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Peregrine Travel Centre

Wandering the Mediterranean – Luxury Small Ship Cruise

Wandering the Mediterranean – Luxury Small Ship Cruise

From AUD $7,910

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Description

Popular holiday spots, historic cities and turquoise sea: this itinerary reveals the full splendour of the Mediterranean. Between the gentle way of life and timeless elegance, the Greek shores invite you to slow down and wander, in Hydra, the pearl of the Saronic Islands and devoid of cars, or in Galaxidi, a charming and lively fishing port, very close to old Delphi. In Sicily and Corsica, citadels and medieval cities turn into opulent seaside resorts over the summer, in the heart of breathtaking panoramas. On the Tyrrhenian coast, the citrus-coloured narrow streets of Porto Santo Stefano and the perched castle of Gaeta will invite you to experience the Dolce Vita to the full.

Trip Name
Wandering the Mediterranean - Luxury Small Ship Cruise
Days
9
Overview
Vessel Type: Luxury Passenger Capacity: 92 cabins Built: 2017/2018 Le Bougainville is the third ship in the PONANT Explorers series, designed to merge elegant French style with advanced expedition technology. Carrying up to 184 guests across 92 luxurious staterooms and suites, it offers an intimate atmosphere with a focus on comfort and open connection to the sea. The ship’s sleek design invites light and space, featuring expansive lounges, panoramic decks, a swimming pool, theatre, and wellness facilities that create a relaxed yet sophisticated onboard experience. True to the French spirit of exploration, Le Bougainville celebrates both discovery and refinement. Guests can savour world-class cuisine in elegant dining venues, enjoy a quiet moment in the ship’s stylish lounges, or embark on Zodiac excursions directly from the marina platform. Equipped with the latest environmental technologies, the vessel embodies responsible luxury travel—offering guests the chance to explore the world’s most extraordinary destinations in style and harmony with nature.

Itinerary



Day 1 - Day 1 - Athens
The Greek capital city is located on the edge of the Saronic gulf, in the east of the country. It bears a plural name in reference to the first villages that surround the Acropolis. You will be enchanted by the rocky plateau presided by its monuments listed as UNESCO World Heritage. In the city below, you can visit some of the liveliest districts in Athens: Plaka, with its maze of colourful streets, and where, in the evenings the drifting aroma of moussaka and garlic prawns will tickle your taste buds. The National Archaeological museum and the Cycladic Art Museum are also some of the city’s key attractions and allow visitors to discover Athens’ cultural past.
Day 2 - Day 2 - Hydra
This unusual gem belonging to the Saronic islands is located to the east of the Peloponnese. There are no cars here. Named after the island, the harbour town is layered up the slopes of a mountainous bay. You may be surprised to see beautiful stone mansions. These are traditional here, as are the multi-coloured caïques along the quays. Further along the shore, you will discover the Historical Archives Museum. Collections from Athens National History Museum are exhibited in the elegant villa Koundouriotis.
Day 3 - Day 3 - Crossing the Corinth Canal
The Corinth Canal cuts through the Isthmus of Corinth, turning the Peloponnese into an island as it separates the region from the Greek mainland. Inaugurated in 1893, the canal is a little over six kilometres long and enables merchant vessels and passenger to avoid a long 400-km detour around the peninsula. The two sides of the canal reach a height of approximately fifty metres. From the exterior decks, don’t miss this unique opportunity to watch the ship as it navigates along the narrow strip of water encased between tall, ochre cliffs. What an experience!
Day 4 - Day 3 - Galaxidi
Encircled by captivating arid mountains and a sea front of unrivalled beauty, picturesque Galaxidi stands proudly in the Gulf of Corinth, on the shores of Krisaikos Bay. You will fall in love with the authentic character of this preserved and majestic town, with its paved little streets edged with former neo-classical residences, remnants of the naval era, and sumptuous religious buildings. Like one of the town’s symbols: the church of Agios Nikolaos (Saint Nicholas). The building with Byzantine architecture dominates the town, and boasts two bell towers and a monumental dome.
Day 5 - Day 4 - At sea
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.
Day 6 - Day 5 - Taormina, Sicily
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.
Day 7 - Day 6 - Gaeta
Gaeta takes its name from the legend of the nanny of Aeneas. This illustrious relationship can be seen in the nobility of this old town, built on a peninsula, at the end of a headland. In Roman times, Gaeta was already a renowned seaside destination; it fell under Byzantine domination then became an autonomous duchy and an independent republic. The fortifications that surround this ancient fort remind us of this rich history, as does the cathedral bell tower, an elegant building of both Roman and Moor influence, decorated with ceramic in the style of bell-towers of Amalfi.
Day 8 - Day 7 - Porto Santo Stefano
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.
Day 9 - Day 8 - Calvi, Corsica
Nestled on a rocky spur in the north-west of Corsica, the port of Calvi offers its whiteness between two sapphire-coloured bays. Capital of the Balagne region, the Genoese city benefits from an exceptional natural setting between the abrupt relief of the central chain, fertile hills and long sandy beaches. From the promontory of the Notre-Dame-de-la-Serra chapel, built in the 19th century on the ruins of a 15th century sanctuary, you will not miss the sublime panorama of the seaside, the mountains and the Calvi citadel. A little further west, you will have the opportunity to discover with the peninsula of Revelatta, a wilder and more preserved part of Corsica.
Day 10 - Day 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 11 - Please note:
Itineraries are subject to change. 

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
31-07-202708-08-2027AUD $7,910Deluxe Stateroom
31-07-202708-08-2027AUD $8,310Prestige Stateroom Deck 4
31-07-202708-08-2027AUD $17,720Privilege Suite Deck 6
31-07-202708-08-2027AUD $17,720Privilege Suite Deck 5
31-07-202708-08-2027AUD $21,400Grand Deluxe Suite
31-07-202708-08-2027AUD $30,330Owner's Suite
31-07-202708-08-2027AUD $8,730Prestige Stateroom Deck 5
31-07-202708-08-2027AUD $9,220Prestige Stateroom Deck 6
31-07-202708-08-2027AUD $14,870Deluxe Suite Deck 5
31-07-202708-08-2027AUD $14,870Deluxe Suite Deck 6
31-07-202708-08-2027AUD $14,870Deluxe Suite Deck 4
31-07-202708-08-2027AUD $14,870Deluxe Suite Deck 3
31-07-202708-08-2027AUD $16,500Prestige Suite Deck 5
31-07-202708-08-2027AUD $16,900Prestige Suite Deck 6

Inclusions

    • Invitation to slow down and wander, between Greece, Sicily, Italian shores and Corsica, discovering popular seaside resorts and historic sites.
    • Rich heritage: the Delphi site and the Holy Monastery of Hosios Loukas, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites, from Galaxidi; sailing in the Corinth Canal; the ancient theatre of Taormina; the historic centre of Gaeta, etc.
    • A few of the included excursions: discovering the history of Hydra; Mount Etna from Taormina; Niki de Saint Phalle’s Tarot Garden from Porto Santo Stefano, etc.

Map

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