1 Jul 26, from £6,070

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A Celebration of Art Featuring the 61st Venice Biennale

A Celebration of Art Featuring the 61st Venice Biennale

Itinerary
Valletta to Venice
Duration
9 days
Dates
1 Jul 26 to 9 Jul 26
Prices from

Come aboard Le Bougainville for an unforgettable voyage.

This cruise is part of a collection of PONANT themed voyages that are specially tailored for travelers who want to engage with the world. In addition to the usual elements of the PONANT experience, the listed price for these voyages includes transfers to and from the ship, talks and discussions aboard ship by world-class experts, and a shore excursion or activity in each port of call that encourages guests to embrace the sights, sounds, tastes, and smells of the local environment and culture.

This carefully curated voyage from Valletta to Venice revels in the rich diversity of art and architecture found in Sicily and in the cities along Italy's Adriatic coast—the Greek and Roman ruins at Syracuse; the proudly Baroque architecture of Lecce; the Renaissance treasures of Urbino; and the Byzantine mosaics in Ravenna. But the true highlight of the journey is at its end in the glorious city of Venice, where our ship remains docked for two full days as we join in the world's first celebration of contemporary art—the 61st Venice Biennale —with exclusive visits to the Pinault Collection.

Our first port of call is the Sicilian city of Syracuse, which long rivaled Athens as one of the most powerful cities of the ancient world. You may choose to explore the extensive archaeological park, including the Roman Amphitheater of Augustus and a 15,000 seat Greek Theater. Or you may prefer to tour Ortygia, Syracuse's old town, home to many ancient monuments, including the city's Cathedral and the Palazzo Bellomo Museum.

During an afternoon in Otranto, visit the recently renovated Castello Aragonese, an art museum with marvelous views over the sea, and spend time exploring the Cathedral, known for its magnificent mosaics. Alternatively, you can travel to the hilltop town of Lecce, famous for its unique architectural style—Barocco Leccese—an exuberant blending of Baroque and Rococo. A walking tour of this remarkable city includes the Piazza del Duomo and Cathedral and the Basilica of Santa Croce.

From the port city of Bari, drive through olive groves and wheat fields to reach Alberobello, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that features over 1,500 trulli houses. These remarkable, white-washed structures with conical, domed roofs are constructed of local corbelled limestone without mortar, using a prehistoric building technique that has survived to this day.

Ancona offers the opportunity to travel to the town of Jesi, where the Holy Roman Emperor Frederick II was born, to tour its well-preserved center of Renaissance and Baroque palaces and churches. Or you may choose to spend the day exploring nearby Urbino, birthplace of Raphael and home to the Palazzo Ducale, which houses the National Gallery of the Marche, one of the most important collections of Renaissance art in the world.

Ravenna is an ancient city that in the early Middle Ages served as the center of Byzantine power in Italy. The churches built here in the 5th and 6th centuries were collectively designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in large part because of their stunning mosaics. You will visit several of these churches, including the Basilica of San Vitale, the nearby Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, which contains the earliest mosaics in Ravenna, and the Basilica of Sant'Apollinare.

Your trip comes to an end with two glorious days in Venice celebrating the Biennale with a series of very special events. A tour of the Contemporary Art Biennale, conducted by official Biennale guides, is followed by a private tour of the Punta della Dogana, a former customs house converted to a museum to house part of the extensive Pinault Collection. And your final day of this extraordinary journey ends with an exclusive tour of the Pinault Collection's Palazzo Grassi and a festive dinner in the palace's atrium.

Overview

Your voyage

All-inclusive

Destination

Mediterranean

Valletta to Venice

Duration

9 days, 8 nights on board

Timeless, Art & Literature

Kathryn Widing, Adrien Meyer

Shore excursion in each port of call + transfers included

No single supplement, PONANT Bonus 30%

Ref: VVKT45US - EG010726

Journey

Your daily itinerary

A specially tailored voyage including transfers before and after your cruise and an included excursion in each port of call.
Engaging lectures and discussions aboard with accompanying art experts, including Adrien Meyer, Global Head of Private Sales, Co-Chairman of Impressionist & Modern Art, and Chief Auctioneer, and Kathryn Widing, Senior Vice President, Senior Specialist in Post-War & Contemporary Art and Head of the 21st Century Evening Sale, both of Christie’s Auction House.
Two full days of exclusive access to exhibits and events of the Venice Biennale, including exclusive visits and dinner at the museums of the Pinault Collection.
The Greek and Roman ruins in Syracuse.
The unique Baroque/Rococo architecture of Lecce.
The Renaissance art of the National Gallery of the Marche.
The trulli houses of Alberobello.

A Celebration of Art Featuring the 61st Venice Biennale null

Customize your journey:

Maltese highlights (2 nights)

Date

29 Jun 26

Guests

Sharing your journey with

Kathryn Widing

Guests

Size

344 ft²

Sold out

Grand Deluxe Suite

Guests

Size

484 ft²

Owner's Suite

Guests

Size

484 ft²

*Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability, and subject to change at any time. The category of stateroom to which this price applies may no longer be available.

Details

More information

What's Included

Important travel details

In your luggage

Our cruises

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.

Arrival 02/07/26 early morning Departure 02/07/26 early afternoon

2 Jul 26 - 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.

Arrival 03/07/26 midday Departure 03/07/26 evening

3 Jul 26 - Otranto

Located in the Apulia region, Otrante is the easternmost transalpine town. Behind its medieval ramparts, you will taste the sweetlife of Salento, the “heel on Italy’s boot”. Inhabited since Antiquity, Otrante has today become a very pleasant seaside town. Yet its history is still visible as you meander through the little streets of its old centre. With its magnificent 12th century ornamental mosaic tiling, the Cathedral is one of its most beautiful treasures. During a stroll along the ramparts, you can sit and relax at a café terrace.

Arrival 04/07/26 early morning Departure 04/07/26 midday

4 Jul 26 - Bari

Extending out along a fertile plain facing the Adriatic Sea amid infinite landscapes sculpted by the water and wind, Bari bears the traces of the peoples which, over the centuries, have conquered it, settled it, or simply visited it fleetingly before making their way to faraway lands. Though its exact origins are lost among the mysteries of archaeology, the many sites here provide evidence of the town’s rich past. The Saracens, Byzantines, Normans and Swabians have left a trace here, each bringing their own cultural baggage. During your stop here, stroll along the minuscule streets in Bari Vecchia, the historic centre, where you will find small churches and monuments from bygone eras.

Arrival 05/07/26 early morning Departure 05/07/26 evening

5 Jul 26 - Ancona

Situated on the promontory of Monte Conero, Ancona, the capital of the Marche region, offers visitors all the charm of a typical Italian historical city. Founded by the Greeks in 390 BC and conquered by Julius Caesar in 49 BC, Ancona has a long history that was very much shaped by its harbour, a hub attracting different populations and cultures. When your ship calls here, take the time to discover the city’s many buildings, such as the cathedral dedicated to Judas Cyriacus and its façade made of white and pink marble, the Arch of Trajan, which is considered to be the port’s main embellishment, or the 15th century mansion where the painter Raphael was raised.

Arrival 06/07/26 early morning Departure 06/07/26 evening

6 Jul 26 - Ravenna

Linked to the Adriatic Sea by a canal, the city of Ravenna and its countless monuments offer you a rich journey back in time. Roman and Byzantine cultures intermingle here, and the fruits of this history adorn the interiors of the cityﾒs religious buildings: the abundance of classical mosaics is the most stunning witness to Ravennaﾒs glorious past. Eight UNESCO World Heritage listed Paleo-Christian sites punctuate your journey into the historic heart of the city. Still very lively despite the weight of its history, Ravenna has much to offer to visitors.

Arrival 07/07/26 early morning Disembarkation 09/07/26 at 8:00

7 Jul 26 > 9 Jul 26 - Venice

Proud and eternal, Venice has reigned on its lagoon ever since the 6th century. You may think you know this city before even setting foot here. You will inevitably fall in love with the charm of the innumerable treasures of the Serenissima: Saint Mark’s square, the basilica, Doges palace, the Grand Canal and the gondolas. Yet, secret Venice is also waiting for you to explore its little interlacing streets and canals, to ramble through its squares and to push open the doors of its churches. The city’s extraordinary heritage shouldn’t stop you from enjoying a glass of Spritz and a few tramezzini.

A Celebration of Art Featuring the 61st Venice Biennale

Included package

Shore excursion in each port of call + transfers included

PONANT has organized the following included program for you, which starts the day of embarkation.

Included Features:

Engaging lectures and discussions aboard with accompanying art experts, including Adrien Meyer, Global Head of Private Sales, Co-Chairman of Impressionist & Modern Art, and Chief Auctioneer, and Kathryn Widing, Senior Vice President, Senior Specialist in Post-War & Contemporary Art and Head of the 21st Century Evening Sale, both of Christie’s Auction House.
Two full days of exclusive access to exhibits and events of the Venice Biennale, including exclusive visits and dinner at the museums of the Pinault Collection
Transfers and luggage handling from the airport in Valletta to the ship on the day of embarkation
Comprehensive 8-night cruise aboard the deluxe Le Bougainville, with all the amenities for which PONANT ships are famous
One included shore excursion each day in each port of call (see “Itinerary” for more information and choice of excursions, if applicable)
Gratuities for ship crew and for guides and drivers on excursions
Transfer from the ship to the airport in Venice at the end of the cruise on the morning of disembarkation

Not included:

Independent meals and beverages ashore
Personal expenses (such as laundry, telephone, etc.)

Notes:

This trip is offered on a space available basis
Program is subject to change without notice

A Celebration of Art Featuring the 61st Venice Biennale

Customize your journey

Maltese highlights (2 nights)

Details

This specially designed program is an opportunity to get a sense of the extraordinarily rich history of this small island nation in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea. Learn about the importance of Malta as a crossroads of trade and as the headquarters of the Knights of St. John, as well as something of the island's Neolithic past as preserved in the prehistoric megaliths of Hagar Qim. Enjoy all of this while staying at one of the world's truly grand hotels.

Day 1 – Valletta, Malta

On arrival at the Malta International Airport, you will be met and transferred to the Phoenicia Malta hotel (or similar), your home for the next two nights. Official check-in time is 3:00 p.m. A local representative will be present at a hospitality desk in the afternoon to welcome you and answer any questions you may have.

Join your fellow travelers for a welcome cocktail reception this evening. Dinner is independent and at your leisure.

Day 2 – Valletta

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before joining a guided walking tour of Valletta, Malta’s fortified capital city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Begin with a stroll to the Upper Barrakka Gardens for panoramic views over the Grand Harbor. Your visit to the extraordinary interior of the 16th-century Co-Cathedral of St. John affords the opportunity to see Caravaggio’s massive masterpiece, The Beheading of St. John the Baptist. And during your tour of the Palace of the Grand Master, which serves today as the office of the president of Malta, you will see the richly decorated state rooms and tapestry chamber.

The balance of the day is at leisure, with independent lunch and dinner.

Day 3 - Valletta | Embarkation

After breakfast and check out of the hotel, drive inland to the city of Mdina, the capital of Malta until the Knights of St. John moved it to Valletta in the 16th century. Your walking tour includes the stunning Baroque Cathedral of St. Paul, built on the site where it is said Paul converted the Roman governor to Christianity in the months following his shipwreck on the island in the year 60. From Mdina, drive to the a nearby winery for a tasting of some of Malta's finest wines before stopping at a historic local restaurant for a lunch of traditional Maltese specialties.

After lunch, drive to the southern coast of the island to visit the Hagar Qim Temples, a UNESCO World Heritage site dating to 3600 BC. Located on a hilltop overlooking the sea, Hagar Qim is among the earliest free-standing stone buildings in the world. Following your guided tour of this extraordinary site, transfer to the pier to embark your ship.

Your hotel:

The Phoenicia Malta, a member of The Leading Hotels of the World, is Malta’s landmark hotel with a storied history spanning over 60 years. Surrounded by beautifully landscaped gardens, the hotel is situated in an ideal location just outside the walled city of Valletta and its 16th-century bastions. From the hotel’s front door, the historic wonders of Valletta, including St. John’s Co-Cathedral, are all within easy walking distance. The hotel boasts 136 rooms and suites combining old-world elegance and a fresh style. Its modern conveniences ensure a comfortable and luxurious stay.

Your program includes:

· 2 nights at The Phoenicia Malta (or similar), including breakfast

· Transfer and luggage handling from the airport to the hotel on the scheduled program arrival day

· Transfer and luggage handling to the pier on embarkation day

· Welcome cocktail reception on Day 1

· Breakfast on days 2 and 3

· Lunch on Day 3

· Sightseeing and programming as noted in the itinerary

· Local English-speaking guide

· Gratuities for the drivers and local guides

Your program does not include:

· Transfer from the airport to the hotel on any day other than the scheduled program arrival day

· Personal expenses and other services and meals not mentioned as included in the program

Please note:

· It is imperative that your flight arrival details are communicated at least 60 days prior to the beginning of your cruise in order to secure your transfer from the airport to the hotel.

· Early check-in and/or late check-out are available depending on availability and at a supplement. An additional night is possible, upon request and depending on hotel availability. Please, contact reservations or your travel agent for further details.

· The official currency is the Euro. Credit cards are largely accepted in hotels, shops, and restaurants.

· The duration of the visits is given as a guide only, and the order of the visits may change.

· This pre-cruise program is offered as a package. There will be no refunds for unused accommodations, meals, or excursions.

· Program is offered on a space available basis.

· Program is subject to change without notice.

Hotel contact information:

The Phoenicia Malta

The Mall

Floriana FRN1478

Malta

Telephone: +356.2122.5241

Total

£1,210/person*

Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.

A Celebration of Art Featuring the 61st Venice Biennale