Deluxe Stateroom Deck 3
19 m²
2
Jewels of the Italian coastlines with Côté Sud
Nice - Venice
Dates:
28/06/2025
to
08/07/2025
Other available dates
days
nights on board
This cruise is specially-tailored for French-speaking travelers and lectures will be conducted in French only.
In partnership with Maisons Côté Sud magazine, this journey celebrates the Mediterranean way of life through special moments of exchange with the editorial team and its guests, selected for their unique perspective on art and Italian refinement. A highlight of the trip is an optional excursion to the legendary marble quarries of Carrara, designed and guided by architect Jean-Michel Wilmotte, and offered in French. On the program: a private tour, a cello concert by Polina Streltsova, and a buffet featuring local products in this spectacular setting, followed by a visit to Pietrasanta, a true open-air museum dedicated to the art of marble.
Throughout your journey, you will benefit from an excursion included per person per port of call, to choose from a selection offered by PONANT. During this cruise, admire the charms of the mythical village of Portofino; explore Lecce, known as the Florence of Southern Italy, from Otranto; or set off from Taormina to climb the mythical Mount Etna. The diversity of experiences on offer promises you intense and varied moments (to discover the full range of excursions, go to the itinerary tab).
From Nice, you will sail to Portofino. Built in a natural harbour protected by a pine forest, it is a picturesque and lively port that has successfully retained its authenticity and traditions.
Your cruise will continue along the Tuscan shoreline to Livorno, a port city famous for its Renaissance fortifications. The Little Venice district, as it is known, offers a picturesque setting in which to enjoy fish and seafood.
You will then stop at Porto Santo Stefano, a town built along a hillside and surrounded by a 17th century fortress, before sailing on to Amalfi and its coast, which are magnificent UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Perched between sky and sea, Amalfi presents amazing landscapes.
You will then head to Taormina, overlooking Etna’s blanket of snow. Its streets will lead you to its famed ancient Greek theatre, where the quality of the acoustics is exceptional.
After calls in Otranto and Ancona, Le Bougainville will reach Ravenna. Capital of the Roman Empire in the 5th century, the city bears witness to a thousand-year-old history where Roman and Byzantine cultures mingled and which can be seen today inside the city's religious buildings through its ancient mosaics.
The trip will end with a visit to the Serenissima Venice and its lagoon.
Ref : EG280625
Your itinerary
Special Côté Sud moments with the editorial team and their guests, offering an immersion in the Mediterranean art of living. Precious moments between visits, encounters, discussions and tastings during a...
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Additional services
For more peace of mind, PONANT selects stays and flights then takes care of your transfers for your trip as well as shore visits before and after the cruise.
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LE BORÉAL
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LE BELLOT
LE PAUL GAUGUIN
*Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability, and subject to change at any time. The category of stateroom to which this price applies may no longer be available.
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Services provided
- 24-hour room service
- Inclusive Wifi internet access (availability dependent on navigation and latitude)
- Individually-controlled air conditioning
- Dressing room with shelves and closet
- Dressing table and hairdryer
- Diptyque Paris top-of-the-line bath products
- Minibar
- Nespresso coffee maker and boiler
- Electronic safe
- Direct line telephone
- Bose Bluetooth speaker
- Flat screen TV, international channels (availability dependent on navigation) and videos on demand
- 110V American (two flat pins)/220V European (round sockets with two round pins)
- Two ADA staterooms
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Martine Duteil
Two routes Ied me to Côté Sud. The first is one of origins. Born in Corsica, the South is inscribed in my DNA. From the perfume of the maquis to that of Fiadone, from the Mar et Monti landscapes to the natural swimming pools, from the wild aridity of Cap Corse to the limestone rocks of Bonifacio, from the family spirit to the actors of this mineral and steep culture, everything here is familiar to me. This anchoring has forged my taste for the acts that shape, the encounters that build, the landscapes like promises of dawn, unfolding in plays of shadow and light at dusk. The second route is a path begun with studies in history and art history, combined with affinities for the decorative arts that have become more precise over time. My desire to combine words and images was confirmed by joining the decoration pages of Madame Figaro. We created impactful scenographies and set installations for both photoshoots and interior design features, while also conducting interviews with leading figures in decoration and design. Later, collaborations with AD, Maison Française, Côté Sud, Côté Ouest, Côté Est, opened the field to other perspectives on this universe. Contacted to support the launch of Côté Paris, I took over as editor-in-chief, then that of Côté Sud, to finally lead the editorial teams of the « Côté » magazines. It is this openness to the World and its humanities, the gestures and know-how, the encounters of talents that are the essence of Côté Sud. And it is a little bit of all this that we want to share with this itinerary under the sign of the « art de vivre » guided by the expertise of Ponant and orchestrated with the collaboration of Sonia Lazzari and the editorial team. As for a magazine summary, the idea is to set sail for the South.
Spoken language: French
Photo credit: Christine Solers
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
Maisons Côté Sud
Since 1990, for over 200 issues, Côté Sud has carved out a sunny spot in the world of interior decoration, design, and lifestyle magazines. With the South as its guiding light, the magazine strives to capture the essence of the Souths, in all their diversity. Whether it's an ultra-local focus on a city or area, or a glimpse towards the horizon through grand escapes, the approach is panoramic to encompass these diverse landscapes. Provence, Camargue, Riviera, Corsica, Alpilles, Basque Country... The magazine's pages cast their eyes both upon the sea and the hinterland. From the rugged shores of the Mediterranean to faraway lands… the reports are always a source of inspiration, embodied by local and inspiring figures or personalities connected to their culture who shape their region. Portraits of artists and artisans, chefs and producers, creators and designers, publishers and manufacturers... The editorial line always emphasizes the underlying spirit of things. Cultural blends, artistic legacy, innovative projects - all the objects featured illustrate the craftsmanship and know-how of artisans. Côté Sud accompanies stories of transmission, planting settings rooted in a sunny culture. The essence of the South is brought to life in words and images within the magazine’s pages, as well as through encounters at the Vivre Côté Sud shows in Aix-en-Provence, Saint-Tropez... Côté Sud evokes a sense of belonging, a subject close to our hearts that defines us, just as the South radiates a culture of exchange and sharing. The "Côté Sud - Le Ponant" cruise tour celebrates the unique lifestyle of the Mediterranean in all its facets. Embark on a journey punctuated by stopovers that mirror the magazine's themes, filled with encounters and discoveries, between the sunny Riviera and timeless Italy. Bon voyage to all!
Subject to withdrawal in case of force majeure
Highlights
- Special Côté Sud moments with the editorial team and their guests, offering an immersion in the Mediterranean art of living.
- Precious moments between visits, encounters, discussions and tastings during a unique cruise between the French and Italian Rivieras via the shores of the Ionian and Adriatic Seas.
- Unesco sites: the eight early Christian monuments of Ravenna, the Amalfi Coast, Mount Etna from Taormina and its Greek Theatre, the Venetian lagoon (landing port).
- Make the most of an excursion included* per person per port of call during your cruise thanks to the selection made by our destination experts.
- Discovering the charms of the Italian dolce vita in the off-season.
- Visiting Portofino, a quiet fishing village with colourful houses.
- Porto Santo Stefano, a small confidential port on the Tyrrhenian Sea.
*Pre-bookings open around two months before the start of the cruise; requests are processed on a first-come first-served basis, subject to availability.
Ports of Call & Excursions
28 June 2025 - Nice
Embarkation 28/06/2025 from 16:00 to 17:00
Departure 28/06/2025 at 18:00
Capital of the Cote d’Azur, Nice is surrounded by an amphitheatre of hills and mountains that protects it from the wind. You will probably want to explore the Promenade des Anglais, where you can sit on one of the famous blue chairs laid out opposite the baie des Anges. The Château hill is also a very pleasent place to walk. This is the entrance to the old city, with its bustling markets and regional products along the main street, the Cours Saleya.
29 June 2025 - Portofino
Arrival 29/06/2025 late morning
Departure 29/06/2025 late evening
Close to the Cinque Terre, Portofino is the jewel of the Ligurian Riviera. This "small village that stretches like a half moon around a silent basin", described by Guy de Maupassant, is today a pretty, lively little port that has managed to preserve the authenticity of its maritime traditions, which have been recognised since Ancient times. Built in the hollow of a small natural cove sheltered by the pine forest, the village is at the heart of a protected maritime reserve. The shimmering colours of its house fronts and the exceptional location of this village have inspired many authors and artists. You will also see the Portofino lighthouse, immaculate in its green setting. Perched on the Punta del Capo, it watches over the peninsula and its postcard setting.
30 June 2025 - Livorno
Arrival 30/06/2025 early morning
Departure 30/06/2025 late afternoon
On the ligurian coast, Livorno invites us to Tuscany, a charming region offering archaeological vestiges, Renaissance treasures, undulating landscapes and a pleasant way of life. When the Medicis arrived in the 16th century they developed the city, which became one of the most important ports in the Mediterranean. Cosmopolitan and multireligious, Livorno has welcomed many immigrants and is a wonderful example of cultural diversity. Built during that period, Fortezza Vecchia and Fortezza Nuova attest to the city’s power. At the foot of the new fort, Nuova Venezia is an enchanting district with small canals and streets to stroll along to discover a few architectural treasures, such as the magnificent Santa Caterina da Siena church in the Tuscan baroque style.
1 July 2025 - Porto Santo Stefano
Arrival 01/07/2025 early morning
Departure 01/07/2025 early afternoon
In Southern Tuscany, Porto Santo Stefano, a charming seaside resort located on the Monte Argentario peninsula, is renowned for its enchanting setting. Nestling on the side of a hill, the small town offers beautiful sandy beaches with crystal-clear water and a picturesque town centre. Stroll around its steep alleyways lined with coloured houses and discover La Rocca, a Spanish fortress built in the 17th century to protect the town against pirate attacks. There, you can enjoy a stunning view over the port and the Gulf of Talamone.
2 July 2025 - Amalfi
Arrival 02/07/2025 early morning
Departure 02/07/2025 late afternoon
The little town of Campania gives its name to the region containing the magnificent, UNESCO World Heritage listed, Amalfi coast. And for good reason. Located at the foot of Mount Cerreto, against a rock face of a gorge that opens onto the sea, Amalfi’s absolutely splendid natural scenery alone is enough to feast your eyes on before making for the medieval streets to explore some of its history. The mix of cultural influences from the Mediterranean Rim is omnipresent here.
3 July 2025 - Taormina, Sicily
Arrival 03/07/2025 midday
Departure 03/07/2025 late afternoon
Located on Sicily’s eastern coast, in the province of Messina, the seaside town of Taormina is Sicily’s Saint-Tropez, boasting heritage sites, secluded beaches and luxury shopping. You can visit its medieval centre, suspended 300 metres above sea level, where terraces offer a spectacular view of the Mediterranean Sea. Another vestige from its past are the ruins of the Greco-Roman theatre. This extremely well-preserved site attracts visitors who are fascinated by the natural beauty of the area which overlooks a turquoise bay.
4 July 2025 - Otranto
Arrival 04/07/2025 midday
Departure 04/07/2025 evening
Located in the Apulia region, Otrante is the easternmost transalpine town. Behind its medieval ramparts, you will taste the sweetlife of Salento, the “heel on Italy’s boot”. Inhabited since Antiquity, Otrante has today become a very pleasant seaside town. Yet its history is still visible as you meander through the little streets of its old centre. With its magnificent 12th century ornamental mosaic tiling, the Cathedral is one of its most beautiful treasures. During a stroll along the ramparts, you can sit and relax at a café terrace.
5 July 2025 - At sea
Arrival 05/07/2025
Departure 05/07/2025
During your journey at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This journey without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, depending on the activities offered, or to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.
6 July 2025 - Ancona
Arrival 06/07/2025 early morning
Departure 06/07/2025 late afternoon
Situated on the promontory of Monte Conero, Ancona, the capital of the Marche region, offers visitors all the charm of a typical Italian historical city. Founded by the Greeks in 390 BC and conquered by Julius Caesar in 49 BC, Ancona has a long history that was very much shaped by its harbour, a hub attracting different populations and cultures. When your ship calls here, take the time to discover the city’s many buildings, such as the cathedral dedicated to Judas Cyriacus and its façade made of white and pink marble, the Arch of Trajan, which is considered to be the port’s main embellishment, or the 15th century mansion where the painter Raphael was raised.
7 July 2025 - Ravenna
Arrival 07/07/2025 early morning
Departure 07/07/2025 late afternoon
Linked to the Adriatic Sea by a canal, the city of Ravenna and its countless monuments offer you a rich journey back in time. Roman and Byzantine cultures intermingle here, and the fruits of this history adorn the interiors of the cityﾒs religious buildings: the abundance of classical mosaics is the most stunning witness to Ravennaﾒs glorious past. Eight UNESCO World Heritage listed Paleo-Christian sites punctuate your journey into the historic heart of the city. Still very lively despite the weight of its history, Ravenna has much to offer to visitors.
8 July 2025 - Venice
Arrival 08/07/2025 early morning
Disembarkation 08/07/2025 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.
Portofino walking tour
Through the centuries, Portofino functioned primarily as a fishing village and, occasionally, as a small naval port. Today, it is a classy resort-village. Portofino's miniscule bay is neatly packed with pricey yachts, common boats and, as a vestige of its past, some fishing boats.
From the pier, you will meet your local guide and start your panoramic walking tour. If you don't bring your camera to Portofino, you will regret it. The town is striking with its brightly colored antique buildings hovering over sparkling blue water. And the surrounding luxuriant green hillsides of the Portofino Promontory are equally stunning.
Your walk heads up to the right as you face the harbour. You will enjoy a path through one of the largest concentrations of flora and fauna in the Mediterranean. For some fantastic views of the entire bay and the Tigullian Gulf, you will walk up the hill to the Church of San Giorgio. Perched high above the town, this church contains relics of St. George brought over by crusaders from the Holy Land. From here you will walk to another great lookout point at the Punto del Capo, the Portofino lighthouse.
Afterward, you will take the way back to the pier.
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This tour involves walking 2.5 miles (4 km) on flat and cobblestone ground and sloping floor. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun. Internal visits of the Church of San Giorgio and Portofino lighthouse are not included.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Santa Margherita & Rapallo by private boat
From the pier, you will meet your local guide and take a 15-minute walk to your private boat. You will embark for a scenic cruise to Santa Margherita.
Portofino and the Tigullio Gulf are world-renowned symbols of Italy. The coast is a sequence of resorts with marinas, pastel-coloured houses, giving to this place a seductive atmosphere of la dolce vita. Suspended between the intense blue of the sea and the green mountains, it offers some of the most famous views in Italy.
Upon arrival in the charming town of Santa Margherita, you will start your exploration with the downtown area before visiting the Santa Margherita di Antiochia Basilica, also known as ‘La Madonna della Rosa’. The church honours the legend of a sailor who brought a sculpture of the Virgin Mary with a rose in her right hand and Jesus on her left arm.
Then, you will re-embark your private boat and continue your coastal cruise to Rapallo. This beautiful town of the Italian Riviera features a gracious old seaside and port, remains of its Medieval and Renaissance-style architecture. You guide will take you in the narrow streets of the town and will explain the richness of Rapallo’s history and architecture.
Afterwards, you will get back to your private boat and enjoy the 30-minute scenic cruise back to your ship.
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This tour involves walking 1,2 miles (2 km) on flat ground and some cobblestones surface. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun. We also recommend you bring a windproof jacket for the scenic cruise. Appropriate clothing is recommended to enter religious sites (shoulders and knees covered). Operation of tour is subject to the weather conditions of the day.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Hiking to San Fruttuoso
San Fruttuoso is located at the foot of the Portofino Mountain and can be reached by boat or by following the hiking trails on the mountain.
From the pier, you will meet your hiking guide and start your walk to San Fruttuoso. The beginning of the hike takes place on a very scenic route without major difficulties, but expect a small climb to reach the heights of Portofino.
After 10 minutes, in the locality of Palara, you will reach a gate and barrier that prevent wild animals from entering. Continue through a short tunnel created by a line of shrubs on both sides, allowing you to bypass the village of San Sebastian. The trail continues to climb straight ahead from there.
Some metres away, you will reach a second gate in Cappeletta. From here, the trail of mostly flat, dirt roads winds through the countryside to Vessinaro, where the trail deviates to "Cala degli Inglesi", a beautiful cove accessible only by foot or boat.
You will then walk toward the western side of the promontory that overlooks the numerous coves below. The trail alternates in short stretches of ups and downs along protruding rocks. After one-hour and 15 minutes of walking, you will reach Base 0, a former military post during World War II.
From here the trail enters the woods and down in a steep and irregular path, with large panoramic views over the village. San Fruttuoso is around the corner, and passing under a porch, you will enter the first of two enchanting bays. You will then enjoy a visit of the interior of San Fruttuoso Abbey. According to the legend, the place where the Abbey was to be built was shown to Bishop Fruttuoso in a dream. He would later die at the stake in Spain, but first shared his dream with five monks, who, after wandering for a long time along the Ligurian coast, recognised the place and built the Abbey there. The first document attesting to the presence of the monastery dates to 984. It then passed to the Benedictines, who enlarged it, and then to the Doria family. The Abbey reached its greatest splendour in the 15th century. It has been the main political and economic centre of the promontory until the last century, and influenced the organisation of the territory, agricultural system and fishing economy.
After the visit, you will enjoy some free time to stroll or bathe in the clear water of the cove.
Finally, you will return to Portofino by public motorboat and reach your ship.
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This tour involves walking 3,8 miles (6 km) on uneven, cobblestoned, and sometimes slippery terrain with inclines and declines. We recommend you wear sturdy walking shoes, comfortable light clothing, and your swimsuit under it, and protect yourself from the sun. In case of rain or bad sea, the tour might be cancelled. This tour is not recommended for those who are scared of heights. Please note the tour will be guided only in English.
Total : 80 €
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Kayaking in the Tigullian bay
Portofino and the Tigullio Gulf are world-renowned symbols of Italy. The coast is a sequence of resorts with marinas and pastel-coloured houses, giving this place a seductive atmosphere of la dolce vita. Suspended between the intense blue of the sea and the green mountains, it offers some of the most famous views in Italy.
Today, you will have the chance of discovering the secrets of Portofino’s Marine Park.
From the pier, you will meet your guide and walk for 30 minutes to Niasca Bay, where the kayak experience will begin, allowing you to explore the beauty of the Tigullian Bay.
Upon your arrival, you will be briefed on how to paddle a kayak, and then you will be ready to explore the Tigullian Bay coast, starting from Niasca and leaving the spectacular view of Paraggi Gulf behind you. Guided by marine biologists and local experts, you will have the chance to meet the most peculiar and traditional aspects of this small and rich natural sanctuary and its many forms.
You will then reach the port of Portofino and the small beach of Olivetta, where century-old maritime pine trees tower over the skyline. Then, you’ll soon reach a stretch of coast rich with caves and inlets, which are accessible only by kayak. Here, you will be able to spot a great variety of fauna (grey herons, cormorants and dolphins). Passing by the “Punta del Faro”, the lighthouse, the panorama will change: no trace of civilization can be seen as wild nature finally takes over!
After your kayak experience, you will paddle back to Niasca and return to Portofino and your ship, on foot.
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This tour involves walking 1,2 miles (2 km) on flat ground and some cobblestones surface. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes, beachwear, and your swimsuit under your clothes. Please bring your towel and bottle of water from the ship. The kayaks are for 2 persons, paddle and lifejacket are provided. We recommend protecting yourself from the sun. Operation of tour is subject to the weather conditions of the day. Please note there are no commodities available during the tour, only public toilets in Portofino. You must be able to swim to take part in this excursion. You will also be required to sign a liability waiver.
Total : 100 €
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Lucca and Pisa
From the pier, board your coach to Lucca, 45-minute drive. Lucca is the most civilized of Tuscany's cities, a stately grid of Roman roads snug behind a mammoth belt of tree-topped battlements. It is home to Puccini and hosts an elegant landscape of churches and palaces, delicate facades, and Art Nouveau shop fronts on wide promenades.
You will first visit the highlights of Lucca with your local guide. The walls are what make Lucca, and they comprise a city park more than 2,5 miles (4 km) long but only about 59 feet (18 m) wide, filled with avenues of plane, chestnut, and ilex trees planted by Marie-Louise Bourbon in the 19th century.
Near the north end of Via Fillungo, you will admire a series of houses which were built during the Middle Ages into the remains of a 1st or 2nd century AD. Roman amphitheatre, which had been used for centuries as a quarry for raw materials to raise the city's churches and palaces. The outline of the stadium was still visible in the 1930s when Duke Ludovico asked local architect Lorenzo Nottolini to rearrange the space and bring out the ancient form better.
Then, you will discover Piazza San Michele, the centre of the town, crammed with cafés and shops and the church of San Michele in Foro, as beautiful as a 12th century Romanesque church. It boasts a Pisan-inspired façade of blind arches with lozenges and colonnaded arcades. It is smack in the centre of town - on top of the ancient Roman forum, in fact, hence the name. Finally, you will enjoy the outside view of the façade of Lucca's Duomo is an excellent and eye-catching example of the Pisan-Lucchese Romanesque school of architecture.
After enjoying a fine lunch at Buca di Sant'Antonio, you will get back to your coach and take the 30-minute drive to Pisa.
Since the beginning of tourism in Mediterranean region, Pisa has been known for just one thing – the Leaning Tower – a freakishly beautiful building whose impact no amount of prior knowledge can blunt. Yet it is just a single component of the city’s amazing religious core – the Campo dei Miracoli – where the Duomo, Baptistery and Camposanto complete an unrivalled quartet of medieval masterpieces. Here, you will enjoy a walking tour in the beautiful city with your local guide before getting back to your coach and join your ship.
- This tour involves approximately 3,7 miles (6 km) of walking on cobblestoned streets with some steps. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun. Appropriate dress is recommended when visiting religious sites (shoulders and knees covered). The walking tour in Pisa does not include internal visit of the monuments.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Medieval Lucca
From the pier, board your coach for the 45-minute drive to Lucca. Lucca is the most civilized of Tuscany's cities, a stately grid of Roman roads snug behind a mammoth belt of tree-topped battlements. It is home to Puccini and hosts an elegant landscape of churches and palaces, delicate facades, and Art Nouveau shop fronts on wide promenades.
Lucca is enclosed by massive red brick walls, which help to give the city its special character by shutting out traffic and the modern world. Within these walls, Lucca is a peaceful city of narrow lanes that has managed to preserve its ancient Roman street plan. The walls are what make Lucca, and they comprise a city park more than 2 ½ miles (4 km) long but only about 59 feet (18 m) wide, filled with avenues of plane, chestnut, and ilex trees planted by Marie-Louise Bourbon in the 19th century.
You will discover Piazza San Michele in the centre of the town, crammed with cafés and shops and the church of San Michele in Foro, a beautiful example of a 12th century Romanesque church. It boasts a Pisan-inspired façade of blind arches with lozenges and colonnaded arcades. It is smack in the centre of town - on top of the ancient Roman forum, from whence the name. Finally, you will enjoy an exterior view of the façade of Lucca's Duomo, an excellent and eye-catching example of the Pisan-Lucchese Romanesque school of architecture.
Next, you will head to the Piazza Anfiteatro, formerly the ancient Roman Amphitheatre. Today, it is enclosed by medieval houses that were built up against the walls of the amphitheatre. Its perfectly preserved shape is a reminder that Lucca was founded by the Romans in 180 B.C. The outline of the stadium was still visible in the 1930s when Duke Ludovico asked local architect Lorenzo Nottolini to rearrange the space.
From here, you will continue to the Church of San Frediano (exterior visit), which is adorned with a striking façade and a 13th-century mosaic. The guided portion of your visit concludes at Via Fillungo, Lucca’s principal shopping street, which winds its way through the heart of the city towards the Roman Amphitheatre.
Following your walking tour, enjoy some free time for exploring the area on your own and browsing the shops at your leisure before re-boarding your coach for the return drive to the port.
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This tour involves approximately 3 miles (5 km) of walking on cobblestoned streets with some steps. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Treasures of Pisa
On this excursion, discover one of the most fascinating symbols of Italy: the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa and the architectural treasures of the Piazza dei Miracoli, or “square of miracles”.
There are places that never stop inspiring people to dream, landscapes where history whispers from every stone and where the architecture is pure poetry. This time spent in the heart of Tuscany will have you following in the footsteps of genius builders and medieval legends, in one of the world’s most admired complex of monuments.
From the moment you arrive in Pisa, you will fall under its charm as a local guide tells you all about the landmarks. Stand before the Piazza dei Miracoli, or “square of miracles”, a white marble treasure bathed in light. Admire the mythical Leaning Tower, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its characteristic lean has been a source of intrigue and fascination for centuries. Next, enter the majestic cathedral dedicated to the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, a Pisan Romanesque masterpiece that gracefully blends Eastern and Western influences. Then, time will stand still as you discover the stunning Baptistery and the acoustics under its double dome. Finally, the Camposanto Monumentale, or monumental cemetery, will reveal its history marked by tales of the Crusades and the Holy Land.
· This excursion involves walking a distance of around 6 km (3.7 miles) in total, along cobbled streets, with some steps to navigate. We recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes and sun protection. Appropriate clothing is recommended when visiting religious sites (shoulders and knees covered).
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Wine tasting and panoramic drive
From the pier, you will board your coach and take the 30-minute drive to La Parrina Estate.
Tenuta la Parrina is one of the oldest historic farms that lies between the low hills of the Tuscan Maremma in a spectacular landscape with olive trees, vineyards and fields of golden grain. The estate is spread on an area of about 200 hectares, 60 of which are destined to vineyards, 40 to fruit production, 20 to the horticultural, 22 to the olive plants, and the remaining are divided between arable land and growing nurseries.
Upon arrival, you will enjoy a guided visit of the estate, followed by wine tasting accompanied by local products. You will have the opportunity to see how to make a wine, starting with the grape harvest, through the vinification and aging and ending with bottling. La Parrina DOC wines are produced in the basement of the estate since 1971. The cellar is certainly a tribute to the land, because it is the instrument with which they produce quality wines, but it is also the physical location in which they give the opportunity to their guests to come into direct contact with the production philosophy.
After your visit, you will board your coach for a 1-hour panoramic drive to the Argentario promontory, ending in Porto Santo Stefano, a very charming village. While comfortably sitted on your bus you will learn some history facts and admire the rich landscapes, that make this territory even more fascinating.
You will finally be back to your ship.
- The tour involves walking on flat and gravel ground during the visit of the estate. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun. Walking distance is at guest’s discretion.
Total : 95 €
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Panoramic Argentario and Porto Ercole
From the pier, you will meet your local guide and board your coach for the 40-minute panoramic drive to Porto Ercole. Here, you will start your walking tour of Porto Ercole, a lovely seaside resort located on the Argentario promontory.
The first inhabitants of Porto Ercole were fishermen and still today, walking along the small port, one encounters old sea wolves intent on repairing fishing nets. You will cross the Pisan door and take a walk in the heart of the village among alleys, squares overlooking the sea and stairways that will lead you to the church and then to the Rocca. You will walk along the promenade, where bars and restaurants with terraces overlooking the sea alternate with shops created from what once were fishermen's warehouses. You can still observe the construction sites dedicated to the repair work on the boats, and the landing of fish from the returning fishing boats.
In addition to the natural beauty, you will have the opportunity to admire the charm of the imposing Spanish fortresses that were built in the 16th century: Forte Filippo, the Rocca and Forte Stella.
On the way back to the port of Porto Santo Stefano, you will take a short detour to the convent of the Passionist Fathers, at the summit of Monte Argentario. At an altitude of 273 meters you will enjoy the splendid panorama that can be admired from the square. The convent, surrounded by generous vegetation, was built in the late 1700s at the behest of St. Paul of the Cross. The Passionist Fathers promote the memory of Christ's Passion, live in community and lead a life of study, prayer and missionary activity.
- This tour involves walking approximately 2.5 km, sometimes uphill and downhill, with some steps. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun. The inside visit of the convent is not included. Order of sights may vary.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Pompeï
After disembarking, you will board your coach to a scenic 90-minute drive to Pompeii, located at the foot of Mount Vesuvius. Founded in the 6th century BC, it counted approximately 20,000 inhabitants in 79. That year, a volcanic eruption completely buried the flourishing cities of Pompeii, Herculaneum and Stabies. Forgotten during 1,600 years, it was rediscovered by chance to become today one of the florets of archaeology and an extraordinary testimony of the Roman Empire.
You will enter the site by the Porta Marina. Similar to a bastion, facing west, it is the most imposing of the seven gates of Pompeii together with Porta Ercolano. The ring of walls, built in the 6th century BC and still visible today, is over 3,200-metre long. Arriving inside the city, you will first discover the administrative buildings located on the main square. The more recent has kept its marble floor, and its eastern hall might have been the meeting room for the decurions (administrators), and its central hall might be used for the tabularium (legal archive).
Next, opening onto via dell’Abbondanza, is the Comitium, an open-air hall where the populus was summoned to exercise their political-administrative rights. It held the administrators, who presided over the assemblies and supervised the voting procedures. You will proceed by the Macellum. The building, which was the city's main market, dates from the 2nd century BC and underwent subsequent renovations. You will also admire the Basilica dedicated to administering justice and for business negotiations. Passing by the merchant streets you will cross the Forum baths or public baths that where divided in different sections. They were inexpensive and heavily used: bath time was apparently in the early afternoon. You will enter some remarkable villas, modest homes and explore ancient baths, temples, theatres, markets and forum.
After your visit, enjoy a refreshment and a slice of pizza. Then, you will re-board your coach and return to your ship.
- This excursion involves 2,5 km (1,5 miles) of walking over uneven grounds and cobblestone streets. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun. Pompeii is not wheelchair accessible.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
A Twst of Amalfi (Positano & lunch on the Amalfi Coast)
Breathtaking panoramas of sea and mountains, sun-drenched lemons, beautiful churches... From Positano to Amalfi, the Amalfi Coast reveals its treasures that awaken the senses and enchant the spirit.
The adventure begins in Conca dei Marini, an old fishing port home to a charming garden full of lemon trees flourishing in the sunlight. There, a local guide will tell you all about the history of lemons, considered gold in Amalfi. Learn more about this precious citrus fruit by making a limoncello under the supervision of a chef at a nearby restaurant with spectacular sea views, before enjoying a lunch of four lemon-flavoured dishes.
You will then wander through the beautiful historic town of Amalfi on a guided tour of its medieval centre. Stroll through the narrow streets of the Piazza del Duomo before visiting St. Andrew's Cathedral, whose Baroque charm is just as enchanting as the intriguing relics of Andrew it houses, deemed to have miraculous properties.
Finally, you will head off to explore Positano, an Amalfi Coast gem where time seems to stand still.
- This excursion includes some walking on uneven ground and some stairs. We recommend wearing comfortable shoes and sun protection. Clothing covering the shoulders and knees is recommended for entry to religious sites. As the roads along the Amalfi Coast are narrow, the minibuses used for transport are compact. Their air conditioning is less efficient than that of larger coaches.
Total : 225 €
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Ravello
From Amalfi harbour, you will reach Ravello by coach after a 40-minute drive following the narrow main road which stretches along the side of rocky cliffs, overlooking the sea. Every twist and turn of the road offer new and breathtaking views on the world famous Sorrentine peninsula. You will see the rocks rising out of the sea like strange mythological creatures and the small boats in sheltered sandy coves that look like brightly coloured toys from up above.
Ravello is a small city of ancient origins which faces a range of hills overlooking the clear blue sea of the gulf of Salerno. The beauties of this area have inspired poets, painters and musicians during its millennia-old history.
On arrival you will be visiting Villa Rufolo where Wagner stayed. The magical beauties of its gardens and the architecture of the cloisters inspired him for “the Garden of Klingsor”. You will also admire the numerous arches and antique towers as well as the Cathedral, outside visit only.
You will finally drive back to Amalfi, where you will enjoy a soft drink or an ice cream at a local bar.
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Please note that this excursion involves one hour of walking over rough and uneven grounds. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and bring water from the ship. We also recommend you protect yourself from the sun. This tour is limited to 60 participants.
Total : 90 €
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Amalfi & the Emerald Grotto
From the pier, you will board a motor launch to reach the astonishing and colourful Grotta dello Smeraldo (the Emerald grotto) not far from the Amalfi centre. Enjoy the beauty of the Amalfi coast by cruising to the grotto and once there, on board local boats, experience the emotion of such a suggestive natural spot with its shining emerald green shades.
Discovered in 1932, explorers found a unique cave formation stretching 30 metres (100 feet) high by 60 metres (200 feet) wide, hidden along the coastline. The most fascinating aspect of this cave is the underwater entrance 12 metres (30 feet) deep that allows the sunlight to enter the cave, creating a luminescent Emerald Glow.
At the end of the visit, your launch will drive you back to Amalfi to drop you off in the main square where you will visit the impressive Cathedral of the town and spend some time to browse around and taste local specialities like the Limoncello Liquor.
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Operation of tour is subject to the weather conditions of the day. Participants must be able to embark and disembark the local boats and negotiate 60 steps to visit the cathedral. Proper attire is recommended to visit the inside of the Cathedral (shoulders and knees covered). No explanation inside the Cathedral when holy service is performed. We recommend you wear comfortable shoes and protect yourself from the sun. This tour is limited to 100 participants.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Aci Trezza & Rodolico shipyard
From the pier, you will board your coach and start your excursion with a 45-minutes drive through the small town of Naxos, founded by Greek colonisers in the 8th century B.C.- towards Aci Trezza (a small fishing village in the province of Catania) where the Rodolico’s shipwrights ancient yard is located.
The shipwrights have been shaping the wood for thousands of years, giving life to constructions that still sail our waters today. A real art which combines the skills of a designer, naval engineer, carpenter, but also an artist.
The Shipyard of Rodolico family has been operating in Aci Trezza for five generations, holder of this ancient, noble and precious profession which has almost disappeared but full of history, folklore and traditions to be remembered and preserved. The Shipyard was born at the end of 19th century when the Rodolicos began to build rowing and sailing boats for customers in Catania.
In 2014 the family, has been declared, by the Regional Department of Cultural Heritage and Sicilian Identity, intangible heritage of humanity of the Sicily Region. Their "trezzote wooden boats" have been entered in the Register of Intangible Heritage, Book of Trades, of Knowledge and Techniques, of the locality of Aci Trezza.
After the visit of the shipyard, you will reboard the coach and drive back to your ship.
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This tour involves very few walking distance but some steps at the shipyard. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun. This visit is limited to 15 participants. Being an immersive tour, relying on a single artisan availability, please note that in case of force majeure, the tour might be cancelled without prior notice.
Total : 180 €
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Ascent of Mount Etna
Leave the landing pier by coach for the drive to Rifugio Sapienza, about 6,000 ft above sea level, on Mount Etna.
Mt. Etna is Europe’s largest active volcano, the slopes soar up to over 9,800 ft and the flanks are covered with scores of cones and craters. From there you will be able to gaze out across the Catania Gulf and view the woods, orchids and vineyards from the vantage point. But, of course, the major attractions are the crater and the remnants of the awe-inspiring streams of lava.
From there and with the assistance of a professional alpine guide, you will continue by cable car to 7,500 ft and then by special 4x4 minibuses to reach the basis of the main crater at about 8,800 ft above sea level. Up there and still accompanied with your guide, you will be able to go nearer to see last lava flows.
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Since this excursion involves walking at high altitude (9,800 ft – 2 900 m), participants should be in excellent physical condition. Bring a sweater or a jacket as it can be very chilly and windy, and wear sturdy walking shoes. A supplement of €10 per person will be applied if less than 10 persons want to realize the tour. This tour is conducted by an English-speaking photographer-guide. This tour is limited to 80 participants.
Total : 160 €
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Taormina and its Ancient Greek Theatre
On a guided tour, discover Palazzo Corvaja and the Greco-Roman Theatre, two of Taormina's most emblematic monuments, before enjoying some free time on Corso Umberto.
A maze of narrow streets, stairways and small squares, Taormina is set between the blue of the Mediterranean and Mount Etna. During a visit, discover its rich history, marked by the passage of many civilisations.
First stop: the exterior of Palazzo Corvaja, a magnificent 15th-century building adorned with mullioned windows, a witness to Sicily's rich past. Then, you will move on to the impressive Greco-Roman Theatre, dating from the 3rd century B.C. To this day, its vast structure and exceptional acoustics make it a popular venue for summer performances.
After, enjoy some free time to stroll along Corso Umberto, a charming pedestrian street lined with shops and small alleyways featuring local handicrafts.
The tour ends with a coach ride back to Naxos pier, your head full of memories of this Sicilian gem.
- This excursion involves walking a distance of approximately 2 km (1.2 miles) on uneven ground with some steps. We recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes and sun protection. Appropriate clothing must be worn when entering religious sites (shoulders and knees must be covered).
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Lecce - Florence of southern Italy
Stroll around Lecce, the “Baroque Florence”, and discover the countless churches, palaces and monuments carved out of this soft and almost golden limestone that gives the city a glowing look, like the chubby cherubins that decorate its façades.
A veritable open-air museum, Lecce is a microcosm of Baroque splendours. The cherubins, gargoyles, plant patterns, columns and capitals, each more extravagant than the last, are legion here - to the extent that the city lays claim to its own style, the “Barocco Leccese”. It has to be said that the sculptors and architects of the 16th and 17th centuries had a field day with the regional stone, a marvel of malleability and delicacy.
During a guided tour, discover its Roman heritage on the Piazza Sant’Oronzo, where the palazzos, church and Roman amphitheatre dating from the 2nd century try to outdo each other with their beauty. Then head off to explore the Centro Storico historic centre. Its cobbled streets and shady squares are teeming with incredible rococo treasures, including the Basilica of Santa Croce – with a constellation of sublime ornaments -that you will able to visit, and the Governor’s Palace whose façades you will admire.
A few metres away, the Piazza del Duomo, in spectacular golden monochrome, proudly displays a cathedral, its bell tower and the archbishop’s palace, making it one of Italy’s most beautiful squares. The exploration of the city centre ends with some free time to discover the city at your own pace, before getting back on the bus for Otranto.
- This excursion involves a coach journey to Lecce as well as walking 2 kilometres (1.2 miles) on uneven surfaces, with some steps to negotiate. We recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes and sun protection. Appropriate attire is required when visiting religious sites: knees and shoulders must be covered. On Sundays and religious public holidays and during religious celebrations, groups are not allowed to enter churches during service. The order of visits may change.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Boat tour along the Apulian coast
Set off on an exceptional experience along the Puglia coast: an escapade in a boat through fascinating grottos, crystal-clear waters and landscapes that will take your breath away.
Beneath the dazzling sky of Southern Italy, allow yourselves to be guided towards Castro Marina, a small port nestling in the hollow of a coastline carved out by the sea. Here, every stone, every gust of wind wears the perfume of the Mediterranean. Aboard a boat, sail along the wild shorelines of Puglia. Nature will open its arms to you in this unique setting. Legendary cavities appear between golden cliffs and the azure-blue water. Their names carry a mythical echo: Azzurra, Zinzulusa, Palombara…
You will approach these marine sanctuaries in the softness of the open sea. The Azzurra Grotto, with its almost surreal sparkle, invites contemplation. Further on, Zinzulusa reveals its monumental, mysterious and captivating cave. If maritime conditions allow it, you will have the opportunity to swim and snorkel with a certified guide to discover the marine treasures of the Mediterranean.
Local flavours will then extend the escapade, with a snack.
- This excursion involves walking on a sloping path between the car park and the embarkation pier of the local boat. We recommend bringing swimwear, non-slip swimming shoes and sun protection. This excursion is not suitable for persons with reduced mobility or in a wheelchair. A minimum of 20 participants is required.
Total : 145 €
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
The Renaissance city of Urbino
Set off to discover the historic city of Urbino, famous for its Renaissance heritage. There, you will delve into the history of the Montefeltro dynasty and Federico III, a passionate patron of art and literature responsible for a large number of the cultural treasures in this prestigious city.
You will journey through the rolling hills of Montefeltro on a 90-minute coach trip to Urbino, a city renowned for its Renaissance heritage, which particularly flourished during the reign of Federico III da Montefeltro, Duke of Urbino from 1444 to 1482. An able statesman with great skill in diplomacy and a passion for culture, he established strong relations with neighbouring kingdoms and the papacy and, in 1474, received the title of “Pope’s Duke”.
It was he who had the stunning Ducal Palace, Palazzo Ducale, built in the heart of the old city. You will take the time to visit this majestic building, which hosted the greatest artistic and literary talents of its time, including Piero della Francesca, Leon Battista Alberti and Giovanni Santi, the father of Raphael. In fact, it is in the Ducal Palace that the young Raphael, the most famous Italian painter and architect of the High Renaissance, first began painting.
During a guided walking tour of the historic centre, you will have the chance to admire the house where this iconic artist was born and the façade of the Urbino Cathedral, built in 1062 by Bishop Beato Mainardo.
After your visit, you will board the coach once again for the return trip to Ancona.
· This excursion involves walking a distance of approximately 2.5 kilometres (1.5 miles) on mainly flat ground that is only partially accessible to wheelchair users.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Jesi & the Palazzo Pianetti
Set among the hills and vineyards of the region, Jesi is best known for its medieval centre composed with sturdy walls and towers surrounding the town. These defensive fortifications date from its 14th century heyday as the capital of a small independent state. The old town, laid out along a raised ridge, is well preserved and the most interesting part of the town for visitors, with several interesting palaces and buildings to admire.
After disembarking, you will board your coach for the 45-minute drive to Jesi.
Your walking tour will start from the Piazza Federico II, where, according to tradition, the Holy Roman Emperor Frederick II was born. The Federico II Square is the oldest and the largest square in Jesi. Located where the city's Roman Forum once stood on top of the hill, it is surrounded by the medieval centre that includes the most important buildings of the city.
Inside the walls, you will see the San Settimio Cathedral, dedicated to the patron saint of the city; the Palazzo della Singori, a fine example of the Renaissance architecture; Palazzo Ricci, dating from the 15th century, characterised by its facade of diamond shaped marble blocks. Just outside the city walls, you will see the Rococo Palazzo Pianetti, and visit the Pinacoteca Comunale, which hosts artworks by Lorenzo Lotto.
After your walking tour, you will have the chance to visit a local cellar and taste a couple of the best-known D.O.C. wines of the area, such as the Verdicchio or Lacrima Di Morro D’Alba, accompanied by a taste of local food. Then you will walk to your coach for the one-hour drive back to your ship.
- This excursion involves 1,3 mile (2 km) of walking on flat streets with steps (2 stairs in the Pinacoteca Comunale). We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
San Marino Republic and Lunch
From the pier, you will board your coach for a 1-hour and 45 minutes drive from the port to the tiny Republic of San Marino surrounded by the Italian Republic.
Your walking tour starts from Piazza della Libertà after having met the Republic guide at the town access door named Port San Francesco.
Piazza della Libertà overlooks the Republic’s Western territory and the region of Montefeltro. Here you can stop to greet the 1896 statue of Lady Liberty before seeing the exterior of Palazzo del Governo, the seat of San Marino’s Grand Council. Here you can also have the opportunity to see the Changing of the San Marino Guards. Just above the square lies the neoclassical Basilica of San Marino.
At the end of your guided tour you will have some free time to stroll around and enjoy shopping in the little alleys of the old town. Collectors may buy unique coins and stamps of the Republic, but if shopping is not your scene, then why not visit the Church of San Francesco or, paying a small fee, have a San Marino stamp in your passport.
You will then enjoy a 3 course typical lunch, in a local restaurant.
After lunch, relax yourself on a panoramic drive heading back to Ravenna and return to your ship.
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This tour involves a minimum of 2,5 kms of walking on stones, uneven, slopes and inclines. We recommend you wear comfortable clothes, walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun. Proper attire is required when visiting sacred sites and Government buildings. Ladies must cover their knees and shoulders, while gentlemen must wear pants. Shops in Ravenna are closed on Thursday afternoon and Sunday. During peak periods, you may encounter traffic on the way to San Marino, lines and dense crowds in the town centre.
Only the Republic guides are allowed to perform guided visits within San Marino territory. The order of visits may vary.
Total : 175 €
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Le Bougainville
Welcoming and spacious common areas, refined open-to-the-sea design, sleek exterior lines, a marina to make access to the ship's zodiac inflatables easier, hi-tech equipment, an outdoor pool, an underwater lounge… Le Bougainville represents the new generation of ships designed to combine discovery and exploration with luxury, even in the planet's most remote and isolated regions.
Decks
Guest Speaker
Aboard your ship, an English-speaking lecturer will enlighten you about the culture and history of your destination to deepen your knowledge of the origins of local traditions, the history of emblematic sites, and stories involving famous personalities and those of major historical significance. During on-board lectures or on your shore visits, this expert will be there to share their precious knowledge with you throughout your PONANT cruise.
Timeless
With one included excursion per day and per guest*, and the presence of expert lecturers on board, Timeless Explorations blend cultural curiosity, immersive experiences, and serene relaxation. A refined way to journey far from the everyday, both in mind and in spirit.
- Activities: One included excursion per day and per guest. Optional paid excursions are also available depending on the port of call.
- Landings (depending on the destination): By dock, tender boat, or aboard local vessels.
- Your experts on board: The dedicated excursion team and one or more guest lecturers.
- Children: Children from one year of age are welcome on board (from 8 years old on board Le Commandant Charcot).
*Excluding Paul Gauguin
The full program of all excursions, both included and optional, is available eight months prior to departure. Reservations open approximately two months before departure.
Shore excursions, Pre/Post & Overlands
Portofino walking tour
Through the centuries, Portofino functioned primarily as a fishing village and, occasionally, as a small naval port. Today, it is a classy resort-village. Portofino's miniscule bay is neatly packed with pricey yachts, common boats and, as a vestige of its past, some fishing boats.
From the pier, you will meet your local guide and start your panoramic walking tour. If you don't bring your camera to Portofino, you will regret it. The town is striking with its brightly colored antique buildings hovering over sparkling blue water. And the surrounding luxuriant green hillsides of the Portofino Promontory are equally stunning.
Your walk heads up to the right as you face the harbour. You will enjoy a path through one of the largest concentrations of flora and fauna in the Mediterranean. For some fantastic views of the entire bay and the Tigullian Gulf, you will walk up the hill to the Church of San Giorgio. Perched high above the town, this church contains relics of St. George brought over by crusaders from the Holy Land. From here you will walk to another great lookout point at the Punto del Capo, the Portofino lighthouse.
Afterward, you will take the way back to the pier.
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This tour involves walking 2.5 miles (4 km) on flat and cobblestone ground and sloping floor. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun. Internal visits of the Church of San Giorgio and Portofino lighthouse are not included.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Santa Margherita & Rapallo by private boat
From the pier, you will meet your local guide and take a 15-minute walk to your private boat. You will embark for a scenic cruise to Santa Margherita.
Portofino and the Tigullio Gulf are world-renowned symbols of Italy. The coast is a sequence of resorts with marinas, pastel-coloured houses, giving to this place a seductive atmosphere of la dolce vita. Suspended between the intense blue of the sea and the green mountains, it offers some of the most famous views in Italy.
Upon arrival in the charming town of Santa Margherita, you will start your exploration with the downtown area before visiting the Santa Margherita di Antiochia Basilica, also known as ‘La Madonna della Rosa’. The church honours the legend of a sailor who brought a sculpture of the Virgin Mary with a rose in her right hand and Jesus on her left arm.
Then, you will re-embark your private boat and continue your coastal cruise to Rapallo. This beautiful town of the Italian Riviera features a gracious old seaside and port, remains of its Medieval and Renaissance-style architecture. You guide will take you in the narrow streets of the town and will explain the richness of Rapallo’s history and architecture.
Afterwards, you will get back to your private boat and enjoy the 30-minute scenic cruise back to your ship.
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This tour involves walking 1,2 miles (2 km) on flat ground and some cobblestones surface. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun. We also recommend you bring a windproof jacket for the scenic cruise. Appropriate clothing is recommended to enter religious sites (shoulders and knees covered). Operation of tour is subject to the weather conditions of the day.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Hiking to San Fruttuoso
San Fruttuoso is located at the foot of the Portofino Mountain and can be reached by boat or by following the hiking trails on the mountain.
From the pier, you will meet your hiking guide and start your walk to San Fruttuoso. The beginning of the hike takes place on a very scenic route without major difficulties, but expect a small climb to reach the heights of Portofino.
After 10 minutes, in the locality of Palara, you will reach a gate and barrier that prevent wild animals from entering. Continue through a short tunnel created by a line of shrubs on both sides, allowing you to bypass the village of San Sebastian. The trail continues to climb straight ahead from there.
Some metres away, you will reach a second gate in Cappeletta. From here, the trail of mostly flat, dirt roads winds through the countryside to Vessinaro, where the trail deviates to "Cala degli Inglesi", a beautiful cove accessible only by foot or boat.
You will then walk toward the western side of the promontory that overlooks the numerous coves below. The trail alternates in short stretches of ups and downs along protruding rocks. After one-hour and 15 minutes of walking, you will reach Base 0, a former military post during World War II.
From here the trail enters the woods and down in a steep and irregular path, with large panoramic views over the village. San Fruttuoso is around the corner, and passing under a porch, you will enter the first of two enchanting bays. You will then enjoy a visit of the interior of San Fruttuoso Abbey. According to the legend, the place where the Abbey was to be built was shown to Bishop Fruttuoso in a dream. He would later die at the stake in Spain, but first shared his dream with five monks, who, after wandering for a long time along the Ligurian coast, recognised the place and built the Abbey there. The first document attesting to the presence of the monastery dates to 984. It then passed to the Benedictines, who enlarged it, and then to the Doria family. The Abbey reached its greatest splendour in the 15th century. It has been the main political and economic centre of the promontory until the last century, and influenced the organisation of the territory, agricultural system and fishing economy.
After the visit, you will enjoy some free time to stroll or bathe in the clear water of the cove.
Finally, you will return to Portofino by public motorboat and reach your ship.
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This tour involves walking 3,8 miles (6 km) on uneven, cobblestoned, and sometimes slippery terrain with inclines and declines. We recommend you wear sturdy walking shoes, comfortable light clothing, and your swimsuit under it, and protect yourself from the sun. In case of rain or bad sea, the tour might be cancelled. This tour is not recommended for those who are scared of heights. Please note the tour will be guided only in English.
Total : 80 €
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Kayaking in the Tigullian bay
Portofino and the Tigullio Gulf are world-renowned symbols of Italy. The coast is a sequence of resorts with marinas and pastel-coloured houses, giving this place a seductive atmosphere of la dolce vita. Suspended between the intense blue of the sea and the green mountains, it offers some of the most famous views in Italy.
Today, you will have the chance of discovering the secrets of Portofino’s Marine Park.
From the pier, you will meet your guide and walk for 30 minutes to Niasca Bay, where the kayak experience will begin, allowing you to explore the beauty of the Tigullian Bay.
Upon your arrival, you will be briefed on how to paddle a kayak, and then you will be ready to explore the Tigullian Bay coast, starting from Niasca and leaving the spectacular view of Paraggi Gulf behind you. Guided by marine biologists and local experts, you will have the chance to meet the most peculiar and traditional aspects of this small and rich natural sanctuary and its many forms.
You will then reach the port of Portofino and the small beach of Olivetta, where century-old maritime pine trees tower over the skyline. Then, you’ll soon reach a stretch of coast rich with caves and inlets, which are accessible only by kayak. Here, you will be able to spot a great variety of fauna (grey herons, cormorants and dolphins). Passing by the “Punta del Faro”, the lighthouse, the panorama will change: no trace of civilization can be seen as wild nature finally takes over!
After your kayak experience, you will paddle back to Niasca and return to Portofino and your ship, on foot.
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This tour involves walking 1,2 miles (2 km) on flat ground and some cobblestones surface. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes, beachwear, and your swimsuit under your clothes. Please bring your towel and bottle of water from the ship. The kayaks are for 2 persons, paddle and lifejacket are provided. We recommend protecting yourself from the sun. Operation of tour is subject to the weather conditions of the day. Please note there are no commodities available during the tour, only public toilets in Portofino. You must be able to swim to take part in this excursion. You will also be required to sign a liability waiver.
Total : 100 €
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Lucca and Pisa
From the pier, board your coach to Lucca, 45-minute drive. Lucca is the most civilized of Tuscany's cities, a stately grid of Roman roads snug behind a mammoth belt of tree-topped battlements. It is home to Puccini and hosts an elegant landscape of churches and palaces, delicate facades, and Art Nouveau shop fronts on wide promenades.
You will first visit the highlights of Lucca with your local guide. The walls are what make Lucca, and they comprise a city park more than 2,5 miles (4 km) long but only about 59 feet (18 m) wide, filled with avenues of plane, chestnut, and ilex trees planted by Marie-Louise Bourbon in the 19th century.
Near the north end of Via Fillungo, you will admire a series of houses which were built during the Middle Ages into the remains of a 1st or 2nd century AD. Roman amphitheatre, which had been used for centuries as a quarry for raw materials to raise the city's churches and palaces. The outline of the stadium was still visible in the 1930s when Duke Ludovico asked local architect Lorenzo Nottolini to rearrange the space and bring out the ancient form better.
Then, you will discover Piazza San Michele, the centre of the town, crammed with cafés and shops and the church of San Michele in Foro, as beautiful as a 12th century Romanesque church. It boasts a Pisan-inspired façade of blind arches with lozenges and colonnaded arcades. It is smack in the centre of town - on top of the ancient Roman forum, in fact, hence the name. Finally, you will enjoy the outside view of the façade of Lucca's Duomo is an excellent and eye-catching example of the Pisan-Lucchese Romanesque school of architecture.
After enjoying a fine lunch at Buca di Sant'Antonio, you will get back to your coach and take the 30-minute drive to Pisa.
Since the beginning of tourism in Mediterranean region, Pisa has been known for just one thing – the Leaning Tower – a freakishly beautiful building whose impact no amount of prior knowledge can blunt. Yet it is just a single component of the city’s amazing religious core – the Campo dei Miracoli – where the Duomo, Baptistery and Camposanto complete an unrivalled quartet of medieval masterpieces. Here, you will enjoy a walking tour in the beautiful city with your local guide before getting back to your coach and join your ship.
- This tour involves approximately 3,7 miles (6 km) of walking on cobblestoned streets with some steps. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun. Appropriate dress is recommended when visiting religious sites (shoulders and knees covered). The walking tour in Pisa does not include internal visit of the monuments.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Medieval Lucca
From the pier, board your coach for the 45-minute drive to Lucca. Lucca is the most civilized of Tuscany's cities, a stately grid of Roman roads snug behind a mammoth belt of tree-topped battlements. It is home to Puccini and hosts an elegant landscape of churches and palaces, delicate facades, and Art Nouveau shop fronts on wide promenades.
Lucca is enclosed by massive red brick walls, which help to give the city its special character by shutting out traffic and the modern world. Within these walls, Lucca is a peaceful city of narrow lanes that has managed to preserve its ancient Roman street plan. The walls are what make Lucca, and they comprise a city park more than 2 ½ miles (4 km) long but only about 59 feet (18 m) wide, filled with avenues of plane, chestnut, and ilex trees planted by Marie-Louise Bourbon in the 19th century.
You will discover Piazza San Michele in the centre of the town, crammed with cafés and shops and the church of San Michele in Foro, a beautiful example of a 12th century Romanesque church. It boasts a Pisan-inspired façade of blind arches with lozenges and colonnaded arcades. It is smack in the centre of town - on top of the ancient Roman forum, from whence the name. Finally, you will enjoy an exterior view of the façade of Lucca's Duomo, an excellent and eye-catching example of the Pisan-Lucchese Romanesque school of architecture.
Next, you will head to the Piazza Anfiteatro, formerly the ancient Roman Amphitheatre. Today, it is enclosed by medieval houses that were built up against the walls of the amphitheatre. Its perfectly preserved shape is a reminder that Lucca was founded by the Romans in 180 B.C. The outline of the stadium was still visible in the 1930s when Duke Ludovico asked local architect Lorenzo Nottolini to rearrange the space.
From here, you will continue to the Church of San Frediano (exterior visit), which is adorned with a striking façade and a 13th-century mosaic. The guided portion of your visit concludes at Via Fillungo, Lucca’s principal shopping street, which winds its way through the heart of the city towards the Roman Amphitheatre.
Following your walking tour, enjoy some free time for exploring the area on your own and browsing the shops at your leisure before re-boarding your coach for the return drive to the port.
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This tour involves approximately 3 miles (5 km) of walking on cobblestoned streets with some steps. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Treasures of Pisa
On this excursion, discover one of the most fascinating symbols of Italy: the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa and the architectural treasures of the Piazza dei Miracoli, or “square of miracles”.
There are places that never stop inspiring people to dream, landscapes where history whispers from every stone and where the architecture is pure poetry. This time spent in the heart of Tuscany will have you following in the footsteps of genius builders and medieval legends, in one of the world’s most admired complex of monuments.
From the moment you arrive in Pisa, you will fall under its charm as a local guide tells you all about the landmarks. Stand before the Piazza dei Miracoli, or “square of miracles”, a white marble treasure bathed in light. Admire the mythical Leaning Tower, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its characteristic lean has been a source of intrigue and fascination for centuries. Next, enter the majestic cathedral dedicated to the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, a Pisan Romanesque masterpiece that gracefully blends Eastern and Western influences. Then, time will stand still as you discover the stunning Baptistery and the acoustics under its double dome. Finally, the Camposanto Monumentale, or monumental cemetery, will reveal its history marked by tales of the Crusades and the Holy Land.
· This excursion involves walking a distance of around 6 km (3.7 miles) in total, along cobbled streets, with some steps to navigate. We recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes and sun protection. Appropriate clothing is recommended when visiting religious sites (shoulders and knees covered).
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Wine tasting and panoramic drive
From the pier, you will board your coach and take the 30-minute drive to La Parrina Estate.
Tenuta la Parrina is one of the oldest historic farms that lies between the low hills of the Tuscan Maremma in a spectacular landscape with olive trees, vineyards and fields of golden grain. The estate is spread on an area of about 200 hectares, 60 of which are destined to vineyards, 40 to fruit production, 20 to the horticultural, 22 to the olive plants, and the remaining are divided between arable land and growing nurseries.
Upon arrival, you will enjoy a guided visit of the estate, followed by wine tasting accompanied by local products. You will have the opportunity to see how to make a wine, starting with the grape harvest, through the vinification and aging and ending with bottling. La Parrina DOC wines are produced in the basement of the estate since 1971. The cellar is certainly a tribute to the land, because it is the instrument with which they produce quality wines, but it is also the physical location in which they give the opportunity to their guests to come into direct contact with the production philosophy.
After your visit, you will board your coach for a 1-hour panoramic drive to the Argentario promontory, ending in Porto Santo Stefano, a very charming village. While comfortably sitted on your bus you will learn some history facts and admire the rich landscapes, that make this territory even more fascinating.
You will finally be back to your ship.
- The tour involves walking on flat and gravel ground during the visit of the estate. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun. Walking distance is at guest’s discretion.
Total : 95 €
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Panoramic Argentario and Porto Ercole
From the pier, you will meet your local guide and board your coach for the 40-minute panoramic drive to Porto Ercole. Here, you will start your walking tour of Porto Ercole, a lovely seaside resort located on the Argentario promontory.
The first inhabitants of Porto Ercole were fishermen and still today, walking along the small port, one encounters old sea wolves intent on repairing fishing nets. You will cross the Pisan door and take a walk in the heart of the village among alleys, squares overlooking the sea and stairways that will lead you to the church and then to the Rocca. You will walk along the promenade, where bars and restaurants with terraces overlooking the sea alternate with shops created from what once were fishermen's warehouses. You can still observe the construction sites dedicated to the repair work on the boats, and the landing of fish from the returning fishing boats.
In addition to the natural beauty, you will have the opportunity to admire the charm of the imposing Spanish fortresses that were built in the 16th century: Forte Filippo, the Rocca and Forte Stella.
On the way back to the port of Porto Santo Stefano, you will take a short detour to the convent of the Passionist Fathers, at the summit of Monte Argentario. At an altitude of 273 meters you will enjoy the splendid panorama that can be admired from the square. The convent, surrounded by generous vegetation, was built in the late 1700s at the behest of St. Paul of the Cross. The Passionist Fathers promote the memory of Christ's Passion, live in community and lead a life of study, prayer and missionary activity.
- This tour involves walking approximately 2.5 km, sometimes uphill and downhill, with some steps. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun. The inside visit of the convent is not included. Order of sights may vary.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Pompeï
After disembarking, you will board your coach to a scenic 90-minute drive to Pompeii, located at the foot of Mount Vesuvius. Founded in the 6th century BC, it counted approximately 20,000 inhabitants in 79. That year, a volcanic eruption completely buried the flourishing cities of Pompeii, Herculaneum and Stabies. Forgotten during 1,600 years, it was rediscovered by chance to become today one of the florets of archaeology and an extraordinary testimony of the Roman Empire.
You will enter the site by the Porta Marina. Similar to a bastion, facing west, it is the most imposing of the seven gates of Pompeii together with Porta Ercolano. The ring of walls, built in the 6th century BC and still visible today, is over 3,200-metre long. Arriving inside the city, you will first discover the administrative buildings located on the main square. The more recent has kept its marble floor, and its eastern hall might have been the meeting room for the decurions (administrators), and its central hall might be used for the tabularium (legal archive).
Next, opening onto via dell’Abbondanza, is the Comitium, an open-air hall where the populus was summoned to exercise their political-administrative rights. It held the administrators, who presided over the assemblies and supervised the voting procedures. You will proceed by the Macellum. The building, which was the city's main market, dates from the 2nd century BC and underwent subsequent renovations. You will also admire the Basilica dedicated to administering justice and for business negotiations. Passing by the merchant streets you will cross the Forum baths or public baths that where divided in different sections. They were inexpensive and heavily used: bath time was apparently in the early afternoon. You will enter some remarkable villas, modest homes and explore ancient baths, temples, theatres, markets and forum.
After your visit, enjoy a refreshment and a slice of pizza. Then, you will re-board your coach and return to your ship.
- This excursion involves 2,5 km (1,5 miles) of walking over uneven grounds and cobblestone streets. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun. Pompeii is not wheelchair accessible.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
A Twst of Amalfi (Positano & lunch on the Amalfi Coast)
Breathtaking panoramas of sea and mountains, sun-drenched lemons, beautiful churches... From Positano to Amalfi, the Amalfi Coast reveals its treasures that awaken the senses and enchant the spirit.
The adventure begins in Conca dei Marini, an old fishing port home to a charming garden full of lemon trees flourishing in the sunlight. There, a local guide will tell you all about the history of lemons, considered gold in Amalfi. Learn more about this precious citrus fruit by making a limoncello under the supervision of a chef at a nearby restaurant with spectacular sea views, before enjoying a lunch of four lemon-flavoured dishes.
You will then wander through the beautiful historic town of Amalfi on a guided tour of its medieval centre. Stroll through the narrow streets of the Piazza del Duomo before visiting St. Andrew's Cathedral, whose Baroque charm is just as enchanting as the intriguing relics of Andrew it houses, deemed to have miraculous properties.
Finally, you will head off to explore Positano, an Amalfi Coast gem where time seems to stand still.
- This excursion includes some walking on uneven ground and some stairs. We recommend wearing comfortable shoes and sun protection. Clothing covering the shoulders and knees is recommended for entry to religious sites. As the roads along the Amalfi Coast are narrow, the minibuses used for transport are compact. Their air conditioning is less efficient than that of larger coaches.
Total : 225 €
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Ravello
From Amalfi harbour, you will reach Ravello by coach after a 40-minute drive following the narrow main road which stretches along the side of rocky cliffs, overlooking the sea. Every twist and turn of the road offer new and breathtaking views on the world famous Sorrentine peninsula. You will see the rocks rising out of the sea like strange mythological creatures and the small boats in sheltered sandy coves that look like brightly coloured toys from up above.
Ravello is a small city of ancient origins which faces a range of hills overlooking the clear blue sea of the gulf of Salerno. The beauties of this area have inspired poets, painters and musicians during its millennia-old history.
On arrival you will be visiting Villa Rufolo where Wagner stayed. The magical beauties of its gardens and the architecture of the cloisters inspired him for “the Garden of Klingsor”. You will also admire the numerous arches and antique towers as well as the Cathedral, outside visit only.
You will finally drive back to Amalfi, where you will enjoy a soft drink or an ice cream at a local bar.
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Please note that this excursion involves one hour of walking over rough and uneven grounds. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and bring water from the ship. We also recommend you protect yourself from the sun. This tour is limited to 60 participants.
Total : 90 €
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Amalfi & the Emerald Grotto
From the pier, you will board a motor launch to reach the astonishing and colourful Grotta dello Smeraldo (the Emerald grotto) not far from the Amalfi centre. Enjoy the beauty of the Amalfi coast by cruising to the grotto and once there, on board local boats, experience the emotion of such a suggestive natural spot with its shining emerald green shades.
Discovered in 1932, explorers found a unique cave formation stretching 30 metres (100 feet) high by 60 metres (200 feet) wide, hidden along the coastline. The most fascinating aspect of this cave is the underwater entrance 12 metres (30 feet) deep that allows the sunlight to enter the cave, creating a luminescent Emerald Glow.
At the end of the visit, your launch will drive you back to Amalfi to drop you off in the main square where you will visit the impressive Cathedral of the town and spend some time to browse around and taste local specialities like the Limoncello Liquor.
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Operation of tour is subject to the weather conditions of the day. Participants must be able to embark and disembark the local boats and negotiate 60 steps to visit the cathedral. Proper attire is recommended to visit the inside of the Cathedral (shoulders and knees covered). No explanation inside the Cathedral when holy service is performed. We recommend you wear comfortable shoes and protect yourself from the sun. This tour is limited to 100 participants.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Aci Trezza & Rodolico shipyard
From the pier, you will board your coach and start your excursion with a 45-minutes drive through the small town of Naxos, founded by Greek colonisers in the 8th century B.C.- towards Aci Trezza (a small fishing village in the province of Catania) where the Rodolico’s shipwrights ancient yard is located.
The shipwrights have been shaping the wood for thousands of years, giving life to constructions that still sail our waters today. A real art which combines the skills of a designer, naval engineer, carpenter, but also an artist.
The Shipyard of Rodolico family has been operating in Aci Trezza for five generations, holder of this ancient, noble and precious profession which has almost disappeared but full of history, folklore and traditions to be remembered and preserved. The Shipyard was born at the end of 19th century when the Rodolicos began to build rowing and sailing boats for customers in Catania.
In 2014 the family, has been declared, by the Regional Department of Cultural Heritage and Sicilian Identity, intangible heritage of humanity of the Sicily Region. Their "trezzote wooden boats" have been entered in the Register of Intangible Heritage, Book of Trades, of Knowledge and Techniques, of the locality of Aci Trezza.
After the visit of the shipyard, you will reboard the coach and drive back to your ship.
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This tour involves very few walking distance but some steps at the shipyard. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun. This visit is limited to 15 participants. Being an immersive tour, relying on a single artisan availability, please note that in case of force majeure, the tour might be cancelled without prior notice.
Total : 180 €
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Ascent of Mount Etna
Leave the landing pier by coach for the drive to Rifugio Sapienza, about 6,000 ft above sea level, on Mount Etna.
Mt. Etna is Europe’s largest active volcano, the slopes soar up to over 9,800 ft and the flanks are covered with scores of cones and craters. From there you will be able to gaze out across the Catania Gulf and view the woods, orchids and vineyards from the vantage point. But, of course, the major attractions are the crater and the remnants of the awe-inspiring streams of lava.
From there and with the assistance of a professional alpine guide, you will continue by cable car to 7,500 ft and then by special 4x4 minibuses to reach the basis of the main crater at about 8,800 ft above sea level. Up there and still accompanied with your guide, you will be able to go nearer to see last lava flows.
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Since this excursion involves walking at high altitude (9,800 ft – 2 900 m), participants should be in excellent physical condition. Bring a sweater or a jacket as it can be very chilly and windy, and wear sturdy walking shoes. A supplement of €10 per person will be applied if less than 10 persons want to realize the tour. This tour is conducted by an English-speaking photographer-guide. This tour is limited to 80 participants.
Total : 160 €
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Taormina and its Ancient Greek Theatre
On a guided tour, discover Palazzo Corvaja and the Greco-Roman Theatre, two of Taormina's most emblematic monuments, before enjoying some free time on Corso Umberto.
A maze of narrow streets, stairways and small squares, Taormina is set between the blue of the Mediterranean and Mount Etna. During a visit, discover its rich history, marked by the passage of many civilisations.
First stop: the exterior of Palazzo Corvaja, a magnificent 15th-century building adorned with mullioned windows, a witness to Sicily's rich past. Then, you will move on to the impressive Greco-Roman Theatre, dating from the 3rd century B.C. To this day, its vast structure and exceptional acoustics make it a popular venue for summer performances.
After, enjoy some free time to stroll along Corso Umberto, a charming pedestrian street lined with shops and small alleyways featuring local handicrafts.
The tour ends with a coach ride back to Naxos pier, your head full of memories of this Sicilian gem.
- This excursion involves walking a distance of approximately 2 km (1.2 miles) on uneven ground with some steps. We recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes and sun protection. Appropriate clothing must be worn when entering religious sites (shoulders and knees must be covered).
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Lecce - Florence of southern Italy
Stroll around Lecce, the “Baroque Florence”, and discover the countless churches, palaces and monuments carved out of this soft and almost golden limestone that gives the city a glowing look, like the chubby cherubins that decorate its façades.
A veritable open-air museum, Lecce is a microcosm of Baroque splendours. The cherubins, gargoyles, plant patterns, columns and capitals, each more extravagant than the last, are legion here - to the extent that the city lays claim to its own style, the “Barocco Leccese”. It has to be said that the sculptors and architects of the 16th and 17th centuries had a field day with the regional stone, a marvel of malleability and delicacy.
During a guided tour, discover its Roman heritage on the Piazza Sant’Oronzo, where the palazzos, church and Roman amphitheatre dating from the 2nd century try to outdo each other with their beauty. Then head off to explore the Centro Storico historic centre. Its cobbled streets and shady squares are teeming with incredible rococo treasures, including the Basilica of Santa Croce – with a constellation of sublime ornaments -that you will able to visit, and the Governor’s Palace whose façades you will admire.
A few metres away, the Piazza del Duomo, in spectacular golden monochrome, proudly displays a cathedral, its bell tower and the archbishop’s palace, making it one of Italy’s most beautiful squares. The exploration of the city centre ends with some free time to discover the city at your own pace, before getting back on the bus for Otranto.
- This excursion involves a coach journey to Lecce as well as walking 2 kilometres (1.2 miles) on uneven surfaces, with some steps to negotiate. We recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes and sun protection. Appropriate attire is required when visiting religious sites: knees and shoulders must be covered. On Sundays and religious public holidays and during religious celebrations, groups are not allowed to enter churches during service. The order of visits may change.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Boat tour along the Apulian coast
Set off on an exceptional experience along the Puglia coast: an escapade in a boat through fascinating grottos, crystal-clear waters and landscapes that will take your breath away.
Beneath the dazzling sky of Southern Italy, allow yourselves to be guided towards Castro Marina, a small port nestling in the hollow of a coastline carved out by the sea. Here, every stone, every gust of wind wears the perfume of the Mediterranean. Aboard a boat, sail along the wild shorelines of Puglia. Nature will open its arms to you in this unique setting. Legendary cavities appear between golden cliffs and the azure-blue water. Their names carry a mythical echo: Azzurra, Zinzulusa, Palombara…
You will approach these marine sanctuaries in the softness of the open sea. The Azzurra Grotto, with its almost surreal sparkle, invites contemplation. Further on, Zinzulusa reveals its monumental, mysterious and captivating cave. If maritime conditions allow it, you will have the opportunity to swim and snorkel with a certified guide to discover the marine treasures of the Mediterranean.
Local flavours will then extend the escapade, with a snack.
- This excursion involves walking on a sloping path between the car park and the embarkation pier of the local boat. We recommend bringing swimwear, non-slip swimming shoes and sun protection. This excursion is not suitable for persons with reduced mobility or in a wheelchair. A minimum of 20 participants is required.
Total : 145 €
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
The Renaissance city of Urbino
Set off to discover the historic city of Urbino, famous for its Renaissance heritage. There, you will delve into the history of the Montefeltro dynasty and Federico III, a passionate patron of art and literature responsible for a large number of the cultural treasures in this prestigious city.
You will journey through the rolling hills of Montefeltro on a 90-minute coach trip to Urbino, a city renowned for its Renaissance heritage, which particularly flourished during the reign of Federico III da Montefeltro, Duke of Urbino from 1444 to 1482. An able statesman with great skill in diplomacy and a passion for culture, he established strong relations with neighbouring kingdoms and the papacy and, in 1474, received the title of “Pope’s Duke”.
It was he who had the stunning Ducal Palace, Palazzo Ducale, built in the heart of the old city. You will take the time to visit this majestic building, which hosted the greatest artistic and literary talents of its time, including Piero della Francesca, Leon Battista Alberti and Giovanni Santi, the father of Raphael. In fact, it is in the Ducal Palace that the young Raphael, the most famous Italian painter and architect of the High Renaissance, first began painting.
During a guided walking tour of the historic centre, you will have the chance to admire the house where this iconic artist was born and the façade of the Urbino Cathedral, built in 1062 by Bishop Beato Mainardo.
After your visit, you will board the coach once again for the return trip to Ancona.
· This excursion involves walking a distance of approximately 2.5 kilometres (1.5 miles) on mainly flat ground that is only partially accessible to wheelchair users.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Jesi & the Palazzo Pianetti
Set among the hills and vineyards of the region, Jesi is best known for its medieval centre composed with sturdy walls and towers surrounding the town. These defensive fortifications date from its 14th century heyday as the capital of a small independent state. The old town, laid out along a raised ridge, is well preserved and the most interesting part of the town for visitors, with several interesting palaces and buildings to admire.
After disembarking, you will board your coach for the 45-minute drive to Jesi.
Your walking tour will start from the Piazza Federico II, where, according to tradition, the Holy Roman Emperor Frederick II was born. The Federico II Square is the oldest and the largest square in Jesi. Located where the city's Roman Forum once stood on top of the hill, it is surrounded by the medieval centre that includes the most important buildings of the city.
Inside the walls, you will see the San Settimio Cathedral, dedicated to the patron saint of the city; the Palazzo della Singori, a fine example of the Renaissance architecture; Palazzo Ricci, dating from the 15th century, characterised by its facade of diamond shaped marble blocks. Just outside the city walls, you will see the Rococo Palazzo Pianetti, and visit the Pinacoteca Comunale, which hosts artworks by Lorenzo Lotto.
After your walking tour, you will have the chance to visit a local cellar and taste a couple of the best-known D.O.C. wines of the area, such as the Verdicchio or Lacrima Di Morro D’Alba, accompanied by a taste of local food. Then you will walk to your coach for the one-hour drive back to your ship.
- This excursion involves 1,3 mile (2 km) of walking on flat streets with steps (2 stairs in the Pinacoteca Comunale). We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
San Marino Republic and Lunch
From the pier, you will board your coach for a 1-hour and 45 minutes drive from the port to the tiny Republic of San Marino surrounded by the Italian Republic.
Your walking tour starts from Piazza della Libertà after having met the Republic guide at the town access door named Port San Francesco.
Piazza della Libertà overlooks the Republic’s Western territory and the region of Montefeltro. Here you can stop to greet the 1896 statue of Lady Liberty before seeing the exterior of Palazzo del Governo, the seat of San Marino’s Grand Council. Here you can also have the opportunity to see the Changing of the San Marino Guards. Just above the square lies the neoclassical Basilica of San Marino.
At the end of your guided tour you will have some free time to stroll around and enjoy shopping in the little alleys of the old town. Collectors may buy unique coins and stamps of the Republic, but if shopping is not your scene, then why not visit the Church of San Francesco or, paying a small fee, have a San Marino stamp in your passport.
You will then enjoy a 3 course typical lunch, in a local restaurant.
After lunch, relax yourself on a panoramic drive heading back to Ravenna and return to your ship.
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This tour involves a minimum of 2,5 kms of walking on stones, uneven, slopes and inclines. We recommend you wear comfortable clothes, walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun. Proper attire is required when visiting sacred sites and Government buildings. Ladies must cover their knees and shoulders, while gentlemen must wear pants. Shops in Ravenna are closed on Thursday afternoon and Sunday. During peak periods, you may encounter traffic on the way to San Marino, lines and dense crowds in the town centre.
Only the Republic guides are allowed to perform guided visits within San Marino territory. The order of visits may vary.
Total : 175 €
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
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:
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Transfers by coach.
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Services of a local English-speaking assistant.
Your programme does not include:
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Personal expenses.
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Other services not mentioned in the programme.
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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 : 65 €
Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.