PonantEU130427
The Mediterranean: in the Footsteps of Great Civilisations
Date
2027-04-13
Duration
10 nights
Departure Port
Valletta
Malta
Arrival Port
Antalya
Turkey
Rating
Luxury
Theme
—
Date
2027-04-13
Duration
10 nights
Departure Port
Valletta
Malta
Arrival Port
Antalya
Turkey
Rating
Luxury
Theme
—
Ponant
Ponant Explorers
2019
—
9,976 GT
184
92
118
430 m
18 m
13 knots
No
Valletta, Europe's smallest capital, is a fortress city of exceptional grandeur raised from bare limestone in just fifteen years after the Knights of St. John repelled the great Ottoman siege of 1565 — its rigid Renaissance grid of sun-drenched streets concealing a density of baroque palaces, gilded oratories, and subterranean World War II shelters unrivaled anywhere in the Mediterranean. The Grand Harbour, framed by golden bastions plunging into startlingly blue water, offers one of the most dramatically photogenic arrivals in the world for arriving vessels. Spring and autumn deliver the most comfortable temperatures for exploring this UNESCO-listed gem.
Siracusa, known to English speakers as Syracuse, is a wonder to behold. One of the great ancient capitals of Western civilization, the city was founded in 734 BC by Greek colonists from Corinth and soon grew to rival, and even surpass, Athens in splendor and power. It became the largest, wealthiest city-state in the West and a bulwark of Greek civilization. Although Siracusa lived under tyranny, rulers such as Dionysius filled their courts with Greeks of the highest cultural stature—among them the playwrights Aeschylus and Euripides, and the philosopher Plato. The Athenians, who didn't welcome Siracusa's rise, set out to conquer Sicily, but the natives outsmarted them in what was one of the greatest military campaigns in ancient history (413 BC). The city continued to prosper until it was conquered two centuries later by the Romans.Present-day Siracusa still has some of the finest examples of Baroque art and architecture; dramatic Greek and Roman ruins; and a Duomo that's the stuff of legend—a microcosm of the city's entire history in one building. The modern city also has a wonderful, lively, Baroque old town worthy of extensive exploration, as well as pleasant piazzas, outdoor cafés and bars, and a wide assortment of excellent seafood. There are essentially two areas to explore in Siracusa: the Parco Archeologico (Archaeological Zone), on the mainland; and the island of Ortygia, the ancient city first inhabited by the Greeks, which juts out into the Ionian Sea and is connected to the mainland by two small bridges. Ortygia is becoming increasingly popular with tourists, and is starting to lose its old-fashioned charm in favor of modern boutiques.Siracusa's old nucleus of Ortygia, a compact area, is a pleasure to amble around without getting unduly tired. In contrast, mainland Siracusa is a grid of wider avenues. At the northern end of Corso Gelone, above Viale Paolo Orsi, the orderly grid gives way to the ancient quarter of Neapolis, where the sprawling Parco Archeologico is accessible from Viale Teracati (an extension of Corso Gelone). East of Viale Teracati, about a 10-minute walk from the Parco Archeologico, the district of Tyche holds the archaeological museum and the church and catacombs of San Giovanni, both off Viale Teocrito (drive or take a taxi or city bus from Ortygia). Coming from the train station, it's a 15-minute trudge to Ortygia along Via Francesco Crispi and Corso Umberto. If you're not up for that, take one of the free electric buses leaving every 10 minutes from the bus station around the corner.
Gallipoli is a compelling Mediterranean port in Italy where centuries of history, vibrant local cuisine, and luminous coastal scenery converge. Visitors should explore the historic quarters on foot and surrender to the local dining culture, where fresh seafood and regional wines provide a masterclass in Mediterranean living. Best visited May through October, when the climate is at its most welcoming for outdoor exploration. Cruise lines including Windstar Cruises feature this port on their most compelling itineraries. Whether you have a few hours or a full day, the port rewards exploration at every pace and in every direction.
Where Homer placed the island of the Phaeacians and four centuries of Venetian rule left their most enduring Mediterranean legacy, Corfu is a singular island of extraordinary historical depth and natural beauty. The UNESCO-listed Old Town — its narrow Kantounia alleyways, the elegant Liston arcade, and twin Venetian fortresses — is the finest preserved Venetian streetscape in Greece. Beyond the town, secret coves, olive groves of immense antiquity, and mountain villages offer weeks of unhurried discovery. May through June and September offer perfect conditions: warm sea temperatures, clear skies, and the island before or after its summer crescendo.
Lavrion, a historic port town in southeastern Attica, Greece, is famed for its ancient silver mines and vibrant maritime culture. Must-do experiences include indulging in grilled octopus at local tavernas and exploring nearby islands like Delos and Symi. The best time to visit is during the spring and early fall when the weather is pleasant, and the crowds are fewer.
Volos is a Greek port city at the foot of mythical Mount Pelion, where Jason launched the Argonauts, famous for its unique tsipouro taverna culture where endless meze plates accompany rounds of grape spirit. Must-dos include a tsipouradiko session on the waterfront, exploring Pelion's stone-built mountain villages, and the narrow-gauge Pelion train. April through October is ideal, with June and September best for combining beach and mountain.
Kuşadası owes its place on the world's cruise itineraries to one extraordinary proximity: the ancient city of Ephesus, one of the greatest metropolises of the Greco-Roman world, lies just seventeen kilometres from the port. Ephesus — with its two-kilometre marble colonnade, the Library of Celsus, and the Temple of Artemis (one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World) — demands at least half a day of unhurried exploration. The House of the Virgin Mary, a pilgrimage site believed to be where Mary spent her final years, adds a profound spiritual dimension. Kuşadası itself is a lively Aegean resort; the season runs April through October, with May and September offering ideal temperatures and smaller crowds.
Alanya is a dramatic Turkish Riviera port city crowned by a massive thirteenth-century Seljuk fortress atop a rocky peninsula, with Cleopatra's Beach below. Must-dos include exploring the castle complex and Red Tower, taking a boat tour around the peninsula's sea caves, and savoring traditional Turkish meze at a clifftop meyhane. Visit in spring (April–June) or autumn (September–November) for warm weather without the summer crowds.
Antalya is the Turkish Riviera's finest city, combining a beautifully preserved Ottoman old town, ancient Roman ruins, and a dramatic clifftop setting above the Mediterranean. Must-dos include wandering the lanes of Kaleiçi, visiting the perfectly preserved Roman theater at Aspendos, and savoring an expansive Turkish breakfast overlooking the sea. Spring (April–June) and autumn (September–November) offer the ideal blend of warm weather and manageable crowds for exploring this two-thousand-year-old city.
Day 1
Valletta, Europe's smallest capital, is a fortress city of exceptional grandeur raised from bare limestone in just fifteen years after the Knights of St. John repelled the great Ottoman siege of 1565 — its rigid Renaissance grid of sun-drenched streets concealing a density of baroque palaces, gilded oratories, and subterranean World War II shelters unrivaled anywhere in the Mediterranean. The Grand Harbour, framed by golden bastions plunging into startlingly blue water, offers one of the most dramatically photogenic arrivals in the world for arriving vessels. Spring and autumn deliver the most comfortable temperatures for exploring this UNESCO-listed gem.
Day 2
Siracusa, known to English speakers as Syracuse, is a wonder to behold. One of the great ancient capitals of Western civilization, the city was founded in 734 BC by Greek colonists from Corinth and soon grew to rival, and even surpass, Athens in splendor and power. It became the largest, wealthiest city-state in the West and a bulwark of Greek civilization. Although Siracusa lived under tyranny, rulers such as Dionysius filled their courts with Greeks of the highest cultural stature—among them the playwrights Aeschylus and Euripides, and the philosopher Plato. The Athenians, who didn't welcome Siracusa's rise, set out to conquer Sicily, but the natives outsmarted them in what was one of the greatest military campaigns in ancient history (413 BC). The city continued to prosper until it was conquered two centuries later by the Romans.Present-day Siracusa still has some of the finest examples of Baroque art and architecture; dramatic Greek and Roman ruins; and a Duomo that's the stuff of legend—a microcosm of the city's entire history in one building. The modern city also has a wonderful, lively, Baroque old town worthy of extensive exploration, as well as pleasant piazzas, outdoor cafés and bars, and a wide assortment of excellent seafood. There are essentially two areas to explore in Siracusa: the Parco Archeologico (Archaeological Zone), on the mainland; and the island of Ortygia, the ancient city first inhabited by the Greeks, which juts out into the Ionian Sea and is connected to the mainland by two small bridges. Ortygia is becoming increasingly popular with tourists, and is starting to lose its old-fashioned charm in favor of modern boutiques.Siracusa's old nucleus of Ortygia, a compact area, is a pleasure to amble around without getting unduly tired. In contrast, mainland Siracusa is a grid of wider avenues. At the northern end of Corso Gelone, above Viale Paolo Orsi, the orderly grid gives way to the ancient quarter of Neapolis, where the sprawling Parco Archeologico is accessible from Viale Teracati (an extension of Corso Gelone). East of Viale Teracati, about a 10-minute walk from the Parco Archeologico, the district of Tyche holds the archaeological museum and the church and catacombs of San Giovanni, both off Viale Teocrito (drive or take a taxi or city bus from Ortygia). Coming from the train station, it's a 15-minute trudge to Ortygia along Via Francesco Crispi and Corso Umberto. If you're not up for that, take one of the free electric buses leaving every 10 minutes from the bus station around the corner.
Day 3
Gallipoli is a compelling Mediterranean port in Italy where centuries of history, vibrant local cuisine, and luminous coastal scenery converge. Visitors should explore the historic quarters on foot and surrender to the local dining culture, where fresh seafood and regional wines provide a masterclass in Mediterranean living. Best visited May through October, when the climate is at its most welcoming for outdoor exploration. Cruise lines including Windstar Cruises feature this port on their most compelling itineraries. Whether you have a few hours or a full day, the port rewards exploration at every pace and in every direction.
Day 4
Where Homer placed the island of the Phaeacians and four centuries of Venetian rule left their most enduring Mediterranean legacy, Corfu is a singular island of extraordinary historical depth and natural beauty. The UNESCO-listed Old Town — its narrow Kantounia alleyways, the elegant Liston arcade, and twin Venetian fortresses — is the finest preserved Venetian streetscape in Greece. Beyond the town, secret coves, olive groves of immense antiquity, and mountain villages offer weeks of unhurried discovery. May through June and September offer perfect conditions: warm sea temperatures, clear skies, and the island before or after its summer crescendo.
Day 5
Day 6
Lavrion, a historic port town in southeastern Attica, Greece, is famed for its ancient silver mines and vibrant maritime culture. Must-do experiences include indulging in grilled octopus at local tavernas and exploring nearby islands like Delos and Symi. The best time to visit is during the spring and early fall when the weather is pleasant, and the crowds are fewer.
Day 7
Volos is a Greek port city at the foot of mythical Mount Pelion, where Jason launched the Argonauts, famous for its unique tsipouro taverna culture where endless meze plates accompany rounds of grape spirit. Must-dos include a tsipouradiko session on the waterfront, exploring Pelion's stone-built mountain villages, and the narrow-gauge Pelion train. April through October is ideal, with June and September best for combining beach and mountain.
Day 8
Kuşadası owes its place on the world's cruise itineraries to one extraordinary proximity: the ancient city of Ephesus, one of the greatest metropolises of the Greco-Roman world, lies just seventeen kilometres from the port. Ephesus — with its two-kilometre marble colonnade, the Library of Celsus, and the Temple of Artemis (one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World) — demands at least half a day of unhurried exploration. The House of the Virgin Mary, a pilgrimage site believed to be where Mary spent her final years, adds a profound spiritual dimension. Kuşadası itself is a lively Aegean resort; the season runs April through October, with May and September offering ideal temperatures and smaller crowds.
Day 9
Day 10
Alanya is a dramatic Turkish Riviera port city crowned by a massive thirteenth-century Seljuk fortress atop a rocky peninsula, with Cleopatra's Beach below. Must-dos include exploring the castle complex and Red Tower, taking a boat tour around the peninsula's sea caves, and savoring traditional Turkish meze at a clifftop meyhane. Visit in spring (April–June) or autumn (September–November) for warm weather without the summer crowds.
Day 11
Antalya is the Turkish Riviera's finest city, combining a beautifully preserved Ottoman old town, ancient Roman ruins, and a dramatic clifftop setting above the Mediterranean. Must-dos include wandering the lanes of Kaleiçi, visiting the perfectly preserved Roman theater at Aspendos, and savoring an expansive Turkish breakfast overlooking the sea. Spring (April–June) and autumn (September–November) offer the ideal blend of warm weather and manageable crowds for exploring this two-thousand-year-old city.
In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:
One king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm)
An armchair and sofa (90 x 190 cm)
A bathroom with shower
A private 6 m² balcony with two armchairs
A glazed panoramic swing door and panoramic window
In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:
One king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm)
An armchair and sofa (90 x 190 cm)
A bathroom with shower
A private 6 m² balcony with two armchairs
A panoramic slidging bay window
In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:
Champagne and fruit basket on arrival
One king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm)
An armchair and sofa (90 x 190 cm)
A bathroom with shower
A private 4 m² balcony with two armchairs
A panoramic sliding bay window
In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:
One king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm)
An armchair and sofa (90 x 190 cm)
A bathroom with shower
A private 6 m² balcony with two armchairs
A glazed panoramic swing door and panoramic window
In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:
Priority boarding (depending on port of embarkation)
Champagne and fruit basket on arrival
Butler service
An assortment of sweet or savoury canapés and fruit basket every day
A bedroom with one king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm)
A lounge with sofa convetible to a double bed (160 x 190 cm), armchair, and second TV
A bathroom with shower and Balneo bathtub
A private 32 m² terrace with two deckchairs and four-seater dining table
2 panoramic sliding bay windows
In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:
Private return transfer
Priority boarding (depending on port of embarkation)
Champagne and fruit basket on arrival
Butler service
An assortment of sweet or savoury canapés and fruit basket every day
A lounge with armchair, double sofa bed (160 x 190 cm), and second TV
A bedroom with king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm)
A bathroom with shower, Balneo bathtub and smart mirror
A one-hour spa treatments per person (for 2 people) in the well-being space, chosen from the facial and body treatments on offer
Included premium pass: access to a selection of premium spirits at the bar
A private 40 m² terrace: 2 deckchairs, jacuzzi, and outdoor lounge area with sofa and armchair
Two panoramic sliding bay windows
In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:
Champagne and fruit basket on arrival
An assortment of sweet or savoury canapés and fruit basket every day
A bedroom with king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm)
A lounge with convertible sofa to a king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm), armchair, second TV, and sliding courtesy door
Two bathrooms with shower
A private 8 m² balcony with four armchairs
Two panoramic sliding bay windows
In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:
Priority boarding (depending on port of embarkation)
Champagne and fruit basket on arrival
Butler service
An assortment of sweet or savoury canapés and fruit basket every day
A bedroom with king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm)
A lounge with convertible sofa to a king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm), armchair, second TV, and sliding courtesy door
Two bathrooms with shower
A private 8 m² balcony with four armchairs
Two panoramic sliding bay windows
In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:
Priority boarding (depending on port of embarkation)
Butler service
One king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm)
A lounge area with chaise longue and armchair
A bathroom with shower
A private 8 m² balcony with two armchairs
A panoramic sliding bay window
In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:
Priority boarding (depending on port of embarkation)
Champagne and fruit basket on arrival
Butler service
An assortment of sweet or savoury canapés and fruit basket every day
One king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm)
A lounge area with chaise longue and armchair
A bathroom with shower
A private 8 m² balcony with two armchairs
A panoramic sliding bay window
In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:
One king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm) and TV
A bathroom with shower
A private 4 m² balcony with two armchairs
A glazed panoramic swing door and rectangular window
In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:
One king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm)
One chaise longue
A bathroom with shower
A private 4 m² balcony with two armchairs
A panoramic sliding bay window or glazed panoramic swing door
In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:
One king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm)
One chaise longue
A bathroom with shower
A private 4 m² balcony with two armchairs
A panoramic sliding bay window or glazed panoramic swing door
In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:
One king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm)
One chaise longue
A bathroom with shower
A private 4 m² balcony with two armchairs
A panoramic sliding bay window or glazed panoramic swing door
Our cruise specialists can help you find the perfect cabin and the best available pricing.
(+886) 02-2721-7300Contact Advisor