Le Bougainville, 7 Night Mediterranean Island Voyage: Sicily, Sardinia, Corsica, and Elba – with Smithsonian Journeys ex Valletta, Malta to - 13/05/2026

7 nights onboard Le Bougainville from Ponant departing 13 May 2026

Itinerary Enquire / Cabins Overview Cruise Line Ship Decks

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, French, and Italians—all have left their mark on the language, art, architecture, and cuisine of Sicily, Sardinia, Corsica, and Elba.

From Valletta, Malta, your discovery of these very special islands begins with three days on the largest of them, Sicily, as you visit the cities of Syracuse, Taormina, and Palermo. In Syracuse, which rivalled Athens as one of the most powerful cities of the ancient world, you may choose to explore the Roman Amphitheater of Augustus and the 15,000 seat Greek theater, or join a walking tour of Ortygia, Syracuse’s old town. Or you may choose to travel to nearby Noto, a Baroque World Heritage site, now rebuilt following a devastating earthquake in 1990.

The beautiful resort town of Taormina, perched high on a cliff overlooking the Ionian Sea, is home to a stunning Greek theater, an Odeon from Roman times, buildings blending Arab and Norman cultures, and villas built by European aristocracy in the 18th and 19th centuries. It is also a gateway to Mt. Etna and the vineyards that thrive in the rich volcanic soils of its slopes.

Palermo, Sicily’s capital and your final port of call on the island, was founded by the Phoenicians in 827 BC and became one of Europe’s greatest cities in the 12th century, when the Normans took control. Here you may combine Roger II’s Cappella Palatina, featuring dazzling mosaics and magnificent inlaid marble floors and walls, with a drive to nearby Monreale to explore its famed Norman cathedral. Or you may choose to focus on Palermo’s famous markets and street food, or decide to travel along the coast to the resort town of Cefalù.

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 Empire.

You will want to be on deck as your ship navigates the narrow waterway that leads to Bonifacio, perched high on cliffs on Corsica’s southern coast. Board a mini-train to transport you to the oldest part of the city, where you can stroll through winding medieval lanes of brightly colored houses and admire their fine Gothic architecture. Or you may prefer to explore the small archipelago of the Lavezzi Islands, a nature reserve famous for the Grotte du Sdragonatu (Dragon’s Cave) accessible only by sea.

Portoferraio is the main harbor of the island of Elba, the last of the four islands on your journey. Most famous as the site of Napoleon Bonaparte’s exile in 1814-15, Portoferraio was founded by the Medicis in the 16th century. A walking tour of the town includes a visit to Villa San Martino, Napoleon’s home during exile, and is followed by a wine tasting and sampling of Tuscan mezze at a local vineyard.

Your voyage ends in Nice, France.

View Suites / Cabins

EXPERIENCE CRUISING ANOTHER WAY, DISCOVER THE MAGIC OF YACHT CRUISES.

Our mission is to transport you to mythical destinations and secret ports only accessible to small capacity ships.

To offer the delights of a French-inspired cuisine in an intimate environment – a discreet service where no attention to detail is spared – and unforgettable moments of relaxation on board elegant yachts of character.

To combine sophistication and conviviality, with priority given to authentic experiences, emotions and the ongoing quest for excellence.

Yacht cruises: more than a cruise, a privilege…

Attentive, professional, discreet and elegant, the fully bilingual service on board will meet your every desire. Our unique atmosphere is filled with a signature sentiment: a warm welcome from an experienced crew who are passionate about what they do, in the tradition of private yachting.

In the dining areas, our gourmet cuisine is worthy of top fine dining restaurants: exquisite wines are available, and menus are created with expertise by our skilled chefs with a French-inspired menu enhanced by specialties from our various ports of call.

Pleasure, enrichment, discovery: relax – we take care of everything…

Ship Profile & Stats

Maiden voyage: 2019

Tonnage: 9,900 gross tons

Length: 131 metres

Beam: 18 metres

Draft: 4.5 metres

Speed: 12.5 knots

Ship registration: French

Passenger capacity (dbl): 184

Officer nationality: France

Ship Amenities

Individual Climate Control

Minibar

Flat Screen Television

Ipod (TM) Players

In Room Safe

Hair Dryer

110/220 volts outlet

Satellite Direct Line Telephone

Bath Robes

Ship Facilities

Art Gallery

Panoramic Lounge

Shopping Boutiques

Main Lounge

Swimming Pool

Theatre

Main Restaurant

Spa

Fitness Centre

Bars

Hydraulic Platform for Water Sports / Swimming

Deluxe Stateroom

From AUD10,160 pp Twin Share Enquire

Area : 19 m²
Capacity :up to 2 passengers per cabin
4m² Private balcony
Individually-controlled air-conditioning
King-size bed or twin beds
Shower
Minibar
Flat screen
Satellite TV
Desk with stationery
Ipod(TM) players
Video on demand
Safe
Hairdryer
Bath robes
Satellite direct line telephone
110/220 volts outlet
French bath products
24hr room service
Internet acces wifi.

Deluxe Suite Deck 3

From AUD17,210 pp Twin Share Enquire

Area : 27 m²
Capacity :up to 3 passengers per cabin
6m² Private balcony
Individually-controlled air-conditioning
King-size bed or twin beds
Shower
Minibar
Flat screen
Satellite TV
Desk with stationery
Ipod(TM) players
Video on demand
Safe
Hairdryer
Bath robes
Satellite direct line telephone
110/220 volts outlet
French bath products
24hr room service
Internet acces wifi.

Deluxe Suite Deck 4

Sold Out

Area : 27 m²
Capacity :up to 3 passengers per cabin
6m² private balcony
Individually-controlled air-conditioning
King-size bed or twin beds
Shower
Minibar
Flat screen
Satellite TV
Desk with stationery
Ipod(TM) players
Video on demand
Safe
Hairdryer
Bath robes
Satellite direct line telephone
110/220 volts outlet
French bath products
24hr room service
Internet acces wifi.

Deluxe Suite Deck 5

From AUD17,210 pp Twin Share Enquire

Deluxe Suite Deck 6

From AUD17,210 pp Twin Share Enquire

Grand Deluxe Suite Deck 5

Sold Out

Area : 45 m²
Capacity :up to 2 passengers per cabin
30m² private balcony
Individually-controlled air-conditioning
King-size bed or twin beds
Bathtub
Minibar
Flat screen
Satellite TV
Desk with stationery
Ipod(TM) players
Video on demand
Safe
Hairdryer
Bath robes
Satellite direct line telephone
110/220 volts outlet
French bath products
24hr room service
Internet acces wifi.

Grand Deluxe Suite Deck 6

From AUD28,060 pp Twin Share Enquire

Prestige Deck 4

From AUD11,240 pp Twin Share Enquire

Area : 19 m²
Capacity :up to 2 passengers per cabin
4m² private balcony
Individually-controlled air-conditioning
King-size bed or twin beds
Shower
Minibar
Flat screen
Satellite TV
Desk with stationery
Ipod(TM) players
Video on demand
Safe
Hairdryer
Bath robes
Satellite direct line telephone
110/220 volts outlet
French bath products
24hr room service
Internet acces wifi
2 cabins of 27
5 m² with a private balcony of 6 m² for people with reduced mobility.

Prestige Deck 5

From AUD11,780 pp Twin Share Enquire

Prestige Deck 6

From AUD12,430 pp Twin Share Enquire

Prestige Deck 5 Suite

From AUD23,170 pp Twin Share Enquire

PRESTIGE DECK 5 SUITE

Area : 38 m²
Capacity :up to 2 passengers per cabin
8m² private balcony
Individually-controlled air-conditioning
King-size bed or twin beds
Shower
Minibar
Flat screen
Satellite TV
Desk with stationery
Ipod(TM) players
Video on demand
Safe
Hairdryer
Bath robes
Satellite direct line telephone
110/220 volts outlet
French bath products
24hr room service
Internet access wifi.

Prestige Deck 6 Suite

From AUD24,370 pp Twin Share Enquire

Privilege Suite Deck 5

From AUD25,560 pp Twin Share Enquire

Area : 32 m²
Capacity :up to 4 passengers per cabin
8m² private balcony
Individually-controlled air-conditioning
King-size bed or twin beds
Bathtub
Minibar
Flat screen
Satellite TV
Desk with stationery
Ipod(TM) players
Video on demand
Safe
Hairdryer
Bath robes
Satellite direct line telephone
110/220 volts outlet
French bath products
24hr room service
Internet access wifi.

Privilege Suite Deck 6

From AUD25,560 pp Twin Share Enquire

Owner's Suite

Sold Out

Area : 45 m²
Capacity :up to 2 passengers per cabin
30m2 private balcony
Individually-controlled air-conditioning
King-size bed
or twin beds Shower
Minibar
Flat screen
satellite TV
Desk with stationery
Ipod(TM) players
Video on demand
safe
Hairdryer
Bath robes
Satellite direct line telephone
110/220 volts outlet
French bath products
24hr room service
Internet acces wifi.

Deck 03

Level 03

Deck 04

Level 04

Deck 05

Level 05

Deck 06

Level 06

Deck 07

Level 07