This 9-day Mediterranean cruise from Barcelona to Nice aboard Le Dumont-d'Urville offers a blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, with a once-in-a-lifetime celestial event. On August 12, 2026, experience a total solar eclipse aboard Le Dumont-d'Urville as it sails near Palma de Mallorca. The eclipse begins at 7:38 pm, reaches totality at 8:31 pm, and ends at 8:49 pm, just as the sun sets over the Mediterranean horizon. Visit Palma de Mallorca’s stunning coves, then stroll through Mahon’s charming streets on Menorca. In Alghero, discover Sardinia’s medieval history, followed by the crystalline beaches of Ile-Rousse in Corsica. Next to Portoferraio on Elba Island, and explore Porto Ercole’s scenic Tuscan landscapes. Lastly, in Portofino, a picturesque gem of the Ligurian Riviera, before disembarking in Nice.
Highlights
Witness Palma’s total solar eclipse, a breathtaking celestial event
Explore Palma de Mallorca’s coves, cliffs, and Mediterranean waters
Discover Mahon’s colorful streets and the majestic Santa Maria church
See Portofino’s harbor, a picturesque gem of the Ligurian Riviera
Activity options vary depending on destination and operator. Activity level is determined by the range and intensity of activities you choose to participate in. Discuss with your Trip Planner which options are best for you.
Barcelona, nestled between the Montjuic mountains and Tibidabo, offers visitors a unique mix of tradition and modernity. As an open-air museum, the city showcases an incredible array of artistic treasures and museums. Its streets combine Roman ruins, medieval neighborhoods, and bold 20th-century designs. Some of the world’s greatest artists, including Picasso, Miro, and Gaudí, have left their mark here, with many of their works recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Take a leisurely walk along the Ramblas and soak in the relaxed Mediterranean atmosphere of Catalonia's vibrant capital.
Palma de Mallorca is a place filled with treasures: stunning coves, towering limestone cliffs that drop into the sapphire and turquoise waters of the Mediterranean, and wide plains dotted with almond trees, olive groves, and vineyards. When visiting the capital of the Balearic Islands, explore its iconic landmarks, including the famous cathedral, and stroll through its charming old streets. The island’s rich historical heritage serves as a beautiful backdrop to the vibrant and welcoming cosmopolitan atmosphere of the Mediterranean.
You are welcomed by the colorful houses of Mahon, its narrow streets, and pretty squares that appear as you stroll around this richly contrasting city. Mahon reveals its different neighborhoods, alternating between monuments, villas, and white buildings. Discover the Santa Maria church, a building of neo-gothic inspiration, rebuilt in the 18th Century. It is worth a visit to see its monumental organ with more than 3,000 pipes and four keyboards. Around the Carmen church you can find a local market, full of stands selling avarcas, typical Menorcan sandals originally made by peasants. Let yourself fall under the spell of this Mediterranean treasure.
Located on the northwest coast of Sardinia, Alghero offers you traces of Sardinian culture combined with vestiges from a Catalan past. Here, many inhabitants speak the Algherese dialect, a variant of Catalan, as well as Catalan itself. A walk along the well-preserved medieval ramparts gives you a panoramic view of the town. The streets in the historical center bear witness to its rich past, from Santa Maria Cathedral to numerous palaces dating from different eras.
Overlooking a wide crystalline bay to the north of Corsica, the port of Ile-Rousse offers the charm of a historical town in the heart of spectacular natural surroundings. You can be able to admire the white facades of the famous Paoli square, the busy hub of the old town center, where restaurants lay out their terraces in the shade of plane trees. Make sure you take a look at the statue of Pasquale Paoli, known as “Babbu”, father of Corsica. Amateurs of fine sandy beaches find fulfillment at Napoleon Beach, located near the center, or the calmer Caruchettu Beach. There are a plethora of hiking paths from which to choose.
In the elbow of a creek on the northern coastline of Elba Island, a small corner of paradise awaits in the form of Portoferraio. As you approach its coastlines, you can make out the powerful and majestic contours of its Medici fortresses. Napoleon Bonaparte spent many of his 300 days in exile here. The Palazzina dei Mulini, his first imperial residence, whose gardens offer outstanding views of the sea, is a must-see. Historical treasures are followed by another kind of treasure, namely white sand beaches, and equally tempting local specialties including gurguglione and rice with cuttlefish ink.
With its landscapes of undulating hills covered in lush meadows, narrow streets with colorful houses, and picturesque paths shaded by pines... Porto Ercole is a concentration of all of Tuscany’s beauty. And what would it be without a fascinating, mystery-filled history? Overlooked by its 16th-century fortress, this small village is renowned for having witnessed the final days of the famous painter Caravaggio, said to be buried there. On the Monte Argentario peninsula, you might have the chance to meet the fishermen of the Orbetello Lagoon, classed as a natural reserve, who perpetuate traditional fishing methods, or meet local wine, olive oil, and cheese producers. For the sportier guests, the surrounding wild and pristine nature can provide the opportunity for a hike along the island’s heights to enjoy breathtaking views.
Close to the Cinque Terre, Portofino is the jewel of the Ligurian Riviera. This "small village that stretches like a half moon around a silent basin", described by Guy de Maupassant, is today a pretty, lively little port that has managed to preserve the authenticity of its maritime traditions, which have been recognized since Ancient times. Built in the hollow of a small natural cove sheltered by the pine forest, the village is at the heart of a protected maritime reserve. The shimmering colors of its house fronts and the exceptional location of this village have inspired many authors and artists. You can also see the Portofino lighthouse, immaculate in its green setting. Perched on the Punta del Capo, it watches over the peninsula and its postcard setting.
Day 9: Nice | Disembark
1 Breakfast
Capital of the Cote d’Azur, Nice is surrounded by an amphitheater of hills and mountains that protects it from the wind. You can probably want to explore the Promenade des Anglais, where you can sit on one of the famous blue chairs laid out opposite the Baie des Anges. The Château hill is also a very pleasant place to walk. This is the entrance to the old city, with its bustling markets and regional products along the main street, the Cours Saleya.
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.
$7,9402-3 travelers
Rates are dynamic and fluctuate based on capacity. Contact us for a specific quote.
Deluxe Stateroom
Area: 19 m²
Capacity: up to 2 passengers per cabin
4m² Private balcony; King-size bed or twin beds
Prestige Stateroom Deck 4
Area: 19 m²
Capacity: up to 2 passengers per cabin
4m² private balcony; King-size bed or twin beds
Prestige Stateroom Deck 5
Area: 19 m²
Capacity: up to 2 passengers per cabin
4m² private balcony; King-size bed or twin beds
Prestige Stateroom Deck 6
Area: 19 m²
Capacity: up to 2 passengers per cabin
4m² private balcony; King-size bed or twin beds
Deluxe Suite
Area: 27 m²
Capacity: up to 2 passengers per cabin
6m² private balcony
Prestige Suite Deck 5
Area: 38 m²
8m² private balcony
King-size bed or twin beds
Prestige Suite Deck 6
Area: 38 m²
8m² private balcony
King-size bed or twin beds
Privilege Suite
Area: 32 m²
Capacity: up to 4 passengers per cabin
8m² private balcony; King-size bed or twin beds
Grand Deluxe Suite
Area: 45 m²
Capacity: up to 2 passengers per cabin
30m² private balcony; King-size bed or twin beds
Owner's Suite
Area: 45 m²
Capacity: up to 2 passengers per cabin
30m² private balcony; King-size bed or twin beds
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
Kate was great to work with in the planning stage. She was prompt, helpful, and efficient. Our tour guide, Edwin, was knowledgeable and passionate. We were very happy to have traveled with Adventure Life, it made the trip easy and a true pleasure. We could concentrate on enjoying the experience rather than the details of travel.
I selected Adventure Travel as I was not satisfied with the responsiveness of the agent for the cruise I was trying to book and it had good recommendations. So far, I am quite happy with my agent, Betty, very responsive and accommodating.
charles
6 days ago
Amazing. Incredible. Professional. Well done.
Wes Friedman
2 weeks ago
There were two best aspects to our trip:
1. The Adventure Life folks and the folks in Athens and Crete who supported our itinerary, guided us, and ran the cooking program were all superb.
2. Everything they all planned for us went without a hitch. When we needed a bit of help, they came through with really good answers.
We became aware of AL from a friend who had an excellent experience in a different location. So did we. We can recommend AL without reservation.
Tom Campbell
2 months ago
This will be the third trip I have arranged with Adventure Life and I find their customer service and helpfulness to be excellent. Sandra has been very knowledgeable in describing the details of the planned trip as well as the signing up process for the trip. I have and will continue to recommend Adventure Life as the best tour vendor I have had the pleasure to work with. Thank you for your continued excellence.
Linda Haugh
2 months ago
I was given all the information that I asked for and my questions were answered quickly. Very pleasant and knowledgeable agent.