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Wander through the vibrant streets of Barcelona

A Solar Eclipse at Sea: Voyage Across the Western Mediterranean - with Smithsonian Journeys

Barcelona - Nice - Example 9 Day Cruise aboard Le Dumont-d'Urville
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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.
Explore beautiful BarcelonaDiscover the history and art of BarcelonaGet to know vibrant BarcelonaExplore Palma de MallorcaEnjoy the brilliant blue water of the MediterraneanThe center of old NiceRelax by the sea near colorful NiceWander through the vibrant streets of Barcelona
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
Places Visited
Activity Level: Variable
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.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Barcelona | Embark

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.

Day 2: Palma de Mallorca, Balearic Islands

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.

Day 3: Mahon, Balearic Islands

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.

Day 4: Alghero, Sardinia

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.

Day 5: Lile-Rousse, Corsica

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.

Day 6: Portoferraio, Elba

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.

Day 7: Porto Ercole

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.

Day 8: Portofino

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.

Ship/Hotel

Le Dumont-d'Urville

Le Dumont-d'Urville Ship
Le Dumont-d'Urville Restaurant
Le Dumont-d'Urville Paint Gallery

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Per person starting at
$7,940 2-3 travelers
Rates are dynamic and fluctuate based on capacity. Contact us for a specific quote.
Cabin
Deluxe Stateroom
Area: 19 m² Capacity: up to 2 passengers per cabin 4m² Private balcony; King-size bed or twin beds
Cabin
Prestige Stateroom Deck 4
Area: 19 m² Capacity: up to 2 passengers per cabin 4m² private balcony; King-size bed or twin beds
Cabin
Prestige Stateroom Deck 5
Area: 19 m² Capacity: up to 2 passengers per cabin 4m² private balcony; King-size bed or twin beds
Cabin
Prestige Stateroom Deck 6
Area: 19 m² Capacity: up to 2 passengers per cabin 4m² private balcony; King-size bed or twin beds
Cabin
Deluxe Suite
Area: 27 m² Capacity: up to 2 passengers per cabin 6m² private balcony
Cabin
Prestige Suite Deck 5
Area: 38 m² 8m² private balcony King-size bed or twin beds
Cabin
Prestige Suite Deck 6
Area: 38 m² 8m² private balcony King-size bed or twin beds
Cabin
Privilege Suite
Area: 32 m² Capacity: up to 4 passengers per cabin 8m² private balcony; King-size bed or twin beds
Cabin
Grand Deluxe Suite
Area: 45 m² Capacity: up to 2 passengers per cabin 30m² private balcony; King-size bed or twin beds
Cabin
Owner's Suite
Area: 45 m² Capacity: up to 2 passengers per cabin 30m² private balcony; King-size bed or twin beds
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

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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.
Lisa Bridge

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