Côte d'Azur, Liguria & Corsica: Monaco and Portofino
Springtime in the Mediterranean
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Nice (Villefranche) → Rome / Civitavecchia
Five nights from Nice/Villefranche to Rome/Civitavecchia aboard Le Boreal, the 184-guest Ponant Classic sistership. A gentle spring route through the Cote d'Azur, the Ligurian Riviera, the Tuscan archipelago and Corsica. On board, premium all-inclusive service, a French table and a marina platform for swim stops in sheltered coves. An elegant link between France and Rome.
Route highlights
- Monaco: Principality with a rock-top old town, the Place du Palais and a harbour set between yachts and apartments.
- Portofino: Pastel cove in the Parco di Portofino, Liguria at its most concentrated.
- Portoferraio on Elba: Napoleon's first place of exile, with the Villa dei Mulini above the harbour.
- Bonifacio: Chalk cliffs at the southern tip of Corsica, the old town apparently floating above the sea.
- Rome/Civitavecchia: Disembarkation at Rome's port, around 80 minutes from the Eternal City.
Early booking advantage: Voyages in 2027 fill quickly - premium cabins are often reserved 18-24 months in advance. An early booking enquiry is non-binding and secures your preferred cabin category.
The Route
Nice (Villefranche)
5 nights
Rome / Civitavecchia
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Nizza · Embarkation
On the French Riviera on the Mediterranean lies Nice as the largest town of the Côte d'Azur in the Alpes-Maritimes. Its landmark is the Promenade des Anglais along the Baie des Anges, lined by the pastel-coloured Vieux Nice old town, the baroque Sainte-Réparate cathedral and the Castle Hill of Colline du Château with views across the entire bay.
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Monaco
Between Nice and the Italian border lies the city-state of Monaco on the French Mediterranean coast on the Ligurian Sea. The world's second-smallest country is famed for the Prince's Palace in Monaco-Ville, Charles Garnier's lavish Monte Carlo casino and the world-famous Formula 1 street circuit winding through its narrow lanes.
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Portofino
The most elegant fishing village on the Riviera Ligure and a favourite anchorage for the international yachting world: pastel houses around the harbour basin, small churches on the hill, and walking trails through the Monte Portofino nature park.
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Portoferraio, Elba
Portoferraio is the capital of Elba and lies in one of the best-protected natural harbours of the Tyrrhenian Sea. Elba is known as Napoleon's place of exile (1814-15), as a hiking island and for its crystal-clear waters along granite shores.
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Bonifacio, Korsika
On white limestone cliffs at the southern tip of Corsica - Bonifacio literally hovers above the sea. The medieval citadel town lies just 12 kilometres from the Sardinian cape; below, boats anchor in the fjord-like harbour bay.
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Civitavecchia (Rom) · Disembarkation
Climate & best time to sail
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Air °C | 15 | 15 | 17 | 19 | 23 | 27 | 30 | 31 | 27 | 23 | 18 | 16 |
| Sea °C | 14 | 14 | 14 | 15 | 17 | 21 | 24 | 25 | 24 | 22 | 18 | 16 |
| Rain mm | 43 | 37 | 25 | 32 | 30 | 15 | 7 | 20 | 52 | 66 | 58 | 52 |
Long-term monthly normals · Reference: Balearic Islands (Palma)
Le Boréal
Le Boréal was the first ship of the Odyssée class and marked Ponant's move into expedition cruising. 264 guests, ice-reinforced hull, two restaurants - a ship built equally for the passage to the North Cape and the islands of the South Seas.
In the Mediterranean, Le Boréal shows the culinary side of the Ponant philosophy: French-inspired cuisine, open wine, regional specialities.
The Ship
Cabins
Owner's Suite
The most exclusive suite on board, located on Deck 6. Separate bedroom, balneo bathtub, panoramic views, butler service and personalised attention from the crew.
Cabin layout
Prestige Suite with Balcony
Elegant suites on Decks 5 and 6. Separate living and sleeping areas, two dressing rooms, generous balcony. Round-the-clock butler service.
Cabin layout
Deluxe Suite with Balcony
Spacious suites on Deck 6 with a separate bathtub and shower, sitting area and a private balcony. Butler service included.
Cabin layout
Deluxe Cabin
Outside cabin with a large panoramic window on Deck 3. Ideal for solo travellers or couples. All on-board amenities included.
Cabin layout
Deluxe Cabin with Balcony
Comfortable outside cabins on Decks 3 and 4 with a private balcony. Convertible twin or double beds, shower bathroom.
Cabin layout
Prestige Cabin with Balcony
The most popular category: premium cabins on Decks 4-6 with a private balcony, sitting area and convertible beds. Unobstructed views of the destination.
Cabin layout
Deck plan · Le Boréal
Standard inclusions of the ship voyage
On board
- Schiffsreise in der gewählten Kabinenkategorie
- Vollpension an Bord: Frühstücksbuffet, französische Brasserie-Küche zum Mittagessen, mehrgängiges Abendessen
- Große Auswahl an Getränken in Markenqualität (Mineralwasser, Softdrinks, Wein, Bier, Champagner, Kaffee, Tee, ausgewählte Spirituosen)
- Inhalt der Minibar
- 24-Stunden-Roomservice
- Unbegrenzter WiFi-Zugang an Bord
- Ein Landausflug pro Person und Anlaufhafen
- Vorträge und Begleitung der Naturforscher und Lektoren an Bord
- Abendunterhaltung, Vorträge und Shows
- Zugang zu Fitnessbereich und Sauna
- Nicht-motorisierte Wassersport-Aktivitäten (Kajak, Stand-up-Paddle)
- Bei Expeditionsreisen: Zodiac-Anlandungen und Ausfahrten
- Hafen- und Sicherheitsgebühren
Not included
- An- und Abreise zum Schiff (Flüge, Bahn)
- Flughafentransfers
- Reiseversicherung
- Trinkgelder für Crew (übliche Empfehlung 8 bis 10 Euro pro Person und Tag)
- Premium-Spirituosen und ausgewählte Edel-Weine
- Zusätzliche, optionale Landausflüge
- Spa- und Wellness-Anwendungen
- Persönliche Ausgaben (Wäscheservice, Boutique)
- Tauchgänge
Frequently asked questions
How do I book this voyage?
Send us a non-binding enquiry via the form on this page. Our team replies personally within 24 hours with availability, cabin options and a tailored offer. No enquiry fee, no upfront payment.
What is included in the price?
The base price per person (twin cabin) includes the cabin in your chosen category, full board, all port fees and the onboard programme. Flights and transfers are quoted separately. 5 nights from EUR 3.200 p.p. With Ponant, selected wines and beverages at meals are included.
How many guests sail on the Le Boréal?
A maximum of 264 guests - extraordinarily intimate compared to standard cruise ships. The high crew-to-guest ratio ensures personal attention throughout the voyage.
Can the itinerary change?
Yes - all itineraries are subject to weather, port availability and the captain's decisions. This is part of the charm of small-ship cruising: flexibility allows for unexpected discoveries.
Are there specials for early bookers or solo travellers?
Yes. Early bookers receive discounts for timely booking. Solo travellers often benefit from a reduced or waived single supplement. Simply mention your preferences in the enquiry.
Is my booking protected?
Yes. As a German tour operator, ivent-sailing provides a travel protection certificate (Reisesicherungsschein) under German law. Your payment is fully insured.
What about flights and transfers?
We arrange flights and transfers on request as part of your personal offer. This allows us to find the best connections for your specific departure date and home airport.
Are there shore excursions?
Yes. All cruise lines offer shore excursions - from guided cultural tours to nature experiences. The concepts vary by fleet. We are happy to provide details on available excursions for your chosen voyage.
What water sports and activities are available?
Depending on the ship and route: snorkelling, kayaking, stand-up paddling, diving, and Zodiac landings (on expedition voyages). Many ships have a marina platform for direct access to the water. We will be happy to tell you exactly what is available on your voyage.
When is the best time to sail this voyage?
The best time to sail this route is May to October.
Non-binding enquiry
Your enquiry reaches a person familiar with this voyage and ship.
