fbpx

Authentic Mediterranean Shores Luxury Cruise from Valletta

Authentic Mediterranean Shores Luxury Cruise from Valletta

From AUD $6,920

Description

Majestic volcanoes, fertile valleys, iconic ancient sites, and enchanting islands… Leaving from Valletta, the Maltese capital and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, set off to explore the jewels of Sicily and the Calabrian coastlines, during a journey that will take you to discover mythical sites at the crossroads of eastern and western civilisations. On these sun-kissed shores, towns brimming with history will open the doors to their heritage treasures between ancient sites, architectural jewels and age-old traditions, while the unaltered raw beauty of the Mediterranean coasts reveals its full grandeur.
Some departures may have slightly modified itineraries. Please confirm the itinerary with an Expedition Specialist.

Trip Name
Authentic Mediterranean Shores Luxury Cruise from Valletta
Days
8
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 - Trapani, Sicily
Bathed in the cobalt waters of the Tyrrhenian sea, Trapani is the former port of the Greek city of Erice, boasting a privileged natural position in western Sicily. As you wander through its little streets, you will discover a secular cultural heritage, bearing witness to the many influences of civilisations that came here: San Lorenzo Cathedral, Maria Santissima Annunziata sanctuary, the fountain of Triton. On the shaded restaurant terraces, savour some fresh fish from the morning’s catch. Or else you can opt for a seafood couscous, a culinary legacy from their Arab neighbours.
Day 3 - Day 3 - Palermo, Sicily
Palermo is the guardian of the Sicilian soul. Many have been attracted to this city, the largest capital of the Italian islands. Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Romans, Byzantines, Arabs, Normans... Palermo is a rich culmination of so many cultural influences as seen in the Moorish designs on the cathedral, and the Byzantine mosaics of the Palatine chapel, which is itself housed within the precincts of the Norman palace. You will fall under the spell of the palaces, baroque splendours that grace the town with their obsolete beauty. It is thrilling to stumble upon one of those fabulous markets, high in colour, and headily picturesque.
Day 4 - Day 4 - Lipari, Aeolian Islands
Of the seven Aeolian islands, this is the largest and the most populated. Lying off the north coast of Sicily, in the Tyrrhenian sea, Lipari is one of UNESCO’s marvellous World Heritage sites. Its lava stone quarries and obsidian flow of Rocce Rosse are indications of its volcanic nature. The town, the largest urban area in the whole archipelago, proudly houses its citadel and its castle, both rooted in Antiquity. If you head further into the centre, you’ll be surprised to come across a Norman cathedral, complete with a magnificent baroque façade.
Day 5 - Day 5 - Reggio di Calabria
At the southern tip of the Italian boot, Reggio di Calabria guards the eastern shore of the Strait of Messina. From the lungomare, the sea front promenade, there are magnificent views over Sicily, a little over 3 km away, and Etna. Rebuilt after the 1908 earthquake, Reggio is set out in a grid pattern and has Art Nouveau and Belle Époque architecture that add to its charm. And the fragrance of bergamot, the citrus fruit that dominates the region’s confectionery and perfumery. 
Day 6 - Day 6 - 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 7 - 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 8 - Day 8 - 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 9 - Please note:
Itineraries are subject to change. 

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
01-10-202610-10-2026AUD $0Superior Stateroom
01-10-202610-10-2026AUD $0Deluxe Stateroom
01-10-202610-10-2026AUD $0Prestige Deck 4
01-10-202610-10-2026AUD $0Prestige Deck 5
01-10-202610-10-2026AUD $0Prestige Deck 6
01-10-202610-10-2026AUD $0Deluxe Suite
01-10-202610-10-2026AUD $0Prestige Deck 5 Suite
01-10-202610-10-2026AUD $0Prestige Deck 6 Suite
01-10-202610-10-2026AUD $0Owner's Suite
08-04-202715-04-2027AUD $0Prestige Deck 4
08-04-202715-04-2027AUD $0Prestige Deck 5
08-04-202715-04-2027AUD $0Prestige Deck 6
08-04-202715-04-2027AUD $0Deluxe Suite Deck 6
08-04-202715-04-2027AUD $0Deluxe Suite Deck 3
08-04-202715-04-2027AUD $0Deluxe Suite Deck 4
08-04-202715-04-2027AUD $0Deluxe Suite Deck 5
08-04-202715-04-2027AUD $0Prestige Deck 5 Suite
08-04-202715-04-2027AUD $0Prestige Deck 6 Suite
08-04-202715-04-2027AUD $0Privilege Suite Deck 5
08-04-202715-04-2027AUD $0Privilege Suite Deck 6
08-04-202715-04-2027AUD $0Grand Deluxe Suite Deck 6
08-04-202715-04-2027AUD $0Grand Deluxe Suite Deck 5
08-04-202715-04-2027AUD $0Owner's Suite
08-04-202715-04-2027AUD $0Deluxe Stateroom
03-05-202710-05-2027AUD $0Deluxe Stateroom
03-05-202710-05-2027AUD $0Prestige Deck 4
03-05-202710-05-2027AUD $0Prestige Deck 5
03-05-202710-05-2027AUD $0Prestige Deck 6
03-05-202710-05-2027AUD $0Deluxe Suite Deck 5
03-05-202710-05-2027AUD $0Deluxe Suite Deck 3
03-05-202710-05-2027AUD $0Deluxe Suite Deck 4
03-05-202710-05-2027AUD $0Deluxe Suite Deck 6
03-05-202710-05-2027AUD $0Prestige Deck 5 Suite
03-05-202710-05-2027AUD $0Prestige Deck 6 Suite
03-05-202710-05-2027AUD $0Privilege Suite Deck 6
03-05-202710-05-2027AUD $0Privilege Suite Deck 5
03-05-202710-05-2027AUD $0Grand Deluxe Suite Deck 5
03-05-202710-05-2027AUD $0Grand Deluxe Suite Deck 6
03-05-202710-05-2027AUD $0Owner's Suite
06-06-202714-06-2027AUD $0Superior Stateroom
06-06-202714-06-2027AUD $0Deluxe Stateroom
06-06-202714-06-2027AUD $0Prestige Deck 4
06-06-202714-06-2027AUD $0Prestige Deck 5
06-06-202714-06-2027AUD $0Prestige Deck 6
06-06-202714-06-2027AUD $0Deluxe Suite
06-06-202714-06-2027AUD $0Prestige Deck 5 Suite
06-06-202714-06-2027AUD $0Prestige Deck 6 Suite
06-06-202714-06-2027AUD $0Owner's Suite

Inclusions

    • Discovering Sicily, with an escapade to the Amalfi coast and in Calabria, featuring passionate thousand-year history and breathtaking Mediterranean landscapes.
    • Visiting emblematic UNESCO World Heritage Sites (Mount Etna, the Greek theatre in Taormina, Palermo, Aeolian Islands, Pompeii, Syracuse, Valletta).
    • A few of the included excursions: Noto, the capital of Sicilian Baroque from Syracuse; climb Mount Etna from Taormina; the Riace bronzes in Reggio Calabria, etc.

Map