
In partnership with Smithsonian Journeys
Corsica and the Tuscan Archipelago by Sea – with Smithsonian Journeys
- ItineraryNice to NiceDuration9 days
- Dates18 Jul 26 to 26 Jul 26Starting price
Onboard onto Le Dumont d'Urville for an exquisite journey
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 leisurely voyage around Corsica and along the coast of Tuscany explores the history of the region, especially the life of Napoleon Bonaparte, who was born on Corsica and exiled to Elba. It also allows for the discovery of the natural beauty found in the Corsican interior, in the lush forests surrounding Porto Ercole, and on the Cap Corse Peninsula. But is most particularly about la belle vie and la dolce vita as they are lived and enjoyed in the resort towns visited along the way— the sun-drenched beaches, the charming marinas, and the grand villas of Calvi, Propriano, and above all, Portofino.
Departing from Nice, France, your first port of call is on the French island of Corsica, where you may join a guided walking tour of the town of Calvi including its Citadel, with stunning views over the sea and the houses below, and the house of Christopher Columbus, who is believed to have been born here. Or you may travel outside of the city to enjoy a panoramic drive through the natural beauty of the island's interior, or to snorkel off the beach of the Revellatta Peninsula.
From the small marina-like harbor of Propriano, it is about an hour's drive to Bonifacio, stunningly perched on cliffs along Corsica's south coast. Here you stroll through the old town's winding medieval lanes of brightly colored houses and browse the stalls and shops of the old market while admiring dramatic views over rugged limestone cliffs that plunge to the sea below. For those who would prefer a day of relaxation, sun, and sand, shuttles will be available from the ship to Propriano's lovely beach.
The next four days are spent exploring the towns of Italy’s Tuscan coast, learning their history, admiring their architecture, enjoying their beauty, and savoring their cuisine. Begin with a day in Porto Ercole on an island connected to the mainland by three isthmuses and dominated by the lush forests of Monte Argentario. Choose between a hike on a mountain trail that leads to Spanish forts built in the 16th century to protect Tuscany from the Ottomans, or an e-bike tour through a nature reserve and around the Orbetello Lagoon.
On the tiny island of Giglio, visit its main town, Giglio Castello, a member of the consortium of Borghi più belli d’Italia, "The Most Beautiful Villages in Italy." There are two ways for you to reach the village—by minivan or by hiking to the hilltop along paths lined with local flora. Whichever mode of transport you choose, your guide will lead you through the town and the fortress that gives it its name, followed by a tasting of local wines.
Your exploration continues in Portoferraio, the main harbor of Elba. Most famous as the site of Napoleon Bonaparte’s exile in 1814-15, Portoferraio offers a tour of Villa Dei Mulini, the Emperor’s winter residence during exile and a visit to the charming village of Porto Azzurro and enjoy a wine tasting and sampling of Tuscan mezze at a local vineyard.
Portofino, once a small fishing village and now a favored haunt of the rich and famous, is fittingly located at the southern end of the Italian Riviera. Enjoy a guided tour of this iconic resort town, walking among the brightly colored houses and pausing for stunning views at the Portofino Promontory and at the lighthouse at Punto del Capo. Or, take to a kayak and paddle through the harbor and along the coast for a perspective on Portofino from the water.
Your final day of discovery is based in the port town of Saint-Florent on Corsica's north coast, where options include a panoramic drive through the rugged and beautiful landscapes of Cap Corse Peninsula; a nature walk through the aromatic gardens of oleander, cypress, rosemary, and wild olive in Saleccia Park; and a guided tour of the town of Saint-Florent, enclosed by walls built by the Genoese in the 15th century.
Your voyage ends back in Nice.
Your voyage
All inclusive, gourmet cuisine, room service, evening entertainment, shows, fitness center, hammam, sauna… Discover what is included in every Ponant cruise.

Destination
Mediterranean
Nice to Nice
Duration
9 days, 8 nights on board
Smithsonian Journeys, Timeless

Smithsonian Journeys
Shore excursion in each port of call + transfers included
Offres
Ponant Bonus 30%
Ref: NNEI45US - EU180726








Journey
Your journey day-by-day
- 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 onboard with two Smithsonian Journeys Experts.
- Napoleon's winter residence on Elba.
- The dramatic cliffs of Bonifacio.
- Wine tastings in Giglio and Portoferraio.
- Panoramic drives through lush scenery from Calvi and Saint-Florent.
- Opportunities for active excursions – hiking, kayaking, snorkeling, and e-biking.
- A full day and evening in iconic Portofino.

Staterooms and suites
Elegance and intimacy

Deluxe Stateroom
Guests
2
Surface
19 m²

Prestige Stateroom
Guests
2
Surface
19 m²

Deluxe Suite
Guests
3
Surface
27 m²

Prestige Suite
Guests
4
Surface
38 m²

Privilege Suite
Guests
3
Surface
32 m²

Grand Deluxe Suite
Guests
4
Surface
45 m²

Owner's Suite
Guests
4
Surface
45 m²
*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.
Details
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Services included in your cruise
Important trip details
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Itinerary