From: Malta, Valletta
To: Spain, Barcelona
Dates: 10.10.2026 - 17.10.2026
Duration: 8 Nights
Ship: LE BORÉAL

Cruising the Mediterranean: Sicily, Sardinia, and Mallorca – with Smithsonian Journeys

In alliance with Smithsonian Journeys. This cruise is part of a collection of PONANT voyages that are specially-tailored for English-speaking travelers who want to engage with the world. In addition to the usual elements of the PONANT experience, the listed price for these voyages includes transfers to and from the ship, talks and discussions aboard ship by world class experts, and a shore excursion or activity in each port of call that encourages guests to embrace the sights, sounds, tastes, and smells of the local environment and culture. This voyage in the heart of the Mediterranean explores four islands that, despite their differences, share a history of successive waves of civilizations that have washed over them from prehistoric times to the present. Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, Arabs, Byzantines, Italians, British, and Spanish—all have left their mark on the language, art, architecture, and cuisine of Sicily, Sardinia, Menorca, and Mallorca. From Valletta, Malta, your discovery of these very special islands begins with two days on the largest of them, as you visit the Sicilian cities of Trapani and Palermo. Rounding Sicily's western tip, you arrive in Trapani for an excursion into the countryside and the ancient Doric temple of Segesta or to medieval Erice, perched on a high triangular plateau sloping down to the sea. Le Boréal then brings you to Palermo, founded by the Phoenicians in 827 BC and becoming one of Europe’s greatest cities in the 12th century, when the Normans took control. Here you will visit Cappella Palatina, a Byzantine-Arab-Norman structure featuring dazzling mosaics and magnificent inlaid marble floors and walls. Or drive to nearby Monreale to explore its famed Norman cathedral. Cagliari, Sardinia's capital, is your gateway to the archaeological site of Nora. Founded by Phoenicians in the 8th century BC, it was subsequently taken over by Carthaginians, then by Romans. Explore the  remains of Carthaginian warehouses, buildings from the time of the Roman Republic, a Carthaginian-Roman temple, large baths with splendid mosaics, and a theater, almost intact, dating to the time of the Roman Empire. On Menorca, second largest of the Balearic Islands, visit Mahon, the island's main port, where a tour of the town reveals Menorca's varied history through its architecture—classical Georgian sash-windowed town houses sharing pride of place with traditional Spanish homes. Visit the Museum of Menorca, and then drive to Torralba d’en Salord, a large and well-preserved Bronze Age talayotic settlement recently designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In Palma de Mallorca on the island of Mallorca, explore the Gothic-style Bellver Castle, one of only a handful of circular castles in Europe, or board a vintage train through the orange and olive groves, almond and locust-bean trees, lush villages, and pine-covered mountains that define the island's landscape. Your voyage ends in Barcelona, Spain.

LE BORÉAL

  • Guests: 264
  • Suites: 132
  • Crew: 145
  • Spa: 1
  • Restaurants: 2
  • Length: 466 ft
  • Beam: 59 ft
  • Draft: 15.3 ft
  • Ice class: 1C
  • Classification: Bureau Veritas
  • Flag: French
  • Decks: 6
  • Zodiacs: 11
  • Tonnage: 10 944 UMS
  • Motors: 2 x 2300 KW
  • Power: 6 400 KW
  • Construction: Fincantieri-Ancône-Italy

Cruise Itinerary

Day
Date
Location
Arrival
Departure
1
Oct 10, 2026
Malta, Valletta
16:00*
18:00
2
Oct 11, 2026
Italy, Trapani
-
-
3
Oct 12, 2026
Italy, Palermo
-
-
4-5
Oct 13, 2026 – Oct 14, 2026
cruising
-
-
6
Oct 15, 2026
Spain, Mahon
-
-
7
Oct 16, 2026
Spain, Palma de Mallorca
-
-
8
Oct 17, 2026
Spain, Barcelona
-
08:00**
The itinerary is subject to change without prior notice at the discretion of the cruise line or due to operational, weather, port, or safety considerations. The cruise operator reserves the right to substitute ports, alter the order of calls, or modify the program as necessary to ensure the safety and comfort of passengers.

Cabins & Accomodations

Window or Porthole Stateroom

  • Cabin: 21 m²
  • Pax: 3
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Lower deck balcony stateroom

  • Cabin: 21 m²
  • Pax: 3
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Upper decks balcony stateroom

  • Cabin: 21 m²
  • Pax: 3
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Deluxe Suite

  • Cabin: 27 m²
  • Pax: 2
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Prestige Suite

  • Cabin: 37 m²
  • Pax: 4
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Owner's Suite

  • Cabin: 45 m²
  • Pax: 2
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