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Cruising the Mediterranean: Sicily, Sardinia, and Mallorca – with Smithsonian Journeys

Valletta - Tarragona

Dates:
3/10/2025
to  10/10/2025

Other available dates

8
days
7
nights on board
Starting from*
€4,890
per person
20% Ponant Bonus

Shore excursion in each port of call + transfers included


In alliance with Smithsonian Journeys.

This cruise is part of a collection of PONANT voyages that are specially-tailored for English-speaking travelers who want to engage with the world. In addition to the usual elements of the PONANT experience, the listed price for these voyages includes transfers to and from the ship, talks and discussions aboard ship by world class experts, and a shore excursion or activity in each port of call that encourages guests to embrace the sights, sounds, tastes, and smells of the local environment and culture.

This voyage in the heart of the Mediterranean explores four islands that, despite their differences, share a history of successive waves of civilizations that have washed over them from prehistoric times to the present. Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, Arabs, Byzantines, Italians, British, and Spanish—all have left their mark on the language, art, architecture, and cuisine of Sicily, Sardinia, Menorca, and Mallorca.

From Valletta, Malta, your discovery of these very special islands begins with two days on the largest of them, as you visit the Sicilian cities of Trapani and Palermo. Rounding Sicily's western tip, you arrive in Trapani for an excursion into the countryside and the ancient Doric temple of Segesta or to medieval Erice, perched on a high triangular plateau sloping down to the sea.

L’Austral then brings you to Palermo, founded by the Phoenicians in 827 BC and becoming one of Europe’s greatest cities in the 12th century, when the Normans took control. Here you will visit Cappella Palatina, a Byzantine-Arab-Norman structure featuring dazzling mosaics and magnificent inlaid marble floors and walls. Or drive to nearby Monreale to explore its famed Norman cathedral.

Cagliari, Sardinia's capital, is your gateway to the archaeological site of Nora. Founded by Phoenicians in the 8th century BC, it was subsequently taken over by Carthaginians, then by Romans. Explore the  remains of Carthaginian warehouses, buildings from the time of the Roman Republic, a Carthaginian-Roman temple, large baths with splendid mosaics, and a theater, almost intact, dating to the time of the Roman Empire.

On Menorca, second largest of the Balearic Islands, visit Mahon, the island's main port, where a tour of the town reveals Menorca's varied history through its architecture—classical Georgian sash-windowed town houses sharing pride of place with traditional Spanish homes. Visit the Museum of Menorca, and then drive to Torralba d’en Salord, a large and well-preserved Bronze Age talayotic settlement recently designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

In Palma de Mallorca on the island of Mallorca, explore the Gothic-style Bellver Castle, one of only a handful of circular castles in Europe, or board a vintage train through the orange and olive groves, almond and locust-bean trees, lush villages, and pine-covered mountains that define the island's landscape.

Your voyage ends in vibrant Tarragona, Spain, just down the coast from vibrant Barcelona.


Ref : VT0145US - AU031025


Your itinerary

Your itinerary - Cruising the Mediterranean: Sicily, Sardinia, and Mallorca – with Smithsonian Journeys

A voyage specially-tailored for English-speaking travelers including discussions with experts, transfers before and after your cruise, and an included excursion in each port of call. Engaging discussions...


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Your trip in detail

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Partner - Smithsonian Journeys

Our partner

Partner - Smithsonian Journeys

Smithsonian Journeys

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Choose your stateroom

Choose your stateroom

Superior Stateroom Deck 3
 

(21 m²)

From €4,890 per person
20% Ponant Bonus

Deluxe Stateroom Deck 3
 

(18 m²)

From €5,260 per person
20% Ponant Bonus

Prestige Stateroom Deck 4
 

(18 m²)

From €5,530 per person
20% Ponant Bonus

Prestige Stateroom Deck 5
 

(18 m²)

From €5,690 per person
20% Ponant Bonus

Prestige Stateroom Deck 6
 

(18 m²)

From €5,900 per person
20% Ponant Bonus

Deluxe Suite Deck 6
 

(27 m²)

From €7,870 per person
20% Ponant Bonus

Prestige Suite Deck 5
 

(37 m²)

From €8,450 per person
20% Ponant Bonus

Prestige Suite Deck 6
 

(37 m²)

From €8,720 per person
20% Ponant Bonus

Owner's Suite Deck 6
 

(45 m²)

From €11,310 per person



Complete your trip

Complete your trip

Included in your cruise
For more peace of mind, PONANT organizes your trip before or after the cruise. This package is included in the price of your cruise.


Included in your cruise


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Contact Us

1300 737 178
(or contact your travel agent)

Request a quote

*Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability, and subject to change at any time. The category of stateroom to which this price applies may no longer be available.