Islands of the Mediterranean: Sicily, Sardina & Corsica - Valletta to Nice
Deal number 26907993
Ponant Yacht Cruises & Expeditions
Le Dumont d'Urville
18th May 2027
Mediterranean
16-night cruise
Departing from Valletta
Earn points on every booking with Travel Associates*
Exclusive Inclusions
Receive EUR 1400 Onboard Credit per person.
16 night PONANT & Smithsonian Journeys cruise, from Valletta to Nice, onboard Le Dumont d'Urville, in a Lower Deck Balcony stateroom.
All main meals and entertainment onboard.
Complimentary beverages, including champagne, spirits, beer, wine, soft drinks.
Unlimited Wi-Fi Internet access.
24-Hour Room Service.
One included activity per person per day.
Port charges and government fees.
The service of a dedicated Travel Advisor managing your booking.
Earn & Redeem Points on all travel with our new loyalty program, World360 Rewards*
PONANT EXPLORATIONS and Smithsonian Journeys, the travel program of the Smithsonian Institution, have formed a unique alliance to offer themed sailings featuring experiences that embrace local cultures and dive deeper into a destination's history, cuisine, language, environment and wildlife.
In addition to the usual elements of the PONANT experience, these voyages include transfers to and from the ship, talks and discussions aboard ship by world-class experts, and a shore excursion or activity in each stopover that immerses you in the sights, sounds, tastes and smells of each destination, and helps provide a deeper understanding of the places explored.
On Board Le Dumont d'Urville - Sail into the heart of the Mediterranean where history, fragrance and sun?drenched coastlines collide. Wander Baroque hilltop towns in Sicily, sample Sicilian wines beneath the shadow of Mount Etna, and uncover layers of Greek, Roman and Norman heritage.
Drift between Sardinias rugged coves and Corsicas dramatic cliffs, where turquoise bays invite you to swim and linger. Along the way, local chefs, winemakers and cultural experts bring each island to life through intimate tastings, stories and encounters that reveal the true spirit of the Mediterranean.
In addition to the usual elements of the PONANT experience, these voyages include transfers to and from the ship, talks and discussions aboard ship by world-class experts, and a shore excursion or activity in each stopover that immerses you in the sights, sounds, tastes and smells of each destination, and helps provide a deeper understanding of the places explored.
On Board Le Dumont d'Urville - Sail into the heart of the Mediterranean where history, fragrance and sun?drenched coastlines collide. Wander Baroque hilltop towns in Sicily, sample Sicilian wines beneath the shadow of Mount Etna, and uncover layers of Greek, Roman and Norman heritage.
Drift between Sardinias rugged coves and Corsicas dramatic cliffs, where turquoise bays invite you to swim and linger. Along the way, local chefs, winemakers and cultural experts bring each island to life through intimate tastings, stories and encounters that reveal the true spirit of the Mediterranean.
Itinerary
Day 1 Valletta, Malta
The whole of the Maltese capital Valletta is UNESCO World Heritage listed and occupies a peninsula in the north-east of the island. From the fountain of Tritons to Saint-Elme fort, there are as many majestic streets as there are narrow staircase vennels to explore. The painted loggia and carved corbels on the tall houses will accompany you in your explorations, and youll rarely be bothered by traffic. You can visit the Grandmasters palace decorated with coats of arms and frescoes. Saint-Johns cathedral and the ramparts which have guarded the city since the 16th century are also among the most emblematic sites of the city. Arranged in terraces, the Barrakka Gardens will punctuate your promenade with a green and floral experience.
Day 2 Porto Empedocle, Sicily
Huddled on the south-western coast of Sicily, Porto Empedocles bears the name of the philosopher Empedocles, who lived in the region in the 5th century BC. An age-old city offered up to sun and sea, this is your doorway to the exceptional archaeological site of Temple Valley, a high place of Greek civilisation listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. You can admire the remains of many temples dedicated to Zeus, his wife Hera and Hephaestus. Make sure you take in the magnificent Italian countryside, with its olive orchards that cover the hillsides.
Day 3 Tunis, Tunisia
At the crossroads of civilisations, the capital of Tunisia is rich in cultural discoveries. The ruins of Ancient Carthage, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and particularly well preserved, testify to the splendour of this city that was once Romes great rival. The hill of Byrsa, the former fortified citadel of the Phoenician port and one of the presumed burial places of Saint Louis who died there during the Eighth Crusade, offers spectacular views over the Gulf of Tunis. In the Bardo National Museum, you will be able to admire one of the worlds finest Roman mosaic collections, including the magnificent portrait of the poet Virgil.
Day 4 Trapani, Sicily
Bathed in the cobalt waters of the Tyrrhenian sea, Trapani is the former port of the Greek city of Erice, boasting a privileged natural position in western Sicily. As you wander through its little streets, you will discover a secular cultural heritage, bearing witness to the many influences of civilisations that came here: San Lorenzo Cathedral, Maria Santissima Annunziata sanctuary, the fountain of Triton. On the shaded restaurant terraces, savour some fresh fish from the mornings catch. Or else you can opt for a seafood couscous, a culinary legacy from their Arab neighbours.
Day 5 Palermo, Sicily
Palermo is the guardian of the Sicilian soul. Many have been attracted to this city, the largest capital of the Italian islands. Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Romans, Byzantines, Arabs, Normans... Palermo is a rich culmination of so many cultural influences as seen in the Moorish designs on the cathedral, and the Byzantine mosaics of the Palatine chapel, which is itself housed within the precincts of the Norman palace. You will fall under the spell of the palaces, baroque splendours that grace the town with their obsolete beauty. It is thrilling to stumble upon one of those fabulous markets, high in colour, and headily picturesque.
Day 6 Lipari, Aeolian Islands and Sailing in front of Stromboli
Of the seven Aeolian islands, this is the largest and the most populated. Lying off the north coast of Sicily, in the Tyrrhenian sea, Lipari is one of UNESCOs marvellous World Heritage sites. Its lava stone quarries and obsidian flow of Rocce Rosse are indications of its volcanic nature. The town, the largest urban area in the whole archipelago, proudly houses its citadel and its castle, both rooted in Antiquity. If you head further into the centre, youll be surprised to come across a Norman cathedral, complete with a magnificent baroque faade.
Like Ulysses during his Odyssey, you will have the opportunity to admire the Stromboli, the capricious volcano that looms over the Aeolian Islands. Its activity, uninterrupted for thousands of years, has earned it the nickname the Lighthouse of the Mediterranean.
Like Ulysses during his Odyssey, you will have the opportunity to admire the Stromboli, the capricious volcano that looms over the Aeolian Islands. Its activity, uninterrupted for thousands of years, has earned it the nickname the Lighthouse of the Mediterranean.
Day 7 Taormina, Sicily
Located on Sicilys eastern coast, in the province of Messina, the seaside town of Taormina is Sicilys Saint-Tropez, boasting heritage sites, secluded beaches and luxury shopping. You can visit its medieval centre, suspended 300 metres above sea level, where terraces offer a spectacular view of the Mediterranean Sea. Another vestige from its past are the ruins of the Greco-Roman theatre. This extremely well-preserved site attracts visitors who are fascinated by the natural beauty of the area which overlooks a turquoise bay.
Day 8 Syracuse, Sicily
Its undulating rocky coastline, the endless sandy beaches, the menacing form of Mount Etna which surveys its island like a patriarch, the flowery gardens on the hillside... Sicily lays out its varied landscapes like a shopkeeper displays his wares. Described by Cicero as the most beautiful city in the world, Syracuse was one of the most prestigious cities in Sicily and at her height was even a rival for Athens. A central city of Ancient Greece, it was home to a succession of civilisations, each of which has left their mark. The blend of Arabic, Roman, Norman, Byzantine and Spanish cultures makes Syracuse a town that is extraordinarily rich in fragrances, colours and flavours.
Day 9 Valletta, Malta
The whole of the Maltese capital Valletta is UNESCO World Heritage listed and occupies a peninsula in the north-east of the island. From the fountain of Tritons to Saint-Elme fort, there are as many majestic streets as there are narrow staircase vennels to explore. The painted loggia and carved corbels on the tall houses will accompany you in your explorations, and youll rarely be bothered by traffic. You can visit the Grandmasters palace decorated with coats of arms and frescoes. Saint-Johns cathedral and the ramparts which have guarded the city since the 16th century are also among the most emblematic sites of the city. Arranged in terraces, the Barrakka Gardens will punctuate your promenade with a green and floral experience.
Day 10 Gozo, Malta
Located to the north of Malta, a lot less urbanised than its larger sibling and protected from mass tourism, the small island of Gozo has managed to remain natural and authentic. Lush hills and valleys alternate with a mosaic of cultivated fields. The buildings, some of which are medieval, are built from honey-coloured limestone and blend in perfectly with the surrounding scenery. Gozo also boasts a unique historic site that is now listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site: the megalithic temples of Ggantija near the town of Xaghra. An archaeological museum adjoining the site presents a number of objects that were found there. Red-sand beaches and a crystal-clear sea add to the calm and serenity of Gozo.
Day 11 Syracuse, Sicily
Its undulating rocky coastline, the endless sandy beaches, the menacing form of Mount Etna which surveys its island like a patriarch, the flowery gardens on the hillside... Sicily lays out its varied landscapes like a shopkeeper displays his wares. Described by Cicero as the most beautiful city in the world, Syracuse was one of the most prestigious cities in Sicily and at her height was even a rival for Athens. A central city of Ancient Greece, it was home to a succession of civilisations, each of which has left their mark. The blend of Arabic, Roman, Norman, Byzantine and Spanish cultures makes Syracuse a town that is extraordinarily rich in fragrances, colours and flavours.
Day 12 Taormina, Sicily
Located on Sicilys eastern coast, in the province of Messina, the seaside town of Taormina is Sicilys Saint-Tropez, boasting heritage sites, secluded beaches and luxury shopping. You can visit its medieval centre, suspended 300 metres above sea level, where terraces offer a spectacular view of the Mediterranean Sea. Another vestige from its past are the ruins of the Greco-Roman theatre. This extremely well-preserved site attracts visitors who are fascinated by the natural beauty of the area which overlooks a turquoise bay.
Day 13 Palermo, Sicily
Palermo is the guardian of the Sicilian soul. Many have been attracted to this city, the largest capital of the Italian islands. Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Romans, Byzantines, Arabs, Normans... Palermo is a rich culmination of so many cultural influences as seen in the Moorish designs on the cathedral, and the Byzantine mosaics of the Palatine chapel, which is itself housed within the precincts of the Norman palace. You will fall under the spell of the palaces, baroque splendours that grace the town with their obsolete beauty. It is thrilling to stumble upon one of those fabulous markets, high in colour, and headily picturesque.
Day 14 Cagliari, Sardinia
The capital of Sardinia, Cagliari, like Rome, is built on seven hills. Its Sardinian name means castle, in reference to the citadel, its historic centre, which dominates the city. The old ramparts are now pleasant panoramic terraces bordering picturesque streets. The city hosted the Nuragic, Phoenician, Roman and Byzantine civilisations before the rein of the Spanish Hapsburgs and the House of Savoy. The monuments of Cagliari bear the traces of these successive dominations, such as the Bastion of Saint-Remy or the Sainte-Marie Cathedral. On the sea front, Art Nouveau-style public monuments give way to the Poetto beach, a magnificent stretch of sand that is 8 kilometres long.
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