Le Boreal

<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>With featured guest Cindy Miller Hopkins, American Photo Ambassador.</strong></p> <p style="text-align: justify;">Discover the Southern Ocean as you have never seen it before! Discover the Southern Ocean as you have never seen it before! Embark on a 19-day polar expedition cruise in the highest latitudes, from the Valdes Peninsula to the Falkland Islands, South Georgia and the immaculate lands of Antarctica.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">Your expedition into the heart of the South Atlantic begins before the barren landscapes of the Chubut province, in Patagonia. Welcome to the <strong>Valdes Peninsula</strong>! This wildlife sanctuary, where the beauty of the underwater world is unmatched, also reveals numerous treasures on land. The scenery is composed of arid steppes, a rich and varied flora, and distinctive haciendas. In these unspoiled lands home to more than 180 bird species, <strong>orcas</strong> hunt young <strong>maned seals</strong> on the beaches under the watchful eye of the <strong>Magellanic penguins</strong>, as <strong>guanacos</strong> gallop across the arid plains and<strong> dusky dolphins</strong> swim around peacefully. Here, the majestic beauty of nature offers a gateway to a whole new world.Welcome to the <strong>Valdes Peninsula</strong>! This wildlife sanctuary, where the beauty of the underwater world is unmatched, also reveals numerous treasures on land. The scenery is composed of arid steppes, a rich and varied flora, and distinctive haciendas. In these unspoiled lands home to more than 180 bird species, <strong>orcas</strong> hunt young <strong>maned seals</strong> on the beaches under the watchful eye of the <strong>Magellanic penguins</strong>, as <strong>guanacos</strong> gallop across the arid plains and<strong> dusky dolphins</strong> swim around peacefully. Here, the majestic beauty of nature offers a gateway to a whole new world.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">You will continue your austral exploration further south, with the discovery of the Falkland Islands. As you sail in this archipelago of 200 islands, you will be escorted by sei whales. Composing the wild beauty of the shorelines are beaches of white sand, jagged cliffs, windswept moors and tall grass swaying with the wind.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">Your ship will soon take to the seas once again, to reach the <strong>mountainous island of South Georgia</strong>. It is there, in the midst of gigantic glaciers, that <strong>Sir Ernest Shackleton</strong> miraculously ran aground during the famous Endurance Odyssey in 1916. Today, king penguins, elephant and fur seals that have taken over the black-sand beaches dominated by the tall peaks that reveal the <strong>Scotia Arc</strong>.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">You will ultimately land on the frozen shores of the nearly inaccessible <strong>White Continent, Antarctica</strong>. White shades take on a thousand nuances as it covers the icebergs, glaciers, mountains and frozen sea all around you. You will be one of the rare few travellers to have laid eyes on this legendary land, the theatre of the greatest expeditions and the witness of the most extraordinary adventures. Above all, you are in the <strong>realm of the penguins</strong> – Adelie, Gentoo, chinstrap – seals, whales and seabirds that accompany you on this unforgettable trip.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><em>We are privileged guests in these extreme lands where we are at the mercy of weather and ice conditions. Landings on certain sites and the observation of certain wildlife cannot be guaranteed. They vary from day to day, making each PONANT cruise a unique experience. The Captain and the Expedition Leader will make every effort to ensure that your experience is as rich as possible, while complying with the safety rules and instructions imposed by the IAATO. </em></p>

<p style="text-align: justify;">Cruise the heart of the Atlantic to discover breathtaking wild landscapes, fascinating historic cities and vibrant traditions. From the <strong>volcanic archipelagos of the Canaries and Madeira to the coast of Morocco</strong>, each port of call reveals sublime landscapes of majestic volcanoes, secluded coves, green cliffs and pine and laurel forests. In these sun-drenched lands, <strong>colourful houses, opulent palaces, bustling souks and lively squares recall a fascinating history of multicultural influences</strong> and invite travellers to enjoy unforgettable carefree moments.</p>

<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>In alliance with Smithsonian Journeys.</strong></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><em>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.</em></p> <p style="text-align: justify;">This cruise from the Atlantic Coast of North Africa to the Spanish Mediterranean provides a relaxed and engaging experience of both the rich history and vibrant contemporary culture of the region.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">From storied <strong>Casablanca</strong>, Morocco, sail first for Tangier. During two full days in <strong>Tangier, </strong>you can visit the <strong>American Legation</strong>, the oldest U.S. diplomatic mission in the world, and you may travel across the Rif Mountains to the showcase of Moroccan handicrafts at the <strong>UNESCO World Heritage Site of Tetouan</strong>.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">Next you will spend a full day in and around <strong>Malaga</strong>, Spain, the gateway to Andalusia and to the legendary <strong>Costa del Sol</strong>. One highlight of your time here is sure to be your journey to <strong>Granada</strong>, including lunch and a tour of the incomparable <strong>Alhambra</strong>.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">From <strong>Marbella</strong>, you may travel to the picturesque town of <strong>Ronda</strong>, a center of bullfighting, or you may stay in Marbella to stroll the <em>Avenida del Mar,</em> decorated with ten sculptures by Dali<strong>.</strong></p> <p style="text-align: justify;">Next discover <strong>Cádiz</strong>, one of the country’s oldest cities. This call will allow for a visit to the superb palace of the <strong>Alcázar</strong> in <strong>Seville</strong>, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Or stay in town to attend a performance of <strong>flamenco</strong> at a local tavern.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Portimao</strong> is your gateway to Portugal’s Algarve and to the villages of Silves and Monchique. <strong>Silves</strong> is a typical Algarve village of cobblestoned streets lined with white houses of Moorish/Arab design. It is also home to <strong>Castillo de Silves,</strong> the best-preserved castle in the region, offering panoramic views of the town and the surrounding countryside. Like Silves, <strong>Monchique</strong> is a village of cobbled lanes lined with shops selling local handicrafts. It is best known for <strong>Caldas de Monchique</strong>, hot springs famous since antiquity for their healing waters.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">Your voyage will end in <strong>Lisbon</strong>, Portugal’s capital. Lisbon boasts two UNESCO World Heritage sites, the<strong> Jerónimos Monastery </strong>and the <strong>Belém Tower</strong>. Choose to extend your stay and enjoy strolling through the streets of this city of seven hills, soaking up the local zest for life.</p>

<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>From the Gironde to the shores of Portugal</strong>, explore the many facets of the Atlantic coast and join the dance on this unique cruise. Organised in partnership with<strong> the Paris Opera Ballet</strong>, it features <strong>a prima ballerina </strong>as special guest,<strong> accompanied by five of the company’s dancers.</strong> You will discover <strong>the treasures of these lands brimming with history</strong>, including fortified towns, fishing ports, maritime traditions and architectural gems. Your journey will be punctuated by stage performances at sea and on land, ballet classes, dance conferences and fascinating discussions. On this enchanting voyage, <strong>dance and heritage will intermingle</strong> harmoniously to offer you <strong>an unforgettable cultural and artistic experience</strong>.</p>

<p style="text-align: justify;">Experience the rare luxury of having all the time in the world, during a summer holiday on the Atlantic coast. Whether during a stopover or an overnight stay, enjoy the fresh air and take a stroll through the narrow streets brimming with history, explore the green landscapes on foot or by bike, and marvel at art collections housed in boldly designed museums. Between unspoilt coastlines, iconic pilgrimage sites, and towns full of character, such as Saint-Jean-de-Luz, Santander and A Coruña, time stands still to celebrate the art of living, good food, history and the beauty of the Gascon and Iberian horizons. From the Basque Country to Cantabria, Asturias and Galicia, and on to Portugal, summer will unfold slowly, punctuated by cultural discoveries and outdoor activities along the legendary Santiago de Compostela trails.</p>

<p style="text-align: justify;">From sea to sea, or from continent to continent, <strong>PONANT</strong> welcomes you aboard its ships for a <strong>Sea Journey</strong>. A few times a year we invite sea lovers, dreamers, and keen observers of endless horizons to join our non-stop journeys, to enjoy the comfort of our ships for an extended period and share the daily lives of our crew.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">As the days go by, you can admire the waves from the upper deck, keep fit in the spa and make good use of the pool or the gym, share the daily life of the crew, discover sailing techniques and instruments, and enjoy a break from the hectic pace of life.</p>

<p style="text-align: justify;">Between <strong>Catalonia and the French Riviera</strong>, the Mediterranean coastline unfolds like a living and breathing painting in which the light enhances the shores punctuated with secret coves and stunning beaches. From the <strong>vineyards of Languedoc to the craggy calanques of Provence</strong>, fall under the spell of these stone villages with shaded little streets, these ports nestling between pine trees and olive trees, these markets where the fragrance of citrus fruits blends with the scent of the sea. In the spring, away from the hustle and bustle of summer, the <strong>Côte d’Azur</strong>, bathed in sun, will reveal its discreet glamour and timeless elegance. Then <strong>Corsica</strong> will appear on the horizon, with its mountains and coves, its dense forests and wild calanques, all invitations to discovery and contemplation.</p>

<p style="text-align: justify;">Set off to discover the legendary shores of <strong>Italy</strong>, along the Adriatic, <strong>Ionian and Tyrrhenian Seas,</strong> via Sicily and with a break at the <strong>Croatian island pearl of Hvar</strong>. At sea, <strong>spectacular landscapes</strong> unfold between the deep blue sea, lush hills, secret coves and cliffside villages. Each port of call reveals a facet of this mythical land, at the crossroads of multiple influences: ancient sites bearing witness to a glorious past, treasures of Baroque and Renaissance architecture, sunny squares inviting you to partake in <i>la dolce vita</i>, local flavours... A unique journey featuring a harmonious blend of <strong>thousand-year history, living traditions and Mediterranean panoramas</strong> of rare beauty.</p>

<p style="text-align: justify;">Set off to discover the legendary shores of <strong>Italy</strong>, along the Adriatic, <strong>Ionian and Tyrrhenian Seas,</strong> via Sicily and with a break at the <strong>Croatian island pearl of Hvar</strong>. At sea, <strong>spectacular landscapes</strong> unfold between the deep blue sea, lush hills, secret coves and cliffside villages. Each port of call reveals a facet of this mythical land, at the crossroads of multiple influences: ancient sites bearing witness to a glorious past, treasures of Baroque and Renaissance architecture, sunny squares inviting you to partake in <i>la dolce vita</i>, local flavours... A unique journey featuring a harmonious blend of <strong>thousand-year history, living traditions and Mediterranean panoramas</strong> of rare beauty.</p>

<p style="text-align: justify;">Fall under the spell of <strong>the treasures of Sicily,</strong> an island with a thousand faces, and get a taste of its gentle insular way of life in late spring. Steep cliffs, turquoise waters, golden beaches, verdant hills, lands sculpted by olive groves and vineyards form stunning landscapes. <strong>Lipari</strong> rises out of the waves like volcanic pearls while <strong>Mount Etna</strong> dominates the Ionian Sea with its majestic silhouette. From one port of call to the next, ancient sites, cathedrals and palaces all tell an age-old history. An <strong>unforgettable escapade, featuring nature and culture</strong>, promising wonderment in the heart of the Mediterranean.</p>