Discover the Adriatic’s hidden treasures with L’Austral

Exciting Venice roundtrip cruises highlight the riches of the Adriatic Sea

Premium French cruise line, Compagnie du Ponant is planning a stellar cruising season for its newest ship, L’Austral when it launches in April 2011.

Offering a chic and ultra elegant yacht-like ambiance, L’Austral’s modern and luxurious amenities include 132 ocean view cabins, two restaurants and a sun drenched deck area with swimming pool and bar. The cruising experience onboard satisfies the individual needs of each guest, including lounges for lectures and shows, a spa in conjunction with Sothys and spacious cabins (95 percent of which offer private balconies). In keeping with French tradition, L’Austral’s haute cuisine is on par with the world’s leading restaurants in terms of service, refinement and attention to detail.

L’Austral will offer a number of 7-night Secrets of the Adriatic cruises, which takes guests to enchanting palaces, down picturesque canals and past medieval architecture. The cruise will offer unforgettable experiences both on and off the ship. The cruise departs roundtrip from Venice, where the beauty of its architecture, culture and people will enchant visitors. From there, L’Austral will slip into the Adriatic Sea, sailing past rugged coastlines and azure waters, to arrive at the Croatian ports of Sibenik, Split and Korcula.

The next port of call is Kotor, Montenegro, an old Mediterranean shipping port with strong Venetian influences. Kotor is also one of the best preserved medieval towns in the Adriatic, earning it a UNESCO world heritage site status. A tour of the Adriatic would be incomplete without a visit to Dubrovnik, Croatia, affectionately known as the ‘Pearl of the Adriatic’. Walk along the city walls, wander past white stone churches or drop into a cafe and watch the world go by. Guests will also visit the vibrant ports of Hvar, Pula and Rovinj in Croatia before returning to Venice.

The 7-night Secrets of the Adriatic cruise is priced from $3,130* per person twin share, and departs on 23 and 30 August as well as 6 September 2011.

For further information about Compagnie du Ponant or to make a booking, please contact Travel the World on 1300 950 622 or visit www.traveltheworld.com.au.

* Cruise fares have been converted from Euro using an indicative rate of 0.70 and is based on the30 AUG 2011 L’Austral sailing, inclusive of $330 port/safety taxes.