Compare Treasures of the Mediterranean - Southbound 2020 by Tauck vs Ultimate Southern France (Bordeaux, 2024) by Luxury Gold
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| Trip |
4 | Great
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4.5 | Great
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| Duration | 11 days | 12 days |
| Price From | $ 8,990 | $ 8,695 |
| Price Per Day | $ 817 | $ 725 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Small ship cruise | Group tour |
| Lodging Level | Premium | Luxury |
| Physical Level |
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| Countries Visited | ||
| Cities and Attractions |
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N/A |
| Flights & Transport | No | No |
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| Meals Included | N/A |
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| Description |
Sail aboard Le Ponant through the Mediterranean on one of our most popular small ship cruises – a weeklong voyage to Corsica, Sicily, Malta and the Amalfi Coast, plus the islands of Lipari, Ponza, and Stromboli – and take in the Côte d'Azur, Provence and Monte-Carlo on a two-night land stay. |
Relax and unwind on a guided tour that takes you from Monaco to France. Cruise to spectacular Saint-Tropez, marvelling at the coastal town’s ancient walls for unparalleled views of its medieval towers. Step inside the Aix-En-Provence Cathedral, a national treasure and religious landmark. Slide into the passenger’s seat of a vintage car and be chauffeured through the countryside to an acclaimed winery for a private tour. Experience Calanques National Park, journeying past towering limestone cliffs looming over turquoise waters. Indulge in a diverse range of spectacular dining experiences, from exquisite seafood dinners to Michelin hotel meals. Learn about Bordeaux's unique history from a Local Expert or take a guided bike ride to learn about the city’s sustainability efforts.The Activity Level of this tour is Dynamic, meaning this journey features 4+ miles of walking on some days and may involve steep hills. |
Day 1 Arrive Nice / Monte-Carlo
Tour begins: 6:30 PM, Fairmont Monte Carlo. A transfer is included from Nice Côte d'Azur Airport to the Fairmont Monte Carlo in Monaco. Your hotel is in the heart of Monte-Carlo, where the Principality is right at your doorstep. Meet your traveling companions this evening at a welcome cocktail reception and dinner.
MEALS : D
LODGING : Fairmont Monte Carlo
PORTOFCALL : Monte-Carlo, Monaco
Day 2 A day in magical Monte-Carlo
You’ll discover much more about Monaco this morning when you get a taste of what life is like on the chic French Riviera during a walking tour of Monte-Carlo and a visit to the royal palace and gardens in Monaco-Ville. The remainder of the day is free to spend as you wish; your hotel is steps from the Monte-Carlo Casino, where lady luck favors the fortunate few! Your hotel is nestled between the Mediterranean Sea and the legendary Monte-Carlo Casino.
MEALS : B
LODGING : Fairmont Monte Carlo
PORTOFCALL : Monte-Carlo, Monaco
Day 3 Nice, Saint-Paul-de-Vence & embark Le Ponant
Depart Monte-Carlo and travel along the French Riviera to Nice, where you’ll take a walking tour; see landmarks that recall the days when Czarist aristocrats and British royals wintered here, including the Promenade des Anglais along the seafront and the flower market in Cours Saleya. Next, visit picturesque, walled Saint-Paul-de-Vence, a Provençal hilltop town that was built in the 13th century; you'll be taken with its medieval look and easily understand why it became an artists' enclave. Artist Marc Chagall was inspired by Saint-Paul-de-Vence, a place he called home for the last 19 years of his life; a walking tour of the town includes a visit to his grave, a picture of serenity overlooking panoramic views of the countryside. Enjoy some free time, then return to Nice to embark the extensively refurbished Le Ponant for the start of your 7-night cruise along the Mediterranean Sea.
MEALS : B, D
LODGING : Le Ponant
Day 4 Exploring Napoleon's island of Elba
Le Ponant calls this morning on the secluded harbor of Portoferraio on the island of Elba. Here you'll learn about the isolated life of Napoleon Bonaparte on Elba, who spent a brief exile here in 1814 prior to his daring escape. Visit Villa San Martino, where the erstwhile Emperor of France lived for a time; spend some free time in the quaint harborside village of Porto Azzurro; and go to a wine tasting at Elba's family-owned La Chiusa Winery before reboarding the ship for lunch, or spending some time exploring and lunching in Portoferraio on your own. Return to the ship mid-afternoon; relax, or go for a swim off the marina, weather permitting. Join us this evening for the captain's welcome reception followed by dinner onboard.
MEALS : B, L, D
LODGING : Le Ponant
PORTOFCALL : Elba, Italy
Day 5 Corsica's hidden harbor of Bonifacio
Sail into the nearly hidden Corsican port of Bonifacio with a deep, narrow harbor sitting at the base of sheer limestone cliffs; your entrance into the harbor aboard Le Ponant will be remembered forever... keep your camera at the ready! The fortified 12th-century town is built on the top of the cliffs with great views of the sea. Take Le Petit Train for a ride to the town's walled fortress area where you'll explore medieval lanes, stroll along the bluff above the harbor, and see the former barracks of the French Foreign Legion. Have lunch aboard ship or in town as you please. Make an afternoon return to Le Ponant, and set sail once again, bound for Ponza.
MEALS : B, L, D
LODGING : Le Ponant
PORTOFCALL : Bonifacio, Corsica
Day 6 Ponza and cruising the Mediterranean
Arrive on Ponza, the largest island in Italy’s Pontine Archipelago. Some of the island's most recognizable sights include dramatic coves and cliffs, while the main town features yellow and pink houses, and a harbor full of fishing boats. Spend the morning exploring before an afternoon sail to Italy’s Amalfi Coast. Cast anchor in the Gulf of Salerno overnight.
MEALS : B, L, D
LODGING : Le Ponant
Day 7 Spectacular Amalfi Coast & Ravello or Positano
Today, Le Ponant calls on mainland Italy and the picturesque towns of Amalfi and Ravello on the fabled Amalfi Coast. Go ashore via Zodiac and explore the region on a guided walking tour of the town of Amalfi, and a drive along the dramatic Amalfi Coast, one of the most spectacular drives in the world. Arrive in stunning Ravello, perched on cliffs overlooking the sea, for a visit to Villa Rufolo. This beautifully restored castle boasts amazing architecture, a history rich with cultural legacies, and outstanding coastal views; enjoy a wonderful lunch of seasonal specialties in Ravello. Rejoin Le Ponant and cruise to the Aeolian Islands.
MEALS : B, L, D
LODGING : Le Ponant
PORTOFCALL : Amalfi, Italy
Day 8 Lipari and the fiery lava of Stromboli
The largest of the Aeolian Islands and noted for its colorful houses, Lipari sits on red volcanic rock and resembles “a wall of bronze,” according to the Greek poet Homer. Archaeological remains found have yielded clues to civilizations which date to 1700 BC, including the Neolithic stones that sit alongside ancient tombstones, and ruins of Greek walls and Roman villas. The Spaniards found their way here in the 16th century, building the castello (castle) and the 17th-century cathedral that is perched above the harbor. Join us for a guided walking tour of Lipari, then explore its renowned Archaeological Museum on your own. Return to the ship for lunch, or if you wish, spend some free time exploring and enjoy lunch as you please in town. Back aboard ship, as you head to the Amalfi Coast this evening, experience a different view of these volcanic islands when you sail by the island of Stromboli tonight, home to one of the world’s few constantly active volcanoes – it has continuously erupted for 2,000 years. The view is unforgettable.
MEALS : B, L, D
LODGING : Le Ponant
PORTOFCALL : Lipari, Sicily
Day 9 Cliff-top Taormina on Sicily
With Le Ponant anchored at Giardini-Naxos, transfer ashore by Zodiac for sightseeing in Sicily. Begin with a visit to Taormina, a terraced town clinging to high cliffs on the east coast of Sicily with Mt. Etna towering in the distance sightseeing. A guided tour takes you to Teatro Greco, featuring both Greek and Roman elements, and for a stroll along the Corso Umberto, Old Town, Taormina’s main pedestrian street lined with cafés and pasticcerie. You can return to the ship for lunch, or stay in Taormina for lunch as you please and some afternoon free time. Enjoy some afternoon free time in Taormina or Giardini-Naxos before Le Ponant departs for Malta.
MEALS : B, L, D
LODGING : Le Ponant
PORTOFCALL : Taormina, Italy
Day 10 A day well spent on Malta
Early this morning Le Ponant docks in the Grand Harbour (Port of Valletta) where you’ll disembark. Rich in historic treasures, Valletta was founded by the Knights of St. John in the 16th century. A guided tour of Malta includes the medieval walled city of Mdina, perched atop a cliff, and a drive around St. Julian’s Bay, a favorite setting for the colorful Maltese boats that are often photographed here for worldwide enjoyment. Return to Valletta for a walking tour and The Malta Experience, an audio-visual show that tells the dramatic story of Malta's 7,000-year history; Valletta is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a virtual open-air museum of Baroque architecture. Visit the splendid St. John's Co-Cathedral to see its silver and gold-leafed interior and rare art treasures, including the Beheading of Saint John the Baptist by Italian painter Caravaggio. Arrive at your hotel late afternoon, then join us tonight for a Tauck Exclusive farewell reception and dinner at the hotel overlooking the Grand Harbour.
MEALS : B, D
LODGING : The Phoenicia Malta
PORTOFCALL : Valletta, Malta
Day 11 Journey Home
Tour ends: Valletta, Malta. A transfer from The Phoenicia Malta to Malta International Airport is included. Please allow 3 hours for flight check-in.
MEALS : B
PORTOFCALL : Valletta, Malta
Day 1: Welcome to the French Riviera
Transfer to your hotel before dining waterside at Fontvieille marina. Enjoy an evening drive along the legendary Formula 1 Grand Prix circuit to the Grimaldi Palace.
Fairmont Monte Carlo.
Dinner
Day 2: Nice Sightseeing Relaxed Start
In Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, join a Local Expert touring the opulent Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild. Continue to Nice where joining a Local Expert on a walk through the streets of Old Nice viewing the opera house, admire the Sainte-Réparate Cathedral and maybe taste some socca at the colorful food market on the Cours Saleya.
Fairmont Monte Carlo.
Breakfast
Day 3: Star-studded St. Tropez
Step into the 1950s glamour of the French Riviera in St. Tropez. Join a Local Expert to discover the boutiques, the old town and admire the yachts in the marina. Taste the local Tarte Tropézienne custard-filled, sugar-topped pastry at the bakery where it was first created. Delight this evening in an elegant Michelin Star meal at La Magdeleine.
La Magdeleine - Mathias Dandine
Breakfast, Dinner
Day 4: Aix-en-Provence Relaxed Start
Join your Local Expert to discover the ancient Roman town. Follow in the footsteps of Paul Cézanne along the tree-lined boulevard of Cours Mirabeau and enjoy a French pastry and coffee in one of the most prestigious residences . Curate your visit at the Château La Coste open-air museum on a Guided Art Walk around the grounds or a wine-tasting experience.
La Magdeleine - Mathias Dandine
Breakfast
Day 5: Calanques National Park Relaxed Start
Indulge in another Relaxed Start before strolling or cycling the Château gardens. Then try pétanque or lounge poolside. Arriving in Cassis, board your private cruise. Pass towering limestone cliffs, fjord-like inlets and hidden beaches of Calanques National Park. Savor the evening with a gourmet seafood dinner.
La Magdeleine - Mathias Dandine
Breakfast, Dinner
Day 6: French Icons
Visit the village of Lourmarin to browse the stalls of its famous market. Take a seat in your vintage Citroen 2CV and embark on a chauffeured drive through the Luberon mountains, through lush vineyards and scenic villages arriving at the Domaine de la Citadelle winery to taste its wines with a picnic prepared by local chef Madame Dromer.
Maison Albar L'Imperator, Nimes
Breakfast, Lunch
Day 7: Les Baux Relaxed Start
Visit the renowned Pont du Gard, a well-preserved Roman aqueduct. Observe how this three-level, 900-footlong bridge was built out of soft yellow limestone blocks from a nearby quarry. Stop in Avignon and admire the Palace of the Popes, the famous broken bridge and beautiful squares shaded by leafy platanes. Continue through the Alpilles National Park to the village of Les Baux de Provence.
Maison Albar L'Imperator, Nimes
Breakfast, Dinner
Day 8: Arles and Carcassonne Sightseeing Relaxed Start
Journey on to the fortified city of Carcassonne, one of the largest surviving medieval walled cities in Europe. Explore Van Gogh's town of Arles and visit the Roman Amphitheater with a Local Expert. Journey through Camargue to your hotel in Carcassonne in the heart of the city.
Hôtel de la Cité Carcassonne - MGallery, Carcassonne.
Breakfast, Dinner
Day 9: Carcassonne and the Languedoc Region Relaxed Start
After exploring Carcassonne venture into the rolling countryside to the village of Lastours overlooked by its four Cathar castles. Meet Jean-Marc Boyer, the Michelin-starred Chef of Le Puits du Trésor where you enjoy a traditional French cooking class and savor the food you have prepared accompanied by local wine. Relax on our evening cruise of the Canal du Midi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Hôtel de la Cité Carcassonne - MGallery, Carcassonne.
Breakfast, Lunch
Day 10: Bordeaux
Journey to the enchanting city of Bordeaux where you will have time to explore this elegant, 18th - century jewel on the banks of the Garonne. Awaken your senses at the Bassins des Lumières Museum and enjoy an evening at leisure to get acquainted with the local cuisine and fabulous wines this area has to offer.
Le Grand Hotel, Bordeaux.
Breakfast, Dinner
Day 11: Bordeaux Sightseeing Relaxed Start
Learn about the 18th-century architecture of Vieux Bordeaux with a Local Expert. Or set off on a leisurely bike ride around the Garonne River before ending at the picturesque Jardin Public.
Le Grand Hotel, Bordeaux.
Breakfast, Dinner
Day 12: Depart Bordeaux
After breakfast you are transferred to Bordeaux Airport as your Luxury Gold journey comes to an end.
Breakfast
