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Ancient Shores of the Mediterranean – Malta, Italy, Tunisia, Algeria and Spain

Ancient Shores of the Mediterranean – Malta, Italy, Tunisia, Algeria and Spain

From AUD $8,900

Description

In the mild and bright mid-autumn, the Mediterranean is adorned with golden tones and light caresses its ancient shores. Light breezes carry the whispers of civilisations past as the sun kisses the gentle waves, giving them a soothing glow. Between Malta, Italy, Tunisia, Algeria and Spain, sail this legendary sea of exchanges and cultures on a gastronomic voyage organised in partnership with Relais & Châteaux and with special guest Chef Clint Grech, who will be sharing his expertise and passion to offer you a unique culinary experience. Immerse yourself in the spirit of the Mediterranean and succumb to the magic of its unique landscapes and historic UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Experience a cruise where every moment is a journey through history, culture and natural beauty. Take in the spellbinding atmosphere of ancient cities where time seems to stand still, and marvel at the remains of a glorious past, including majestic temples, ruins from antiquity and World Heritage-listed buildings. Discover breathtaking landscapes where the deep blue of the sea meets the golden tones of the Mediterranean coast, and enjoy the tranquillity of places steeped in charm and elegance.

Trip Name
Ancient Shores of the Mediterranean - Malta, Italy, Tunisia, Algeria and Spain
Days
10
Overview
Vessel Type: Luxury Expedition / Cruise Ship Length: 142 meters Passenger Capacity: 264 (in twin cabins, 200 in Antarctica) Built: 2011 Le Boréal, along with her sisterships L’Austral, Le Soléal, and Le Lyrial, embodies PONANT’s signature blend of luxury, intimacy, and serene well-being. Designed with both conviviality and tranquillity in mind, she offers inviting shared spaces alongside peaceful retreats for moments of quiet escape. Her sleek exterior and refined interiors reflect the careful thought and craftsmanship that define the fleet, with a décor that captures the spirit of a private yacht. Featuring 132 staterooms and suites, she welcomes up to 264 guests in an atmosphere that feels both elegant and personal. Built in 2010 by Fincantieri in Ancona, Italy, Le Boréal measures 466 ft in length, with a beam of 59 ft, an ice-class 1C hull, and eco-design innovations continually updated to improve her environmental performance. With six passenger decks, 11 Zodiacs for exploration, and attentive French-flag service, she is equally at home navigating icy polar waters or warm, sunlit coasts. Life on board combines refined gastronomy, engaging social activities, and immersive excursions, creating a travel experience where elegance meets adventure.

Itinerary



Day 1 - Day 1 Valletta
The whole of the Maltese capital Valletta is UNESCO World Heritage listed and occupies a peninsula in the north-east of the island. From the fountain of Tritons to Saint-Elme fort, there are as many majestic streets as there are narrow staircase vennels to explore. The painted loggia and carved corbels on the tall houses will accompany you in your explorations, and you’ll rarely be bothered by traffic. You can visit the Grandmasters palace decorated with coats of arms and frescoes. Saint-John’s cathedral and the ramparts which have guarded the city since the 16th century are also among the most emblematic sites of the city. Arranged in terraces, the Barrakka Gardens will punctuate your promenade with a green and floral experience.
Day 2 - Day 2 Syracuse, Sicily
Its undulating rocky coastline, the endless sandy beaches, the menacing form of Mount Etna which surveys its island like a patriarch, the flowery gardens on the hillside... Sicily lays out its varied landscapes like a shopkeeper displays his wares. Described by Cicero as “the most beautiful city in the world”, Syracuse was one of the most prestigious cities in Sicily and at her height was even a rival for Athens. A central city of Ancient Greece, it was home to a succession of civilisations, each of which has left their mark. The blend of Arabic, Roman, Norman, Byzantine and Spanish cultures makes Syracuse a town that is extraordinarily rich in fragrances, colours and flavours.
Day 3 - Day 3 Porto Empedocle, Sicily
Huddled on the south-western coast of Sicily, Porto Empedocles bears the name of the philosopher Empedocles, who lived in the region in the 5th century BC. An age-old city offered up to sun and sea, this is your doorway to the exceptional archaeological site of Temple Valley, a high place of Greek civilisation listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. You can admire the remains of many temples dedicated to Zeus, his wife Hera and Hephaestus. Make sure you take in the magnificent Italian countryside, with its olive orchards that cover the hillsides.
Day 4 - Day 4 Tunis
At the crossroads of civilisations, the capital of Tunisia is rich in cultural discoveries. The ruins of Ancient Carthage, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and particularly well preserved, testify to the splendour of this city that was once Rome’s great rival. The hill of Byrsa, the former fortified citadel of the Phoenician port and one of the presumed burial places of Saint Louis who died there during the Eighth Crusade, offers spectacular views over the Gulf of Tunis. In the Bardo National Museum, you will be able to admire one of the world’s finest Roman mosaic collections, including the magnificent portrait of the poet Virgil.
Day 5 - Day 5 Annaba
Annaba, a coastal town in eastern Algeria, is the country's fourth largest city. It contains many heritage treasures, including the ancient site of Hippo, the largest Roman forum in Africa. From the Cap de Garde lighthouse, you get  a splendid and varied panoramic view with mountains and sea, while the basilica of Saint Augustine, the bishop of Hippo in the 4th century, overlooks the city with its majestic white dome. A stroll along the Corniche and the Cours de la Révolution will introduce you to the lively, elegant town that inspired numerous artists and writers.
Day 6 - Day 6 Algiers
The beauty of the Bay of Algiers offers travellers arriving by sea an unforgettable view. The Casbah houses cascade down to the Haussmann-style buildings and the hustle and bustle of the Mediterranean city creates a unique atmosphere. Algiers the White proudly bears the traces of its history with its magnificent Casbah, listed as UNESCO World Heritage, its tropical garden called Jardin d’Essai, its Martyr’s Memorial, its imposing Basilica of Our Lady of Africa, and its lively city centre with its Grande Poste (main post office) and French quarter. Seventy kilometres (43 miles) away, you will have the possibility of visiting Tipaza, one of the most extraordinary archaeological complexes of the Maghreb, listed as World Heritage by UNESCO. Once a trading post of the Carthaginians and later the Romans, the ancient city is home to the Royal Mausoleum of Mauretania, a funerary monument providing precious evidence of what was once the Punic world.
Day 7 - Day 7 Cartagena
Surrounded by hills, the natural site of the Bay of Carthagena presided over the fate of this former fortress which has been home to the greatest European civilisations. Today, these Phoenician, Roman, Carthaginian, Moorish and Christian influences form a rich architectural heritage. Its Roman theatre is one of the most significant and best conserved in Spain. You will also be able to cross the landscapes of vines and citrus groves stretching endlessly towards Murcia, to visit this dynamic regional capital.
Day 8 - Day 8 Melilla
An autonomous city of Spain on the North African coast, Melilla and its citadel sit on the edge of Cape Three Forks, between Morocco and the Mediterranean Sea, offering breathtaking views of this blue expanse. A perfect blend of history and modernity, the city boasts charming cobbled streets, imposing ramparts and a number of historic sites that are well worth a visit, including the Baluarte de la Concepción and the Hospital del Rey. In contrast to these vestiges of the city's military past, the Art Nouveau curves of the Palacio de la Asamblea, Casa Melul, the Reconquista building and Plaza Menéndez Pelayo reflect the influence of Gaudi's student Enrique Nieto, who lived here, and the great Catalan Modernist period. After Barcelona, Melilla has the largest number of buildings in this style.
Day 9 - Day 9 Motril
On the shores of the Mediterranean, Motril enjoys a special place on the Costa Tropical. Sheltered from the cold northerly winds thanks to the mountains that surround this Andalusian city, the city benefits from an ideal micro-climate.
Day 10 - Day 10 Málaga
A historical and festive town, Malaga is located in Andalusia, on the Costa del Sol. Between the marina and the beaches, the seaside promenade of La Farola offers an ideal setting for strolling and relaxing. Set slightly further back, the Malagueta bullring is one of the emblematic sites of the city. From the hill overlooking the old town, one can see Gibralfaro castle and the Alcazaba, two fortified ensembles rising out from the cypresses and maritime pines. To visit Pablo Picasso’s birthplace, you will go first to the courtly plaza de la Merced. A few streets back from here, you can explore the museum dedicated to the artist, in the Buenavista palace.
Day 11 - Please note:
Itineraries are subject to change.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
05-05-202614-05-2026AUD $10,550Superior Stateroom
05-05-202614-05-2026AUD $11,130Deluxe Stateroom
05-05-202614-05-2026AUD $11,730Prestige Deck 4
05-05-202614-05-2026AUD $12,310Prestige Deck 5
05-05-202614-05-2026AUD $13,020Prestige Deck 6
05-05-202614-05-2026AUD $21,130Deluxe Suite
05-05-202614-05-2026AUD $23,470Prestige Deck 5 Suite
05-05-202614-05-2026AUD $24,050Prestige Deck 6 Suite
05-05-202614-05-2026AUD $31,470Owner's Suite
29-10-202607-11-2026AUD $13,050Prestige Deck 4
29-10-202607-11-2026AUD $13,710Prestige Deck 5
29-10-202607-11-2026AUD $14,480Prestige Deck 6
29-10-202607-11-2026AUD $23,490Deluxe Suite Deck 4
29-10-202607-11-2026AUD $23,490Deluxe Suite Deck 3
29-10-202607-11-2026AUD $23,490Deluxe Suite Deck 5
29-10-202607-11-2026AUD $23,490Deluxe Suite Deck 6
29-10-202607-11-2026AUD $26,110Prestige Deck 5 Suite
29-10-202607-11-2026AUD $26,760Prestige Deck 6 Suite
29-10-202607-11-2026AUD $28,070Privilege Suite Deck 6
29-10-202607-11-2026AUD $28,070Privilege Suite Deck 5
29-10-202607-11-2026AUD $30,450Grand Deluxe Suite Deck 5
29-10-202607-11-2026AUD $33,950Grand Deluxe Suite Deck 6
29-10-202607-11-2026AUD $35,710Owner's Suite
29-10-202607-11-2026AUD $12,400Deluxe Stateroom
31-10-202610-11-2026AUD $11,630Deluxe Stateroom
31-10-202610-11-2026AUD $12,230Prestige Deck 4
31-10-202610-11-2026AUD $12,840Prestige Deck 5
31-10-202610-11-2026AUD $13,570Prestige Deck 6
31-10-202610-11-2026AUD $21,980Deluxe Suite Deck 6
31-10-202610-11-2026AUD $21,980Deluxe Suite Deck 3
31-10-202610-11-2026AUD $21,980Deluxe Suite Deck 4
31-10-202610-11-2026AUD $21,980Deluxe Suite Deck 5
31-10-202610-11-2026AUD $24,420Prestige Deck 5 Suite
31-10-202610-11-2026AUD $25,030Prestige Deck 6 Suite
31-10-202610-11-2026AUD $26,240Privilege Suite Deck 6
31-10-202610-11-2026AUD $26,240Privilege Suite Deck 5
31-10-202610-11-2026AUD $29,900Grand Deluxe Suite Deck 5
31-10-202610-11-2026AUD $31,720Grand Deluxe Suite Deck 6
31-10-202610-11-2026AUD $37,190Owner's Suite
16-11-202625-11-2026AUD $9,900Deluxe Stateroom
16-11-202625-11-2026AUD $10,410Prestige Deck 4
16-11-202625-11-2026AUD $10,920Prestige Deck 5
16-11-202625-11-2026AUD $11,530Prestige Deck 6
16-11-202625-11-2026AUD $18,650Deluxe Suite Deck 5
16-11-202625-11-2026AUD $18,650Deluxe Suite Deck 3
16-11-202625-11-2026AUD $18,650Deluxe Suite Deck 6
16-11-202625-11-2026AUD $18,650Deluxe Suite Deck 4
16-11-202625-11-2026AUD $20,720Prestige Deck 5 Suite
16-11-202625-11-2026AUD $21,230Prestige Deck 6 Suite
16-11-202625-11-2026AUD $22,270Privilege Suite Deck 6
16-11-202625-11-2026AUD $22,270Privilege Suite Deck 5
16-11-202625-11-2026AUD $25,270Grand Deluxe Suite Deck 5
16-11-202625-11-2026AUD $26,910Grand Deluxe Suite Deck 6
16-11-202625-11-2026AUD $33,470Owner's Suite
23-10-202701-11-2027AUD $8,900Deluxe Stateroom
23-10-202701-11-2027AUD $9,360Prestige Deck 4
23-10-202701-11-2027AUD $9,810Prestige Deck 5
23-10-202701-11-2027AUD $10,370Prestige Deck 6
23-10-202701-11-2027AUD $16,720Deluxe Suite Deck 4
23-10-202701-11-2027AUD $16,720Deluxe Suite Deck 5
23-10-202701-11-2027AUD $16,720Deluxe Suite Deck 6
23-10-202701-11-2027AUD $16,720Deluxe Suite Deck 3
23-10-202701-11-2027AUD $18,560Prestige Deck 5 Suite
23-10-202701-11-2027AUD $19,020Prestige Deck 6 Suite
23-10-202701-11-2027AUD $19,940Privilege Suite Deck 6
23-10-202701-11-2027AUD $19,940Privilege Suite Deck 5
23-10-202701-11-2027AUD $24,070Grand Deluxe Suite Deck 6
23-10-202701-11-2027AUD $24,070Grand Deluxe Suite Deck 5
23-10-202701-11-2027AUD $34,110Owner's Suite
30-10-202708-11-2027AUD $9,490Deluxe Stateroom
30-10-202708-11-2027AUD $9,980Prestige Deck 4
30-10-202708-11-2027AUD $10,470Prestige Deck 5
30-10-202708-11-2027AUD $11,070Prestige Deck 6
30-10-202708-11-2027AUD $17,860Deluxe Suite Deck 5
30-10-202708-11-2027AUD $17,860Deluxe Suite Deck 3
30-10-202708-11-2027AUD $17,860Deluxe Suite Deck 6
30-10-202708-11-2027AUD $17,860Deluxe Suite Deck 4
30-10-202708-11-2027AUD $19,840Prestige Deck 5 Suite
30-10-202708-11-2027AUD $20,330Prestige Deck 6 Suite
30-10-202708-11-2027AUD $21,320Privilege Suite Deck 6
30-10-202708-11-2027AUD $21,320Privilege Suite Deck 5
30-10-202708-11-2027AUD $24,070Grand Deluxe Suite Deck 5
30-10-202708-11-2027AUD $25,750Grand Deluxe Suite Deck 6
30-10-202708-11-2027AUD $34,110Owner's Suite
06-11-202715-11-2027AUD $8,900Deluxe Stateroom
06-11-202715-11-2027AUD $9,360Prestige Deck 4
06-11-202715-11-2027AUD $9,810Prestige Deck 5
06-11-202715-11-2027AUD $10,370Prestige Deck 6
06-11-202715-11-2027AUD $16,720Deluxe Suite Deck 6
06-11-202715-11-2027AUD $16,720Deluxe Suite Deck 4
06-11-202715-11-2027AUD $16,720Deluxe Suite Deck 5
06-11-202715-11-2027AUD $16,720Deluxe Suite Deck 3
06-11-202715-11-2027AUD $18,560Prestige Deck 5 Suite
06-11-202715-11-2027AUD $19,020Prestige Deck 6 Suite
06-11-202715-11-2027AUD $19,940Privilege Suite Deck 5
06-11-202715-11-2027AUD $19,940Privilege Suite Deck 6
06-11-202715-11-2027AUD $24,070Grand Deluxe Suite Deck 5
06-11-202715-11-2027AUD $24,070Grand Deluxe Suite Deck 6
06-11-202715-11-2027AUD $34,110Owner's Suite

Inclusions

    • Two gala dinners and a culinary demonstration hosted by Chef Clint Grech from the Michelin-starred De Mondion restaurant.
    • Wine tasting workshops to discover the subtle pairings of Grand Cru wines with fine cuisine.
    • Discovery of emblematic ancient sites (ruins of Agrigento, Carthage, Tipaza, all UNESCO sites) and old towns (Casbah in Algiers, Medina in Tunis, Syracuse).

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