Adriatic, Sicily & the Tyrrhenian Sea: Hvar and Taormina
Legendary coasts of Italy and Croatia
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.
Rome / Civitavecchia → Venice
Eight days from Rome through the Tyrrhenian and Ionian Seas into the Adriatic to Venice. Your Ponant Classic sister ship for 184 guests links the southern Italian coasts of Campania, Sicily and Apulia with the Dalmatian islands. Premium all-inclusive service, a marina platform and Zodiacs open up ancient sites, baroque harbours and Venetian-influenced Adriatic ports. Between Taormina, Syracuse and Hvar you experience the full range of southern Italy and its eastern neighbouring coast. A voyage full of Magna Graecia heritage, Norman cathedrals and Renaissance islands.
Route highlights
- Salerno: Port on the Amalfi Coast with its Norman-influenced cathedral.
- Taormina: Sicilian clifftop town with its ancient Greek theatre and views of Mount Etna.
- Syracuse: UNESCO city with the island of Ortygia and the ancient Neapolis of Magna Graecia.
- Gallipoli: Apulian peninsula town on the Ionian Sea with a baroque old town on a rocky island.
- Monopoli: Apulian Adriatic port with a whitewashed old town and a Romanesque cathedral.
- Hvar: Stylish Dalmatian island with Venetian Renaissance architecture and lavender fields.
- Venice: Arrival into the lagoon city with St Mark's Square, the Doge's Palace and the Grand Canal.
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
Rome / Civitavecchia
8 nights
Venice
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Civitavecchia (Rom) · Embarkation
Civitavecchia lies about 80 kilometres north-west of Rome and is the classic cruise gateway to the Eternal City. The harbour is guarded by the 16th-century Forte Michelangelo, completed to designs by Michelangelo.
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Salerno
On the Tyrrhenian Sea south of Naples, Salerno is the gateway to the Amalfi Coast with Positano, Amalfi and Ravello. The medieval Schola Medica Salernitana was Europe's first medical school, and the Arechi Castle offers panoramic views over the gulf.
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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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Syrakus, Sizilien
In antiquity, Syracuse was one of the most powerful cities in the Mediterranean and the home of Archimedes. Its centre on the island of Ortygia - a cathedral built on Greek temple foundations, baroque squares and the Arethusa Fountain - has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2005.
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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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Monopoli
Monopoli is a lively port town in Apulia, on the Adriatic coast south of Bari. A whitewashed old town, a baroque cathedral and the old harbour full of fishing boats define the scene.
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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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Ancona
Ancona is the capital of Italy's Marche region and the major Adriatic port between Venice and Bari. The city sits on a hook-shaped promontory that gave it its Greek name Ankon, and it features the well-preserved Roman Arch of Trajan at the harbour.
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Venedig · Disembarkation
Climate & best time to sail
Embarkation: Rome / Civitavecchia
| 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 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 Adriatic, Le Boréal links Dalmatian coastal towns with Greek islands - a route that combines culture and natural discovery.
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
Cabin prices
Prices per person in double cabin (suites: based on double occupancy), all-inclusive. Subject to availability.
| Category | Price p.P. | Status | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Superior Aussenkabine | € 5.720 | Available | Enquire |
| Deluxe Balkonkabine | € 6.020 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 4 | € 6.310 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 5 | € 6.610 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 6 | € 6.970 | Available | Enquire |
| Deluxe Suite | € 11.070 | On request | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 5 Suite | € 12.270 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 6 Suite | € 12.570 | Available | Enquire |
| Owners Suite - LE FRANCE | € 18.170 | 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 5.420 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?
For embarkation in Rom / Civitavecchia 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.
