Dalmatia, Sicily & Malta: Dubrovnik and Taormina
From the Adriatic to the Ionian Sea
When the sun sinks into the sea and steeps the sky in colours no evening repeats.
Interested in this voyage?
Personal advice, no call centre - a reply within 24 hours.
Dubrovnik → Valletta
Nine nights link the southern Adriatic with the Ionian Sea and conclude in Malta. Aboard the Ponant Explorer-class yacht for 184 guests you sail with the Blue Eye underwater lounge, a marina and sixteen Zodiacs through a region in which four countries tell their story along the water. The route takes in southern Croatian islands as well as quieter Greek and southern Italian harbours. Premium all-inclusive aboard covers drinks, gratuities and service in the French tradition.
Route highlights
- Dubrovnik: UNESCO old town with 1,940 metres of city walls opens the voyage.
- Korčula: Medieval town that claims the explorer Marco Polo as its own.
- Mljet: Wooded national park with two salt lakes and a monastery island.
- Vis: Once a closed military island, now opened around the fishing town of Komiža and quiet coves.
- Kotor: Cruise through the Bocche di Cattaro, the only fjord landscape in the Mediterranean.
- Parga: Greek Ionian coastal town beneath a Venetian fortress.
- Gallipoli: Apulian island town with a baroque cathedral on the southern Salento.
- Taormina: Sicilian hillside town with its ancient theatre and views to Mount Etna.
- Valletta: UNESCO fortress city of the Knights of St John closes the voyage.
The Route
Dubrovnik
9 nights
Valletta
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Dubrovnik · Embarkation
The "Pearl of the Adriatic" is one of Europe's best-preserved medieval cityscapes and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979. The mighty 13th-century city walls can be walked all the way round - offering panoramic views of the Adriatic and the Dalmatian islands.
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Mljet
Mljet is one of the greenest islands in the Adriatic - over 70 per cent is national park, with two saltwater inland lakes and a tiny monastery island (12th century) at their centre. Legend has it that Odysseus spent seven years here with Calypso.
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Korcula
Korčula is considered the birthplace of Marco Polo and is one of the most beautiful medieval towns on the Adriatic: Venetian palazzi, Gothic churches and towers on a small peninsula - Dubrovnik in miniature.
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Komiza, Vis Island
Komiža on the Croatian island of Vis was once an important centre of Adriatic sardine fishing. The town with its Venetian architecture, the nearby Blue Cave (Modra špilja) on Biševo and the cave where Tito hid in 1944 is authentic Dalmatia.
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Vis, Vis Island
Vis is the most remote of the larger Dalmatian islands (60 km off the coast). A military restricted zone until 1989, the island is today an untouched insider tip - the Blue Cave on Biševo, Tito's wartime hideout and the fishing village of Komiža define Vis.
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Kotor
At the end of one of the longest fjords in the Adriatic lies Kotor, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979. The fully preserved Venetian city walls and the panoramic view from the Fortress of San Giovanni over the Bay of Kotor are among the most impressive experiences in the Mediterranean.
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At sea
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Parga
On the western coast of the Greek mainland facing the islands of Paxos and Antipaxos, this amphitheatre of white and pastel houses tumbles down to the sea. The Venetian fortress on the rock above the harbour recalls its time as a bulwark against the Ottomans.
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At sea
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Gallipoli
Gallipoli (Italian for "beautiful city") on Apulia's Salentino coast juts out on a rocky island into the sea. Baroque houses, the bustle of the fresh fish market and the surrounding beaches make Gallipoli the southernmost gem of Italy.
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Taormina, Sizilien
Taormina sits on a rocky spur above the Ionian Sea and is regarded as the loveliest spot in Sicily. The Greek-Roman theatre with Mount Etna in the background is one of the most spectacular ancient settings; ships moor at Giardini-Naxos at the foot of the hill.
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Valletta · Disembarkation
Le Bougainville
Le Bougainville has sailed since 2019 as the third ship of the Explorer class. 184 guests, Blue Eye Underwater Lounge, ice-reinforced hull. Expedition with the comfort and cuisine that have made Ponant the first address for discerning explorers.
In the Adriatic, Le Bougainville links Croatian islands with Montenegrin coves - cultural voyages with the intimacy of a small expedition ship.
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 Bougainville
Cabin prices
Prices per person in double cabin (suites: based on double occupancy), all-inclusive. Subject to availability.
| Category | Price p.P. | Status | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deluxe Stateroom - 3 | € 6.900 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 4 - 4 | € 7.240 | On request | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 5 - 5 | € 7.580 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 6 - 6 | € 7.990 | Available | Enquire |
| Deluxe Suite Deck 3 - 3 | € 12.720 | Available | Enquire |
| Deluxe Suite Deck 4 - 4 | € 12.720 | On request | Enquire |
| Deluxe Suite Deck 5 - 5 | € 12.720 | On request | Enquire |
| Deluxe Suite Deck 6 - 6 | € 12.720 | On request | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 5 Suite - | € 14.090 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 6 Suite - | € 14.430 | Available | Enquire |
| Privilege Suite Deck 5 - 5 | € 15.120 | Available | Enquire |
| Privilege Suite Deck 6 - 6 | € 15.120 | Available | Enquire |
| Grand Deluxe Suite Deck 6 - 6 | € 18.200 | On request | Enquire |
| Owner's Suite - 6 | € 21.280 | Available | Enquire |
Prices as of: 14.08.2026
Standard inclusions of the ship voyage
On board
- Full board in gourmet and À-la-carte restaurants
- Afternoon tea and pastries
- Open bar: water, soft drinks, wines, champagne, spirits, beers, coffee and tea
- Minibar in cabin, regularly refilled
- 24-hour cabin service
- All gratuities for crew and service staff
- Complimentary WiFi onboard (standard usage)
- Butler service (in higher suite categories on select ships)
- Zodiac excursions with experienced guides (on Expedition voyages)
- Expert lectures by scientists, marine biologists and historians
- Water sports equipment: kayaks, stand-up paddling, snorkelling gear (subject to weather and region)
Not included
- Flights
- Travel to/from ship (transfers, pre- or post-programmes)
- Some special shore excursions
- Spa treatments
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. 9 nights from EUR 6.570 p.p. With Ponant, selected wines and beverages at meals are included.
How many guests sail on the Le Bougainville?
A maximum of 184 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.
Non-binding enquiry
Your enquiry reaches a person familiar with this voyage and ship.
