Italy, between the Adriatic Sea & the Ionian Sea
An irresistible blend of savours, architectural styles and ancestral traditions, the Mediterranean is remarkable for its refined simplicity. The Mediterranean way of life, imbued with various influences, reflects a perfect harmony between secular history, sumptuous nature, unique gastronomy and an inimitable lifestyle.
During a unique 10-day cruise aboard Le Boréal, travel these mythical waters and discover the natural treasures and cultural jewels of the Ionian and Adriatic coastlines.
Throughout your journey, you will benefit from an excursion included per person per port of call, to choose from a selection offered by PONANT. During this cruise, dive into Sicilian baroque architecture during a visit to the village of Noto from Syracuse; visit the National Museum of Magna Graecia in Reggio Calabria; or explore Lecce, nicknamed “the Florence of the South” from Otranto. The diversity of experiences on offer promises you intense and varied moments (to discover the full range of excursions, go to the itinerary tab).
From Venice, La Serenissima, you will sail to Ravenna. Capital of the Roman Empire in the 5th century, the city bears witness to a thousand-year-old history where Roman and Byzantine cultures mingled and which can be seen today inside the city's religious buildings through its ancient mosaics. Your ship will then cruise towards Ancona, before heading a little further south where Vieste will welcome you from atop its limestone promontory. Its history with multiple influences and its architecture featuring whitewashed houses make this a special place with undeniable charm.
After a stop in Monopoli, set sail for Otranto in the Puglia region. Inhabited since ancient times, the medieval town is now a very pleasant seaside resort whose history can be discovered by wandering through the narrow streets of the old town. In Puglia, Gallipoli, meaning “beautiful town” in Greek, reveals its Hellenic origins and offers up its singular atmosphere, where life is good.
In the southernmost part of “the Boot”, you sail off the coast of Calabria with a stopover in Reggio Calabria. You can stroll along the lungomare against the imposing backdrop of Mount Etna. In Syracuse, the Sicilian soul unfolds across the island of Ortygia - the oldest part of the city -, a maze of small streets dotted with churches, palaces, ancient remnants, sheltering a majestic cathedral in its very heart.
Le Boréal will then set a course for Valletta, home of the Knights of the Order of Malta and the final stop on your journey.
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.
Le Boréal, like its Sisterships L’Austral, Le Soléal and Le Lyrial, epitomises the unique feel and atmosphere of the ships of the PONANT fleet.
