Mediterranean Island Voyage:

Sicily, Sardinia, Corsica, and Elba

From Valletta to Nice Aboard the 184-guest Le Bougainville

A cruise offering from Smithsonian Journeys and PONANT

8 days from $6,850*

May 15–22, 2024

Step through the centuries on a voyage to the Mediterranean islands of Italy and France, exploring the temples of the ancient Greeks in Sicily, Napoleon’s elegant villa-in-exile on Elba, and the lively harbor towns of Taormina and Cagliari. Make three stops in glorious Sicily, encountering a wealth of World Heritage sites. Then sail on to Sardinia, Corsica, and Elba to discover vestiges of history amid the rugged beauty of these unique islands.

Highlights Include

Syracuse and Ortigia or Noto, Sicily: Venture to Ancient Syracuse, visiting Greek and Roman amphitheaters that still stage events and the beautiful palazzi and temples of Ortigia. Or encounter Sicilian baroque architecture in the 18th-century town of Noto, a World Heritage site.

Taormina: Take a walking tour of Taormina, and visit its Greek amphitheater or the fortified hilltop village of Castelmola. Alternatively, sample local wines on the slopes of Mount Etna, and peer into its volcanic craters.

Palermo: Discover Palermo’s World Heritage-listed Arab-Norman architecture and travel into orchard-covered hills to see the spectacular cathedral of Monreale. Alternatively, delve into the city’s centuries-old markets and sample local street food, or travel to the delightful medieval port of Cefalù for a walking tour.

Sardinia: Tour the capital city of Cagliari from its baroque palazzi to its hilltop fortress and take in views from Monte Urpino. Then explore the remarkable ruins of ancient Nora, once a thriving port under the Carthaginians and the Romans.

Bonifacio, Corsica: Ride a mini train through the oldest parts of cliff-top Bonifacio, enjoying an overview of the town and views as far as Sardinia. Then set off on a walking tour of the medieval Citadel. Or ride a local boat along coastal cliffs to secluded grottos and the beaches of the Lavezzi Islands.

Elba: In historic Portoferraio, visit the Medici fortress and a villa and theater built by Napoleon. Then head to a wine farm to sample local wines, cheeses, and charcuterie. Alternatively, take a scenic drive across Elba to visit Ottone Botanical Garden.

Add a one-night extension in Malta.

*Pricing reflects a savings bonus, ranging from 5% to 30% based on availability at the time this catalog was printed. See our website for current pricing. Book early for the highest savings.

The Smithsonian Journeys/PONANT Experience

Each cruise will feature two Smithsonian Journeys Experts and an included excursion or activity in each port of call. Our experts on this cruise are archaeologist and geologist Peter Bobrowsky and Dennis Romano, a historian with expertise in Europe and the Mediterranean.

Cruising the Greek Islands of the Southern Aegean

Round-trip from Athens Aboard the 264-guest L’Austral A cruise offering from Smithsonian Journeys and PONANT

8 days from $5,930*

Oct. 3–10, 2024

Strung like gems across the Aegean, the Greek Isles are legendary for their beauty and their importance in the history of Western civilization. Delve into the Classical world and see important World Heritage sites from Patmos to Delos on a voyage to two island groups: the Dodecanese and the Cyclades. Along the way, explore historic sites and delightful villages, get acquainted with local life, and immerse yourself in some of the most spectacular scenery in the Greek Isles.

Highlights Include

Patmos: Explore the World Heritage site of Patmos, from the working 11th-century Monastery of St. John to the Cave of the Apocalypse.

Amorgos: Take a guided tour of the Chora and the cliff-side Monastery of Hozoviotissa. Or visit an olive oil producer and a traditional Cycladic home where essential oils are distilled.

Delos and Mykonos: Tour the evocative ruins of Delos, the mythical birthplace of Apollo and Artemis, then spend a free afternoon exploring beautiful Mykonos.

Rhodes: Delve into the legacy of ancient Greeks, Romans, and the knights of the Crusades as you visit the Acropolis of Lindos or the Street of the Knights, and more.

Santorini: Cruise into the spectacular caldera of Santorini. Visit the ruins at Akrotiri and the Prehistoric Museum, sail a catamaran to Nea Kameni to hike up the volcano, or visit the village of Oia and enjoy a tour and tasting at a local winery.

The Smithsonian Journeys/PONANT Experience

Each cruise will feature two Smithsonian Journeys Experts and an included excursion or activity in each port of call. Our experts on this cruise include memoirist, critic, and translator Daniel Mendelsohn. Visit our website for the additional expert.

Classical Greece

14 days from $7,392

Includes airfare, taxes, & all fees

Sept. 7–20, Sept. 14–27, 2023 & Apr. 18–May 1, May 5–18, May 19–June 1, Aug. 29–Sept. 11, Sept. 8–21, Oct. 10–23, 2024

Trace the spark of Greek genius as you explore some of the most consequential sites in antiquity—and soak up contemporary Greek culture. Visit the Acropolis and the excellent museums of Athens, and tour the sacred site of Delphi. On the Peloponnese Peninsula, tour the ancient sites of Mycenae and Epidaurus and enjoy free time to explore charming Nafplio. Roll back the centuries in Crete as you tour the Minoan capital of Knossos and the fortified island of Spinalonga. Then cap off your Greek sojourn on incomparable Santorini, discovering ancient ruins and timeless cliff-top villages.

Highlights Include

Athens and Delphi: Experience the grandeur of the Parthenon and the Acropolis, and see important artifacts at the Acropolis Museum and the National Archaeological Museum. View a magnificent collection at the Benaki Museum of Greek Culture. At nearby Delphi, explore the ancient Sanctuary of Apollo and visit the superb museum.

The Peloponnese: Trace Greek mythology in two World Heritage sites: Mycenae, the capital of western civilization for hundreds of years, and Epidaurus, home to a 2,300-yearold theater known for its excellent acoustics. Stroll the narrow lanes of picturesque Nafplio and spend a day on the nearby island of Hydra, soaking up a traditional way of life among age-old stone houses and waterfront cafés.

Crete: Venture to the storied Palace of Knossos, the political center of Minoan civilization and legendary home of King Minos. Explore the fortress-turned-leper colony of Spinalonga and the delightful village of Kritsa.

Santorini: Then take a high-speed ferry to spectacular Santorini, where you’ll tour Akrotiri, once a flourishing

Bronze Age Minoan town. During time at leisure, immerse yourself in the Cycladic towns of Thira and Oia.

Local Culture: Stop in at an olive oil factory in the Peloponnese to learn how oils are pressed, and enjoy a tasting and lunch. On Santorini, sample local vintages at a winery high on the cliffs overlooking the caldera. Gather for a special lunch at a women’s cooperative in Kritsa, and enjoy plenty of time to linger in traditional towns and lively waterfronts.

Limited to 24 Smithsonian Journeys guests.

Smithsonian Journeys Experts

Veronica Kalas (Apr./Sept. 8/Oct. 10)–art historian and field archaeologist. Bella Vivante (May 19/Aug.)–Greek classicist.

Legendary Turkey and the Turquoise Coast

15 days from $5,692 Includes airfare, taxes, & all fees

Oct. 1–15, Oct. 15–29, 2023 & Apr. 5–19, May 7–21, May 31–June 14, Sept. 3–17, Sept. 24–Oct. 8, Oct. 15–29, 2024

Along Turkey’s western shores lie the vestiges of great empires, from the marble cities of the ancient Greeks to the opulent palaces of the Ottomans. Uncover layers of fascinating history as you make your way from captivating Istanbul to the Turquoise Coast, discovering world-renowned mosques, charming harbor towns, and legendary Greco-Roman cities from Ephesus to Pergamum. Venture into local bazaars and visit a rug cooperative; swim in gem-colored coves on a private yacht cruise; and enjoy free time to explore Istanbul, Fethiye, and Antalya on your own.

Highlights Include

Istanbul: Take three full days to discover the many sides of this incomparable city, with guided tours of celebrated sites from Hagia Sophia to Topkapi Palace, visits to lively bazaars and ancient Roman cisterns, and free time to explore on your own. Take in the views on a private Bosphorus cruise.

Gallipoli and Kayakoy: Retrace 20th-century history at two evocative sites: the World War I battlefield of Gallipoli where Ataturk’s forces defeated the Allies in 1915, and the centuries-old ghost town of Kayakoy, abandoned in the 1920s.

Ephesus, Pergamum, and Troy: Explore some of the most storied cities in antiquity. Retrace the tale of Troy, thought to be a mythological city until the 1800s, and venture to the royal city of Pergamum, set spectacularly on a lone hilltop. Spend a full day and a half at fabled Ephesus, visiting the Library of Celsus, the theater, the Terrace Houses, and much more.

Fethiye and the Turquoise Coast: Ride a skiff along intricate waterways from Dalyan to Lake Koycegiz, spotting ancient cliff tombs along the way. From the lovely harbor town of Fethiye, set sail on a “blue voyage” aboard a private yacht, stopping in secluded coves along the Turquoise Coast to swim or snorkel.

Antalya: Visit the historic church of Demre and the Greco-Roman harbor of Phaselis on the way to Antalya. Stay on the waterfront and set out to discover the city sites, from the enchanting old town of Kaleiçi to the Roman ruins of Perge.

Limited to 24 Smithsonian Journeys guests. Add a four-night extension in Cappadocia and Konya. Visit our website for details.

Luca Zavagno (Oct. 15)–historian. Janet Duncan Jones (Apr.) and Stephanie Larson (May 7)–experts in the classics. Lawrence Butler (May 31)–art historian. Allan Langdale (Sept. 3)–art and architectural historian. Jodi Magness (Sept. 24)–archaeologist.

Pearls of Croatia and Slovenia

15 days from $6,484

Includes airfare, taxes, & all fees Sept. 21–Oct. 5, Oct. 7–21, 2023 & Apr. 25–May 9, May 13–27, Sept. 5–19, Sept. 23–Oct. 7, Oct. 7–21, 2024

Croatia and Slovenia are at the crossroads of history and culture—influenced by empires from the ancient Greeks to the Habsburgs. Discover relics of the past among the effervescent modern-day cities of Zagreb, Ljubljana, and Split; and explore fabled resort towns on Lake Bled and the Opatija Riviera. Experience the unique heritage of the Istrian Peninsula, and venture to natural highlights such as Slovenia’s Postojna Caves and Plitvice Lakes National Park in Croatia. Along the way, visit six World Heritage sites, including the fertile plains of Hvar and the walled city of Dubrovnik.

Highlights Include

Lake Bled: In the fairy-tale alpine setting of Lake Bled, tour Bled Castle and enjoy spectacular views during a boat ride on the lake.

Historic Cities: Immerse yourself in the vibrant openair markets of Zagreb on a city tour, then discover lovely Ljubljana, admiring the World Heritage-listed architecture and urban planning of native son Jože Plečnik. In Split, encounter another World Heritage site: the fourth-century Diocletian’s Palace.

Natural Wonders: Venture into a labyrinth of tunnels and cathedral-like chambers on a train ride through Slovenia’s Postojna Caves. Then discover an ethereal web of waterfalls and lakes on a guided walk in Plitvice Lakes National Park—another World Heritage site.

Istrian Peninsula: Stay in the Habsburg retreat of Opatija at the edge of the Istrian Peninsula, and venture to the historic ports of Pula and Rovinj, variously ruled by the Venetians, the Habsburgs, Yugoslavia, and others.

Enjoy a tour and tasting at a family-owned olive farm. Trogir, Hvar, and Dubrovnik: Delight in the many treasures of the Dalmatian Coast. Stay within the medieval walls on the tiny island of Trogir, a World Heritage site. Ferry to Hvar for two nights in Hvar Town and cross the island to Stari Grad for a guided tour. Cap off your journey in Dubrovnik with a guided tour of the Old Town, a full free day to explore on your own, a sunset cruise around the walls, and a festive farewell dinner.

Limited to 24 Smithsonian Journeys guests.

Smithsonian Journeys Experts

Carol Reynolds (Apr./Sept. 5)–expert in European art, music, and history. Tim Blanning (May)–historian with expertise in Europe.

Cruising Southern Spain and Portugal

From Lisbon to Barcelona Aboard the 184-guest Le Dumont-d’Urville

A cruise offering from Smithsonian Journeys and PONANT

8 days from $5,900* Sept. 30–Oct. 7, 2024

Trace the Iberian coast from Lisbon along the southern shores of Spain, experiencing a rich cultural heritage. Discover the captivating cities of Andalusia, venturing into the World Heritage-listed Alcázar and Alhambra. Then sail to magnificent Mallorca to experience the lively seaside city of Palma. Encounter a wide range of architecture in sophisticated Valencia before concluding your voyage in Barcelona.

Highlights Include

Seville: Admire Mudéjar architecture on a tour of the 14th-century Alcázar, once the residence of Seville’s Moorish and Spanish rulers. Enjoy a lunch of Andalusian tapas, then stroll through the charming Jewish quarter.

Granada: Spend an afternoon in splendid Granada, where the Moors left a priceless architectural legacy: the Alhambra. On a walking tour of the city, see the cathedral where King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella are buried. Take a tour of the Alhambra and the beautifully landscaped Generalife Palace and Gardens.

Mallorca, Balearic Islands: Immerse yourself in the beauty of Mallorca, an island of idyllic coves, soaring limestone cliffs, and almond orchards and vineyards. Step into history in Palma de Mallorca, the cosmopolitan capital of the Balearic Islands, and discover its sandstone cathedral.

Valencia: Admire a wealth of architecture, visiting the 13th-century cathedral, home to paintings by Goya and Maella; the World Heritage-listed La Lonja de la Seda, a masterpiece of late Gothic architecture; and the modern creations of Santiago Calatrava. Enjoy a Valencian specialty—paella—at a local restaurant, and stroll through the modernist Mercado Central, a gastronomic hub. Add a two-night extension in Lisbon or Barcelona.

*Pricing reflects a savings bonus, ranging from 5% to 30% based on availability at the time this catalog was printed. See our website for current pricing. Book early for the highest savings.

The Smithsonian Journeys/PONANT Experience

Each cruise will feature two Smithsonian Journeys Experts and an included excursion or activity in each port of call. Our experts on this cruise are archaeologist and geologist Peter Bobrowsky and Linda Ehrlich, a film and art historian.

Portrait of Portugal: Lisbon, Porto, and Cruising the Douro River

Aboard the 132-guest Amalia Rodrigues

12 days from $5,490 / Includes $250 special savings No Single Supplement / Special air rates available Oct. 3–14, 2023 & May 3–14, Sept. 13–24, Sept. 27–Oct. 8, Oct. 4–15, 2024

Portugal is renowned for the Age of Discovery, Old World towns and centers of learning, rabelo (sail boats) loaded with casks of port plying the Douro, and distinctive blue azulejos (tiles). Encounter all this and much more during our land and river cruise program featuring seven nights aboard an intimate riverboat.

Highlights Include

Lisbon to Coimbra: Explore World Heritage sites in Lisbon, including the Jeronimos Monastery, renowned for its Manueline style of architecture, and the Tower of Belém, part of the city’s defense system as well as a ceremonial gateway. Both sites also reflect the strong maritime impact of the Age of Exploration during the 15th and 16th centuries. You’ll also see the modern Monument to the Discoveries, and later enjoy a performance of traditional Portuguese fado music. The next day, travel to the ancient town of Sintra to tour the palace, a medieval royal residence and World Heritage site, as well as the fishing village of Cascais and the elegant resort of Estoril. After your drive to Coimbra, a center of fine arts and learning, tour the spectacular university library and the Royal Palace, including the Ceremonial Hall. Cruising the Douro: In Porto, embark your riverboat and enjoy a selection of fascinating shore excursions. First, discover Porto during a walking tour or tram tour and savor a taste of the area’s port wine. Then visit the town of Guimarães (a World Heritage site) or take a hike along the river. Cruise along the meandering Douro River to the Spanish border. From here, choose from two excursions that feature the glories of Salamanca. During two more days on the river, explore historic sites and traditional towns and vineyards along the famous wine trail.

Amalia Rodrigues: This recently built ship features three decks, a spacious lounge with large picture windows, a full-service restaurant, a terrace, an elevator, and a spacious sundeck to enjoy the spectacular scenery of the Douro River Valley.

Port charges are an additional $395 per person. Space reserved for 30 Smithsonian Journeys guests. Learn more about the

Bob Smolik (Oct. 3)–veteran diplomat and scholar. Rafael Chacón (May)–art historian.

Treasures of Southern Spain and Portugal

Featuring Historic Paradores and Pousadas

15 days from $5,874

Includes airfare, taxes, & all fees

Oct. 9–23, Oct. 23–Nov. 6, 2023 & Mar. 25–Apr. 8, Apr. 18–May 2, May 6–20, Sept. 7–21, Sept. 28–Oct. 12, Oct. 12–26, 2024

A riveting history of Romans and Moors, explorers and invaders is etched across the gentle landscapes of the Iberian Peninsula. The interplay of hilltop citadels, ancient Roman cities, Mudejar palaces, and Gothic cathedrals speak of the many cultures that graced Portugal and southern Spain. Trace the Golden Age of Exploration in Lisbon and spend two nights in the delightful town of Évora. Then cross into Spain, discovering World Heritage sites and enchanting towns from Seville and Ronda to Granada and Toledo.

Highlights Include

Paradores and Pousadas: Experience Iberia’s heritage up close while staying in a medieval convent, a Moorish castle, a stately Renaissance palace, and a medieval town hall overlooking a dramatic gorge.

Lisbon and Évora: Admire the architecture of the World Heritage sites of Belém Tower and the Jerónimos Monastery, and visit the Monument to the Discoveries and the National Palace in nearby Queluz. Cross the Alentejo to the university town of Évora, another World Heritage site, and explore the Roman and Moorish sites from your base at one of Portugal’s finest pousadas.

Mérida, Seville, and Córdoba: Discover some of Spain’s most wellpreserved Roman ruins in Mérida, touring the amphitheater, temple, and aqueduct. From your parador in the charming town of Carmona, venture to Sevilla to tour the magnificent Gothic cathedral and the Alcázar. Then explore the Mezquita of Córdoba, a city where Moorish, Christian, and Jewish cultures flourished.

Ronda and Granada: Stay at the edge of a plunging gorge in cliff-top Ronda, and discover the town’s impressive Moorish architecture on a walking tour. In Granada, take a guided tour of the World Heritagelisted Alhambra, the legendary palace-fortress that epitomizes Moorish architecture.

Toledo and Madrid: Experience medieval Toledo, the city of El Greco, visiting the Gothic cathedral, the exquisite synagogue, and other sites. Then take a city tour of Madrid, including the Plaza Mayor, the Moorish medieval district, and the Royal Palace; and enjoy time at leisure to discover the city as you wish.

Limited to 24 Smithsonian Journeys guests.

Smithsonian Journeys Experts

Lawrence Butler (Oct. 9)–art historian. Ana Afzali (Mar.) and Dianne Konz (Oct. 12)–experts in Spanish history, culture, and literature. Allen Fromherz (May)–professor of Mediterranean and Middle East history.

Across Northern Spain and Portugal

Featuring Historic Paradores and Pousadas

17 days from $6,974

Includes airfare, taxes, & all fees

Oct. 3–19, Oct. 22–Nov. 7, 2023 & Apr. 12–28, May 10–26, May 31–June 16, Sept. 15–Oct. 1, Oct. 6–22, Oct. 20–Nov. 5, 2024

Travel the breadth of the Iberian Peninsula, crossing Portugal and northern Spain and encountering captivating cities such as Porto and Barcelona, fortified villages and fishing harbors, stunning coastlines and soaring mountain peaks. Visit stops along the legendary Way of St. James pilgrimage route, and explore an array of World Heritage sites. Admire the architecture of Gehry and Gaudí. Spend a day ensconced in Basque Country, and discover the hidden villages and valleys of the Pyrenees. Throughout the trip, stay in historic pousadas and paradores

Highlights Include

Paradores and Pousadas: Stay in three historic accommodations, including a seaside palace in Porto, a 15th-century hostel established by King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella, and a mountain lodge in the Pyrenees.

Lisbon and Porto: Discover the treasures of Lisbon including the rococo-style Queluz Palace, and visit the fortified village of Óbidos and seaside Nazare. In Porto, take a city tour and short cruise on the Douro River, and enjoy a special tasting tour at a traditional port lodge.

Santiago de Compostela: Follow in the footsteps of pilgrims who walked the Way of St. James on a tour of the city’s magnificent cathedral, now a World Heritage site.

León and Bilbao: Visit León’s 12th-century basilica and Casa Botines, a fairy-tale building designed by Antoni Gaudí. In Bilbao, stroll through the medieval Old City and see the cathedral. Tour the Guggenheim Museum, designed by Frank Gehry, and admire Spanish and Basque art at the Fine Arts Museum.

Basque Country and the Pyrenees: Stop in poignant Gernika, the town razed during the Spanish

Civil War, and visit seaside villages that reflect Basque culture. Travel through Pamplona on your way to the Pyrenees and spend a day exploring the mountains.

Barcelona: Trace the life and works of architect Antoni Gaudí at Casa Mila, Parc Güell, and his surreal cathedral, La Sagrada Familia. Stroll through the Gothic Quarter and bustling Las Ramblas and enjoy time at leisure to

Smithsonian Journeys Experts

Dianne Konz (Oct. 3/May 31), David Gies (May 10), and Ana Afzali (Sept.)–experts in Spanish history, culture, and literature. Cameron Watson (Oct. 22/Oct. 20)–historian.