Study Voyage: Sicily, Sardinia & the Balearics
French elegance and the spirit of discovery aboard Le Boréal
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Valletta to Barcelona
Seven nights from Valletta to Barcelona aboard Le Boreal, in partnership with Smithsonian Journeys. The 184-guest Ponant Classic sistership links Sicilian ports with Sardinia, the Balearics and the Catalan capital. On board, scholarly lectures from Smithsonian experts complement premium all-inclusive service, French cuisine and a marina platform for swim stops. A westbound Mediterranean crossing with a cultural focus and generous time in port.
Route highlights
- Valletta: UNESCO capital of Malta, with the Knights of St John's bastion lines and the Caravaggios at St John's Co-Cathedral.
- Trapani: Western Sicilian salt-pan town with views to the Aegadian Islands and the mountain town of Erice.
- Palermo: Cappella Palatina, the Norman Palace and the lively markets of Vucciria and Ballaro.
- Cagliari: Capital of Sardinia, its Castello quarter rising above the Gulf of Cagliari.
- Mao on Menorca: Deep natural harbour bearing Georgian traces from the island's British period.
- Palma de Mallorca: La Seu cathedral on the waterfront, an old-town labyrinth of patios and Arab baths.
- Barcelona: Disembarkation in Catalonia, home to the Sagrada Familia, Park Guell and the Gothic quarter.
The Route
Valletta
7 nights
Barcelona
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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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Trapani, Sizilien
Trapani is the gateway for excursions to Segesta (a Doric temple from the 5th century BC set in remote uplands) and to the ruins of Selinunte. The Saline di Trapani - sprawling salt pans with historic windmills - form a unique landscape on Sicily's western shore.
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Palermo, Sizilien
Palermo is Sicily's lively capital, with Arab-Norman monuments designated as UNESCO World Heritage. Excursions lead to Monreale (cathedral with 6,400 m² of gold mosaics) or to ancient Agrigento with the Valley of the Temples - one of the most striking Greek ruin sites outside Greece.
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Cagliari, Sardinien
Cagliari, capital of Sardinia, is crowned by its Pisan citadel overlooking the Molentargius lagoon. Excursions lead into the Gennargentu National Park, to the Nuragic complex of Su Nuraxi (UNESCO World Heritage) and to the white beaches of the Costa del Sud.
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At sea
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Mahón, Balearen
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Palma de Mallorca, Balearen
La Seu Cathedral - one of the most striking Gothic cathedrals in Europe - stands right by Palma's harbour. The Old Town with its noble palaces, Arab baths and Arab Quarter brings together three millennia of history.
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Barcelona · 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. 7 nights from EUR 6.871 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.
