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Mediterranean Discovery - Eastbound Intinerary
Barcelona • Majorca • Minorca •Monaco aboard Le Ponant |
| 12 Days / 11 Nights • May 30 •June 13, 27 2009 |
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The wonders of the Mediterranean coast, from the glamorous Cóte d’Azur and Spain’s magnificent Costa Brava to charming but seldom-visited islands, unfold before you during this magical 12-day adventure. Between a 2-night stay at Monaco’s famous Fairmont Monte Carlo and two nights at Le Méridien Barcelona,
the sporty sailing yacht Le Ponant takes you to explore fascinating, off-the-beaten-path ports where the big cruise ships can’t go.
Savor the tranquil beauty of Le Carmargue in France. Indulge your passion for history in Narbonne and Carcassonne in the lovely Languedoc region of France and in Girona on the Spanish coast.
Delve into Salvador Dali on the Costa Brava. Call at both Majorca and Minorca in Spain’s Balearic Islands. Take in all the scenic beauty for which the “Blue Coast” and the “Wild Coast” are so famous.
2009 Eastbound Itinerary
Click here for Westbound itinerary.
• Indicates day of cruising
Day 1: Buenas dias, Barcelona!
Tour begins: 6:00 PM at Le Méridien Barcelona. A transfer from Barcelona International Airport to Le Méridien Barcelona is included. Please join us for a welcome reception and dinner this evening, at which you’ll meet your fellow travelers and your cruise Director
Meals: Dinner
Lodging: Le Méridien Barcelona, Spain
Day 2: Bountiful Barcelona
Discover the inspired work of architect Antoni Gaudí i Cornet this morning as you view his stunning, as yet unfinished, Sagrada Família basilica and Parc Güell, which inspires fairy-tale visions and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site celebrating his genius. Later, explore famous Las Ramblas before enjoying an afternoon at leisure.
Meals: Breakfast
Lodging: Le Méridien Barcelona, Spain
• Day 3: Historic and artistic inspiration
History surrounds you this morning in Barcelona’s Gothic district, the Barri Gotic. A walking tour reveals traces of the ancient Roman walls and fortifications that surrounded the area from the 4th to the middle of the 19th centuries, as well as many medieval buildings and a labyrinth of narrow streets awaiting exploration. Continue your own discovery with a choice of visits to the Museu Picasso, Gaudi’s La Pedrera or the Maritime Museum before some time at leisure prior to boarding Le Ponant.
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Lodging: Aboard Le Ponant
• Day 4: Marvelous Majorca
Le Ponant docks near the center of famous Palma de Majorca, the capital city of the Balearic Islands. You’ll be inspired during a visit to the grand Gothic Cathedral, built on the site of a preexisting Arab mosque. Return to Le Ponant after a walking tour and some free time to explore on your own. As you enjoy lunch on board, the Captain will search for the ultimate cala (cove) for an afternoon swim, weather permitting, from ship’s on-board marina. This evening, the Captain welcomes you aboard with a special dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Aboard Le Ponant
• Day 5: Mellow Minorca
Go ashore on the Balearic island of Minorca, known for its intriguing history and beautiful beaches – and its designation as a UNESCO biosphere reserve. In the city of Mahón, the island’s capital, you’ll see an attractive mix of colonial and local architecture during a walking tour of this lively town. After returning to Le Ponant for lunch, perhaps you’ll enjoy a swim in a cala, weather permitting, before going on to explore Ciutadella during walking tour that reveals historic buildings, a 14th-century church and an obelisk commemorating those who died at the hands of pirates centuries ago.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Aboard Le Ponant
• Day 6: Dally with Dali
Le Ponant docks at Palamós on Spain’s spectacular Costa Brava this morning, where a choice awaits you. If you’re a fan of Salvador Dali, seize the opportunity to visit his roots and admire his works at the Dali Museum in Figueres. If you’re a history buff, set off to discover the medieval town of Girona, with its fascinating Roman and Moorish history. No matter which full-day excursion you choose, you’ll be enriched by the experience.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Aboard Le Ponant
• Day 7: Legends and lore of the Languedoc
Step back in time today as you encounter the rich history, art and
architecture of this exquisite area. Stunningly set amid the hills and
vineyards near Narbonne, the 12th-century Abbaye de Fontroide enriches
all who visit. You’ll be enchanted by the Citadel of Carcassonne,
thought by many to be the most perfectly restored medieval walled city
in Europe; walk atop its ramparts for a different view and visit the
Basilica St-Nazaire, which houses what is believed to be the oldest
organ in France.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Aboard Le Ponant
• Day 8: Pink birds, black bulls and white horses
Explore a special part of Provence and the Côte d’Azur where flamingoes frolic and men love their white horses almost as much as their wives. It is in Le Carmargue that the fighting bulls of Spain and France are bred and born. You’ll learn about the natural history and ecology of the Rhone Delta as you explore this exceptional wildlife sanctuary.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Aboard Le Ponant
• Day 9: Vines, Village and Vegetation
Tender ashore at lovely Ile de Porquerolles, where no cars are allowed. The island is known for its vineyards, its charming town, its beaches and its focus on conservation. Get a feel for this little gem of a place on a walking tour to view the Central Place d’Armes, La Maison du Parc and Garden du Palmier, followed by free time for your own personal discovery. Le Phare, a lighthouse from which the views are nothing short of spectacular, and Fort Ste. Agathe are among the highlights here. Later, weather permitting, take a dip in the sea from Le Ponant’s stern platform before attending the Captain’s farewell dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Aboard Le Ponant
Day 10: Adieu Le Ponant!
After bidding Le Ponant and her crew a fond farewell, a tour of Nice reveals its many charms and landmark sites including the Russian Orthodox Cathedral and Old Town. In the area of the famous Flower Market, you’ll find many restaurants from which to choose before some time at leisure to discover for yourself all that is nice in Nice. Later, be inspired by the work of renowned artist Henri Matisse at the Matisse Museum in the Cimiez district.
Meals: Breakfast
Lodging: Fairmont Monte Carlo
Day 11: Mediterranean magic
Begin your discovery of the Côte d’Azur with a tour of Monaco-Ville (the old city) on a guided tour including the Prince’s Palace, home of the ruling Grimaldi family for centuries, and Monaco Cathedral, the final resting place of Prince Rainier and Princess Grace. After lunch on your own, head off to explore the fabled Italian Riviera, Italy’s favorite playground on the shores of the Mediterranean. Upon your return to Monaco, the rest of the day is free to enjoy as you choose. Please join us for our farewell dinner this evening.
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Lodging: Fairmont Monte Carlo
Day 12: Homeward bound
Tour ends: Monte-Carlo. A transfer from the Fairmont Monte Carlo to the Nice Côte d’Azur International Airport is included. We wish you a safe and pleasant journey home.
Meals: Breakfast
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INFO |
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| SHIP
STATISTICS |
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Built:1991
Renovated:2004
Flag: France
Number of Crew:30
Passeng. Cap.: 60
Ship Speed: 14 knots
Tonnage: 850 GRT
Length: 290 Feet
Beam: 39 Feet
Draft: 13 Feet
Crew Nationality: French
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| DAY |
PORT
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ARRIVAL |
DEPARTURE |
Voyage at a Glance
7 Cruise Days aboard Le Ponant
| 1 |
Arrive Barcelona
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| 2 |
Barcelona
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| 3 |
Barcelona / Embark Le Ponant
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6:00 PM |
| 4 |
Majorca
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8:00 AM |
1:00 PM |
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Cala San Telmo
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3:30 PM |
6:00 PM |
| 5 |
Mahón
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7:00 AM |
12:00 PM |
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Ciutadella
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6:30 PM |
9:00 PM |
| 6 |
Palamós
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9:00 AM |
11:00 PM |
| 7 |
Port Vendres
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7:00 AM |
7:00 PM |
| 8 |
Port-Saint-Louis-du-Rhône
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7:00 AM |
9:00 PM |
| 9 |
Ile de Porquerolles
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7:00 AM |
8:00 PM |
| 10 |
Disembark Nice
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8:30 PM |
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| 11 |
Monte-Carlo / Riviera
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| 12 |
Depart Monte-Carlo
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| sCruise Rates (per person) |
12 Days / 11 Nights
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Double
$ 6,990
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Single
$ 11,390
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Triple
$ 6,220
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| Inclusive Prices
Tour prices are per person in U.S. dollars.
All accommodations, motor coach, and cruise ship transportation, sightseeing, admissions, shore excursions, luggage handling, and the services of cruise Directors are included.
Hotel and Ship Accommodations
Price includes all hotel accommodations with private baths. The standard is to provide the best available hotels without sacrificing value.
Although the quality of accommodations may differ from place to place, this standard remains uncompromised. Two-bedded rooms are reserved in most hotels.
Triples are two-bedded rooms plus a rollaway cot and are not recommended for comfort.
Meals
Most meals are included as specified in the itinerary.
Meal codes are: B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner.
Cruise & Land Director
Each cruise is conducted by a Director who
remains with the group throughout the duration of the cruise. Your Director is a professional, fully-trained employee.
Gratuities Included
All appropriate gratuities for bellmen, luggage handling, doormen, dining room servers, local guides and cruise ship staff are included.
No Options Sold
With the exception of select options detailed in the itinerary, price includes entertainment, special dinners, sightseeing and most activities.
Directors may assist with information on other free-time activities, based on honest opinion, but will not sell you any “extras.”
This means better value and a more relaxed, pleasant experience for you.
Not Included
Hotel Rooms Before and After Tours
Luggage Responsibility
Although every effort is made to handle guests’ luggage carefully, we cannot be responsible, assume liability or accept claims for loss or damage to luggage and personal effects due to breakage, theft, or fair wear and tear through hotel, airline and group carrier handling. It is important for your own self-interest and protection that you make certain you have adequate insurance to cover these eventualities.
Personal Expenses
Phone calls, room service, alcoholic and bar beverages, laundry, airline excess luggage charges, vaccinations, visa fees (if applicable), and other optional incidental extras are not included and may be significant.
You may settle your onboard expenses using American Express, MasterCard and VISA. U.S. traveler’s checks are accepted on a limited basis. The U.S. dollar is the currency used onboard.
Director Gratuities
The customary gratuity to the Director is not included. Gratuities should be extended on a voluntary, individual basis and not as a group.
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