PONANT
With its sleek profile and refined open-to-the-sea design, Le Bougainville effortlessly combines discovery and exploration with luxury. Hi-tech equipment and a multisensorial underwater lounge join world-class accommodations, a shimmering outside pool, a spa and two restaurants on a ship that promises an intimate and immersive journey for its 184 guests.
An alluring blend of ancient and modern, where cityscapes contrast with sea views and monumental mountains create a dramatic backdrop, the Eastern part of the Arabian Peninsula is a place of many wonders. Embark on this exciting 11-day cruise operated in partnership with RADIO CLASSIQUE, featuring an exceptional musical line-up and acclaimed guest speakers including Raphaëlle Moreau and Alain Dualt, and you can soak up the culture both on and off the ship. Extra time in Dubai and Muscat before and after your cruise offers the chance to relax or explore at the start and end of your trip.
Day 1 - 2
Arrive in Dubai and transfer to One&Only Royal Mirage, Arabian Court for a two-night stay. An oasis of Arabian luxury with dramatic architecture, acres of beautifully landscaped gardens and a kilometre of private beach, this is a hotel destined to impress even the most discerning of travellers.
Day 3
Check out from your hotel before making your way to the port in the afternoon, where PONANT’s Le Bougainville ship will be waiting to welcome you. Take in the city views as you set sail in the early evening, the beginning of your journey across the Persian Gulf.
Day 4
Take the time to explore your home for the next ten days during a day at sea. Soak up the sun next to the swimming pool or head to the ship’s upper deck to sit and watch the waves as you travel.
Day 5
Arrive in Manama, the capital of Bahrain. Discover vibrant souks and ancient sites behind the city’s gleaming skyline, marvel at the impressive Grand Al-Fateh Mosque or visit the Bahrain International Formula 1 Circuit – with a choice of excursions and one trip included per person per port of call, there’s sure to be an option to suit your interests.
Day 6
Boasting a prime position alongside the calm waters of the Arabian Gulf, Dammam is a modern city and the gateway to the beautiful Al-Ahsa Oasis. Take an optional excursion to this UNESCO World Heritage Site and explore the historical sites, traditional architecture and authentic culture of one of the largest oases in the world.
Day 7
Rising up out of the desert, Doha’s mix of traditional and modern is endlessly intriguing. Stroll past colourful stalls in bustling Souq Waqif before marvelling at one of the finest Islamic art collections in the world at the city’s striking Museum of Islamic Art.
Day 8 - 9
A cosmopolitan city with a rich cultural heritage, Abu Dhabi boasts iconic landmarks including the Corniche waterfront and Sheikh Zayad Grand Mosque, as well as The Louvre Abu Dhabi, where objects and works from all over the world are housed in a striking dome-topped building.
Day 10
Located in the country’s north on the Musandam Peninsula, there’s a chance to see some of Oman’s most spectacular scenery at this stopover in Khasab. Board a traditional Omani dhow boat and discover the ‘Norway of the Arabia’ on Musandam’s longest fjord or enjoy a panoramic journey by 4WD travelling through the Musandam mountains.
Day 11
Emerging out of the turquoise waters of the Gulf of Oman, the Daymaniyat Islands are a designated nature reserve boasting incredible biodiversity. With white sand beaches, coral reefs teeming with fish and a variety of birdlife, this is a paradise location like no other.
Day 12
Discover Oman’s maritime heritage in Sur, where traditional boatyards creating hand-crafted dhows dot the coastal landscape. Explore the Sunaysilah Fort, so pivotal in the city’s age-old overseas trade, and admire the white-washed architecture and sea views during your time here.
Day 13 - 15
Having banned towers and skyscrapers in favour of more traditional architecture, Oman’s capital city Muscat has an authentic and charming feel. Disembark from your cruise this morning and transfer to your hotel in nearby Al Bustan Bay. Enjoy three nights of beachfront bliss in an oasis of luxury nestled between mountains and sea.
Day 16
As your Arabian adventure comes to a sad end, it’s time to travel to the airport for your international flight back home.