Jewels of the Italian coastlines with Cote Sud
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 11-day cruise aboard Le Bougainville, in a brand-new partnership with Maisons Côté Sud magazine and with the exceptional presence of Martine Duteil, Editorial Director of Maisons Côté Sud, accompanied by a line-up of special guests, specialists in the Mediterranean way of life, travel these mythical waters and discover the natural treasures and cultural jewels of the Tyrrhenian and Adriatic coastlines. The lectures Maisons Côté Sud will be in French only. 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, admire the charms of the mythical village of Portofino; explore Lecce, known as the Florence of Southern Italy, from Otranto; or set off from Taormina to climb the mythical Mount Etna. 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 Nice, you will sail to Portofino. Built in a natural harbour protected by a pine forest, it is a picturesque and lively port that has successfully retained its authenticity and traditions. Your cruise will continue along the Tuscan shoreline to Livorno, a port city famous for its Renaissance fortifications. The Little Venice district, as it is known, offers a picturesque setting in which to enjoy fish and seafood. You will then stop at Porto Santo Stefano, a town built along a hillside and surrounded by a 17th century fortress, before sailing on to Amalfi and its coast, which are magnificent UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Perched between sky and sea, Amalfi presents amazing landscapes. You will then head to Taormina, overlooking Etna’s blanket of snow. Its streets will lead you to its famed ancient Greek theatre, where the quality of the acoustics is exceptional. After calls in Otranto and Ancona, Le Bougainville will reach 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. The trip will end with a visit to the Serenissima Venice and its lagoon.
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.
Welcoming and spacious common areas, refined open-to-the-sea design, sleek exterior lines, a marina to make access to the ship's zodiac inflatables easier, hi-tech equipment, an outdoor pool, a multisensorial underwater lounge… Le Bougainville represents the new generation of ships designed to combine discovery and exploration with luxury, even in the planet's most remote and isolated regions.
