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Mediterranean Overture – 7th Opera Festival at Sea

3–13 October 2028 | Nice • Corsica • Provence • Catalonia • Barcelona
GUARANTEED DEPARTURE

Imagine exploring the sun-drenched Mediterranean by day and, as evening falls, returning onboard for an exclusive concert performed by exceptional lyrical artists. Welcome to Mediterranean Melodies – 7th Opera Festival at Sea, an extraordinary journey created for those who love travel, music, culture and beautiful places.

Best of all, this is a GUARANTEED DEPARTURE — once you’ve secured your place, you can start looking forward to October 2028 knowing this very special journey is going ahead.

And for SOLO TRAVELLERS, this journey offers something particularly special — your OWN ROOM and your OWN BALCONY CABIN throughout, at NO ADDITIONAL COST. No solo supplement and no need to share. Couples are equally welcome to join us, with the same per-person tour price whether travelling solo or sharing.

Our journey begins with two nights in beautiful Nice on the Côte d’Azur, including airport transfers on arrival, time to settle in and explore, a guided discovery of Nice and our Travel With Lesley Whyte Welcome Dinner.

We then board L’Austral for seven nights sailing through the Mediterranean, discovering Corsica, the French coast and Catalonia while enjoying the centrepiece of this remarkable voyage — an exclusive onboard concert every evening featuring guest lyrical artists.

From Ajaccio and the medieval citadel of Calvi to Cassis, Marseille, Port-Vendres and the beautiful Costa Brava, our days are filled with Mediterranean landscapes, history, culture and wonderful opportunities to explore.

After arriving in Tarragona, we’ll transfer to Barcelona for our final night together and farewell dinner before our included group transfer to Barcelona Airport the following day.

Throughout the journey, you’ll be fully escorted by Travel With Lesley Whyte, allowing you to simply arrive, unpack and enjoy the experience while we take care of the arrangements.

Come solo. Come as a couple. Come for the Mediterranean, the music and the experience of sharing something truly special with a small group of fellow travellers.

This is more than a cruise — it’s the Mediterranean in concert. 🎶

  • October 3, 2028 - October 13, 2028
  • AUD $26,700
  • 6 - 12
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3 October 2028 – Welcome to Nice

Our Mediterranean musical journey begins in beautiful Nice!

On arrival at Nice Côte d’Azur Airport, we are met by our local representative and transferred directly to our 4-star hotel, ideally located close to the famous Promenade des Anglais.

Hotel check-in is available from 3:00pm.

We’ve deliberately kept the remainder of our first day completely free, giving everyone time to arrive on their individual flights, settle into the hotel and recover from their journey.

Perhaps take your first stroll along the Promenade des Anglais, find a nearby café or simply relax and enjoy your introduction to the French Riviera.

Meals today are at your own cost.

Overnight in Nice.

4 October 2028 – Nice at Leisure & Our Welcome Dinner

Breakfast included | Welcome Dinner included

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before a leisurely day to explore Nice at your own pace.

We’ve deliberately left today free so you can choose how you’d like to spend your first full day on the Côte d’Azur. Perhaps enjoy some shopping, wander along the waterfront, find a fabulous café for lunch or simply relax and soak up the atmosphere of the French Riviera.

Tonight, we’ll come together for our official Travel With Lesley Whyte Welcome Dinner.

It’s our first evening together as a group and the perfect opportunity to meet your fellow travellers properly, enjoy wonderful food and wine and celebrate the musical and Mediterranean adventure that lies ahead.

Overnight in Nice.

5 October 2028 – Discover Nice & Embark L’Austral

Breakfast included | Lunch at leisure | Dinner onboard

Departure: 6:30pm

After breakfast, we’ll discover Nice on a guided walking tour departing directly from our hotel with a passionate local expert guide.

Stroll along the famous Promenade des Anglais while enjoying sweeping views across the Mediterranean, before exploring the charming narrow streets and colourful character of Vieux-Nice.

We’ll take in the exceptional panoramic views from Parc de la Colline du Château, experience the wonderful atmosphere of the Marché du Cours Saleya and visit iconic Place Masséna with its distinctive suspended statues.

Following our guided tour, enjoy some free time to continue exploring the city, have lunch at leisure or simply relax at the hotel before our departure.

Later this afternoon, we’ll be accompanied from our hotel to the port to embark L’Austral and begin our 7th Opera Festival at Sea.

Once onboard, settle into your cabin and explore the ship before we farewell Nice at 6:30pm and set sail into the Mediterranean.

And tonight, the music begins. Throughout our voyage, every evening brings an exclusive onboard concert featuring guest lyrical artists — the perfect combination of Mediterranean exploration and extraordinary music.

Our 7th Opera Festival at Sea is officially underway!

6 October 2028 – Ajaccio, Corsica

Welcome to Corsica and Ajaccio, a wonderfully Mediterranean city surrounded by mountains, beaches and beautiful coastal scenery.

Best known as the birthplace of Napoleon Bonaparte, Ajaccio combines fascinating history with the relaxed atmosphere of an island town. Wander through its old streets and squares, discover colourful markets filled with Corsican produce, or simply enjoy the waterfront and views across the Gulf of Ajaccio.

Beyond the city lies the Corsica of pine-covered mountains, olive trees, secluded beaches and wonderfully rugged landscapes.

After a day exploring this beautiful corner of the Mediterranean, return to L’Austral for another evening of exceptional music onboard.

7 October 2028 – Calvi, Corsica

Today we discover Calvi, one of Corsica’s most beautiful coastal towns.

Dominating the harbour is Calvi’s magnificent medieval citadel, standing proudly above the Mediterranean and providing wonderful views across the town, mountains and coastline.

Below the fortress, narrow streets, cafés and the colourful marina create a wonderfully relaxed Mediterranean atmosphere.

Calvi is also surrounded by some of Corsica’s beautiful natural landscapes, where mountains tumble towards the sea and forests meet long stretches of coastline.

Whether you choose to explore the historic town, discover the surrounding countryside or simply enjoy the atmosphere beside the Mediterranean, Calvi is a beautiful introduction to northern Corsica.

Tonight, another exclusive performance awaits us onboard.

8 October 2028 – Cassis, France

Today brings us to beautiful Cassis, a picture-perfect Provençal fishing port tucked between dramatic limestone cliffs and the sparkling Mediterranean.

Its colourful harbour is lined with cafés, restaurants and traditional fishing boats, while pastel-coloured buildings provide a wonderful backdrop to the waterfront.

Cassis is also the gateway to the spectacular Calanques — dramatic limestone formations creating narrow coves filled with intensely blue Mediterranean water.

Spend time exploring the village, enjoying the harbour atmosphere or discovering the extraordinary landscapes surrounding this lovely part of Provence.

Back onboard L’Austral, our musical journey continues with another special evening performance.

9 October 2028 – Marseille, France

Today we arrive in Marseille, one of France’s most fascinating Mediterranean cities.

At its heart is the historic Vieux-Port, where fishing boats, yachts, cafés and markets create a wonderfully lively atmosphere.

Looking over the city from its hilltop position is the magnificent Notre-Dame de la Garde basilica — affectionately known locally as “La Bonne-Mère”. From here, the views stretch across Marseille, its islands and the Mediterranean beyond.

Marseille is a city of contrasts: historic neighbourhoods, colourful markets, grand architecture, contemporary culture and unmistakably Provençal flavours.

Take time to discover the city before returning to L’Austral for another evening celebrating the music at the heart of this voyage.

10 October 2028 – Port-Vendres, France

Today we arrive in Port-Vendres, a colourful Mediterranean harbour close to the Spanish border.

Surrounded by hills and vineyards, this historic port has long been shaped by its strategic position on the Mediterranean coast.

Its maritime heritage can still be discovered through the town and its impressive 17th-century fortifications, while the surrounding countryside introduces us to another beautiful side of southern France.

This is French Catalonia — where French and Catalan influences meet, creating a distinctive culture, cuisine and landscape.

With our late departure tonight, there is plenty of time to enjoy the destination before returning onboard for our evening concert.

11 October 2028 – Roses, Spain

Today we cross into Spain and arrive at Roses, beautifully positioned on Catalonia’s Costa Brava.

Set around a sweeping Mediterranean bay, Roses combines beaches and beautiful coastal landscapes with a history stretching back thousands of years.

The surrounding region is known for its rugged coastline, hidden coves and the distinctive landscapes of northern Catalonia.

Enjoy our final full day of exploration before returning to L’Austral for another very special evening of music.

Tonight marks our final evening onboard — a wonderful opportunity to come together, enjoy the performance and celebrate an extraordinary week of Mediterranean destinations and music.

12 October 2028 – Tarragona to Barcelona

Arrival: 7:00am

This morning we arrive in Tarragona, bringing our 7th Opera Festival at Sea voyage aboard L’Austral to an end.

After breakfast and disembarkation, we’ll be met and transferred to our hotel in Barcelona for our final night.

Once we’ve arrived and settled in, enjoy some time at leisure to relax or perhaps head out for one last taste of Spain.

Tonight, we’ll come together for our final dinner as a group.

After an incredible journey through the Mediterranean, this is our opportunity to raise a glass, share our favourite moments and celebrate the wonderful destinations, extraordinary music and friendships that have been part of our journey together.

Overnight in Barcelona.

13 October 2028 – Farewell Barcelona

Breakfast included

Enjoy your final breakfast together at our hotel before it’s time to say our farewells.

A group transfer to Barcelona Airport is included today for your onward journey home.

After ten nights filled with the Côte d’Azur, Corsica, Provence, Catalonia, wonderful food, extraordinary music and great company, our Mediterranean journey together comes to an end.

Safe travels home — we hope you leave with some very special memories, new friendships and perhaps a favourite aria or two still playing in your head! 🎶

Your Accommodation – Nice

Our journey begins with two nights in Nice, giving you time to settle into the relaxed rhythm of the French Riviera before we board L’Austral.

We’ll stay in a 4-star hotel, ideally located close to the famous Promenade des Anglais and within easy reach of the city’s waterfront, cafés, shopping and Old Town.

Solo travellers will have their own room throughout our stay in Nice at no additional cost.

The location is perfect for enjoying Nice independently, particularly on our leisurely second day. The Promenade des Anglais stretches for almost seven kilometres along the Baie des Anges, fringed by palm trees, beaches and the famous blue chairs overlooking the Mediterranean.

Discover the Promenade des Anglais

Your Accommodation – L’Austral

During our seven-night 7th Opera Festival at Sea voyage, your home will be a Lower Deck Balcony Stateroom aboard L’Austral.  Higher category cabins are available at an additional cost, subject to availability.

And for our solo travellers, there’s something particularly special — you’ll enjoy your OWN stateroom and private balcony with NO additional solo supplement.

Located on Deck 3, these elegant staterooms offer approximately 18m² of interior space together with your own private 4m² balcony.

Your stateroom features:

  • Your own private balcony
  • Approximately 18m² of interior space
  • King-size bed, which can be configured as two single beds
  • Private bathroom with shower
  • Window and panoramic glazed door opening onto your balcony
  • Individually controlled air conditioning
  • Flat-screen television
  • Minibar
  • Safe
  • Desk
  • Bathrobes and hairdryer
  • 24-hour room service
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi
  • Wake each morning to a new Mediterranean destination, step outside onto your own balcony and enjoy the views before another day of exploring begins.

For solo travellers, having your own private space makes this journey particularly appealing — your own hotel room in Nice, your own balcony stateroom aboard L’Austral and your own hotel room for our final night in Barcelona, all at NO ADDITIONAL COST.

Take a Look Inside Your Stateroom

Want to see what your accommodation aboard L’Austral is like?

Take a look inside a PONANT Deluxe Stateroom

What’s Included

We’ve designed this journey so that from the moment you arrive in Nice until we farewell you in Barcelona, the major arrangements are taken care of.

  • Meet and greet on arrival at Nice Côte d’Azur Airport
  • Private transfer from Nice Airport to our hotel
  • Two nights’ 4-star accommodation in Nice
  • Own hotel room for solo travellers at no additional cost
  • Breakfast in Nice as outlined in the itinerary
  • Travel With Lesley Whyte Welcome Dinner
  • Guided walking tour of Nice with an expert local guide
  • Transfer from our Nice hotel to the port
  • Seven-night PONANT voyage aboard L’Austral for the 7th Opera Festival at Sea
  • Lower Deck Balcony Stateroom with private balcony
  • Solo travellers enjoy their own stateroom at no additional cost
  • All meals onboard L’Austral
  • Open bar onboard, with a selection of beverages available throughout the cruise
  • 24-hour room service
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi onboard
  • An exclusive onboard concert every evening featuring guest lyrical artists
  • Access to the ship’s facilities, entertainment and onboard programme
  • Port visits throughout Corsica, France and Spain as outlined in the itinerary
  • Transfer following disembarkation in Tarragona to our Barcelona hotel
  • One night’s accommodation in Barcelona
  • Own hotel room in Barcelona for solo travellers at no additional cost
  • Final group dinner in Barcelona
  • Breakfast on our final morning
  • Group transfer from our Barcelona hotel to Barcelona Airport
  • Fully escorted throughout by Travel With Lesley Whyte
  • If you choose to travel on the same international flights as Lesley & Rob, you’ll also have the reassurance of being escorted throughout your journey from departure through to your return
  • Travel With Lesley Whyte pre-departure information and support
  • A special Travel With Lesley Whyte traveller gift package valued at AUD$500 per person

And perhaps one of the biggest inclusions for our solo travellers — your OWN ROOM and OWN BALCONY CABIN throughout this entire journey, with NO additional solo supplement.

What’s Not Included

While we’ve included the major components of your Mediterranean journey, the following are not included in the tour price:

  • International or domestic airfares to Nice and from Barcelona
  • Travel insurance — comprehensive travel insurance is MANDATORY for all travellers joining this tour
  • Meals not specifically listed as included in the itinerary, including meals on our arrival day and lunches during our pre-cruise stay in Nice
  • Optional PONANT shore excursions or experiences not included as part of the cruise fare
  • Premium wines, spirits or beverages outside those included in PONANT’s open-bar offering
  • Personal expenses, including shopping, laundry, spa treatments and other personal purchases
  • Passport, visa or entry requirements applicable to your individual circumstances
  • Any vaccinations, medical consultations or health requirements associated with international travel
  • Excess baggage charges or airline seat selection fees
  • Transfers other than those specifically included in the itinerary
  • Gratuities where not already included
  • Any additional accommodation, meals, sightseeing or transport required as a result of flight disruptions, delays or circumstances outside the control of Travel With Lesley Whyte

Mandatory Travel Insurance

Comprehensive travel insurance is mandatory for this journey and must be in place for the duration of your travels.

Your policy should provide appropriate cover for cancellation, medical expenses, emergency assistance, travel disruption, baggage and the activities you intend to participate in.

If you require assistance arranging your flights or mandatory travel insurance, our trusted Travel Advisor can assist, helping make your entire journey as seamless as possible.

Level of Fitness – Easy to Moderate

This journey is designed to be enjoyed at a relaxed pace, and a high level of fitness is not required. However, a reasonable level of general mobility and fitness will help you make the most of the destinations and optional experiences along the way.

You should be comfortable with:

  • Walking for approximately 1–2 hours during guided sightseeing and shore visits
  • Walking over cobblestones, uneven surfaces and historic streets
  • Negotiating steps and occasional inclines
  • Getting on and off coaches and other transfer vehicles independently
  • Walking through airports, cruise terminals and hotels with your hand luggage
  • Embarking and disembarking L’Austral
  • Being on your feet for periods of time while exploring ports and attractions
  • Our guided walking tour in Nice and exploration of the Mediterranean ports will involve walking, but there will also be opportunities to enjoy destinations at your own pace.

 

PONANT offers a selection of optional shore excursions during the cruise, and these can vary considerably in their level of activity. You can choose the experiences that best suit your interests and fitness level.

You certainly don’t need to be an athlete for this journey — just comfortable walking, exploring and enjoying everything these wonderful Mediterranean destinations have to offer.

If you have any concerns about your mobility or whether this tour is suitable for you, please contact us before booking. We’re very happy to talk through the itinerary with you.

Meet Your Hosts – Lesley & Rob Whyte

Your hosts for this very special Mediterranean journey will be Lesley and Rob Whyte, who will be travelling with the group from Nice through to Barcelona.

Lesley and Rob are both passionate supporters of the Arts and regular attendees of concerts, theatre productions, plays, musicals and classical ballet throughout New Zealand and Australia. From an evening at the theatre or ballet to a beautiful orchestral performance or major musical production, the performing arts have long been something they enjoy experiencing together.

So when the opportunity arose to combine their love of travel with an entire voyage centred around opera and live performance, this was one journey they were particularly excited to host.

Throughout the 7th Opera Festival at Sea, each evening brings an exclusive concert onboard featuring guest lyrical artists — something Lesley and Rob are very much looking forward to experiencing alongside the group.

As your Travel With Lesley Whyte hosts, they’ll be there throughout the journey — from welcoming everyone in Nice and sharing our first dinner together to exploring the Mediterranean, enjoying the performances onboard and raising a final glass together in Barcelona.

And if you choose to travel on the same international flights as Lesley and Rob, you’ll have the added reassurance of travelling with your hosts from departure through to your return home.

For Lesley and Rob, hosting is about much more than making sure everything runs smoothly. It’s about bringing people together, sharing wonderful experiences and creating the relaxed, friendly group atmosphere that has become such an important part of travelling with Travel With Lesley Whyte.

Beautiful Mediterranean destinations by day, exceptional performances by night, and plenty of laughter and good company in between — Lesley and Rob can’t wait to share this one with you.

Pricing & Payment Information

Cost: AUD $26,700 per person

The price is the same whether you are travelling solo or sharing as a couple/twin. Solo travellers enjoy their own hotel room and their own balcony stateroom throughout at no additional cost — there is no solo supplement.

Payment Schedule:

• AUD $6,000 per person deposit – payable at the time of booking to secure your place
• 25% – due by 25 September 2027
• 25% – due by 25 March 2028
• Final balance – due by 10 September 2028

Please note: The percentage amounts shown for the staged payments are currently tentative and may change once PONANT releases its final payment information for this voyage. The payment due dates shown above are confirmed and will not change.

All payments are made in Australian Dollars (AUD).

Your deposit secures your place and cabin allocation on this very special journey.

Prefer a higher deck? Balcony staterooms above Deck 3 are available at an additional cost, subject to availability. Please enquire with us for cabin options and pricing.

 

View Terms & Conditions – click here 

 

Exchange Rate & Tour Currency

Travel With Lesley Whyte sells our international tours and cruises in the same currency in which we purchase them from our suppliers.

This particular tour has been purchased in Australian Dollars (AUD), and the tour price is AUD $26,700 per person. All deposits and final balance payments will therefore be invoiced in AUD.

By pricing your journey in the supplier’s currency, we can manage exchange-rate fluctuations much more effectively. It means we are not having to build a large exchange-rate buffer into the tour price or come back to you requesting additional funds should exchange rates move unfavourably.

As at 22 August 2026, AUD $26,700 is approximately:

• NZD $32,013
• USD $19,144

These conversions are provided as an indication only. Exchange rates fluctuate, and the actual amount in your home currency will depend on the exchange rate and any fees applied by your bank or payment provider at the time each payment is made.

October 3, 2028 - October 13, 2028

Making Your Journey Seamless

We want your experience to be as easy and seamless as possible — not just while you’re travelling with us, but from the moment you start planning your journey.

If you require assistance arranging your international flights or mandatory travel insurance, our trusted Travel Consultant, Kerry, can assist you with both.

Kerry can help coordinate flights that work with the tour arrangements, including the option of travelling on the same flights as Lesley and Rob, as well as arranging appropriate travel insurance for your journey.

For assistance, please contact:

Kerry
Private Travel
kerry@privatetravel.co.nz

Simply let Kerry know you are joining the Travel With Lesley Whyte Mediterranean Melodies – 7th Opera Festival at Sea journey in October 2028, and she can assist you from there.

Book now

For questions or bookings: mail lesley@travelwithlesleywhyte.com