Desert & Cities of the Persian Gulf

Let yourself be distracted, accept the improbable and respect the frivolity - like in the tales from the Arabian Nights. This is the attitude to adopt during this outstanding 8-day cruise aboard Le Bougainville. Escape into the surprising history of Arabia, an arid peninsula that has been tamed by construction, along the southern coast of the Persian Gulf, the new Arab cities that feature the desert as their backdrop. 

Throughout your journey, you will benefit from an excursion included per person per port of call, chosen with care by PONANT. During this cruise, visit the surprising Ithra Cultural Centre in Dammam, discover the Museum of Islamic Art and the Souq Waqif in Doha, or enjoy taking in the works of art at the Louvre Abu Dhabi Museum. The diversity of experiences on offer promises you intense and varied moments (to discover the full range of excursions, go to the itinerary tab).

In this region of the world, ancient cities rub shoulders with the futuristic towns designed and shaped by the greatest contemporary architects. Dubai and its skyscrapers that are among the tallest in the world; Abu Dhabi with its Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and its new Louvre Museum; Doha and its bay offering a panorama of its fascinating skyline: each location offers a breath-taking experience. You will discover the capital of Bahrain,Manama, which while less famous is no less exciting. As a crossroads for trade routes since ancient times, today it is also more avant-garde than its Emirate sisters. The colourful souk and the Bahrain National Museum are among its must-see sites.

For the first time, you will have the opportunity to explore the Saudi city of Dammam. This modern metropolis is renowned for its pleasant waterfront and white sandy beaches; above all, though, it is the gateway to the Al Hasa oasis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the endless desert, imagine the largest oasis in the world, its fragrant gardens crossed by canals, springs and palm trees... palm trees as far as the eye can see. The Near East exudes an incredible poetry.