Ancient Cities of the Mediterranean

Cruise overview

Between Greece and Italy, set off aboard Le Bougainville for a cruise discovering two civilisations that have left traces of their intertwined presence in the Mediterranean. During an extraordinary nine-day odyssey, you will hear accounts of the history and secrets of the shores of the Mediterranean Sea. 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, discover Reggio Calabria and the famous Riace bronzes during a visit to its prestigious Museum of Magna Graecia; dive into Sicilian baroque architecture with a visit to the village of Noto from Syracuse;.or visit the ruins of Mycenae and Epidaurus from Nafplio. The diversity of experiences on offer promises you intense and varied moments (to discover the full range of excursions, go to the itinerary tab). Italy, with its ancient archaeological sites, Renaissance palaces, citrus perfumes and internationally recognised cuisine, will welcome you for a few days of unforgettable visits. In the southernmost part of the Boot, you will sail towards Sicily, the Puglia region and Calabria, with three ports of call. Stroll the paved streets with their unique charm in Syracuse, walk on the lungomare, the sea front promenade, in Reggio di Calabria with the majestic Etna as a backdrop, and travel through time and history as you discover the former Greek city of Gallipoli. 

It will now be time to set sail towards Greece. The legendary Peloponnese will plunge you into the country’s tumultuous and glorious past. Nafplio is an opportunity to discover the mythical sites of Epidaurus and Mycenae, respectively a ancient theatre and a pre-Hellenic city, both of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Monemvasia, a gem breathing poetry and revealing its Venetian and Byzantine architecture, commingles with the hustle and bustle and charm of Gythio, which was a former seaport of Sparta then a Roman naval base. In Epirus, you will be transported by your exploration of Parga, bathed by the Ionian Sea, with its fortress, built by the Normans in the 14th century, overlooking the pretty fishing port.