Guest Speaker 
Deluxe Stateroom Deck 3
10% Ponant Bonus
204 ft²
2
Ancient Civilizations by Sea: Israel, Egypt, Cyprus, Greece, & Turkey – with Smithsonian Journeys
Aqaba - Valletta
Dates:
02/04/2024
to
14/04/2024
days
nights on board
Shore excursion in each port of call + transfers included
In alliance with Smithsonian Journeys.
This cruise is part of a collection of PONANT voyages that are specially-tailored for English-speaking 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.
From the Red Sea, through the Suez Canal, and into the central Mediterranean, this voyage aboard Le Champlain devotes 13 days to exploring the iconic sites of this exceptionally culturally rich corner of the world, encompassing Israel, Egypt, Cyprus, the Turkish coast, and the Greek Islands of Rhodes and Crete.
Embark in Aqaba, Jordan, the gateway to Petra and the Wadi Rum Protected Area.
Beginning in the Israeli port of Eilat on the Gulf of Aqaba, your first day of discovery offers a choice between a visit to Masada, where a group of Jewish Zealots held out against the Roman army for three years before committing mass suicide rather than surrender, or an exploration of the fabled Mines of King Solomon.
After a day at sea, an excursion to Cairo focuses on the legacy of Pharaonic Egypt, beginning with the Great Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx, the only one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World still in existence, and ending with a visit to the newly opened (October 2022) Grand Egyptian Museum.
During the fifth day of the voyage, Le Champlain transits the Suez Canal, which was built between 1859 and 1869 to shorten the sea route from the Indian Ocean to Western Europe by over 5,000 miles.
Arriving in the Mediterranean Sea, travel from the port of Ashdod to Jerusalem, the ancient city that is holy to Jews, Christians, and Muslim alike, and discover the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, the Western Wall, and the Temple Mount.
During two days on the island of Cyprus, you may explore the UNESCO sites of Tombs of the Kings and the ancient town of Paphos, famous for its mosaics, or you may enjoy a culinary tour providing samples of Cypriot wines, cheeses, breads, and other mezze.
The Greek island of Rhodes, known in antiquity for its schools of philosophy, rhetoric, and sculpture, today boasts one of Europe’s largest medieval towns, built by the Knights of St. John during the Crusades, and a wonderful city to explore on foot.
Kusadasi on Turkey's Aegean coast is your gateway to Ephesus, one of the world's greatest archaeological sites, spanning the period from the Hellenistic world through the early Christian era. The immense excavation here includes temples of several Roman emperors, the iconic Library of Celsus, and the terraced hill houses, with their splendid mosaics and frescoes, overlooking the city below.
The largest of the Greek islands, Crete was home to the Minoans, Europe’s earliest advanced civilization. From Heraklion, travel to Knossos to explore its fabled Minoan Palace, showing life as it was some 4,000 years ago. The palace is a maze of frescoed passageways and chambers that may well have inspired the myth of the labyrinth of the Minotaur. Also choose to visit the Heraklion Museum, with exhibits of Minoan finds from around the island.
The final day of this extraordinary voyage is at sea, providing an opportunity to reflect on all that you have seen and done and to prepare for disembarkation in Malta.
Ref : AV5345US - EC020424
Your itinerary
A voyage specially-tailored for English-speaking travelers including discussions with experts, transfers before and after your cruise, and an included excursion in each port of call. Engaging discussions...
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Your trip in detail
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Complete your trip
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Included in your cruise
For more peace of mind, PONANT organizes your trip before or after the cruise. This package is included in the price of your cruise.
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07/11/2023 to the 22/11/2023
LE LYRIAL
01/10/2023 to the 08/10/2023
LE PAUL GAUGUIN
LE COMMANDANT CHARCOT
06/02/2024 to the 03/03/2024
LE BORÉAL
07/07/2024 to the 20/07/2024
*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.
Services provided
- 24-hour room service
- Inclusive Wifi internet access (availability dependent on navigation and latitude)
- Individually-controlled air conditioning
- Dressing room with shelves and closet
- Dressing table and hairdryer
- Dyptique Paris top-of-the-line bath products
- Minibar
- Nespresso coffee maker and boiler
- Electronic safe
- Direct line telephone
- Bose Bluetooth speaker
- Flat screen TV, international channels (availability dependent on navigation) and videos on demand
- 110V American (two flat pins)/220V European (round sockets with two round pins)
- Two ADA staterooms
Select your stateroom category
Gillian Hovell
Gillian Hovell is an ancient historian and archaeologist, known professionally as ‘The Muddy Archaeologist’. Indeed, she has excavated major sites from every ancient era. Ex-BBC, she now appears on national TV & Radio and is an award-winning writer, author, public speaker, and lecturer at York University, as well as nationally and internationally, in person and online. She is accessible, engaging, and academically robust (having graduated from Exeter University in Latin and Ancient History). Her passion is to share how the ancient world and archaeological sites and finds (from the Neolithic northern isles of Shetland and Orkney to the stunning and diverse civilizations of the ancient Mediterranean) are all full of insights into our common humanity. History and archaeology are not just about the past, they add color, depth, and meaning to our lives today.
Language spoken : English
Photo credit: ARR
Adam Tanner
A writer and lecturer, who spent much of his career as a foreign correspondent, Adam Tanner has long studied the impact of colonialism, economic engagement,andglobalization, and is especially interested in the enduring impact of Europe on Asia, Latin America,and Africa.He has appeared on CNN, Bloomberg TV, NPR, and the BBC and written for publications such as Scientific America, Forbes, Fortune, Time,andMIT Technology. He is an associate at the Institute for Quantitative Social Science (IQSS) at Harvard University where he has been since 2011, first as a fellow at the Nieman Foundation, then at IQSS. He is also an expert on privacy and commerce and has written two books,What Stays in VegasandOur Bodies, Our Data.
Language spoken: English
Photo credit: ARR
Subject to withdrawal in case of force majeure
Ideal clothes for life on board:
During the days spent on board, you are advised to wear comfortable clothes or casual outfits. The entire ship is air-conditioned, so a light sweater, a light jacket or a shawl may be necessary. When moving about in the public areas of the ship and the decks, light but comfortable shoes are recommended.
Informal evening:
In the evening, you are advised to wear smart-casual attire, especially when dining in our restaurants where wearing shorts and tee-shirts is not allowed.
For women:
- Simple dress
- Skirt or trousers
- Blouse
- Polo
For men:
- Pleated trousers or chinos
- Sports jacket
- Shirt
- Polo
Officer’s evening:
For all cruises longer than 8 nights, an Officer’s Evening with a white dress code may be organized. Therefore, we encourage you to bring a stylish white outfit for the occasion (otherwise black and white).
Gala evening:
During the cruise, two gala evenings will be organised on board. Thus, we recommend that you bring one or two formal outfits.
For women:
- Cocktail attire
- Evening dress (if you wish to)
For men:
- Dark suit
- Tie recommended, possibly bow tie (if you wish to)
SHOP:
A small shop is available on board offering a wide range of outfits, jewellery, leather goods and many accessories.
A laundry service (washing/ironing) is available on board, but unfortunately there are no dry cleaning services. For safety reasons, your cabin is not equipped with an iron.
ACCESSORIES:
- Polarized sunglasses
- Swimsuit (for the Spa on board)
- Gym wear (fitness)
- Battery charger and memory cards for your camera
- Mobile phone charger
- Hat/cap
HEALTH CARE:
- Sunscreen and after-sun lotion
- Medications and prescriptions
OUTFITS ON BOARD:
- Casual outfits for the day
- Smarter outfits for dinners
- Elegant outfits for Gala evenings
- White or black and white outfit
PRECAUTIONS:
In your hand luggage, remember to bring any medicines that you need, and possibly a small spare bag of toiletries (in case of delay in the delivery of your baggage by the airline). Remember to always have your travel documents with you in case you need them: hotel vouchers, cruise vouchers, return flight tickets... Never leave them in your hold luggage.
All our cabins have a safe. We recommend not to go ashore with valuable jewellery.
PONANT activities
Smithsonian Journeys
Smithsonian Journeys is the travel program of the Smithsonian Institution, the world’s largest museum, education and research complex, consisting of 21 museums, the National Zoological Park, education centers, research facilities, cultural centers, and libraries. Drawing on Smithsonian's resources dating back 175 years, these sailings will feature notable experts and experiences that embrace local cultures and dive deeper into a destination’s history, cuisine, language, environment, and wildlife. For more than 50 years, Smithsonian Journeys has been rooted in and focused on cultural immersion and discovery – with a goal of inspiring guests to become global citizens through travel.
Subject to withdrawal in case of force majeure
Highlights
- A voyage specially-tailored for English-speaking travelers including discussions with experts, transfers before and after your cruise, and an included excursion in each port of call.
- Engaging discussions onboard with two Smithsonian Journeys Experts, including archaeologist Gillian Hovell and foreign correspondent Adam Tanner.
- Voyage through seven countries: Jordan, Israel, Egypt, Cyprus, Greece, Turkey, and Malta.
- Experience as many as six UNESCO World Heritage sites.
- Explore the sacred sites of Jerusalem and visit Masada or King Solomon's Mines.
- Discover the Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx and transit the Suez Canal.
- Discover the ancient Cypriot city of Paphos.
- Stroll the medieval streets of Rhodes and discover the Minoan Palace of Knossos.
- Marvel at the splendor of Ephesus.
- Enjoy local cuisine on Cyprus and on Rhodes.
Ports of Call & Excursions
2 April 2024 - Aqaba
Embarkation 02/04/2024 from 16:00 to 17:00
Departure 02/04/2024 at 18:00
Located in the Red Sea within the eponymous gulf, Aqaba offers Jordan its only access to the sea. At the crossroads of the land and sea routes that linked Asia, Africa and Europe, the town is rich with more than 5,000 years of history. The warm waters of the Red Sea attract holidaymakers and divers to this seaside destination; the underwater sites home to coral and fishes are some of the most beautiful in the world. Aqaba is also the gateway to the magnificent desert of Wadi Rum and the marvellous site of Petra.
3 April 2024 - Eilat
Arrival 03/04/2024 at night
Departure 03/04/2024 evening
Situated in the far south of the State of Israel, on the banks of the Gulf of Eilat, on the edge of the Negev Desert between Egypt and Jordan, Eilat is internationally renowned as a high-end seaside resort and spa town, as well as for its magnificent natural sites. The first references to this place date back to the time of King Solomon. His legendary mines are said to be located not far from the now-modern city. It is the departure point for visiting the Masada fortress and for the incredible experience of swimming in the Dead Sea.
4 April 2024 - At sea
Arrival 04/04/2024
Departure 04/04/2024
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.
5 April 2024 - Ain Sukhna
Arrival 05/04/2024 at night
Departure 05/04/2024 early evening
Ain Sukhna, which means “hot spring,” is located in the Gulf of Suez, facing the Red Sea. Around fifty kilometres from the entrance to the Suez Canal, and less than two hours from the Egyptian capital, it is an elegant seaside town that is popular with wealthy families from Cairo. Ain Soukhna is an ideal base for discovering the marvels of Ancient Egypt.
6 April 2024 - Crossing the Suez Canal
Arrival 06/04/2024
Departure 06/04/2024
Without the waterway linking the Red Sea to the Mediterranean this part of the world would be an arid sandy desert inhabited by a few nomads. The Suez Canal slices through 162 km of desert and was inaugurated in 1869 in the presence of Empress Eugenie, then nationalised by Nasser in 1956.
7 April 2024 - Ashdod
Arrival 07/04/2024 at night
Departure 07/04/2024 evening
On the eastern shore of the Mediterranean, discover Ashdod, the largest port in Israel. An former Philistine city, the town is today home to the only museum in the world dedicated to the culture of this ancient people. Ashdod is also famous for being one of the gateways to Jerusalem. This city is one of the most sacred in the world and is fascinating due to its millennia-old history, its spirituality, and its incredibly rich religious heritage. Within its defensive walls, the Old City holds over 200 historic monuments including the Western Wall (or Wailing Wall), the Dome of the Rock, and the Holy Sepulchre. Visiting Jerusalem makes for a fascinating and moving experience as you immerse yourself in a mystical and magical place.
8 April 2024 - Limassol
Arrival 08/04/2024 early afternoon
Departure 08/04/2024 evening
Bathed by the azure waters of the Western Mediterranean, the city of Limassol enjoys a privileged natural position in southern Cyprus. Fall under its spell: nestled between lush mountains and idyllic fine sandy beaches, its history dates back to Ancient times. No wonder then that the charming city shelters many archaeological sites. Discover this rich cultural and architectural heritage, such as the emblematic 12th-century Byzantine castle where Richard the Lionheart married Berengaria of Navarre.
9 April 2024 - Paphos
Arrival 09/04/2024 early morning
Departure 09/04/2024 midday
In southwest Cyprus lies Paphos, a modern town and sought-after seaside resort of this island situated in the eastern Mediterranean. The impressive Byzantine fort can be discovered during a walk around the port and provides a glimpse into the past of the Cypriot city. Occupied since the Neolithic period, the site of Paphos saw the rise of New Paphos during ancient times, which became the island’s capital until the 4th century BC, when there was a devastating earthquake. Important ruins bear witness to the cult of pre-Hellenic fertility deities and then the goddess Aphrodite, who, legend has it, was born in Paphos. By the sea in the lower town, the Kato Paphos archeological park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, reveals many ruins of villas, fortresses, theatres and tombs that date back to the Hellenic, Roman and Byzantine periods. On this site with its undeniable architectural and historic value, the floors of the villas are decorated with rare mosaics, among the finest in the world.
10 April 2024 - Rhodes
Arrival 10/04/2024 early morning
Departure 10/04/2024 late afternoon
With its particularly agreeable climate, the island of Rhodes invites you to walk its pathways and discover its immaculate villages and sumptuous medieval city, a UNESCO World Heritage site. At the centre of the island the mountains are covered in forest and on the western slopes we find vineyards and crops. Rhodes also owes much of its charm and its character to the Knights of St John who reigned over the island from 1310 to 1522 and built impressive defensive walls punctuated with majestic gateways. Do not miss this delightful island with its peaceful beaches and its large walkways, perpetuating the myth of the famous Colossus, the legendary statue that is one of the Seven Wonders of the World.
11 April 2024 - Kusadasi
Arrival 11/04/2024 early morning
Departure 11/04/2024 early afternoon
The attractive seaside resort of Kusadasi is located in a gulf on the western coast of Turkey. You can bathe there in clear waters or stroll along the coastal walk, in the shade of palms. In the historical district, you can take a mosey down the narrow streets and explore the colourful shops in the bazaar. Close by, the Ephesus archaeological site in the hillsides provides an opportunity to discover the ruins of one of the most famous cities of Antiquity.
12 April 2024 - Heraklion, Crete
Arrival 12/04/2024 early morning
Departure 12/04/2024 early afternoon
Heraklion, the capital of Crete, is the island’s most populous city. The hustle and bustle of this seaport is an integral part of its charm. It is built on a hillside overlooking the port and is encircled by impressive Venetian walls. From the top of these, you will be able to enjoy one of the most beautiful views of the city. The old town is teeming with small shops, squares, cafés and vibrant architectural evidence of the city’s long history. The Palace of Knossos illustrates the wealth and power of its legendary sovereign, King Minos. The archaeological museum houses one of the largest collections of Minoan artefacts and is worth a visit.
13 April 2024 - At sea
Arrival 13/04/2024
Departure 13/04/2024
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.
14 April 2024 - Valletta
Arrival 14/04/2024 early morning
Disembarkation 14/04/2024 at 08:30
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.
Le Champlain
Like the rest of the PONANT EXPLORERS series, Le Champlain successfully manages to subtly combine the desire to explore the remotest regions of the planet with the comfort and privacy of a cosily intimate ship.
To the innovative and environmentally friendly equipment are added elegant design and a unique atmosphere in keeping with the whole PONANT universe. Your dream of a cruise onboard a cosily intimate ship is thus made possible through the combination of an authentically genuine voyage experience together with discreet luxury.
Up to 184 Guests
92 staterooms & suites
118 crew members
Spa
2 restaurants
Decks
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:
- A program of onboard enrichment provided by two Smithsonian Journeys Experts, including archaeologist Gillian Hovell and foreign correspondent Adam Tanner
- Transfers and luggage handling from the airport in Aqaba to the ship on the day of embarkation
- Comprehensive 12-night cruise aboard the deluxe Le Champlain, with all the amenities for which PONANT ships are famous
- One included shore excursion in each port of call (see “Itinerary” for more information and choice of excursions, if applicable)
- Transfer from the ship to the airport in Valletta 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 voyage is offered on a space available basis
- Program is subject to change without notice
Guest Speaker
Aboard your ship, an English-speaking lecturer will enlighten you about the culture and history of your destination to deepen your knowledge of the origins of local traditions, the history of emblematic sites, and stories involving famous personalities and those of major historical significance. During on-board lectures or on your shore visits, this expert will be there to share their precious knowledge with you throughout your PONANT cruise.