Compagnie du Ponant invites golf and travel enthusiasts to combine their two passions with a nine-day “Nice–Nice” voyage that sails to eight ports and visits five courses in Italy and France aboard the three-masted sailing yacht Le Ponant. As the 64-passenger yacht traverses the Mediterranean Sea, golfers head to play rounds at courses including La Pevero, considered one of the world’s “best kept secrets,” and Cannes-Mougins, nestled within the protected lands of the Valmasque Forest. Non-golfers will also be entranced with stops in Civitavecchia, the gateway to Rome; Viareggio, a placid Tuscan seaside resort town; and Calvi, home to the Genoese Citadel.
The three departures – May 6, 17 and 25 – are designed for the golfer looking for a little adventure and the traveler looking to exceed the bounds of traditional cruising — unspoiled destinations, less-visited ports and out-of-the-way locales. Stylish accommodations, elegant design and discrete, personalized service – assured by a staff to guest ratio of greater than 1:2 – all contribute to the guest’s “private yachting experience.” And for golfers – a sports director will be onboard to assist with their needs. Fares range from $4,841 to $5,453 per person, double; golfers pay an additional $760 per person.
The Mediterranean itinerary keeps in mind there are non-golfers aboard, so after Le Ponant journeys out from Nice, the largest of the French Riviera’s balmy cities, it heads to Portoferraio. In this ancient Tuscan town, non-golfers can take in the three historical forts or Napoleon’s home while golfers head off to Acquabona Golf Club. Other highlights along the way for the ‘golf widows and widowers’ include Viareggio, a lovely seaside town where beaches reign supreme and the seaside promenade is ideal for strolling; the ancient city of Civitavecchia with its hundreds of cultural gems – churches, monasteries, fountains, ancient ruins; and the Sardinian village of Porto Rotondo — known as the vacation village with many wonderful restaurants and stunning beaches (golfers head off to Pevero). There is also the Corsica fortress town of Bonifacio where non-golfers wander the labyrinth of narrow streets in the 1,200-year-old Old Town, or take in the white sand Corsican beaches; and the “citadel city” of Calvi, dating back to 1000BC, with its L’Eglise Santa Maria (Big Pink Church) and of course, the Citadel.
The 290-foot Le Ponant, a three-masted sailing yacht, creates an atmosphere of intimacy and luxury with a full roster of high-end amenities and a ship capacity limited to 64 passengers. The ship boasts a vast sun deck with panoramic views, two restaurants, several spacious lounges, bar complete with piano and a sea-level platform for viewing marine life. Its 32 outside staterooms have an abundance of space and amenities – king size or twin beds, a desk, minibar, dressing table, marble baths with showers and L’Occitane amenities as well as the latest technology: flat screen satellite TVs, DVD/CD players, satellite direct-dial telephone and Wi-Fi and 110/220 outlets.
Included are all meals, accompanied by wine, beer and soda (lunch, dinner); Captain’s welcome aboard cocktail party and gala dinner; 24-hour room service; golf course fees (for those with the golf package), and all entertainment, events and shows as indicated within the itinerary. Port charges/taxes, gratuities, optional excursions and transfers are additional.
Compagnie du Ponant, 888-400-1082, USreservations@ponant.com, www.ponant.com