Treasures of the Mediterranean- Southbound

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Tour Details

Aboard the Le Ponant, you will be fully immersed in the dreamy Mediterranean and those treasured islands that look like it comes straight out of a painting. You’ll discover so many islands like Lipari, Corsica, Malta, Sicily, Elba, Stromboli, and Ponza. You’ll see European history in the flesh with medieval towns, historical castles, grand churches, and the most beautiful scenic views of the sea and the cliffs. As you dine on spectacular Mediterranean food, take pictures of the dramatic natural scenes, and go on sightseeing excursions that’ll transform you back in time and steep you right in the present. As you experience royalty and culture starting in Monte-Carlo and ending in Malta. You will pass UNESCO World Heritage Sites and soak in the Mediterranean sun as you enjoy your time on the boat, visit France and Italy, and hit world class cities for a cruise of a lifetime.

2 Days in Monte-Carlo
1 Day in Nice
1 Day in Elba
1 Day in Bonifacio
1 Day in Ponza
1 Day in Amalfi
1 Day in Lipari
1 Day in Taormina
2 Days in Malta

Weather and Climate

Weather in Italy depends on the region. Temperatures in the south are generally hotter than in the north. You can usually rely on sun between May and September with the hottest temperatures in July and August. Beaches along the coast are at their busiest in August. During spring (April to June) and early autumn (September and October), weather is generally good without much rain. For up-to-date forecasts, check weather.com.

Day 1 :Monte-Carlo

After arriving in the stunning city of Monte-Carlo, where you will check in to your hotel an then head to a welcome reception and dinner with the rest of your fellow travelers.

Day 2 :Monte-Carlo

In the morning, walk along the French Riviera as you go on a walking tour of this city. You’ll make stops at the Royal Palace and gardens in Monaco-Ville. After the tour, you are free to explore the city on your own where you can go out to eat for a fine dining experience or head to the casino to test your luck.

Day 3 :Nice

Nice is the city where royalty and aristocrats would vacation, and now you are here to walk the same paths they did along the Promenade des Anglais, visit Saint-Paul de Vence and walled hilltop town built in the 13th century, and walk amongst the flowers in Cours Saleya. Then, you will embark the Le Ponant to start your 7 night cruise.

Day 4 :Elba

Elba is the island that Napoleon Bonaparte stayed during his time in exile in 1814. You’re first choice of excursions are the Villa San Martino, where he lived briefly, explore Porto Azzurro, and wine taste at a local winery. Or, you can take a tour of Portoferraio and the Teatro dei Vigilanti. After, you board the ship you’ll enjoy a welcome dinner.

Day 5 :Bonifacio

As you sail into this port, you’ll marvel at the limestone cliffs where this 12th century town was built atop. Your excursion choices for today are a train ride to the medieval lanes in the walled fortress area where you can stroll along the border for views of the harbor and visit the former barracks of the French Foreign Legion. Or, take a boat ride out to the Lavezzi Islands to lounge on a beach.

Day 6 :Ponza

Ponza is the largest city in Italy’s Pontine Archipelago where you will be amazed at the coves and cliffs next to the water and the colorful pink and yellow houses in the town. Today is a day of free exploration before the boat sets sail again in the afternoon for the Amalfi coast.

Day 7 :Amalfi

The scenic views of the Amalfi Coast is among the most stunning in the world. You will arrive in Ravello to see the Villa Rufolo and eat a wonderful lunch in the town. Or, you can drive along the coast to Positano, a beautiful cliffside town. Then, you’ll head back to Amalfi by motorboat to get back on the ship for a final dinner.

Day 8 :Lipari

Lipari is the largest of the Aeolian Islands and sits atop red volcanic rock. The Spaniards found their way here in the 16th century and here you are today, where you can choose between a walking tour with a trip to the Archaeological Museum or a drive across the island to visit the village of Quattropani and its unique vineyard.

Day 9 :Taormina

Today, you will visit the stunning coast of Siciliy. Your options of excursions are a Taormina sightseeing tour to the Teatro Greco, Corso Umberto, and Old Town or visit Mount Etna, the largest active volcano in Europe. You will take a cable car up the slopes, and board an off road vehicle with local guides to take you up 9,514 feet for the breathtaking landscapes.

Day 10 :Malta

Take a guided tour of Malta and drive to St. Julian’s Bay for a picture opportunity over the cliffs with a background of the colorful maltese boats. Then, return for a show depicting the exciting history of Malta and a visit to the St. John’s Co-Cathedral before boarding the Le Ponane at the Grand Harbour.

Day 11 :Malta

While your journey ends here, your memories and photos will last forever! Grab a bite before you head to the airport if you can and have a safe flight home.

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Monte Carlo
Lorvotto Beach, Monte-Carlo Casino, Opera House, Oceanographic Museum, Prince`s Palace, Princess Grace Rose Garden, Monaco Cathedral, Exotic Gardens, Old Town, Monaco Harbor, Japenese Gardens, Grand Prix

Nice
Promenade des Anglais, Musee Matissee, Russian Orthodox Cathedral, Cours Saleya, Castle Hill, Old Town, Place Massena and so much more!

Amalfi
The Emerald Grotto is one of Amalfi`s natural wonders, at Cape Conca. It emits an eerie emerald hue that emanates from its depths thanks to an underwater crevice that refracts sunlight.

Convento di San Francesco (now Hotel Luna Convento)
Its 16th-century watchtower over the cape to the east of town is an annex of the hotel. Here you can visit the well-conserved 13th-century cloister and the attached church.

Taormina
Teatro Greco (Greek Theater); Townscape, the town itself is a pleasure to stroll, lined with romantic buildings and stunning views; Piazza IX Aprile and San Giuseppe; Cattedrale di San Nicola; Via Circonvallazione, Latomia dei Cappuccini (Quarries); Isola Bella (Beautiful Island); Porta Catania and Palazzo Duca di Santo Stéfano; Palazzo Corvaia; Villa Comunale; Sant'Agostino

Malta
Valletta, Grand Harbor and Marsamxett Harbo, St. John`s Co-Cathedral, the Idyllic Island of Gozo, the Medieval Hilltop Town of Mdina, Historic attractions in Rabat, Hal Saflieni Hypogeum, Prehistoric Tarxien Temples, Blue Lagoon on the Island of Comino, The Blue Grotto, Dingli Cliffs

Monte Carlo:Eat

Blue Bay

This Michelin Star restaurant offers bold and delicious Mediterranean and Caribbean fusion flavors. Their dishes are cooked in an open kitchen which adds to the lively atmosphere of the restaurant.

La Montgolfiere Henri Geraci

With monthly changing menu based on the local harvest and catches from the sea, La Montgolfiere offers a Monegasque culinary specialities with amazing service.

Monte Carlo:Stay

Novotel Monte Carlo - 3 Star

Novotel Monte Carlo is a favorite in Monte Carlo for its ideal location in the heart of Monaco. It is just a stone’s throw away from train station, Place de Casino, and Grimaldi Forum. This avant-garde hotel offers 208 rooms and 10 junior suites, some even offering views of the Rock of Monaco or the Mediterranean Sea. They also offer facilities like a fitness center, sauna, outdoor swimming pool, and hammam ideal for working out and relaxing. Their restaurant headed by Head Chef Frederic Ramos serves amazing and cold flavors of the Mediterranean region. This place is perfect for leisure and travel.

Fairmont Monte Carlo - 4 Star

Set beside the sea in the center of the Principality of Monaco, the impressive Fairmont Monte Carlo is a lavish retreat considered one of the best hotels in the world by the readers of Travel + Leisure. Spacious, elegantly decorated guest rooms offer a private terrace, interactive television with integrated Internet system, marble bathroom with tub and shower plus plush terry cloth robes, deluxe toiletries and a hair dryer, refreshment center, safe deposit box and air conditioning. Inspired by its unique position on the Mediterranean Sea, the Willow Stream Spa is a tranquil retreat reflecting the lifestyle of Monte-Carlo. The rooftop swimming pool offers views of the sea and the city while the Willow Stream Fitness with its “Technogym” equipment is the ideal place for a workout overlooking the Riviera. You’ll feel like you’re dining between the sea and the sky at the Horizon Deck, Restaurant & Champagne Bar… or indulge your inner gaucho at L’Argentin Grill. Enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of Saphir 24, Lounge & Bar, with its lovely sea vistas, 24 hours a day.

Hotel Hermitage Monte-Carlo - 5 Star

Belle-epoque charm defines Hotel Hermitage. This elegant and luxurious hotel is all about refinery and serenity. Each of their guest rooms have their own atmosphere of tranquility and romance with amazing decor and amenities with views of the city or courtyard. They also offer suites with a terrace and jacuzzi in room. Not only that, but they also offer a Michelin-starred Restaurant, Le Vistamar led by Chef Benoit Witz serving gourmet seafood and Mediterranean fare. If you want a drink, they have the Crystal Bar for cocktails, champagnes, and more. For some heavy relaxation, you can visit their Thermes Marins spa for massages and other treatments.

Nice:Eat

Jan

Jan offers a finding dining experience to 24 guests a night serving honest food inspired by South African cuisines. Try their tasting menus which fuse South African flavors with French technique.

Cumin et Cannelle

Offering extraordinary Indian cuisine, is a hidden gem in Nice offering authentic Indian flavors for a nice change of palette in the middle of Nice.

Elba:Eat

Tsquared

Owned by Valerio, this charming restaurant offers amazing tastes of the sea, indoor and outdoor seating for the right ambience and atmosphere to enjoy great Contemporary Mediterranean food.

Azienda Agricola Sapereta

As you dine at this restaurant on the farm, you are surrounded by beautiful greenery, the perfect setting, to enjoy fresh and delicate Italian flavors inspired by Tuscan tradition

Bonifiacio:Eat

Restaurant Les Quatre Vents

This little hidden gem of a restaurant is located at the port of Bonifacio. Intimate and dimly lit, this restaurant is perfect for a romantic French dinner.

L’A Cheda

Overlooking a garden and fountain, L’A Cheda is a Michelin starred restaurant serving creative French cuisine for a gastronomic experience to remember.

Ponza:Eat

Il Pescatore

This family owned restaurant is a panoramic restaurant in Ponza serving an excellent menu of seafood and Italian food based on local tradition.

Chiaia Di Luna

This restuarant is one of the most sought after ina Ponza due to its spectacular setting where guests can dine on the terrace by the pool which offers amazing views of the mountains and the bay. If you are looking for a romantic candlelight dinner, this is perfect.

Amalfi:Eat

Da Ciccio Cielo Mare E Terra

This ancient trattoria is a world famous restaurant located on the Amalfi Coast and headed by the same family since 1931 with the family preparing the dishes, picking the fish, and creating the dessert to immerse your tastebuds.

Taverna degli Apostoli

Once an art gallery and cafe, this space has been transformed into a hole in the wall restaurant serving the highest quality seafood in the main square of Amalfi. Enjoy the world class paintings that hang on the wall from great painters from all over the world.

Lipari:Eat

Il Corallo

Whether you eat inside the restaurant, streetside, or in the open area outdoors, this restaurant is going to surround you in a lively atmosphere for a great dining experience with Italian and seafood.

Trattoria Del Vicolo

Chef Guiseppe has crafted a beautiful menu and team to cook phenomenal Sicilian and Aeolian dishes reinvented with a modern twist.

Taormina:Eat

Villa Antonio

Phenomenal Mediterranean cuisine is what Villa Antonio has perfected. The gastronomical experience they offer fuses local dishes and tradition with modern spirits.

Ristorante Nettuno

Right in the center of Taormina, Ristorante Nettuno is perfect for a romantic evening in the town where you can order wine from their cellar and taste food from the Ionian Sea.

Malta:Eat

Dinner in the Sky Malta

With 22 guests, Dinner in the Sky up 40 meters above the island for the most amazing panoramic views of Malta. It is a magical combination fine food, entertainment, and fun.

The Roots

Known for their cocktails, you can look forward to beautiful and delicious drinks at the bar as you indulge in the lively atmosphere. Be sure to check out their tiramisu and piadina as well as their other pastas.

Malta:Stay

Pebbles Boutique Aparthotel - 3 Star

Pebbles Boutique ApartHotel is a space for you to fully enjoy the seafront in Malta. Set on the harbor in Valletta, guests can peer over sea views and cityscapes. The Hotel offers a variety of room sizes, suites, apartments, studios, and rooms each spacious, modernly, and newly renovated. Each also come with TV’s, free WiFi, and air conditioning. Guests are also able to dine at both in-hotel restaurants, MedAsia which is an fusion restaurant of Mediterranean and Asian flavors and TexMex, a American bar and grill. If you head on upstairs, there is also a Rooftop Terrace that has a jacuzzi and spectacular sea views. Pebbles is certainly also ideally located. It is just 10 km away from the International Airport and 300 meters from the Bus and Ferry Ports close to the property.

Solana Hotel - 4 Star

The Solana Hotel is the hotel of impeccable service and beauty in the middle of the city of Malta. Situated close to the beach and a number of restaurants and attractions for entertainment . Solano’s rooms are the perfect blend of comfort and modernity. All of the rooms, studios, and suites are newly renovated and of high quality. The Hotel also offers amazing facilities like an indoor pool to relax and swim in and sun deck for tanning under the amazing Italian sun. Additionally, they also have a spa to pamper yourself at and two restaurants serving high quality Italian and Mediterranean food or tasty drinks at the poolside bar on the top deck, like the Bellini Restaurant and Tosca Restaurant.

Hotel Phoenicia - 5 Star

Set amidst seven acres of beautiful gardens, the Hotel Phoenicia lies just outside the ancient city walls of Valletta, Malta, overlooking the harbor. A national treasure opened in 1947, the Phoenicia Hotel has played a key role in Malta’s social and cultural history. Stars, socialites and the crowned heads of Europe have enjoyed this 5 star hotel for over 60 years. The hotel enjoys a classical beauty that impresses at first glance; from the luxurious soft furnishings to the carefully chosen furniture, it is the details that make your stay a memorable one. Guests can enjoy the heated outdoor swimming pool and Jacuzzi while taking in a magnificent view of the harbor, take advantage of the fitness room or play a round or two of miniature golf. From cocktails and quick refreshments to a dining experience that is second to none, Hotel Phoenicia provides limitless options. Wake up to the lavish Phoenicia Breakfast Buffet, and for lunch or dinner, sample Mediterranean cuisine on the picturesque terrace of the Phoenix Restaurant, which recently received a fine dining award as one of the top 10 restaurants in the country. The Pegasus Brasserie welcomes those in search of an unforgettable dining experience, while the Palm Court Lounge is perfect for specialty coffees, tantalizing snacks and traditional afternoon tea while relaxing on one of the comfortable sofas or armchairs. The hotel's cellar boasts an unparalleled selection of wines to suit all tastes.

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Nice

Small Group Nice Food Tour: Provencal Specialties

Led by a local guide, you can take this 3.5 hour tour to sample 20 different regional favorites including locally produced French wine, olive oil, food shops, and delicatessens. You’ll also pass landmarks like Castel Hill and Cours Saleya.

Taormina

Sicilian Cooking Class in Taormina

The only thing better than tasting Sicilian food in Sicily is learning from a professional Sicilian chef how to make local dishes. This 5 hour cooking class will include a market visit and wine tasting as you learn about the history of the cuisine and prepare a full 3 course meal featuring meat, pasta, fish, and vegetables that you will purchase at the market. Then, you’ll get to savor your delicious creations.

Taormina Food and Wine Walking Tour

If you love food and wine, there’s no better place to explore that love than on this 2 hour walking tour where you will be lead by a local guide to sample the cities best places to eat fresh fish, Sicilian red wine, bruschetta, Sicilian cakes and so much more. And, you’ll also get to pass major landmarks like the Palazzo Corvaja.

Malta

Full Day Quad Tour of Gozo

This 7 hour quad bike adventure takes you on a scenic tour through Gozo’s beautiful natural landscape including valleys, bays, Inland Sea, Calypso Cave, and other hidden gems to explore. They offer a 3 course lunch and photo taking opportunities. And then, on the way back you will take a relaxing powerboat ride to Malta through Comino’s sea caves.

‘Game of Thrones’ Filming Locations Tour in Malta

All Game of Thrones watchers will be familiar with the streets and settings of Red Keep and King’s Landing. Now, you have the opportunity to visit and hear the behind the scenes stories about the filming on this full day tour as you visit Mdina, Rabat, and other filming locations.

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