its Greco-Byzantine and Venetian architectural heritage. Do not miss the chance to visit the Achilleion, the luxurious neoclassical palace built for the Empress Sissi.
Your ship will chart a course north towards Montenegro where the Bay of Kotor, a UNESCO World Heritage Site will welcome you for a wonderful journey through four mountainous gulfs where sheer cliffs plunge into a deep blue sea.
You will then head to the aptly named “Pearl of the Adriatic”, Dubrovnik, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Surrounded by medieval ramparts, its terracotta-tiled roofs, its palaces, cloisters and fountains are bound to impress you and will plunge you into the heart of Croatian history.
Then the national park of the island of Mljet, surrounded by a wildly beautiful coastline, will be the occasion for a timeless interlude in the shade of the green oaks and Aleppo pines, between lush vegetation and saltwater lakes. You will also be able to discover the mountain island of Korčula and its medieval city, where Marco Polo was born.
After a stop on the magnificent island of Hvar, the last stage of your trip will take you to Rovinj, giving you an opportunity to discover this city with Venetian influences. Moreover, it proudly bears Venice’s symbolic winged lion on the Balbi's Arch, which you’ll be able to admire during a stroll through its picturesque town centre.
As a grand finale, your voyage will draw to an end in Venice the Serenissima and its lagoon.
Ref : X170822
Your itinerary
In partnership with MAUD FONTENOY FOUNDATION. A Mediterranean cruise combining breathtaking scenery and exceptional cultural visits as you discover five countries: Turkey, Greece, Croatia, Montenegro and...
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Your trip in detail
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Additional services
For more peace of mind, PONANT selects flights and takes care of your transfers for your trip as well as shore visits before and after the cruise.
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LE JACQUES-CARTIER
- New
LE COMMANDANT CHARCOT
L'AUSTRAL
04/11/2022 to the 20/11/2022
- New
LE LAPEROUSE
09/11/2022 to the 23/11/2022
LE LYRIAL
*Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability, and subject to change at any time. The category of stateroom to which this price applies may no longer be available.
Services provided
- 24h room service
- Inclusive Wi-Fi Internet access (availability dependent on navigation and latitude)
- Individually-controlled air conditioning
- Dressing room with shelves and closet
- Dressing table and hairdryer
- Hermès top-of-the-line bath products
- Minibar included
- Nespresso coffee maker and boiler
- Electronic safe
- Direct line telephone
- Bose Bluetooth speaker
- Flat screen TV, international channels (availability dependent on navigation) and videos on demand
- 110V American (two flat pins)/220V European (round sockets with two round pins)
- Two ADA staterooms
Select your stateroom category
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
Kid's Club
Children aged 4 to 13 can take part in age-appropriate activities organised aboard the ship by the PONANT Kid’s Club activity leader: manual, physical or cultural activities, board games, DVD evenings.
These activities are held in the mornings, afternoons and evenings until 9.30 pm (10.30 pm on gala evenings). The times can fit in with your cruise schedule: please check with the activity leaders beforehand.
Each day, the Kid’s Club programme will be added to the standard daily programme to inform you of the details and times of activities planned for the young seafarers the next day!
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The activities on offer will depend on the number children signed up, their respective ages, and the weather conditions.
During the landings with the kids aged 6 and over, the younger children will not be able to attend the Kid’s Club aboard the ship.
Parents or accompanying adults must read the “General information about the PONANT Kid’s Club” document and sign a permission slip authorising the child/children in their care to be looked after by the Kid’s Club on board and during outings.
Maud Fontenoy Foundation
Since 2008, the Maud Fontenoy Foundation has been operating in France and internationally to protect our oceans. We organise educational activities focused on the environment for the younger generation and general public, with support from scientific partners and the French Ministry of National Education. The latter has made us responsible for its Sea Education programme and relaunch of the Sea Classes initiative. Our aim is both ecological and social: to protect the ocean and save people. We start from a strong principle that protecting the environment, particularly the ocean, is a humanitarian issue that affects all mankind, without exception. For us, the oceans are a powerful force, a potential for the future. Every year, 700,000 children benefit from our programmes.
Subject to withdrawal in case of force majeure
Highlights
- In partnership with MAUD FONTENOY FOUNDATION.
- A Mediterranean cruise combining breathtaking scenery and exceptional cultural visits as you discover five countries: Turkey, Greece, Croatia, Montenegro and Italy.
- UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Istanbul (embarkation port), the Meteora from Volos, ), the old towns of Corfu and Dubrovnik, Bay of Kotor, the plain of Stari Grad on the island of Hvar, Venice and its lagoon (your disembarkation port).
- Crossing the Corinth Canal.
- Sailing in the Bay of Kotor.
- Panorama of the Croatian islands: Hvar and Rovinj.
Ports of Call & Excursions
17 August 2022 - Istanbul
Embarkation 17/08/2022 from 16:00 to 17:00
Departure 17/08/2022 at 18:00
Located on the Bosphorus, Istanbul is one of the most beautiful of all Turkish cities. Named Byzantium when founded by the Greeks, and then Constantinople under the Roman Empire, this city is steeped in history and, for this reason, is a listed UNESCO World Heritage site. Located on Sultanahmet hill, the great Blue Mosque, the mysterious Hagia Sophia and the vast Topkapi palace and its countless mosaics, dominate the Marmara Sea. In the Beyazit district, the Grand Bazaar allows to discover elegant covered passages. A little further away, delicate aroma of loukoum and spices will draw the visitors’ attention at the Egyptian Bazaar.
18 August 2022 - Limnos Island
Arrival 18/08/2022 midday
Departure 18/08/2022 late afternoon
A volcanic island located near the Dardanelles Strait, Limnos was venerated during Antiquity. Legend has it that Hephaestus, the god of fire, had his forge here. Now one of Greece’s major seaside resorts, Lemnos offers its visitors many superb sandy beaches. It is also home to several archaeological sites, such as the towers of Kastro, an ancient acropolis fortified by the Venetians, or the neolithic site of Poliochni and the city of Hephaestia. Renowned for its olives, fruits, wheat and honey, and for the authenticity of its inhabitants, Lemnos is also known for the quality of its restaurants, ideal for tasting typical Greek dishes.
19 August 2022 - Volos
Arrival 19/08/2022 early morning
Departure 19/08/2022 mid afternoon
Volos, one of the biggest port cities in Greece, is located at the foot of Mount Pelion. According to mythology, Mount Pelion was a place of celebration for gods and heroes, and the home of the centaurs. The beauty of the place and the magical atmosphere that reigns here can indeed only have been inspired by the gods: the clear water that flows from a multitude of sources bathes the plane trees, apple trees, oaks, beech trees, gardenias, camellias, and hydrangeas that thrive in the fertile soil of Thessaly. Do not miss your chance to visit picturesque village of Milies in the hills, and to discover its traditional architecture.
20 August 2022 - Crossing the Corinth Canal
Arrival 20/08/2022
Departure 20/08/2022
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!
21 August 2022 - Corfu
Arrival 21/08/2022 early morning
Departure 21/08/2022 early afternoon
Named after the island, Corfu is the most famous city in the Ionian islands. Protected by citadel fortifications, its old city, designated UNESCO World Heritage, displays unusual Greco-Byzantine and Venetian architecture. Above the water stands Saint George’s church, looking uncannily like a classical temple. The picturesque Pontikonisi, a stone’s throw from the southern point of the town, is the legendary island where Odysseus landed.
22 August 2022 - Sailing in the Bay of Kotor
Arrival 22/08/2022 early morning
Departure 22/08/2022 mid morning
The long walls of the fortified city of Kotor unfurl before your eyes as you admire this medieval construction enclosed between the sea and the rugged cliffs from the decks of your ship. The still, deep waters of the bay plus the clouds of mist floating here and there create a surreal and magical atmosphere. Small islands with churches and fortresses built on them remind us that a proud maritime people has lived here for centuries, in this bay that forms a perfect natural harbour, used by sailors since ancient times. At the crossroads of Latin and Byzantine cultures, you will have the pleasure of observing the natural treasures of Montenegro during an unforgettable journey.
22 August 2022 - Dubrovnik
Arrival 22/08/2022 midday
Departure 22/08/2022 late evening
Emblem of the Dalmatian coast, Dubrovnik is magnificently positioned on a rocky spur. History is sovereign here, in this ancient city, now a listed UNESCO World Heritage site. You will perhaps be surprised by the proportions of La Placa, the central drag through the city. The sheer width of it can be explained by the fact that it straddles a former lagoon. The elegant houses along La Placa are built in the legendary travertine stone. At Pile gate, you will be greeted by the statue of the patron saint of Dubrovnik, and you can admire the coastline as you walk along the ramparts. But what’s inside Fort Saint John, adjoining the outer walls? A maritime museum and an aquarium featuring rare fish from the Adriatic.
23 August 2022 - Mljet
Arrival 23/08/2022 early morning
Departure 23/08/2022 midday
Discover Mljet Island off the Pelješac peninsula. Known for its national park and its protected forests, this Croatian splendid, pristine island offers many opportunities for walking with bays linked to two salt water lakes. On the largest lake, Veliko Jezero, a small island is home to an old Benedictine monastery.
23 August 2022 - Korcula
Arrival 23/08/2022 early afternoon
Departure 23/08/2022 late evening
This harbour town has a very special location, presiding on a spur on the north-eastern coast of the island of Korçula. The ramparts in its medieval district provide perfect vantage points over the Pelješac peninsula. To get there, you can take the monumental staircase in the Revelin Tower. Another way is to climb the steps in the shade of palm trees from the MorskaVrata (Marine portal). As you make your way through the little streets, you’ll see the bell-tower of Saint Mark’s cathedral rise above you. This landmark will help you locate the house where Marco Polo was born. The island also has some of its own famous wines like the red Plavac and the white Posip.
24 August 2022 - Hvar
Arrival 24/08/2022 early morning
Departure 24/08/2022 early evening
Off the coast of Split, Hvar will surprise you by its traditions that have not changed since Antiquity. The country’s oldest town, Stari Grad, is here on this Dalmatian Island. The town nestles by a cove on the north-west coast, surrounded by dry stone wall structures on the Stari Grad plains. These have been designated a UNESCO World Heritage site because they were built in the time of the Ancient Greeks. From these parcels of land come wines and olive oil manufactured manually. In the upper part of town, it is possible to discover hams and cheeses made by local producers.
25 August 2022 - Rovinj
Arrival 25/08/2022 midday
Departure 25/08/2022 late afternoon
Rovinj is located in Istria, a region bordering Slovenia. This becomes apparent as you walk through its old cobblestoned town. There are many monuments of Venetian influence here. If you study the Balbi arch, you will see the winged lion, symbol of Venice. The bell-tower erected beside Saint Euphemia Cathedral was designed like the bell of Saint Mark in Venice. From the top of the tower, you can scan the entire historical district. To absorb its quaint atmosphere, take a walk in the ochre and sepia-coloured streets leading to bustling squares and terraces shaded by canvas awnings.
26 August 2022 - Venice
Arrival 26/08/2022 early morning
Disembarkation 26/08/2022 at 07:00
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.
Pelion by the old fashion train
From the pier, board your coach for the 30-minute drive to Lechonia, where your train journey to Milies will start.
The Pelion’s vintage train connects Volos with Milies over a 45-km (28 mi) narrow-gauge track. The railway opened in 1903 and contributed to the development of the villages it connected, and went on functioning until 1971. Reinvented as a tourist attraction in 1996, “Old Smokey” now chugs cheerfully between the villages of Lechonia and Milies again at a leisurely 25 kilometres (15 mi) per hour.
During the one-and-a-half-hour train ride, you will pass some of the bridges, tunnels and train stations which were built at the same time as the railway line. Of particular interest is the rolling stock, which is still in a very good state and unique in all of Greece.
Your train ride will end at the beautiful village of Milies, one of the most famous villages in all of the Pelion peninsula. Milies is a very traditional village and this can be seen by the many impressive mansions and stone-built houses throughout the village. Follow your guide on a guided walk around Milies. After your visit, a local snack and “ouzo” will be served at a traditional taverna.
You will then board your coach for the drive back to Volos Port.
- This tour involves approximately two hours of coach transfers and one-and-a-half-hour of scenic train ride. The leisurely walk through Milies is over cobblestone streets. We recommend your wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun. This tour requires a minimum of 30 participants and is limited to 60. The train carriages are not air-conditioned, but the windows open to let the breeze in. Seating is on large wooden benches facing each other. There will be no commentary during the train ride as it is a scenic ride.
Total : 130 €
According to availability, price per passenger.
Walking tour of Volos
After disembarking, you will board your coach for a short transfer to "Athanasakeion", the archaeological museum of Volos, housed in a neoclassical building built in 1909.
The Archaeological Museum of Volos houses numerous exhibits: Palaeolithic finds, vases and figurines from the Neolithic era, jewellery and painted funerary steles.
Following your visit, you will start your walking tour through Anavros park. The park, along the shore, is a lovely relaxing area in the city. It was laid out in 1920 by the architect N. Kitsikis and provides recreation and a breath of cool air to residents and visitors alike.
Then, you will go to the Agios Konstantinos & Eleni Church. The church, towering over the waterfront of Volos, is an elaborate piece of architecture, designed and built by the architect A. Zachos. Ever since its construction in 1936, the church has been a reference point in the city.
Before reaching your local restaurant where you will have the opportunity to taste local sea "mezedes" along with a glass of the famous local spirit "tsipouro", you will meet the Statue of Liberty dedicated to freedom, peace, and human rights.
You will finish your visit with some free time before following your guide for a walk back to the pier.
- This excursion involves 2 hours of walking on uneven streets with some steps. We recommend you to wear comfortable shoes and protect yourself from the sun. Appropriate clothing must be worn when visiting the religious buildings: trousers for men and skirts covering the knees for the ladies. You will return to the ship on foot. This tour is limited to 75 participants.
Total : 55 €
According to availability, price per passenger.
Spectacular Meteora monasteries
Meteora is one of the most imposing sights in mainland Greece: giant rocks in bizarre shapes, ranging in height from 100 to 150 metres.
After disembarking, you will board your coach for a two hours and a half drive, leaving the port of Volos to head Northwest crossing the agricultural plains of Thessaly. You will pass provincial towns such as Larissa and Trikala before reaching Kalambaka, a small town nestled at the footsteps of the Meteora rocks.
A short restroom stop with refreshments will take place there before continuing to the "monasteries in the sky" of the Meteora.
Once a monastic community with 24 monasteries, Meteora now consists of only five active ones. They were first built in the 14th century by monks who searched for a place where they could stay isolated and pray undisturbed from the rest of the world. Until 1920 most of the Meteora monasteries could only be reached by getting into a net and hauled up by a rope. Fortunately, steps were cut afterwards to all of the monasteries.
You will visit two of the most beautiful and representative Monasteries of the valley, where you will admire icons, mosaics and frescoes, old manuscripts, domed roofs as well as breathtaking views of nearby monasteries and of the surrounding area.
After your visit to the monasteries, proceed to a local restaurant in Kalambaka for a Greek lunch.
Then, via the same road passing Trikala and Larrisa, you will return to the port of Volos to join your ship, a 2h30 drive.
- This excursion involves two hours of walking and standing with many steps. We recommend you to wear comfortable shoes and protect yourself from the sun. Appropriate clothing must be worn when visiting the religious buildings: trousers for men and skirts covering the knees for the ladies. The lunch and refreshment are included in your tour. This tour is limited to 150 participants.
Total : 125 €
According to availability, price per passenger.
Corfu Town & Mon Repos Palace
From the pier, you will be taken by coach to the town of Corfu.
Follow your guide through the narrow cobbled-stoned serpentine streets of the Old Town known as "kandounia" and charming little "piazzas" (squares) built by the Venetians in the 14th century.
During your walking tour, you will pass by the arcades of "liston", the replica of the "Rue de Rivoli" of Paris and the Old Town Hall. You will also visit the Church of St. Spyridon, patron saint of Corfu.
You will then board your coach to Mon Repos Palace. The Palace was built by the British Commissioner Sir Adam Maitland in 1828, as a gift to his beautiful Corfiot wife.
It was used as the Summer Residence of the High Commissioners, while their official residence was the Palace of St. Michael and St. George located in the town of Corfu.
Today Mon Repos belongs to the Ministry of Culture and the Municipality of Corfu. It houses a museum with mainly local finds from ancient Corfu. You will visit the palace and then enjoy a stroll in the gardens.
At the end of the visit, you will return to the pier.
- This tour involves two hours of walking and standing. There are some steps at the Mon Repos Palace. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun. Appropriate dress is recommended to enter religious sites (shoulders and knees covered).
Total : 55 €
According to availability, price per passenger.
City walls & Lokrum Island kayaking
It is by an original way of transportation, kayak, that you will discover Dubrovnik’s charms. You will go along the city walls and navigate among caves and islands.
From the pier, meet your guide and stroll through the main street of Dubrovnik toward Pile Gate to the kayak centre.
After listening to the safety instructions, you will board your kayak and start your adventure.
You will row between the fortresses of Bokar and Lovrijenac.
The Bokar fortress is listed among Dubrovnik’s medieval fortresses and overlooks the south-west part of the old town. This circular fortress, dating from the 15th century, was built over a period of more than one century. This important monument, overshooting the medieval walls, was a key element in Dubrovnik’s defence system, including Pile Gate and City Bridge. In addition to its defensive role, it also served as a prison during the 19th century. Fort Bokar is one of the oldest castles of its kind in the world.
Built upon a 37-metre-high sheer rock overlooking the sea, fortress Lovrijenac is one of the most impressive locations in Dubrovnik. This detached fortress was of prime importance for the defence of the western part of Dubrovnik, both against attacks from land and the sea. Chronologists date the fort to 1018 or 1038. However, first records of the fort’s existence are from 1301 when the council elected the Commander of the Fort. According to legend, in the 11th century Venice planned to send its troops to this rock in front of Dubrovnik and build a fortress in order to conquer the city. However, Dubrovnik learned about this plan and the citizens were mobilised to erect a fortress at the very same spot before the Venetians arrive. While all the other fortresses are part of the city wall system, this one stands high on its own rock, a position which earned it the title ‘the Gibraltar of Dubrovnik’.
Leaving the forts behind, you will steer a course round the city walls to Lokrum. According to legend, Richard the Lionheart was cast ashore here after being shipwrecked in 1192 when he came back of his 3rd crusade. You will make a stop at the island, enjoy some refreshments and have time at leisure to discover the island or have a swim.
- All kayaks are 2-seaters. This tour involves some walking with some steps. We recommend you wear your swimsuit under your clothes, bring a towel from the ship and protect yourself from the sun. Children must be at least 12 years old in order to participate and be accompanied by a parent. Maximum weight is 125 kg/275 lb per person. This tour is not recommended for guests with mobility issues or back/neck problems. In case of strong currents, the initial itinerary can be modified. This excursion is limited to 42 participants. This tour is only conducted in English.
Total : 60 €
According to availability, price per passenger.
Treasures of Dubrovnik
From the pier, meet your guide and start your stroll through the streets of this medieval town.
Along the way you will visit, among other places, the Franciscan Monastery whose cloister ranks among the most inspiring sites of the city. The Monastery houses also the oldest still working pharmacy in Europe and the third-oldest pharmacy in the world founded in 1317. It is still active and still offers creams manufactured according to ancestral recipes.
Then integrated in the Eastern city walls, you will discover the Dominican Monastery, soberer than the previous one, and its museum with a fine collection of Renaissance paintings, including the triptych of N. Bozidarevic representing Dubrovnik before the earthquake or the painting of Sainte Madeleine and Saint Blaise, the work of Titian.
After visiting the monastery, you will go to the Assumption Cathedral built in the 18th century on the ruins of a church dating from the 12th century destroyed by an earthquake in 1667. This one might surprise you by its simplicity and the clarity of its interior but its treasure is among the richest in Europe, with a unique collection of relics in gold and silver.
You will also have the opportunity to see: Stradun, large paved street, favourite place for tourists and locals, unique for its beauty and the abundance of its cultural heritage, Sponza Palace, identifiable by its gallery of arcades, the Church of Saint Blaise, built in 1715 in Baroque style, richly detailed or the Onofrio Fountain, covered by a dome, built by a Neapolitan artist, and which was used as a reservoir by the inhabitants.
Finally, you will get back to your ship.
- This excursion is done entirely on foot, we recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun. Appropriate clothing must be worn when visiting religious sites: trousers for men and skirts covering the knees for the ladies. It is not permitted to take photos of the treasures. In case of religious office, the visit of the Cathedral will be cancelled.
Total : 40 €
According to availability, price per passenger.
Relaxing time at BOWA Beach
From the pier, you will board a speedboat and start a 45-minute scenic cruise along the walled city to BOWA located in a private bay on Šipan Island.
You will sail along the Elaphite Islands discovering this preserved natural beauty with its cliffs and sea caves. This tiny archipelago, full of history and legends, has been inhabited for many years. Among its many secret treasures, there is one particular well-hidden pearl. A couple of miles across the water loom and massive mountains of the Croatian mainland, you will find a secret garden, BOWA Beach.
Once arriving, you will join your cabana privatized for PONANT guests. Facing the sea, you will enjoy 4 hours of relaxation far away from the noise, bustle and crowds of the city.
Finally, you will board your speedboat to join your ship.
- This tour involves little walking time. We recommend you wear your swimsuit under your clothes. Each Cabana can welcome 4 people and is equipped with sunbeds and towels. One refreshment is included on your tour. This tour is limited to 14 participants and will be guided in English only. If we reach the maximum of participants, the whole site will be privatized by PONANT.
Total : 340 €
According to availability, price per passenger.
The history of Korcula
Built on a peninsula, the streets of Korcula are organised around its main artery according to a "fishbone" plan drawn in the 13th century. To overcome the lack of space within the walls of the old town, squares are small, houses are narrow, churches and public buildings are constructed vertically. Fully fortified in the 16th century; its walls were destroyed in the 19th century and only a section of a wall still faces the harbour.
From the pier, meet your guide and start your walking tour of the old town.
Your first visit will be the Bishop’s Palace and its Icon museum. The museum contains a unique collection of Byzantine Icons from the 13th to the 15th century and ceremonial pieces from the 17th and 18th centuries. The collection is primarily from Korcula sailors, who acquired the pieces on their journeys, especially to Crete, in the 17th and 18th centuries.
Then, you will discover Saint Mark’s Cathedral. This cathedral is probably the most important building in Korcula Old Town. Completed in the 15th century at the place of another church from 13th century, it is built in Gothic-Renaissance style. It was erected by local masters and craftsmen of stone masonry, very well known for their Renaissance and Baroque pieces in Dubrovnik and Venice.
Continue your exploration with the visit of the Korcula Town Museum. Facing the cathedral, the museum is housed in Gabrielis palace, a 3-storey building with basement and attic built between the 15th and 16th century. The museum presents various collections covering the history and culture of the town from the Ancient times to nowadays.
During your walking tour, you can see the monumental staircase which joins the Revelin Tower. This 14th century portal and its 15th century Revelin tower frame the only land access to the walled Old Town. The gate is embellished on the inside with a sculpture of Saint Mark's lion over its arch.
Finally, you will have the choice between following your guide to join your ship or strolling on your own.
- This tour involves approximately 1 mile (1.5 km) of walking on narrow streets with some steps. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun.
Total : 30 €
According to availability, price per passenger.
Relaxing time at Moro Beach
From the pier, you will board your speedboat for a panoramic ride through Korc?ula archipelago towards the island of Vrnik.
Once arriving on Vrnik island, you will dicover the picturesque village where only a few families live throughout the year. This island is also famous for its 29 quarries whose the Korc?ula's oldest quarry.
After a short stop on the island, you will continue by speedboat to Stupe Vela Island and Moro Beach. Moro Beach is a true gem discovered became famous thanks to the swings located on the beach and social network.
You will enjoy free time to swim or just relax on the beach before back to your speedboat for the ride back to the island of Korc?ula.
To complete this tour, you will discover the old town during a short walking tour.
- This tour involves few walking distance with some steps. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes, wear your swimsuit under your clothes, bring a towel from the ship and protect yourself from the sun. The beach is equipped with showers and changing rooms. Sunbed, umbrella and refreshment are included on your tour. Outside visits only.
Total : 100 €
According to availability, price per passenger.
Hvar & its religious heritage
This small and charming town is located around a natural port and it is undoubtedly one of the most famous seaside resorts of Dalmatian coast.
A lot of splendid monuments as the Cathedral, the ancient Arsenal and different palaces are bearing witness to a rich history of gothic and renaissance arts.
From the pier, follow your guide through narrow tiny streets to the 15th century Franciscan Monastery. The cloister with its rounded arches and a well in the middle dominates the Renaissance monastery. The former spacious refectory and a small, adjacent room have been turned into the monastery museum. Along with a collection of old books and coins, the famous "Last Supper", a work belonging to the Venetian School of Palma the Younger from the end of the 16th century, has the strongest claims on the attention of the numerous visitors.
After crossing the main square, you will pass by the Cathedral of Saint Stephan (outside visit). It was built in stages during the 16th and 17th centuries, while the interior was not wholly completed until the 18th century. From outside, it has the characteristics of the Renaissance style and inside the baroque style.
Then, you will visit the Benedictine Monastery, which holds a rich collection of lace made of agave leaves.
After this walking tour you may follow your guide back to the pier or stay in town for some time at leisure.
- This excursion involves 2 hours of walking, covering approximately 1 mile (1.5 km) over cobble stone streets and some steps. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun. Appropriate dress is recommended to enter religious sites (shoulders and knees must be covered).
Total : 30 €
According to availability, price per passenger.
Sea kayaking
From the pier, you will walk 10 minutes to join the kayak centre.
Your tour will allow you to combine shore-side and offshore visits. You will have the chance to paddle and swim across the exotic coastal scenery of the small islands.
After receiving your safety instructions, board your kayak and start your adventure towards hidden coves and secluded pebble beaches.
Then, you will head to a beach for some time to relax or go for a refreshing swim.
Finally, you will head back to your ship.
- Children under the age of 12 and pregnant women may not participate. Participants must be good swimmers and physically fit. Please take a hat, sunglasses, shoes that can get wet, a towel from the ship and sunscreen. Please wear your swimwear under your clothes as there are no changing facilities or toilets available. You will be required to wear a life jacket. Waterproof compartments are available to store your belongings, however please keep these to a minimum. This tour is limited to 30 participants. 2-seater kayaks are available.
Total : 65 €
According to availability, price per passenger.
Hvar highlights by VW Beetle
From the pier, follow your guide on a 30-minute walking tour of the old town on the way to the parking area, where you will meet up with your convoy leader.
The Volkswagen beetles are the old model and have all been restored by this family owned company. After a safety briefing, follow the lead car on a 3-hour drive through Hvar’s hinterland discovering abandoned villages and learning about their rich history. Enjoy the panoramic views from the Fortica fortress dominating Hvar offering breathtaking views over the old harbour and outlying islands.
Follow your guide on a walking tour of Stari Grad, the second largest town on Hvar and one of the oldest towns in Europe. Stari Grad was originally named Faros by the Greek settlers, it lies on the north side of the island and it is known as the most fertile plain, farmed since pre-historic times. This most ancient part of Stari Grad falls within the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Finally, you will head back to your ship.
- The cost of the tour is per car. Each vehicle has a maximum capacity of 4 guests, however, for comfort we recommend 2 persons per car. The driver must be at least 21 years old and present a valid driver’s license and will be asked to sign a waiver. The vehicles are manual shift, open top, and 2-door. The roads you will be driving on are mainly asphalted, there is no off-roading. There will be a lead car and a car in the back closing the convoy. We recommend you wear a hat and protect yourself from the sun. The minimum to operate this tour is 4 cars.
Total : 200 €
According to availability, price per passenger.
Porec & wine tasting
From the pier, board your coach and start your 45-minute scenic drive to Porec.
On arrival, follow your guide on a walking tour of the old town.
You will begin with the Episcopal Complex of the Euphrasian Basilica in the historic centre of Porec. The group of religious monuments in Porec, where Christianity was established as early as the 4th century, constitutes the most complete surviving complex of its type. The basilica, atrium, baptistery and Episcopal Palace are outstanding examples of religious architecture, while the basilica itself combines classical and Byzantine elements. This complex was enrolled in the UNESCO World Heritage list in 1997.
Then, you will enjoy some free time in Porec, before driving to Agrolaguna agricultural company. On these 3 000 acres, a special attention is paid on wine, olive oil and cheese productions from their own grapes, olives and cattle, taking care of environment and local community. You will walk around the venue and sample wines, olive oils and cheese listening to the presentation of the employees.
Finally, re-board your coach to get back to your ship.
- This excursion involves walking on cobblestone ground with some steps. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun. Appropriate dress is recommended to enter religious sites (shoulders and knees must be covered). The tasting is included on your tour. This tour is limited to 42 participants.
Total : 80 €
According to availability, price per passenger.
Rovinj & its cathedral
From the pier, follow your guide and start your walking tour of the historical centre of Rovinj. The historical centre is almost entirely built on a rocky island and connected to the mainland since the 13th century. During your tour, you will discover the Venetian influence and its rich cultural legacy, omnipresent in the architecture of the tall houses with warm red tiled roofs and the narrow streets intersected by covered passageways and archways, decorated with ancient frescoes.
The highlight of your visit will most certainly be the Basilica of Saint Euphemia, a prestigious building dating from the 8th century. Its 63-metre high bell tower rises out of the city centre, and is the most remarked symbol in the Istria region.
Built on the ancient ruins of a Roman church, it was altered in the 17th century in the Baroque style, and houses the relics of Saint Euphemia. They were brought from Constantinople in the 9th century for their safekeeping in a marble sarcophagus. There is also a mural depicting the life and the martyrdom of the saint. Every year on 16 September, the faithful gather around her tomb.
The church contains several treasures and works of art like Gothic statues from the 15th century and paintings from the 16th and the 17th centuries (The Last Supper and Christ in the Gethsemane).
- This excursion involves approximately 1.5 hour of walking on cobblestone streets with some steps. We recommend you to wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun. Appropriate dress is recommended to enter religious sites (shoulders and knees must be covered).
Total : 25 €
According to availability, price per passenger.
Porec and its Basilica
From the pier, board your coach and start your 45-minute scenic drive to Porec.
Once arriving, you will start your walking tour of the old town.
You will begin with the Episcopal Complex of the Euphrasian Basilica in the historic centre of Porec. The group of religious monuments in Porec, where Christianity was established as early as the 4th century, constitutes the most complete surviving complex of its type. The basilica, atrium, baptistery and Episcopal palace are outstanding examples of religious architecture, while the basilica itself combines classical and Byzantine elements.
This complex was enrolled in the UNESCO World Heritage list in 1997.
After the visit to the Episcopal Complex, you will have some free time in Porec before rejoining your coach for the drive back to Rovinj.
- This excursion involves around 1.5 miles (2 km) of walking on cobblestone ground with some steps. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun. Appropriate dress is recommended to enter religious sites (shoulders and knees must be covered).
Total : 40 €
According to availability, price per passenger.
Le Jacques-cartier
In keeping with the philosophy of PONANT and the PONANT EXPLORERS, Le Jacques-Cartier combines the desire for adventure with five-star travel. A modern ship with slender, tapered lines, it is environmentally friendly and equipped with innovative technology.
Tastefully decorated, Le Jacques-Cartier reflects the universe so dear to PONANT, with its light tones and open-to-the-sea design providing soft light and luminosity at every instant of the day. Its ethnic chic ambiance pays homage to the destinations we visit.
Located below the waterline, the Blue Eye, the first ever multisensorial lounge, offers a unique experience: the opportunity to enjoy undersea views and the sounds of the marine world whilst sharing a glass together.
Up to 184 Guests
92 staterooms & suites
118 crew members
Spa
2 restaurants
Decks
Kids Club
Welcome, little sailors! Thanks to the PONANT Kids Club, children aged 4 and up can enjoy activities designed and organised by a team of activity leaders on board, including craft, board games, DVD evenings, discovering the occupations on board, or supervised outings and shore excursions for those over the age of six. Savour the magic of your destination with total peace of mind thanks to a range of activities specially designed for your children and announced each day in the daily programme.
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
TRANSFER FROM ISTANBUL AIRPORT TO THE PIER WITH PANORAMIC DRIVE
Travel with peace of mind as PONANT organises your transfer between the airport and your port of embarkation.
Istanbul
Meet at Istanbul airport in the 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 and proceed to a panoramic drive of this fascinating and mysterious capital. Created along the Bogazici (the Bosphorus), a 16.8-mile-long strip of water which connects the Sea of Marmara to the Black Sea, Istanbul is a city with a European and an Asian side. Both have their own personalities, history and charm. Inhabited since the 7th century B.C., it is a city that has known many rulers and names including Byzantia, Constantinopolis and of course, Istanbul. Sultans and Emperors have called this city home – and it has been the capital of Roman, and Ottoman empires.
During your approximate 1-hour drive, you will have a chance to observe the historical part of Istanbul, the Balat district where different cultures met in the past (Jewish, Armenian and Orthodox). We will continue driving along the Golden Horn, that was an old trading harbour and a popular residential area during the Byzantine period. We will also see part of the city walls of Constantinople, the Bulgarian Church and the Greek patriarchal church which overlooks the famous Golden Horn.
You will then be transferred to the pier to embark on your ship.
Your programme includes:
- Transfer as mentioned in the programme.
- Services of a local English-speaking guide from the airport to the port.
Your programme does not include:
- Lunch.
- Visa fees, if necessary.
- Personal expenses and other services not mentioned in the programme.
- Tips for the driver and local guide.
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 : 70 €
Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.
DISCOVER ISTANBUL THE MAGNIFICENT (1 NIGHT)
Enhance your cruise and extend your trip with a carefully designed programme.
Day 1 - Istanbul
Meet at Istanbul Airport in the Arrival hall. Look for PONANT sign. You will be greeted by our local 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 the hotel Ciragan Palace Kempinski 5* (about 40-minutes’ drive).
Check-in.
End of the day and dinner at leisure.
Day 2 - Istanbul
After breakfast and check-out, you will depart the hotel to explore some of the beauties of Istanbul.
Created along the Bogazici (the Bosphorus), a 16.8-mile-long strip of water which connects the Sea of Marmara to the Black Sea, Istanbul is a city with a European and an Asian side. Both have their own personalities, history, and charm. Inhabited since the 7th century BC, it is a city that has known many rulers and names including Byzantia, Constantinopolis and of course, Istanbul. Sultans and Emperors have called this city home – and it has been the capital of Roman, Ottoman and other empires.
Your day will start with the visit of Topkapi Palace. It was once the political centre of the Ottoman Empire and the royal residence of the Ottoman sultans for almost 400 years.
Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesdays, so when Topkapi Palace is closed, Dolmabahce Palace will be visited. Showing an impressive architecture, Dolmabahce Palace is the final residence of the Ottoman Sultans and their families.
After this morning tour, you will enjoy lunch at a nearby local restaurant.
Not far away, in the afternoon, you will also visit the dramatic and beautiful Underground Cistern, built in the 6th century AD under Justinian I, as a secure water reservoir for the city. Even today, it is one of Istanbul’s most unusual tourist attractions!
Then you will taste the Turkish delicacies like baklava and coffee before being transferred to the pier of Istanbul to embark on board your ship.
Your hotel:
Formerly home to Ottoman sultans, The Ciragan Palace Kempinski is a luxury hotel sits right on the shore of the Bosphorus, the scenic strait that separates Europe from Asia Minor.
The property includes two grand buildings: a restored 19th century Ottoman palace reserved for special suites and banquet facilities, and a modern annex housing most of the rooms, suites and restaurants. Situated right on the water, the garden has the grandest open area, stretching along nearly a mile of seafront.
The Istanbul hotel’s old-style interior architecture blends the two structures. The grandeur of the historic palace continues into the modern building with antique furniture, abundant velvet and satin upholstery, wooden panelling, ornate rugs and textiles and marble detailing.
This 5-star hotel features a heated outdoor infinity pool with views of the Bosphorus. It has a spa and wellness centre.
Upgraded rooms are also available depending on availability and on a supplement basis. Contact your travel professional for further detail.
Your programme includes:
- 1-night accommodation in Standard Park room at Ciragan Palace Kempinski 5* (local standard) or similar, breakfast included.
- Meals as mentioned in the programme.
- Beverage package during meals (1 mineral water +1 soft drink or 1 local beer or 1 local glass of wine and 1 coffee or tea).
- Transfers, visits, and entrance fees as mentioned in the programme.
- The services of a local English-speaking guide.
Your programme does not include:
- Dinner on day 1.
- Personal expenses.
- Visa if necessary.
- Tips for the driver and local guide.
- Other services not mentioned in the programme.
Please note:
- It is imperative that the details of your departure flight are provided to your travel agent, no later than 30 days before the start date of your cruise, to secure the proper private transfer.
- Turkey’s unit is the Turkish Lira.
- Underground Cistern: this place is not suitable for people suffering from claustrophobia.
- When Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesdays, Dolmabahce Palace will be visited.
- This programme is not suitable for people with reduced mobility.
- During religious festivals and public holidays, the Spice Bazaar and the Grand Bazaar will be closed. Museum hours are also subject to change.
- The Topkapi Palace visit does not include access to the Harem.
- Women must cover their heads when visiting religious sites, we recommend to bring a scarf in particular to visit the relics room of Topkapi Palace.
- This program is done mostly on foot and involves some stairs. We advise you to wear comfortable walking shoes.
Contact of your hotel:
The Ciragan Palace Kempinski
Yildiz Mh., Ciragan Cd. No: 32
34349 Besiktas – Istanbul
Turkey
Telephone number: +90 212 326 46 46
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 : 340 €
Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.
Pelion by the old fashion train
From the pier, board your coach for the 30-minute drive to Lechonia, where your train journey to Milies will start.
The Pelion’s vintage train connects Volos with Milies over a 45-km (28 mi) narrow-gauge track. The railway opened in 1903 and contributed to the development of the villages it connected, and went on functioning until 1971. Reinvented as a tourist attraction in 1996, “Old Smokey” now chugs cheerfully between the villages of Lechonia and Milies again at a leisurely 25 kilometres (15 mi) per hour.
During the one-and-a-half-hour train ride, you will pass some of the bridges, tunnels and train stations which were built at the same time as the railway line. Of particular interest is the rolling stock, which is still in a very good state and unique in all of Greece.
Your train ride will end at the beautiful village of Milies, one of the most famous villages in all of the Pelion peninsula. Milies is a very traditional village and this can be seen by the many impressive mansions and stone-built houses throughout the village. Follow your guide on a guided walk around Milies. After your visit, a local snack and “ouzo” will be served at a traditional taverna.
You will then board your coach for the drive back to Volos Port.
- This tour involves approximately two hours of coach transfers and one-and-a-half-hour of scenic train ride. The leisurely walk through Milies is over cobblestone streets. We recommend your wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun. This tour requires a minimum of 30 participants and is limited to 60. The train carriages are not air-conditioned, but the windows open to let the breeze in. Seating is on large wooden benches facing each other. There will be no commentary during the train ride as it is a scenic ride.
Total : 130 €
According to availability, price per passenger.
Walking tour of Volos
After disembarking, you will board your coach for a short transfer to "Athanasakeion", the archaeological museum of Volos, housed in a neoclassical building built in 1909.
The Archaeological Museum of Volos houses numerous exhibits: Palaeolithic finds, vases and figurines from the Neolithic era, jewellery and painted funerary steles.
Following your visit, you will start your walking tour through Anavros park. The park, along the shore, is a lovely relaxing area in the city. It was laid out in 1920 by the architect N. Kitsikis and provides recreation and a breath of cool air to residents and visitors alike.
Then, you will go to the Agios Konstantinos & Eleni Church. The church, towering over the waterfront of Volos, is an elaborate piece of architecture, designed and built by the architect A. Zachos. Ever since its construction in 1936, the church has been a reference point in the city.
Before reaching your local restaurant where you will have the opportunity to taste local sea "mezedes" along with a glass of the famous local spirit "tsipouro", you will meet the Statue of Liberty dedicated to freedom, peace, and human rights.
You will finish your visit with some free time before following your guide for a walk back to the pier.
- This excursion involves 2 hours of walking on uneven streets with some steps. We recommend you to wear comfortable shoes and protect yourself from the sun. Appropriate clothing must be worn when visiting the religious buildings: trousers for men and skirts covering the knees for the ladies. You will return to the ship on foot. This tour is limited to 75 participants.
Total : 55 €
According to availability, price per passenger.
Spectacular Meteora monasteries
Meteora is one of the most imposing sights in mainland Greece: giant rocks in bizarre shapes, ranging in height from 100 to 150 metres.
After disembarking, you will board your coach for a two hours and a half drive, leaving the port of Volos to head Northwest crossing the agricultural plains of Thessaly. You will pass provincial towns such as Larissa and Trikala before reaching Kalambaka, a small town nestled at the footsteps of the Meteora rocks.
A short restroom stop with refreshments will take place there before continuing to the "monasteries in the sky" of the Meteora.
Once a monastic community with 24 monasteries, Meteora now consists of only five active ones. They were first built in the 14th century by monks who searched for a place where they could stay isolated and pray undisturbed from the rest of the world. Until 1920 most of the Meteora monasteries could only be reached by getting into a net and hauled up by a rope. Fortunately, steps were cut afterwards to all of the monasteries.
You will visit two of the most beautiful and representative Monasteries of the valley, where you will admire icons, mosaics and frescoes, old manuscripts, domed roofs as well as breathtaking views of nearby monasteries and of the surrounding area.
After your visit to the monasteries, proceed to a local restaurant in Kalambaka for a Greek lunch.
Then, via the same road passing Trikala and Larrisa, you will return to the port of Volos to join your ship, a 2h30 drive.
- This excursion involves two hours of walking and standing with many steps. We recommend you to wear comfortable shoes and protect yourself from the sun. Appropriate clothing must be worn when visiting the religious buildings: trousers for men and skirts covering the knees for the ladies. The lunch and refreshment are included in your tour. This tour is limited to 150 participants.
Total : 125 €
According to availability, price per passenger.
Corfu Town & Mon Repos Palace
From the pier, you will be taken by coach to the town of Corfu.
Follow your guide through the narrow cobbled-stoned serpentine streets of the Old Town known as "kandounia" and charming little "piazzas" (squares) built by the Venetians in the 14th century.
During your walking tour, you will pass by the arcades of "liston", the replica of the "Rue de Rivoli" of Paris and the Old Town Hall. You will also visit the Church of St. Spyridon, patron saint of Corfu.
You will then board your coach to Mon Repos Palace. The Palace was built by the British Commissioner Sir Adam Maitland in 1828, as a gift to his beautiful Corfiot wife.
It was used as the Summer Residence of the High Commissioners, while their official residence was the Palace of St. Michael and St. George located in the town of Corfu.
Today Mon Repos belongs to the Ministry of Culture and the Municipality of Corfu. It houses a museum with mainly local finds from ancient Corfu. You will visit the palace and then enjoy a stroll in the gardens.
At the end of the visit, you will return to the pier.
- This tour involves two hours of walking and standing. There are some steps at the Mon Repos Palace. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun. Appropriate dress is recommended to enter religious sites (shoulders and knees covered).
Total : 55 €
According to availability, price per passenger.
City walls & Lokrum Island kayaking
It is by an original way of transportation, kayak, that you will discover Dubrovnik’s charms. You will go along the city walls and navigate among caves and islands.
From the pier, meet your guide and stroll through the main street of Dubrovnik toward Pile Gate to the kayak centre.
After listening to the safety instructions, you will board your kayak and start your adventure.
You will row between the fortresses of Bokar and Lovrijenac.
The Bokar fortress is listed among Dubrovnik’s medieval fortresses and overlooks the south-west part of the old town. This circular fortress, dating from the 15th century, was built over a period of more than one century. This important monument, overshooting the medieval walls, was a key element in Dubrovnik’s defence system, including Pile Gate and City Bridge. In addition to its defensive role, it also served as a prison during the 19th century. Fort Bokar is one of the oldest castles of its kind in the world.
Built upon a 37-metre-high sheer rock overlooking the sea, fortress Lovrijenac is one of the most impressive locations in Dubrovnik. This detached fortress was of prime importance for the defence of the western part of Dubrovnik, both against attacks from land and the sea. Chronologists date the fort to 1018 or 1038. However, first records of the fort’s existence are from 1301 when the council elected the Commander of the Fort. According to legend, in the 11th century Venice planned to send its troops to this rock in front of Dubrovnik and build a fortress in order to conquer the city. However, Dubrovnik learned about this plan and the citizens were mobilised to erect a fortress at the very same spot before the Venetians arrive. While all the other fortresses are part of the city wall system, this one stands high on its own rock, a position which earned it the title ‘the Gibraltar of Dubrovnik’.
Leaving the forts behind, you will steer a course round the city walls to Lokrum. According to legend, Richard the Lionheart was cast ashore here after being shipwrecked in 1192 when he came back of his 3rd crusade. You will make a stop at the island, enjoy some refreshments and have time at leisure to discover the island or have a swim.
- All kayaks are 2-seaters. This tour involves some walking with some steps. We recommend you wear your swimsuit under your clothes, bring a towel from the ship and protect yourself from the sun. Children must be at least 12 years old in order to participate and be accompanied by a parent. Maximum weight is 125 kg/275 lb per person. This tour is not recommended for guests with mobility issues or back/neck problems. In case of strong currents, the initial itinerary can be modified. This excursion is limited to 42 participants. This tour is only conducted in English.
Total : 60 €
According to availability, price per passenger.
Treasures of Dubrovnik
From the pier, meet your guide and start your stroll through the streets of this medieval town.
Along the way you will visit, among other places, the Franciscan Monastery whose cloister ranks among the most inspiring sites of the city. The Monastery houses also the oldest still working pharmacy in Europe and the third-oldest pharmacy in the world founded in 1317. It is still active and still offers creams manufactured according to ancestral recipes.
Then integrated in the Eastern city walls, you will discover the Dominican Monastery, soberer than the previous one, and its museum with a fine collection of Renaissance paintings, including the triptych of N. Bozidarevic representing Dubrovnik before the earthquake or the painting of Sainte Madeleine and Saint Blaise, the work of Titian.
After visiting the monastery, you will go to the Assumption Cathedral built in the 18th century on the ruins of a church dating from the 12th century destroyed by an earthquake in 1667. This one might surprise you by its simplicity and the clarity of its interior but its treasure is among the richest in Europe, with a unique collection of relics in gold and silver.
You will also have the opportunity to see: Stradun, large paved street, favourite place for tourists and locals, unique for its beauty and the abundance of its cultural heritage, Sponza Palace, identifiable by its gallery of arcades, the Church of Saint Blaise, built in 1715 in Baroque style, richly detailed or the Onofrio Fountain, covered by a dome, built by a Neapolitan artist, and which was used as a reservoir by the inhabitants.
Finally, you will get back to your ship.
- This excursion is done entirely on foot, we recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun. Appropriate clothing must be worn when visiting religious sites: trousers for men and skirts covering the knees for the ladies. It is not permitted to take photos of the treasures. In case of religious office, the visit of the Cathedral will be cancelled.
Total : 40 €
According to availability, price per passenger.
Relaxing time at BOWA Beach
From the pier, you will board a speedboat and start a 45-minute scenic cruise along the walled city to BOWA located in a private bay on Šipan Island.
You will sail along the Elaphite Islands discovering this preserved natural beauty with its cliffs and sea caves. This tiny archipelago, full of history and legends, has been inhabited for many years. Among its many secret treasures, there is one particular well-hidden pearl. A couple of miles across the water loom and massive mountains of the Croatian mainland, you will find a secret garden, BOWA Beach.
Once arriving, you will join your cabana privatized for PONANT guests. Facing the sea, you will enjoy 4 hours of relaxation far away from the noise, bustle and crowds of the city.
Finally, you will board your speedboat to join your ship.
- This tour involves little walking time. We recommend you wear your swimsuit under your clothes. Each Cabana can welcome 4 people and is equipped with sunbeds and towels. One refreshment is included on your tour. This tour is limited to 14 participants and will be guided in English only. If we reach the maximum of participants, the whole site will be privatized by PONANT.
Total : 340 €
According to availability, price per passenger.
The history of Korcula
Built on a peninsula, the streets of Korcula are organised around its main artery according to a "fishbone" plan drawn in the 13th century. To overcome the lack of space within the walls of the old town, squares are small, houses are narrow, churches and public buildings are constructed vertically. Fully fortified in the 16th century; its walls were destroyed in the 19th century and only a section of a wall still faces the harbour.
From the pier, meet your guide and start your walking tour of the old town.
Your first visit will be the Bishop’s Palace and its Icon museum. The museum contains a unique collection of Byzantine Icons from the 13th to the 15th century and ceremonial pieces from the 17th and 18th centuries. The collection is primarily from Korcula sailors, who acquired the pieces on their journeys, especially to Crete, in the 17th and 18th centuries.
Then, you will discover Saint Mark’s Cathedral. This cathedral is probably the most important building in Korcula Old Town. Completed in the 15th century at the place of another church from 13th century, it is built in Gothic-Renaissance style. It was erected by local masters and craftsmen of stone masonry, very well known for their Renaissance and Baroque pieces in Dubrovnik and Venice.
Continue your exploration with the visit of the Korcula Town Museum. Facing the cathedral, the museum is housed in Gabrielis palace, a 3-storey building with basement and attic built between the 15th and 16th century. The museum presents various collections covering the history and culture of the town from the Ancient times to nowadays.
During your walking tour, you can see the monumental staircase which joins the Revelin Tower. This 14th century portal and its 15th century Revelin tower frame the only land access to the walled Old Town. The gate is embellished on the inside with a sculpture of Saint Mark's lion over its arch.
Finally, you will have the choice between following your guide to join your ship or strolling on your own.
- This tour involves approximately 1 mile (1.5 km) of walking on narrow streets with some steps. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun.
Total : 30 €
According to availability, price per passenger.
Relaxing time at Moro Beach
From the pier, you will board your speedboat for a panoramic ride through Korc?ula archipelago towards the island of Vrnik.
Once arriving on Vrnik island, you will dicover the picturesque village where only a few families live throughout the year. This island is also famous for its 29 quarries whose the Korc?ula's oldest quarry.
After a short stop on the island, you will continue by speedboat to Stupe Vela Island and Moro Beach. Moro Beach is a true gem discovered became famous thanks to the swings located on the beach and social network.
You will enjoy free time to swim or just relax on the beach before back to your speedboat for the ride back to the island of Korc?ula.
To complete this tour, you will discover the old town during a short walking tour.
- This tour involves few walking distance with some steps. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes, wear your swimsuit under your clothes, bring a towel from the ship and protect yourself from the sun. The beach is equipped with showers and changing rooms. Sunbed, umbrella and refreshment are included on your tour. Outside visits only.
Total : 100 €
According to availability, price per passenger.
Hvar & its religious heritage
This small and charming town is located around a natural port and it is undoubtedly one of the most famous seaside resorts of Dalmatian coast.
A lot of splendid monuments as the Cathedral, the ancient Arsenal and different palaces are bearing witness to a rich history of gothic and renaissance arts.
From the pier, follow your guide through narrow tiny streets to the 15th century Franciscan Monastery. The cloister with its rounded arches and a well in the middle dominates the Renaissance monastery. The former spacious refectory and a small, adjacent room have been turned into the monastery museum. Along with a collection of old books and coins, the famous "Last Supper", a work belonging to the Venetian School of Palma the Younger from the end of the 16th century, has the strongest claims on the attention of the numerous visitors.
After crossing the main square, you will pass by the Cathedral of Saint Stephan (outside visit). It was built in stages during the 16th and 17th centuries, while the interior was not wholly completed until the 18th century. From outside, it has the characteristics of the Renaissance style and inside the baroque style.
Then, you will visit the Benedictine Monastery, which holds a rich collection of lace made of agave leaves.
After this walking tour you may follow your guide back to the pier or stay in town for some time at leisure.
- This excursion involves 2 hours of walking, covering approximately 1 mile (1.5 km) over cobble stone streets and some steps. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun. Appropriate dress is recommended to enter religious sites (shoulders and knees must be covered).
Total : 30 €
According to availability, price per passenger.
Sea kayaking
From the pier, you will walk 10 minutes to join the kayak centre.
Your tour will allow you to combine shore-side and offshore visits. You will have the chance to paddle and swim across the exotic coastal scenery of the small islands.
After receiving your safety instructions, board your kayak and start your adventure towards hidden coves and secluded pebble beaches.
Then, you will head to a beach for some time to relax or go for a refreshing swim.
Finally, you will head back to your ship.
- Children under the age of 12 and pregnant women may not participate. Participants must be good swimmers and physically fit. Please take a hat, sunglasses, shoes that can get wet, a towel from the ship and sunscreen. Please wear your swimwear under your clothes as there are no changing facilities or toilets available. You will be required to wear a life jacket. Waterproof compartments are available to store your belongings, however please keep these to a minimum. This tour is limited to 30 participants. 2-seater kayaks are available.
Total : 65 €
According to availability, price per passenger.
Hvar highlights by VW Beetle
From the pier, follow your guide on a 30-minute walking tour of the old town on the way to the parking area, where you will meet up with your convoy leader.
The Volkswagen beetles are the old model and have all been restored by this family owned company. After a safety briefing, follow the lead car on a 3-hour drive through Hvar’s hinterland discovering abandoned villages and learning about their rich history. Enjoy the panoramic views from the Fortica fortress dominating Hvar offering breathtaking views over the old harbour and outlying islands.
Follow your guide on a walking tour of Stari Grad, the second largest town on Hvar and one of the oldest towns in Europe. Stari Grad was originally named Faros by the Greek settlers, it lies on the north side of the island and it is known as the most fertile plain, farmed since pre-historic times. This most ancient part of Stari Grad falls within the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Finally, you will head back to your ship.
- The cost of the tour is per car. Each vehicle has a maximum capacity of 4 guests, however, for comfort we recommend 2 persons per car. The driver must be at least 21 years old and present a valid driver’s license and will be asked to sign a waiver. The vehicles are manual shift, open top, and 2-door. The roads you will be driving on are mainly asphalted, there is no off-roading. There will be a lead car and a car in the back closing the convoy. We recommend you wear a hat and protect yourself from the sun. The minimum to operate this tour is 4 cars.
Total : 200 €
According to availability, price per passenger.
Porec & wine tasting
From the pier, board your coach and start your 45-minute scenic drive to Porec.
On arrival, follow your guide on a walking tour of the old town.
You will begin with the Episcopal Complex of the Euphrasian Basilica in the historic centre of Porec. The group of religious monuments in Porec, where Christianity was established as early as the 4th century, constitutes the most complete surviving complex of its type. The basilica, atrium, baptistery and Episcopal Palace are outstanding examples of religious architecture, while the basilica itself combines classical and Byzantine elements. This complex was enrolled in the UNESCO World Heritage list in 1997.
Then, you will enjoy some free time in Porec, before driving to Agrolaguna agricultural company. On these 3 000 acres, a special attention is paid on wine, olive oil and cheese productions from their own grapes, olives and cattle, taking care of environment and local community. You will walk around the venue and sample wines, olive oils and cheese listening to the presentation of the employees.
Finally, re-board your coach to get back to your ship.
- This excursion involves walking on cobblestone ground with some steps. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun. Appropriate dress is recommended to enter religious sites (shoulders and knees must be covered). The tasting is included on your tour. This tour is limited to 42 participants.
Total : 80 €
According to availability, price per passenger.
Rovinj & its cathedral
From the pier, follow your guide and start your walking tour of the historical centre of Rovinj. The historical centre is almost entirely built on a rocky island and connected to the mainland since the 13th century. During your tour, you will discover the Venetian influence and its rich cultural legacy, omnipresent in the architecture of the tall houses with warm red tiled roofs and the narrow streets intersected by covered passageways and archways, decorated with ancient frescoes.
The highlight of your visit will most certainly be the Basilica of Saint Euphemia, a prestigious building dating from the 8th century. Its 63-metre high bell tower rises out of the city centre, and is the most remarked symbol in the Istria region.
Built on the ancient ruins of a Roman church, it was altered in the 17th century in the Baroque style, and houses the relics of Saint Euphemia. They were brought from Constantinople in the 9th century for their safekeeping in a marble sarcophagus. There is also a mural depicting the life and the martyrdom of the saint. Every year on 16 September, the faithful gather around her tomb.
The church contains several treasures and works of art like Gothic statues from the 15th century and paintings from the 16th and the 17th centuries (The Last Supper and Christ in the Gethsemane).
- This excursion involves approximately 1.5 hour of walking on cobblestone streets with some steps. We recommend you to wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun. Appropriate dress is recommended to enter religious sites (shoulders and knees must be covered).
Total : 25 €
According to availability, price per passenger.
Porec and its Basilica
From the pier, board your coach and start your 45-minute scenic drive to Porec.
Once arriving, you will start your walking tour of the old town.
You will begin with the Episcopal Complex of the Euphrasian Basilica in the historic centre of Porec. The group of religious monuments in Porec, where Christianity was established as early as the 4th century, constitutes the most complete surviving complex of its type. The basilica, atrium, baptistery and Episcopal palace are outstanding examples of religious architecture, while the basilica itself combines classical and Byzantine elements.
This complex was enrolled in the UNESCO World Heritage list in 1997.
After the visit to the Episcopal Complex, you will have some free time in Porec before rejoining your coach for the drive back to Rovinj.
- This excursion involves around 1.5 miles (2 km) of walking on cobblestone ground with some steps. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun. Appropriate dress is recommended to enter religious sites (shoulders and knees must be covered).
Total : 40 €
According to availability, price per passenger.
DIRECT TRANSFER FROM PORT TO VENICE AIRPORT
Travel with peace of mind as PONANT organises your transfer between your port of disembarkation and the airport.
Venice
After disembarkation procedures are completed, you will be greeted at the port by our local English-speaking representative. You will be taken by coach to the airport in time for check-in for the PONANT selected flight.
Your programme includes:
- Transfers by coach.
- Services of a local English-speaking assistant.
Your programme does not include:
- Personal expenses.
- Other services not mentioned in the programme.
- Tips for the driver and local guide.
To know your PONANT flight schedule, please contact your travel advisor; it is also indicated on your electronic ticket included in your travel documents.
In the event of schedule changes of PONANT’s selected flight, your programme will be adapted to ensure the most seamless and enriching experience. The content of your revised programme will be updated on the PONANT website, in My Ponant space and on the PONANT app. The final programme will also be sent to you along with your cruise documents.
Total : 50 €
Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.