Corsica, Sardinia & Iberian shores
Set sail aboard Le Dumont d’Urville for an exceptional 9-day cruise from Nice to discover the Western Mediterranean. From towns brimming with history to stunning islands, this unforgettable itinerary has many a surprise in store.
Throughout your journey, you will benefit from an excursion included per person per port of call, to choose from a selection offered by PONANT. On this cruise, stroll through the streets of Bonifacio to discover the most beautiful treasures of its heritage, explore the island of Menorca, from Mahon, to admire the island’s most beautiful sights including villages, coves and breathtaking panoramas, or fall in love with the natural beauty of Albufera Park from Valencia. The diversity of experiences on offer promises you intense and varied moments (to discover the full range of excursions, go to the itinerary tab) You will set sail for Calvi in the heart of the Balagne region. Between steep peaks and sublime beaches with turquoise waters, you will experience a wild and authentic Corsica. The sumptuous archipelago formed by the pointe de la Parata and the Sanguinaires islands announces the entrance to the Gulf of Ajaccio. The long line of crests seems to extend the coast like a backbone. Listed as a Grand Site de France and a Natura 2000 area, this coastal landscape at the foot of the mountains is home to exceptional biodiversity adapted to the harsh climate. Here, Nature is the star attraction. Le Dumont d’Urville will then sail to Bonifacio, the jewel of the far south of Corsica. A veritable fortress sculpted by the wind and the spray, the 'sentinel city' will reveal its historical centre and its long, cobbled streets. Then you will make its way to Sardinia and the Port of Alghero. Discover its rich past reflected in its medieval fortifications, its historic centre, and its majestic cathedral. Your cruise will then stop in the Balearic Islands on the well-preserved island of Menorca. Mahon, the island’s capital, will charm you with its age-old history and its exceptional port, which, at 6 kilometres (3.7 miles) long, is the biggest in the Mediterranean! A little further on, Ibiza, the “White Island” will enchant you with its wild coves and villages of white fincas, a natural beauty that has earned the status of UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will head to Valencia, Spain’s third largest city, a city full of contrasts, where the picturesque charm of the historic centre blends with the futuristic architecture of the new buildings. Finally, you will sail towards Barcelona, your disembarkation port.
When searching for a luxury yacht expedition cruise, there’s one name above all else that you need to know – Ponant Cruises. Founded in 1988 by former French Merchant Navy officers, Ponant combines succulent luxury with authentic adventures on all seven continents.
From classic Mediterranean itineraries and Caribbean sailings, to bucket-list expeditions around Greenland and Antarctica, Ponant cruises proudly counteract the banality of mainstream voyages with a unique take on the concept of small-ship cruising. It’s the absolute trip of a lifetime.
The fourth ship in the PONANT EXPLORERS series, Le Dumont-D’Urville embodies the PONANT philosophy: to depart for adventure in unique comfort.
