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Peregrine Travel Centre

A Celebration of Art: The French & Italian Rivieras and Corsica

A Celebration of Art: The French & Italian Rivieras and Corsica

From AUD $10,020

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Description

This cruise is part of a collection of PONANT themed voyages that are specially-tailored for English-speaking travelers who want to engage with the world. In addition to the usual elements of the PONANT experience, the listed price for these voyages includes transfers to and from the ship, talks and discussions aboard ship by world class experts, and a shore excursion or activity in each port of call that encourages guests to embrace the sights, sounds, tastes, and smells of the local environment and culture.
This voyage along the French and Italian Rivieras, including Corsica, is designed for travelers interested in Western Art from the Renaissance onward, with a special focus on modern and contemporary painting and sculpture. From day one, when the choice of activities includes museums dedicated to Renoir and Picasso, to the final day, when the remarkable collection of late-20th-century art in the Maeght Foundation is center stage, painting and sculpture are the focus of nearly all we do. The modern art at either end of the voyage is balanced with two days devoted to the art of the Italian Renaissance as we visit the Fesch Museum on Corsica and the great museums of Rome.
Departing from Nice, begin in the resort town of Cannes, your gateway to a region of southern France with deep ties to the world of modern and contemporary art. Three choices present themselves: The neighboring village of Mougins, where Picasso spent the last years of his life, is home to the new (2024) Femmes Artistes Musée, showcasing the work of women artists from the late 19th century to the present. In Antibes, just east of Cannes, you will find the Picasso Museum, housed in a castle that was once the artist’s studio, and in Cagnes-sur- Sea you may visit the estate that served as Renoir’s home and workshop from 1907 until his death.
Leaving Cannes, spend two days exploring the French island of Corsica. In Ajaccio, the island’s capital, you might visit Maison Bonaparte, the house where Emperor Napoleon was born in 1769, now a museum, or you may prefer to explore the Fesch Museum, generally recognized as having the finest collection of Italian painting in France outside of the Louvre. Then, in Bonifacio, perched high on cliffs above Corsica’s southern coast, tour the old town’s winding medieval lanes of brightly colored houses and admire their Gothic architecture before visiting Corsica’s own Biennale of contemporary art.
From Civitavecchia, travel to Rome, the Eternal City, where you have a choice of three museums to explore. In the Vatican Art Museums enjoy a guided tour focused on some of the most famous works in the collection before visiting the Sistine Chapel and Michelangelo’s Creation of Adam. Or you may prefer to tour Villa Borghese, displaying, among other treasures, sculptures by Bernini and paintings by Caravaggio, Titian, and Raphael. Or, if a more intimate setting appeals to you, you may visit the Doria Pamphili Gallery, one of the most prestigious private art collections in Rome.
Portoferraio, the main harbor of Elba, was founded by the Médicis in the 16th century, but is most famous as the site of Napoleon Bonaparte’s exile in 1814-15. You may choose to learn about the Emperor’s life on the island by visiting one of his residences—either Villa San Martino or Villa dei Mulini, both of which are now museums. Alternatively, visit the small Ottoni Botanical Garden and the charming village of Capoliveri.
Once a small Italian fishing village, Portofino is now a favored haunt of the rich and famous. This beautiful resort town welcomes you for a relaxing day of leisure. A guided walking tour will orient you to the village, after which you may browse it shops and galleries at your own pace and perhaps sample the local cuisine.
For the final day of the journey, you may travel from Nice to the 16th-century village of St.-Paul-de-Vence to visit the stunning Maeght Foundation. Set amid a garden of monumental sculptures, the museum, designed by José Luis Sert, houses one of the world’s finest collections of 20th-century works by artists including Braque, Chagall, Miró, and Picasso. Alternatively, visit the hilltop medieval village of Eze and the splendid gardens of the Villa Ephrussi Rothschild.

Trip Name
A Celebration of Art: The French & Italian Rivieras and Corsica
Days
9
Overview
Vessel Type: Luxury Passenger Capacity: 92 cabins Built: 2017/2018 Featuring innovative and environmentally-friendly equipment, elegantly designed staterooms, spacious suites with large windows, and lounge areas that open onto the outside, this new limited-capacity yacht boasting just 92 staterooms and suites will offer you a truly unique cruising experience. As the first ship in a new series that remains true to the Ponant spirit, Le Dumont d'Urville will embody the unique atmosphere that is the cruise line’s hallmark: a subtle blend of refinement, intimacy and comfort. Aboard this ship that flies the French flag, you will experience the incomparable pleasure of an intimate cruise, with the possibility of exploring an ever-increasing range of destinations in an ethnic-chic ambiance with luxury service. Experience a luxurious setting where the accent is on authenticity and passion for travel. RESTAURANTS As it is an essential part of French culture, gastronomy will naturally have pride of place aboard this new ship. Through its two restaurants, Le Dumont d'Urville will invite you on a journey to elegance and epicureanism. In a relaxed atmosphere, a first dining area located on Deck 3 and able to seat 70 will serve grilled meats daily, along with a variety of salads and desserts. To the back of Deck 4, you will find a 260 m² panoramic restaurant which can accommodate all of our passengers in a single sitting. Designed differently to that on our other ships, this dining area, which opens onto the outside, will have a buffet of salads, desserts and cheeses at your disposal. Our discreet and attentive crew will provide table service for hot meals. PUBLIC AREAS Like Le Boréal and its sisterships, Le Dumont d'Urville has many common areas that are designed and equipped to meet all of your needs while preserving the intimacy of each passenger. A 140 m² reception area includes: A reception/concierge desk, An excursions desk, The ship’s administrative services, The sales office, manned by our Guest Relations Officer, Our 50 m² boutique which sells clothing, jewellery, beauty products, postcards and various accessories, Toilets accessible to passengers with reduced mobility. A new hydraulic platform with adjustable height provides: Easier boarding than on any other cruise ship, Easier Zodiac embarkation and disembarkation for expeditions, Easier access to the sea for swimming and practising various water sports such as kayaking or paddle-boarding. A pool deck offering: A pool with a panoramic view, equipped with a counter-current swimming system, A pleasant solarium, An outdoor bar and lounge with armchairs and sofas. A 200 m² main lounge which can accommodate all of our passengers to share convivial moments and to host activities organised during the day or evening. Lastly, a theatre that seats 188, equipped with: The latest sound and lighting technology, A LED wall as the stage backdrop, for the projection of high-resolution images and videos.

Itinerary



Day 1 - Day 1 - Nice
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.
Day 2 - Day 2 - Cannes
From the shadows into the light… In the 1800s, Cannes was still just a modest little fishing village which over time has been transformed into the elegant town we know today. You will be surprised to see the extent to which Cannes hasretained its Provencal character, as you explore its most valuable treasures: the Castre Museum, built by the monks of Lérins and today a Historic Monument or the Gothic Notre Dame d’Espérance Church and bell tower.
Day 3 - Day 3 - Ajaccio, Corsica
Birth town of Napoleon Bonaparte, Ajaccio occupies a privileged location on the Île de Beauté. Rich in history and culture, the old “imperial city” is imbibed with the memory of this son of the soil. His presence is tangible, from the citadel to the imperial chapel, without forgetting the statues of the emperor in several of the city’s squares. As you stroll through the shaded streets in the old town centre, you’ll come across the central market on place Foch, where you can taste one or two local specialities, for instance, brocciu, lonzu or the famous canistrelli.
Day 4 - Day 4 - Bonifacio, Corsica
The spectacular town of Bonifacio located on the very tip of southern Corsica, clings to a narrow promontory of white rock overhanging the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean. You can admire its limestone cliffs hewn out by the wind, before setting off on a cultural tour of its cultural treasures. From the little paved streets in the ancient Haute Ville, to the promenade on the open-air medieval chemin de ronde, this stunning town will take you on a journey back in time. Frequented or secluded, there are numerous beaches to choose from, all in keeping with the high standards of the “Île de Beauté”.
Day 5 - Day 5 - Civitavecchia (Roma)
Built on an Etruscan site, between the Tyrrhenian sea and the Monti della Tolfa, Civitavecchia respires the dolce vita. This very modern and easy going town combines art and history with panache. You can also visit superb historical sites like Fort Michelangelo or the Cathedral of Saint Francis of Assisi. Just 80 kilometres from Rome, the town is a beautiful first step to the Italian capital.
Day 6 - Day 6 - Portoferraio, Elba
In the elbow of a creek on the northern coastline of Elba Island, a small corner of paradise awaits in the form of Portoferraio. As you approach its coastlines, you will make out the powerful and majestic contours of its Medici fortresses. Napoleon Bonaparte spent many of his 300 days in exile here. The Palazzina dei Mulini, his first imperial residence, whose gardens offer outstanding views of the sea, is a must-see. Historical treasures are followed by another kind of treasure, namely white sand beaches, and equally tempting local specialities including gurguglione and rice with cuttlefish ink.
Day 7 - Day 7 - Portofino
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.
Day 8 - Days 8 - 9 Nice
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.
Day 9 - Please note:
Itineraries are subject to change.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
10-07-202618-07-2026AUD $10,020Deluxe Stateroom
10-07-202618-07-2026AUD $10,520Prestige Deck 4
10-07-202618-07-2026AUD $22,110Privilege Suite Deck 5
10-07-202618-07-2026AUD $22,110Privilege Suite Deck 6
10-07-202618-07-2026AUD $26,640Grand Deluxe Suite Deck 6
10-07-202618-07-2026AUD $26,640Grand Deluxe Suite Deck 5
10-07-202618-07-2026AUD $11,030Prestige Deck 5
10-07-202618-07-2026AUD $11,640Prestige Deck 6
10-07-202618-07-2026AUD $18,590Deluxe Suite Deck 6
10-07-202618-07-2026AUD $18,590Deluxe Suite Deck 5
10-07-202618-07-2026AUD $18,590Deluxe Suite Deck 4
10-07-202618-07-2026AUD $18,590Deluxe Suite Deck 3
10-07-202618-07-2026AUD $20,600Prestige Deck 5 Suite
10-07-202618-07-2026AUD $21,110Prestige Deck 6 Suite

Inclusions

    • A voyage specially-tailored for English-speaking travelers including discussions with experts, transfers before and after your cruise, and an included excursion in each port of call.
    • Engaging lectures and discussions aboard with accompanying expert art historians.
    • Explore extraordinary collections of modern and contemporary art on excursions in and around Antibes and at the Maeght Foundation in St.-Paul-de-Vence.
    • Discover the work of Italian masters in the Vatican Museums, the Villa Borghese, or the Doria Pamphili
    • Gallery in Rome and in the Fesch Museum in Ajaccio, Corsica.
    • Experience the relaxed pace of la dolce vita in Portofino.
    • Enjoy the views and the gardens of Eze and Villa Rothschild.

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