Culture and Islands of the Mediterranean

Starting in Barcelona, step aboard L'Austral for a 12-day cruise between Spain and the majestic Maltese coast. Throughout your journey, you will benefit from an excursion included per person per port of call, to choose from a selection offered by Ponant. During this cruise, explore Alghero and its nuraghi and learn more about the Spanish influences on this Italian island; discover Reggio Calabria and the famous Riace bronzes during a visit to the prestigious national archaeological museum; or meet Daniel Mauceri, a famous puppeteer who is keeping the ancient tradition of the Opera dei Pupi alive...read more from Syracuse.

The diversity of experiences on offer promises you intense and varied moments (to discover the full range of excursions, go to the itinerary tab). You will begin your journey in the Balearic Islands, on the unspoiled island of Menorca. Mahon, the island's capital, will charm you with its age-old history and its exceptional port, which, at 6 kilometres (3.7 miles) long, is the biggest in the Mediterranean! Then L'Austral will make its way to Sardinia and the Port of Alghero.

Discover its rich past reflected in its medieval fortifications, its historic centre, and its majestic cathedral. Cagliari, the island's capital, will charm you with its old town featuring shady stairs, small sun-drenched squares, and vestiges illustrating the city's greatness in medieval times. You will then set a course for Sicily and Trapani. 750 metres (2,460 feet) up, perched on a high triangular plateau sloping down to the sea, this medieval city is a labyrinth of polished, paved narrow streets and alleyways with superb views over the Aegadian Islands and the valley.

In Palermo, the soul of Sicily exudes the perfumes of picturesque markets while history unveils itself. Its 12th-century cathedral and its Teatro Massimo opera house - one of the largest in Europe - make its city centre a real treasure chest with multiple cultural influences. A little further north, you will discover the Aeolian islands. Lipari is the capital of the Aeolian volcanic archipelago and is renowned for its many natural and architectural gems. Catania is the next port of call on your cruise. Located on the slopes of Mount Etna, the town has been destroyed seven times by the volcano's eruptions! Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is a town of incomparable cultural richness.

In Syracuse, the Sicilian soul unfolds across the island of Ortygia - the oldest part of the city -, a maze of small streets dotted with churches, palaces, ancient remnants, sheltering a majestic cathedral in its very heart. Gozo, an unspoiled island that is home to a megalithic complex listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the final stop on your cruise. Your cruise will come to an end in Valletta, capital of the island of Malta and former stronghold of the Knights of the Order of Malta.