Name: Atlantic Odyssey from the Iberian Peninsula to the Canary Islands
Brand: PONANT EXPLORATIONS

PONANT EXPLORATIONS

When searching for a luxury yacht expedition cruise, there’s one name above all else that you need to know – Ponant Cruises. Founded in 1988 by former French Merchant Navy officers, Ponant combines succulent luxury with authentic adventures on all seven continents.

From classic Mediterranean itineraries and Caribbean sailings, to bucket-list expeditions around Greenland and Antarctica, Ponant cruises proudly counteract the banality of mainstream voyages with a unique take on the concept of small-ship cruising. It’s the absolute trip of a lifetime.

Cruise Itinerary

Day 1

Valletta

Perched majestically on the limestone cliffs overlooking the Mediterranean, Valletta beckons with its timeless charm and centuries-old history. Home to the Knights of St. John, its streets whisper tales of valiant knights and grand sieges. The Mediterranean climate blesses visitors with warm summers and mild winters, creating an inviting atmosphere year-round. Unlike typical tourist traps, Valletta offers an authentic glimpse into Malta's soul, where locals mingle with visitors in bustling markets and quaint cafes. As the smallest capital in the EU, Valletta boasts one of the highest concentrations of historic sites, including St. John's Co-Cathedral, adorned with Caravaggio's masterpieces.

Day 2

Trapani, Sicily

Welcome to Trapani, where the whispers of ancient maritime trade echo through the harbor and labyrinthine streets. Basking under the Mediterranean sun, Trapani enjoys a mild climate, inviting cruisegoers to immerse themselves in its timeless charm year-round. Away from typical tourist traps, this coastal gem offers an authentic taste of Sicily's soul. Cruise lines often anchor here to showcase the real Italy, from exploring the salt flats where ancient Phoenician ships once docked to indulging in fresh seafood at local trattorias. Fun fact: Trapani is renowned for its Good Friday procession, where locals commemorate Easter with solemnity and pageantry unmatched elsewhere.

Day 3

Palermo

Welcome to Palermo, where echoes of ancient civilizations resonate through its bustling streets and historic landmarks. Perched along the sun-kissed shores of the Mediterranean Sea, Palermo enjoys a Mediterranean climate, offering warm summers and mild winters perfect for leisurely exploration. Away from typical tourist traps, this vibrant city offers an authentic taste of Italy's soul. Cruise lines often anchor here to showcase the country's true essence, from wandering through the vibrant markets of Ballarand Vucciria to savoring traditional Sicilian street food like arancini and panelle. Fun fact: Palermo's iconic Teatro Massimo is one of the largest opera houses in Europe, hosting world-class performances and cultural events.

Day 4

Cagliari

Set against the backdrop of ancient civilizations, Cagliari welcomes travelers with the echoes of its storied past. Blessed with a Mediterranean climate, its sun-kissed shores offer a haven for those seeking a genuine Italian experience. Away from crowded tourist hubs, Cagliari boasts authentic charm and unspoiled landscapes, revealing the true essence of Italy. Cruise lines dock along its picturesque harbor, providing access to historical treasures such as the impressive Bastione Saint Remy. Delight in the local cuisine, where savory seafood dishes reign supreme, complemented by the renowned Cannonau wine, cultivated in the island's sun-drenched vineyards.

Day 5

At sea

Day 6

Mahón, Menorca

Day 7

Palma de Mallorca

Nestled along the shimmering shores of Mallorca, Palma de Mallorca beckons with a captivating blend of history and charm. Its story unfolds through the ages, from Roman conquests to Moorish rule, leaving behind a tapestry of architectural wonders. Beneath the Mediterranean sun, Palma offers a mild climate, perfect for leisurely exploration year-round. Away from tourist traps, it reveals authentic Spanish life in its bustling markets and vibrant squares. As a showcase of the country's essence, Palma captures hearts with its traditional festivals and local delicacies like ensaada pastries. An interesting fact: Palma boasts one of Europe's largest Gothic cathedrals, La Seu, a testament to its enduring grandeur.

Day 8

Barcelona

Barcelona, a city defined by its innovative spirit from the architectural wonders of Gaudto the bustling medieval streets of the Gothic Quarter, offers a vivid window into Spains artistic soul. The city benefits from a Mediterranean climate, ensuring pleasant weather perfect for leisurely explorations of its many districts. Cruise lines such as Royal Caribbean and Norwegian utilize Barcelona as a key port, giving travelers the chance to immerse themselves in a blend of modernist architecture and vibrant local life. An intriguing fact about Barcelona is its beach was artificially created in preparation for the 1992 Olympics, showcasing the city's ability to ingeniously reinvent itself while maintaining its historical roots.

Day 1

Valletta

Perched majestically on the limestone cliffs overlooking the Mediterranean, Valletta beckons with its timeless charm and centuries-old history. Home to the Knights of St. John, its streets whisper tales of valiant knights and grand sieges. The Mediterranean climate blesses visitors with warm summers and mild winters, creating an inviting atmosphere year-round. Unlike typical tourist traps, Valletta offers an authentic glimpse into Malta's soul, where locals mingle with visitors in bustling markets and quaint cafes. As the smallest capital in the EU, Valletta boasts one of the highest concentrations of historic sites, including St. John's Co-Cathedral, adorned with Caravaggio's masterpieces.

Day 2

Trapani, Sicily

Welcome to Trapani, where the whispers of ancient maritime trade echo through the harbor and labyrinthine streets. Basking under the Mediterranean sun, Trapani enjoys a mild climate, inviting cruisegoers to immerse themselves in its timeless charm year-round. Away from typical tourist traps, this coastal gem offers an authentic taste of Sicily's soul. Cruise lines often anchor here to showcase the real Italy, from exploring the salt flats where ancient Phoenician ships once docked to indulging in fresh seafood at local trattorias. Fun fact: Trapani is renowned for its Good Friday procession, where locals commemorate Easter with solemnity and pageantry unmatched elsewhere.

Day 3

Palermo

Welcome to Palermo, where echoes of ancient civilizations resonate through its bustling streets and historic landmarks. Perched along the sun-kissed shores of the Mediterranean Sea, Palermo enjoys a Mediterranean climate, offering warm summers and mild winters perfect for leisurely exploration. Away from typical tourist traps, this vibrant city offers an authentic taste of Italy's soul. Cruise lines often anchor here to showcase the country's true essence, from wandering through the vibrant markets of Ballarand Vucciria to savoring traditional Sicilian street food like arancini and panelle. Fun fact: Palermo's iconic Teatro Massimo is one of the largest opera houses in Europe, hosting world-class performances and cultural events.

Day 4

Cagliari

Set against the backdrop of ancient civilizations, Cagliari welcomes travelers with the echoes of its storied past. Blessed with a Mediterranean climate, its sun-kissed shores offer a haven for those seeking a genuine Italian experience. Away from crowded tourist hubs, Cagliari boasts authentic charm and unspoiled landscapes, revealing the true essence of Italy. Cruise lines dock along its picturesque harbor, providing access to historical treasures such as the impressive Bastione Saint Remy. Delight in the local cuisine, where savory seafood dishes reign supreme, complemented by the renowned Cannonau wine, cultivated in the island's sun-drenched vineyards.

Day 5

At sea

Day 6

Mahón, Menorca

Day 7

Palma de Mallorca

Nestled along the shimmering shores of Mallorca, Palma de Mallorca beckons with a captivating blend of history and charm. Its story unfolds through the ages, from Roman conquests to Moorish rule, leaving behind a tapestry of architectural wonders. Beneath the Mediterranean sun, Palma offers a mild climate, perfect for leisurely exploration year-round. Away from tourist traps, it reveals authentic Spanish life in its bustling markets and vibrant squares. As a showcase of the country's essence, Palma captures hearts with its traditional festivals and local delicacies like ensaada pastries. An interesting fact: Palma boasts one of Europe's largest Gothic cathedrals, La Seu, a testament to its enduring grandeur.

Day 8

Barcelona

Barcelona, a city defined by its innovative spirit from the architectural wonders of Gaudto the bustling medieval streets of the Gothic Quarter, offers a vivid window into Spains artistic soul. The city benefits from a Mediterranean climate, ensuring pleasant weather perfect for leisurely explorations of its many districts. Cruise lines such as Royal Caribbean and Norwegian utilize Barcelona as a key port, giving travelers the chance to immerse themselves in a blend of modernist architecture and vibrant local life. An intriguing fact about Barcelona is its beach was artificially created in preparation for the 1992 Olympics, showcasing the city's ability to ingeniously reinvent itself while maintaining its historical roots.