With her sophisticated styling, innovative “green” technology, and welcoming, attentive service, Le Bougainville is one of Ponant's new Explorer Series yachts, introducing guests to a whole new cruising experience, embodying the unique atmosphere guests have come to expect – a subtle blend of refinement, intimacy and comfort. Le Bougainville sports six passenger decks. Elevators serve all passenger decks. Staterooms (ranging in size from 204 to 296 sq. ft.) and suites (ranging in size from 296 to 484 sq. ft.) have ocean views, 95% have private balconies. Staterooms are decorated by French designers, offering individually controlled air conditioning, twin beds converting to a queen-size bed (or one queen-size bed), DVD / CD player, flat-screen TV with satellite channels, electronic safe and minibar.
Day 1 Malta
The islands of Malta are an archipelago lying in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea. Malta is the largest of the islands. There are plenty of pre-historic sites and temples which must be seen in Malta. This is apart from the numerous churches, cathedrals and old military fortifications mostly from the times of the Knights of Malta (1530 - 1798). Every town or village has something to offer from museums, cathedrals, palaces and gardens. Many locals take a break and spend a long weekend or a few days on the nearby island of Gozo to enjoy the tranquillity of the sights and sounds on this enchanting island. Religion is a big part of life. The village festa, which is a feast in honor of the patron saint of the village, is a very important date for all the village.
Day 2 Malta
The islands of Malta are an archipelago lying in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea. Malta is the largest of the islands. There are plenty of pre-historic sites and temples which must be seen in Malta. This is apart from the numerous churches, cathedrals and old military fortifications mostly from the times of the Knights of Malta (1530 - 1798). Every town or village has something to offer from museums, cathedrals, palaces and gardens. Many locals take a break and spend a long weekend or a few days on the nearby island of Gozo to enjoy the tranquillity of the sights and sounds on this enchanting island. Religion is a big part of life. The village festa, which is a feast in honor of the patron saint of the village, is a very important date for all the village.
Day 3 Mdina
Walking through the web of alleys and narrow streets in the ancient, fortified town of Mdina, you will feel the history beneath your feet and all around you. Known both as the “Citta` Notabile” (the noble city) and the Silent City, Mdina’s history spans several thousands of years. Medieval Sicilian and Spanish influence can be felt in the archways and buildings as you wander the narrow back alleys. Attractions include St. Paul’s Cathedral, the foundations of which date to the 12th century and was rebuilt in the 17th century after an earthquake. In the adjoining small museum, don’t miss Albrecht Durer woodcut prints of The Life of the Virgin. Catch a dramatic view from a café atop the ancient city walls before continuing wandering this historically rich town.
Day 3 Valletta
Valletta is the capital of Malta. This remarkable fortified city with its massive bastions followed the most advanced Renaissance ideas in town planning, with streets laid straight on a grid looking over the Grand Harbour. Outside the 'City Gate' is the famous Triton Fountain. 'City Gate' has public buses and vendors selling soft drinks and all sorts of traditional fresh Maltese bread and sweets. Freedom Square shows an extraordinary capital with buildings of fine architecture of different tastes and styles ranging from the Mannerism to Baroque to Rococo to Neoclassicism. Valletta is a fascinating city for wandering around looking at what used to be the Knight's own cathedrals and Auberges. The city's backbone is Republic Street, which runs straight through the city center to Fort St. Elmo. Valletta has several narrow, steep side streets decorated with traditional Maltese pastel colored balconies and a statue on almost every street corner. There are plenty of shops, cafes, and restaurants to choose from.
Day 4 Siracusa
Sicilia is the favorite island of Gods in traditional poetry. The most powerful and biggest ancient city in Sicilia is Siracusa. Its name may come from the native word "Siraco", which means "marsh", due to the bogs which surrounded the city. Or it may derive from a Phenician etymology signifying the presence of seagulls on its rocky shores. Few cities of the ancient world had the importance Syracuse had in Magna Grecia, the ancient Greek settlements in Italy. The most spectacular monuments in the archeological area surrounded by colorful Mediterranean vegetation are the Greek amphitheatre and the Orecchio di Dionisio (Dionysius' Ear). Besides touring the Archeological Museum that contains beautiful objects, Ortigia Island, the heart of the old Greek city, is worth a visit. Outside the city limits is Eurialo Castle, an incredible structure built to protect the city from the Cathaginians, and Pantalica, the great rocky necropolis in Anapo Valley.
Day 4 Ortygia
Day 5 Mount Etna
Day 6 Palermo
Palermo is a city and seaport in Italy on the northwestern coast of Sicily, on the Tyrrhenian Sea. It is the largest city and chief port of Sicily. Many of the oldest buildings in the city date from the period when Sicily was a Norman kingdom and show Arab, Byzantine, Norman, and Spanish influences. Outstanding examples are the cathedral (1169-1185), the Palatine Chapel (1140), and the church of San Giovanni degli Eremiti (1132).
Day 7 Olbia
Lying inside the protected Gulf of Olbia in the northeast of Sardinia, the town with the same name sits by the sea. This quaint seaside villiage was originally started as a Greek colony and was the scene of a Roman victory over the Carthaginians in 259 BC. Phoenician and Roman tombs are still in the area and the Pisan Romanesque Church of San Simplicio in the town is a site to behold.
Day 8 Corsica
Day 8 Bonifacio
Corsica's picturesque southernmost town Bonifacio gazes across the blue Mediterranean to Sardinia. In its narrow cobbled alleys lingers a strangely medieval mood and the ancient stone houses of the fortress-like, once much-besieged community cling to one of the island's most striking sites - a towering promontory of sheer limestone rock jutting out improbably into the sea 200ft below. Founded about AD 828 as a defence against pirates, the town was taken from Pisa at the end of the 12th century by the Genoese and remained under the influence of Genoa until modern times.
Day 9 Elba
Elba is off the mainland of Italy, and remains influenced by Tuscany. People come back time and time again for this island's fine local food and wine and great natural beauty. Pine scented forests and wind carved headlands shelter hidden coves where sandy beaches invite visitors to wade in clear blue waters. Enjoy a local vineyard tour, and near Portoferraio, discover the remains of an ancient Etruscan civilisation. Medici influence can be seen in the fortifications of Portoferraio. The island was influenced greatly by Napoleon Bonaparte, who did much to improve the island, building new roads, modernizing agriculture, and developing iron mines. His summer home, the Villa di San Martino, can be visited. Elban soil is very rich in minerals and semi-precious stones - some 150 varieties to including garnets, marcasite and tourmaline.
Day 10 Nice
Nice is undoubtedly the place for the opening up of art and culture. The Côte d'Azur has inspired, from time immemorial, the greatest painters, writers and musicians. It has compelled recognition of its avant-garde across the Atlantic, its museums are holding prestigious collections in edifices of renowned architecture. Nice is full of an extraordinary artistic and cultural heritage. The gentle way of life sustains the imaginary world of artists and stimulates their creativeness. A cultural and aesthetic atmosphere prevails here; the cultural life is intense. It is punctuated by temporary exhibitions in the museums and the municipal galleries, by the programming of the theatres of which the most important is the Theatre of Nice - National Dramatic Centre - directed by Jacques Weber. The Opera House of Nice's Theatre proposes events of great quality.
Day 10 Aix-en-Provence
Known for 'one thousand fountains' and intimately-shaded squares, Aix-en-Provence was an is an inspiration to artists and poets alike. Visit Atelier de Cezanne, Paul Cézanne's studio that has been preserved in its original form.
Day 10 Provence (Marseille)
Marseille is a vibrant, cosmopolitan port in the Provence region of France. Craggy mountains provide a spectacular backdrop. As a Mediterranean melting pot, the port virtually rubs shoulders with intimate, picturesque old harbor, the Vieux Port. Packed with watercrafts, this is the heart of Marseille. Two fortresses guard the harbor: Fort Saint Nicolas and Fort Saint Jean. Several vantage points offer spectacular views, including the impressive Basilica Notre Dame de la Garde - a prominent landmark overlooking the city that is crowned by a monumental, gilded statue of Virgin Mary. Marseille boasts numerous fine museums well worth a visit. Sitting at one of the many outside cafes or strolling the streets of the old port area lets you experience the unpretentious charm of this city. Other sights include Chateau d'If - a 16th century fortress-turned-prison; Basilica St-Victor - Marseille's oldest church with the appearance of a fortress; and La Canebiere - a broad boulevard with everything from hotels to cafes and shops.
Day 11 Provence (Marseille)
Marseille is a vibrant, cosmopolitan port in the Provence region of France. Craggy mountains provide a spectacular backdrop. As a Mediterranean melting pot, the port virtually rubs shoulders with intimate, picturesque old harbor, the Vieux Port. Packed with watercrafts, this is the heart of Marseille. Two fortresses guard the harbor: Fort Saint Nicolas and Fort Saint Jean. Several vantage points offer spectacular views, including the impressive Basilica Notre Dame de la Garde - a prominent landmark overlooking the city that is crowned by a monumental, gilded statue of Virgin Mary. Marseille boasts numerous fine museums well worth a visit. Sitting at one of the many outside cafes or strolling the streets of the old port area lets you experience the unpretentious charm of this city. Other sights include Chateau d'If - a 16th century fortress-turned-prison; Basilica St-Victor - Marseille's oldest church with the appearance of a fortress; and La Canebiere - a broad boulevard with everything from hotels to cafes and shops.
Day 12 Provence (Marseille)
Marseille is a vibrant, cosmopolitan port in the Provence region of France. Craggy mountains provide a spectacular backdrop. As a Mediterranean melting pot, the port virtually rubs shoulders with intimate, picturesque old harbor, the Vieux Port. Packed with watercrafts, this is the heart of Marseille. Two fortresses guard the harbor: Fort Saint Nicolas and Fort Saint Jean. Several vantage points offer spectacular views, including the impressive Basilica Notre Dame de la Garde - a prominent landmark overlooking the city that is crowned by a monumental, gilded statue of Virgin Mary. Marseille boasts numerous fine museums well worth a visit. Sitting at one of the many outside cafes or strolling the streets of the old port area lets you experience the unpretentious charm of this city. Other sights include Chateau d'If - a 16th century fortress-turned-prison; Basilica St-Victor - Marseille's oldest church with the appearance of a fortress; and La Canebiere - a broad boulevard with everything from hotels to cafes and shops.