Explore Provence, the French Riviera, Italy’s Amalfi Coast and remote Mediterranean islands by land and sea. Stay at three of southern France’s best-located hotels in Provence and Monte-Carlo before an incredible cruise for 7 nights aboard Le Ponant.

• An exclusive cruise aboard Le Ponant with only 60 Tauck guests!
• Private Tauck Shore Excursions – $545 Value!
• Six Mediterranean islands best accessed by small ship – Elba, Corsica, Ponza, Lipari, Sicily and Malta – for unique shore excursions to hidden harbors, coastal villages, and countryside antiquities
• A memorable night sailing by the volcanic island of Stromboli to view its eruptions of molten lava
• 5 days in the south of France exploring the heart of Provence and the French Riviera
• A special visit in Châteauneuf-du-Pape featuring Provençal wine, food, and entertainment
• Wine with dinner and local entertainment aboard ship

• Indicates day of cruising

Southbound (Marseille – Malta)

1. Arrive Marseille / Arles
Tour begins: 6:30 PM, Hotel Jules César, Arles, France. A transfer is included from the Marseille-Provence Int’l Airport to the Hotel Jules César in the Provençal town of Arles. Join us for tonight’s welcome reception and dinner. Meals D

2. Discover Provence – Arles / Avignon
A walking tour of Arles, inspiration for many works by Vincent Van Gogh, includes the Roman Arena and the cloisters at St-Trophime. Travel to the Pont du Gard to see the aqueduct spanning the Gardon River, then on to Avignon and the Palace of the Popes. A visit to the wine region of Châteauneuf-du-Pape precedes an evening of local wine and food, served as heavy hors d’oeuvres. Meals BD

3. Citadel of Les Baux / Aix-en-Provence
See the Van Gogh Bridge, then visit the medieval Citadel of Les Baux. Travel to the ancient Roman town of Aix-en-Provence, today a chic spa town, boasting grand architecture and beautiful fountains. Note: Sightseeing in the Citadel of Les Baux, and most sites visited in Provence, involves significant walking; these venues are not accessible to vehicles. Meals BD

4. Monte-Carlo Diversions
Journey to Saint-Paul-de-Vence, a medieval town that once guarded the Var Frontier, and continue on to Monaco. The afternoon and evening are free to spend at your leisure – your hotel is close to the Monte-Carlo Casino. Meals B

• 5. Discover Nice / Embark Le Ponant
Journey to Nice for a brief tour of the city and several hours of free time; board the sporty yacht Le Ponant for your 7-night cruise in the Mediterranean. Meals BD

• 6. Island of Elba
Drop anchor in the secluded harbor of Porto Azzurro, Elba, this morning for a visit to the Palazzina dei Mulini; Napoleon and his sister lived here during their brief exile on the island. Enjoy local entertainment aboard ship this afternoon before you sail along the coast. Meals BLD

• 7. Small Ships Only in Bonifacio
Corsica’s fjord-like harbor of Bonifacio is only accessible to small ships – your majestic entrance aboard Le Ponant is truly a special moment! Tour the walled fortress area, explore medieval lanes, stroll along the bluff high above the harbor, and see the former barracks of the French Foreign Legion. An afternoon at sea takes you through the Strait of Bonifacio to Ponza. Meals BLD

• 8. Ponza / Cruise the Mediterranean
Charming Ponza is fringed with dramatic coves and cliffs, featuring yellow and pink houses. Fishing boats set out from the 18th-century harbor, and vineyards cover the hillsides. Spend the morning exploring before setting sail for the Amalfi Coast, arriving in the Gulf of Salerno. Meals BLD

• 9. Travel the Amalfi Coast / Ravello
Travel ashore today for a memorable journey along the Amalfi Coast. Stop in the town of Amalfi en route to Ravello; enjoy splendid sea views during a lunch of regional specialties before visiting 13th-century Villa Rufolo. Meals BLD

• 10. Lipari / Fiery Lava of Stromboli
A tender takes you ashore to explore Lipari, largest of the Aeolian Islands. Sail by Stromboli, the “Black Giant,” one of the few volcanoes in the world that is frequently active. The view from the sea at night is unforgettable! Meals BLD

• 11. Cruise to Sicily / Taormina
Explore Taormina, clinging to the cliffs above the coast of eastern Sicily – stroll the Corso Umberto through Old Town, and take a guided tour of the ancient Greek Theatre, dating back to 2 BC, boasting inspiring views of Mt. Etna. Meals BLD

12. Arrive at Valletta, Malta
Le Ponant sails into the dramatic Grand Harbor of Valletta in Malta. A guided island tour includes the city of Mdina, a coastal drive around St. Julian’s Bay, and a walking tour of Valletta. Join us for a farewell dinner tonight. Meals BLD

13. Journey Home
Tour ends: Valletta, Malta. A transfer is included from Le Méridien Phoenicia to Malta International Airport. Allow a minimum of 2 1/2 hours for flight check-in. Meals B

Begins Marseille
May 11
Jun 1
Sep 7
Oct 19

Dates in red indicate special departures where the single price is $7990. Ask at booking for details.

Additional departure dates may become available as these sell out, call us for further information

Land / Cruise Price Per Person
Double $6790 / Single $10,762 / Triple $6190

International Airfare is additional. Departure tax is additional.

Land / Cruise Price includes private Tauck shore excursions, cruise fare, port charges, wine with dinner aboard Le Ponant, and gratuities to ship staff.

Travel North or South: This cruise operates both Northbound from Malta and Southbound from Marseille.

Please ask at time of booking about additional hotel nights before your tour begins and about our comprehensive Cruise Protection Plan.

• Night 1,2 Hotel Jules Cesar
  Arles, France
• Night 3 Grand Hotel Mercure Roi Rene
  Aix-en-Provence, France
• Night 4 Fairmont Monte Carlo
  Monte-Carlo, Monaco
• Night 5-11 Aboard Le Ponant
  Cruising the Mediterranean Sea
• Night 12 Le Meridien Phoenicia
  Valletta, Malta

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