Ancient shores of the Mediterranean

Cruise overview

With a departure from Valetta, PONANT invites you to discover archaeological and historical sites – most of them UNESCO World Heritage sites – on a 11-day cruise to Malta, Italy, Tunisia, Algeria and Spain. You will be captivated by an unforgettable voyage aboard Le Bougainville in the Mediterranean.

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, marvel at Greek, Norman and Baroque influences during a walk on the island of Ortygia in Syracuse, discover the ruins of Hippo Regius in Annaba, or explore the history-laden streets of the Casbah, the jewel of Algiers ’s heritage. The diversity of experiences on offer promises you intense and varied moments (to discover the full range of excursions, go to the itinerary tab).

Leaving from Valletta, capital of the island of Malta and former stronghold of the Knights of the Order of Malta, you will set sail north towards Italian shores. In Syracuse, the Sicilian soul unfolds across the island of Ortygia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The oldest part of the city, a maze of small streets dotted with churches, palaces, ancient remnants, shelters a majestic cathedral in its very heart. Then you will head for Porto Empedocles, gateway to the legendary Greek temples of Agrigento: some of the most fascinating ruins in the Mediterranean, also UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Le Bougainville resumes its journey to head for the Tunisian shores and capital, Tunis. Rome’s great rival, Ancient Carthage, is yours to discover as you visit its ruins, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Your journey then continues along the coast of nearby Algeria to Annaba, where you visit the archaeological site of Hippo, one of Roman Africa’s main cities.

You will set sail again, heading for “Algiers the White”. The capital of Africa’s largest country, radiant and vibrant, will reveal its centuries of history. In Tipasa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the wisteria-scented ruins mingle with the sun and the sea, summoning up the Nuptials essays by Albert Camus.

Your last port of call will be Cartagena, an ancient walled city with a remarkable architectural heritage, lying in the heart of a rolling landscape. Then, Almeria, the easternmost Andalusian city has a remarkable citadel and a cathedral whose towering structure stands in the very heart of the historic centre edged with narrow alleyways and traditional houses with whitewashed walls.

you will sail south to reach Melilla, a Spanish city nestling on the North African coast, with a subtle blend of history and modernity. Here, the military past is a contrast with the Art Nouveau curves of the Assembly, the Casa Melul or the Plaza de Menédez Pelayo.

After stopping in Motril, you will navigate towards Málaga, the lively cultural capital of the Costa del Sol, where you will disembark.