On this 21-day history and heritage cruise aboard Le Lyrial, follow in Napoleon Bonaparte's footsteps on his transatlantic expedition from Dakar to Santos. Start your journey in Dakar then explore the Ascension Island, a veritable sanctuary for birds, marine mammals and green turtles. Next, discover the Longwood Residence, the site of his last exile which houses tomb. Set sail on the Brazillian coastline and explore Rio de Janeiro and Paraty. Disembark in Santos, the first Portuguese colony established in the New World.
Highlights
Experience Napoleon Bonaparte's transatlantic expedition with guest of honor, historian Franck Ferrand
Two gastronomic dinners inspired by the menus and wines served to the Emperor during his exile
In Saint Helena, visits “in the footsteps of Napoleon”: La pavilion des Briars, Longwood House, the cottage of General Bertrand and the Valley of the Tomb
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
On the tip of the African continent, the buzzing capital of Senegal stretches along the narrow peninsula of Cape Verde. You may be overwhelmed by its sheer size, but Dakar will win you over with its richly diverse districts, appealing cultural scene and rich natural surroundings. In the historic centre, you'll enjoy the pell-mell of colours and tasty delights in Kermel market. Far from the effervescence of the city, Gorée Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is known as a place of remembrance, having once been a slave trade outpost. On the other side of the plateau, the wild Madeleine islands are protected by a national park.
During your day at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This day without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.
Lost in the heart of the Atlantic, this arid island with a lunar landscape is not as deserted as we may believe. Its position has made it a military base and strategic air bridge for the British and the Americans. The first garrison was established in 1815 to prevent any escape attempt by Napoleon, who was exiled nearly 1,000 kilometres away on the island of Saint Helena. The forts and barracks of the Royal Navy from those times can be visited. Intense marine biodiversity surrounds this island. It is one of the most important breeding sites for tropical marine birds and green turtles , which leave their footprints on the island’s magnificent beaches before heading to the Brazilian coastlines.
During your day at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This day without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.
Nestling in the hollow of a volcanic valley, Jamestown retains the charm of a small English village in the tropics. A centre of Napoleonic legend, the French authorities preciously conserved evidence of the Emperor’s exile on the island, including the Briars and Longwood House pavilions, the “valley of the tomb” and Bertrand’s Cottage. Escorted to Saint Helena by the British aboard HMS Northumberland in 1815, Napoléon died there in 1821. Far removed from the arid hell he described in the memoirs dictated to his faithful companions, you will discover that this natural fortress offers a very diverse landscape, from steep cliffs to fertile lands covered with lush nature.
During your day at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This day without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.
Famed for its colourful Carnival and now as host of the 2016 Summer Olympics, Brazilﾒs former capital is dubbed the ﾓCity of Marvelsﾔ by locals. You canﾒt help being astounded by the panorama that opens up to you from the summit of Corcovado, the rocky peak where the giant statue of Christ the Redeemer has stood for nearly a century. In downtown Rio historic monuments such as the National Museum of Fine Arts sit side-by-side with modernistic buildings such as the cathedral of São Sebastião. On the seafront, Atlântica Avenue runs alongside Copacabana Beach; enjoy a birdﾒs eye view from the cable car ride to the top of Sugarloaf Mountain.
To the South of Rio, you will discover the charming village of Paraty. Bathed in the emerald waters of the Ilha Grande Bay, surrounded by verdant hills and islets, it is one of the jewels of Brazil’s Costa Verde. Here, time seems to have stopped in the time of the conquistadors and their gold-laden galleons. You will love the splendour of Paraty’s heritage — its maze of paved streets, the historic beauty of its colonial houses, its baroque churches. Above all, you will be enchanted by its lively terraces where locals and visitors enjoy grilled fish accompanied by glasses of cachaça. It is, quite simply, a little taste of paradise on Earth!
Day 21: Paraty | Dismebarkation
1 Breakfast
Not far from São Paulo, Santos is one of Brazil’s most important and oldest cities. Founded by the Portuguese in 1546, this city in south-eastern Brazil established itself as the economic leader of the time thanks in particular to its coffee trade. However, Santos is far removed from the image we may have of huge port cities surrounded by vast hangars and maritime containers. Crossed by many small bays with emerald water, Santos is enchanting and invites all who venture into its small picturesque streets, whose dwellings still bear traces of its colonial past, on a journey back into time.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
$13,080
Rates are dynamic and fluctuate based on capacity. Contact us for a specific quote.
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Superior Stateroom
Individually-controlled A/C, en suite shower, desk, Wi-Fi access, TV, and stereo.
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Deluxe Stateroom
28 cabins, 200 sq. ft. + 43 sq. ft. private balcony. Located on Deck 3. Individually-controlled A/C, en suite shower, desk, Wi-Fi access, TV, and stereo.
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Prestige Stateroom - Deck 4
35 cabins, 200 sq. ft. + 43 sq. ft. private balcony. Individually-controlled A/C, en suite shower, Wi-Fi access, TV, and stereo.
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Prestige Stateroom - Deck 5
37 cabins, 200 sq. ft. + 43 sq. ft. private balcony. Individually-controlled A/C, en suite shower, Wi-Fi access, TV, and stereo.
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Prestige Stateroom - Deck 6
1 cabin, 200 sq. ft. + 43 sq. ft. private balcony. Individually-controlled A/C, en suite shower, Wi-Fi access, TV, and stereo.
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Deluxe Suite
3 cabins on Deck 6, 290 sq. ft. + 54 sq. ft. private balcony. Individually-controlled A/C, en suite shower, sofa, armchair and pedestal table, Wi-Fi access, TV, and stereo.
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Prestige Suite - Deck 5
11 cabins, 398 sq. ft + 86 sq. ft. private balcony. Individually controlled A/C, ensuite bathroom with shower, desk, sofa, armchair & table, 2 TVs, stereo, Satellite telephone, Wi-Fi access.
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Privilege Suite
8 cabins, 398 sq. ft + 86 sq. ft. private balcony. Individually controlled A/C, ensuite bathroom with shower, desk, sofa, armchair & table, 2 TVs, stereo, Satellite telephone, Wi-Fi access.
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Grand Deluxe Suite
1 cabin, 484 sq. ft. + 96 sq. ft. private balcony. Individually controlled A/C, ensuite bathroom with jacuzzi and shower, desk, TV, stereo, Satellite telephone, Wi-Fi access.
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Grand Privilege Suite
7 cabins, 398 sq. ft. + 86 sq. ft. private balcony. Individually controlled A/C, ensuite bathroom with bathtub and shower, desk, minibar, TV, stereo, Satellite telephone, Wi-Fi access.
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Owner Suite
On Deck 6, 592 sq. ft. + 129 sq. ft. private balcony. Individually controlled A/C, ensuite bathroom with jacuzzi and shower, desk, sofa, table with 4 chairs, armchair and table, 2 televisions, stereo, Satellite telephone, Wi-Fi access.
For full cancellation policy details, please contact us for a quote.
Included
20 Breakfasts, 19 Lunches, 20 Dinners
20 Nights Accommodations
Accommodations as listed
Ground transportation as listed
Activities as listed
Meals as listed
Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
Port Fees
Unlimited Wifi
Onboard Entertainment
Captain’s Welcome Cocktail and Gala Dinner
Gratuities to Onboard Crew
“Open Bar” (pouring wines, house champagne, alcohol except premium brands...list available upon request)
24h Room Service (special selection)
English-Speaking Lecturer
Highly experienced and bilingual (French-English) expedition staff
Park Entry Fees into Protected Areas
Water sports activities (except scuba diving) using the ship’s equipment, when permitted by local authorities and confirmed by ship Master according to safety and sea conditions onsite.
Excluded
Travel Insurance
Personal Expenses
Flight costs (please request a quote)
Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
Visa Fees
Optional Excursions - Ponant allows you to pre-book your excursions approximately six to two months prior to the cruise* departure. Please note that this is subject to change. Please contact us for more details.
Any ground services before and/or after the cruise other than the ones mentioned
Luggage Handling
Laundry Services, Hair Salon, and à La Carte Spa Treatments
Pre or post cruise programs, overland programs or shore excursions
Beverages other than the ones mentioned in inclusions
CDP recommends that every Traveler has full and adequate travel insurance covering the risks of cancellation, assistance being required, repatriation, damages to and loss of baggage, and medical expenses
Map
When to Go
Jan
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Dec
Good to ideal period to travel, and many people choose to visit at this time.
Our guide and driver were very good with their knowledge and were very helpful with our questions. It was a very pleasant visit that would have been impossible to do on our own. Hotels and restaurants were fantastic. The special places we got to go to, like the kitchens, were great. Enjoyed the entire trip!
Meyer Smolen
TrustScore 4.8 | 174 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 174 reviews on
8 hours ago
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
1 day ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.
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