Embark on a 9-day cruise to explore the cultural and artistic treasures of the Ionian and Adriatic Seas aboard the Le Bougainville. Along the way, enjoy captivating lectures from Pinault Collection experts. The journey will take you to Malta, Montenegro, Croatia, and Italy, with private visits to Palazzo Grassi and Punta della Dogana in Venice for the Contemporary Art Biennale. Visit historic cities, UNESCO World Heritage sites, and stunning landscapes, including Syracuse in Sicily, Otranto in Puglia, Dubrovnik in Croatia, and the Bay of Kotor in Montenegro. The cruise culminates in Venice, where you can experience the city's most iconic landmarks, such as Piazza San Marco and the Grand Canal.
Highlights
Explore the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Valletta, with majestic streets and narrow staircase vennels to discover
Experience the rich fragrances, colors, and flavors of Syracuse, a town that blends Arabic, Roman, Norman, Byzantine and Spanish cultures
Discover Otrante's medieval ramparts, magnificent 12th century ornamental mosaic tiling, and the sweetlife of Salento
Admire Dubrovnik's ancient city, with its elegant houses built in legendary travertine stone, and walk along the ramparts to see the coastline
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
The Maltese capital, Valletta, is UNESCO World Heritage listed and occupies a peninsula northeast of the island. From the fountain of Tritons to Saint-Elme Fort, there are as many majestic streets as narrow staircase vennels to explore. The painted loggia and carved corbels on the tall houses will accompany you in your explorations and rarely be bothered by traffic. You can visit the Grandmaster's palace, decorated with coats of arms and frescoes. Saint John's cathedral and the ramparts, which have guarded the city since the 16th century, are also among the city's most emblematic sites. Arranged in terraces, the Barrakka Gardens will punctuate your promenade with a green and floral experience.
Its undulating rocky coastline, the endless sandy beaches, the menacing form of Mount Etna, which surveys its island like a patriarch, and the flowery gardens on the hillside—Sicily lays out its varied landscapes like a shopkeeper displays his wares. Syracuse was one of Sicily's most prestigious cities and, at its height, was even a rival to Athens, according to Cicero, who called it "the most beautiful city in the world." As the central city of ancient Greece, it was home to a succession of civilizations, each of which left its mark. The blend of Arabic, Roman, Norman, Byzantine, and Spanish cultures makes Syracuse a town that is extraordinarily rich in fragrances, colors, and flavors.
Located in the Apulia region, Otrante is the easternmost transalpine town. Behind its medieval ramparts, taste the sweet life of Salento, the “heel on Italy’s boot.” Inhabited since Antiquity, Otrante has today become a very pleasant seaside town. Yet its history is still visible as you meander through the little streets of its old center. With its magnificent 12th-century ornamental mosaic tiling, the cathedral is one of its most beautiful treasures. You can sit and relax on a café terrace during a stroll along the ramparts.
Emblem of the Dalmatian coast, Dubrovnik is magnificently positioned on a rocky spur. History is sovereign here in this ancient city, now listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Be surprised by the proportions of La Placa, the central drag through the city. The sheer width of it can be explained by the fact that it straddles a former lagoon. The elegant houses along La Placa are built in the legendary travertine stone. The statue of Dubrovnik's patron saint will welcome you at Pile Gate, and as you stroll along the ramparts, you can take in the view of the coastline. But what's inside Fort Saint John, adjoining the outer walls? A maritime museum and an aquarium featuring rare fish from the Adriatic.
Situated in one of Montenegro’s most beautiful bays, the medieval city of Kotor is a small town full of charm, truly imbued with the traditions and stories of another time. Built between the 12th and 14th centuries, this village, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has preserved many historical monuments from this epoch. During your stop, be sure to admire the impressive castle that dominates the town and let yourself fall under the charm of its maze of small streets and intimate squares, on which folk festivals featuring magnificent, colorful costumes are often organized.
Off the coast of Split, Hvar will surprise you with its traditions that have stayed the same since antiquity. The country's oldest town, Stari Grad, is here on this Dalmatian island. The town nestles in a cove on the northwest coast, surrounded by dry stone wall structures on the Stari Grad plains. These have been designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites because they were built during the Ancient Greeks' time. From these parcels of land come wines and olive oil, which are manufactured manually. In the upper part of town, it is possible to discover hams and cheeses made by local producers.
Proud and eternal, Venice has reigned on its lagoon ever since the 6th century. You may think you know this city before even setting foot here. Fall in love with the charm of the innumerable treasures of the Serenissima: Saint Mark’s Square, the basilica, Doges Palace, the Grand Canal, and the gondolas. Yet, secret Venice is also waiting for you to explore its little interlacing streets and canals, ramble through its squares, and push open the doors of its churches. The city’s extraordinary heritage shouldn’t stop you from enjoying a glass of Spritz and a few tramezzini.
Day 9: Venice
1 Breakfast
Proud and eternal, Venice has reigned on its lagoon ever since the 6th century. You may think you know this city before even setting foot here. Fall in love with the charm of the innumerable treasures of the Serenissima: Saint Mark’s Square, the basilica, Doges Palace, the Grand Canal, and the gondolas. Yet, secret Venice is also waiting for you to explore its little interlacing streets and canals, ramble through its squares, and push open the doors of its churches. The city’s extraordinary heritage shouldn’t stop you from enjoying a glass of Spritz and a few tramezzini.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
$6,740
Rates are dynamic and fluctuate based on capacity. Contact us for a specific quote.
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Deluxe Stateroom
Area: 19 m²
Capacity: up to 2 passengers per cabin
4m² Private balcony; King-size bed or twin beds
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Prestige Stateroom Deck 4
Area: 19 m²
Capacity: up to 2 passengers per cabin
4m² private balcony; King-size bed or twin beds
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Prestige Stateroom Deck 5
Area: 19 m²
Capacity: up to 2 passengers per cabin
4m² private balcony; King-size bed or twin beds
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Prestige Stateroom Deck 6
Area: 19 m²
Capacity: up to 2 passengers per cabin
4m² private balcony; King-size bed or twin beds
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Deluxe Suite
Capacity: up to 2 passengers per cabin
6m² private balcony
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Prestige Suite Deck 5
Area: 38 m²
8m² private balcony
King-size bed or twin beds
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Prestige Suite Deck 6
Area: 38 m²
8m² private balcony
King-size bed or twin beds
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Privilege Suite
Area: 32 m²
Capacity: up to 4 passengers per cabin
8m² private balcony; King-size bed or twin beds
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Grand Deluxe Suite
Area: 45 m²
Capacity: up to 2 passengers per cabin
30m² private balcony; King-size bed or twin beds
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Owner's Suite
Area: 45 m²
Capacity: up to 2 passengers per cabin
30m² private balcony; King-size bed or twin beds
Notes
Please note:
Fares are based on double occupancy and are capacity controlled. Rates may increase at any time as the ship sells out and are subject to change without notice.
For full cancellation policy details, please contact us for a quote.
Included
8 Breakfasts, 7 Lunches, 8 Dinners
8 Nights Accommodations
Accommodations as listed
Ground transportation as listed
Activities as listed
Meals as listed
Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
Port Fees
Unlimited Wifi
Onboard Entertainment
Captain’s Welcome Cocktail and Gala Dinner
Gratuities to Onboard Crew
“Open Bar” (pouring wines, house champagne, alcohol except premium brands...list available upon request)
24h Room Service (special selection)
English-Speaking Lecturer
Highly experienced and bilingual (French-English) expedition staff
Park Entry Fees into Protected Areas
Water sports activities (except scuba diving) using the ship’s equipment, when permitted by local authorities and confirmed by ship Master according to safety and sea conditions onsite.
Excluded
Travel Insurance
Personal Expenses
Flight costs (please request a quote)
Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
Visa Fees
Optional Excursions - Ponant allows you to pre-book your excursions approximately six to two months prior to the cruise* departure. Please note that this is subject to change. Please contact us for more details.
Any ground services before and/or after the cruise other than the ones mentioned
Luggage Handling
Laundry Services, Hair Salon, and à La Carte Spa Treatments
Pre or post cruise programs, overland programs or shore excursions
Beverages other than the ones mentioned in inclusions
CDP recommends that every Traveler has full and adequate travel insurance covering the risks of cancellation, assistance being required, repatriation, damages to and loss of baggage, and medical expenses
The trip might have been the absolute best of our lifetime (thus far). We particularly want to commend our guide Peter in the Guilin area-he was so incredibly attentive, energetic, enthusiastic-and absolutely dedicated to ensuring that our meals were 100% vegetarian.
Jack Charney
TrustScore 4.8 | 175 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 175 reviews on
7 hours ago
The response from Adventure Life to my first inquiry was prompt and promising. I worked with Jamie Broeckel, Trip Planner, via text, email, and phone calls- always extremely responsive and thorough with information and explaining the process to arrange a private tour for me to Malaysia Borneo. Within about week, the booking was complete and I made decisions because of Jamie's great customer service , friendly manner, and overall competence on behalf of the company's travel expertise. Now I have an itinerary, additional Trip Planner Assistants, several links for vital information for traveling to Maylasia, etc. Still many details for Sept. trip, but now the heavy lifting is done and I can enjoy the rest of the anticipation and research!! Thanks Jamie- you are amazing!!!!
Susan Campo
2 days ago
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
3 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.
