Study Voyage: Malta, Sicily & Côte d'Azur
French elegance and the spirit of discovery
Interested in this voyage?
Personal advice, no call centre - a reply within 24 hours.
Valletta to Nice (Villefranche)
An eight-night voyage from Valletta to Nice, linking the central Mediterranean islands of Sicily, Sardinia, Corsica and Elba, accompanied by the Smithsonian Journeys programme. The Explorer ship for 184 guests anchors at UNESCO sites and at smaller islands such as Gozo. The marina with 16 Zodiacs, the Blue Eye underwater lounge with hydrophones and premium all-inclusive shape the voyage.
Route highlights
- Valletta: UNESCO capital of Malta as the starting port.
- Gozo: Malta's sister island with the prehistoric Ġgantija temples.
- Syracuse and Taormina: Sicilian ports with Ortygia and the Greek theatre overlooking Etna.
- Palermo: Sicilian capital with Norman-Arab heritage.
- Cagliari (Sardinia): Sardinian capital with the Castello quarter and a Roman amphitheatre.
- Bonifacio (Corsica): Town on white chalk cliffs at Corsica's southern tip.
- Portoferraio: Main town of Elba, Napoleon's first exile.
- Nice (Villefranche): Bay on the Côte d'Azur as the final port.
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
Nice (Villefranche)
-
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.
-
Gozo
Gozo is Malta's greener, quieter sister island. The Citadel of Victoria, the limestone marvel of the Azure Window (collapsed in 2017) and the mythological Calypso Cave (Odysseus' resting place) make Gozo a Mediterranean picture book.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
Bonifacio, Korsika
On white limestone cliffs at the southern tip of Corsica - Bonifacio literally hovers above the sea. The medieval citadel town lies just 12 kilometres from the Sardinian cape; below, boats anchor in the fjord-like harbour bay.
-
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.
-
Nizza · Disembarkation
Le Dumont d'Urville
Le Dumont d'Urville has sailed since 2019 as the fourth Explorer ship. 184 guests, Blue Eye Lounge, Zodiac fleet. Named after the explorer who claimed Adélie Land for France in 1840.
In the Mediterranean, Le Dumont d'Urville combines French cuisine with the cultural ports of Provence, Corsica and Italy.
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 Dumont d'Urville
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 | € 8.440 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 4 - 4 | € 9.320 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 5 - 5 | € 9.760 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 6 - 6 | € 10.290 | Available | Enquire |
| Deluxe Suite Deck 3 - 3 | € 14.180 | Available | Enquire |
| Deluxe Suite Deck 4 - 4 | € 14.180 | On request | Enquire |
| Deluxe Suite Deck 5 - 5 | € 14.180 | On request | Enquire |
| Deluxe Suite Deck 6 - 6 | € 14.180 | On request | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 5 Suite - | € 19.040 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 6 Suite - | € 20.020 | Available | Enquire |
| Privilege Suite Deck 5 - 5 | € 21.000 | Available | Enquire |
| Privilege Suite Deck 6 - 6 | € 21.000 | Available | Enquire |
| Grand Deluxe Suite Deck 6 - 6 | € 23.030 | Available | Enquire |
| Owner's Suite - 6 | € 30.030 | 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. 8 nights from EUR 7.660 p.p. With Ponant, selected wines and beverages at meals are included.
How many guests sail on the Le Dumont d'Urville?
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.
Non-binding enquiry
Your enquiry reaches a person familiar with this voyage and ship.
