Superior Kabine Deck 3
21 m²
3
Im Frühling, wenn die Blumen die Landschaft mit ihren leuchtenden Farben schmücken und die Sonne die Mittelmeerküste mit ihrem sanften Licht erhellt, veranstaltet PONANT, in Partnerschaft mit RADIO CLASSIQUE, sein 10. Festival de Piano en mer. Genießen Sie auf einer einzigartigen 11-tägigen Reise eine exquisite musikalische Auszeit auf dem Mittelmeer im Rhythmus der Konzerte einer Reihe virtuoser Künstler. Von Klassik bis Blues – an neun außergewöhnlichen Abenden wird die Elite der Pianisten Sie an Bord der L’Austral mit Konzerten verzaubern, die Sie einladen, sich vom Reichtum des Mittelmeers, dem Bindeglied zwischen den Völkern und Treffpunkt der Zivilisationen, berühren zu lassen. Diese Kreuzfahrt richtet sich speziell an ein französischsprachiges Publikum, und die Vorträge werden ausschließlich auf Französisch gehalten.
Während Ihrer gesamten Reise profitieren Sie von einem bereits im Reisepreis inkludierten Landausflug pro Anlaufhafen und Person. Dieser ist aus einem vom PONANT sorgfältig zusammengestellten Angebot auszuwählen. Treffen Sie auf dieser Kreuzfahrt einen berühmten Puppenspieler in seinem Atelier in Syrakus, besuchen Sie von Volos aus die Meteora-Klöster oder entdecken Sie von Kusadasi aus eine der am besten erhaltenen antiken griechisch-römischen Städte des Mittelmeers, die archäologische Stätte von Ephesus, die zum UNESCO-Welterbe gehört. Die Vielfalt der angebotenen Erlebnisse verspricht ebenso intensive wie abwechslungsreiche Momente (gesamtes Angebot unter dem Reiter „Reiseroute“ einsehbar).
Der Süden Italiens verspricht unvergessliche Momente, lassen Sie sich von der Schönheit der Küsten und der historischen Stätten, die nichts von ihrer Faszination verloren haben, in ihren Bann ziehen. In Syrakus auf der Insel Ortygia, dem ältesten Teil der Stadt, schlummert die Seele Siziliens: Schlendern Sie durch das Labyrinth aus von Kirchen, Palästen und Relikten aus der Antike gesäumten Gässchen und besuchen Sie die majestätische Kathedrale im Zentrum der Insel. In Apulien offenbart Ihnen Gallipoli, was auf Griechisch „die schöne Stadt“ bedeutet, seine hellenischen Ursprünge und besticht mit einer einzigartigen Atmosphäre, in der das Dolce Vita großgeschrieben wird.
Im ruhigen Monat Mai entdecken Sie Griechenland aus einer völlig neuen Perspektive. Von der bergigen Insel Korfu aus erreichen Sie den kleinen Hafen von Itea und können das mythische Delphi oder das Kloster Hosios Lukas besichtigen, die beide zum UNESCO-Welterbe gehören. Nach der Durchfahrt des Kanals von Korinth erreichen Sie Athen mit seiner berühmten Akropolis und den Überresten des Poseidontempels am Kap Sounion, die zu einem unvergesslichen Ausflug einladen. Von Volos aus hält Griechenland weitere Überraschungen für Sie bereit: In Thessalien zum Beispiel die christlich-orthodoxen „schwebenden“ Metéora-Klöster, die ihren Namen der Tatsache verdanken, dass sie bei Nebel in der Luft zu schweben scheinen.
Kuşadası ist Ihr Eintrittstor in die Türkei mit ihren Schätzen. Die archäologische Stätte Ephesus erzählt die große Geschichte des Mittelmeeres aus der Perspektive dieser antiken Stadt, die zu den ältesten des großen Griechenlands in Kleinasien gehört. Von Alanya aus erkunden Sie zwei weitere majestätische antike Stätten, Perge und Aspendos, bevor Sie Antalya erreichen, das letzte Ziel Ihrer Kreuzfahrt.
Ref : AU070525
In Partnerschaft mit RADIO CLASSIQUE in Anwesenheit von Alain Dualt und einer Auswahl renommierter Künstler. Eine Kreuzfahrt im Frühling zu den schönsten antiken Stätten des Mittelmeeres von Malta über...
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Alain Duault
The novelist, poet, journalist, musicologist and radio and television presenter Alain Duault has been sharing his passion for and knowledge of classical music for more than 30 years. Considered to be one of the greatest opera specialists in France he is now President of the Prix Pelléas jury, and has been made an Officier de la Légion d’Honneur and Commandeur des Arts et Lettres.
Alain Duault studied literature, philosophy and psycho-analysis in Paris, then musicology and piano. His first TV appearance was as a guest of Bernard Pivot for his book of poems, Colorature. This led to a number of radio programmes dedicated to classical music, notably on RTL, the radio station where Alain Duault would be “Mr Classical Music” for 22 years, before joining Radio Classique with daily slots until 2018. A role that he also took on for the France 3 television channel, presenting a number of exceptional programmes (masterclasses with Ruggero Raimondi in the Salle Gaveau, Musiques en fête at the Chorégies d’Orange festival…).
In 1999, he conceived and presented Intégrale Chopin (225 works, 60 pianists), broadcast on France 3. Then in 2001, he wrote and performed an ambitious and very popular show, Verdi, une passion, un destin (with Jean Piat and 250 musicians). In the wake of this success, he wrote and performed two other shows: Victor Hugo, la légende d’un siècle in 2002 and Rencontre avec George Sand (with Marie-Christine Barrault) in 2004 and 2005.
Alain Duault also puts his writing skills to the service of classical music. The author of a number of books, including Dans la peau de Maria Callas, (Le Passeur Éditeur, 2014, pocket edition, 2017), Dictionnaire amoureux illustré de l’Opéra (Plon Gründ, 2016), Ce léger rien des choses qui ont fui, poetry (Gallimard, 2017), he also writes editorials for Classica.
Language spoken: French
Photo credit: Laurent Rouvrais @Radio Classique
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:
For men:
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:
For men:
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:
HEALTH CARE:
OUTFITS ON BOARD:
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 Aktivitäten
Radio Classique
RADIO CLASSIQUE versammelt jeden Tag mehr als eine Million Hörer um ein originelles Versprechen: die schönsten Werke der besten Interpreten des klassischen Repertoires zelebrieren und möglichst vielen Menschen die Emotionen dieser Musik in einem geselligen und friedlichen Ambiente übermitteln. Hierzu stützt sich Radio Classique auf Persönlichkeiten mit einer Leidenschaft für Kommunikation und ein abwechslungsreiches Programm, von Symphoniemusik über Opern bis Filmmusik, interaktive Sendungen und die Live-Übertragung von zahlreichen Konzerten.
Diese Werte machen Radio Classique zu einem echten Radiosender der Lebenskunst und der Eleganz im Alltag, der besonders bei Genießern und anspruchsvollen Hörern bekannt ist. Diese Werte und diese Geisteshaltung harmonieren perfekt mit den musikalischen Kreuzfahrten von PONANT, die in einem persönlichen und privilegierten Rahmen unter der künstlerischen Leitung von Alain Duault ein unvergessliches musikalisches Erlebnis in Begleitung von einzigartigen Künstlern bieten.
Vorbehaltlich des Widerrufs im Falle von höherer Gewalt
In Partnerschaft mit RADIO CLASSIQUE in Anwesenheit von Alain Dualt und einer Auswahl renommierter Künstler.
*Vorreservierungen der Landausflüge ab etwa zwei Monate vor Beginn der Kreuzfahrt möglich. Anfragen werden nach Reihenfolge ihres Eingangs und unter Berücksichtigung einer entsprechenden Verfügbarkeit bearbeitet.
Einschiffung 07.05.2025 von 16:00 bis 17:00
Abfahrt 07.05.2025 um 22:00
Die vollständig zum UNESCO-Weltkulturerbe erklärte Hauptstadt Valletta erstreckt sich über eine Halbinsel im Nordwesten von Malta. Vom Tritonbrunnen bis zum Fort St. Elmo biete die Stadt ebenso vielen majestätischen Straßen wie treppenförmig angelegten Gassen. Die farbigen Loggien und die verzierten Erker der hohen Wohngebäude begleiten Sie bei Ihrer Entdeckungstour, die selten von Autos gestört wird. Besichtigen Sie den mit Wappen und Fresken geschmückten Großmeisterpalast. Die St.-Johannes-Kathedrale sowie die seit dem 16. Jh. die Stadt schützenden Wehrmauern gehören auch zu den bedeutendsten Bauwerken der Stadt. Die in Terrassen angelegten Gärten von Barraca verleihen Ihrem Rundgang eine grüne und blühende Note.
Ankunft 08.05.2025 am frühen Vormittag
Abfahrt 08.05.2025 am frühen Nachmittag
Mit den zerklüfteten Felsküsten, den endlosen Stränden, dem Ätna, der bedrohlich wie ein Patriarch über seiner Insel thront, und den blühenden Gärten auf den Hügeln präsentiert Sizilien seine Landschaften wie ein Ladenbesitzer, der seine Schätze feilbietet. Cicero beschrieb sie als die „schönste Stadt der Welt“, einst war Syrakus eine der bedeutendsten Städte Siziliens, die es in ihrer Glanzzeit sogar mit Athen aufnehmen konnte. In der zentralen Stadt des antiken Griechenlands lebten zahlreiche Zivilisationen, von denen jede ihre Spuren hinterließ. Dank der Einflüsse der arabischen, römischen, normannischen, byzantinischen und spanischen Kulturen zeichnet sich Syrakus heute durch eine außergewöhnliche Palette an Düften, Farben und Aromen aus.
Ankunft 09.05.2025 am frühen Vormittag
Abfahrt 09.05.2025 am späten Nachmittag
Gallipoli, das von dem griechischen Wort kalle polis – schöne Stadt – abstammen soll, macht seinem Namen alle Ehre. Die am Absatz des Stiefels gelegene Stadt, die auch als „die Perle Apuliens“ bezeichnet wird, hat viele Attraktionen zu bieten. Das Weiß ihrer Fassaden erinnert an ihre griechischen Wurzeln, während ihre Architektur ihre vielfältigen Einflüsse widerspiegelt. In der Altstadt, die auf einer Kalksteininsel liegt, konzentriert sich das kulturelle Erbe dieser Stadt mit tausend Gesichtern, die mal römische Kolonie, dann byzantinisch, im Besitz der Päpste, normannisch oder unter der Herrschaft von Tarent war. Sie allein erzählt die ganze Geschichte der Zivilisationen des Mittelmeers.
Ankunft 10.05.2025 am frühen Vormittag
Abfahrt 10.05.2025 am späten Nachmittag
Korfu - von gleichen Namen wie die Insel - ist die berühmteste Stadt der Ionischen Inseln. Die von den Mauern der Zitadelle geschützte Altstadt gehört zum UNESCO-Weltkulturerbe und besticht durch eine ungewöhnliche griechisch-byzantinische und venezianische Architektur. Sie können oberhalb der Küste die Sankt-Georgs-Kirche sehen, die einem antiken Tempel erstaunlich ähnlich ist. Die malerische kleine Insel Pontikonisi, wo der legendäre Odysseus einst Zwischenstation machte, befindet sich ganz in der Nähe der Südspitze der Stadt.
Ankunft 11.05.2025 am frühen Vormittag
Abfahrt 11.05.2025 am frühen Nachmittag
Die in eine Bucht des Golfs von Korinth eingebettete kleine Hafenstadt liegt in Kontinentalgriechenland nordwestlich von Athen. Während Sie sich dem Vergnügen eines Spaziergangs entlang der nach alter Art gepflasterten Kais hingeben, können Sie den Blick auf die umliegenden Gipfel der Bucht von Itea genießen. Auch eine Besichtigung des Heiligtums von Delphi lassen Sie sich sicherlich nicht entgehen. Es befindet sich an den Hängen des Parnass in nur etwa zehn Kilometern Entfernung von Itea. Diese UNESCO-Welterbestätte strahlt einen unbestreitbaren Reiz aus.
Ankunft 11.05.2025 abends
Abfahrt 11.05.2025 abends
Der Kanal von Korinth trennt die griechische Region Peloponnes vom Kontinent und lässt sie so zur Insel werden. Er wurde 1893 eröffnet, hat eine Länge von etwas mehr als sechs Kilometern und ermöglicht Handels- und Tourismusschiffen einen 400 Kilometer langen Umweg um die Halbinsel zu vermeiden. Die beiden Seiten des Kanals erreichen eine Höhe von etwa fünfzig Metern. Das Verfolgen von den Außendecken aus der Fahrt des Schiffes über diese schmale, von hohen, ockerfarbenen Felsen umgebene Wasserstraße stellt ein einzigartiges Erlebnis dar, das Sie nicht verpassen sollten.
Ankunft 12.05.2025 am frühen Vormittag
Abfahrt 12.05.2025 am späten Nachmittag
Lavrio ist ein ruhiger Yachthafen in der Nähe von Athen, in dem Schiffe aus der ganzen Welt anlegen. Die Stadt ist seit der Antike berühmt für die Silberminen von Laurion, die einen bedeutenden Beitrag zum Aufschwung Athens und der griechischen Wirtschaft im 20. Jahrhundert leisteten. Bummeln Sie bei schönem Wetter durch die Stadt und entdecken Sie die vielen Überreste dieser bis in die 1980er-Jahre blühenden Industrie: alte, neoklassizistische Gebäude, Industriebauten und Arbeiterhäuser. Nutzen Sie diesen Stopp auch, um Athen und seine Akropolis oder das Kap Sounion zu entdecken, auf dem sich der wunderschöne Poseidontempel erhebt.
Ankunft 13.05.2025 am frühen Vormittag
Abfahrt 13.05.2025 am späten Nachmittag
Volos, eine der größten Hafenstädte Griechenlands, liegt am Fuße des Gebirges Pilio. In der Mythologie galt Pilio als der Ort, an dem die Götter und Helden feierten, und als Heimat der Kentauren. In der Tat können die Schönheit des Ortes und seine zauberhafte Atmosphäre nur von den Göttern inspiriert worden sein: klares Quellwasser tränkt Platanen, Apfelbäume, Eichen, Buchen, Gardenien, Kamelien und Hortensien, die in der fruchtbaren Erde Thessaliens gedeihen. Besuchen Sie das malerische Dorf Milies und entdecken Sie seine traditionnelle Architektur.
Ankunft 14.05.2025 am frühen Nachmittag
Abfahrt 14.05.2025 am späten Abend
Der reizvolle Badeort Kusadasi liegt an einem Golf an der türkischen Westküste. Sie können in einem glasklaren Wasser baden oder entlang der Küstenpromenade unter Palmen flanieren. Im historischen Viertel gehen Sie durch schmale Gassen, um in Ruhe die bunten Läden des Basars zu erkunden. Da die Ausgrabungsstätte von Ephesos nicht weit entfernt in den Hügeln liegt, haben Sie die Gelegenheit die bedeutenden Überreste dieser Stadt, eine der berühmtesten der Antike, zu entdecken.
Ankunft 15.05.2025
Abfahrt 15.05.2025
Genießen Sie während der Überfahrt auf See die zahlreichen Freizeitangebote an Bord. Gönnen Sie sich Entspannung im Spa oder halten Sie sich im Fitnessraum in Form. Lassen Sie sich je nach Jahreszeit zu einem Sprung in den Pool oder zu einem Sonnenbad verlocken. Dieser Reise ohne Zwischenstopp bietet auch Gelegenheit, einer Konferenz oder einer der an Bord angebotenen Vorstellungen beizuwohnen, abhängig von den angebotenen Aktivitäten, oder in der Boutique ein wenig zu shoppen oder die PONANT-Fotografen in ihrem eigenen Bereich aufzusuchen. Wer das offene Meer liebt, bewundert auf dem Oberdeck das Schauspiel der Wogen und kann mit etwas Glück Meerestiere beobachten. Eine zauberhafte kleine Auszeit mit Komfort, Entspannung und Unterhaltung.
Ankunft 16.05.2025 am frühen Vormittag
Abfahrt 16.05.2025 abends
Lernen Sie Alanya an der türkischen Riviera kennen. Die vom Taurusgebirge eingerahmte Halbinsel profitiert von einer privilegierte Lage im Mittelmeer und war einst ein strategischer Ort für die Mächte in der Region. Das Schloss aus der seldschukischen Epoche, das sich in die Felsenklippen schmiegt, ist heute ein Freilichtmuseum über den Stränden am türkisblauen Meer. Prächtige Villen mit roten Ziegeldächern und der oktogonale Rote Turm aus dem Jahr 1226, das Symbol der Stadt, sind Zeugen der osmanischen Zeit. Heute ist Alanya ein beliebter Badeort. Genießen Sie den herrlichen Strand, an dem einst sogar Kleopatra, die berühmteste der ägyptischen Königinnen, gebadet haben soll …
Ankunft 17.05.2025 am frühen Vormittag
Ausschiffung 17.05.2025 um 07:00
An der türkischen Mittelmeerküste entdecken Sie den Badeort Antalya. Die Stadt besitzt herrliche feine Sandstrände und ist auch für ihr bedeutendes historisches Erbe bekannt. Zahlreiche Überreste zeugen von der Bedeutung dieses antiken römischen Hafens, wie beispielsweise das Hadrianstor, das 130 n. Chr. anlässlich des Besuchs des Kaisers errichtet wurde. In der Altstadt sind wunderschöne osmanische Häuser mit blühenden Gärten sowie das Minarett zu bewundern, das auf den Ruinen einer alten byzantinischen Kirche errichtet wurde. Die Umgebung der Stadt bietet Gelegenheit zur Entdeckung bedeutender archäologischer Stätten wie die antike Stadt Aspendos, die für ihr beeindruckendes römisches Theater bekannt ist.
Depart the pier by coach and drive to the archaeological area, which you will reach after a short drive.
Visit the Roman Amphitheatre of Augustus, used for fights between gladiators and wild beasts, the Altar of Hieron, constructed in the 2nd century BC to celebrate the "Eleutherian Feast", the Latomie of Paradise, huge caverns once used as prisons, the Ear of Dionysius, an enormous grotto with extraordinary echo and the Greek Theatre, one of the largest in the Hellenic World, constructed in the 5th century BC and successively enlarged.
Upon completion of the visit, re-board your coach for the short drive to Ortygia, which you will visit on foot. On Ortygia Island discover the Piazza Pancali (the ruins of the Temple of Apollo of the 6th century BC), Corso Matteotti, Archimede's Place, Piazza Duomo. Visit the Cathedral in Baroque style, erected over the remains of the Doric Temple of Minerva: in the interiors, see the undamaged twelve Doric columns. Then visit the fountain of Arethusa, the nymph praised by Pindar and Virgilio in one of the most touching and fine myths. Several nobility palaces - majority of them originating in the 15th and 16th centuries - will be seen from outside during the walking tour.
Then, return to the port and your ship.
Inbegriffen
Je nach Verfügbarkeit, Preis pro Person.
Landausflüge können ab zwei Monate bis maximal sieben Tage vor Beginn der Kreuzfahrt telefonisch bei Ihrem PONANT Reiseberater oder bei Ihrem Reisebüro reserviert werden.
Landausflüge können ab vier Monate vor Beginn der Kreuzfahrt bei Ihrem PONANT Reiseberater reserviert werden. Die Kapazität ist begrenzt, daher werden die Reservierungen in der Reihenfolge ihres Eingangs bearbeitet.
Fall under the spell of one of Puglia’s jewels, Gallipoli, listen to its history in the old town’s maze of narrow lanes and admire its historic and architectural heritage.
A visit through its enigmatic lanes is like a journey back in time, a living exploration of the cultural strata that make Gallipoli such a rare pearl. Time here sometimes seems to stand still. Near the port, where your guided tour will begin, the fisherman are hard at work. Some are gathering together the catch of the day, whereas others are repairing their nets. Off in the distance, the gates of the old town open onto a maze of narrow lanes edged withbright- and warm-coloured dwellings, where the shade of the buildings draws a mystical labyrinth. Each street corner tells its own story of this medieval city, with its multiple heritages and cultural influences. Take the time to listen to the stories told by your local guide, as you admire the surprising St. Agatha’s Cathedral, its columns and its stunning baroque frescoes.
The sun-drenched hills of Gallipoli, bathed by the blue waters of the Mediterranean, made it a regional stronghold in olive-oil production as of the 15th century. The exports of this “liquid gold” were so significant that its production was stored in the four corners of the city in underground cisterns dug out of the local limestone, called carparo. You will have the opportunity to discover the production techniques that were used in the past, as you visit one of the 35 recently renovated underground oil mills.
Inbegriffen
Je nach Verfügbarkeit, Preis pro Person.
Landausflüge können ab zwei Monate bis maximal sieben Tage vor Beginn der Kreuzfahrt telefonisch bei Ihrem PONANT Reiseberater oder bei Ihrem Reisebüro reserviert werden.
Landausflüge können ab vier Monate vor Beginn der Kreuzfahrt bei Ihrem PONANT Reiseberater reserviert werden. Die Kapazität ist begrenzt, daher werden die Reservierungen in der Reihenfolge ihres Eingangs bearbeitet.
Stroll around Lecce, the "Baroque Florence", and discover the countless churches, palaces and monuments carved out of this soft and almost golden limestone that gives the city a glowing look, like the chubby cherubins that decorate its façades.
A veritable open-air museum, Lecce is a microcosm of Baroque splendours, located only one hour's drive from Gallipoli. The cherubins, gargoyles, plant patterns, columns and capitals, each more extravagant than the last, are legion here - to the extent that the city lays claim to its own style, the "Barocco Leccese"- since the sculptors and architects of the 16th and 17th centuries had a field day with the regional stone, a marvel of malleability and delicacy.
The Centro Storico historic centre is proof of this, with its cobbled streets and shady squares teeming with incredible rococo treasures, including the Basilica of Santa Croce - with a constellation of sublime ornaments - and the Governor's Palace.
Not far from there, on the Piazza Santa Oronzo, the palazzos, church and Roman amphitheatre dating from the 2nd century try to outdo each other with their beauty.
A few metres away, the Piazza del Duomo, in spectacular golden monochrome, proudly displays a cathedral, its bell tower and the archbishop's palace, making it one of Italy's most beautiful squares. Your exploration of the city centre will finish with a gourmet break in a café.
Inbegriffen
Je nach Verfügbarkeit, Preis pro Person.
Landausflüge können ab zwei Monate bis maximal sieben Tage vor Beginn der Kreuzfahrt telefonisch bei Ihrem PONANT Reiseberater oder bei Ihrem Reisebüro reserviert werden.
Landausflüge können ab vier Monate vor Beginn der Kreuzfahrt bei Ihrem PONANT Reiseberater reserviert werden. Die Kapazität ist begrenzt, daher werden die Reservierungen in der Reihenfolge ihres Eingangs bearbeitet.
From the pier, you will board your coach to Mon Repos Palace.
The Palace was built by the British Commissioner Sir Adam Maitland in 1828, as a gift to his beautiful Corfiot wife. It was used as the Summer Residence of the High Commissioners, while their official residence was the Palace of St. Michael and St. George located in the town of Corfu. Today Mon Repos belongs to the Ministry of Culture and the Municipality of Corfu. It houses a museum with mainly local finds from ancient Corfu.
Then, re-board your coach for a short transfer to Corfu city centre. Upon arrival, follow your guide through the narrow cobbled-stoned serpentine streets of the Old Town known as "kandounia" and charming little "piazzas" (squares) built by the Venetians in the 14th century. During your walking tour, you will pass by the arcades of "liston", the replica of the "Rue de Rivoli" of Paris and the Old Town Hall. You will also visit the Church of St. Spyridon, patron saint of Corfu.
At the end of the visit, you will return to the pier.
Inbegriffen
Je nach Verfügbarkeit, Preis pro Person.
Landausflüge können ab zwei Monate bis maximal sieben Tage vor Beginn der Kreuzfahrt telefonisch bei Ihrem PONANT Reiseberater oder bei Ihrem Reisebüro reserviert werden.
Landausflüge können ab vier Monate vor Beginn der Kreuzfahrt bei Ihrem PONANT Reiseberater reserviert werden. Die Kapazität ist begrenzt, daher werden die Reservierungen in der Reihenfolge ihres Eingangs bearbeitet.
On the slopes of Mount Parnassus, the Delphi site opens the doors to a sacred world, where each stone summons up the glorious past of Ancient Greece.
Take the Sacred Way, the route walked in the past by pilgrims and kings of Antiquity, and go on a timeless journey. Here, the history of Greece and its legends overflow from everything: the ruins and ancient monuments, but also from the surrounding nature, which is still stunning.
This will jump out at you as you stand before the Temple of Apollo. It was constructed around the 7th century BC by two legendary architects, Trophonios and Agamedes; today, only a few vestiges remain of this Doric monument, decorated at the time with shields captured from the Persians. However, the foundations and columns that are still present seem to find an echo of their grandeur in the surrounding mountains.
The same goes for the ruins of the Senate of Delphi, as well as the vestiges of the Oracle of Delphi, where thousands of pilgrims gathered to receive the oracle of Pythia, high priestess of Apollo. The ancient theatre is also worth visiting.
A stone’s throw away from the sanctuary of Apollo, you will also be able to discover the Delphi Museum’s exhibitions, which present objects found at the archaeological site over the past century or more. Vases, bronzes, sculptures, precious offerings made to Apollo by pilgrims, objects of gold and ivory found under the slabs of the Sacred Way... they all recount the history of one of the most emblematic sites in Antiquity.
Inbegriffen
Je nach Verfügbarkeit, Preis pro Person.
Landausflüge können ab zwei Monate bis maximal sieben Tage vor Beginn der Kreuzfahrt telefonisch bei Ihrem PONANT Reiseberater oder bei Ihrem Reisebüro reserviert werden.
Landausflüge können ab vier Monate vor Beginn der Kreuzfahrt bei Ihrem PONANT Reiseberater reserviert werden. Die Kapazität ist begrenzt, daher werden die Reservierungen in der Reihenfolge ihres Eingangs bearbeitet.
Marvel at the beauty of the Byzantine monastery of Hosios Loukas and take to the heights in the streets of Arachova, a small town perched 1,000 metres (3,000 feet) up on the illustrious Mount Parnassus.
The fortified monastery of Hosios Loukas, near Delphi, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most characteristic monuments of the second golden age of Byzantine art. Founded at the start of the 10th century by the hermit Saint Luke, it includes a central-plan church decorated with superb marble decor and admirable mosaics on a gold background. The main shrine is none other than the tomb of Saint Luke, originally situated in the crypt.
Your excursion will continue with a visit of Arachova. Built on the side of the mountain, this small town of 3,300 inhabitants is famous for its traditional stone houses spread out over the northern slopes of Mount Parnassus, between 800 and 1,100 metres up. As you explore its small streets on your own, allow yourself to be charmed by the hospitality of the inhabitants, the local handicrafts and the gastronomy. Indeed, the town is well-known for its wine and cheese, as well as for its homemade carpets and blankets.
Inbegriffen
Je nach Verfügbarkeit, Preis pro Person.
Landausflüge können ab zwei Monate bis maximal sieben Tage vor Beginn der Kreuzfahrt telefonisch bei Ihrem PONANT Reiseberater oder bei Ihrem Reisebüro reserviert werden.
Landausflüge können ab vier Monate vor Beginn der Kreuzfahrt bei Ihrem PONANT Reiseberater reserviert werden. Die Kapazität ist begrenzt, daher werden die Reservierungen in der Reihenfolge ihres Eingangs bearbeitet.
From the pier, you will board your coach and drive to the city centre of Athens. Your first stop will be the Acropolis, a symbol of the glory of ancient Greece, where you will climb its smooth marble steps as visitors have for centuries. History opens before you as you reach one of the masterpieces of classical architecture, the Propylaea, which serves as the entrance to the complex. See the Temple of Athena Nike, or Wingless Victory, and the Erechtheum with its classical Porch of Maidens, the Caryatids. Stand in awe of what is considered to be the most perfect example of classical architecture in the world, the Parthenon, designed as a shrine to Athena that, at one time, housed a massive gold and ivory statue of the warrior goddess.
Looking down from the Acropolis, see the two ancient theatres in its shadow - the Greek theatre of Dionysus, where the masterpieces of Aeschylus, Sophocles, Euripides and Aristophanes debuted to delighted audiences, and the grand Roman theatre of Herod Atticus, restored and used for concerts and classical plays during the summer Athens Festival.
You will then visit the splendid Acropolis Museum, which is an archaeological museum focused on the findings of the archaeological site of the Acropolis of Athens. The museum was built in order to house every artifact found on the rock and nearby, covering a large period of time, from the Greek Bronze Age to Roman and Byzantine Greece. The museum was founded in 2003, while the Organisation of the Museum was established in 2000. Finally, it opened to public on June 21, 2009. Nearly 4,000 objects are on exhibit, and the museum spans an impressive 14,000 square metres.
After the visit of the Museum, you will enjoy lunch at a restaurant in the Thesseion area.
You will then you board your coach again for the return drive to Lavrio port.
Inbegriffen
Je nach Verfügbarkeit, Preis pro Person.
Landausflüge können ab zwei Monate bis maximal sieben Tage vor Beginn der Kreuzfahrt telefonisch bei Ihrem PONANT Reiseberater oder bei Ihrem Reisebüro reserviert werden.
Landausflüge können ab vier Monate vor Beginn der Kreuzfahrt bei Ihrem PONANT Reiseberater reserviert werden. Die Kapazität ist begrenzt, daher werden die Reservierungen in der Reihenfolge ihres Eingangs bearbeitet.
Sheltered from the indigo waves of the Bay of Brauron, the ancient village of Vravrona is nestled like an age-old pearl, a witness of times gone by. Its winding little streets, cobbled with sea pebbles polished by the tides, exude the bewitching fragrances of a mythical past. Discover a remarkable archaeological site, the Temple of Artemis Brauroni, the honoured goddess of vegetation and hunting, and veritable protector of women giving birth and infants.
As of your departure from the port of Lavrio, you will head north-east, to discover the coastal city of Brauron, where a rich human settlement prospered as far back as the Neolithic period. Among the site’s lost remarkable vestiges, you will be able to admire the majestic large Doric Stoa with a ? - shaped ground plan, built between 425 and 415 BC, and the Temple of Artemis, a Doric prostyle temple with a tripartite cella and a deep adyton, built on the ruins of an archaic temple dating back to the first half of the 5th century BC.
You will also have the opportunity to visit the modest yet no less remarkable museum attached to the site, which houses objects coming not only from Vravrona but also from other regions of Attica. Nonetheless, the main part of the exhibition is dedicated to the discoveries made at the Temple of Artemis in Vravrona, among which the sculptures of “sheep”, representing the young girls devoted to Artemis, stand out.
Leaving Vravrona, you will arrive on Cape Sounion where you will visit the Temple of Poseidon, dating back to the 5th century BC. Perched 60 metres above the waves, on the edge of a cliff, it is one of the most breathtaking and moving sites in all of Greece. This is the place where the ancient Greeks worshipped their mighty god of the seas, Poseidon. The 15 Doric columns still standing (out of 34 originally) belong to the temple constructed here during Pericles’ Golden Age of Athens, on the vestiges of an older building. The architect is unknown, but it is believed to be the same one who built the Theseion in Athens.
After your visit, you will have a little free time to immortalise the site with some superb photos or even enjoy a drink at the neighbouring café, before heading back to the port of Lavrio.
Inbegriffen
Je nach Verfügbarkeit, Preis pro Person.
Landausflüge können ab zwei Monate bis maximal sieben Tage vor Beginn der Kreuzfahrt telefonisch bei Ihrem PONANT Reiseberater oder bei Ihrem Reisebüro reserviert werden.
Landausflüge können ab vier Monate vor Beginn der Kreuzfahrt bei Ihrem PONANT Reiseberater reserviert werden. Die Kapazität ist begrenzt, daher werden die Reservierungen in der Reihenfolge ihres Eingangs bearbeitet.
Meteora is one of the most imposing sights in mainland Greece: giant rocks in bizarre shapes, ranging in height from 100 to 150 metres.
After disembarking, you will board your coach for a two hours and a half drive, leaving the port of Volos to head Northwest crossing the agricultural plains of Thessaly. You will pass provincial towns such as Larissa and Trikala before reaching Kalambaka, a small town nestled at the footsteps of the Meteora rocks.A short restroom stop with refreshments will take place there before continuing to the "monasteries in the sky" of the Meteora.
Once a monastic community with 24 monasteries, Meteora now consists of only five active ones. They were first built in the 14th century by monks who searched for a place where they could stay isolated and pray undisturbed from the rest of the world. Until 1920 most of the Meteora monasteries could only be reached by getting into a net and hauled up by a rope. Fortunately, steps were cut afterwards to all of the monasteries.
You will visit two of the most beautiful and representative Monasteries of the valley, where you will admire icons, mosaics and frescoes, old manuscripts, domed roofs as well as breathtaking views of nearby monasteries and of the surrounding area.
After your visit to the monasteries, proceed to a local restaurant in Kalambaka for a Greek lunch.Then, via the same road passing Trikala and Larrisa, you will return to the port of Volos to join your ship, a 2h30 drive.
Inbegriffen
Je nach Verfügbarkeit, Preis pro Person.
Landausflüge können ab zwei Monate bis maximal sieben Tage vor Beginn der Kreuzfahrt telefonisch bei Ihrem PONANT Reiseberater oder bei Ihrem Reisebüro reserviert werden.
Landausflüge können ab vier Monate vor Beginn der Kreuzfahrt bei Ihrem PONANT Reiseberater reserviert werden. Die Kapazität ist begrenzt, daher werden die Reservierungen in der Reihenfolge ihres Eingangs bearbeitet.
Listed as World Heritage by UNESCO, the incredible site of Ephesus holds a concentration of some of the most beautiful and most impressive Roman vestiges at the heart of its abundant natural environment. Here, temples, villas and streets paved in sparkling marble immerse you into the daily life of those who once lived in this ancient city.
Also known as the Turkish Pompeii, Ephesus is a veritable open-air museum whose excavation, begun in 1869, brought to light some of the richest Roman vestiges in the Mediterranean. Built in two parts due to the geography of the land, the city boasts an administrative quarter on its heights, with the very beautiful ruins of the city hall, the civil basilica and the Odeon all lined up on the north side of the Agora.
Facing the harbour, the lower town is home to the religious and cultural buildings: the famous Celsus Library, the Roman villas, the Commercial Agora, the stadium, and the largest amphitheatre of the ancient world, able to hold some 24,000 spectators.
Between the two, discover the dwellings of the notables, grouped along the slopes of Mount Pion and Mount Coressos, along with Hercules Gate, the ancient Scholastica Baths, the stunning Marble Road, and the Temple of Hadrian.
Inbegriffen
Je nach Verfügbarkeit, Preis pro Person.
Landausflüge können ab zwei Monate bis maximal sieben Tage vor Beginn der Kreuzfahrt telefonisch bei Ihrem PONANT Reiseberater oder bei Ihrem Reisebüro reserviert werden.
Landausflüge können ab vier Monate vor Beginn der Kreuzfahrt bei Ihrem PONANT Reiseberater reserviert werden. Die Kapazität ist begrenzt, daher werden die Reservierungen in der Reihenfolge ihres Eingangs bearbeitet.
The incredible site of Ephesus holds a concentration of some of the most beautiful and most impressive Roman vestiges. During a guided visit, this ancient city, listed as World Heritage by UNESCO, will reveal its temples and its sparkling streets of marble, as well as the terrace houses where lived the rich inhabitants of this place also known as the Turkish Pompeii.
A veritable open-air museum whose excavation, begun in 1869, brought to light some of the richest Roman vestiges in the Mediterranean, Ephesus is spread over two parts, the upper and the lower, to adapt to the relief of the neighbouring mountains.
On the heights, discover the administrative quarter, with the very beautiful ruins of the city hall, the civil basilica and the Odeon, all lined up on the north side of the Agora.
As for the lower city, it houses the religious and cultural buildings that stood facing the ancient port. There, you will discover the famous Celsus Library – which you will have the opportunity to visit –, the Commercial Agora, the stadium, and the largest amphitheatre of the ancient world, able to hold some 24,000 spectators.
Next, head for the Terrace Houses, where recent excavations unearthed the houses of rich Ephesians. Built during the reign of Augustus, and located on the northern slope of Bülbüldag next to Curetes Street and opposite the Temple of Hadrian, these houses were constructed with a peristyle, a courtyard surrounded by Ionic columns, and they are finely decorated with mosaics and frescoes.
Finally, after a short walk, you will arrive at the Great Theatre, where Saint Paul preached to the Ephesians, imploring them to abandon the worship of Artemis and embrace the Christian faith.
Inbegriffen
Je nach Verfügbarkeit, Preis pro Person.
Landausflüge können ab zwei Monate bis maximal sieben Tage vor Beginn der Kreuzfahrt telefonisch bei Ihrem PONANT Reiseberater oder bei Ihrem Reisebüro reserviert werden.
Landausflüge können ab vier Monate vor Beginn der Kreuzfahrt bei Ihrem PONANT Reiseberater reserviert werden. Die Kapazität ist begrenzt, daher werden die Reservierungen in der Reihenfolge ihres Eingangs bearbeitet.
The resort city of Alanya, on the Mediterranean coast of Turkey, offers much more than pleasant fine-sand beaches. Its archaeological museum, its castle and its red tower will take you back to the times of ancient heroes and rebel pirates.
Opened in 1967, the Alanya Archaeological Museum houses a beautiful collection of objects, including some from the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations in Ankara. Amidst these antiques made of bronze, marble, china, glass and mosaics, between the ostotek (funerary urns) and the coins from the Archaic, Classical, Hellenistic, Roman and Byzantine periods, one piece captures all the attention: the bronze statue of Hercules, whose dramatic story dates back to the 2nd century CE.
Next, head for Alanya Castle. Perched 250 metres (820 ft) above sea level and surrounded by a perimeter wall six kilometres (3.7 miles) long, this site offers a breathtaking view. But its history is also worth the detour, because even though the origins of its creation are still unknown - it is first mentioned in the writings of the geographer Scylax in the 4th century BC -, we do know that it provided an ideal den for pirates and rebels in the 2nd century BC, then witnessed the succession of the Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine, Seljuk and Ottoman civilisations.
Finally, discover the Red Tower, one of the most beautiful examples of 13th-century Mediterranean medieval defence structures. By order of Alaeddin Keyqubad I, the Seljuk sovereign, it was built by Ebu Ali Reha el Kettani, an architect from Aleppo, to protect Alanya's harbour, shipyard and castle against attacks by sea.
Inbegriffen
Je nach Verfügbarkeit, Preis pro Person.
Landausflüge können ab zwei Monate bis maximal sieben Tage vor Beginn der Kreuzfahrt telefonisch bei Ihrem PONANT Reiseberater oder bei Ihrem Reisebüro reserviert werden.
Landausflüge können ab vier Monate vor Beginn der Kreuzfahrt bei Ihrem PONANT Reiseberater reserviert werden. Die Kapazität ist begrenzt, daher werden die Reservierungen in der Reihenfolge ihres Eingangs bearbeitet.
Stroll around Side, a charming ancient city on the southern coast of Turkey which once provided the backdrop for some of Mark Antony and Cleopatra's love story, then admire the emblematic Damlatas Cave, a geological gem on the west coast of the peninsula.
On the turquoise coast of Turkey, where the Mediterranean Sea caresses the ruins of ancient civilisations, the historic Side will appear before you. Prosperous between the 2nd and 4th centuries due to its close ties with the Roman Empire, this city is now home to a number of ancient ruins providing evidence of the Roman, Arab and Ottoman civilisations that succeeded one another here.
At the heart of the city, between the cobbled streets and historical landmarks, Side's colossal and emblematic ancient theatre from the 2nd century rises majestically, a testament to the greatness of the Roman Empire. Built in a semi-circle and hewn directly out of the hillside, this theatre could accommodate up to 15,000 spectators. After being converted into a huge open-air church in the 5th century, it now houses three temples - one dedicated to Dionysus, the god of wine, and the two others to Apollo and Artemis respectively. If you stand along the stone cavea, you can almost hear the murmurs of the spectators of old and their deafening claps.
Next, you will head to the Damlatas Cave, on the west coast of the peninsula. Discovered in 1948 during the construction of the new port, the enormous cavity is covered in stalactites and stalagmites that continue to grow. Due to its constant high temperatures and high humidity, the cave is said to have beneficial properties for treating certain respiratory ailments, including asthma.
Inbegriffen
Je nach Verfügbarkeit, Preis pro Person.
Landausflüge können ab zwei Monate bis maximal sieben Tage vor Beginn der Kreuzfahrt telefonisch bei Ihrem PONANT Reiseberater oder bei Ihrem Reisebüro reserviert werden.
Landausflüge können ab vier Monate vor Beginn der Kreuzfahrt bei Ihrem PONANT Reiseberater reserviert werden. Die Kapazität ist begrenzt, daher werden die Reservierungen in der Reihenfolge ihres Eingangs bearbeitet.
Savoir vivre inklusive
Französische Lebenskunst (oder eine entspannte, internationale Atmosphäre an Bord der Paul Gauguin), aufmerksamer Service, feinste Gourmetküche, Freizeitangebote, Spa: Unsere Kreuzfahrten schenken wertvolle Momente voller Ruhe und Entspannung, Abenteuer und Entdeckung. Und mit unserer Vielzahl an bereits inkludierten Leistungen wird aus Ihrer Zeit an Bord eine richtige Auszeit vom Alltag.
INKLUDIERTE LEISTUNGEN BEI ALLEN KREUZFAHRTEN
ZUSÄTZLICHE LEISTUNGEN JE NACH ART DER KREUZFAHRT BZW. ABHÄNGIG VOM SCHIFF
Musik
Brechen Sie auf zu einer Musikreise auf dem Wasser! Sie lieben klassische Musik, Opern, Jazz oder keltische Melodien und haben Lust auf ein ganz besonderes Kreuzfahrterlebnis mit PONANT? Unsere Ehrengäste – bekannte Künstler, talentierte Interpreten und brillante Virtuosen – teilen ihr Wissen und ihre Leidenschaft im privaten Rahmen bei Konzerten und Vorträgen, an Bord oder an Land.
Lektor
An Bord Ihres Schiffes bieten Ihnen ausgewählte Lektoren kulturelle und historische Einblicke, damit Sie noch mehr über Ihr Reiseziel erfahren können: den Ursprung der lokalen Traditionen, die Geschichte symbolischer Orte, berühmte Persönlichkeiten und historische Helden... Die Experten begleiten Sie während der gesamten Kreuzfahrt, an Bord und bei den Ausflügen an Land, um ihr Know-how und ihre Einsichten mit Ihnen zu teilen.
Unsere Zusatzleistungen
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.
Then, proceed to Mdina - Malta’s Old Capital, one of the locations used by the film “Black Eagle” featuring Jean-Claude Van Damme, and by “Game of Thrones” series. 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:
Your programme does not include:
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.
Gesamtpreis inkl. Steuern- und Gebühren : 210 €
Preis pro Person auf Basis einer Doppelkabine. Dieser Preis gilt vorbehaltlich Verfügbarkeit.Enhance your cruise and extend your trip with a carefully designed programme.
Day 1 – Valletta
Meet and greet at the airport arrival hall. Look for PONANT sign. You will be greeted by our local representative off the PONANT selected flight or any other flight (provided that you have previously communicated your flight schedule to your travel agent).
You will be transferred to your hotel The Phoenica 5*.
Check-in in your room.
The end of the day and dinner are at leisure.
Day 2 – Valletta
Set off from your hotel with a local guide and start your day by visiting Mdina. Take a stroll through the Silent City’s narrow streets and visit the Mdina cathedral and fortifications. Mdina, Malta’s Old Capital, was used as a filming location for the movie Black Eagle, starring Jean-Claude Van Damme, and for the Game of Thrones series. With its extraordinary mix of medieval and Baroque architecture, Mdina is one of Europe’s finest examples of an ancient walled city.
You will then proceed to a local boutique winery, where wine is produced on an estate comprising four hectares of terraced vineyards. It was built with weathered limestone blocks that perfectly blend old-world charm with practical, modern architectural touches. About 15,000 vines are planted on this estate, along with around 200 olive trees plus fig trees, carob trees, and other indigenous Maltese flora. After the visit, you will have the opportunity to taste three fine wines.
This will be followed by a fine meal at a local gourmet restaurant.
You will then be transferred to the port in time for embarkation onboard your ship.
Your hotel:
The luxurious Phoenicia Hotel 5* dates back to 1935. Surrounded by seven acres of gardens, it is ideally located next to the Triton Fountain in Valletta's City Gate Square, just outside the ancient city walls. The rooms are spacious and elegant with modern furnishings. You have a choice of three restaurants, serving a range of Maltese and Mediterranean food. The pool bar and restaurant offer a resort-style setting overlooking Grand Harbour. The hotel is also equipped with a gym and spa. Wi-Fi is available to all guests, throughout the hotel.
Your programme includes:
Your programme does not include:
Please note:
Contact of your hotel:
Phoenicia Hotel
The Mall Floriana
FRN 1478, MALTA
Telephone number: +356 2122 5241
Duration 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.
Gesamtpreis inkl. Steuern- und Gebühren : 740 €
Preis pro Person auf Basis einer Doppelkabine. Dieser Preis gilt vorbehaltlich Verfügbarkeit.
Depart the pier by coach and drive to the archaeological area, which you will reach after a short drive.
Visit the Roman Amphitheatre of Augustus, used for fights between gladiators and wild beasts, the Altar of Hieron, constructed in the 2nd century BC to celebrate the "Eleutherian Feast", the Latomie of Paradise, huge caverns once used as prisons, the Ear of Dionysius, an enormous grotto with extraordinary echo and the Greek Theatre, one of the largest in the Hellenic World, constructed in the 5th century BC and successively enlarged.
Upon completion of the visit, re-board your coach for the short drive to Ortygia, which you will visit on foot. On Ortygia Island discover the Piazza Pancali (the ruins of the Temple of Apollo of the 6th century BC), Corso Matteotti, Archimede's Place, Piazza Duomo. Visit the Cathedral in Baroque style, erected over the remains of the Doric Temple of Minerva: in the interiors, see the undamaged twelve Doric columns. Then visit the fountain of Arethusa, the nymph praised by Pindar and Virgilio in one of the most touching and fine myths. Several nobility palaces - majority of them originating in the 15th and 16th centuries - will be seen from outside during the walking tour.
Then, return to the port and your ship.
Inbegriffen
Je nach Verfügbarkeit, Preis pro Person.
Landausflüge können ab zwei Monate bis maximal sieben Tage vor Beginn der Kreuzfahrt telefonisch bei Ihrem PONANT Reiseberater oder bei Ihrem Reisebüro reserviert werden.
Landausflüge können ab vier Monate vor Beginn der Kreuzfahrt bei Ihrem PONANT Reiseberater reserviert werden. Die Kapazität ist begrenzt, daher werden die Reservierungen in der Reihenfolge ihres Eingangs bearbeitet.
Fall under the spell of one of Puglia’s jewels, Gallipoli, listen to its history in the old town’s maze of narrow lanes and admire its historic and architectural heritage.
A visit through its enigmatic lanes is like a journey back in time, a living exploration of the cultural strata that make Gallipoli such a rare pearl. Time here sometimes seems to stand still. Near the port, where your guided tour will begin, the fisherman are hard at work. Some are gathering together the catch of the day, whereas others are repairing their nets. Off in the distance, the gates of the old town open onto a maze of narrow lanes edged withbright- and warm-coloured dwellings, where the shade of the buildings draws a mystical labyrinth. Each street corner tells its own story of this medieval city, with its multiple heritages and cultural influences. Take the time to listen to the stories told by your local guide, as you admire the surprising St. Agatha’s Cathedral, its columns and its stunning baroque frescoes.
The sun-drenched hills of Gallipoli, bathed by the blue waters of the Mediterranean, made it a regional stronghold in olive-oil production as of the 15th century. The exports of this “liquid gold” were so significant that its production was stored in the four corners of the city in underground cisterns dug out of the local limestone, called carparo. You will have the opportunity to discover the production techniques that were used in the past, as you visit one of the 35 recently renovated underground oil mills.
Inbegriffen
Je nach Verfügbarkeit, Preis pro Person.
Landausflüge können ab zwei Monate bis maximal sieben Tage vor Beginn der Kreuzfahrt telefonisch bei Ihrem PONANT Reiseberater oder bei Ihrem Reisebüro reserviert werden.
Landausflüge können ab vier Monate vor Beginn der Kreuzfahrt bei Ihrem PONANT Reiseberater reserviert werden. Die Kapazität ist begrenzt, daher werden die Reservierungen in der Reihenfolge ihres Eingangs bearbeitet.
Stroll around Lecce, the "Baroque Florence", and discover the countless churches, palaces and monuments carved out of this soft and almost golden limestone that gives the city a glowing look, like the chubby cherubins that decorate its façades.
A veritable open-air museum, Lecce is a microcosm of Baroque splendours, located only one hour's drive from Gallipoli. The cherubins, gargoyles, plant patterns, columns and capitals, each more extravagant than the last, are legion here - to the extent that the city lays claim to its own style, the "Barocco Leccese"- since the sculptors and architects of the 16th and 17th centuries had a field day with the regional stone, a marvel of malleability and delicacy.
The Centro Storico historic centre is proof of this, with its cobbled streets and shady squares teeming with incredible rococo treasures, including the Basilica of Santa Croce - with a constellation of sublime ornaments - and the Governor's Palace.
Not far from there, on the Piazza Santa Oronzo, the palazzos, church and Roman amphitheatre dating from the 2nd century try to outdo each other with their beauty.
A few metres away, the Piazza del Duomo, in spectacular golden monochrome, proudly displays a cathedral, its bell tower and the archbishop's palace, making it one of Italy's most beautiful squares. Your exploration of the city centre will finish with a gourmet break in a café.
Inbegriffen
Je nach Verfügbarkeit, Preis pro Person.
Landausflüge können ab zwei Monate bis maximal sieben Tage vor Beginn der Kreuzfahrt telefonisch bei Ihrem PONANT Reiseberater oder bei Ihrem Reisebüro reserviert werden.
Landausflüge können ab vier Monate vor Beginn der Kreuzfahrt bei Ihrem PONANT Reiseberater reserviert werden. Die Kapazität ist begrenzt, daher werden die Reservierungen in der Reihenfolge ihres Eingangs bearbeitet.
From the pier, you will board your coach to Mon Repos Palace.
The Palace was built by the British Commissioner Sir Adam Maitland in 1828, as a gift to his beautiful Corfiot wife. It was used as the Summer Residence of the High Commissioners, while their official residence was the Palace of St. Michael and St. George located in the town of Corfu. Today Mon Repos belongs to the Ministry of Culture and the Municipality of Corfu. It houses a museum with mainly local finds from ancient Corfu.
Then, re-board your coach for a short transfer to Corfu city centre. Upon arrival, follow your guide through the narrow cobbled-stoned serpentine streets of the Old Town known as "kandounia" and charming little "piazzas" (squares) built by the Venetians in the 14th century. During your walking tour, you will pass by the arcades of "liston", the replica of the "Rue de Rivoli" of Paris and the Old Town Hall. You will also visit the Church of St. Spyridon, patron saint of Corfu.
At the end of the visit, you will return to the pier.
Inbegriffen
Je nach Verfügbarkeit, Preis pro Person.
Landausflüge können ab zwei Monate bis maximal sieben Tage vor Beginn der Kreuzfahrt telefonisch bei Ihrem PONANT Reiseberater oder bei Ihrem Reisebüro reserviert werden.
Landausflüge können ab vier Monate vor Beginn der Kreuzfahrt bei Ihrem PONANT Reiseberater reserviert werden. Die Kapazität ist begrenzt, daher werden die Reservierungen in der Reihenfolge ihres Eingangs bearbeitet.
On the slopes of Mount Parnassus, the Delphi site opens the doors to a sacred world, where each stone summons up the glorious past of Ancient Greece.
Take the Sacred Way, the route walked in the past by pilgrims and kings of Antiquity, and go on a timeless journey. Here, the history of Greece and its legends overflow from everything: the ruins and ancient monuments, but also from the surrounding nature, which is still stunning.
This will jump out at you as you stand before the Temple of Apollo. It was constructed around the 7th century BC by two legendary architects, Trophonios and Agamedes; today, only a few vestiges remain of this Doric monument, decorated at the time with shields captured from the Persians. However, the foundations and columns that are still present seem to find an echo of their grandeur in the surrounding mountains.
The same goes for the ruins of the Senate of Delphi, as well as the vestiges of the Oracle of Delphi, where thousands of pilgrims gathered to receive the oracle of Pythia, high priestess of Apollo. The ancient theatre is also worth visiting.
A stone’s throw away from the sanctuary of Apollo, you will also be able to discover the Delphi Museum’s exhibitions, which present objects found at the archaeological site over the past century or more. Vases, bronzes, sculptures, precious offerings made to Apollo by pilgrims, objects of gold and ivory found under the slabs of the Sacred Way... they all recount the history of one of the most emblematic sites in Antiquity.
Inbegriffen
Je nach Verfügbarkeit, Preis pro Person.
Landausflüge können ab zwei Monate bis maximal sieben Tage vor Beginn der Kreuzfahrt telefonisch bei Ihrem PONANT Reiseberater oder bei Ihrem Reisebüro reserviert werden.
Landausflüge können ab vier Monate vor Beginn der Kreuzfahrt bei Ihrem PONANT Reiseberater reserviert werden. Die Kapazität ist begrenzt, daher werden die Reservierungen in der Reihenfolge ihres Eingangs bearbeitet.
Marvel at the beauty of the Byzantine monastery of Hosios Loukas and take to the heights in the streets of Arachova, a small town perched 1,000 metres (3,000 feet) up on the illustrious Mount Parnassus.
The fortified monastery of Hosios Loukas, near Delphi, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most characteristic monuments of the second golden age of Byzantine art. Founded at the start of the 10th century by the hermit Saint Luke, it includes a central-plan church decorated with superb marble decor and admirable mosaics on a gold background. The main shrine is none other than the tomb of Saint Luke, originally situated in the crypt.
Your excursion will continue with a visit of Arachova. Built on the side of the mountain, this small town of 3,300 inhabitants is famous for its traditional stone houses spread out over the northern slopes of Mount Parnassus, between 800 and 1,100 metres up. As you explore its small streets on your own, allow yourself to be charmed by the hospitality of the inhabitants, the local handicrafts and the gastronomy. Indeed, the town is well-known for its wine and cheese, as well as for its homemade carpets and blankets.
Inbegriffen
Je nach Verfügbarkeit, Preis pro Person.
Landausflüge können ab zwei Monate bis maximal sieben Tage vor Beginn der Kreuzfahrt telefonisch bei Ihrem PONANT Reiseberater oder bei Ihrem Reisebüro reserviert werden.
Landausflüge können ab vier Monate vor Beginn der Kreuzfahrt bei Ihrem PONANT Reiseberater reserviert werden. Die Kapazität ist begrenzt, daher werden die Reservierungen in der Reihenfolge ihres Eingangs bearbeitet.
From the pier, you will board your coach and drive to the city centre of Athens. Your first stop will be the Acropolis, a symbol of the glory of ancient Greece, where you will climb its smooth marble steps as visitors have for centuries. History opens before you as you reach one of the masterpieces of classical architecture, the Propylaea, which serves as the entrance to the complex. See the Temple of Athena Nike, or Wingless Victory, and the Erechtheum with its classical Porch of Maidens, the Caryatids. Stand in awe of what is considered to be the most perfect example of classical architecture in the world, the Parthenon, designed as a shrine to Athena that, at one time, housed a massive gold and ivory statue of the warrior goddess.
Looking down from the Acropolis, see the two ancient theatres in its shadow - the Greek theatre of Dionysus, where the masterpieces of Aeschylus, Sophocles, Euripides and Aristophanes debuted to delighted audiences, and the grand Roman theatre of Herod Atticus, restored and used for concerts and classical plays during the summer Athens Festival.
You will then visit the splendid Acropolis Museum, which is an archaeological museum focused on the findings of the archaeological site of the Acropolis of Athens. The museum was built in order to house every artifact found on the rock and nearby, covering a large period of time, from the Greek Bronze Age to Roman and Byzantine Greece. The museum was founded in 2003, while the Organisation of the Museum was established in 2000. Finally, it opened to public on June 21, 2009. Nearly 4,000 objects are on exhibit, and the museum spans an impressive 14,000 square metres.
After the visit of the Museum, you will enjoy lunch at a restaurant in the Thesseion area.
You will then you board your coach again for the return drive to Lavrio port.
Inbegriffen
Je nach Verfügbarkeit, Preis pro Person.
Landausflüge können ab zwei Monate bis maximal sieben Tage vor Beginn der Kreuzfahrt telefonisch bei Ihrem PONANT Reiseberater oder bei Ihrem Reisebüro reserviert werden.
Landausflüge können ab vier Monate vor Beginn der Kreuzfahrt bei Ihrem PONANT Reiseberater reserviert werden. Die Kapazität ist begrenzt, daher werden die Reservierungen in der Reihenfolge ihres Eingangs bearbeitet.
Sheltered from the indigo waves of the Bay of Brauron, the ancient village of Vravrona is nestled like an age-old pearl, a witness of times gone by. Its winding little streets, cobbled with sea pebbles polished by the tides, exude the bewitching fragrances of a mythical past. Discover a remarkable archaeological site, the Temple of Artemis Brauroni, the honoured goddess of vegetation and hunting, and veritable protector of women giving birth and infants.
As of your departure from the port of Lavrio, you will head north-east, to discover the coastal city of Brauron, where a rich human settlement prospered as far back as the Neolithic period. Among the site’s lost remarkable vestiges, you will be able to admire the majestic large Doric Stoa with a ? - shaped ground plan, built between 425 and 415 BC, and the Temple of Artemis, a Doric prostyle temple with a tripartite cella and a deep adyton, built on the ruins of an archaic temple dating back to the first half of the 5th century BC.
You will also have the opportunity to visit the modest yet no less remarkable museum attached to the site, which houses objects coming not only from Vravrona but also from other regions of Attica. Nonetheless, the main part of the exhibition is dedicated to the discoveries made at the Temple of Artemis in Vravrona, among which the sculptures of “sheep”, representing the young girls devoted to Artemis, stand out.
Leaving Vravrona, you will arrive on Cape Sounion where you will visit the Temple of Poseidon, dating back to the 5th century BC. Perched 60 metres above the waves, on the edge of a cliff, it is one of the most breathtaking and moving sites in all of Greece. This is the place where the ancient Greeks worshipped their mighty god of the seas, Poseidon. The 15 Doric columns still standing (out of 34 originally) belong to the temple constructed here during Pericles’ Golden Age of Athens, on the vestiges of an older building. The architect is unknown, but it is believed to be the same one who built the Theseion in Athens.
After your visit, you will have a little free time to immortalise the site with some superb photos or even enjoy a drink at the neighbouring café, before heading back to the port of Lavrio.
Inbegriffen
Je nach Verfügbarkeit, Preis pro Person.
Landausflüge können ab zwei Monate bis maximal sieben Tage vor Beginn der Kreuzfahrt telefonisch bei Ihrem PONANT Reiseberater oder bei Ihrem Reisebüro reserviert werden.
Landausflüge können ab vier Monate vor Beginn der Kreuzfahrt bei Ihrem PONANT Reiseberater reserviert werden. Die Kapazität ist begrenzt, daher werden die Reservierungen in der Reihenfolge ihres Eingangs bearbeitet.
Meteora is one of the most imposing sights in mainland Greece: giant rocks in bizarre shapes, ranging in height from 100 to 150 metres.
After disembarking, you will board your coach for a two hours and a half drive, leaving the port of Volos to head Northwest crossing the agricultural plains of Thessaly. You will pass provincial towns such as Larissa and Trikala before reaching Kalambaka, a small town nestled at the footsteps of the Meteora rocks.A short restroom stop with refreshments will take place there before continuing to the "monasteries in the sky" of the Meteora.
Once a monastic community with 24 monasteries, Meteora now consists of only five active ones. They were first built in the 14th century by monks who searched for a place where they could stay isolated and pray undisturbed from the rest of the world. Until 1920 most of the Meteora monasteries could only be reached by getting into a net and hauled up by a rope. Fortunately, steps were cut afterwards to all of the monasteries.
You will visit two of the most beautiful and representative Monasteries of the valley, where you will admire icons, mosaics and frescoes, old manuscripts, domed roofs as well as breathtaking views of nearby monasteries and of the surrounding area.
After your visit to the monasteries, proceed to a local restaurant in Kalambaka for a Greek lunch.Then, via the same road passing Trikala and Larrisa, you will return to the port of Volos to join your ship, a 2h30 drive.
Inbegriffen
Je nach Verfügbarkeit, Preis pro Person.
Landausflüge können ab zwei Monate bis maximal sieben Tage vor Beginn der Kreuzfahrt telefonisch bei Ihrem PONANT Reiseberater oder bei Ihrem Reisebüro reserviert werden.
Landausflüge können ab vier Monate vor Beginn der Kreuzfahrt bei Ihrem PONANT Reiseberater reserviert werden. Die Kapazität ist begrenzt, daher werden die Reservierungen in der Reihenfolge ihres Eingangs bearbeitet.
Listed as World Heritage by UNESCO, the incredible site of Ephesus holds a concentration of some of the most beautiful and most impressive Roman vestiges at the heart of its abundant natural environment. Here, temples, villas and streets paved in sparkling marble immerse you into the daily life of those who once lived in this ancient city.
Also known as the Turkish Pompeii, Ephesus is a veritable open-air museum whose excavation, begun in 1869, brought to light some of the richest Roman vestiges in the Mediterranean. Built in two parts due to the geography of the land, the city boasts an administrative quarter on its heights, with the very beautiful ruins of the city hall, the civil basilica and the Odeon all lined up on the north side of the Agora.
Facing the harbour, the lower town is home to the religious and cultural buildings: the famous Celsus Library, the Roman villas, the Commercial Agora, the stadium, and the largest amphitheatre of the ancient world, able to hold some 24,000 spectators.
Between the two, discover the dwellings of the notables, grouped along the slopes of Mount Pion and Mount Coressos, along with Hercules Gate, the ancient Scholastica Baths, the stunning Marble Road, and the Temple of Hadrian.
Inbegriffen
Je nach Verfügbarkeit, Preis pro Person.
Landausflüge können ab zwei Monate bis maximal sieben Tage vor Beginn der Kreuzfahrt telefonisch bei Ihrem PONANT Reiseberater oder bei Ihrem Reisebüro reserviert werden.
Landausflüge können ab vier Monate vor Beginn der Kreuzfahrt bei Ihrem PONANT Reiseberater reserviert werden. Die Kapazität ist begrenzt, daher werden die Reservierungen in der Reihenfolge ihres Eingangs bearbeitet.
The incredible site of Ephesus holds a concentration of some of the most beautiful and most impressive Roman vestiges. During a guided visit, this ancient city, listed as World Heritage by UNESCO, will reveal its temples and its sparkling streets of marble, as well as the terrace houses where lived the rich inhabitants of this place also known as the Turkish Pompeii.
A veritable open-air museum whose excavation, begun in 1869, brought to light some of the richest Roman vestiges in the Mediterranean, Ephesus is spread over two parts, the upper and the lower, to adapt to the relief of the neighbouring mountains.
On the heights, discover the administrative quarter, with the very beautiful ruins of the city hall, the civil basilica and the Odeon, all lined up on the north side of the Agora.
As for the lower city, it houses the religious and cultural buildings that stood facing the ancient port. There, you will discover the famous Celsus Library – which you will have the opportunity to visit –, the Commercial Agora, the stadium, and the largest amphitheatre of the ancient world, able to hold some 24,000 spectators.
Next, head for the Terrace Houses, where recent excavations unearthed the houses of rich Ephesians. Built during the reign of Augustus, and located on the northern slope of Bülbüldag next to Curetes Street and opposite the Temple of Hadrian, these houses were constructed with a peristyle, a courtyard surrounded by Ionic columns, and they are finely decorated with mosaics and frescoes.
Finally, after a short walk, you will arrive at the Great Theatre, where Saint Paul preached to the Ephesians, imploring them to abandon the worship of Artemis and embrace the Christian faith.
Inbegriffen
Je nach Verfügbarkeit, Preis pro Person.
Landausflüge können ab zwei Monate bis maximal sieben Tage vor Beginn der Kreuzfahrt telefonisch bei Ihrem PONANT Reiseberater oder bei Ihrem Reisebüro reserviert werden.
Landausflüge können ab vier Monate vor Beginn der Kreuzfahrt bei Ihrem PONANT Reiseberater reserviert werden. Die Kapazität ist begrenzt, daher werden die Reservierungen in der Reihenfolge ihres Eingangs bearbeitet.
The resort city of Alanya, on the Mediterranean coast of Turkey, offers much more than pleasant fine-sand beaches. Its archaeological museum, its castle and its red tower will take you back to the times of ancient heroes and rebel pirates.
Opened in 1967, the Alanya Archaeological Museum houses a beautiful collection of objects, including some from the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations in Ankara. Amidst these antiques made of bronze, marble, china, glass and mosaics, between the ostotek (funerary urns) and the coins from the Archaic, Classical, Hellenistic, Roman and Byzantine periods, one piece captures all the attention: the bronze statue of Hercules, whose dramatic story dates back to the 2nd century CE.
Next, head for Alanya Castle. Perched 250 metres (820 ft) above sea level and surrounded by a perimeter wall six kilometres (3.7 miles) long, this site offers a breathtaking view. But its history is also worth the detour, because even though the origins of its creation are still unknown - it is first mentioned in the writings of the geographer Scylax in the 4th century BC -, we do know that it provided an ideal den for pirates and rebels in the 2nd century BC, then witnessed the succession of the Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine, Seljuk and Ottoman civilisations.
Finally, discover the Red Tower, one of the most beautiful examples of 13th-century Mediterranean medieval defence structures. By order of Alaeddin Keyqubad I, the Seljuk sovereign, it was built by Ebu Ali Reha el Kettani, an architect from Aleppo, to protect Alanya's harbour, shipyard and castle against attacks by sea.
Inbegriffen
Je nach Verfügbarkeit, Preis pro Person.
Landausflüge können ab zwei Monate bis maximal sieben Tage vor Beginn der Kreuzfahrt telefonisch bei Ihrem PONANT Reiseberater oder bei Ihrem Reisebüro reserviert werden.
Landausflüge können ab vier Monate vor Beginn der Kreuzfahrt bei Ihrem PONANT Reiseberater reserviert werden. Die Kapazität ist begrenzt, daher werden die Reservierungen in der Reihenfolge ihres Eingangs bearbeitet.
Stroll around Side, a charming ancient city on the southern coast of Turkey which once provided the backdrop for some of Mark Antony and Cleopatra's love story, then admire the emblematic Damlatas Cave, a geological gem on the west coast of the peninsula.
On the turquoise coast of Turkey, where the Mediterranean Sea caresses the ruins of ancient civilisations, the historic Side will appear before you. Prosperous between the 2nd and 4th centuries due to its close ties with the Roman Empire, this city is now home to a number of ancient ruins providing evidence of the Roman, Arab and Ottoman civilisations that succeeded one another here.
At the heart of the city, between the cobbled streets and historical landmarks, Side's colossal and emblematic ancient theatre from the 2nd century rises majestically, a testament to the greatness of the Roman Empire. Built in a semi-circle and hewn directly out of the hillside, this theatre could accommodate up to 15,000 spectators. After being converted into a huge open-air church in the 5th century, it now houses three temples - one dedicated to Dionysus, the god of wine, and the two others to Apollo and Artemis respectively. If you stand along the stone cavea, you can almost hear the murmurs of the spectators of old and their deafening claps.
Next, you will head to the Damlatas Cave, on the west coast of the peninsula. Discovered in 1948 during the construction of the new port, the enormous cavity is covered in stalactites and stalagmites that continue to grow. Due to its constant high temperatures and high humidity, the cave is said to have beneficial properties for treating certain respiratory ailments, including asthma.
Inbegriffen
Je nach Verfügbarkeit, Preis pro Person.
Landausflüge können ab zwei Monate bis maximal sieben Tage vor Beginn der Kreuzfahrt telefonisch bei Ihrem PONANT Reiseberater oder bei Ihrem Reisebüro reserviert werden.
Landausflüge können ab vier Monate vor Beginn der Kreuzfahrt bei Ihrem PONANT Reiseberater reserviert werden. Die Kapazität ist begrenzt, daher werden die Reservierungen in der Reihenfolge ihres Eingangs bearbeitet.
Travel with peace of mind as PONANT organises your transfer between your port of disembarkation and the airport.
Antalya
After disembarkation procedures are completed, you will be greeted at the port by our local English-speaking representative.
You will board your coach to the Antalya Archaeological Museum. This museum contains an amazing variety of collections including pottery, coins, mosaics, sculptures, costumes, sarcophagi, and artifacts found in the once-inhabited caves of coastal Turkey. The Hall of Emperors is one of the museum's most impressive wings. Here, the displays of classical art are magnificent, including statues of the Greek gods and of the emperors Hadrian and Septimus Serverus and their mistresses.
You will then reach the airport in time for check-in for the PONANT selected flight.
Your programme includes:
Your programme does not include:
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.
Gesamtpreis inkl. Steuern- und Gebühren : 75 €
Preis pro Person auf Basis einer Doppelkabine. Dieser Preis gilt vorbehaltlich Verfügbarkeit.Enhance your cruise and extend your trip with a carefully designed programme.
Enjoy a few days discovering Cappadocia’s unique scenery in the heart of Turkey. The exceptional landscapes, as beautiful as they are mystical, will fascinate you, as will the history of this striking region. From fairy chimney rock formations to cave dwellings and underground cities, embark on a journey where shimmering colours mingle with the aromas and magic of the Orient.
Day 1 – Antalya/Konya
After disembarkation procedures are completed, you will be greeted at pier by our local representative.
By road, you will immediately head for Konya, lying in Central Anatolia at an altitude of 1,000 metres (3,281 feet). From the Mediterranean region of Antalya, an approximately four-and-a-half-hour drive will take you to this holy city, the cradle of Sufism and the former capital of the Seljuk Empire. It is there that, in the 13th century, the mystic poet Jalal al-Din Rumi – also called “Mevlana”, meaning ‘erudite’ – founded the Mevlevi Order, also known as the “whirling dervishes”. Today, the city boasts prestigious religious monuments that attract a great many pilgrims, but it is also a significantly urbanised modern metropolis.
For lunch, you will enjoy traditional cuisine at a local restaurant in Konya.
You will then visit the Mevlana Museum, dedicated to the founding father of the whirling dervishes. This major pilgrimage site houses the former lodge of the Mevlevi Order and the mausoleum of the master, a masterpiece of Seljuk art built in 1274 after his death.
You will then be taken to the Dedeman Konya Convention Center 5*.
Check-in in your room.
Dinner and overnight at your hotel.
Day 2 – Konya/Cappadocia
Breakfast and check-out.
After breakfast, once you have completed your hotel check-out, you will leave Konya and cross the arid planes of Anatolia towards Cappadocia.
On the way (approximately one-and-a-half hour drive), you will stop at the Sultan Han Caravanserai. This roadside inn built in the 13th century afforded caravaners a place to rest and recover from the day's journey. Caravanserais, or hans in Turkish, supported the flow of commerce across a network of trade routes connecting Asia, North Africa and South-Eastern Europe. The Sultanhani han is one of the most well-preserved along the Silk Road linking Konya to Persia.
You will travel on for another couple of hours to reach Mustafapasa (Sinasos). Located 5 km (3 miles) south of Urgup, it is one of the most beautiful villages in Cappadocia. The town is famous for its Greek architecture. Greeks and Karamanlides (Turkish-speaking Christians) make up the majority of the population. The rest are Muslim Turks. Its sculpted wooden doors and facade decorations are very typical.
Lunch will be served in a local restaurant.
After lunch, you will head to Kaymakli to visit the UNESCO-listed, largest underground city in the region. Between the 6th and 10th centuries, the city was carved out of volcanic rock, up to a depth of more than 90 metres (295 feet). It is possible to go as deep as eight levels down through an intricate labyrinth of tunnels.
After another half-hour or so on the road, you will arrive at the 4* Argos In Cappadocia Hotel in the mid-afternoon.
Enjoy some free time to freshen up and rest.
Dinner will then be served in a local restaurant.
Overnight in the hotel.
Day 3 – Cappadocia
Optional activity - Hot-air ballon in Cappadocia
Very early in the morning (weather permitting), you will set off for a hot-air balloon ride to the heart of unique landscapes. The sunrise will take on another dimension.
Dawn is the best time to enjoy this unique experience, as the cooler, calmer air ensures peaceful and stable flights, as well as soft landings. Another advantage is that the superb colours and contrasts at daybreak provide ideal conditions for taking beautiful photos.
The excellent flying conditions allow the hot air-balloons to gently drift over spectacular and surreal landscapes featuring fairy chimneys, dovecotes hewn into the unique rock formations, orchards and vineyards, and impressive valleys.
The flight time will be around 45 minutes (subject to weather conditions and approval from local authorities).
After your flight, you will return to your hotel to freshen up and breakfast.
You will visit Pasabag, boasting the most striking fairy chimneys in Cappadocia, crowned with double and sometimes even triple rock caps. Even for this region, these formations are truly unique! The locals call them mushroom-shaped fairy chimneys. As you wander around Pasabag, you will see many vineyards.
After lunch, your discovery tour will continue with the Zelve Open-Air Museum, south of Avanos. It encompasses three valleys home to a multitude of crumbling cave dwellings, painted and carved churches, wine-making rooms and wheat grinding mills. Right at the back of the third valley are the deepest and most intact cave dwellings, with many details indicating what life must have been like here a thousand years ago.
Next, in Avanos, the capital of Turkish pottery, a workshop will teach you more about this wonderful local handicraft inherited from the Hittite period.
To wrap up this day spent amid fairy chimneys and Byzantine vestiges, you will stop for a wine tasting at a local vineyard with some of the oldest perched vines in the world. There, you will be able to taste fruity wines made from local grapes.
Back to your hotel.
Dinner will be on your own.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 4 - Cappadocia
Your day will then be spent discovering this unique and colourful natural environment through some of the most well-known sites in the region (ten to twenty-minute transfer between each visit). On the road between Uchisar and Goreme, you will start by visiting Pigeon Valley. A short walk will enable you to discover the dovecote tradition in Cappadocia. The locals carve them out of the tuff formations called “fairy chimneys”. Lunch will be served in a local restaurant. After a short transfer (approximately ten minutes), you will reach the Goreme Open-Air Museum, the most visited site of the monastic communities in Cappadocia, and one of the most famous sites in the centre of Turkey. It is a complex comprising more than 30 churches and chapels carved out of rock and containing superb frescoes dating from the 9th century to the 11th. While the exterior seems relatively unremarkable, the interiors are designed in a typical Byzantine style, with a central dome and a floor plan in the shape of a cross or a rectangle. The largest and most well-preserved church in Goreme is Tokali Kilise. Its interior walls are covered in some of the most beautiful frescoes in the region, depicting scenes from the New Testament. In the early evening, you will be attending a whirling dervish ceremony called “semah”. During this ritual dance, accompanied by Sufi music and symbolising a prayer and divine communion, the Mevlevi Order disciples spin around in a trance-like state. Dinner at the hotel and overnight.
Day 5 – Cappadocia/Kayseri
After breakfast and check-out, time at leisure depending on your flight schedule.
You will then be transferred to the Kayseri airport in time for check-in for the PONANT selected flight or any other flight (provided that you have previously communicated your flight schedule to your travel agent).
Your hotels:
The 5* Dedeman Konya Convention Center Hotel is a modern and comfortable establishment 5 km (3 miles) out of the centre of Konya. Its well-appointed rooms, its restaurant serving Turkish and international cuisine, and its indoor pool will provide a relaxing setting.
The 4* Argos In Cappadocia Hotel is a former monastery in the village of Uchisar, now turned boutique hotel. Its interior reflects the cave-dwelling tradition yet offers every modern-day comfort. The hotel has been beautifully renovated by integrating the new structures into the heart of the vestiges with the utmost respect for the environment. Guests come here to press pause and take a break from the frantic pace of the modern world. Each room is unique and offers a private space. They are carved right out of the rock, celebrating the region’s cave-dwelling tradition. Lush gardens and sun-drenched terraces reveal picturesque panoramic views.
Upgraded rooms are also available depending on availability and on a supplement basis. Contact your travel professional for further detail.
Your programme includes:
Your programme does not include:
Please note:
Contact of your hotels:
Dedeman Konya Hotel & Convention Center
Esenler, Yeni Sille Cd. No: 1,
42080 Selçuklu/Konya, Turquie
Telephone number: (90) 332 221 66 00
Argos Cappadocia
Uchisar-Nevsehir
TURKEY
Telephone number: (90) 384 219 31 30.
Duration and order of the visits may vary. To know your PONANT flight schedule, please contact your travel agent; it is also indicated on your electronic ticket included in your travel documents.
Gesamtpreis inkl. Steuern- und Gebühren : 1.550 €
Preis pro Person auf Basis einer Doppelkabine. Dieser Preis gilt vorbehaltlich Verfügbarkeit.