Deluxe Kabine Deck 3
19 m²
2
Mit der außergewöhnlichen Anwesenheit von Christophe Barbier, französischer Journalist und Leitartikler.
Lassen Sie sich auf einer außergewöhnlichen 7-tägigen Kreuzfahrt von der ewigen Stadt in die Stadt der Götter von den antiken mediterranen Zivilisationen verzaubern. An Bord der Le Champlain fahren Sie von den Küsten Italiens gen Griechenland, um seine Schätze zu entdecken.
Sie stechen in Civitavecchia in See und nehmen Kurs auf Neapel, eine der ältesten Städte der Welt, in der Barock-Kirchen, romantische Plätze und alte Paläste warten. Zahlreiche Bauwerke zeugen vom Reichtum dieser Stadt, die vom Vesuv mit seinem mehr als 1.000 Meter hohen Gipfel überragt wird.
Das nächste Ziel auf Ihrer Route ist Catania. Die Stadt an den Hängen des Ätna wurde bereits 7 Mal durch Vulkanausbrüche zerstört! Sie gehört zum Weltkulturerbe der UNESCO und birgt einen unvergleichlichen kulturellen Reichtum.
Dann steuert die Le Champlain nach der Fahrt durch das Ionische Meer den ersten griechischen Hafen, die Stadt Katakolo an. Besuchen Sie Olympia, Welterbe der UNESCO, dessen Ruinen von einer großartigen Vergangenheit erzählen.
Sie legen in Gythio an, dem Haupthafen des antiken Sparta, wo Sie die byzantinische Stadt Mystras besuchen können, die zum UNESCO-Welterbe zählt. Dann geht es weiter in den hübschen Ort Nafplio, Ausgangspunkt für den Besuch des berühmten Theaters von Epidauros und nach Mykene, ebenfalls eine UNESCO-Welterbestätte.
Jahrhundert gebaut wurde, nach Nafplio. Zwei wunderschöne antike Bauwerke sind hier zu besichtigen: das Theater von Epidauros und Mykene, die Königsstadt der Atriden.
Die Kreuzfahrt endet in Athen, der mythischen, von der Akropolis und ihren monumentalen Bauwerken überragten Stadt, die eine wohl einzigartige künstlerische und architektonische Einheit bilden, Erbe des antiken Griechenlands.
Ref : EC161023
Mit der außergewöhnlichen Anwesenheit von Christophe Barbier, französischer Journalist und Leitartikler Kreuzfahrt von Griechenland nach Rom mit einer Vielzahl von historischen und archäologischen...
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Prestige Suite auf Deck 6
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Christophe Barbier
Christophe Barbier is a French journalist and editorial writer.
A political reporter with Le Point (1990) and Europe 1 (1995), he headed up the political department at L’Express in 1996 and was made assistant editor in 2001. In August 2006 he was promoted to Managing Editor, a post he held until he left the management team in 2016. However, he remains its editorial writer and editorial advisor.
He has put on several plays and is the principal director at the Théâtre de l’Archicube, the theatrical troupe at the École normale supérieure in Paris.
He also worked for LCI which he left in 2011 and returned to I-Télé to present the editorial content and interview for a programme. Since August 2013, he has been on the morning info slot Team Toussaint, alongside Bruce Toussaint. In September 2016, he joined BFM TV.
Language spoken: French
Photo credit: Eric Garault /L'Express
Christophe Barbier dispensera plusieurs conférences parmi lesquelles :
- La République enlisée : les raisons de la crise politique française
- Peuple de colères : le sens des révoltes dans l’Histoire de France
- Spectacle : Théâtre et politique, éternels jumeaux
Vorbehaltlich des Widerrufs im Falle von höherer Gewalt
Christophe Barbier
Christophe Barbier is a French journalist and editorial writer.
A political reporter with Le Point (1990) and Europe 1 (1995), he headed up the political department at L’Express in 1996 and was made assistant editor in 2001. In August 2006 he was promoted to Managing Editor, a post he held until he left the management team in 2016. However, he remains its editorial writer and editorial advisor.
He has put on several plays and is the principal director at the Théâtre de l’Archicube, the theatrical troupe at the École normale supérieure in Paris.
He also worked for LCI which he left in 2011 and returned to I-Télé to present the editorial content and interview for a programme. Since August 2013, he has been on the morning info slot Team Toussaint, alongside Bruce Toussaint. In September 2016, he joined BFM TV.
Language spoken: French
Photo credit: Eric Garault /L'Express
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
Einschiffung 16.10.2023 von 16:00 bis 17:00
Abfahrt 16.10.2023 um 18:00
Die zwischen dem Tyrrhenischen Meer und den Tolfabergen auf einer etruskischen Stätte erbaute Stadt Civitavecchia strahlt Dolce Vita aus. Als moderne Stadt mit hoher Lebensqualität verbindet sie Kunst und Geschichte. So können Sie prachtvolle historische Stätten wie das Fort Michelangelo oder die Kathedrale des Heiligen Franziskus von Assisi besichtigen. Die ungefähr 80 km von Rom entfernte Stadt ist ein schönes Eingangstor zur italienischen Hauptstadt.
Ankunft 17.10.2023 am frühen Vormittag
Abfahrt 17.10.2023 mittags
Neapel, Hauptstadt des schönen Kampaniens, stellt eine ungewöhnliche Stadt dar, italienischer als Italien. Deren vom Vesuv überragter Golf zählt zu den größten Wunderwerken der Welt. Von den Griechen erbaut, dann von den Römern besetzt, bewahrt die Stadt noch heute das Gedächtnis dieser antiken Zeiten, von denen das Castel dell’Ovo untrennbar bleibt. Aber Neapel hat eine noch vibrierendere und authentischere Seite: enge Gassen, an den Fenstern aufgehängte Wäsche, Gemälde von Caravaggio an den Wänden einer Kirche, ständiger dumpfer Lärm einer nie schlafenden Stadt. Ein überwältigender Ort, den man besichtigen und genießen muss ... Nehmen Sie doch ein Stück Pizza Margherita.
Ankunft 18.10.2023 am frühen Vormittag
Abfahrt 18.10.2023 mittags
Auf halbem Weg zwischen Messina und Syrakus erhebt sich die mächtige Silhouette des Ätnas über die kleine Stadt Catania. Dieser von Rauchwolken umhüllte Riese, Nährvater und Zerstörer zugleich, begrub Ende des 17. Jahrhunderts große Teile der Stadt unter Lavaströmen; sie wurde im spätbarocken Baustil wiederaufgebaut. Aufgrund zahlreicher Bauwerke aus dieser Zeit wurde sie zum UNESCO-Welterbe erklärt. Entdecken Sie die der Heiligen Agathe geweihte Kathedrale mit ihren hohen Apsiden aus Lavagestein und den Elefantenbrunnen, das Wahrzeichen der Stadt, auf ihrem Vorplatz. Es heißt, der Elefant habe die Macht, die Wut des Ätnas zu zügeln …
Ankunft 19.10.2023 am frühen Nachmittag
Abfahrt 19.10.2023 am frühen Abend
Dieses malerische Küstendorf erstreckt sich am Ionischen Meer im Westen des Peloponnes. Dessen Hauptkai bietet Ihnen einen weiten Ausblick auf die bewaldeten Hügel der Küste. Die strahlend weiße St.-Nikolaus-Kirche verfügt über eine reiche Ausstattung mit Ikonen. Sie haben auch die einmalige Gelegenheit, die Ausgrabungsstätte von Olympia an den Hängen des Kronos zu besichtigen.
Ankunft 20.10.2023 am frühen Vormittag
Abfahrt 20.10.2023 abends
In der Antike war Gythio, eine gut fünfzig Kilometer landeinwärts gelegene Stadt auf der im Süden des Peloponnes gelegenen Halbinsel Mani, der wichtigste Hafen und der Flottenstützpunkt von Sparta. Im Zeitalter der Römer erlebte der Hafen aufgrund des Handels mit Purpur eine bedeutende Ausdehnung, denn die Purpurschnecken, aus denen diese von den Römern geschätzte Farbe gewonnen wurde, sind hier reichlich zu finden. Die Stadt wurde am Hang des Berges Kumario gebaut, von dessen Gipfel aus eine Zitadelle auf sie herab schaut. Lassen Sie sich bei einem Bummel von der Stille in den steilen Treppen und malerischen Gassen verzaubern, die von Häusern neoklassizistischer Architektur und wilden Blumen eingerahmt sind.
Ankunft 21.10.2023 am frühen Vormittag
Abfahrt 21.10.2023 am späten Nachmittag
Die schöne Stadt Nauplio erstreckt sich stufenförmig an den grünen Hängen des Argolischen Golfs im Osten des Peloponnes. Sie ermöglicht Ihnen, ein sehr mannigfaltiges Kulturerbe zu entdecken. Sehenswert sind zum Beispiel die antike Agora auf dem Akronafplia-Plateau, die Arkaden im italienischen Stil des Syntagma-Platzes und die barocke Festung Palamidi auf dem gleichnamigen Hügel. Von ganz oben bezaubert die Panoramaaussicht auf den Golf und die umliegenden Berge. Um sich am Wasser zu entspannen, folgen Sie der Arvanitia-Promenade zu einer schönen kleinen Felsbucht im Schatten von Zedern und Zypressen.
Ankunft 22.10.2023 am frühen Vormittag
Ausschiffung 22.10.2023 um 07:00
Die griechische Hauptstadt liegt am Rande des Saronischen Golfs im Osten des Landes. Der Name Athen stand einst im Plural und bezog sich auf die ersten Dörfer, welche die Akropolis umgaben. Dieses Felsplateau mit historischen Bauwerken, die zum UNESCO-Weltkulturerbe gehören, ist einfach bezaubernd. Weiter unten haben Sie die Gelegenheit, eines der lebhaftesten Viertel von Athen zu besichtigen: Plaka mit seinem Gewirr aus bunten Gässchen, die am Abend nach Moussaka und Garnelen mit Knoblauch duften. Das Archäologische Nationalmuseum und das Museum für kykladische Kunst gehören auch zu den wichtigsten Sehenswürdigkeiten der Stadt und erlauben es, die glanzvolle kulturelle Vergangenheit Athens zu entdecken.
According to a legend, Naples was founded on the tomb of the Siren Parthenope, who bequeathed her irresistible charm and mysterious appeal to the city. Legend aside, Naples has perhaps more to offer than any other city in Italy, in terms of history art and sheer beauty.
Board your coach, for a panoramic drive of the old town. You will pass by Piazza Plebiscito, where you will have the chance to have an outside look of the Royal Palace and the San Carlo Opera House.
The guided visit will then continue by foot to the lower Decumanus, nicknamed Spaccanapoli (Naples splitter) because it seems to divide the city into two nearly equal parts. You will discover the outside of the large Jesuit church of Gesu’ Nuovo with its famous diamond point façade, and then the gothic church of Santa Chiara, built following the orders of Robert of Anjou in 1310. Then you will continue your walk and arrive at the heart of the Decumanus, the San Domenico Square adorned by its guglia (spire), raided in 1658 as a votive offering for delivering the city from the plague.
After some time at leisure, you will re-board your coach and return to your ship.
Gesamtpreis inkl. Steuern- und Gebühren : 40 €
After disembarking, you will board your coach to a scenic thirty-minute drive to Pompeii, located 25 km from Naples at the foot of Mount Vesuvius. Founded in the 6th century BC, it counted approximately 20,000 inhabitants in 79. That year, a volcanic eruption completely buried the flourishing cities of Pompeii, Herculaneum and Stabies. Forgotten during 1,600 years, it was rediscovered by chance to become today one of the florets of archaeology and an extraordinary testimony of the Roman Empire.
Upon arrival, a 30-minute free time will be given for a comfort stop and optional visit of the Cameo factory.
You will enter the site by the Porta Marina. Similar to a bastion, facing west, together with Porta Ercolano it is the most imposing of the seven gates of Pompeii. The ring of walls, built in the 6th century BC and still visible today, is over 3,200-meter long. Arriving inside the city, you will first discover the administrative buildings located on the main square. The more recent has kept its marble floor, and its eastern hall might have been the meeting room for the decurions (administrators), and its central hall might be used for the tabularium (legal archive).
Next, opening onto via dell’Abbondanza, is the Comitium, an open-air hall where the populus was summoned to exercise their political-administrative rights. It held the administrators, who presided over the assemblies and supervised the voting procedures. You will proceed by the Macellum. The building, which was the city's main market, dates from the 2nd century BC and underwent subsequent renovations. You will also admire the Basilica dedicated to administering justice and for business negotiations. Passing by the merchant streets you will cross the Forum baths or public baths that where divided in different sections. They were inexpensive and heavily used: bath time was apparently in the early afternoon. You will enter some remarkable villas, modest homes and explore ancient baths, temples, theatres, markets and forum.
At the end of your guided tour, you will enjoy a refreshment or an ice cream before you re-board your coach and return to your ship.
Gesamtpreis inkl. Steuern- und Gebühren : 70 €
During this excursion, you will discover another side of Naples in a completely original way to learn more about this vibrant city.
From the pier, you will meet your guide and start your walking tour, which will take you back in time to the 13th century via the Castle Nuovo, a grim and gloomy fortress that served as the residence of the kings of Anjou, Aragon, and the Spanish Viceroys.
Walking through narrow streets, you will reach the massive Plebiscito Square, known as the heart of the city. It is dominated by the magnificent red façade of the Royal Palace, the Church of San Francesco di Paola, the San Carlo Theatre, and the Umberto Gallery (exterior visits only).
From here, you will head underneath the square for a walk through the Bourbon Gallery, an underground tunnel built by King Ferdinand II of Bourbon in 1853 and used as a military connection between the Royal Palace and the barracks. The tunnel includes the 17th-century Carmignano aqueduct, built on top what may have been a Roman aqueduct. The tunnel also served as a bomb shelter during World War II. Be on the lookout for vintage cars and motorbikes left behind after the war.
At the end of the visit of the Bourbon Gallery, you will reach Naples waterfront and discover the famous 12th-century Castle of the Egg, constructed by the Normans.
Before returning to your ship, you will enjoy some refreshments or an ice cream at a local chalet.
Gesamtpreis inkl. Steuern- und Gebühren : 60 €
From the pier, you will be transferred to the centre of Catania, the second largest metropolitan city of Sicily. You will discover Catania through one of the most important aspect in the Italian culture: food and cooking.
Begin your “tasting walking tour” with a stop in a local pastry shop, or pasticceria. There, you will enjoy eating an arancino, a fried rice ball with various fillings such as cheese, meats and vegetables. While a favourite in Italy, the real arancini are Sicilian.
After your first taste of Sicily, walk along Via Etnea, Catania’s main street, where you will see the cathedral and the historical centre of the town. You will then reach the Fish Market. This ancient street market is always a wonderful cacophony of exotic sights and sounds, with locals selling everything from blood oranges to cuttlefish. Watch tuna and swordfish being prepared by the local fish mongers, next to aged sheep cheeses or cured meats. You will have free time to immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of this magical market that is unlike any other in the world.
Then, you will walk a few blocks from there to a nearby pastry shop for a tasting of a delicious Sicilian-style cannoli crafted by a local Sicilian pastry master. This classic dessert consists of tube-shaped, fried pastry dough filled with sweet, creamy ricotta cheese then rolled with pistachios or candied fruits to finish.
At the end of your tour, you will walk back to the pier.
Gesamtpreis inkl. Steuern- und Gebühren : 60 €
From the pier, you will board your coach and start your 1-hour and 15 minutes panoramic drive to Acireale.
You will drive along the Ionian Sea on the famous “Cyclops Riviera” with the “Faraglioni” rocks and pass by the village of Aci Castello with its Norman Castle of black lava, and the small fishing village of Aci Trezza.
After a brief photo stop and a local granita tasting, you will return towards Catania and enjoy a short sightseeing tour of the city centre: Piazza Verga, Via Etnea, Villa Bellini, Piazza Stesicoro.
Stop near the Cathedral square and start the walking tour of the city centre: Piazza del Duomo, the central square with the elephant’s fountain and the Cathedral (outside visit) originally built by the Normans with its finely made choir stalls.
Following your short walking tour, you will enjoy some free time to browse the shops at your leisure before re-boarding your coach for the return drive to the pier.
Gesamtpreis inkl. Steuern- und Gebühren : 50 €
From the pier, you will board your coach for a drive to the site of Olympia, in the Alpheus valley on the slopes of Mount Cronion. Entering the Olympia sanctuary is like going back nearly 2,800 years in time, when the first edition of the Olympic Games took place in the 7th century BC. With every step, you will discover Olympia's numerous treasures: temples, altars, theatres, and marble and bronze statues. The location is an UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1989.
The Altis enclosed a levelled space about 200 metres long and 177 metres wide, dedicated to the main centres of worship and the buildings associated with the organisation of the games. The oldest of the great Greek temples is the Temple of Hera, which is probably the first known Doric building, built around 600 BC. It houses the table on which garlands for the winners were prepared. The most celebrated of the temples of Zeus is located here in Olympia, and once featured an ivory and gold statue of the god, a masterpiece by the sculptor Phidias made in 436 BC. The temple was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
Next to it is the Zeus altar where offerings were made in honour of the god. The votive temples comprised a row of chapels referred to as the "Treasure houses", which received the Greek people's offerings. Below the terrace of Treasure houses you will note the presence of a row of 16 statues of Zeus, paid for with money from heavy fines imposed by the Olympic judges on athletes who cheated or attempted to win by devious means. Outside to the east of the Altis were the access tunnel to the stadium, which had a large racetrack of 192.25 metres, and the hippodrome where the sporting events took place. The terraced seats of the stadium could accommodate 40,000 spectators.
Your visit would not be complete without stopping at the Olympia Museum, which brings together under one roof all the discoveries made on the site, including the sculptured ornaments from the Temple of Zeus.
Inbegriffen
From the pier, board your coach and start your 40-minute drive to Sparta, the administrative capital of the prefecture of Laconia.
Once arriving, you will visit the Museum of Olive and Greek Olive Oil.
The Museum aims to highlight the culture and technology of the olive and oil production. Unique in Greece, the museum is located in the heart of Laconia, one of the main olive producing locations in Greece.
The Museum’s ground floor is devoted to the development of olive oil production technology from Antiquity until the early industrial era. Hence, you can admire post-Byzantine technology and machinery.
After your visit, re-board your coach for a short drive to Theodorakakos Private Estate located outside Sparta. The owner will greet you and accompany you during the visit of his winery. His comments you will allow you to learn more about on the wine making.
Then, you will have the opportunity to taste 3 different types of wine with some local snacks.
Following the tasting, you will start your drive back to the ship, 30-minute drive.
Gesamtpreis inkl. Steuern- und Gebühren : 75 €
From the pier, board your coach and start your 1-hour drive to Mystras.
On the lower slopes of Mount Taygetos, a short distance from Sparta, stands the silent, ruined city of Mystras. Many remains have remained unharmed by time. Wandering along the cobblestone streets, between churches and noblemen’s houses to reach the citadel crowning the summit, you will have the feeling you are re-living part of the Byzantine Hellenism.
During its two centuries of existence as the Byzantine capital of the Peloponnese, many churches and monasteries were erected in Mystras, representing all the painting trends of the capital. Going up the hill, you will enter the gate of Mystras castle, which was built by the Franks in 1249. The most important monument you will meet on your way up is the Cathedral of Agios Dimitrios. On the floor of the church is the two-headed eagle, symbol of the Palaiologos dynasty, carved into a plaque.
Towards the northern corner of the enclosure stand the two most impressive churches of Mystras, Agii Theodori and the Panagia Odigitria with fabulous wall paintings. On the slope to the east stands the Pantanassa monastery built on the 15th century, today a hospitable convent.
Following your guided visit to Mystras, you will board your coach and join your ship, 1-hour drive.
Gesamtpreis inkl. Steuern- und Gebühren : 70 €
Monemvasia, often referred as the “Gibraltar of Greece”, is undoubtedly unique with its fortified medieval town built on a reddish-brown rock and surrounded by the blue sea.
Board your shuttle bus from the tender point and start your exploration by entering the one and only gate of the city (Monemvasia comes from Moni = sole and Emvasia = entrance). The old stone built mansions, the picturesque lanes and the numerous Byzantine churches create an environment of superb beauty.
Monemvasia is split in two, the lower town and the upper town. Walking on the main alley and admiring the wonderful architecture of the houses on your left and right, you will end up at the square of Elkomenos. The square is dominated by the church of Elkomenos on the left, a mosque converted into a museum on the right and an old Turkish cannon in the middle of it.
Following your walking tour, you will board your coach outside the entrance of Monemvasia medieval town for a short drive to the traditional “Olive Press” house (Liotrivi). This was the family house of the great Greek poet Yiannis Ritsos where he spent his summers. You will be guided around the property which includes an olive press Museum and a wine cellar area. You will also have the chance to taste the Monemvasian wines together with a lunch of traditional dishes.
You will then board your coach for the return drive to the ship.
Gesamtpreis inkl. Steuern- und Gebühren : 150 €
From the pier, board your coach for a 1.5-hour ride to the ancient town of Corinth where Saint Paul lived and preached for two years.
In ancient times, Corinth was among the richest cities, as evidenced by its remains including the huge Agora (market square) and the 6th century BC Temple of Apollo. The systematic excavations of the area, initiated by the American School of Classical Studies in 1896, continue today. They have brought to light the agora, temples, fountains, shops, porticoes, baths and various other monuments. The investigations also extended to the Acrocorinth’s fortress, the prehistoric settlements, the theatre, the Odeon, the Asklepion, the cemeteries, the Potters’ Quarter, and other buildings outside the main archaeological site.
Then, you will discover the famous Corinth Canal. The canal is 6.3 km (4 miles) long, 21 metres (70 feet) wide, and has sloping sides up to 52 metres (170 feet) high. It has a water depth of 8 metres (26 feet). Its construction commenced in 1881, although the idea of connecting the Ionian and Aegean seas to provide a shortcut appears to date as far back as Roman times. You will have the opportunity to take panoramic photos from the top.
Following your short stop to admire the canal, you will board your coach for one hour ride back to Nafplion.
Gesamtpreis inkl. Steuern- und Gebühren : 70 €
From the pier, board your coach for a 45-minute drive to Epidaurus.
At a distance of 18.5 miles (30 km) east from Nafplion, lies Epidaurus known for its ancient theatre. Considerate as one of the most important sanctuaries in the ancient world, Epidaurus was dedicated to the god of Medicine, Asklepios. The world-famous Theatre of Epidaurus, built in the 4th century BC, is a marvel of harmony and acoustics and the best preserved ancient theatre in Greece. Built in limestone, it can welcome 12,000 spectators.
Next, re-board your coach for a drive to the archaeological site of Mycenae. The first in-depth excavations were carried out in 1876 by the German archaeologist Schliemann who was obsessed with finding the grave of King Agamemnon. His diligent work exposed the famous Lions Gate, the entrance to the city which contains the shaft burial graves of some ancient nobles. A short distance away is the Beehive Tomb, so called due to its unusual shape.
After lunch, you will board your coach to return to Nafplion for a visit to the Palamidi Castle. The fortress is very well preserved and this great mass of masonry, with walls and fortifications that made it impregnable, broods menacingly over the town. From this vantage point you can admire the panoramic view of the entire Nafplio Basin including the town of Nafplion and the Bourtzi offshore. This castle was built by the Venetians and the Turks as a fortress and until relatively recently served as a prison.
Finally, re-board your coach for a short drive to the pier.
Gesamtpreis inkl. Steuern- und Gebühren : 125 €
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
15.10.2023 - FLIGHTS FROM/TO PARIS + A GLIMPSE OF ROMA AND A PIZZA-MAKING WORKSHOP 1N (PRE) + ATHENS, THE ACROPOLIS MUSEUM AND PLAKA (POST)
1.260 €
Details16.10.2023 - FLIGHTS FROM/TO PARIS + GOURMET BREAK EN ROUTE TO THE PORT (PRE) + ATHENS, THE ACROPOLIS MUSEUM AND PLAKA (POST)
720 €
Details
Travel with peace of mind as PONANT organises your day time between the airport and your port of embarkation.
Roma/Civitavecchia
Meet at Roma Fiumicino airport in the Arrival hall. You will be greeted by our local representative off the flight selected by PONANT.
You will depart the aiport by coach to reach Civitavecchia.
During the transfer your guide will present the Etruscan countryside. In the ancient past, Etruscans lived in this area and their presence is still alive thanks to the remains of the Etruscan Tombs situated in the countryside. These archaeological remains are so important that they have been listed in the UNESCO World Heritage List since 2004 as it is a unique and exceptional testimony of the ancient Etruscan Civilization, the only urban civilization of the pre-Roman Age.
This area is not only famous for its historical side but also because its weather conditions contribute to the cultivation of grape wine and agriculture. You will also discover what this area can offer. A tasting in a farmhouse, located in the countryside, will be served. You will then be greeted and lead you to your reserved area where a rich selection of local products will be served such as cheese and homemade products it will be accompanied by a glass of local wine.
You will then be transferred to the pier of Civitavecchia to embark on your ship.
Your programme includes:
Your programme does not include:
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.
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 : 150 €
Enhance your cruise and extend your trip with a carefully designed programme.
Day 1 - Roma
Meet at Fiumicino Airport in the Arrival hall. Look for PONANT sign. You will be greeted by our local representative off the flight selected by PONANT or any other flight (provided that you have previously communicated your flight schedule to your travel agent).
You will be transferred to the The Regency, Rome, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel 4*.
The hotel is at a short walk from Via Veneto and The Spanish Steps. You may spend the afternoon exploring the neighbourhood on your own - or simply relax at the hotel.
Dinner at leisure.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 2 – Roma/Civitavecchia
After breakfast, you will leave your hotel and head to the drop-off point for the Colosseum visit, scheduled for 9.15 a.m.
Once you have visited the inside of this world-famous Roman landmark, you will be taken on a guided walking tour to learn more about the Eternal City. Along the Imperial Forum Way, you will outside of the Roman Forum for an explanation of the site. You will also see Trajan’s Market (from the outside) and Trajan’s Column, up to Venice Square where you can admire the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
Continue along the central main street, Via del Corso, and (time permitting) see the Church of St. Ignatius of Loyola and its famous faux dome, painted by the Jesuit artist Andrea Pozzo as a trompe l’œil to create the illusion of a domed ceiling. Continue towards the Trevi Fountain.
You will then reach the venue for your cooking lesson, in the city centre. During this workshop, you will learn more about the art of pizza-making and enjoy lunch.
At the end of it, you will walk over to the bus pick-up point at one of Rome’s most famous squares, where you will see the Spanish Steps.
You will then be transferred by bus to the pier of Civitavecchia to board your ship (approximately a 1.5-hour journey).
Your hotel:
The Regency, a 4* Tribute Portfolio hotel, is a stylish boutique hotel in the heart of Rome, close to Villa Borghese and the historic Via Veneto. Relax in comfortable, well-designed and fully-appointed rooms. Enjoy food and drinks at Atmosfera, the hotel’s bistro and lounge bar, or take in the Dolce Vita atmosphere of The Regency’s surroundings.
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 hotel:
Regency, Rome, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel 4*
Via Romagna 42, Rome, Italy, 00187
Telephone: +39 06-94682000
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 : 690 €
According to a legend, Naples was founded on the tomb of the Siren Parthenope, who bequeathed her irresistible charm and mysterious appeal to the city. Legend aside, Naples has perhaps more to offer than any other city in Italy, in terms of history art and sheer beauty.
Board your coach, for a panoramic drive of the old town. You will pass by Piazza Plebiscito, where you will have the chance to have an outside look of the Royal Palace and the San Carlo Opera House.
The guided visit will then continue by foot to the lower Decumanus, nicknamed Spaccanapoli (Naples splitter) because it seems to divide the city into two nearly equal parts. You will discover the outside of the large Jesuit church of Gesu’ Nuovo with its famous diamond point façade, and then the gothic church of Santa Chiara, built following the orders of Robert of Anjou in 1310. Then you will continue your walk and arrive at the heart of the Decumanus, the San Domenico Square adorned by its guglia (spire), raided in 1658 as a votive offering for delivering the city from the plague.
After some time at leisure, you will re-board your coach and return to your ship.
Gesamtpreis inkl. Steuern- und Gebühren : 40 €
After disembarking, you will board your coach to a scenic thirty-minute drive to Pompeii, located 25 km from Naples at the foot of Mount Vesuvius. Founded in the 6th century BC, it counted approximately 20,000 inhabitants in 79. That year, a volcanic eruption completely buried the flourishing cities of Pompeii, Herculaneum and Stabies. Forgotten during 1,600 years, it was rediscovered by chance to become today one of the florets of archaeology and an extraordinary testimony of the Roman Empire.
Upon arrival, a 30-minute free time will be given for a comfort stop and optional visit of the Cameo factory.
You will enter the site by the Porta Marina. Similar to a bastion, facing west, together with Porta Ercolano it is the most imposing of the seven gates of Pompeii. The ring of walls, built in the 6th century BC and still visible today, is over 3,200-meter long. Arriving inside the city, you will first discover the administrative buildings located on the main square. The more recent has kept its marble floor, and its eastern hall might have been the meeting room for the decurions (administrators), and its central hall might be used for the tabularium (legal archive).
Next, opening onto via dell’Abbondanza, is the Comitium, an open-air hall where the populus was summoned to exercise their political-administrative rights. It held the administrators, who presided over the assemblies and supervised the voting procedures. You will proceed by the Macellum. The building, which was the city's main market, dates from the 2nd century BC and underwent subsequent renovations. You will also admire the Basilica dedicated to administering justice and for business negotiations. Passing by the merchant streets you will cross the Forum baths or public baths that where divided in different sections. They were inexpensive and heavily used: bath time was apparently in the early afternoon. You will enter some remarkable villas, modest homes and explore ancient baths, temples, theatres, markets and forum.
At the end of your guided tour, you will enjoy a refreshment or an ice cream before you re-board your coach and return to your ship.
Gesamtpreis inkl. Steuern- und Gebühren : 70 €
During this excursion, you will discover another side of Naples in a completely original way to learn more about this vibrant city.
From the pier, you will meet your guide and start your walking tour, which will take you back in time to the 13th century via the Castle Nuovo, a grim and gloomy fortress that served as the residence of the kings of Anjou, Aragon, and the Spanish Viceroys.
Walking through narrow streets, you will reach the massive Plebiscito Square, known as the heart of the city. It is dominated by the magnificent red façade of the Royal Palace, the Church of San Francesco di Paola, the San Carlo Theatre, and the Umberto Gallery (exterior visits only).
From here, you will head underneath the square for a walk through the Bourbon Gallery, an underground tunnel built by King Ferdinand II of Bourbon in 1853 and used as a military connection between the Royal Palace and the barracks. The tunnel includes the 17th-century Carmignano aqueduct, built on top what may have been a Roman aqueduct. The tunnel also served as a bomb shelter during World War II. Be on the lookout for vintage cars and motorbikes left behind after the war.
At the end of the visit of the Bourbon Gallery, you will reach Naples waterfront and discover the famous 12th-century Castle of the Egg, constructed by the Normans.
Before returning to your ship, you will enjoy some refreshments or an ice cream at a local chalet.
Gesamtpreis inkl. Steuern- und Gebühren : 60 €
From the pier, you will be transferred to the centre of Catania, the second largest metropolitan city of Sicily. You will discover Catania through one of the most important aspect in the Italian culture: food and cooking.
Begin your “tasting walking tour” with a stop in a local pastry shop, or pasticceria. There, you will enjoy eating an arancino, a fried rice ball with various fillings such as cheese, meats and vegetables. While a favourite in Italy, the real arancini are Sicilian.
After your first taste of Sicily, walk along Via Etnea, Catania’s main street, where you will see the cathedral and the historical centre of the town. You will then reach the Fish Market. This ancient street market is always a wonderful cacophony of exotic sights and sounds, with locals selling everything from blood oranges to cuttlefish. Watch tuna and swordfish being prepared by the local fish mongers, next to aged sheep cheeses or cured meats. You will have free time to immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of this magical market that is unlike any other in the world.
Then, you will walk a few blocks from there to a nearby pastry shop for a tasting of a delicious Sicilian-style cannoli crafted by a local Sicilian pastry master. This classic dessert consists of tube-shaped, fried pastry dough filled with sweet, creamy ricotta cheese then rolled with pistachios or candied fruits to finish.
At the end of your tour, you will walk back to the pier.
Gesamtpreis inkl. Steuern- und Gebühren : 60 €
From the pier, you will board your coach and start your 1-hour and 15 minutes panoramic drive to Acireale.
You will drive along the Ionian Sea on the famous “Cyclops Riviera” with the “Faraglioni” rocks and pass by the village of Aci Castello with its Norman Castle of black lava, and the small fishing village of Aci Trezza.
After a brief photo stop and a local granita tasting, you will return towards Catania and enjoy a short sightseeing tour of the city centre: Piazza Verga, Via Etnea, Villa Bellini, Piazza Stesicoro.
Stop near the Cathedral square and start the walking tour of the city centre: Piazza del Duomo, the central square with the elephant’s fountain and the Cathedral (outside visit) originally built by the Normans with its finely made choir stalls.
Following your short walking tour, you will enjoy some free time to browse the shops at your leisure before re-boarding your coach for the return drive to the pier.
Gesamtpreis inkl. Steuern- und Gebühren : 50 €
From the pier, you will board your coach for a drive to the site of Olympia, in the Alpheus valley on the slopes of Mount Cronion. Entering the Olympia sanctuary is like going back nearly 2,800 years in time, when the first edition of the Olympic Games took place in the 7th century BC. With every step, you will discover Olympia's numerous treasures: temples, altars, theatres, and marble and bronze statues. The location is an UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1989.
The Altis enclosed a levelled space about 200 metres long and 177 metres wide, dedicated to the main centres of worship and the buildings associated with the organisation of the games. The oldest of the great Greek temples is the Temple of Hera, which is probably the first known Doric building, built around 600 BC. It houses the table on which garlands for the winners were prepared. The most celebrated of the temples of Zeus is located here in Olympia, and once featured an ivory and gold statue of the god, a masterpiece by the sculptor Phidias made in 436 BC. The temple was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
Next to it is the Zeus altar where offerings were made in honour of the god. The votive temples comprised a row of chapels referred to as the "Treasure houses", which received the Greek people's offerings. Below the terrace of Treasure houses you will note the presence of a row of 16 statues of Zeus, paid for with money from heavy fines imposed by the Olympic judges on athletes who cheated or attempted to win by devious means. Outside to the east of the Altis were the access tunnel to the stadium, which had a large racetrack of 192.25 metres, and the hippodrome where the sporting events took place. The terraced seats of the stadium could accommodate 40,000 spectators.
Your visit would not be complete without stopping at the Olympia Museum, which brings together under one roof all the discoveries made on the site, including the sculptured ornaments from the Temple of Zeus.
Inbegriffen
From the pier, board your coach and start your 40-minute drive to Sparta, the administrative capital of the prefecture of Laconia.
Once arriving, you will visit the Museum of Olive and Greek Olive Oil.
The Museum aims to highlight the culture and technology of the olive and oil production. Unique in Greece, the museum is located in the heart of Laconia, one of the main olive producing locations in Greece.
The Museum’s ground floor is devoted to the development of olive oil production technology from Antiquity until the early industrial era. Hence, you can admire post-Byzantine technology and machinery.
After your visit, re-board your coach for a short drive to Theodorakakos Private Estate located outside Sparta. The owner will greet you and accompany you during the visit of his winery. His comments you will allow you to learn more about on the wine making.
Then, you will have the opportunity to taste 3 different types of wine with some local snacks.
Following the tasting, you will start your drive back to the ship, 30-minute drive.
Gesamtpreis inkl. Steuern- und Gebühren : 75 €
From the pier, board your coach and start your 1-hour drive to Mystras.
On the lower slopes of Mount Taygetos, a short distance from Sparta, stands the silent, ruined city of Mystras. Many remains have remained unharmed by time. Wandering along the cobblestone streets, between churches and noblemen’s houses to reach the citadel crowning the summit, you will have the feeling you are re-living part of the Byzantine Hellenism.
During its two centuries of existence as the Byzantine capital of the Peloponnese, many churches and monasteries were erected in Mystras, representing all the painting trends of the capital. Going up the hill, you will enter the gate of Mystras castle, which was built by the Franks in 1249. The most important monument you will meet on your way up is the Cathedral of Agios Dimitrios. On the floor of the church is the two-headed eagle, symbol of the Palaiologos dynasty, carved into a plaque.
Towards the northern corner of the enclosure stand the two most impressive churches of Mystras, Agii Theodori and the Panagia Odigitria with fabulous wall paintings. On the slope to the east stands the Pantanassa monastery built on the 15th century, today a hospitable convent.
Following your guided visit to Mystras, you will board your coach and join your ship, 1-hour drive.
Gesamtpreis inkl. Steuern- und Gebühren : 70 €
Monemvasia, often referred as the “Gibraltar of Greece”, is undoubtedly unique with its fortified medieval town built on a reddish-brown rock and surrounded by the blue sea.
Board your shuttle bus from the tender point and start your exploration by entering the one and only gate of the city (Monemvasia comes from Moni = sole and Emvasia = entrance). The old stone built mansions, the picturesque lanes and the numerous Byzantine churches create an environment of superb beauty.
Monemvasia is split in two, the lower town and the upper town. Walking on the main alley and admiring the wonderful architecture of the houses on your left and right, you will end up at the square of Elkomenos. The square is dominated by the church of Elkomenos on the left, a mosque converted into a museum on the right and an old Turkish cannon in the middle of it.
Following your walking tour, you will board your coach outside the entrance of Monemvasia medieval town for a short drive to the traditional “Olive Press” house (Liotrivi). This was the family house of the great Greek poet Yiannis Ritsos where he spent his summers. You will be guided around the property which includes an olive press Museum and a wine cellar area. You will also have the chance to taste the Monemvasian wines together with a lunch of traditional dishes.
You will then board your coach for the return drive to the ship.
Gesamtpreis inkl. Steuern- und Gebühren : 150 €
From the pier, board your coach for a 1.5-hour ride to the ancient town of Corinth where Saint Paul lived and preached for two years.
In ancient times, Corinth was among the richest cities, as evidenced by its remains including the huge Agora (market square) and the 6th century BC Temple of Apollo. The systematic excavations of the area, initiated by the American School of Classical Studies in 1896, continue today. They have brought to light the agora, temples, fountains, shops, porticoes, baths and various other monuments. The investigations also extended to the Acrocorinth’s fortress, the prehistoric settlements, the theatre, the Odeon, the Asklepion, the cemeteries, the Potters’ Quarter, and other buildings outside the main archaeological site.
Then, you will discover the famous Corinth Canal. The canal is 6.3 km (4 miles) long, 21 metres (70 feet) wide, and has sloping sides up to 52 metres (170 feet) high. It has a water depth of 8 metres (26 feet). Its construction commenced in 1881, although the idea of connecting the Ionian and Aegean seas to provide a shortcut appears to date as far back as Roman times. You will have the opportunity to take panoramic photos from the top.
Following your short stop to admire the canal, you will board your coach for one hour ride back to Nafplion.
Gesamtpreis inkl. Steuern- und Gebühren : 70 €
From the pier, board your coach for a 45-minute drive to Epidaurus.
At a distance of 18.5 miles (30 km) east from Nafplion, lies Epidaurus known for its ancient theatre. Considerate as one of the most important sanctuaries in the ancient world, Epidaurus was dedicated to the god of Medicine, Asklepios. The world-famous Theatre of Epidaurus, built in the 4th century BC, is a marvel of harmony and acoustics and the best preserved ancient theatre in Greece. Built in limestone, it can welcome 12,000 spectators.
Next, re-board your coach for a drive to the archaeological site of Mycenae. The first in-depth excavations were carried out in 1876 by the German archaeologist Schliemann who was obsessed with finding the grave of King Agamemnon. His diligent work exposed the famous Lions Gate, the entrance to the city which contains the shaft burial graves of some ancient nobles. A short distance away is the Beehive Tomb, so called due to its unusual shape.
After lunch, you will board your coach to return to Nafplion for a visit to the Palamidi Castle. The fortress is very well preserved and this great mass of masonry, with walls and fortifications that made it impregnable, broods menacingly over the town. From this vantage point you can admire the panoramic view of the entire Nafplio Basin including the town of Nafplion and the Bourtzi offshore. This castle was built by the Venetians and the Turks as a fortress and until relatively recently served as a prison.
Finally, re-board your coach for a short drive to the pier.
Gesamtpreis inkl. Steuern- und Gebühren : 125 €
Travel with peace of mind as PONANT organises your transfer between your port of disembarkation and the airport.
Athens
After disembarkation procedures are completed, you will be greeted at the port by our local English-speaking representative.
You will be taken by coach for an exploration of one of the oldest cities in Europe, Athens.
You will enjoy a panoramic sightseeing tour of the city. You will make your first stop at the Panathenaic Stadium, a 19th-century reconstruction on Roman foundations, in which the first modern Olympic Games took place. This stadium is also known as the Kallimármaro which means “the beautiful marbled”, because it is the only major stadium in the world built entirely of white marble. It was also restored to host some competitions during the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens.
You will arrive at the Acropolis Museum, which was opened in June 2009. The architecture of the whole venue has been designed to emulate the cult of the Temple of Athena. At the foot of the sacred hill, the building’s rear facade of concrete and glass seems to billow out with the weight of its history, and it is from here that you will have your first view of the Parthenon. The museum provides a magnificent setting for the treasures discovered on the hill. The first gallery houses the findings of the archaeological site of the Acropolis of Athens and the glass floor provides a view of the archaeological excavations, giving you the impression of being in the very heart of these ancient ruins.
At the end of the morning, you will be taken to the Plaka Old District located at the bottom of the Acropolis, in the historic heart of Athens. You will have some free time (about 45 minutes or more depending on your flight return) to explore on foot Plaka’s pedestrian shopping streets where you will find jewellery stores, souvenir shops, cafes and restaurants.
You will then be transferred to the airport in time for check-in for the PONANT selected flight.
Your programme includes:
Your programme does not include:
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.
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 : 90 €
Gesamtpreis inkl. Steuern- und Gebühren : 1.260 €
Gesamtpreis inkl. Steuern- und Gebühren : 720 €