Overview
Departing from Nice, begin in the resort town of Cannes, your gateway to a region of southern France with deep ties to the world of modern and contemporary art. Three choices present themselves: The neighboring village of Mougins, where Picasso spent the last years of his life, is home to the new (2024) Femmes Artistes Musée, showcasing the work of women artists from the late 19th century to the present. In Antibes, just east of Cannes, you will find the Picasso Museum, housed in a castle that was once the artist's studio, and in Cagnes-sur- Sea you may visit the estate that served as Renoir's home and workshop from 1907 until his death.
Leaving Cannes, spend two days exploring the French island of Corsica. In Ajaccio, the island's capital, you might visit Maison Bonaparte, the house where Emperor Napoleon was born in 1769, now a museum, or you may prefer to explore the Fesch Museum, generally recognized as having the finest collection of Italian painting in France outside of the Louvre. Then, in Bonifacio, perched high on cliffs above Corsica's southern coast, tour the old town's winding medieval lanes of brightly colored houses and admire their Gothic architecture before visiting Corsica's own Biennale of contemporary art.
From Civitavecchia, travel to Rome, the Eternal City, where you have a choice of three museums to explore. In the Vatican Art Museums enjoy a guided tour focused on some of the most famous works in the collection before visiting the Sistine Chapel and Michelangelo's Creation of Adam. Or you may prefer to tour Villa Borghese, displaying, among other treasures, sculptures by Bernini and paintings by Caravaggio, Titian, and Raphael. Or, if a more intimate setting appeals to you, you may visit the Doria Pamphili Gallery, one of the most prestigious private art collections in Rome.
Portoferraio, the main harbor of Elba, was founded by the Médicis in the 16th century, but is most famous as the site of Napoleon Bonaparte’s exile in 1814-15. You may choose to learn about the Emperor's life on the island by visiting one of his residences—either Villa San Martino or Villa dei Mulini, both of which are now museums. Alternatively, visit the small Ottoni Botanical Garden and the charming village of Capoliveri.
Once a small Italian fishing village, Portofino is now a favored haunt of the rich and famous. This beautiful resort town welcomes you for a relaxing day of leisure. A guided walking tour will orient you to the village, after which you may browse it shops and galleries at your own pace and perhaps sample the local cuisine.
For the final day of the journey, you may travel from Nice to the 16th-century village of St.-Paul-de-Vence to visit the stunning Maeght Foundation. Set amid a garden of monumental sculptures, the museum, designed by José Luis Sert, houses one of the world's finest collections of 20th-century works by artists including Braque, Chagall, Miró, and Picasso. Alternatively, visit the hilltop medieval village of Eze and the splendid gardens of the Villa Ephrussi Rothschild.
Ponant Explorers
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Itinerary
Located on the stunning French Riviera, Nice is renowned for its captivating seaside views and vibrant culture. Begin your visit with a stroll along the Promenade des Anglais, where the azure Mediterranean Sea meets the bustling city. The historic Old Town, with its narrow streets and colorful buildings, offers a delightful maze of artisan shops, cafés, and the famous Cours Saleya market.
Art enthusiasts will appreciate the Marc Chagall National Museum and the Musée Matisse, both housing impressive collections. For a taste of local life, visit the Liberation Market, featuring fresh produce and regional specialties. Don’t miss Castle Hill, offering panoramic views of the city and the sea, making it a perfect spot for photographs.
The quintessential Côte d'Azur resort town, Cannes has long been a playground for the rich and famous. Its epicentre is La Croisette, a boutique-lined boulevard with a legendary seven-mile beach. Ships will anchor offshore and tenders will be provided to the shore.
Top Things to Do in Cannes:
- stroll through Le Suquet, the Old Town
- visit the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès, where the Cannes Film Festival is held
- spend the day in Monaco
- explore the medieval village of Eze
- visit a perfume factory in Grasse
Located on the west coast of Corsica, Ajaccio is surrounded by green-hued mountains, with shady palm fringed squares and pleasure boats bobbing in the bay. The city is best known as the birthplace of Napoleon Bonaparte and his legacy dominates the city in its statues and street names. Ships will dock at Gare Maritime d’Ajaccio.
Top Things to Do in Ajaccio:
- walk the Route des Cretes
- take a boat ride to the Isles Sanguinaires
- explore Maison Bonaparte
- tour the Prunelli Gorges
Nestled between majestic cliffs, and surrounded by the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean, lies the unique hilltop fortress town of Bonifacio. Here the citadel seems to have grown right out of the limestone cliffs, and medieval houses perch precariously on the edge. Ships will anchor offshore and tenders will be provided to the cruise terminal.
Top Things to Do in Bonifacio:
- tour the old streets on the Petit Train
- cruise the Lavezzi-Cavallo archipelago
- hike up Montée Rostello to St Roch Chapel
- take a scenic drive to Bavella
The ancient capital of the Western World and the centre of Christianity for nearly 2,000 years, Rome provides an inexhaustible feast of historical and cultural landmarks to explore. Visit the ruins of the Forum and the Colosseum, view the splendours of the Sistine Chapel, throw a coin into the Trevi Fountain or climb the Spanish Steps, once the heart of Rome's Bohemian Quarter.
Don't forget to treat your taste buds to the delights of authentic Roman cuisine, which is as captivating as the city's ancient wonders. Indulge in creamy gelato, savour the perfection of al dente pasta, and relish the thin, crispy crust of Roman-style pizza. Buon Appetito!
Serving as Rome’s seaport since the 13th century, Civitavecchia is located about an hour (80km/50mi) from the centre of Rome. For guests arriving and departing from the airport in Rome, a transfer to Civitavecchia port should be organised ahead of time with your cruise line. Details will be provided in your travel documentation after booking. The port area itself offers diverse dining options, and inside, facilities include accessible bathrooms, Wi-Fi, and a spacious waiting area. The port also offers complimentary shuttle buses to transfer guests between the ship and the port terminal.
Portoferraio is the capital of the island of Elba, a mountainous mirage of glowing beaches, turquoise waters, and craggy coastline. The cities sun-faded pink and yellow buildings stack up over the waterfront, offering sweeping views back to the mainland. Ships will dock in the Portoferraio Marina.
Top Things to Do in Portoferraio:
- take in the view from Medici Fortress
- visit Villa San Martino
- take a cable car up Mt. Capanne
- explore the seaside resort of Porto Azzurro
- relax on Procchio Beach
Discover the history and beautiful architecture of this ancient seaport in the lovely pink stone Palazzo Tursi where letters of Christopher Columbus and Paganini's famed Guarnieri violin are on display. Visit the magnificent Palazzo Bianco and stroll past old master paintings.
For a taste of the surrounding beauty, Genoa offers easy access to nearby gems. Marvel at Milan’s iconic Duomo and high-end shops. Discover Cinque Terre’s colorful cliffside villages, perfect for breathtaking photos. Or, enjoy the upscale charm of Portofino, with its picturesque harbor and boutique-lined streets. Each nearby locale enhances your Genoa visit with distinctive experiences.
Portofino, a picturesque fishing village on the Italian Riviera, is renowned for its colorful harbor and upscale ambiance. Start your day with a leisurely walk around the Marina, where luxury yachts are moored against a backdrop of pastel-colored houses. The charming Piazza Martiri dell'Olivetta is perfect for a morning coffee while soaking in the scenic views.
Visit the historic Castello Brown, offering panoramic vistas of the Ligurian Sea and surrounding hills. Stroll through the lush gardens of Parco di Portofino or take a short hike to the beautiful San Fruttuoso Abbey, accessible by boat or trail. Enjoy fresh seafood at waterfront restaurants, savoring the laid-back yet elegant atmosphere before heading back to your cruise.
Located on the stunning French Riviera, Nice is renowned for its captivating seaside views and vibrant culture. Begin your visit with a stroll along the Promenade des Anglais, where the azure Mediterranean Sea meets the bustling city. The historic Old Town, with its narrow streets and colorful buildings, offers a delightful maze of artisan shops, cafés, and the famous Cours Saleya market.
Art enthusiasts will appreciate the Marc Chagall National Museum and the Musée Matisse, both housing impressive collections. For a taste of local life, visit the Liberation Market, featuring fresh produce and regional specialties. Don’t miss Castle Hill, offering panoramic views of the city and the sea, making it a perfect spot for photographs.
Located on the stunning French Riviera, Nice is renowned for its captivating seaside views and vibrant culture. Begin your visit with a stroll along the Promenade des Anglais, where the azure Mediterranean Sea meets the bustling city. The historic Old Town, with its narrow streets and colorful buildings, offers a delightful maze of artisan shops, cafés, and the famous Cours Saleya market.
Art enthusiasts will appreciate the Marc Chagall National Museum and the Musée Matisse, both housing impressive collections. For a taste of local life, visit the Liberation Market, featuring fresh produce and regional specialties. Don’t miss Castle Hill, offering panoramic views of the city and the sea, making it a perfect spot for photographs.
Life On Board
Voyage in complete luxury and dine on French gastronomy as you enjoy an expedition cruise on Le Dumont-D'Urville. Read more
Your ocean facing stateroom or suite offers chic decor, luxurious amenities and 24 hour room service. Read more
Watch the ocean pass by as you take a dip in the glass walled infinity pool. Read more
The sophistication and innovation of this underwater lounge will be a highlight of onboard life. Read more
Making embarking and disembarking easy, the marina also serves as a sun deck or watersports platform. Read more
Dine al fresco at the grill or enjoy buffet and table service in the main restaurant. Read more
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Ponant Winter Inspiring Voyages (2025-26)
USD Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Ponant. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from the cruise-line and should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
