L'Austral, 11 Night Culture and islands of the Mediterranean ex Barcelona, Spain to Valletta, Malta

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 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.

This superb mega-yacht with 132 cabins is the result of the expertise of the Italian Fincantieri shipyard and French sophistication, as interpreted by designer Jean-Philippe Nuel. L'Austral remains faithful to our philosophy - to create a unique atmosphere, a subtle blend of luxury, intimacy and well-being.

A sleek silhouette softened by elegantly smooth contours and large, arched windows opening up to the sea and the light: so many features come together to give L’Austral her distinctive shape. Precious materials, discreet elegance and a perfect balance between chic and casual, combine to make you feel as if you are on your own private yacht. A design blending tradition and innovation, where a nautical mood has been subtly recreated. Precious materials in smoothing neutral tones are brought to life with splashes of cheerful reds. So many personal touches create the spirit of a “private yacht.”

You will encounter unique itineraries, calls inaccessible to large ships, chic and elegant yacht-like ambiance, raffined and personalized service as well as gastronomic cuisine.

EXPERIENCE CRUISING ANOTHER WAY, DISCOVER THE MAGIC OF YACHT CRUISES.

Our mission is to transport you to mythical destinations and secret ports only accessible to small capacity ships.

To offer the delights of a French-inspired cuisine in an intimate environment - a discreet service where no attention to detail is spared - and unforgettable moments of relaxation on board elegant yachts of character.

To combine sophistication and conviviality, with priority given to authentic experiences, emotions and the ongoing quest for excellence.

Yacht cruises: more than a cruise, a privilege...

Attentive, professional, discreet and elegant, the fully bilingual service on board will meet your every desire. Our unique atmosphere is filled with a signature sentiment: a warm welcome from an experienced crew who are passionate about what they do, in the tradition of private yachting.

In the dining areas, our gourmet cuisine is worthy of top fine dining restaurants: exquisite wines are available, and menus are created with expertise by our skilled chefs with a French-inspired menu enhanced by specialties from our various ports of call.

Pleasure, enrichment, discovery: relax - we take care of everything...