Deluxe Stateroom Deck 3
30% Ponant Bonus
204 ft²
2
From the city of Gods to the Eternal city
Athens - Civitavecchia (Rome)
Dates:
22/04/2025
to
03/05/2025
days
nights on board
As the cradle of ancient Greek, Roman and Phoenician civilisations, a link between peoples and a cultural crossroads, the Mediterranean embodies the fascinating encounter between East and West, where cultures have blended and intermingled for millennia. Le Bougainville invites you on a new 12-day voyage between the city of the gods and the Eternal City to discover the riches of the Mediterranean, with its ancient remains, legendary tales and magnificent coastline.
Throughout your journey, you will benefit from an excursion included per person per port of call, to choose from a selection offered by PONANT. On this cruise, you can go and admire the marvels of the ancient Greek city of Taormina from Catania, explore the historic centre of Chania and visit Phaestos Palace from Heraklion. The diversity of experiences on offer promises you intense and varied moments (to discover the full range of excursions, go to the itinerary tab).
From Athens, Le Bougainville sails to the southern part of the Aegean Sea and the splendid ancient island of Crete. In its capital, Heraklion, built on the side of a hill overlooking the harbour, you can enjoy looking at the former Venetian ramparts, providing a unique view of the city. Then you will be enchanted by Chania, an ancient city lying between mountains, endless olive groves, secret coves and marvellous beaches.
Further west, you reach Valletta, capital of the island of Malta. Stronghold of the Knights of the Order of Malta, the town is overflowing with architectural splendours and artistic treasures that you will glimpse as soon as you arrive at the port, which is one of the most beautiful in Europe.
Then you head for Sicily and your next stop is Porto Empedocle, gateway to the fabled Greek temples of Agrigento, among the most captivating ruins in the entire Mediterranean. Then, on Etna’s slopes, you spend a magical moment in Catania, destroyed seven times by the volcano's eruptions. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the city will charm you with its incomparable cultural wealth.
Lastly, Le Bougainville sails by Reggio di Calabria before heading for the Tyrrhenian coast. After a timeless moment in Salerno, you sail further north to Gaeta. Clinging to the cliffs facing the Tyrrhenian Sea, the ancient city with its narrow streets redolent of a fascinating past will captivate you with its many architectural treasures, like the cathedral, an elegant Romanesque and Moorish building with ceramic decoration.
You continue to sail along the Italian coast to Civitavecchia, the final stop on your trip to these lands brimming with history.
Ref : EG220425
Your itinerary
A new cruise exploring the history of the great Greek and Roman civilisations and the Mediterranean's ancient remains. UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the Acropolis in Athens (embarkation port), the historic...
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Your trip in detail
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LE COMMANDANT CHARCOT
LE BORÉAL
L'AUSTRAL
L'AUSTRAL
05/11/2025 to the 23/11/2025
LE CHAMPLAIN
03/12/2025 to the 13/12/2025
*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.
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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
- Diptyque 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
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
Highlights
- A new cruise exploring the history of the great Greek and Roman civilisations and the Mediterranean's ancient remains.
- UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the Acropolis in Athens (embarkation port), the historic centre of Valletta, Catania and Mount Etna, Rome from Civitavecchia (disembarkation port).
- Make the most of an excursion included* per person per port of call during your cruise thanks to the selection made by our destination experts.
- New stopover in the ancient city of Chania in Greece.
- The Tyrrhenian coast with its ancient remains and wild, unspoiled landscapes.
*Pre-bookings open around two months before the start of the cruise; requests are processed on a first-come first-served basis, subject to availability.
Ports of Call & Excursions
22 April 2025 - Athens
Embarkation 22/04/2025 from 16:00 to 17:00
Departure 22/04/2025 at 20:00
The Greek capital city is located on the edge of the Saronic gulf, in the east of the country. It bears a plural name in reference to the first villages that surround the Acropolis. You will be enchanted by the rocky plateau presided by its monuments listed as UNESCO World Heritage. In the city below, you can visit some of the liveliest districts in Athens: Plaka, with its maze of colourful streets, and where, in the evenings the drifting aroma of moussaka and garlic prawns will tickle your taste buds. The National Archaeological museum and the Cycladic Art Museum are also some of the city’s key attractions and allow visitors to discover Athens’ cultural past.
23 April 2025 - Heraklion, Crete
Arrival 23/04/2025 midday
Departure 23/04/2025 early evening
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.
24 April 2025 - Chania, Crete
Arrival 24/04/2025 early morning
Departure 24/04/2025 late afternoon
Welcome to Chania, the second largest city and former capital of Crete, with a rich historical past. Here, every civilisation (Venetian, Ottoman and Byzantine) has left its mark, as witness its mosque, arsenal, lighthouse, fortress, docks and more. You will be charmed by the colourful houses lining the narrow streets, and the lively port of Chania. In a picturesque and authentic atmosphere, you can wander through a maze of narrow streets, covered markets and well-preserved churches, and immerse yourself in the past of Crete, Greece's largest island and one of the cradles of Greek mythology.
25 April 2025 - At sea
Arrival 25/04/2025
Departure 25/04/2025
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.
26 April 2025 27 April 2025 - Valletta
Arrival 26/04/2025 early morning
Departure 27/04/2025 evening
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.
28 April 2025 - Porto Empedocle, Sicily
Arrival 28/04/2025 early morning
Departure 28/04/2025 late afternoon
Huddled on the south-western coast of Sicily, Porto Empedocles bears the name of the philosopher Empedocles, who lived in the region in the 5th century BC. An age-old city offered up to sun and sea, this is your doorway to the exceptional archaeological site of Temple Valley, a high place of Greek civilisation listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. You can admire the remains of many temples dedicated to Zeus, his wife Hera and Hephaestus. Make sure you take in the magnificent Italian countryside, with its olive orchards that cover the hillsides.
29 April 2025 - Catania, Sicily
Arrival 29/04/2025 early morning
Departure 29/04/2025 late evening
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 …
30 April 2025 - Reggio di Calabria
Arrival 30/04/2025 early morning
Departure 30/04/2025 late afternoon
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. A visit to the National Archaeological Museum is a must. It is one of the most important in Italy and among its collections are the famous Riace Bronzes, the stunning Greek statues dating from the 5th century BC that were found off the coast in 1972.
1 May 2025 - Salerno
Arrival 01/05/2025 early morning
Departure 01/05/2025 late afternoon
Generating a veritable explosion of intense emotions, the province of Salerno fascinates and enchants travellers. Its fascinating history will lead you to the extraordinary archaeological site of Pompeii, whose sprawling ruins provide a grandiose and moving vision of what a Roman city looked like in Imperial times. The city which was frozen in time under the ashes from the eruption of Mont Vesuvius offers you its peerless historical and cultural wealth, as well as the unique beauty of its location, which has earned it classification as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
2 May 2025 - Gaeta
Arrival 02/05/2025 early morning
Departure 02/05/2025 late afternoon
Gaeta takes its name from the legend of the nanny of Aeneas. This illustrious relationship can be seen in the nobility of this old town, built on a peninsula, at the end of a headland. In Roman times, Gaeta was already a renowned seaside destination; it fell under Byzantine domination then became an autonomous duchy and an independent republic. The fortifications that surround this ancient fort remind us of this rich history, as does the cathedral bell tower, an elegant building of both Roman and Moor influence, decorated with ceramic in the style of bell-towers of Amalfi.
3 May 2025 - Civitavecchia (Rome)
Arrival 03/05/2025 early morning
Disembarkation 03/05/2025 at 07:00
Built on an Etruscan site, between the Tyrrhenian sea and the Monti della Tolfa, Civitavecchia respires the dolce vita. This very modern and easy going town combines art and history with panache. You can also visit superb historical sites like Fort Michelangelo or the Cathedral of Saint Francis of Assisi. Just 80 kilometres from Rome, the town is a beautiful first step to the Italian capital.
Le Bougainville
Welcoming and spacious common areas, refined open-to-the-sea design, sleek exterior lines, a marina to make access to the ship's zodiac inflatables easier, hi-tech equipment, an outdoor pool, a multisensorial underwater lounge… Le Bougainville represents the new generation of ships designed to combine discovery and exploration with luxury, even in the planet's most remote and isolated regions.
Decks
Excursions included
During your journey, enjoy an excursion included per person per port of call, to choose from a selection offered by PONANT. Whether this is the visit of an emblematic museum or a UNESCO World Heritage Site, an activity in the heart of nature or a tasting of local products, or one of many other highlights, you will benefit from a careful selection of activities throughout your itinerary.
Pre-bookings will open around two months before the start of the cruise; requests will be processed on a first-come first-served basis, subject to availability.
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.