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6th Ponant Opera Festival at Sea 2027 with Benjamin Bernheim — Luxury Adriatic Cruise from Valletta to Venice: Private performances, exceptional artists, fine food and wine, natural beauty, landscapes, history, architecture, rich cultural heritage—and exclusive CountryClubuk Members’ rates
Dec
Join leading international opera stars for a unique Opera Festival at Sea, with private concerts featuring Benjamin Bernheim—one of the world’s great lyric tenors, hailed as ‘the most beautiful tenor voice since Luciano Pavarotti’. He leads an exceptional cast of internationally acclaimed sopranos and opera artists, who will perform throughout our voyage from Valletta to Venice aboard the elegant Le Bougainville.
Fresh from starring roles at the Metropolitan Opera, Opéra national de Paris, Teatro alla Scala, and Royal Opera House London, Bernheim is our acclaimed guest of honour. He will perform exclusive concerts aboard Le Bougainville—a gracious vessel akin to a private yacht—as we take this Adriatic cultural voyage from Valletta to Venice, visiting exquisite destinations in Italy, Sicily, Croatia, Slovenia, Montenegro and Malta.
Experience exceptional opera alongside fine wine and cuisine, while exploring one of Europe’s most heavenly and historic regions in unrivalled style. Delight in the natural beauty, landscapes, history, architecture and rich cultural heritage of ancient Syracuse, mediaeval Otranto, the serene island of Vis, picturesque Piran with its Venetian grace, the dramatic fjord-like Bay of Kotor, timeless Dubrovnik and more—all chosen to echo the refined, artistic spirit of this extraordinary Ponant opera themed cruise.
Our partners in this 6th Opera Festival at Sea are the luxury French cruise specialists Compagnie du Ponant (from the prestigious François Pinault Artémis stable, owners of Château Latour, Christie’s and iconic fashion houses Gucci and Saint Laurent), artistic director Alain Duault, and a stellar array of opera stars who grace the world’s greatest stages.
CountryClubuk Members are invited to this fabulous event at exclusive Club rates. Dates: 13–21 May 2027. 6th Opera Festival at Sea with Benjamin Bernheim. Itinerary highlights: Valletta • Syracuse • Otranto • Kotor • Dubrovnik • Vis • Piran • Venice. This cruise is truly unique—places are already limited, so please enquire without delay!
Dear Member,
We are delighted to extend our World Travel and Arts Events by inviting you to join us on a unique Opera Festival at Sea, led by one of the world’s great lyric tenors, Benjamin Bernheim, who joins us as performing Guest of Honour alongside a distinguished cast of international opera stars.
Our luxury opera cruise 2027 begins in Valletta, calling at Sicily for ancient Syracuse with its Greek heritage and views of Mount Etna, Croatia for the timeless beauty of Dubrovnik, and Montenegro for the dramatic Bay of Kotor—all highlights of the Adriatic. From Italy’s easternmost town of Otranto, Members may also visit Lecce, described as the ‘Florence of southern Italy’, before Venice, the Serenissima, provides a fitting and unforgettable finale during the height of the world renowned Architecture Biennale.
Throughout the voyage, we shall enjoy glorious music drawn from the French, Italian and German operatic traditions, and meet some of the most compelling artists of our time in an intimate setting. With just 184 guests on board, Le Bougainville offers an experience far removed from conventional cruising—elegant, personal and refined, as if one were a private guest aboard a beautifully designed yacht. Much of the ship is already reserved, and we are pleased to have secured a limited allocation of staterooms and suites for our Members.
To explore one of Europe’s most beautiful and historically rich regions in such style, while enjoying exceptional music, fine wines and outstanding cuisine, is a rare privilege. For lovers of opera, culture, history and landscape, this promises to be a memorable journey. Venice, like a scene from Canaletto, awaits—where we shall lower the curtain on this remarkable Opera Festival at Sea.Our renowned opera stars will share their passion for music throughout the voyage, creating an atmosphere of rare intimacy—with performances enjoyed in the company of just 184 guests, a striking contrast to the scale of the world’s great opera houses. At the heart of the festival is Benjamin Bernheim, one of today’s foremost lyric tenors and a favourite of the world’s leading opera houses, including the Metropolitan Opera, Opéra National de Paris, Teatro alla Scala, Vienna and the Royal Opera House. Critics have praised his voice as ‘sumptuous’ and ‘thrilling’, celebrated for its beauty, seamless phrasing and emotional depth.
With his mature musicianship, commanding stage presence, and warmly engaging persona, French tenor Benjamin Bernheim stands out as one of the most acclaimed voices in opera today—recently honoured as Male Singer of the Year at the Opus Klassik 2025 Awards. His onboard performances will showcase the full breadth of his extraordinary talent through a diverse selection of tenor arias. A star capable of filling the world’s greatest concert halls, Bernheim alone provides compelling reason for any opera lover to join this cruise. He will headline a stellar lineup of soloists drawn from the finest international opera houses, including rising soprano Sandra Hamaoui, celebrated for her glittering coloratura, beautiful timbre and fresh, nuanced expressiveness—earning her a place among OperaWire’s Top Rising Stars of 2025.
The gifted soprano Kaarin Cecilia Phelps, who distinguished herself at the 2024 Georges Enescu International Voice Competition by capturing the Grand Prix Georges Enescu and the Henri Nafilyan Prize for best aria interpretation, brings a clear, luminous tone and profound expressive depth to the stage.
She is joined by the acclaimed Russian mezzo-soprano Anna Goryachova, celebrated for her bel canto mastery and appearances at the world’s leading houses, and French baritone Alexandre Duhamel, a charismatic performer renowned for his compelling interpretations in French opera.
Providing sensitive accompaniment will be pianist Antoine Palloc, a sought-after collaborator with recent engagements at renowned venues worldwide. Also on board will be Alain Duault, Artistic Director of Radio Classique and one of France’s most beloved music critics, authors, poets, and television broadcasters. Throughout the cruise, we shall have ample opportunities to converse informally with our hosts and performing artists, gaining intimate insights into their lives both on and off the stage during this luxurious Mediterranean opera festival cruise.
Luxury Adriatic Itinerary FOR THE 6th Opera Festival at Sea with Benjamin Bernheim:
13 May — Valletta, Malta (embarkation)
14 May — Syracuse, Sicily
15 May — Otranto, Italy
16 May — Kotor, Montenegro
17 May — Dubrovnik, Croatia
18 May — Vis, Vis Island, Croatia
19 May — Piran, Slovenia
20 May — Venice, Italy (overnight)
21 May — Venice, disembarkation
We shall open our operatic odyssey in the Grand Harbour of Valletta on Thursday, May 13, 2027, embarking on Le Bougainville in late afternoon. Valletta, the UNESCO-listed Maltese capital, is a masterpiece of Baroque architecture, fortified harbours and rich history. As we sail from Valletta on board our luxury yacht, we shall settle into our staterooms and suites and prepare for a wealth of opera and history to unfold before us.
As night falls we shall slip through crystal-clear seas to Otranto, Italy’s easternmost town, set behind medieval ramparts and rich in beauty and history. From here, Members may choose to explore Lecce, known as the ‘Florence of the South’, and celebrated for its golden Baroque architecture; or visit Gallipoli, a sun-drenched jewel of Puglia with a fascinating old town and a long maritime history. Whichever path you choose, the pleasures of southern Italy unfold at an unhurried, elegant pace, and Le Bougainville awaits for an evening of opera, fine dining and relaxation.
Next morning, the impressive Bay of Kotor unfolds like an inland lake, with the medieval jewel of Kotor nestled beneath towering mountains. Rich in atmosphere, this beautifully preserved town invites exploration of its winding streets, intimate squares and ancient fortifications. From here, Members may also visit nearby Perast, famed for its churches, waterfront architecture and the Church of St Nicholas, patron saint of sailors. As evening falls, Le Bougainville awaits—chance to relax, dine and enjoy more opera as we sail on through the night to magical Dubrovnik.
Dubrovnik rises like a silver finger into the blue Adriatic, beneath cypress-clad hills and bathed in warm Mediterranean light. Beautifully restored, it remains one of the world’s great fortified cities, its honey-coloured houses, cobbled mediaeval streets, aristocratic palazzi and Baroque churches framed by the sea.
Free from traffic within its walls, Dubrovnik feels timeless and deeply atmospheric, enriched by a long tradition of classical music. From the Old Port, Members may visit the nearby island of Lokrum, with its botanical gardens and Benedictine monastery, or explore the historic city on foot. As evening falls, we return to Le Bougainville for a final night at sea, with a concert from our opera stars as we sail on towards the magic of Venice.
On May 18, we arrive in the captivating island of Vis, one of Croatia’s most pristine and remote treasures. Long secluded as a military base, Vis retains an authentic, unspoiled charm with crystal-clear waters, hidden coves, vineyards and olive groves.
Explore the charming fishing village of Komiža, with its colourful harbour and stone houses, or venture to iconic places such as dramatic Stiniva Cove or the mesmerising Blue Cave on nearby Biševo. Savour fresh seafood and renowned local wines—Vugava and Plavac Mali—in this serene Adriatic paradise. Then it’s on to exquisite Piran, a mediaeval gem on Slovenia’s Adriatic coast.
The elegant Venetian-style town of Piran rises gracefully from a narrow peninsula, its red-roofed houses framing marble-paved squares and atmospheric alleys. At its heart lies graceful Tartini Square, named for the celebrated violinist born here, surrounded by Gothic and Baroque architecture. Climb the town walls for sweeping views, visit the hilltop Church of St George, or simply wander the salt-scented streets, enjoying fresh seafood and artisan charm—a perfect prelude to Venice.
We shall sail into Venice on the morning of May 20 for an overnight stay in the heart of the lagoon. Proud and eternal, the Serenissima has reigned here since the 6th century. We may think we know Venice, yet its mystery remains profound and endlessly rewarding. Prepare to fall in love anew with its timeless treasures: the golden glow of St Mark’s Basilica, the grandeur of the Doge’s Palace, the sweep of the Grand Canal, and the graceful glide of gondolas beneath ancient bridges.
Beyond the familiar icons, secret Venice awaits—lose yourself in the labyrinth of narrow calli, hidden campi, and quiet canals where the city reveals its soul. And, of course, savour its exquisite wines and cuisine in charming bacari or elegant restaurants.
As guests of Ponant, we enjoy privileged access: the option of a private boat for a panoramic lagoon tour, or the freedom to explore at leisure along dedicated tender routes. This year, our timing perfectly coincides with the renowned Venice Architecture Biennale, offering an extra layer of cultural richness for those who wish to attend.
Our voyage concludes with one final night aboard the elegant Le Bougainville—time to wine, dine, and delight in a last private opera concert: a truly fitting finale to this enchanting and unforgettable Opera Festival at Sea.
Exclusive CountryClubuk Members’ Rates
BOOK THE CRUISE AT THE MOST ADVANTAGEOUS RATES AVAILABLE ANYWHERE
Members are invited to join us on this unique operatic cruise at exclusive CountryClubuk Members’ rates, starting from £4,553 per person, representing savings of up to £1,553 per stateroom or suite. Rates are per person, based on two guests sharing — see details below.
Lower Deck Balcony Stateroom (204 ft²)
RR from £5,330pp
Members’ rate from £4,553pp
Upper Decks Balcony Stateroom (204 ft²)
Ponant RR from £5,600pp
Members’ rate from £4,779pp
Deluxe Suite (290 ft²)
RR from £10,030pp
Members’ rate from £8,586pp
Prestige Suite (409 ft²)
RR from £11,130pp
Members’ rate from £9,519pp
Privilege Suite (344 ft²)
RR from £11,960pp
Members’ rate from £10,322pp
Grand Suite (484 ft²)
Ponant RR from £14,450pp
Members’ rate from £12,455pp
Owner’s Suite (484 ft²)
Ponant RR from £19,150pp
Members’ rate from £16,639pp
To register your interest at CountryClubuk Members’ rates, please email members@countryclubuk.com, stating your preferred suite or stateroom, or contact Member Services on 020 7399 2960.
We expect this exceptional opera and travel experience to be highly popular with our Members, and early registration is strongly advised.
Please note: Ponant operates dynamic pricing, and rates are subject to change without notice until bookings are confirmed.
These exclusive CountryClubuk Members’ rates are not available when booking directly with the cruise line or any travel agent.
Extended Travel Options — Flights, Transfers and Hotels
BOOK FLIGHTS, TRANSFERS AND EXTRA NIGHTS AT EXCLUSIVE CLUB MEMBERS’ RATES
Our Member Services will be pleased to assist Members with flights from any UK or international airport on all major airlines, as well as private airport-port transfers timed to the cruise.
For those wishing to enhance the experience further, we are also happy to arrange additional hotel nights in Valletta or Venice to complement the elegance of this exceptional voyage—all at preferential CountryClubuk Members’ rates.
Read more about Le Bougainville cruise yacht by Ponant.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is the Ponant Opera Festival at Sea?
The Ponant Opera Festival at Sea is a unique cultural voyage combining world-class opera performances with luxury cruising. Guests enjoy private concerts on board alongside an exceptional itinerary through some of Europe’s most historic and beautiful destinations.
Who is Benjamin Bernheim?
Benjamin Bernheim is one of the world’s leading lyric tenors, acclaimed for his performances at the Metropolitan Opera, Opéra national de Paris, Teatro alla Scala and the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden. He joins this voyage as Guest of Honour, performing privately on board.
When does the 6th Opera Festival at Sea take place?
The cruise departs on 13 May 2027 from Valletta, Malta, and concludes in Venice on 21 May 2027.
Where does the cruise travel?
The itinerary includes Valletta, Syracuse (Sicily), Otranto, Kotor, Dubrovnik, Vis, Piran and Venice, offering a rich blend of Mediterranean and Adriatic culture, history and landscapes.
What is included in the cruise fare?
The fare includes luxury accommodation aboard Le Bougainville, all meals, a wide selection of beverages, private operatic performances, onboard lectures, port taxes and a choice of included excursions.
Are exclusive CountryClubuk Members’ rates available?
Yes. CountryClubuk Members benefit from exclusive rates not available when booking directly, subject to availability and Ponant’s dynamic pricing.
Register for this 6th Opera Festival at Sea Cruise at CountryClubuk rates: follow the link below—or email members@countryclubuk.com—or call the Member Services team on 020 7399 2960.
PLEASE READ: CountryClubuk Club Rules and Terms and Conditions
Check best rates and availability: inquire below
PLEASE READ: CountryClubuk Club Rules and Terms and Conditions