Name: Mediterranean Island Voyage: Sicily, Sardinia, Corsica, and Elba - with Smithsonian Journeys
Brand: PONANT EXPLORATIONS
Rating: 5 (1 reviews)

PONANT EXPLORATIONS

When searching for a luxury yacht expedition cruise, there’s one name above all else that you need to know – Ponant Cruises. Founded in 1988 by former French Merchant Navy officers, Ponant combines succulent luxury with authentic adventures on all seven continents.

From classic Mediterranean itineraries and Caribbean sailings, to bucket-list expeditions around Greenland and Antarctica, Ponant cruises proudly counteract the banality of mainstream voyages with a unique take on the concept of small-ship cruising. It’s the absolute trip of a lifetime.

Cruise Itinerary

Day 1

Tarragona

Day 2

Palma de Mallorca

Nestled along the shimmering shores of Mallorca, Palma de Mallorca beckons with a captivating blend of history and charm. Its story unfolds through the ages, from Roman conquests to Moorish rule, leaving behind a tapestry of architectural wonders. Beneath the Mediterranean sun, Palma offers a mild climate, perfect for leisurely exploration year-round. Away from tourist traps, it reveals authentic Spanish life in its bustling markets and vibrant squares. As a showcase of the country's essence, Palma captures hearts with its traditional festivals and local delicacies like ensaada pastries. An interesting fact: Palma boasts one of Europe's largest Gothic cathedrals, La Seu, a testament to its enduring grandeur.

Day 3

Valencia

Amidst the Mediterranean breezes lies Valencia, a city steeped in the remnants of its Moorish past and vibrant with contemporary allure. Known for its ancient silk trade, Valencia's history weaves tales of resilience and innovation. Its temperate climate, kissed by the sun and cooled by sea winds, provides the perfect backdrop for exploration, enticing cruisegoers seeking an authentic Spanish experience. Beyond the tourist traps, Valencia offers hidden gems, from bustling markets to charming tapas bars tucked away in narrow alleys. And did you know? Valencia is home to the iconic dish, paella, a savory masterpiece loved the world over.

Day 4

At sea

Day 5

Málaga

Day 6

Cádiz

Journey to Cadiz, where the echoes of ancient civilizations resonate through its cobblestone streets. This maritime marvel boasts a colorful past, once a haven for Phoenician traders and a strategic outpost during Roman rule. Blessed with a Mediterranean climate, Cadiz offers balmy breezes and sun-kissed shores, perfect for leisurely exploration. Unlike bustling tourist hubs, Cadiz exudes authenticity, inviting travelers to savor its laid-back ambiance and discover hidden gems around every corner. As Spain's oldest continuously inhabited city, Cadiz proudly showcases its maritime heritage, including the renowned Carnival of Cadiz, a festive extravaganza dating back over three centuries.

Day 7

Portimão

Day 8

Lisbon

In the annals of maritime lore, Lisbon stands as a testament to resilience, having weathered centuries of conquest and exploration. Its labyrinthine streets whisper tales of Moorish conquests and Age of Discovery triumphs, each cobblestone a silent witness to the city's rich past. Beneath the warm Mediterranean sun, Lisbon exudes an undeniable charm, drawing travelers seeking an authentic escape from the beaten path. From its vibrant neighborhoods to its serene waterfront, Lisbon offers a glimpse into Portugal's soul, where fado music reverberates through alfresco cafes, and the aroma of freshly baked pasts de nata fills the air, tempting even the most seasoned voyagers.

Day 1

Tarragona

Day 2

Palma de Mallorca

Nestled along the shimmering shores of Mallorca, Palma de Mallorca beckons with a captivating blend of history and charm. Its story unfolds through the ages, from Roman conquests to Moorish rule, leaving behind a tapestry of architectural wonders. Beneath the Mediterranean sun, Palma offers a mild climate, perfect for leisurely exploration year-round. Away from tourist traps, it reveals authentic Spanish life in its bustling markets and vibrant squares. As a showcase of the country's essence, Palma captures hearts with its traditional festivals and local delicacies like ensaada pastries. An interesting fact: Palma boasts one of Europe's largest Gothic cathedrals, La Seu, a testament to its enduring grandeur.

Day 3

Valencia

Amidst the Mediterranean breezes lies Valencia, a city steeped in the remnants of its Moorish past and vibrant with contemporary allure. Known for its ancient silk trade, Valencia's history weaves tales of resilience and innovation. Its temperate climate, kissed by the sun and cooled by sea winds, provides the perfect backdrop for exploration, enticing cruisegoers seeking an authentic Spanish experience. Beyond the tourist traps, Valencia offers hidden gems, from bustling markets to charming tapas bars tucked away in narrow alleys. And did you know? Valencia is home to the iconic dish, paella, a savory masterpiece loved the world over.

Day 4

At sea

Day 5

Málaga

Day 6

Cádiz

Journey to Cadiz, where the echoes of ancient civilizations resonate through its cobblestone streets. This maritime marvel boasts a colorful past, once a haven for Phoenician traders and a strategic outpost during Roman rule. Blessed with a Mediterranean climate, Cadiz offers balmy breezes and sun-kissed shores, perfect for leisurely exploration. Unlike bustling tourist hubs, Cadiz exudes authenticity, inviting travelers to savor its laid-back ambiance and discover hidden gems around every corner. As Spain's oldest continuously inhabited city, Cadiz proudly showcases its maritime heritage, including the renowned Carnival of Cadiz, a festive extravaganza dating back over three centuries.

Day 7

Portimão

Day 8

Lisbon

In the annals of maritime lore, Lisbon stands as a testament to resilience, having weathered centuries of conquest and exploration. Its labyrinthine streets whisper tales of Moorish conquests and Age of Discovery triumphs, each cobblestone a silent witness to the city's rich past. Beneath the warm Mediterranean sun, Lisbon exudes an undeniable charm, drawing travelers seeking an authentic escape from the beaten path. From its vibrant neighborhoods to its serene waterfront, Lisbon offers a glimpse into Portugal's soul, where fado music reverberates through alfresco cafes, and the aroma of freshly baked pasts de nata fills the air, tempting even the most seasoned voyagers.

L'Austral

L’Austral have access to isolated locations or ports reserved for small units. They are faithful to the PONANT EXPLORATIONS DNA: exploring the world with a constantly renewed curiosity.