Southern France and the Italian Riviera by sea

"Southern France and the Italian Riviera by Sea" is a luxurious, inspiring journey from Barcelona to Rome with carefully curated excursions and educational guided tours designed for discerning travellers who appreciate style, culture and comfort. The voyage is aboard Ponant's exquisite expedition yacht Le Champlain, featuring a boutique atmosphere, elegant cabins with balconies and eco-oriented equipment, combined with personal service at a five-star level

• An elegant blend of culture, gastronomy and natural landscapes along the iconic Mediterranean coastline, with a shore excursion included at each port for a deeper immersion in local stories and flavours.
• An enriching on-board program with lectures from acclaimed Smithsonian Journeys experts, including art historian Ross King, a bestselling author with a focus on Italy and France who makes each destination a living narrative.
• Peace of mind and convenience: all meals and drinks on board, tips for crew and guides and organised 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 approximately 180-184 guests, 5 decks and refined interiors designed for cruising with intimate scale and unobtrusive luxury.
• A gourmet restaurant, panoramic lounge, spa and outdoor pool await on board, 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 a spirit of discovery and cultural dialogue.

Smithsonian Journeys on board

• A programme of expert lectures, discussions and thematic walks that connects what is seen 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 transforms each port into a living page of history and art, accessible and exciting for culturally curious visitors.

Who is this trip for

• For connoisseurs of low-capacity and precise detailing who prefer the intimate atmosphere of a private yacht to mainstream cruising.
• For travellers who want to hear the stories behind the facades - with expert interpretations rather than a quick 'tick off' of sights.
• For those looking for impeccable organisation and comfort - from transfers to the final cheer on deck at sunset.