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 $5,910*

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. Or instead, delve into the city’s centuries-old markets and sit down to a lunch of local specialties, 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 or a two-night extension in Nice. *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 Dennis Romano, a historian with expertise in Europe and the Mediterranean. Visit our website for the additional expert.

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 $5,360* 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 private evening 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 one-night extension in Lisbon or a two-night extension in Barcelona.

*Pricing reflects a savings bonus, ranging from 5% to 30%

The Smithsonian Journeys/PONANT Experience

Each cruise will feature two Smithsonian Journeys Experts and an included excursion or activity in each port of call. Visit our website for the experts on this cruise.