Here is a wonderful opportunity to discover the Italian islands of Elba, Sardinia and Sicily combined with a day on the beautiful French island of Corsica. All of the islands we will call into are easy enough to visit individually but difficult to combine independently in a nine night trip. The islands feature an array of ancient ruins, attractive towns and villages and we will have time on each to visit the main sites but to also explore some of the smaller ports and less visited regions. We have ensured that each day has an enjoyable mix of culture with guided excursions as well as ample time at leisure. Our voyage is planned for late summer, the perfect time of year for exploration, when the crowds of August have dispersed but the weather is ideal for touring and sightseeing. In addition we have the pleasure of cruising aboard the all-suite MS Island Sky which with just over 100 passengers is able to visit atmospheric ports and villages which the big ships cannot access.
Sailing from the French Riviera, we will cruise to the enchanting island of Elba, best known as Napoleon’s island of exile. From there we continue to Corsica which, despite officially being a part of France, has its own identity in everything from customs to language and benefits from magnificent geographical diversity ranging from stunning natural harbours to picture perfect hilltop villages and a majestic countryside. Leaving the charms of Corsica behind we spend two days in Sardinia where we discover the Medieval city of Alghero and Nuraghe Palmavera and from Cagliari, will have the opportunity to visit the wonderful ruins of Nora. Our last days are spent on Sicily which, with a history of 3000 years has a wealth of sites to discover from magnificent Doric temples to great Byzantine cathedrals and bizarrely styled villas.
This is a voyage that will appeal to those who love Italy, and who enjoy hopping between islands. Local guides and our onboard Guest Speaker will contribute greatly to our enjoyment and understanding of these Italian gems and you will find yourself wanting to return time and time again.
- Elba, Napoleon's Exile: Explore the charming island of Elba, famous as Napoleon's place of exile. Visit Villa San Martino, which was Napoleon's summer residence and has been transformed into a museum. You'll also have the opportunity to sample local wines at the La Chiusa wine estate, which claims to have hosted Napoleon during his exile.
- Picturesque Bonifacio, Corsica: Bonifacio, perched on cliffs overlooking the Mediterranean, is a stunning natural harbor. Explore the narrow streets, historical sites, and the clifftop views of this charming town. It's known for its relaxed pace and breathtaking setting.
- Sardinia's Historical Treasures: Discover the historical sites of Sardinia with visits to Nuraghe Palmavera, an ancient Phoenician, Carthaginian, and Roman settlement. Explore the well-preserved Roman ruins and the unique archaeological site of Nora. In the afternoon, explore the old town of Cagliari with its narrow streets and terraced squares.
- Sicilian Highlights: Your journey continues through Sicily with visits to Palermo and Taormina. Explore the picturesque streets of Palermo, famous for its diverse heritage and historic architecture. Alternatively, visit Monreale Cathedral, renowned for its stunning Byzantine mosaics. In Taormina, a walled town near Mount Etna, you can explore the characteristic alleys and visit the Greek Theatre with breathtaking views over the town and coast.
Prices quoted here are often dependent on currency fluctuations. Please check with (01432 507450 or info@small-cruise-ships.com) for the very latest price, which may well be cheaper than the one advertised here.
Le Boreal
Luxury Expedition / Cruise Ship
A superb mega-yacht with 132 cabins, she is the fruit of the expertise of the Italian Fincantieri shipyard and French sophistication, as interpreted by designer Jean-Philippe Nuel. Le Boreal creates a unique atmosphere, a subtle blend of luxury, intimacy and well-being.
The best materials, discreet elegance and a tasteful décor combined with exterior and interior lines to reflect a nautical mood. On board, soothing neutral tones are enlivened by splashes of red, our signature theme linking tradition and innovation to create personal touches in the spirit of a “private yacht”.
Cuisine
Loyal to the great French tradition, the haute cuisine on board is worthy of the finest restaurants, where discreet, attentive service is the hallmark.
Choose from two restaurants for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The Gastronomic Restaurant is situated on Le Liberte Deck and serves you French and international cuisine accompagnied by fine wine. In the Grill Restaurant, you have the opportuniny to eat outside and enjoy buffet lunch and themed dinner.
Life On Board
Whether you want to join other guests in the theatre or games area (Wii™ consoles, etc), or relax on your own in a quiet corner of the library, Le Boreal has been designed to meet the needs of every guest.
Everything has been done to preserve the independence of each guest to suit their personal tastes: lounges for lectures and shows, a spa in partnership with Carita™, but also more intimate spaces such as the library and internet corner. Comfortable cabins, nearly all with private balcony, are available for families either as triples or as communicating cabins. There is also a games area with Wii™ consoles, children’s menus, and a baby-sitting ser vice. Just as if you were on a private yacht, your time is your own to do as you please.
Fitted with the latest equipment (Kinesis Wall, running machine) and in partnership with the famous Carita™ brand, the Beauty Centre on Le Boreal welcomes you for some relaxation and pampering (beauty treatments, hairdresser, hammam, balneotherapy).
Wheelchairs3 specially adapted wheelchair cabins (Deck 3 = Superior cabin no. 307, no balcony, Deck 4 = Prestige Cabin no. 407 - with balcony and Deck 5 = Prestige Cabin no 509, with balcony) and lifts to all decks/areas.
DetailsLength: 142 metres. Passenger Capacity: 264 (in twin cabins, just 200 in Antarctica). Built: 2011
Please click the following links to read more about Ponant and the other Ponant cruise ships.