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Peregrine Travel Centre

Ancient Treasures of the Mediterranean & Red Seas with Ponant

Ancient Treasures of the Mediterranean & Red Seas with Ponant

From AUD $6,300

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Description

Set sail aboard the Jacques-Cartier for a 14-day cruise between the Mediterranean Sea and the Red Sea. Fall under the spell of this unforgettable journey to ancient archaeological sites with a fascinating history.

Your cruise will start in Valletta, the capital of the island of Malta, and former stronghold of the Knights of the Order of Malta.

Your ship will take you to the southern Aegean Sea to discover the capital of Crete, Heraklion, built on a hillside overlooking the port and encircled by formidable Venetian walls.

Le Jacques-Cartier will sail to Rhodes, whose old medieval town, built by the Knights of St John, is surrounded by ramparts. It is the largest of the Dodecanese islands and was once home to one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World: its famous Colossus.

You will travel to charming and picturesque Antalya, located on the shores of the Turkish Turquoise coast. From there, you will be able to visit the splendid ancient cities of Perga and Aspendos.

You will cross the world-famous Suez Canal, built by Ferdinand de Lesseps and widened recently to facilitate trade, before arriving in Ain Soukhna, the gateway to the Great Pyramids of Egypt and the famous Rameses Colossus.

After a port of call in the resort town of Hurghada, you will sail to Safaga. From this port on the Red Sea, you will have the chance to discover Luxor, the ancient city of Thebes and the capital of the pharaohs.

Le Jacques-Cartier will make a brief incursion into the warm waters of the Red Sea before sailing to the other side of the Sinai Peninsula and reaching Eilat in Israel. You will be able to discover the majestic fortress of Massada looming over the Dead Sea.

From the city of Aqaba, don’t miss the opportunity to visit the ancient caravan city of Petra, one of the must-see jewels of this fascinating country at the crossroads of history.

Trip Name
Ancient Treasures of the Mediterranean & Red Seas with Ponant
Days
14
Overview
Vessel Type: Luxury Passenger Capacity: 92 cabins Built: 2018/2019 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 sixth ship in a new series that remains true to the Ponant spirit, Le Jacques Cartier 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. 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. In a relaxed atmosphere, an outdoor grill on Deck 3 will serve grilled meats with a variety of salads and desserts. PUBLIC AREAS  Le Jacques Cartier 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 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 AT SEA
During your day 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 day without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, 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 3 - Day 3 HERAKLION, CRETE
Heraklion, the capital of Crete, is the island’s most populous city. The hustle and bustle of this seaport is an integral part of its charm. It is built on a hillside overlooking the port and is encircled by impressive Venetian walls. From the top of these, you will be able to enjoy one of the most beautiful views of the city. The old town is teeming with small shops, squares, cafés and vibrant architectural evidence of the city’s long history. The Palace of Knossos illustrates the wealth and power of its legendary sovereign, King Minos. The archaeological museum houses one of the largest collections of Minoan artefacts and is worth a visit.
Day 4 - Day 4 RHODES
With its particularly agreeable climate, the island of Rhodes invites you to walk its pathways and discover its immaculate villages and sumptuous medieval city, a UNESCO World Heritage site. At the centre of the island the mountains are covered in forest and on the western slopes we find vineyards and crops. Rhodes also owes much of its charm and its character to the Knights of St John who reigned over the island from 1310 to 1522 and built impressive defensive walls punctuated with majestic gateways. Do not miss this delightful island with its peaceful beaches and its large walkways, perpetuating the myth of the famous Colossus, the legendary statue that is one of the Seven Wonders of the World.
Day 5 - Day 5 ANTALYA
On the Turkish Mediterranean coast, discover the seaside resort of Antalya. While the city sports magnificent fine sandy beaches, it is also known for its significant historical heritage. Many vestiges bear witness to the importance of this former Roman port, such as Hadrian's Gate, built in the year 130 in honour of the visiting emperor. In the old town, it is possible to admire magnificent Ottoman houses with flowery gardens, as well as the broken minaret, built on the ruins of a former Byzantine church. The city’s surroundings also provide an opportunity to discover major archaeological sites, such as that of the ancient city of Aspendos, renowned for its impressive Roman theatre.
Day 6 - Day 6 AT SEA
During your day 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 day without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, 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 7 - Day 7 CROSSING THE SUEZ CANAL
Without the waterway linking the Red Sea to the Mediterranean this part of the world would be an arid sandy desert inhabited by a few nomads. The Suez Canal slices through 162 km of desert and was inaugurated in 1869 in the presence of Empress Eugenie, then nationalised by Nasser in 1956.
Day 8 - Day 8 AIN SUKHNA
Ain Sukhna, which means “hot spring,” is located in the Gulf of Suez, facing the Red Sea. Around fifty kilometres from the entrance to the Suez Canal, and less than two hours from the Egyptian capital, it is an elegant seaside town that is popular with wealthy families from Cairo. Ain Soukhna is an ideal base for discovering the marvels of Ancient Egypt.
Day 9 - Day 9 HURGHADA
Once a small fishing village nestling in the entrance of the Gulf of Suez, Hurghada is now an important Red Sea resort. The city, which developed exponentially over the 20th century, is home to magnificent buildings, such as the Mosque El Mina Masjid: located near the port, it has different characteristics of Islamic architecture to be admired. However, the city is particularly renowned for its exceptional underwater world that you will be able to discover snorkelling. Unless you prefer to take an excursion in a glass-bottomed boat: a perfect opportunity to admire superb coral reefs and countless colourful fish without getting wet!
Day 10 - Day 10 & 11 SAFAGA
A former fishing and mining village, Safaga is now a charming seaside resort with much to offer. Located on the western coast of the Red Sea and preserved from mass tourism, the town will really plunge you into the heart of authentic Egypt and is an ideal departure point for an excursion into the desert in search of the Bedouin. The site is also renowned for the beauty of its underwater world, perfect for scuba diving and snorkelling. Above all, though, this stop in Safaga provides the opportunity to discover Luxor, the ancient Egyptian city of Thebes, considered to be one of the world’s greatest open-air museums thanks to its exceptional Pharaonic heritage.
Day 11 - Day 12 & 13 EILAT
Situated in the far south of the State of Israel, on the banks of the Gulf of Eilat, on the edge of the Negev Desert between Egypt and Jordan, Eilat is internationally renowned as a high-end seaside resort and spa town, as well as for its magnificent natural sites. The first references to this place date back to the time of King Solomon. His legendary mines are said to be located not far from the now-modern city. It is the departure point for visiting the Masada fortress and for the incredible experience of swimming in the Dead Sea.
Day 12 - Day 14 AQABA
Located in the Red Sea within the eponymous gulf, Aqaba offers Jordan its only access to the sea. At the crossroads of the land and sea routes that linked Asia, Africa and Europe, the town is rich with more than 5,000 years of history. The warm waters of the Red Sea attract holidaymakers and divers to this seaside destination; the underwater sites home to coral and fishes are some of the most beautiful in the world. Aqaba is also the gateway to the magnificent desert of Wadi Rum and the marvellous site of Petra.
Day 13 - Please Note:
Itineraries are subject to change.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
16-11-202229-11-2022AUD $9,820DELUXE STATEROOM
16-11-202229-11-2022AUD $10,400PRESTIGE STATEROOM DECK 4
16-11-202229-11-2022AUD $10,740PRESTIGE STATEROOM DECK 5
16-11-202229-11-2022AUD $11,200PRESTIGE STATEROOM DECK 6
16-11-202229-11-2022AUD $15,440DELUXE SUITE
16-11-202229-11-2022AUD $16,690PRESTIGE SUITE DECK 5
16-11-202229-11-2022AUD $17,260PRESTIGE SUITE DECK 6
16-11-202229-11-2022AUD $17,730PRIVILEGE SUITE
16-11-202229-11-2022AUD $18,290GRAND DELUXE SUITE
16-11-202229-11-2022AUD $18,860OWNER'S SUITE
02-08-202315-08-2023AUD $6,300DELUXE STATEROOM
02-08-202315-08-2023AUD $7,070PRESTIGE STATEROOM DECK 4
02-08-202315-08-2023AUD $7,460PRESTIGE STATEROOM DECK 5
02-08-202315-08-2023AUD $7,900PRESTIGE STATEROOM DECK 6
02-08-202315-08-2023AUD $11,260DELUXE SUITE
02-08-202315-08-2023AUD $15,460PRESTIGE SUITE DECK 5
02-08-202315-08-2023AUD $16,300PRESTIGE SUITE DECK 6
02-08-202315-08-2023AUD $17,140PRIVILEGE SUITE
02-08-202315-08-2023AUD $18,900GRAND DELUXE SUITE
02-08-202315-08-2023AUD $19,890OWNER'S SUITE

Inclusions

    • A cruise between the Mediterranean Sea and the Red Sea, discovering exceptional archaeological sites.
    • UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Valetta (embarkation port), the medieval city of Rhodes, the Pyramids of Gizeh from Ain Sokhna, from Eilat the majestic fortress of Massada looming over the Dead Sea, Petra and Wadi Rum from Aqaba (disembarkation port).
    • The discovery of the museum and the archaeological site of Knossos, on Crete, from Heraklion.
    • Crossing the mythical Suez Canal.
    • Cruising on the Red Sea.
    • A brand new port of call at Hurghada, a renowned resort town on the Red Sea.
    • Port of call in Safaga, gateway to the marvels of Ancient Egypt: Karnak, Luxor and Hatshepsut temples, the Colossi of Memnon and the Valley of the Kings.
    • From Aqaba: possibility to discover the desert of Wadi Rum and the archaeological site of Petra.

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