Mediterranean Island Voyage: Sicily, Sardinia, Corsica, and Elba – with Smithsonian Journeys
About This Cruise
In alliance with Smithsonian Journeys.
This cruise is part of a collection of PONANT voyages that are specially-tailored for English-speaking travelers who want to engage with the world. In addition to the usual elements of the PONANT experience, the listed price for these voyages includes transfers to and from the ship, talks and discussions aboard ship by world class experts, and a shore excursion or activity in each port of call that encourages guests to embrace the sights, sounds, tastes, and smells of the local environment and culture.This voyage in the heart of the Mediterranean explores five islands that, despite their differences, share a history of successive waves of civilizations that have washed over them from prehistoric times to the present. Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, Arabs, Byzantines, French, and Italians—all have left their mark on the language, art, architecture, and cuisine of Sicily, Sardinia, Corsica, and Elba.From Valletta, Malta, your discovery of these very special islands begins with the Maltese isle of Gozo, an unspoiled island with spectacular scenery that is home to the megalithic Ggantija Temples, which are listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage site. Spend the next three days on the largest Mediterranean island, Sicily, as you visit the cities of Syracuse, Taormina, and Palermo. In Syracuse, which rivalled Athens as one of the most powerful cities of the ancient world, you may choose to explore the Roman Amphitheater of Augustus and the 15,000 seat Greek theater, or join a walking tour of Ortygia, Syracuse's old town. Or you may choose to travel to nearby Noto, a Baroque World Heritage site, now rebuilt following a devastating earthquake in 1990.The beautiful resort town of Taormina, perched high on a cliff overlooking the Ionian Sea, is home to a stunning Greek theater, an Odeon from Roman times, buildings blending Arab and Norman cultures, and villas built by European aristocracy in the 18th and 19th centuries. It is also a gateway to Mt. Etna and the vineyards that thrive in the rich volcanic soils of its slopes.Palermo, Sicily's capital and your final port of call on the island, was founded by the Phoenicians in 827 BC and became one of Europe’s greatest cities in the 12th century, when the Normans took control. Here you may combine Roger II's Cappella Palatina, featuring dazzling mosaics and magnificent inlaid marble floors and walls, with a drive to nearby Monreale to explore its famed Norman cathedral. Or you may choose to focus on Palermo's famous markets and street food, or decide to travel along the coast to the resort town of Cefalù.Cagliari, Sardinia's capital, is your gateway to the archaeological site of Nora. Founded by Phoenicians in the 8th century BC, it was subsequently taken over by Carthaginians, then by Romans. Explore the remains of Carthaginian warehouses, buildings from the time of the Roman Republic, a Carthaginian-Roman temple, large baths with splendid mosaics, and a theater, almost intact, dating to the time of the Empire.You will want to be on deck as your ship navigates the narrow waterway that leads to Bonifacio, perched high on cliffs on Corsica's southern coast. Board a mini-train to transport you to the oldest part of the city, where you can stroll through winding medieval lanes of brightly colored houses and admire their fine Gothic architecture. Or you may prefer to explore the small archipelago of the Lavezzi Islands, a nature reserve famous for the Grotte du Sdragonatu (Dragon's Cave) accessible only by sea.Portoferraio is the main harbor of the island of Elba, the last of the five islands on your journey. Most famous as the site of Napoleon Bonaparte’s exile in 1814-15, Portoferraio was founded by the Medicis in the 16th century. A tour of the island includes a visit to one of Napoleon’s villas during his exile, and is followed by a wine tasting and sampling of Tuscan mezze at a local vineyard.Your voyage ends in Nice, France.Type
Ocean, Luxury
Ship
Le Dumont-d'Urville
Departure Date
18 May 2027
Cruise Line
PONANT EXPLORATIONS
Duration
8 Nights
Select Your Cabin Type
Call Us at 1800 814 008Overview
In alliance with Smithsonian Journeys.
This cruise is part of a collection of PONANT voyages that are specially-tailored for English-speaking travelers who want to engage with the world. In addition to the usual elements of the PONANT experience, the listed price for these voyages includes transfers to and from the ship, talks and discussions aboard ship by world class experts, and a shore excursion or activity in each port of call that encourages guests to embrace the sights, sounds, tastes, and smells of the local environment and culture.This voyage in the heart of the Mediterranean explores five islands that, despite their differences, share a history of successive waves of civilizations that have washed over them from prehistoric times to the present. Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, Arabs, Byzantines, French, and Italians—all have left their mark on the language, art, architecture, and cuisine of Sicily, Sardinia, Corsica, and Elba.From Valletta, Malta, your discovery of these very special islands begins with the Maltese isle of Gozo, an unspoiled island with spectacular scenery that is home to the megalithic Ggantija Temples, which are listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage site. Spend the next three days on the largest Mediterranean island, Sicily, as you visit the cities of Syracuse, Taormina, and Palermo. In Syracuse, which rivalled Athens as one of the most powerful cities of the ancient world, you may choose to explore the Roman Amphitheater of Augustus and the 15,000 seat Greek theater, or join a walking tour of Ortygia, Syracuse's old town. Or you may choose to travel to nearby Noto, a Baroque World Heritage site, now rebuilt following a devastating earthquake in 1990.The beautiful resort town of Taormina, perched high on a cliff overlooking the Ionian Sea, is home to a stunning Greek theater, an Odeon from Roman times, buildings blending Arab and Norman cultures, and villas built by European aristocracy in the 18th and 19th centuries. It is also a gateway to Mt. Etna and the vineyards that thrive in the rich volcanic soils of its slopes.Palermo, Sicily's capital and your final port of call on the island, was founded by the Phoenicians in 827 BC and became one of Europe’s greatest cities in the 12th century, when the Normans took control. Here you may combine Roger II's Cappella Palatina, featuring dazzling mosaics and magnificent inlaid marble floors and walls, with a drive to nearby Monreale to explore its famed Norman cathedral. Or you may choose to focus on Palermo's famous markets and street food, or decide to travel along the coast to the resort town of Cefalù.Cagliari, Sardinia's capital, is your gateway to the archaeological site of Nora. Founded by Phoenicians in the 8th century BC, it was subsequently taken over by Carthaginians, then by Romans. Explore the remains of Carthaginian warehouses, buildings from the time of the Roman Republic, a Carthaginian-Roman temple, large baths with splendid mosaics, and a theater, almost intact, dating to the time of the Empire.You will want to be on deck as your ship navigates the narrow waterway that leads to Bonifacio, perched high on cliffs on Corsica's southern coast. Board a mini-train to transport you to the oldest part of the city, where you can stroll through winding medieval lanes of brightly colored houses and admire their fine Gothic architecture. Or you may prefer to explore the small archipelago of the Lavezzi Islands, a nature reserve famous for the Grotte du Sdragonatu (Dragon's Cave) accessible only by sea.Portoferraio is the main harbor of the island of Elba, the last of the five islands on your journey. Most famous as the site of Napoleon Bonaparte’s exile in 1814-15, Portoferraio was founded by the Medicis in the 16th century. A tour of the island includes a visit to one of Napoleon’s villas during his exile, and is followed by a wine tasting and sampling of Tuscan mezze at a local vineyard.Your voyage ends in Nice, France.
Owner's Suite
In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:
- A private 430 ft² terrace with hot tub and lounge area with 2 deck chairs, sofa, and armchair
- Two sliding panoramic windows
- A bathroom with shower, spa bathtub, and smart mirror
- Butler service
- A one-hour treatment per person (for 2 people) in the wellness area, including body and facial treatments
- A private return transfer
- Priority boarding (depending on port of embarkation)
- Champagne and fruit on arrival
- A fruit basket every day
- A living room with a convertible sofa into a double bed, armchair, and TV
- One bedroom with king-size bed (180 x 190 cm) or two single beds (90 x 190 cm)
- Included premium pass: access to a selection of premium spirits at the bar
Included in all staterooms
- Minibar
- Diptyque Paris top-of-the-line bath products
- Bose Bluetooth speaker
- Individually-controlled air conditioning
- Nespresso coffee maker and boiler
- Dressing room with shelves and closet
- 110V American / 220V European
- Dressing table and hairdryer
- Direct line telephone
- 2 ADA stateroom
- 24-hour room service
- Electronic safe
- Flat screen TV, international channels and videos on demand
- Inclusive Wifi internet
Grand Suite
In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:
- A private 344 ft² terrace with two deck chairs and a dining table for four people
- Two sliding panoramic windows
- A bathroom with shower and spa bathtub
- Priority boarding (depending on port of embarkation)
- Butler service
- A fruit basket every day
- One bedroom with king-size bed (180 x 190 cm) or two single beds (90 x 190 cm)
- A living room with a convertible sofa into a double bed, armchair, and TV
- Champagne and fruit on arrival
Included in all staterooms
- Minibar
- Diptyque Paris top-of-the-line bath products
- Bose Bluetooth speaker
- Individually-controlled air conditioning
- Nespresso coffee maker and boiler
- Dressing room with shelves and closet
- 110V American / 220V European
- Dressing table and hairdryer
- Direct line telephone
- 2 ADA stateroom
- 24-hour room service
- Electronic safe
- Flat screen TV, international channels and videos on demand
- Inclusive Wifi internet
Privilege Suite
In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:
- Priority boarding (depending on port of embarkation)
- Champagne and fruit basket on arrival
- Butler service
- A fruit basket every day
- One king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm)
- A lounge area with chaise longue and armchair
- A bathroom with shower
- A private 8 m² balcony with two armchairs
- A panoramic sliding bay window
Included in all staterooms
- Minibar
- Diptyque Paris top-of-the-line bath products
- Bose Bluetooth speaker
- Individually-controlled air conditioning
- Nespresso coffee maker and boiler
- Dressing room with shelves and closet
- 110V American / 220V European
- Dressing table and hairdryer
- Direct line telephone
- 2 ADA stateroom
- 24-hour room service
- Electronic safe
- Flat screen TV, international channels and videos on demand
- Inclusive Wifi internet
Prestige Suite
In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:
- Priority boarding (depending on port of embarkation)
- Champagne and fruit basket on arrival
- Butler service
- A fruit basket every day
- A bedroom with king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm)
- A lounge with convertible sofa to a king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm), armchair, second TV, and sliding courtesy door
- Two bathrooms with shower
- A private 8 m² balcony with four armchairs
- Two panoramic sliding bay windows
Services provided
- 24-hour room service
- Inclusive Wifi internet access (availability dependent on navigation and latitude)
- Individually-controlled air conditioning
- Dressing room with shelves and closet
- Dressing table and hairdryer
- Diptyque Paris top-of-the-line bath products
- Minibar
- Nespresso coffee maker and boiler
- Electronic safe
- Direct line telephone
- Bose Bluetooth speaker
- Flat screen TV, international channels (availability dependent on navigation) and videos on demand
- 110V American (two flat pins)/220V European (round sockets with two round pins)
- Two ADA staterooms
Deluxe Suite
In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:
- Suites on Deck 6 have a 32 ft² private balcony with two armchairs Suites on Deck 5 have a 43 ft² private balcony with two armchairs Suites on Decks 3 and 4 have a private 64 ft² balcony with two armchairs
- Suites on Deck 3 have a panoramic glass door and porthole; suites on Decks 4, 5, and 6 have a sliding panoramic window
- One king-size bed (180 x 190 cm) or two single beds (90 x 190 cm)
- An armchair and sofa
- A bathroom with shower
- Champagne and fruit on arrival for suites on Decks 5 and 6
Included in all staterooms
- Minibar
- Diptyque Paris top-of-the-line bath products
- Bose Bluetooth speaker
- Individually-controlled air conditioning
- Nespresso coffee maker and boiler
- Dressing room with shelves and closet
- 110V American / 220V European
- Dressing table and hairdryer
- Direct line telephone
- 2 ADA stateroom
- 24-hour room service
- Electronic safe
- Flat screen TV, international channels and videos on demand
- Inclusive Wifi internet
Upper Decks Balcony Stateroom
In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:
- A private 4m² balcony with two armchairs
- Depending on the stateroom, either a sliding panoramic window or a glass door
- One king-size bed (180 x 190 cm) or two single beds (90 x 190 cm)
- A chaise lounge
- A bathroom with shower
Included in all staterooms
- Minibar
- Diptyque Paris top-of-the-line bath products
- Bose Bluetooth speaker
- Individually-controlled air conditioning
- Nespresso coffee maker and boiler
- Dressing room with shelves and closet
- 110V American / 220V European
- Dressing table and hairdryer
- Direct line telephone
- 2 ADA stateroom
- 24-hour room service
- Electronic safe
- Flat screen TV, international channels and videos on demand
- Inclusive Wifi internet
Lower Decks Balcony Stateroom
In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:
- A private 4m² balcony with two armchairs
- Depending on the stateroom, either a sliding panoramic window or a glass door
- One king-size bed (180 x 190 cm) or two single beds (90 x 190 cm)
- A chaise lounge
- A bathroom with shower
Included in all staterooms
- Minibar
- Diptyque Paris top-of-the-line bath products
- Bose Bluetooth speaker
- Individually-controlled air conditioning
- Nespresso coffee maker and boiler
- Dressing room with shelves and closet
- 110V American / 220V European
- Dressing table and hairdryer
- Direct line telephone
- 2 ADA stateroom
- 24-hour room service
- Electronic safe
- Flat screen TV, international channels and videos on demand
- Inclusive Wifi internet
Le Nautilus
At the back of deck 4, you will find a gourmet restaurant complete with wine cellar, offering French and international cuisine. It can accommodate all guests in a single service for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Grill Restaurant
In a relaxed atmosphere, the grill restaurant located on deck 3 welcomes you for breakfast and buffet lunches as well as themed dinners.
Room Service
Whether you want to fully enjoy your cabin for breakfast, savor a peaceful snack in the middle of the day, or have your meal in complete privacy, room service is at your disposal. Treat yourself to a moment of indulgence and enjoy a diverse menu available at any time of day and night.
The Observatory Lounge
Library, internet space, bar, occasional live entertainment, terrace: enjoy a 180° panorama of the horizon from the observatory lounge.
The Main Lounge Room
Tea room, bar, live music, dance floor, terrace: the main lounge is an essential meeting place throughout your journey.
Swimming Pool
With its water blending into the surrounding landscapes, the pool is perfect for relaxing in the sun. From the marina platform, embark on your sea excursions or water activities in complete tranquility.
Theatre
Comfortably seated, you can attend conferences given by the guests and teams of naturalists, as well as the various shows, concerts, and performances organised by professional dancers and musicians.
When the night comes alive
Concerts, dance performances, or film screenings: every night on board is a promise of wonder and sharing of emotions.
The Blue Eye
Located below the waterline of the ship, the Blue Eye is an innovative underwater lounge. Its design, inspired by the beauty of cetaceans, pays tribute to oceanographic environments.
Boutique
An extension of the journey and the ship, la Boutique offers an exclusive shopping experience with a wide range of technical and casual ready-to-wear and equipment, with or without PONANT personalization. It also features unique souvenirs to extend the journey back home, as well as jewelry, accessories and luxury items. Opening hours follow the voyage schedule, including days at sea, and all purchases on board are tax-free.
Open Bar
From the moment you board and throughout your cruise, your unlimited drinks are included*, at any time of the day. A drink with friends at the bar, refreshments on your return from an excursion or in the calm of your Stateroom’s balcony: enjoy a large selection of beverages (mineral waters, cold drinks, cruise wines, beer, champagne, spirits, coffee, tea). A selection of premium alcoholic drinks is also available "à la carte".
*It doesn't include premium alcoholic drinks indicated in the Bar Menu. It is valid only for individual personal consumption, without limitations.
Excursion Reception and Office
If you have not made a pre-booking before your cruise, you can book your excursions on board during one of the daily opening times of the excursion desk (timetables available in your daily program). It is only possible to pre-book one excursion per port day. If you would like to book a second excursion on the same day, please contact the excursion desk to check availability.
PONANT Studio
A photography and videography team escort you throughout your trip. These professionals capture the most beautiful moments of your cruise, which you can share with family and friends upon your return.*
The Spa
In partnership with SOTHYS™ and Davines®, the spa offers a wide range of treatments, massages, hairdressing services, as well as a hammam and a fitness room perfect for self-care and well-being.
The Gym
The fitness room offers a wide range of exercises suitable for all levels to train facing magnificent views.
The Hairdressing Salon
Provided in partnership with KÉRASTASE® and L’ORÉAL PROFESSIONNEL®, the hairdressing salon offers a complete range of top quality treatments designed to strengthen, nourish and reinvigorate hair's shine and brilliance. Our stylists are available to serve all your styling, highlighting, colouring, cutting and tailored hair advice needs.
The Kids Explorers Club
During your cruise, PONANT EXPLORATIONS offers a program of activities dedicated to children, from 4 to 13 years old on our entire fleet.
A team of experienced facilitators on board offers daily manual activities, educational workshops, board games, introductory meditation sessions, and much more, as well as content specific to each itinerary and the number of participants.
Kid Explorers have the opportunity to extend this experience on land with the possibility of enjoying a tailor-made excursion, swimming outings, walks and scavenger hunts.
This program of activities will be offered to children every day. (The exact times will be communicated to you by the activity leaders.)
To best meet your needs, the schedule is adapted to your cruise itinerary. For more information, please contact the entertainment team beforehand.
The program of entertainment and activities is communicated daily in the logbook.
A welcome kit with gifts is offered to each child on board.