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14 May 26, from £5,840
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The Eternal Aegean

The Eternal Aegean

  • Itinerary
    Valletta to Istanbul
    Duration
    11 days
  • Dates
    14 May 26 to 24 May 26
    Prices from
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Come aboard Le Boréal for an unforgettable voyage.

In springtime, as the flowers pepper the landscapes with their bright colours and the sun illuminates the decor with its soft light, PONANT invites you on an exquisite interlude in the Mediterranean, between Valletta and Istanbul. During a 10-day journey, set off aboard Le Boréal to discover the riches of the Mediterranean Sea, a link between peoples, a crossroads of civilisations.

Throughout your journey, you will benefit from an excursion included per person per port of call, to choose from a selection offered by PONANT. During this cruise, dive into Sicilian baroque architecture with a visit to the village of Noto from Syracuse; discover the typical villages of Lefkes and Naoussa on the island of Paros; or from Kusadasi, one of the Mediterranean’s best-preserved ancient Greco-Roman cities, admire the Ephesus archaeological site, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The diversity of experiences on offer promises you intense and varied moments (to discover the full range of excursions, go to the itinerary tab). The diversity of experiences on offer promises you intense and varied moments (to discover the full range of excursions, go to the itinerary tab).

Southern Italy promises suspended moments where the beauty of the shores combines with the beauty of its historical remnants, which remain fascinating. In Syracuse, the Sicilian soul unfolds across the island of Ortygia - the oldest part of the city -, a maze of small streets dotted with churches, palaces, ancient remnants, sheltering a majestic cathedral in its very heart. In Puglia, Gallipoli, meaning “beautiful town” in Greek, reveals its Hellenic origins and offers up its singular atmosphere, where life is good.

In the tranquillity of May, you will discover Greece as you have never seen it. From the mountainous island of Corfu, you will arrive in the small port of Itea from where it is possible to visit the mythical site of Delphi or even the Hosios Loukas monastery, both of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. You will then cross the Corinth Canal and make a port of call on Hydra, a small island with yesteryear charm, where all motor traffic is forbidden. Paros, nestling in the heart of the Cyclades archipelago and renowned for its stunning white marble, offers a real concentration of Greek beauty, with its whitewashed houses, olive groves and ancient monuments. Finally, Patmos, known as “the Jerusalem of the Aegean Sea”, reveals itself between unique landscapes of white-sand beaches and rocky bays.

Kusadasi opens the gateway to Turkey and its treasures. The Ephesus archaeological site will tell you the great history of the Mediterranean, through this ancient city, among the oldest in the Magna Graecia of Asia Minor.

Le Boréal will head towards Bozcaada, a tranquil haven renowned since ancient times for the fruit of its vines. With its charming, cobbled streets, the island reveals a fine combination of Greek and Turkish influences and offers many opportunities to swim in the crystal-clear waters of the Aegean Sea.

Then you reach Istanbul, a rich historical UNESCO listed site, at the end of a magnificent cruise.

Overview

Your voyage

All-inclusive

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Destination

Destination

Mediterranean

Valletta to Istanbul

Duration

11 days, 10 nights on board

Timeless

Offers

PONANT Bonus 15%

Ref: BO140526

Journey

Your daily itinerary

  • Kids Explorer team for 4-13 year-olds, organising customised activities on board and on shore (outings, swimming sessions, workshops, paper chases, etc.).
  • Discovery of the Mediterranean’ insular pearls, between iconic cities (Portofino, Calvi), rich heritage (the island of Elbe) and natural jewels (Saint-Florent, Giglio, Tuscan shores).
  • Among your included excursions:discovery of the nature of Portofino; visit of Napoleon’s former residence in Portoferraio.
The Eternal Aegean null

Customize your journey:

Staterooms and suites

Elegance and refinement

*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

The Eternal Aegean

Itinerary

Embarkation 14/05/26 from 16:00 to 17:00 Departure 14/05/26 at 18:00

14 May 26 - Valletta
14 May 26 - Valletta

Arrival 15/05/26 early morning Departure 15/05/26 midday

15 May 26 - Syracuse, Sicily
15 May 26 - Syracuse, Sicily

Arrival 16/05/26 early morning Departure 16/05/26 late afternoon

16 May 26 - Gallipoli
16 May 26 - Gallipoli

Arrival 17/05/26 early morning Departure 17/05/26 early afternoon

17 May 26 - Corfu
17 May 26 - Corfu

Arrival 18/05/26 early morning Departure 18/05/26 early afternoon

18 May 26 - Itea
18 May 26 - Itea

2 available excursionsto this stopover

Arrival 18/05/26 evening Departure 18/05/26 evening

18 May 26 - Crossing the Corinth Canal
18 May 26 - Crossing the Corinth Canal

Arrival 19/05/26 early morning Departure 19/05/26 late afternoon

19 May 26 - Hydra
19 May 26 - Hydra

Arrival 20/05/26 early morning Departure 20/05/26 evening

20 May 26 - Paros
20 May 26 - Paros

Arrival 21/05/26 early morning Departure 21/05/26 evening

21 May 26 - Patmos
21 May 26 - Patmos

Arrival 22/05/26 early morning Departure 22/05/26 late afternoon

22 May 26 - Kusadasi
22 May 26 - Kusadasi

Arrival 23/05/26 early morning Departure 23/05/26 early afternoon

23 May 26 - Bozcaada
23 May 26 - Bozcaada

Arrival 24/05/26 early morning Disembarkation 24/05/26 at 8:00

24 May 26 - Istanbul
24 May 26 - Istanbul

The Eternal Aegean

Customize your journey

Visit of malta's former capital, mdina

Visit of Malta's former capital, Mdina
Details

 Travel with peace of mind as PONANT organises your daytime between airport and embarkation port.

Valletta

Meet at the airport in the Arrival hall. Look for PONANT sign. You will be greeted by our local representative off the flight selected by PONANT.

Drive to Dingli Cliff for a photostop brefore Mdina visiting. Then, proceed to Mdina - Malta's Old Capital. Mdina is one of Europe's finest examples of an ancient walled city, with its extraordinary mix of medieval and Baroque architecture.

Continue with the visit of Palazzo Parisio, a unique 19th century palace in the heart of the Mediterranean. Palazzo Parisio is not only another palace of the legendary Knights of St. John, but the ultimate memorial of ambitions, aspirations and pretensions of a 19th century noble family. It houses two baroque walled gardens, including a lovely orangery - a miniature Versailles.

Enjoy a small snack in the Palace.

You will then be transferred to the pier to embark on your ship.

 

Your programme includes:

·        Transfers, and visits as mentioned in the programme.

·        Services of a local English-speaking guide.

 

Your programme does not include:

·        Tips for the driver and local guide.

·        Personal expenses and other services not mentioned in the programme.

 

Important Information: Depending on the day of embarkation, this program may be subject to change : the Cathedral is closed on Sundays, so you will visit the Mosta Basilica instead. Palazzo Parisio is closed on Mondays; so refreshments and snacks will be served at Casa Bernard instead.

 

Duration and price of the visits are given as a guide only. The order of the visits may be reversed. To know your PONANT flight schedule, please contact your travel agent; it is also indicated on your electronic ticket included in your travel documents.

In the event of schedule changes of PONANT's selected flight, your programme will be adapted to ensure the most seamless and enriching experience. The content of your revised programme will be updated on the PONANT website, in My Ponant space and on the PONANT app. The final programme will also be sent to you along with your cruise documents.


Total

£190/person*

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