Ancient shores of the Mediterranean
With a departure from Valetta, PONANT invites you to discover archaeological and historical sites – most of them UNESCO World Heritage sites – on a 10-day cruise to Malta, Italy, Tunisia, Algeria and Spain. You will be captivated by an unforgettable voyage aboard Le Lapérouse in the Mediterranean.
Throughout your journey, you will benefit from an excursion included per person per port of call, to choose from a selection offered by PONANT. During this cruise, marvel at Greek, Norman and Baroque influences during a walk on the island of Ortygia in Syracuse, discover the ruins of Hippo Regius in Annaba, or explore the history-laden streets of the Casbah, the jewel of Algiers ’s heritage. The diversity of experiences on offer promises you intense and varied moments (to discover the full range of excursions, go to the itinerary tab).
Leaving from Valletta, capital of the island of Malta and former stronghold of the Knights of the Order of Malta, you will set sail north towards Italian shores. In Syracuse, the Sicilian soul unfolds across the island of Ortygia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The oldest part of the city, a maze of small streets dotted with churches, palaces, ancient remnants, shelters a majestic cathedral in its very heart. Then you will head for Porto Empedocles, gateway to the legendary Greek temples of Agrigento: some of the most fascinating ruins in the Mediterranean, also UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Le Lapérouse resumes its journey to head for the Tunisian shores and capital, Tunis. Rome’s great rival, Ancient Carthage, is yours to discover as you visit its ruins, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Your journey then continues along the coast of nearby Algeria to Annaba, where you visit the archaeological site of Hippo, one of Roman Africa’s main cities.
You will set sail again, heading for “Algiers the White”. The capital of Africa’s largest country, radiant and vibrant, will reveal its centuries of history. In Tipasa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the wisteria-scented ruins mingle with the sun and the sea, summoning up the Nuptials essays by Albert Camus.
After a call at Palma de Majorca, one of the jewels of the Balearic Archipelago, known for its four main islands that are charming, picturesque and discreet, sitting atop the clear waters of the Mediterranean like grains of sand, you will join Valencia, with its remarkable architectural splendours.
Your last port of call will be Cartagena, an ancient walled city with a remarkable architectural heritage, lying in the heart of a rolling landscape. Finally, you will sail to Malaga, the bustling cultural capital of the Costa del Sol, where you will disembark.
When searching for a luxury yacht expedition cruise, there’s one name above all else that you need to know – Ponant Cruises. Founded in 1988 by former French Merchant Navy officers, Ponant combines succulent luxury with authentic adventures on all seven continents.
From classic Mediterranean itineraries and Caribbean sailings, to bucket-list expeditions around Greenland and Antarctica, Ponant cruises proudly counteract the banality of mainstream voyages with a unique take on the concept of small-ship cruising. It’s the absolute trip of a lifetime.
Environmentally friendly, fitted with innovative equipment and complete with lounges designed to be largely open to the exterior, this new and intimately sized yacht offers a unique type of cruise experience.
