Study Voyage: Catalonia, Côte d’Azur & Liguria
French elegance and a spirit of discovery aboard Le Boréal
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Barcelona to Livorno
Seven nights from Barcelona to Livorno aboard Le Boreal, the 184-guest Ponant Classic sistership, with Smithsonian Journeys on board. The route follows the southern French coast, the Cote d'Azur and the Ligurian Riviera to the gateway of Tuscany. On board, Smithsonian lectures sit alongside premium all-inclusive service, French cuisine and a marina platform. A culturally rich voyage across three Mediterranean culinary worlds.
Route highlights
- Sète: Canal town on the Etang de Thau, with oyster culture and an offbeat character.
- Marseille: Vieux-Port beneath Notre-Dame de la Garde, with the Calanques on the city's doorstep.
- Nice/Villefranche: Deep natural harbour beside Cap Ferrat, gateway to the old town and the Promenade des Anglais.
- Portofino: Pastel cove in the Parco di Portofino, Liguria at its most concentrated.
- Portovenere: UNESCO harbour on the Gulf of Poets, with the church of San Pietro on a rocky point.
- Livorno: Disembarkation in Tuscany, with Florence, Pisa and Lucca within easy reach.
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
Barcelona
7 nights
Livorno
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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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Portofino
The most elegant fishing village on the Riviera Ligure and a favourite anchorage for the international yachting world: pastel houses around the harbour basin, small churches on the hill, and walking trails through the Monte Portofino nature park.
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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 · 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 | € 5.290 | Available | Enquire |
| Deluxe Balkonkabine | € 5.680 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 4 | € 6.240 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 5 | € 6.520 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 6 | € 6.860 | Available | Enquire |
| Deluxe Suite | € 9.320 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 5 Suite | € 12.410 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 6 Suite | € 13.030 | Available | Enquire |
| Owners Suite - LE FRANCE | € 20.890 | 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. 7 nights from EUR 5.030 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.
