In alliance with Smithsonian Journeys.
This cruise is part of a collection of PONANT voyages that are specially-tailored for English-speaking travelers who want to engage with the world. In addition to the usual elements of the PONANT experience, the listed price for these voyages includes transfers to and from the ship, talks and discussions aboard ship by world class experts, and a shore excursion or activity in each port of call that encourages guests to embrace the sights, sounds, tastes, and smells of the local environment and culture.
From the Red Sea, through the Suez Canal, and into the central Mediterranean, this voyage aboard Le Champlain devotes 13 days to exploring the iconic sites of this exceptionally culturally rich corner of the world, encompassing Israel, Egypt, Cyprus, the Turkish coast, and the Greek Islands of Rhodes and Crete.
Embark in Aqaba, Jordan, the gateway to Petra and the Wadi Rum Protected Area.
Beginning in the Israeli port of Eilat on the Gulf of Aqaba, your first day of discovery offers a choice between a visit to Masada, where a group of Jewish Zealots held out against the Roman army for three years before committing mass suicide rather than surrender, or an exploration of the fabled Mines of King Solomon.
After a day at sea, an excursion to Cairo focuses on the legacy of Pharaonic Egypt, beginning with the Great Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx, the only one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World still in existence, and ending with a visit to the newly opened (October 2022) Grand Egyptian Museum.
During the fifth day of the voyage, Le Champlain transits the Suez Canal, which was built between 1859 and 1869 to shorten the sea route from the Indian Ocean to Western Europe by over 5,000 miles.
Arriving in the Mediterranean Sea, travel from the port of Ashdod to Jerusalem, the ancient city that is holy to Jews, Christians, and Muslim alike, and discover the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, the Western Wall, and the Temple Mount.
During two days on the island of Cyprus, you may explore the UNESCO sites of Tombs of the Kings and the ancient town of Paphos, famous for its mosaics, or you may enjoy a culinary tour providing samples of Cypriot wines, cheeses, breads, and other mezze.
The Greek island of Rhodes, known in antiquity for its schools of philosophy, rhetoric, and sculpture, today boasts one of Europe’s largest medieval towns, built by the Knights of St. John during the Crusades, and a wonderful city to explore on foot.
Kusadasi on Turkey's Aegean coast is your gateway to Ephesus, one of the world's greatest archaeological sites, spanning the period from the Hellenistic world through the early Christian era. The immense excavation here includes temples of several Roman emperors, the iconic Library of Celsus, and the terraced hill houses, with their splendid mosaics and frescoes, overlooking the city below.
The largest of the Greek islands, Crete was home to the Minoans, Europe’s earliest advanced civilization. From Heraklion, travel to Knossos to explore its fabled Minoan Palace, showing life as it was some 4,000 years ago. The palace is a maze of frescoed passageways and chambers that may well have inspired the myth of the labyrinth of the Minotaur. Also choose to visit the Heraklion Museum, with exhibits of Minoan finds from around the island.
The final day of this extraordinary voyage is at sea, providing an opportunity to reflect on all that you have seen and done and to prepare for disembarkation in Malta.
- A voyage specially-tailored for English-speaking travelers including discussions with experts, transfers before and after your cruise, and an included excursion in each port of call.
- Engaging discussions onboard with two Smithsonian Journeys Experts.
- Voyage through seven countries: Jordan, Israel, Egypt, Cyprus, Greece, Turkey, and Malta.
- Experience as many as six UNESCO World Heritage sites.
- Explore the sacred sites of Jerusalem and visit Masada or King Solomon's Mines.
- Discover the Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx and transit the Suez Canal.
- Discover the ancient Cypriot city of Paphos.
- Stroll the medieval streets of Rhodes and discover the Minoan Palace of Knossos.
- Marvel at the splendor of Ephesus.
- Enjoy local cuisine on Cyprus and on Rhodes.
There are no future departures for this trip at this stage.
Le Champlain
| Length | 131 metres |
|---|---|
| Lifts/elevators | Yes |
| Wheelchair accessible | Yes |
| Built | 2018 |
Featuring innovative and environmentally-friendly equipment, elegantly designed cabins, spacious suites with large windows, and lounge areas that open onto the outside, this new limited-capacity yacht boasting just 92 cabins and suites will offer you a truly unique cruising experience.
As the first ship in a new series, Le Champlain will embody the unique atmosphere that is the cruise line’s hallmark: a subtle blend of refinement, intimacy and comfort.
Aboard this ship that flies the French flag, you will experience the incomparable pleasure of an intimate cruise, with the possibility of exploring an ever-increasing range of destinations in an ethnic-chic ambiance with luxury service.
Experience a luxurious setting where the accent is on authenticity and passion for travel.
RESTAURANTS
As it is an essential part of French culture, gastronomy will naturally have pride of place aboard this new ship. Through its two restaurants, Le Champlain will invite you on a journey to elegance and epicureanism.
In a relaxed atmosphere, a first dining area located on Deck 3 and able to seat 70 will serve grilled meats daily, along with a variety of salads and desserts.
To the back of Deck 4, you will find a 260 m² panoramic restaurant which can accommodate all of our passengers in a single sitting. Designed differently to that on our other ships, this dining area, which opens onto the outside, will have a buffet of salads, desserts and cheeses at your disposal. Our discreet and attentive crew will provide table service for hot meals.
PUBLIC AREAS
Like Le Boréal and its sisterships, Le Champlain has many common areas that are designed and equipped to meet all of your needs while preserving the intimacy of each passenger.
A 140 m² reception area includes: A reception/concierge desk, An excursions desk, The ship’s administrative services, The sales office, manned by our Guest Relations Officer, Our 50 m² boutique which sells clothing, jewellery, beauty products, postcards and various accessories, Toilets accessible to passengers with reduced mobility.
A new hydraulic platform with adjustable height provides: Easier boarding than on any other cruise ship, Easier Zodiac embarkation and disembarkation for expeditions, Easier access to the sea for swimming and practising various water sports such as kayaking or paddle-boarding.
A pool deck offering: A pool with a panoramic view, equipped with a counter-current swimming system, A pleasant solarium, An outdoor bar and lounge with armchairs and sofas.
A 200 m² main lounge which can accommodate all of our passengers to share convivial moments and to host activities organised during the day or evening.
Lastly, a theatre that seats 188, equipped with: The latest sound and lighting technology, A LED wall as the stage backdrop, for the projection of high-resolution images and videos.
Please click the following links to read more about Ponant and the other Ponant cruise ships.
