Study Voyage: Côte d’Azur, Italian Riviera & Corsica
With French elegance and a spirit of discovery
Interested in this voyage?
Personal advice, no call centre - a reply within 24 hours.
Barcelona → Rome / Civitavecchia
An eight-night voyage from Barcelona to Rome, linking southern French harbours with the Italian Riviera and Corsica. The Explorer ship for 184 guests is accompanied on this leg by the Smithsonian Journeys programme. The marina with 16 Zodiacs allows calls in smaller bays and ports such as Santa Margherita and Portovenere, while the Blue Eye underwater lounge with hydrophones brings the underwater world to life acoustically. Premium all-inclusive shapes life on board.
Route highlights
- Barcelona: Catalan metropolis with Gaudí architecture.
- Sète: Languedoc port on the Étang de Thau, with canals and Mont Saint-Clair.
- Marseille: Gateway to the Calanques rock inlets and France's oldest city.
- Nice (Villefranche): Deep bay on the Côte d'Azur.
- Portovenere: UNESCO village at the entrance to the Cinque Terre.
- Livorno: Tuscan port with access to Florence and Pisa.
- Bonifacio (Corsica): Town on white chalk cliffs at the island's southern tip.
- Rome (Civitavecchia): Ancient harbour of Rome as the final port.
The Route
Barcelona
8 nights
Rome / Civitavecchia
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Barcelona · Embarkation
Gaudí's Sagrada Família and Park Güell, the lively Las Ramblas boulevard, the Gothic Old Town: Barcelona is the most creative city in the Mediterranean. The Olympic Port marina sits right next to city life.
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Sète
Sète lies on France's Mediterranean coast in the Hérault department, between open sea and the Étang de Thau lagoon. The canal town is France's second-largest fishing port and the birthplace of Paul Valéry and Georges Brassens.
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Marseille
Marseille is France's oldest port (founded by the Phocaeans in 600 BC) and was European Capital of Culture in 2013. The Vieux Port with its fish stalls, MuCEM and the towering Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde above the city give Marseille its Mediterranean character.
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Nizza
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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Santa Margherita Ligure
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Porto Venere
Portovenere lies at the western end of the Gulf of Poets in Liguria and shares UNESCO World Heritage status with the Cinque Terre. Tall, narrow houses, the church of San Pietro on a rocky headland and Byron's Grotto define the village.
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Livorno
Livorno is the port for Florence and Pisa. Excursions lead to Florence (80 km) with the Uffizi, the Duomo and the Ponte Vecchio - capital of the Renaissance; or to Pisa with the famous Leaning Tower on the Field of Miracles (Campo dei Miracoli).
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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
Le Champlain
Le Champlain belongs to the Ponant Explorer class: 184 guests, Blue Eye Underwater Lounge, Zodiac fleet and equipment designed for the most remote waters on earth. Expedition and luxury - at Ponant, no contradiction.
In the Mediterranean, Le Champlain links cultural ports with the intimacy of a small expedition ship - 184 guests rather than thousands.
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 Champlain
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 | € 9.160 | On request | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 4 - 4 | € 10.120 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 5 - 5 | € 10.600 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 6 - 6 | € 11.170 | On request | Enquire |
| Deluxe Suite Deck 3 - 3 | € 15.360 | On request | Enquire |
| Deluxe Suite Deck 4 - 4 | € 15.360 | On request | Enquire |
| Deluxe Suite Deck 5 - 5 | € 15.360 | On request | Enquire |
| Deluxe Suite Deck 6 - 6 | € 15.360 | On request | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 5 Suite - | € 20.600 | On request | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 6 Suite - | € 21.650 | On request | Enquire |
| Privilege Suite Deck 5 - 5 | € 22.700 | On request | Enquire |
| Privilege Suite Deck 6 - 6 | € 22.700 | Available | Enquire |
| Grand Deluxe Suite Deck 6 - 6 | € 24.880 | On request | Enquire |
| Owner's Suite - 6 | € 26.120 | On request | 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. 8 nights from EUR 8.868 p.p. With Ponant, selected wines and beverages at meals are included.
How many guests sail on the Le Champlain?
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.
