Southern France and the Italian Riviera by sea

"South of France and the Italian Riviera by Sea" is a luxurious, inspiring journey from Barcelona to Rome with carefully selected excursions and educational talks, created for discerning travelers who value style, culture and comfort. The journey is aboard Ponant's exquisite expedition yacht Le Champlain, distinguished by a boutique atmosphere, elegant cabins with balconies and eco-friendly equipment, combined with five-star personal service.

• An elegant blend of culture, gastronomy and natural landscapes along the iconic Mediterranean coast, with an included shore excursion in each port for a deeper immersion in local stories and flavors.
• An enriching onboard program with lectures from recognized Smithsonian Journeys experts, including art historian Ross King – a bestselling author with a focus on Italy and France who turns each destination into a living narrative.
• Peace of mind and convenience: all meals and drinks on board, gratuities for crew and guides, and organized transfers on embarkation and disembarkation days are provided for a flawless experience from departure to arrival.

The ship Le Champlain

• Le Champlain is part of Ponant's prestigious Explorer series - modern yachts with a capacity of around 180–184 guests, 5 decks and a sophisticated interior, designed for voyages of intimate scale and unobtrusive luxury.
• On board, guests can expect a gourmet restaurant, a panoramic lounge, a spa and an outdoor pool, as well as a quiet, relaxing atmosphere reminiscent of a private yacht rather than a large cruise ship.
• The ship was commissioned in 2018 and is named after Samuel de Champlain - the "father of New France", a symbol of the spirit of discovery and cultural dialogue.

Smithsonian Journeys on board

• A program with expert lectures, discussions and thematic walks that connects what you see with the great stories of the Mediterranean.
• Ross King – author of Brunelleschi's Dome, Leonardo and The Last Supper and The Shortest History of Italy – reveals the contexts behind the masterpieces, the cities and the people who created them.
• An approach that turns every port into a living page of history and art, accessible and exciting for culturally curious guests.

Who is this trip for?

• For connoisseurs of low capacity and precise detailing who prefer the intimate atmosphere of a private yacht to mass cruises.
• For travelers who want to hear the stories behind the facades – with expert interpretations, instead of quickly "ticking off" landmarks.
• For those looking for impeccable organization and comfort – from transfers to the final toast on the deck at sunset.