Malta, Sicily and the Adriatic: Dubrovnik and Kotor
6th Opera Festival at Sea
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.
Valletta to Venice
Eight nights between Malta and Venice are framed musically by the 6th Opera Festival at Sea and lead via Sicily, the southern Adriatic and the Slovenian coast. The Ponant Explorer-class yacht for 184 guests pairs onboard stage moments with the Blue Eye underwater lounge, a marina and sixteen Zodiacs for excursions. In early summer the Adriatic ports appear bright and less crowded. Premium all-inclusive aboard covers drinks, gratuities and service in the French tradition.
Route highlights
- Valletta: UNESCO fortress city of the Knights of St John with its Co-Cathedral.
- Syracuse: Sicilian port with a Greek theatre and the island of Ortygia.
- Otranto: Apulian town with a Norman cathedral and medieval mosaic floor.
- Kotor: Cruise through the Bocche di Cattaro, the only fjord landscape in the Mediterranean.
- Dubrovnik: UNESCO old town with 1,940 metres of city walls.
- Vis: Croatian island with the fishing town of Komiža and quiet coves.
- Piran: Venetian-flavoured Slovenian town with Tartini Square.
- Venice: Arrival in the lagoon for the finale of the voyage.
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
8 nights
Venice
-
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.
-
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.
-
Otranto
Otranto on Puglia's easternmost point is Italy's easternmost harbour. The Norman cathedral with a huge floor mosaic from the 12th century, the pale-blue Adriatic lagoons of Laghi Alimini and the "Turkish Tower" (recalling the Ottoman siege of 1480) are highlights.
-
Kotor
At the end of one of the longest fjords in the Adriatic lies Kotor, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979. The fully preserved Venetian city walls and the panoramic view from the Fortress of San Giovanni over the Bay of Kotor are among the most impressive experiences in the Mediterranean.
-
Dubrovnik
The "Pearl of the Adriatic" is one of Europe's best-preserved medieval cityscapes and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979. The mighty 13th-century city walls can be walked all the way round - offering panoramic views of the Adriatic and the Dalmatian islands.
-
Vis, Vis Island
Vis is the most remote of the larger Dalmatian islands (60 km off the coast). A military restricted zone until 1989, the island is today an untouched insider tip - the Blue Cave on Biševo, Tito's wartime hideout and the fishing village of Komiža define Vis.
-
Piran
This small Slovenian port on the Adriatic showcases a remarkably intact Venetian architecture with its narrow lanes, Tartini Square and town walls. Salt pans and olive groves shape the surrounding Istrian hinterland.
-
Venedig · Disembarkation
Climate & best time to sail
Embarkation: Valletta
| 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 Bougainville
Le Bougainville has sailed since 2019 as the third ship of the Explorer class. 184 guests, Blue Eye Underwater Lounge, ice-reinforced hull. Expedition with the comfort and cuisine that have made Ponant the first address for discerning explorers.
In the Adriatic, Le Bougainville links Croatian islands with Montenegrin coves - cultural voyages with the intimacy of a small expedition ship.
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 Bougainville
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 | € 8.250 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 4 - 4 | € 8.670 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 5 - 5 | € 9.090 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 6 - 6 | € 9.590 | Available | Enquire |
| Deluxe Suite Deck 3 - 3 | € 15.370 | Available | Enquire |
| Deluxe Suite Deck 4 - 4 | € 15.370 | Available | Enquire |
| Deluxe Suite Deck 5 - 5 | € 15.370 | Available | Enquire |
| Deluxe Suite Deck 6 - 6 | € 15.370 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 5 Suite - | € 17.040 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 6 Suite - | € 17.460 | On request | Enquire |
| Privilege Suite Deck 5 - 5 | € 18.300 | Available | Enquire |
| Privilege Suite Deck 6 - 6 | € 18.300 | Available | Enquire |
| Owner's Suite - 6 | € 22.060 | Available | Enquire |
| Grand Deluxe Suite Deck 6 - 6 | € 22.060 | 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 7.950 p.p. With Ponant, selected wines and beverages at meals are included.
How many guests sail on the Le Bougainville?
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.
When is the best time to sail this voyage?
For embarkation in Valletta 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.
