Ancient Wonders and Culinary Delights: Cruising Southern Italy and Sicily

From Valletta to Livorno Aboard the 184-guest Le Bougainville

A cruise offering from Smithsonian Journeys and PONANT

8 days from $6,300*

Sept. 8–15, 2024

Join a renowned Italian chef on a voyage from Malta to Tuscany and experience the wonders—and flavors—of Sicily and southern Italy. Gain insight into the ancient past among the Greco-Roman treasures of Syracuse and Rome; explore a delightful fishing village in Calabria and the ruins of Pompeii; and visit family-owned farms. Through culinary tours and classes, savor local cuisine wines.

Highlights Include

Syracuse and Taormina, Sicily: Tour the archaeological sites of Ancient Syracuse and Taormina. Enjoy lunch at an agriturismo or sample wines and local cuisine at a vineyard on Mount Etna.

Calabria: Discover this lesser-known region on Italy’s “toe,” viewing the exquisite Riace Bronzes in Reggio Calabria, exploring a beautiful fishing village, and visiting historic churches.

Paestum and Pompeii: Experience some of Italy’s most remarkable ruins during in-depth tours of two World Heritage sites: the Greek temples of Paestum and the city of Pompeii, buried beneath volcanic ash for nearly 2,000 years.

Naples and Rome: Anchor in Naples and opt for a tour of the city’s famous street food—and its historic center—or head for the hills above Sorrento for a lunch and a cooking lesson at a working farm. Then spend a day discovering incomparable Rome on a VIP visit to the Colosseum, an art-filled excursion at the Vatican, or on a foodie tour.

Culinary Experiences: Travel with a renowned Italian chef and sample local delicacies during culinary experiences such as a pizza-making class at a mozzarella- producing dairy. Enjoy the unique flavors of Sicily and southern Italy, from arancini to sfogliatella.

Add a one-night extension in Malta or a two-night extension in Tuscany.

*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 include Al Leonard, an archaeologist and an expert in both culinary arts and wine. Visit our website for the additional expert.

Cruising the Dalmatian Coast and the Ionian Sea

From Athens to Venice Aboard the 244-guest Le Lyrial or Le Bougainville

A cruise offering from Smithsonian Journeys and PONANT

8 days from $5,520*

Sept. 17–24, 2023 & July 16–23, 2024

Discover the treasures that lie along the Adriatic’s shores as you sail from Athens to Venice along Croatia’s islandstudded Dalmatian Coast. Encounter an array of World Heritage sites—from Montenegro’s breathtaking Gulf of Kotor to the walled town of Dubrovnik—exploring the legacy of Greeks, Romans, Venetians, and Byzantines across the Balkan Peninsula.

Highlights Include

Delphi and the Corinth Canal: Explore ancient Delphi, home to the mythical Oracle, or visit St. Lucas Monastery, a spectacular monument of Middle Byzantine architecture. Make a thrilling passage through the ultra-narrow Corinth Canal.

Sarandë and Butrint: In Albania, uncover layers of history at the World Heritage site of Butrint or discover an Ottoman castle and an ancient Illyrian city on a walking tour of Sarandë.

Kotor: Sail into Montenegro’s spectacular Bay of Kotor, a World Heritage site surrounded by towering peaks, and tour the historic town of Kotor.

Dubrovnik: Enjoy a full day in exquisite Dubrovnik to see the famous landmarks of this iconic World Heritage-listed walled city.

Mostar and Ston: In Bosnia and Herzegovina, tour the Ottoman outpost of Mostar, now a World Heritage site, and see the famous Stari Most bridge. Or visit the centuries-old saltworks in the walled town of Ston, and cruise in a local boat to see how oysters and mussels are farmed here—and taste the fresh catch.

Hvar: Step into history on a walking tour of the 17th-century squares and monuments of Hvar town; or travel into the countryside to view lavender fields and enjoy an easy hike to the beach.

Add a one-night extension in Athens or a two-night extension in Venice.

*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 the 2023 departure are art historian Aneta Georgievska-Shine and journalist Adam Tanner.

Cruising the Mediterranean: Greece, Sicily, and Malta

From Athens to Valletta Aboard the 184-guest Le Jacques Cartier

A cruise offering from Smithsonian Journeys and PONANT

8 days from $5,410*

Sept. 26–Oct. 3, 2023

Set sail across the Aegean and Ionian Seas, discovering sites that span almost six millennia. Experience World Heritage sites in almost every port of call, including the archaeological sites of Delphi and Olympia, the megalithic temples of Malta, and the gem-like Sicilian towns of Ortigia and Noto. Sample wines and specialties from local producers, and enjoy a final evening at leisure in the spectacular port of Valletta.

Highlights Include

Patmos: Explore the World Heritage site of Patmos, from the Monastery of St. John, built in 1088 and still inhabited by monks, to the Cave of the Apocalypse. Or opt for a photography excursion, training your lens on the whitewashed lanes of Chora and the turquoise Aegean.

Hydra and the Corinth Canal: Enjoy a guided tour of Hydra, a Saronic island where no motor vehicles are allowed. Make a thrilling passage through the Corinth Canal, which is navigable only by small ship.

Delphi and Olympia: Step back in time on visits to two important sites from antiquity: Delphi, home to the mythical Oracle; and Olympia, where the world’s first Olympic Games were held in 700 B.C.

Syracuse and Ortigia or Noto, Sicily: In Syracuse, visit Greek and Roman theaters and venture into the Earof Dionysius cave. Or spend time in the 18thcentury town of Noto, a splendid example of Sicilian baroque architecture.

Gozo and Valletta, Malta: Encounter megalithic sites that predate Stonehenge on a tour of Gozo Island, or visit the town of Xewkija before sampling island vintages. Then enjoy free time to explore the stunning fortified city of Valletta as the ship stays anchored overnight. Add a one-night extension in Athens or 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 David Price Williams and art historian Sara James.

Cruising the Greek Islands of the Southern Aegean

Round-trip from Athens Aboard the 184-guest Le Jacques Cartier or Le Champlain, or the 264-guest L’Austral A cruise offering from Smithsonian Journeys and PONANT

8 days from $5,650*

July 12–19, 2023 & 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 the July 2023 departure include John Dobbins, an expert in the classics, archaeology, and history.

Classical Greece

14 days from $7,292

Includes airfare, taxes, & all fees

Aug. 24–Sept. 6, Sept. 7–20, Sept. 14–27, Oct. 12–25, 2023 & Apr. 18–May 1, May 5–18, May 19–June 1, Aug. 29–Sept. 11, Sept.

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 (Sept. 7)–art historian and field archaeologist. Bella Vivante (Aug. 24)–classicist with a focus on Homer, oral traditions, Greek drama, and the role of women. David Price Williams (Oct. 12)–archaeologist.

Legendary Turkey and the Turquoise Coast

15 days from $5,592

Includes airfare, taxes, & all fees

Sept. 5–19, 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, and 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.

Smithsonian Journeys Experts

Stephanie Larson (May 7)–professor of classics with expertise in the modern history of Turkey. Allan Langdale (Sept. 3)–art and architectural historian.

Pearls of Croatia and Slovenia

15 days from $6,484

Includes airfare, taxes, & all fees Sept. 7–21, 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 4th-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. On a special visit to a family-owned olive farm, enjoy a tour and tasting.

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. 25/Sept. 5)–expert in European art, music, and history. Dennis Romano (Sept. 7) and Tim Blanning (May 13)–historians with expertise in Europe.

Southern France and the Italian Riviera by Sea

From Barcelona to Civitavecchia Aboard the 184-guest Le Champlain A cruise offering from Smithsonian Journeys and PONANT

9 days from $6,340* Oct. 8–16, 2023

Climb aboard in Barcelona and sail the length of France’s southern coast, dropping anchor to explore medieval villages, ancient Roman sites, and charming Provençal towns. Continue along the Italian Riviera to the picturesque villages of Cinque Terre, and explore gems of art and history in Tuscany on excursions to Pisa, Lucca, Florence, or Volterra. Make a final stop in the captivating cliff-top village of Bonifacio, Corsica before ending your voyage near Rome.

Highlights Include

South of France: Spend the day discovering the medieval walled city of Carcassonne, a World Heritage site that seems straight out of a fairy tale. Explore Aix-en-Provence, once home to Paul Cézanne; or take an excursion to Arles and Avignon. From Nice, tour Monte Carlo or the hilltop medieval village of Eze.

Cinque Terre and Tuscany: Sail along the Italian Riviera to the picturesque fishing village of Portofino and take a walking tour. Then set off in private boats from Porto Venere to visit two of the villages of the Cinque Terre— Monterosso and Vernazza; or spend a day in the historic Tuscan towns of Lucca and Pisa. Encounter revered Renaissance art in fabled Florence or visit Roman ruins and the Etruscan Museum in Volterra.

Bonifacio, Corsica: In the cliff-top fortress town of Bonifacio, venture into the labyrinthine streets of the medieval Citadel, or ride a local boat along coastal cliffs to impressive grottos.

Add a two-night extension in Barcelona or a two-night extension in Rome.

*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 art historian Mary O’Neill and archaeologist and geologist Peter Bobrosky.