Malta, Sicily and the Adriatic: Taormina and Dubrovnik
From Malta to the Adriatic coast
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.
Valletta to Venice
Eight nights from Malta to Venice trace the Adriatic coast in full, from Sicily by way of Montenegro and southern Dalmatia to Istria. The Ponant Explorer-class yacht for 184 guests carries the Blue Eye underwater lounge, a private marina and sixteen Zodiacs for direct contact with nature. The voyage combines UNESCO sites with islands best reached by smaller ships. Premium all-inclusive aboard covers drinks, gratuities and service in the French tradition.
Route highlights
- Valletta: UNESCO fortress city of the Knights of St John opens the voyage.
- Taormina: Sicilian hillside town with its ancient theatre and views to Mount Etna.
- Kotor: Cruise through the Bocche di Cattaro, the only fjord landscape in the Mediterranean.
- Dubrovnik: UNESCO old town with 1,940 metres of city walls.
- Mljet: Wooded national park with two salt lakes and a monastery island.
- Hvar: Lavender island with a Venetian loggia and the Fortica fortress.
- Split: UNESCO World Heritage Site with the inhabited Palace of Diocletian.
- Rab: Kvarner island with four Romanesque bell towers.
- Venice: Arrival in the lagoon for the finale.
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
Valletta
8 nights
Venice
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Valletta · Embarkation
The capital of Malta is one of the smallest yet richest capitals in the world. A UNESCO World Heritage baroque city, it has more museums and churches per square kilometre than any other city; Grand Harbour is one of the finest natural harbours in the Mediterranean.
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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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Otranto
Otranto on Puglia's easternmost point is Italy's easternmost harbour. The Norman cathedral with a huge floor mosaic from the 12th century, the pale-blue Adriatic lagoons of Laghi Alimini and the "Turkish Tower" (recalling the Ottoman siege of 1480) are highlights.
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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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Kreuzen in der Bucht von Kotor
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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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Dubrovnik
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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Hvar
Hvar is Croatia's sunniest island (2,800 hours of sunshine a year). Its medieval capital, Hvar Town, and the lavender fields inland make it one of the most elegant addresses on the Adriatic. Above the town stands the 16th-century Venetian fortress Fortica (Španjola) - the climb rewards you with a sweeping view over the red rooftops, the harbour and the Pakleni islands. In the evening the harbour turns into an open-air stage, and the legendary Carpe Diem club on the Riva is Hvar's glamorous heart. Just offshore lies the Pakleni island of Sveti Klement with Palmižana marina, whose centrepiece is an open-air art gallery in the subtropical Meneghello garden; a tender or ferry makes it easy to hop between Hvar Town and Palmižana.
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Primosten
Primosten lies on Croatia's Dalmatian coast on a small peninsula between Sibenik and Trogir. A medieval old town with red tile roofs and pebble beaches define the town.
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Split
Split literally lives inside an emperor's palace: Diocletian's Palace, dating from the 4th century, is inhabited to this day and forms the core of the Old Town - a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979.
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Rab
In the Kvarner Bay of the northern Croatian Adriatic, this sun-blessed island shows off the distinctive silhouette of Rab town with its four Romanesque bell towers. Pine forests, pebble beaches and the medieval townscape characterise the island.
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Venedig · Disembarkation
Climate & best time to sail
Embarkation: Valletta
| 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)
Disembarkation: Venice
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Air °C | 10 | 11 | 14 | 18 | 23 | 27 | 30 | 30 | 26 | 21 | 15 | 11 |
| Sea °C | 14 | 13 | 13 | 15 | 18 | 22 | 24 | 25 | 23 | 20 | 18 | 15 |
| Rain mm | 78 | 62 | 72 | 68 | 58 | 48 | 28 | 45 | 78 | 84 | 110 | 96 |
Long-term monthly normals · Reference: Dalmatia (Split)
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 | € 5.930 | On request | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 4 - 4 | € 6.220 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 5 - 5 | € 6.510 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 6 - 6 | € 6.860 | Available | Enquire |
| Deluxe Suite Deck 3 - 3 | € 10.890 | Available | Enquire |
| Deluxe Suite Deck 4 - 4 | € 10.890 | On request | Enquire |
| Deluxe Suite Deck 5 - 5 | € 10.890 | On request | Enquire |
| Deluxe Suite Deck 6 - 6 | € 10.890 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 5 Suite - | € 12.060 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 6 Suite - | € 12.350 | Available | Enquire |
| Privilege Suite Deck 5 - 5 | € 12.940 | Available | Enquire |
| Privilege Suite Deck 6 - 6 | € 12.940 | Available | Enquire |
| Grand Deluxe Suite Deck 6 - 6 | € 15.560 | Available | Enquire |
| Owner's Suite - 6 | € 19.280 | Available | Enquire |
Prices as of: 14.08.2026
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. 8 nights from EUR 5.300 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.
When is the best time to sail this voyage?
For embarkation in Valletta the best time to sail is May to October; for disembarkation in Venedig it is May to September.
Non-binding enquiry
Your enquiry reaches a person familiar with this voyage and ship.
