Culture and islands of the Mediterranean
Gastronomic cruise in partnership with Relais & Châteaux.
Starting in Barcelona, step aboard L’Austral for a 12-day cruise between Spain and the majestic Maltese coast.
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, explore Alghero and its nuraghi and learn more about the Spanish influences on this Italian island; discover Reggio Calabria and the famous Riace bronzes during a visit to the prestigious national archaeological museum; or meet Daniel Mauceri, a famous puppeteer who is keeping the ancient tradition of the Opera dei Pupi alive from Syracuse. The diversity of experiences on offer promises you intense and varied moments (to discover the full range of excursions, go to the itinerary tab).
You will begin your journey in the Balearic Islands, on the unspoiled island of Menorca. Mahon, the island’s capital, will charm you with its age-old history and its exceptional port, which, at 6 kilometres (3.7 miles) long, is the biggest in the Mediterranean!
Then L’Austral will make its way to Sardinia and the Port of Alghero. Discover its rich past reflected in its medieval fortifications, its historic centre, and its majestic cathedral. Cagliari, the island’s capital, will charm you with its old town featuring shady stairs, small sun-drenched squares, and vestiges illustrating the city’s greatness in medieval times.
You will then set a course for Sicily and Trapani. 750 metres (2,460 feet) up, perched on a high triangular plateau sloping down to the sea, this medieval city is a labyrinth of polished, paved narrow streets and alleyways with superb views over the Aegadian Islands and the valley.
In Palermo, the soul of Sicily exudes the perfumes of picturesque markets while history unveils itself. Its 12th-century cathedral and its Teatro Massimo opera house - one of the largest in Europe - make its city centre a real treasure chest with multiple cultural influences.
A little further north, you will discover the Aeolian islands. Lipari is the capital of the Aeolian volcanic archipelago and is renowned for its many natural and architectural gems.
Catania is the next port of call on your cruise. Located on the slopes of Mount Etna, the town has been destroyed seven times by the volcano’s eruptions! Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is a town of incomparable cultural richness.
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.
Gozo, an unspoiled island that is home to a megalithic complex listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the final stop on your cruise.
Your cruise will come to an end in Valletta, capital of the island of Malta and former stronghold of the Knights of the Order of Malta.
- Culinary and Cooking
- Luxury
- Wine
| Inside | Outside | Balcony | Suite |
|---|---|---|---|
| N/A |
$8,920.00
Cat: SP3 $810.91 per night |
$9,440.00
Cat: DEL $858.18 per night |
$18,220.00
Cat: DS6 $1,656.36 per night |
| More Pricing Information | |||
| Inside | Outside | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| N/A |
$8,920.00
Cat: SP3 $810.91 per night |
||
| Balcony | Suite | ||
|
$9,440.00
Cat: DEL $858.18 per night |
$18,220.00
Cat: DS6 $1,656.36 per night |
||
| More Pricing Information | |||
About L'Austral
| SA | Category SA | $25,980.00 USD |
| PS6 | Category PS6 | $20,810.00 USD |
| PS5 | Category PS5 | $20,290.00 USD |
| DS6 | Category DS6 | $18,220.00 USD |
| PR6 | Category PR6 | $11,090.00 USD |
| PR5 | Category PR5 | $10,470.00 USD |
| PR4 | Category PR4 | $9,960.00 USD |
| DEL | Category DEL | $9,440.00 USD |
| SP3 | Category SP3 | $8,920.00 USD |
PONANT is the World Leader in Luxury Expeditions with ultra-modern, intimate ships, offering attentive service and well-designed itineraries that touch all corners of the globe. PONANT has been sailing the seas of the world for over 30 years. Every cruise is a blend of adventure, exploration, and discovery—all experienced in luxurious comfort, even in the heart of the most remote regions.
Each year PONANT offers more than 400 awe-inspiring cruises onboard its 13 luxury small ships, which are able to easily navigate small waterways and visit remote destinations not accessible by large cruise ships. From Zodiac® landings in Antarctica to hikes in the Arctic, from immersion in Japanese culture and revisiting classic Europe, to the natural beauty of the Seychelles, PONANT presents these destinations—over 450 ports on all seven continents—through a new lens.
PONANT’s ships are not only the most elegant and most comfortable small vessels in the world today, they are also the most eco-friendly.
Each of PONANT's Sisterships, Explorer series, and Polar Expedition Yacht, Le Commandant Charcot, are certified “Clean Ships” by Bureau Veritas, one of the world’s foremost stewards of ecologically sound travel. These state-of-the-art systems and processes ensure that we can:
- Cut carbon emissions by 40% with a silent electric propulsion system.
- Keep in a fixed location on the seas without need of an anchor with a sophisticated GPS and propulsion system, called Dynamic Positioning.
- Conserve, filter, treat, and recycle all water we use.
- Treat wastewater with advanced filtration systems.
- Sort, compact, and store all wastes aboard for recycling ashore.
- Use CFR and LED lighting throughout ships, which uses just 10% of the electrical power of older systems.
- Keep our distance from marine animals via advanced sonar that provides the bridge with rolling 3D views of the ocean floor, icebergs, and ice floes.
From the second you set foot onboard, as your senses ignite and your taste for adventure engages, the “PONANT Difference” is palpable: our expeditions focus outwards, to what is happening beyond the ship. Nature is our entertainer. Discovery is our purpose. While on expedition there is always a larger intention.
That is not to say your comfort aboard the ship is overlooked; quite the contrary. Each of our 13 small expedition ships features understated elegance on board, with French-inspired cuisine, fine wines, and chic design. We are proud to partner with Sothys, Veuve Clicquot, and Ducasse Conseil to bring the highest-quality spa treatments, champagne, and culinary delights to you no matter where in the world we are anchored. The ships also feature fabrics by Pierre Frey, beauty products from Hermès, macarons by Ladurée, and tea from Palais des Thés, rounding out your luxury onboard experience.
PONANT’s legacy of over 30 years of excellence at sea is inspiring new alliances as well. PONANT is proud to partner with Smithsonian Journeys, the travel program of the Smithsonian Institution, to offer a collection of unique travel experiences focused on culture, history, and the natural world. Each of these special cruises features Smithsonian Journeys Experts onboard, the secret ingredient that can create unforgettable travel experiences. Look for the PONANT | Smithsonian Journeys logo for these curated itineraries that celebrate our instinct to explore.
PONANT offers to you chic cruising without the crowds: experience the comfort of a private cruise onboard vessels of an intimate size, exclusive to between 64 to 264 guests.
Each of our cruise ships has elegant and uncluttered interiors, delight in the fun and casual elegance onboard without the formalities. Crew members, all versed in elegant discretion, will see to it that you enjoy a welcome that will make your cruise a unique experience. You will savor an exquisite dining with French and international cuisine, with complimentary wines included at lunch and dinner.
During your cruise aboard one of our ships, discover exceptional sites and come closed to landscapes so often inaccessible to large ships. Enjoy also seminars with international experts, passionate about their subjects, giving a further dimension to the sights you see.
PONANT offers to you an alternative to many other traditional cruise lines: discover the world with French chic and elegance.
| SA | Category SA | $25,980.00 USD |
| PS6 | Category PS6 | $20,810.00 USD |
| PS5 | Category PS5 | $20,290.00 USD |
| DS6 | Category DS6 | $18,220.00 USD |
| PR6 | Category PR6 | $11,090.00 USD |
| PR5 | Category PR5 | $10,470.00 USD |
| PR4 | Category PR4 | $9,960.00 USD |
| DEL | Category DEL | $9,440.00 USD |
| SP3 | Category SP3 | $8,920.00 USD |
PONANT is the World Leader in Luxury Expeditions with ultra-modern, intimate ships, offering attentive service and well-designed itineraries that touch all corners of the globe. PONANT has been sailing the seas of the world for over 30 years. Every cruise is a blend of adventure, exploration, and discovery—all experienced in luxurious comfort, even in the heart of the most remote regions.
Each year PONANT offers more than 400 awe-inspiring cruises onboard its 13 luxury small ships, which are able to easily navigate small waterways and visit remote destinations not accessible by large cruise ships. From Zodiac® landings in Antarctica to hikes in the Arctic, from immersion in Japanese culture and revisiting classic Europe, to the natural beauty of the Seychelles, PONANT presents these destinations—over 450 ports on all seven continents—through a new lens.
PONANT’s ships are not only the most elegant and most comfortable small vessels in the world today, they are also the most eco-friendly.
Each of PONANT's Sisterships, Explorer series, and Polar Expedition Yacht, Le Commandant Charcot, are certified “Clean Ships” by Bureau Veritas, one of the world’s foremost stewards of ecologically sound travel. These state-of-the-art systems and processes ensure that we can:
- Cut carbon emissions by 40% with a silent electric propulsion system.
- Keep in a fixed location on the seas without need of an anchor with a sophisticated GPS and propulsion system, called Dynamic Positioning.
- Conserve, filter, treat, and recycle all water we use.
- Treat wastewater with advanced filtration systems.
- Sort, compact, and store all wastes aboard for recycling ashore.
- Use CFR and LED lighting throughout ships, which uses just 10% of the electrical power of older systems.
- Keep our distance from marine animals via advanced sonar that provides the bridge with rolling 3D views of the ocean floor, icebergs, and ice floes.
From the second you set foot onboard, as your senses ignite and your taste for adventure engages, the “PONANT Difference” is palpable: our expeditions focus outwards, to what is happening beyond the ship. Nature is our entertainer. Discovery is our purpose. While on expedition there is always a larger intention.
That is not to say your comfort aboard the ship is overlooked; quite the contrary. Each of our 13 small expedition ships features understated elegance on board, with French-inspired cuisine, fine wines, and chic design. We are proud to partner with Sothys, Veuve Clicquot, and Ducasse Conseil to bring the highest-quality spa treatments, champagne, and culinary delights to you no matter where in the world we are anchored. The ships also feature fabrics by Pierre Frey, beauty products from Hermès, macarons by Ladurée, and tea from Palais des Thés, rounding out your luxury onboard experience.
PONANT’s legacy of over 30 years of excellence at sea is inspiring new alliances as well. PONANT is proud to partner with Smithsonian Journeys, the travel program of the Smithsonian Institution, to offer a collection of unique travel experiences focused on culture, history, and the natural world. Each of these special cruises features Smithsonian Journeys Experts onboard, the secret ingredient that can create unforgettable travel experiences. Look for the PONANT | Smithsonian Journeys logo for these curated itineraries that celebrate our instinct to explore.
PONANT offers to you chic cruising without the crowds: experience the comfort of a private cruise onboard vessels of an intimate size, exclusive to between 64 to 264 guests.
Each of our cruise ships has elegant and uncluttered interiors, delight in the fun and casual elegance onboard without the formalities. Crew members, all versed in elegant discretion, will see to it that you enjoy a welcome that will make your cruise a unique experience. You will savor an exquisite dining with French and international cuisine, with complimentary wines included at lunch and dinner.
During your cruise aboard one of our ships, discover exceptional sites and come closed to landscapes so often inaccessible to large ships. Enjoy also seminars with international experts, passionate about their subjects, giving a further dimension to the sights you see.
PONANT offers to you an alternative to many other traditional cruise lines: discover the world with French chic and elegance.
About Ponant
Learn More About Ponant
PONANT is the World Leader in Luxury Expeditions with ultra-modern, intimate ships, offering attentive service and well-designed itineraries that touch all corners of the globe. Every cruise is a blend of adventure, exploration, and discovery—all experienced in luxurious comfort, even in the heart of extreme landscapes.
Why cruise with PONANT?
• 13 luxury small ships, able to easily navigate small waterways and visit remote destinations not accessible by large cruise ships.
• Le Commandant Charcot, the world’s first luxury hybrid-electric polar exploration yacht, sails further into the polar regions (including the Geographic North Pole).
• The youngest expedition fleet afloat.
• The leader in luxury polar expeditions for over 20 years and cultural cruising for over 30 years.
• Over 400 awe-inspiring cruises, calling at over 450 ports on all seven continents.
• Experts on board our voyages of discovery and learning to enrich guests’ understanding of the destinations.
• An exclusive partnership with Smithsonian Journeys, the the travel program of the Smithsonian Institution.
• Understated elegance on board with French-inspired cuisine, fine wines, and chic design.
• Proud to partner with Sothys, Veuve Clicquot, and Ducasse Conseil. Ships feature fabrics by Pierre Frey, beauty products from Hermès, macarons by Ladurée, and tea from Palais des Thés.
• 100% of our staterooms have a sea view and 95% have a balcony (100% on the PONANT EXPLORERS).
• Attentive yet discreet service from an experienced, multilingual onboard staff and crew.
• Open bridge access (requires approval from Captain).
• “Clean Ship” certification for the fleet in recognition of their eco-friendly features.
• All-inclusive pricing with open bar, gratuities, port fees, and taxes (including Zodiac explorations/landings on expeditions).
• The world’s first underwater passenger lounge, the Blue Eye, featured exclusively on the PONANT EXPLORER ships.
About Ponant
PONANT is the World Leader in Luxury Expeditions with ultra-modern, intimate ships, offering attentive service and well-designed itineraries that touch all corners of the globe. Every cruise is a blend of adventure, exploration, and discovery—all experienced in luxurious comfort, even in the heart of extreme landscapes.
Why cruise with PONANT?
• 13 luxury small ships, able to easily navigate small waterways and visit remote destinations not accessible by large cruise ships.
• Le Commandant Charcot, the world’s first luxury hybrid-electric polar exploration yacht, sails further into the polar regions (including the Geographic North Pole).
• The youngest expedition fleet afloat.
• The leader in luxury polar expeditions for over 20 years and cultural cruising for over 30 years.
• Over 400 awe-inspiring cruises, calling at over 450 ports on all seven continents.
• Experts on board our voyages of discovery and learning to enrich guests’ understanding of the destinations.
• An exclusive partnership with Smithsonian Journeys, the the travel program of the Smithsonian Institution.
• Understated elegance on board with French-inspired cuisine, fine wines, and chic design.
• Proud to partner with Sothys, Veuve Clicquot, and Ducasse Conseil. Ships feature fabrics by Pierre Frey, beauty products from Hermès, macarons by Ladurée, and tea from Palais des Thés.
• 100% of our staterooms have a sea view and 95% have a balcony (100% on the PONANT EXPLORERS).
• Attentive yet discreet service from an experienced, multilingual onboard staff and crew.
• Open bridge access (requires approval from Captain).
• “Clean Ship” certification for the fleet in recognition of their eco-friendly features.
• All-inclusive pricing with open bar, gratuities, port fees, and taxes (including Zodiac explorations/landings on expeditions).
• The world’s first underwater passenger lounge, the Blue Eye, featured exclusively on the PONANT EXPLORER ships.
