Valletta
Otranto
Venice
Syracuse
Ravenna
Ancona
Ancona
Ravenna
Bari
Venice
Overview
Our first port of call is the Sicilian city of Syracuse , which long rivaled Athens as one of the most powerful cities of the ancient world. You may choose to explore the extensive archaeological park, including the Roman Amphitheater of Augustus and a 15,000 seat Greek Theater. Or you may prefer to tour Ortygia , Syracuse's old town, home to many ancient monuments, including the city's Cathedral and the Palazzo Bellomo Museum .
During an afternoon in Otranto , visit the recently renovated Castello Aragonese, an art museum with marvelous views over the sea, and spend time exploring the Cathedral , known for its magnificent mosaics. Alternatively, you can travel to the hilltop town of Lecce , famous for its unique architectural style— Barocco Leccese — an exuberant blending of Baroque and Rococo . A walking tour of this remarkable city includes the Piazza del Duomo and Cathedral and the Basilica of Santa Croce .
From the port city of Bari , drive through olive groves and wheat fields to reach Alberobello , a UNESCO World Heritage Site that features over 1,500 trulli houses. These remarkable, white-washed structures with conical, domed roofs are constructed of local corbelled limestone without mortar, using a prehistoric building technique that has survived to this day.
Ancona offers the opportunity to travel to the town of Jesi, where the Holy Roman Emperor Frederick II was born, to tour its well-preserved center of Renaissance and Baroque palaces and churches . Or you may choose to spend the day exploring nearby Urbino, birthplace of Raphael and home to the Palazzo Ducale , which houses the National Gallery of the Marche , one of the most important collections of Renaissance art in the world.
Ravenna is an ancient city that in the early Middle Ages served as the center of Byzantine power in Italy. The churches built here in the 5th and 6th centuries were collectively designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in large part because of their stunning mosaics. You will visit several of these churches, including the Basilica of San Vitale , the nearby Mausoleum of Galla Placidia , which contains the earliest mosaics in Ravenna, and the Basilica of Sant'Apollinare .
Your trip comes to an end with two glorious days in Venice celebrating the Biennale with a series of very special events. A tour of the Contemporary Art Biennale , conducted by official Biennale guides, is followed by a private tour of the Punta della Dogana , a former customs house converted to a museum to house part of the extensive Pinault Collection . And your final day of this extraordinary journey ends with an exclusive tour of the Pinault Collection's Palazzo Grassi and a festive dinner in the palace's atrium.
Cruise Itinerary
The entire city of Valletta, the capital of Malta, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Cited as one of the most concentrated historic areas in the world, it’s a cultural hub for Baroque art, museums, and historic sites. Ships will dock at the cruise port.
Top Things to Do in Valletta:
- tour the ornate St. John’s Co-Cathedral
- explore the island of Gozo
- take in the view at Dingli Cliffs
- visit the Grand Master's Palace
- explore Malta’s ancient capital, Mdina
- stroll along the Valletta waterfront
Honey-coloured Syracuse is a staggering UNESCO World Heritage Site, and an extraordinary Sicilian city of immense ancient history. It is one of the oldest cities in the Mediterranean, with a wonderful collection of historical sites from both the ancient Greek and Roman time periods.
Top Things to Do in Syracuse:
- explore the Neapolis Archaeological Park
- stroll through Ortigia, the historic centre
- visit the baroque town of Noto
- explore Catania and Mt. Etna
- sample some wine at Pupillo Winery
Located in the Apulia region, Otrante is the easternmost transalpine town. Behind its medieval ramparts, you will taste the sweetlife of Salento, the “heel on Italy’s boot”. Inhabited since Antiquity, Otrante has today become a very pleasant seaside town. Yet its history is still visible as you meander through the little streets of its old centre. With its magnificent 12th century ornamental mosaic tiling, the Cathedral is one of its most beautiful treasures. During a stroll along the ramparts, you can sit and relax at a café terrace.
Perched on the Adriatic Sea, the city of Bari has long served as an important port city for both ancient and modern Italy. The city's Old Town beckons visitors to explore with its medieval churches, pedestrian-friendly plazas, and its labyrinth of crooked streets and passageways. Ships will dock at the Port of Bari.
Top Things to Do in Bari:
- visit the Castel del Monte
- explore the nearby town of Trani
- descend into the Grotte di Castellana caves
- admire the cone buildings of Alberobello
- see the Matera Sassi cave dwellings
Rising above the waters of the Adriatic Sea is Ancona, a city steeped in over 2,400 years of history. From the Cathedral standing high above the old town on Gusaco Hill to its beautiful ancient arches, Ancona is a city waiting for its secrets to be discovered. Ships will dock at the Molo XXIX Settembre pier.
Top Things to Do in Ancona:
- visit the Ancona Cathedral
- explore the Grotte di Frasassi caves
- browse the art at Pinacoteca Comunale
- visit the nearby city of Urbino
- admire the skyline of the city of Ascoli Piceno
Ravenna, “The Mosaic City”, is best known for its churches, which date back 1,500 years and are decorated with stunning Byzantine mosaics. Ravenna's port, also known as Porto Corsini, is situated about 85 kilometers (53 miles) from Bologna and about 150 kilometers (93 miles) from Venice.
If you're looking to visit Bologna to explore its rich history, vibrant food scene, and it's architectural marvels like the Piazza Maggiore and it's famous two towers, Garisenda and Asinelli, your best option is to organise a pre-arranged excursion on board.
Proud and eternal, Venice has reigned on its lagoon ever since the 6th century. You may think you know this city before even setting foot here. You will inevitably fall in love with the charm of the innumerable treasures of the Serenissima: Saint Mark’s square, the basilica, Doges palace, the Grand Canal and the gondolas. Yet, secret Venice is also waiting for you to explore its little interlacing streets and canals, to ramble through its squares and to push open the doors of its churches. The city’s extraordinary heritage shouldn’t stop you from enjoying a glass of Spritz and a few tramezzini.
Venice, a city built on a network of canals, offers a mesmerizing blend of art, architecture, and history. Glide through the Grand Canal to see iconic landmarks like the Rialto Bridge and St. Mark's Basilica. Wander through narrow alleys to discover hidden gems such as the enchanting Piazza San Marco, bustling with cafes and shops. The Doge’s Palace, with its opulent rooms and secret passages, provides a glimpse into Venice’s storied past. Don't miss the colorful markets, where you can sample local delicacies like cicchetti and fresh seafood.
Life Onboard Le Bougainville
Take an voyage in French sophisticated luxury when you explore the world on Le Bougainville. Read more
Unwind in the chic decor of your ocean facing stateroom or suite complete with luxury amenities. Read more
Situated at the stern of the ship you can watch the coean pass by as you swim. Read more
Hear the sounds and catch a glimpse of the underwater world through the windows of the Blue Eye. Read more
Enjoy socialising and dancing in the main lounge or applaud a live show in the theatre. Read more
Dine al fresco at the grill or enjoy buffet and table service in the main restaurant. Read more
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Ponant Winter Inspiring Voyages (2025-26)
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Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Ponant. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from Ponant. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
