Under Sail from Puglia to Sicily
About This Cruise
In August, when southern Italy is bathed in its most golden light, enjoy the discreet luxury of a cruise under sail between iconic destinations and the azure sea. Aboard Le Ponant, set sail to discover Puglia, a fascinating region with whitewashed villages, baroque ports, and ancient olive groves, before following the Calabrian coast to discover the treasures of Sicily, its ancient ruins, Norman palaces, and legendary volcano. Along the shores and on the deck of the ship, enjoy life in the sunshine, celebrating the height of summer with indulgence, refinement and curiosity.
Whether you are a lover of the sea or a curious traveller, experience once again the indescribable joy of navigating under sail surrounded by the elements. Take your place aboard Le Ponant, a majestic three-mast yacht with elegant lines and an interior designed by the Jean-Philippe Nuel studio to be a warm and intimate setting with a highly distinctive character. As if you were on your very own yacht, savour the freedom of living in the moment, being fully present.Who Is This Cruise For?
Adults only
Le Ponant 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
Le Ponant
Departure Date
18 August 2028
Cruise Line
PONANT EXPLORATIONS
Duration
7 Nights
Select Your Cabin Type
Call Us at (01) 554 1010Itinerary
Croatia
Dubrovnik
Nothing can prepare you for your first sight of Dubrovnik. Lying 216 km (135 miles) southeast of Split and commanding a jaw-dropping coastal location, it is one of the world's most beautiful fortified cities. Its massive stone ramparts and fortress towers curve around a tiny harbor, enclosing graduated ridges of sun-bleached orange-tiled roofs, copper domes, and elegant bell towers. Your imagination will run wild picturing what it looked like seven centuries ago when the walls were built, without any suburbs or highways around it, just this magnificent stone city rising out of the sea.In the 7th century AD, residents of the Roman city Epidaurum (now Cavtat) fled the Avars and Slavs of the north and founded a new settlement on a small rocky island, which they named Laus, and later Ragusa. On the mainland hillside opposite the island, the Slav settlement called Dubrovnik grew up. In the 12th century the narrow channel separating the two settlements was filled in (now the main street through the Old Town, called Stradun), and Ragusa and Dubrovnik became one. The city was surrounded by defensive walls during the 13th century, and these were reinforced with towers and bastions in the late 15th century.From 1358 to 1808 the city thrived as a powerful and remarkably sophisticated independent republic, reaching its golden age during the 16th century. In 1667 many of its splendid Gothic and Renaissance buildings were destroyed by an earthquake. The defensive walls survived the disaster, and the city was rebuilt in baroque style.Dubrovnik lost its independence to Napoléon in 1808, and in 1815 passed to Austria-Hungary. During the 20th century, as part of Yugoslavia, the city became a popular tourist destination, and in 1979 it was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. During the war for independence, it came under heavy siege. Thanks to careful restoration, few traces of damage remain; however, there are maps inside the Pile and Ploče Gates illustrating the points around the city where damage was done. It’s only when you experience Dubrovnik yourself that you can understand what a treasure the world nearly lost
Italy
Monopoli
No summary for this day yet.
Italy
Otranto
Located right in the heel of the Italian boot, Otranto’s scenic landscape often plays the protagonist in displaying the beauty of Puglia, Italy’s easternmost region. Facing the Adriatic sea, the seducing weather and pristine waters have made it a popular destination where on a clear day, wanderers can see the coast of Albania. Like much of Italy, the city boasts a rich and mixed history. Once a Greek and Roman port, it was later occupied by the Byzantines, the Normans and the Spanish before the Ottoman invaded in during their Jihad to conquer Europe. Remains of forts are still visible and are a living testimonial of the town’s rich history along with Otranto’s cathedral, which still encloses today the relics of martyrs who refused to convert to Islam.
Italy
Gallipoli
Kalè polis, meaning beautiful city, is the name ancient Greek mariners bestowed on Gallipoli, with good reason. Situated on a mound, the Old Town with its labyrinth of winding lanes, emerges from the Ionian Sea. It is connected to the mainland and modern Gallipoli via a 17th-century bridge. The area lies on the Salentina Peninsula in the extreme southeast end of Italy, commonly referred to as the heel of the boot. The Salento region was inhabited already in prehistoric times; later centuries were marked by Greek, Norman, Byzantine and Baroque cultures. It is a land of farms, castles, works of art, myths and legends. Many heroic battles were fought; fierce resistance was shown by Gallipoli’s citizens against numerous invaders that included Romans, Vandals, Swabians, Venetians, French and lastly the English in 1809. In addition to its tumultuous history and natural beauty, the city’s claim to fame rests in its art treasures, most notably, the Basilica of Sant’Agata with its majestic 17th-century façade. Inside, the church contains a rich and important art collection with numerous works by its great native son, Giovanni Andrea Coppola.
No summary for this day yet.
Italy
Taormina
The medieval cliff-hanging town of Taormina is overrun with tourists, yet its natural beauty is still hard to dispute. The view of the sea and Mt. Etna from its jagged cactus-covered cliffs is as close to perfection as a panorama can get—especially on clear days, when the snowcapped volcano's white puffs of smoke rise against the blue sky. Writers have extolled Taormina's beauty almost since it was founded in the 6th century BC by Greeks from nearby Naxos; Goethe and D. H. Lawrence were among its well-known enthusiasts. The town's boutique-lined main streets get old pretty quickly, but the many hiking paths that wind through the beautiful hills surrounding Taormina promise a timeless alternative. A trip up to stunning Castelmola (whether on foot or by car) should also be on your itinerary.
Italy
Reggio di Calabria
No summary for this day yet.
Italy
Palermo
Once the intellectual capital of southern Europe, Palermo has always been at the crossroads of civilization. Favorably situated on a crescent-shaped bay at the foot of Monte Pellegrino, it has attracted almost every culture touching the Mediterranean world. To Palermo's credit, it has absorbed these diverse cultures into a unique personality that is at once Arab and Christian, Byzantine and Roman, Norman and Italian. The city's heritage encompasses all of Sicily's varied ages, but its distinctive aspect is its Arab-Norman identity, an improbable marriage that, mixed in with Byzantine and Jewish elements, created some resplendent works of art. No less noteworthy than the architecture is Palermo's chaotic vitality, on display at some of Italy's most vibrant outdoor markets, public squares, street bazaars, and food vendors, and above all in its grand climax of Italy's most spectacular passeggiata (the leisurely social stroll along the principal thoroughfare).
Overview
In August, when southern Italy is bathed in its most golden light, enjoy the discreet luxury of a cruise under sail between iconic destinations and the azure sea. Aboard Le Ponant, set sail to discover Puglia, a fascinating region with whitewashed villages, baroque ports, and ancient olive groves, before following the Calabrian coast to discover the treasures of Sicily, its ancient ruins, Norman palaces, and legendary volcano. Along the shores and on the deck of the ship, enjoy life in the sunshine, celebrating the height of summer with indulgence, refinement and curiosity.
Whether you are a lover of the sea or a curious traveller, experience once again the indescribable joy of navigating under sail surrounded by the elements. Take your place aboard Le Ponant, a majestic three-mast yacht with elegant lines and an interior designed by the Jean-Philippe Nuel studio to be a warm and intimate setting with a highly distinctive character. As if you were on your very own yacht, savour the freedom of living in the moment, being fully present.
Suite
Owner's Suite
In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:
- A private 96 ft² balcony with 2 armchairs
- Room service is available for breakfast, lunch, and dinner
- A bathroom with double shower
- A one-hour treatment per person (for 2 people) in the wellness area, including body and facial treatments
- A private return transfer
- Three portholes and glass door
- Champagne and fruit on arrival
- A daily selection of sweet and savoury canapés and a fruit basket
- 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 and armchair
- Dining area for 4 people
Included in all staterooms
- Minibar
- Diptyque Paris top-of-the-line bath products
- Nespresso coffee maker and boiler
- Dressing room with shelves and closet
- 110V American / 220V European
- Dressing table and hairdryer
- No lift, not suitable for people with reduced mobility
- Direct line telephone
- Electronic safe
- Flat screen TV, international channels and videos on demand
Suite
Grand Privilege Suite
In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:
- A private 139 ft² balcony with four armchairs
- Double dressing rooms
- Two panoramic portholes and two hinged windows
- Two bathrooms with shower
- Two one-hour treatments per person (for 2 people) in the wellness area, including body and facial treatments
- A daily selection of sweet and savoury canapés and a fruit basket
- Two king-size beds (180 x 190 cm) or four single beds (90 x 190 cm)
- A lounge area with convertible sofa, two armchairs, and TV
- Champagne and fruit on arrival
Included in all staterooms
- Minibar
- Diptyque Paris top-of-the-line bath products
- Nespresso coffee maker and boiler
- Dressing room with shelves and closet
- 110V American / 220V European
- Dressing table and hairdryer
- No lift, not suitable for people with reduced mobility
- Direct line telephone
- Electronic safe
- Flat screen TV, international channels and videos on demand
Suite
Privilege suite
In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:
- A private 96 ft² balcony with four armchairs
- Panoramic window and panoramic hinged window
- Champagne and fruit on arrival
- A daily selection of sweet and savoury canapés and a fruit basket
- One king-size bed (180 x 190 cm) or two single beds (90 x 190 cm)
- A lounge area with convertible sofa and two armchairs
- A bathroom with shower
Included in all staterooms
- Minibar
- Diptyque Paris top-of-the-line bath products
- Nespresso coffee maker and boiler
- Dressing room with shelves and closet
- 110V American / 220V European
- Dressing table and hairdryer
- No lift, not suitable for people with reduced mobility
- Direct line telephone
- Electronic safe
- Flat screen TV, international channels and videos on demand
Suite
Prestige Suite
In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:
- Two portholes
- One king-size bed (180 x 190 cm) or two single beds (90 x 190 cm)
- A bathroom with shower
- A lounge area with convertible sofa and an armchair
Included in all staterooms
- Minibar
- Diptyque Paris top-of-the-line bath products
- Nespresso coffee maker and boiler
- Dressing room with shelves and closet
- 110V American / 220V European
- Dressing table and hairdryer
- No lift, not suitable for people with reduced mobility
- Direct line telephone
- Electronic safe
- Flat screen TV, international channels and videos on demand
Suite
Junior Suite
In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:
- Two portholes
- One king-size bed (180 x 190 cm) or two single beds (90 x 190 cm)
- A bathroom with shower
- A lounge area with convertible sofa and an armchair
Included in all staterooms
- Minibar
- Diptyque Paris top-of-the-line bath products
- Nespresso coffee maker and boiler
- Dressing room with shelves and closet
- 110V American / 220V European
- Dressing table and hairdryer
- No lift, not suitable for people with reduced mobility
- Direct line telephone
- Electronic safe
- Flat screen TV, international channels and videos on demand
Balcony
Upper decks balcony stateroom
In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:
- A 16 m² stateroom (Alizés Prestige Stateroom with balcony) or 19 m² stateroom (Alizés Stateroom with balcony)
- A private 43 ft² balcony (Alizés Stateroom with balcony) or 86 ft² balcony (Alizés Prestige Stateroom with balcony)
- A panoramic hinged glass door
- A bathroom with shower
- One king-size bed (180 x 190 cm) or two single beds (90 x 190 cm)
Included in all staterooms
- Minibar
- Diptyque Paris top-of-the-line bath products
- Nespresso coffee maker and boiler
- Dressing room with shelves and closet
- 110V American / 220V European
- Dressing table and hairdryer
- No lift, not suitable for people with reduced mobility
- Direct line telephone
- Electronic safe
- Flat screen TV, international channels and videos on demand
Outside
Window or Porthole Stateroom
In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:
- One king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm)
- A bathroom with shower
- One round porthole
Included in all staterooms
- Minibar
- Diptyque Paris top-of-the-line bath products
- Nespresso coffee maker and boiler
- Dressing room with shelves and closet
- 110V American / 220V European
- Dressing table and hairdryer
- No lift, not suitable for people with reduced mobility
- Direct line telephone
- Electronic safe
- Flat screen TV, international channels and videos on demand
buffet
Le Diamant
On board the Ponant, the restaurant Le Diamant celebrates the terroir of each visited coast, offering a culinary experience in perfect harmony with the itinerary of the journey. Driven by the chef's demanding standards and passion, each dish reveals the richness of local products, carefully selected from the markets along the way. This responsible and sustainable approach invites you to savor the very essence of each stop. In this exceptional setting, gastronomy extends the emotion of the journey.
Lounge, Bar
Emeraude Lounge and Bar
library, tearoom, bar, and live entertainment on certain evenings. Access to the outdoor terrace
Sun Deck, Bar
Sun Deck
- Sun beds
- Exterior bar
Spa, Yoga, Gym, Wellness
The Wellness Space
Le Ponant has been designed as a cocoon dedicated to well-being and relaxation.
- Spa: massage cabin and Biologique Recherche care products.
- Fitness centre with dedicated fitness coach
- Yoga sessions