From the Adriatic coast to Malta

This cruise, in partnership with the Maud Fontenoy Foundation, will cultivate the art of peaceful travel as well as a family spirit, thanks to its customised activities on board and on shore for youngsters*, with the Kid Explorers Club.  

Set sail to discover the cultural and artistic jewels of the Ionian and Adriatic Seas with PONANT. During this 9-day cruise, Le Bougainville will take you to Greece, Montenegro, Croatia and Italy.

Throughout your journey, you will benefit from an excursion included per person per port of call, to choose from a selection offered by PONANT. During this cruise, discover the stunning city of Lecce, “the Florence of Southern Italy”, from Otranto; admire the medieval vestiges of Dubrovnik; or set off from Taormina to climb the mythical Mount Etna. The diversity of experiences on offer promises you intense and varied moments (to discover the full range of excursions, go to the itinerary tab).

Your journey will begin in Venice where, before your cruise, you will have the opportunity to discover or rediscover the stunning “Floating City” and its many canals, its vaporetti and its mythical gondolas before sailing to Rab. The smallest island in the Kvarner archipelago, its charm lies in its pristine forests and wild coves, but also in its powerful medieval past, evidenced by its military fortifications built in the 4th century BCE.  

To the north of Dalmatia, the charming fishing village of Primosten unfolds before you, with its pretty traditional stone houses and its architectural heritage influenced by the Venetian Republic. It is the gateway to the magnificent Krka Waterfalls and you will fall in love with its authenticity and exceptional environment.

Renowned as the most beautiful medieval town in Dalmatia, the city of Trogir, founded by the Greeks is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Fall under the spell of the beauty of its monuments, such as the Cathedral of Saint Lawrence, a masterpiece of Romanesque arts and one of the most beautiful in Croatia. Facing it is Hvar, the best known and most attractive island in the Adriatic. In Stari Grad, echoes of the past abound. Founded by the Greeks 2,400 years ago, its plain is now listed with UNESCO for having retained its original agricultural landscape of vineyards and olive groves. Then the national park of the island of Mljet, surrounded by a wildly beautiful coastline, will be the occasion for a timeless interlude in the shade of the green oaks and Aleppo pines, between lush vegetation and saltwater lakes.

You will sail along the coast to reach the mythical city of Dubrovnik. In the aptly named “Pearl of the Adriatic”, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, you will be inspired by its millennia-old history, fascinated by its limestone cliffs sculpted by the wind and marvel at the heritage of its old town.

Experience a unique moment in Montenegro when your ship calls at Tivat, a town facing the mountains of the Bay of Kotor. In this city founded in the 14th century by the Venetians and the Austro-Hungarians, you will discover the authenticity of the old town or admire the magnificent beaches as you wander around.Next, you will visit the stunning Puglia region in Italy when the ship calls at Otranto. Do not miss a visit to Lecce: Its lavish baroque monuments have earned it the nickname “Florence of the South of Italy”.

You will set sail again, this time to discover Sicily. In Taormina, at the foot of Etna’s everlasting snow, fall under the spell of the picturesque city centre with cobbled streets leading to the city’s impressive ancient theatre boasting exceptional acoustics.

Your cruise will come to an end in Valletta, capital of the island of Malta and former stronghold of the Knights of the Order of Malta.

*for children aged 4 to 13 years old