From the Adriatic to the Ionian Sea

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Voyage Code: PONANTEG270826

9 nights

Le Bougainville

27 Aug '26

Cruise overview

Set out to discover the Adriatic and Ionian Seas with PONANT. During a 10-day cruise leaving from Dubrovnik, Le Dumont-d’Urville will take you to Croatia, Montenegro, Greece, Italy and Malta.

Throughout your journey, you will benefit from an excursion included per person per port of call, to choose from a selection offered by PONANT. During this cruise, discover the history of Gallipoli by visiting the steep lanes of its old town; watch a moreška sword dance in Korcula’s open-air theatre; or visit the Greco-Roman ancient theatre from Taormina. The diversity of experiences on offer promises you intense and varied moments (to discover the full range of excursions, go to the itinerary tab).

Your ship will leave Dubrovnik, the appropriately named “pearl of the Adriatic”, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to head for the national park of the island of Mljet, surrounded by a wildly beautiful coastline. Treat yourself to a timeless interlude in the shade of the green oaks and Aleppo pines, between lush vegetation and saltwater lakes.

You will then make a port of call at Korcula, a medieval city standing on a promontory and protected by fortifications. You will approach Vis, a little and little-known island ignored by cruise itineraries. Fall under the spell of the historical heritage, which includes Roman ruins and Venetian architecture, of the oldest fishing port in the Adriatic.

Your ship will then set sail towards Montenegro, for an unforgettable cruise in the Bay of Kotor. This impressive gap between two mountain ranges is home to a veritable inland lake with a magical atmosphere; the medieval city of Kotor and its many historical monuments are its jewels.

Le Bougainville will sail along the Greek coastlines and make a port of call in Parga, whose fortress, built by the Normans in the 14th century, overlooks its pretty fishing port.

In Puglia, Gallipoli, meaning “beautiful town” in Greek, reveals its Hellenic origins and offers up its singular atmosphere, where life is good. In Taormina, the streets lead you to the impressive ancient theatre, where the quality of the acoustics is exceptional. And as a constant backdrop: the majestic Mount Etna!

Your cruise will come to an end in Valletta, capital of the island of Malta and former stronghold of the Knights of the Order of Malta.

Dubrovnik

Mljet Island

Komiza

Kotor

Parga

Gallipoli

Taormina

Valletta

Itinerary

Day 1

Dubrovnik

Nothing can prepare you for your first sight of Dubrovnik. Lying 216 km (135 miles) southeast of Split and commanding a jaw-dropping coastal location, it is one of the world’s most beautiful fortified cities. Its massive stone ramparts and fortress towers curve around a tiny harbor, enclosing graduated ridges of sun-bleached orange-tiled roofs, copper domes, and elegant bell towers. Your imagination will run wild picturing what it looked like seven centuries ago when the walls were built, without any suburbs or highways around it, just this magnificent stone city rising out of the sea.In the 7th century AD, residents of the Roman city Epidaurum (now Cavtat) fled the Avars and Slavs of the north and founded a new settlement on a small rocky island, which they named Laus, and later Ragusa. On the mainland hillside opposite the island, the Slav settlement called Dubrovnik grew up. In the 12th century the narrow channel separating the two settlements was filled in (now the main street through the Old Town, called Stradun), and Ragusa and Dubrovnik became one. The city was surrounded by defensive walls during the 13th century, and these were reinforced with towers and bastions in the late 15th century.From 1358 to 1808 the city thrived as a powerful and remarkably sophisticated independent republic, reaching its golden age during the 16th century. In 1667 many of its splendid Gothic and Renaissance buildings were destroyed by an earthquake. The defensive walls survived the disaster, and the city was rebuilt in baroque style.Dubrovnik lost its independence to Napoléon in 1808, and in 1815 passed to Austria-Hungary. During the 20th century, as part of Yugoslavia, the city became a popular tourist destination, and in 1979 it was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. During the war for independence, it came under heavy siege. Thanks to careful restoration, few traces of damage remain; however, there are maps inside the Pile and Ploče Gates illustrating the points around the city where damage was done. It’s only when you experience Dubrovnik yourself that you can understand what a treasure the world nearly lost

Day 2

Mljet Island

Day 3

Komiza

Day 4

Kotor

Day 5

at-sea At sea

Day 6

Parga

Day 7

at-sea At sea

Day 8

Gallipoli

Day 9

Taormina

Day 10

Valletta

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Deluxe Stateroom

from£5,779pp

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Elegant and light-filled, the Deluxe Stateroom features a private balcony, queen-size bed, ensuite bathroom and refined contemporary décor, offering a comfortable and stylish retreat after days of exploration.