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Sardinia and the Balearic Islands

Sardinia and the Balearic Islands

About This Cruise

Sardinia and the Balearic Islands reveal a concentration of the most enchanting Mediterranean atmospheres. Between the historic cities, lively ports and drenched landscapes, fall under the spell of this Mediterranean interlude. Dominated by its old district perched above the sea, Cagliari reveals a rich heritage and an identity that remains deeply rooted in the history of the Mediterranean. Further west, Mahon and Palma De Mallorca embody all the elegance of the Balearic Islands, with their spectacular natural harbours, their charming little streets and their exceptional maritime vistas.

Who Is This Cruise For?

  • Adults only

    L'Austral is an adults-only ship

  • Couples

    An adults-only atmosphere made for two

  • Over 50s

    Refined, unhurried cruising with enrichment on board

Type

Ocean, Luxury

Ship

L'Austral

Departure Date

28 June 2028

Cruise Line

PONANT EXPLORATIONS

Duration

5 Nights

Select Your Cabin Type
Select your cabin type
Call Us at (01) 554 1010

Itinerary

Malta

Valletta

Malta's capital, the minicity of Valletta, has ornate palaces and museums protected by massive fortifications of honey-color limestone. Houses along the narrow streets have overhanging wooden balconies for people-watching from indoors. Generations ago they gave housebound women a window on the world of the street. The main entrance to town is through the City Gate (where all bus routes end), which leads onto Triq Repubblika (Republic Street), the spine of the grid-pattern city and the main shopping street. Triq Mercante (Merchant Street) parallels Repubblika to the east and is also good for strolling. From these two streets, cross streets descend toward the water; some are stepped. Valletta's compactness makes it ideal to explore on foot. City Gate and the upper part of Valletta are experiencing vast redevelopment that includes a new Parliament Building and open-air performance venue. The complex, completed mid-2013, has numerous pedestrian detours in place along with building noise and dust. Before setting out along Republic Street, stop at the tourist information office on Merchant Street for maps and brochures.

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Italy

Cagliari

Known in Sardinia as Casteddu, the island's capital has steep streets and impressive Italianate architecture, from modern to medieval. This city of nearly 160,000 people is characterized by a busy commercial center and waterfront with broad avenues and arched arcades, as well as by the typically narrow streets of the old hilltop citadel (called, simply, “Castello”). The Museo Archeologico makes a good starting point to a visit. The imposing Bastione di Saint Remy and Mercato di San Benedetto (one of the best fish markets in Italy) are both musts.

Spain

Mahón, Menorca

The capital of Menorca since 1721, Mahon has a impressive natural deep water harbour, which is one of the largest in the world. This, coupled with its strategic location, has made it a stronghold for many nations throughout history. Mahon has an abundance of historical buildings, the oldest being the Arch of Saint Roc which is all that remains of the wall that once encircled the whole town. The island was occupied by the British during the 18th century and Lord Nelson is thought to have stayed there. Indeed, San Antoni Mansion, located on the north side of the harbour, houses a collection of Nelson memorabilia. The legacy of colonial rule can be seen in the muted Georgian style of some of the buildings, but Mahon still boasts attractive examples of neo-Classical, Baroque and Romanesque architecture. With narrow streets to explore, pleasant shaded squares and welcoming pavement cafés, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Please be aware that most shops in town close for a siesta between 1330 and 1730.

Spain

Palma de Mallorca

If you look north of the cathedral (La Seu, or the seat of the bishopric, to Mallorcans) on a map of the city of Palma, you can see around the Plaça Santa Eulàlia a jumble of tiny streets that made up the earliest settlement. Farther out, a ring of wide boulevards traces the fortifications built by the Moors to defend the larger city that emerged by the 12th century. The zigzags mark the bastions that jutted out at regular intervals. By the end of the 19th century, most of the walls had been demolished; the only place where you can still see the massive defenses is at Ses Voltes, along the seafront west of the cathedral.A torrent (streambed) used to run through the middle of the old city, dry for most of the year but often a raging flood in the rainy season. In the 17th century it was diverted to the east, along the moat that ran outside the city walls. Two of Palma's main arteries, La Rambla and the Passeig d'es Born, now follow the stream's natural course. The traditional evening paseo (promenade) takes place on the Born.If you come to Palma by car, park in the garage beneath the Parc de la Mar (the ramp is just off the highway from the airport, as you reach the cathedral) and stroll along the park. Beside it run the huge bastions guarding the Almudaina Palace; the cathedral, golden and massive, rises beyond. Where you exit the garage, there's a ceramic mural by the late Catalan artist and Mallorca resident Joan Miró, facing the cathedral across the pool that runs the length of the park.If you begin early enough, a walk along the ramparts at Ses Voltes from the mirador beside the cathedral is spectacular. The first rays of the sun turn the upper pinnacles of La Seu bright gold and then begin to work their way down the sandstone walls. From the Parc de la Mar, follow Avinguda Antoni Maura past the steps to the palace. Just below the Plaça de la Reina, where the Passeig d'es Born begins, turn left on Carrer de la Boteria into the Plaça de la Llotja (if the Llotja itself is open, don't miss a chance to visit—it's the Mediterranean's finest Gothic-style civic building). From there stroll through the Plaça Drassana to the Museu d'Es Baluard, at the end of Carrer Sant Pere. Retrace your steps to Avinguda Antoni Maura. Walk up the Passeig d'es Born to Plaça Joan Carles I, then right on Avenida de La Unió.

Spain

Tarragona

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Overview

Sardinia and the Balearic Islands reveal a concentration of the most enchanting Mediterranean atmospheres. Between the historic cities, lively ports and drenched landscapes, fall under the spell of this Mediterranean interlude. Dominated by its old district perched above the sea, Cagliari reveals a rich heritage and an identity that remains deeply rooted in the history of the Mediterranean. Further west, Mahon and Palma De Mallorca embody all the elegance of the Balearic Islands, with their spectacular natural harbours, their charming little streets and their exceptional maritime vistas.

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Suite

Prestige Suite

In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:

  • A private 86 ft² balcony
  • Two sliding panoramic windows
  • Two bathrooms with showers
  • Priority boarding, depending on port of embarkation (Prestige Suite deck 6)
  • Butler service (Prestige Suite deck 6)
  • Champagne and fruit on arrival and a fruit basket every day (Prestige Suite deck 6)
  • One bedroom with king-size bed (180 x 190 cm) or two single beds (90 x 190 cm)
  • A living room with a convertible sofa into a king-size or two single beds, armchairs, second TV, and a courtesy sliding door

Included in all staterooms

  • Minibar
  • Diptyque Paris top-of-the-line bath products
  • Bose Bluetooth speaker
  • Individually-controlled air conditioning
  • Nespresso coffee maker and boiler
  • Dressing room with shelves and closet
  • 110V American / 220V European
  • Dressing table and hairdryer
  • Direct line telephone
  • Three ADA staterooms
  • 24-hour room service
  • Electronic safe
  • Flat screen TV, international channels and videos on demand
  • Inclusive Wifi internet

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Suite

Owner's Suite

In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:

  • A private 96 ft² balcony
  • Two sliding panoramic windows
  • A bathroom with shower and spa bath
  • Butler service
  • A one-hour treatment per person (for 2 people) in the wellness area, including body and facial treatments
  • Private return transfer
  • Priority boarding (depending on port of embarkation)
  • Champagne and fruit on arrival
  • A fruit basket every day
  • One bedroom with king-size bed (180 x 190 cm) or two single beds (90 x 190 cm)
  • A living-dining room with a sofa, armchair, TV, a table for four, and a courtesy sliding door
  • Included premium pass: access to a selection of premium spirits at the bar

Included in all staterooms

  • Minibar
  • Diptyque Paris top-of-the-line bath products
  • Bose Bluetooth speaker
  • Individually-controlled air conditioning
  • Nespresso coffee maker and boiler
  • Dressing room with shelves and closet
  • 110V American / 220V European
  • Dressing table and hairdryer
  • Direct line telephone
  • Three ADA staterooms
  • 24-hour room service
  • Electronic safe
  • Flat screen TV, international channels and videos on demand
  • Inclusive Wifi internet

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Suite

Deluxe Suite

In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:

  • A private 53 ft² balcony
  • Sliding panoramic window
  • Butler service
  • Priority boarding (depending on port of embarkation)
  • Champagne and fruit on arrival
  • A fruit basket every day
  • One king-size bed (180 x 190 cm) or two single beds (90 x 190 cm)
  • An armchair and sofa
  • Bathroom with shower

Included in all staterooms

  • Minibar
  • Diptyque Paris top-of-the-line bath products
  • Bose Bluetooth speaker
  • Individually-controlled air conditioning
  • Nespresso coffee maker and boiler
  • Dressing room with shelves and closet
  • 110V American / 220V European
  • Dressing table and hairdryer
  • Direct line telephone
  • Three ADA staterooms
  • 24-hour room service
  • Electronic safe
  • Flat screen TV, international channels and videos on demand
  • Inclusive Wifi internet

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Suite

Window or Porthole Stateroom

In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:

  • Window (except stateroom 300 : porthole)
  • One king-size bed (180 x 190 cm) or two single beds (90 x 190 cm)
  • Bathroom with shower

Included in all staterooms

  • Minibar
  • Diptyque Paris top-of-the-line bath products
  • Bose Bluetooth speaker
  • Individually-controlled air conditioning
  • Nespresso coffee maker and boiler
  • Dressing room with shelves and closet
  • 110V American / 220V European
  • Dressing table and hairdryer
  • Direct line telephone
  • Three ADA staterooms
  • 24-hour room service
  • Electronic safe
  • Flat screen TV, international channels and videos on demand
  • Inclusive Wifi internet

Outside

Upper Decks Balcony Stateroom

In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:

  • A private 43 ft² balcony
  • A sliding panoramic window
  • One king-size bed (180 x 190 cm) or two single beds (90 x 190 cm)
  • Bathroom with shower

Included in all staterooms

  • Minibar
  • Diptyque Paris top-of-the-line bath products
  • Bose Bluetooth speaker
  • Individually-controlled air conditioning
  • Nespresso coffee maker and boiler
  • Dressing room with shelves and closet
  • 110V American / 220V European
  • Dressing table and hairdryer
  • Direct line telephone
  • Three ADA staterooms
  • 24-hour room service
  • Electronic safe
  • Flat screen TV, international channels and videos on demand
  • Inclusive Wifi internet

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Outside

Lower Deck Balcony Stateroom

In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:

  • A private 43 ft² balcony
  • One king-size bed (180 x 190 cm) or two single beds (90 x 190 cm)
  • Bathroom with shower
  • A porthole and glass door

Included in all staterooms

  • Minibar
  • Diptyque Paris top-of-the-line bath products
  • Bose Bluetooth speaker
  • Individually-controlled air conditioning
  • Nespresso coffee maker and boiler
  • Dressing room with shelves and closet
  • 110V American / 220V European
  • Dressing table and hairdryer
  • Direct line telephone
  • Three ADA staterooms
  • 24-hour room service
  • Electronic safe
  • Flat screen TV, international channels and videos on demand
  • Inclusive Wifi internet

varies

Le Coromandel

At the back of deck 2, you will find a 370 m² gourmet restaurant offering French and international cuisine. It can accommodate all guests in a single service for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

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buffet

Le Rodrigues

In a relaxed atmosphere, a 235 m² grill restaurant located on deck 6 welcomes you for breakfast, buffet lunches and themed dinners.

room

Room Service

Whether you want to fully enjoy your cabin for breakfast, savor a peaceful snack in the middle of the day, or have your meal in complete privacy, room service is at your disposal. Treat yourself to a moment of indulgence and enjoy a diverse menu available at any time of day and night.

Lounge, Bar, Library

The Observatory Lounge

Library, internet space, bar, occasional live entertainment, terrace: enjoy a 180° panorama of the horizon from the observatory lounge.

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Sun Deck, Pool Deck

Swimming Pool

With its water blending into the surrounding landscapes, the pool is perfect for relaxing in the sun.

Theatre

Theatre

Comfortably seated, you can attend conferences given by the guests and teams of naturalists, as well as enjoy a variety of shows, concerts and performances by professional dancers and musicians.

When the night comes alive

Concerts, dance performances, or film screenings: every night on board is a promise of wonder and sharing of emotions.

Bar

The Outdoor Bar

Enjoy a drink in our outdoor lounge area with 50 seats and a view of the sea and the pool bridge.

Lounge, Bar

The Main Lounge

Tea room, bar, live music, dance floor, terrace: the main lounge is an essential meeting place throughout your journey.

Shop

Boutique

An extension of the journey and the ship, la Boutique offers an exclusive shopping experience with a wide range of technical and casual ready-to-wear and equipment, with or without PONANT personalization. It also features unique souvenirs to extend the journey back home, as well as jewelry, accessories and luxury items. Opening hours follow the voyage schedule, including days at sea, and all purchases on board are tax-free.

Reception

Excursion Reception and Office

On board the sister ships (Le Boreal, L'Austral, Le Soléal and Le Lyrial) and PONANT EXPLORERS, the reception desk and the excursion desk are arranged side by side to facilitate all your requests.

Reception: our receptionists can accommodate you 24 hours a day on all our ships (from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Le Ponant) to answer all your needs, such as room service, etc.

The excursion office: the excursion team is available at all times to tell you about the onshore programmes, organise group or private excursions and to manage transfers at the start or end of the cruise.

On Le Ponant, the receptionist will answer all your questions about excursions.

Studio, Photographers

PONANT Studio

A photography and videography team escort you throughout your trip. These professionals capture the most beautiful moments of your cruise, which you can share with family and friends upon your return. Meet them on DECK 5 (DECK 6 on the PONANT Explorers ships) at the photo/video area, where you can also order souvenir pictures and videos.

Spa

The Spa

In partnership with SOTHYS™ and Davines®, the spa offers a wide range of treatments, massages, hairdressing services, as well as a sauna and a fitness room perfect for self-care and well-being.

Gym

The Gym

The fitness room offers a wide range of exercises suitable for all levels to train facing magnificent views.

Salon

The Hairdressing Salon

Provided in partnership with KÉRASTASE®, L’ORÉAL PROFESSIONNEL® or DAVINES®, our hairdressing salons offer a complete range of top quality treatments designed to strengthen, nourish and reinvigorate hair's shine and brilliance. Our stylists are available to serve all your styling, highlighting, colouring, cutting and tailored hair advice needs.