fbpx

Peregrine Travel Centre

Culture and Islands of the Mediterranean Luxury Cruise

Culture and Islands of the Mediterranean Luxury Cruise

From AUD $10,150

Book Now Request a callback
Email Us Print

Description

Explore the myriad faces of the Mediterranean on this journey to lands where cultures, traditions and influences from every horizon have converged for centuries. From the Balearic Islands to Malta, via Sardinia, Tunisia, Sicily and Calabria, each port of call reveals a unique heritage and landscapes shaped by the sea. This Mediterranean interlude reveals historic ports, towns and cities full of character, and sun-drenched shores. The architectural treasures of Palermo and Syracuse, the distinctive atmosphere of Tunis, the natural landscapes of Sardinia and the timeless elegance of Valletta all tell the story of a sea that has witnessed the birth and rise of some of the Mediterranean’s greatest civilisations.

Trip Name
Culture and Islands of the Mediterranean Luxury Cruise
Days
12
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 - Tarragona
Tarragona is situated on the Costa Dorada, in the south of Spain’s Catalonia region. Known as Tarraco in Roman times, the city boasts very important archaeological and architectural vestiges that are magnificently well preserved. These earned it a place on the UNESCO World Heritage list in 2000. Do not miss this opportunity to visit the Roman amphitheatre, which is located on a beautiful natural site by the sea and is exceptionally well preserved. A stroll through the streets of the old medieval town to the cathedral, which was completed in the 14th century, is a wonderful way to end your visit to this welcoming city.
Day 2 - Day 2 - Mahon, Balearic Islands
You will be welcomed by the colourful houses of Mahon, its narrow streets and pretty squares that appear as you stroll around this richly contrasting city. Mahon reveals its different neighbourhoods, alternating between monuments, villas and white buildings. Discover the Santa Maria church, a building of neo-gothic inspiration, rebuilt in the 18th Century. It is worth a visit to see its monumental organ with more than 3,000 pipes and four keyboards. Around the Carmen church you will find a local market, full of stands selling avarcas, typical Menorcan sandals originally made by peasants. Let yourself fall under the spell of this Mediterranean treasure.
Day 3 - Day 3 - 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 4 - Day 4 - Cagliari, Sardinia
The capital of Sardinia, Cagliari, like Rome, is built on seven hills. Its Sardinian name means “castle”, in reference to the citadel, its historic centre, which dominates the city. The old ramparts are now pleasant panoramic terraces bordering picturesque streets. The city hosted the Nuragic, Phoenician, Roman and Byzantine civilisations before the rein of the Spanish Hapsburgs and the House of Savoy. The monuments of Cagliari bear the traces of these successive dominations, such as the Bastion of Saint-Rémy or the Sainte-Marie Cathedral. On the sea front, Art Nouveau-style public monuments give way to the Poetto beach, a magnificent stretch of sand that is 8 kilometres long.
Day 5 - Day 5 - 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 6 - Day 6 - 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 7 - Day 7 - 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 8 - Day 8 - 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 9 - Day 9 - Catania, Sicily
Sicily’s second city Catania is dominated by the majestic silhouette of Mount Etna. Nourishing and devastating at the same time, this giant crowned with smoke rings brought about the destruction of the city at the end of the 17th century. Catania was then rebuilt in the late Baroque style, and the many monuments of this epoch have earned its status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The baroque churches of the harmonious Via dei Crociferi perfectly illustrate the riches of this architectural heritage. During your stop, be sure to visit Saint Agatha Cathedral with its apses made of lava stones, and its square decorated with a fountain of the Elephant, the animal which allegedly has the power to calm the fury of Mount Etna …
Day 10 - Day 10 - 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 11 - Day 11 - 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 12 - Day 12 - 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 13 - Please Note:
Itineraries are subject to change. 

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
06-04-202817-04-2028AUD $12,130Deluxe Stateroom
06-04-202817-04-2028AUD $12,730Prestige Stateroom Deck 4
06-04-202817-04-2028AUD $26,300Privilege Suite Deck 5
06-04-202817-04-2028AUD $26,300Privilege Suite Deck 6
06-04-202817-04-2028AUD $31,620Grand Deluxe Suite
06-04-202817-04-2028AUD $44,520Owner's Suite
06-04-202817-04-2028AUD $13,310Prestige Stateroom Deck 5
06-04-202817-04-2028AUD $14,030Prestige Stateroom Deck 6
06-04-202817-04-2028AUD $22,170Deluxe Suite Deck 6
06-04-202817-04-2028AUD $22,170Deluxe Suite Deck 4
06-04-202817-04-2028AUD $22,170Deluxe Suite Deck 3
06-04-202817-04-2028AUD $22,170Deluxe Suite Deck 5
06-04-202817-04-2028AUD $24,530Prestige Suite Deck 5
06-04-202817-04-2028AUD $25,120Prestige Suite Deck 6
29-10-202806-11-2028AUD $10,150Deluxe Stateroom
29-10-202806-11-2028AUD $10,660Prestige Stateroom Deck 4
29-10-202806-11-2028AUD $11,160Prestige Stateroom Deck 5
29-10-202806-11-2028AUD $11,760Prestige Stateroom Deck 6
29-10-202806-11-2028AUD $18,690Deluxe Suite Deck 6
29-10-202806-11-2028AUD $18,690Deluxe Suite Deck 4
29-10-202806-11-2028AUD $18,690Deluxe Suite Deck 3
29-10-202806-11-2028AUD $18,690Deluxe Suite Deck 5
29-10-202806-11-2028AUD $20,700Prestige Suite Deck 5
29-10-202806-11-2028AUD $21,190Prestige Suite Deck 6
29-10-202806-11-2028AUD $22,200Privilege Suite Deck 5
29-10-202806-11-2028AUD $22,200Privilege Suite Deck 6
29-10-202806-11-2028AUD $26,710Grand Deluxe Suite
29-10-202806-11-2028AUD $35,250Owner's Suite

Inclusions

    • A springtime journey through a Mediterranean mosaic of islands steeped in history: the Balearic Islands, Sardinia, Sicily and Malta.
    • Sicily and its gems over four ports of call to visit its most beautiful archaeological sites and soak in its lifestyle.
    • Discover Tunis, its emblematic medina and the UNESCO-listed archaeological site of Carthage.

Map

Related products

Recent Blog Posts

Browse Trips in

Spain
More of activity:
Mediterranean Cruises