Sicily, the Tyrrhenian Sea & the Côte d'Azur: Malta and Corsica
Italy's coasts and Corsica, the Isle of Beauty
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Valletta → Nice (Villefranche)
Nine nights from Valletta to Nice/Villefranche aboard Le Boreal, the 184-guest Ponant Classic sistership. A crossing of the central and western Mediterranean by way of Sicily, the Aeolian Islands, the Tyrrhenian coast of Italy, Elba and Corsica. On board, premium all-inclusive service, a French table, a marina platform and Zodiacs for small coves. A voyage through layers of antiquity, Norman heritage and island lore.
Route highlights
- Syracuse: UNESCO old town of Ortygia, with the Temple of Apollo and a lively island promenade.
- Taormina: Greek theatre with views of Mount Etna and the Ionian coast.
- Palermo: Cappella Palatina, the Norman Palace and the markets of the Sicilian capital.
- Aeolian Islands and Stromboli: UNESCO archipelago with the active Stromboli volcano, its eruptions often visible from the ship at night.
- Salerno: Port at the head of the Gulf of Salerno, the gateway to the Amalfi Coast and Paestum.
- Gaeta: Fortified port between Rome and Naples, with an Aragonese castle above the harbour.
- Portoferraio on Elba: Napoleon's first place of exile, with the Villa dei Mulini above the harbour.
- Calvi: Genoese citadel above a crescent bay, backed by Corsica's snowy peaks.
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
9 nights
Nice (Villefranche)
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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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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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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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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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Kreuzen um die Vulkaninsel Stromboli
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Lipari, Liparische Inseln
Lipari is the largest of the Aeolian Islands and the administrative seat. The ancient acropolis with the Archaeological Museum (one of the finest in the Mediterranean) and the pumice quarries in the north, which colour the sea chalk-white, are highlights.
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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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Gaeta
Gaeta is a port town on the Tyrrhenian coast in Italy's Lazio region. Its old town sits on a promontory crowned by a medieval fortress.
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Portoferraio, Elba
Portoferraio is the capital of Elba and lies in one of the best-protected natural harbours of the Tyrrhenian Sea. Elba is known as Napoleon's place of exile (1814-15), as a hiking island and for its crystal-clear waters along granite shores.
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Calvi, Korsika
Calvi on Corsica's north-west coast has been home to the French Foreign Legion since 1962. The 13th-century Genoese citadel towers over a perfect crescent of pine-fringed beach, and local legend even claims the town as the birthplace of Christopher Columbus.
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Nizza · 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
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 | € 6.430 | Available | Enquire |
| Deluxe Balkonkabine | € 6.760 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 4 | € 7.090 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 5 | € 7.430 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 6 | € 7.830 | Available | Enquire |
| Deluxe Suite | € 12.450 | On request | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 5 Suite | € 13.800 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 6 Suite | € 14.130 | Available | Enquire |
| Owners Suite - LE FRANCE | € 20.430 | 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 5.770 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.
