Set sail and save with Compagnie du Ponant

Set sail for the Mediterranean and Adriatic and save

Compagnie du Ponant announces savings of up to AU$739 on select itineraries booked by 30 May 2009

Sydney, 4 May 2009: Escaping to warmer climes has never been more tempting thanks to a spectacular special announced by Compagnie du Ponant and Travel the World. Savings of up to AU$739 per person on select cruises to the Mediterranean and Adriatic Seas are available for bookings made before 30 May 2009. Explore enchanting isles, secluded coves and ports steeped in history as you sail the turquoise waters surrounding France, Italy, Slovenia, Croatia or Montenegro onboard luxury yacht Le Ponant.

Navigating the Italian 'boot' and some of Croatia and Slovenia's most charming ports, the 10-night Italian Avventura cruise sails from Nice to Venice. While-away the hours at the Italian seaside resort, wander winding streets and terraced gardens or marvel at the volcanic Aeolian Archipelago. Croatia holds the magnificent St James Cathedral - a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage listed site - medieval ruins and picturesque villages. Departing Nice, France on 17 July 2009, Le Ponant will call at Giglio, Amalfi, Lipari, Brindisi and Bari (Italy), followed by Sibenik (Croatia), Koper (Slovenia) and Venice (Italy). Cruises start from AU$8,109, with savings of up to $739 per person.

Dramatic panoramas, rustic villages and Renaissance relics await on the Corsican Delights, Tuscany & Liguria itinerary. The 7-night Roundtrip from Nice sails to the beautiful island of Corsica, home to the Citadel of Calvi, and the Bonafacio marine nature reserve. On the Isle of Elba in the Tuscan Archipelago, you'll visit Napoleon's home of exile, whilst Viareggio is ideally situated for a day trip to Florence, birthplace of the Renaissance. The ports of Portovenere and Portofino offer medieval architecture and magnificent views favoured by the Italian jet-set. Departing Nice on 10 July 2009, this cruise stops at Calvi-Corse, Porto-Corse, Bonifacio-Corse (France), Civitavecchia, Portoferraio, Viareggio and Portofino (Italy). Cruises start from AU$6,263, with savings of up to $435 per person.

For those with their sights on the East, the 7-night Croatia & Montenegro: Dalmation Colours cruise features some of the Dalmatian Coast's most awe-inspiring attractions. Over three thousand years old, Croatia's Zadar hosts the Adriatic's oldest Roman Forum, whilst cosmopolitan Split is fortified by ancient city walls protecting the temples and palaces within. Dubrovnik is rich in architectural heritage dating back to the Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque eras. The medieval townscape of Kotor is best explored by foot, as you circumnavigate the city walls. Departing Venice (Italy) on 27 July and 3 August 2009, Le Ponant calls at Zadar, Split, Hvar, Dubrovnik (Croatia), Kotor (Montenegro), Mljet, Korcula, Sibenik (Croatia) and Venice. Bookings start from AU$6,089, with savings of up to $608 per person.

Guests onboard Le Ponant can relax in the yacht-like atmosphere of Campagnie du Ponant's most intimate vessel.  With just 32 cabins, the elegant touches onboard include two sophisticated restaurants and lounges, a sun deck and luxuriously furnished cabins.

All cruise fares are per person, twin share and include meals, a welcome aboard cocktail party, gala dinner and entertainment. This offer is valid for new bookings made by 30 May 2009.

For further information about Compagnie du Ponant or to make a booking, please contact Travel the World on 1300 766 566 or visit www.traveltheworld.com.au.