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PONANT's cruises
The finest Mediterranean voyages
A strikingly blue sea, monuments bequeathed by ancient civilisations and abundant sunshine that enhances scents and flavours… A Mediterranean cruise is a feast for the mind and senses. Here is a selection of the best itineraries offered by PONANT EXPLORATIONS, to choose from as you wish.
The Greek islands and the Peloponnese
Blue-and-white villages in the Cyclades, temples with columns that have stood the test of time, rolling fields of olive trees as far as the eye can see… Not forgetting narrow cobbled streets shaded by bougainvillea and delicacies that taste of honey and the sea: this is the Greece of our dreams, where culture and simplicity meet.
Why choose Greece?
A cruise is ideal for a first voyage to Greece. With long distances overland due to the often rugged terrain, travelling to the sites by sea saves a considerable amount of time. Cruising from island to island, the ship usually sails at night, meaning you wake up to the thrill of discovery. In Greece, the variety of landscapes, sites and atmospheres promises a wealth of experiences to choose from as you wish.
Must-see ports of call
Athens is often the starting point for a cruise around Greece. Take the opportunity to visit the Acropolis and the Pláka district, preferably early in the morning. Next stop: the Greek islands! In the Cyclades, after Delos and Mykonos, a hidden gem welcomes you: the unspoilt island of Tinos. Continue to the Dodecanese, following in the footsteps of St John on Patmos and Rhodes. In the Ionian Sea, after visiting the delightful island of Corfu, head ashore to the mainland and make your way to the fabulous cliff-top monasteries of Meteora.
The best experiences to enjoy on a cruise around Greece
- Marvel at the fabulous sunsets while sailing from island to island in the Ionian or Aegean Sea.
- Stroll through villages where no motor vehicles are allowed, such as Hydra.
- Visit the site of Delphi with a local guide and experience the atmosphere of Antiquity’s most sacred place of pilgrimage.
- Cross the Corinth Canal, with the ship making its way between two high rock faces.
- Sail through the Santorini caldera, along the volcanic cliffs.
This cruise is ideal for…
- Travellers who love Greece’s iconic landscapes: majestic ruins in Corinth, Epidaurus or Delos; windmills perched on the ridges of Mykonos, Milos or Patmos…
- Those with a passion for the history of Ancient Greece, who can explore unmissable archaeological sites such as Delphi, Olympia and Mycenae.
The Adriatic and Croatia
Both along the Italian coast and on the opposite side in Croatia and Montenegro, the shores of the Adriatic Sea are home to historic towns and enchanting coves. From the City of the Doges to the Bay of Kotor, the ramparts of Dubrovnik to Diocletian’s Palace in Split, welcome to the heart of a luminous sea!
Why choose the Adriatic and Croatia?
Like a distillation of Mediterranean delights… a cruise along the Dalmatian coast offers the following: UNESCO-listed monuments and natural sites, lush green islands surrounded by clear waters and fruity grape varieties are the highlights of a journey on the waves. Often compared to Greece, Croatia is every bit as good as its neighbour when it comes to cuisine, culture and a sincerely warm welcome.
Must-see ports of call
No Adriatic voyage would be complete without stopping off in Venice. La Serenissima certainly lives up to its name – regal and unrivalled: take the time to lose yourself in the maze of its canals and step inside its palaces. In Croatia, while Split, Hvar and Dubrovnik are must-sees on the programme, there are also some lesser-known destinations, such as the picturesque town of Rovinj or the unspoilt island of Mljet, before diving into the medieval world of Kotor’s old town in Montenegro.
The best experiences to enjoy on an Adriatic cruise
- Admire the view of Venice and its lagoon from the balcony of your stateroom.
- Stroll along Dubrovnik’s ramparts at sunset.
- Sail through the Bay of Kotor, a real Mediterranean fjord.
- Hike around Krka’s waterfalls and explore the trails among the emerald green lakes, connected by refreshing cascades.
- Discover the little-known Brijuni archipelago in Istria, a corner of paradise popular with the aristocracy.
This cruise is ideal for…
- Art and history lovers: Roman ruins such as the amphitheatre in Pula, Byzantine mosaics in Ravenna, Baroque churches in Lecce and the bold contemporary works at the Venice Biennale.
- Outdoor sports enthusiasts, with a fabulous playground: hiking, cycling and water sports – swimming, paddleboarding and kayaking.
The French and Italian Rivieras
Between Provence and Tuscany, the Mediterranean coast stretches out like a long azure-fringed ribbon. From fashionable seaside resorts to sleepy villages, coastal paths scented with thyme to crystal-clear coves, you will be unable to resist the charms of the Côte d’Azur and the Ligurian Riviera…
Why choose the French and Italian Rivieras?
Set sail on a cruise along the Riviera and discover by sea this subtle blend of glamour and timelessness – the Mediterranean’s azure waves paired with pastel-toned towns. Leave the ship’s soothing rhythm behind for a few hours to enjoy cultural excursions, following in the footsteps of the painters, musicians, writers and filmmakers who have contributed to the fame of this charmed destination.
Must-see ports of call
On the French side, Nice is often the first port of call on the Côte d’Azur, with its old town’s colourful weathered houses and lively markets. Its neighbour, Menton, already has an Italian feel and is decked out in yellow in homage to the lemon – the fruit that made its fortune. As for star-studded Saint-Tropez, take the time to explore its museums as well! On the Italian side, the unspoilt gem of Portofino and the Cinque Terre alone would be worth the trip…
The best experiences to enjoy on a cruise along the Riviera
- Stroll along the seafront on the Croisette in Cannes or the Promenade des Anglais in Nice, past the famous luxury hotels and high-end boutiques.
- Hike along the Cinque Terre coastal path, perched between sky and sea among citrus groves.
- Set off on an excursion into the countryside around Nice, such as Grasse and its perfumes or the medieval village of Saint-Paul-de-Vence and the Maeght Foundation.
- In Italy, visit Carrara’s impressive marble quarries.
This cruise is ideal for…
- Pleasure lovers and fans of la dolce vita, travelling from one port of call to the next in a refined haven of luxury.
- Art and history buffs, offering a unique opportunity to discover the shores that inspired the greatest artists, from Matisse to Picasso, Dante to F.S. Fitzgerald.
Corsica, Sardinia and Sicily
Set between France and Italy, these three large Mediterranean islands each have their own distinctive character. Passing on traditions, preserving local heritage and a deep-seated attachment to their land are the common threads linking the people of Corsica, Sardinia and Sicily. A cruise is an opportunity to meet them.
Why choose Corsica, Sardinia and Sicily?
Islands that offer a real change of scenery! Along the coast, small seaside resorts sit side by side with fishermen’s quays, and in the hilltop villages, not a single stone seems to have moved for centuries. Island cultures are very much alive everywhere. Religious festivals, culinary specialities, arts and crafts: every port of call has a surprise in store for you. And when the afternoon stretches out in a cove with crystal-clear waters, accessible only by sea, the cruise becomes a slice of paradise…
Must-see ports of call
In Corsica, there are three ports of call on the programme: Bonifacio with its houses nestled against the cliff, with views of Sardinia opposite, Calvi and its citadel, and Saint-Florent, from where you can set off to explore Cap Corse. Head south towards Sardinia, with the untouched coves of the Maddalena Archipelago and Porto Cervo, a jet-set hotspot, followed by the capital, Cagliari, a dazzling mix of architectural styles. In Sicily, don’t miss historic Syracuse, followed by Taormina and its fabulous theatre.
The best experiences to enjoy in Corsica, Sardinia and Sicily
- Sail through the Strait of Bonifacio, past the radiant white cliffs, to the crystalline waters of the Lavezzi Islands.
- Attend a concert in the magical setting of the ancient theatre in Taormina.
- Weather permitting, climb Mount Etna! By cable car plus a 4×4 vehicle, the main crater is accessible to everyone.
- Off the coast of Sicily, sail past the volcanic Aeolian Islands, including Stromboli with its spectacular eruptions.
This cruise is ideal for…
- Travellers looking for outdoor activities, especially all kinds of water-based fun: swimming from the ship’s aft marina, snorkelling, kayaking, etc.
- Explorers in search of authentic experiences: visits to winegrowing estates, craft workshops and insider destinations.
The Iberian Peninsula and North Africa
On one side, Europe; on the other, North Africa. From one bank to the other, the blending of influences has led to subtle variations within the same culture over the centuries. From white terraced villages to Moorish palaces, discover original cruise itineraries in the Mediterranean.
Why choose the Iberian Peninsula and North Africa?
A cruise to Spain, Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia combines cultural discoveries, historic towns, ancient sites and Arab-Andalusian heritage, not to mention the spicy flavours of a delicious cuisine. From the Catalan coast to the Strait of Gibraltar, via the North African coastline, enjoy the comfort of cruising the Mediterranean in the relaxing setting of an intimate ship, then go ashore for excursions chosen by our experts.
Must-see ports of call
The Costa Brava, along with Barcelona and Valencia; Andalusia, with Málaga and Cádiz; and the Balearic Islands – comprising Mallorca, Menorca and Ibiza: these Spanish gems reveal themselves from the sea. Further on, continue towards Portugal, with ports of call in the Algarve and Lisbon. The Maghreb also offers some wonderful sightseeing opportunities that combine culture and heritage, such as the ruins of Carthage from Tunis or Tipasa from Algiers, followed by a walk through the bustling Medina or the Casbah.
The best experiences to enjoy
- Sail through the Strait of Gibraltar, the only passage between the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean.
- Visit the Alhambra in Granada at night, with light displays on the walls and in the gardens. Discover Picasso’s birthplace in Málaga.
- Sip Moroccan mint tea on a terrace in the cosmopolitan city of Tangier, the White City.
- Treat yourself to a romantic getaway at the Valldemossa Charterhouse in Mallorca, which was once the setting for the romance between George Sand and Chopin.
This cruise is ideal for
- History enthusiasts, with a remarkable architectural heritage, much of which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site: Moorish palaces, fortresses and cathedrals.
- Travellers looking for an original approach to the Mediterranean, keen to discover its many facets.
The coastlines of Turkey
When choosing a Mediterranean cruise, Turkey often springs to mind. An excellent choice, both for the climate, which is pleasant right through to late autumn, and the cultural heritage and historic sites! Let the exploration begin, from Istanbul to Antalya, the Dardanelles to Bodrum.
Why choose Turkey?
With one foot in Europe and the other in Asia, Turkey captivates visitors with its fascinating contrasts. Traces of past civilisations can be found everywhere, with a myriad of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, such as must-see Ephesus (which can be reached from Kusadasi on a cruise) or the impressive Acropolis of Pergamon. For an immersive experience, be sure to visit the bazaars, hammams and craft shops, before enjoying a cup of coffee – Turkish, of course – accompanied by some baklava.
Must-see ports of call in Turkey
Istanbul is almost a rite of passage on any voyage to Turkey. Situated along the Bosphorus, the city formerly known as Byzantium and later Constantinople offers a vibrant blend of history and modernity, from Topkapi Palace and the Blue Mosque to fashionable boutiques. From Antalya, Alanya or Bodrum, visit ancient sites such as Aspendos or Halicarnassus, stroll past the sumptuous Ottoman mansions and enjoy the Mediterranean scenery: unspoilt coves and hidden beaches.
The best experiences to enjoy on a cruise in Turkey
- Go shopping at the stalls in Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar.
- Experience the delights of the Turkish Riviera – fine sandy beaches and turquoise waters.
- Round off your cruise with a few days in Cappadocia, among the fairy chimneys and cave dwellings.
- Visit Ephesus with a guide to fully appreciate the ruins of a Roman city adorned with gleaming marble, mosaics and frescoes.
- Sail through the Dardanelles, a strategic waterway.
This cruise is ideal for…
- Lovers of ancient civilisations and archaeology, who will be delighted by the wealth of Greco-Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman sites, which are among the best-preserved in the Mediterranean region.
- People looking for a voyage that strikes a balance between cultural immersion and the coastal landscapes characteristic of the Mediterranean.
Why choose PONANT EXPLORATIONS for a Mediterranean cruise?
The fleet that sails the Mediterranean is made up of ships with a human touch, with between 16 and 132 staterooms at most. This small capacity allows them to stop at less well-known ports of call and drop anchor in secluded coves.
On board, all the staterooms and suites boast a modern design and sea views. You enjoy attentive, personalised service and savour the delights of fine dining. Cultural enrichment has not been forgotten; lectures on history, the arts and the great civilisations are given by the experts on board. A wide range of included or optional excursions to must-see sites and traditional villages, as well as more exclusive experiences off the beaten track, round off the discovery tour.
All that remains is to choose your Mediterranean itinerary to experience the magic of a PONANT EXPLORATIONS cruise for yourself!
Photo credits: ©StudioPONANT/L. Hervéou/O. Blaud/A. Herbrecht/J. Roques/L. Fischer/L. Patricot/E. Apoux/N. Leconte/J. Grouriot/A. Corlay; ©PONANT/J. Fabro/B. Bertrand/V. T. Kham; ©iStock
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Explore the most beautiful shores of the Mediterranean
