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From Barcelona to Nice

A Solar Eclipse at Sea: Voyage Across the Western Mediterranean – with Smithsonian Journeys

Dates:
11 Aug - 19 Aug 2026
Duration:
8 Nights
Journey type:
Cruise only (please call for flight options)
No. of ports:
9
Ship:
Le Dumont-d'Urville
Cruise Line:
Ponant Explorations
Fares:

From £8,611 pp

Horse-drawn cart in Palma de Mallorca

From Barcelona to Nice

A Solar Eclipse at Sea: Voyage Across the Western Mediterranean – with Smithsonian Journeys

Dates:
11 Aug - 19 Aug 2026
Duration:
8 Nights
Journey type:
Cruise only (please call for flight options)
No. of ports:
9
Ship:
Le Dumont-d'Urville
Cruise Line:
Ponant Explorations
Fares:

From £8,611 pp

Voyage Itinerary

11 August

Setting sail from Barcelona

Barcelona, the cosmopolitan capital of Catalonia, is one of our favourite ports of call. From the warren-like medieval streets of the Barri Gòtic to the fantastical modernist architecture of Antoni Gaudí, from the dizzy heights of Mount Tibidabo to the golden sands of Barceloneta, there's never a dull moment in this most beguiling of cities. Take a stroll along the Ramblas, soak up the wonderful art of Picasso and Miró, or experience the electrifying atmosphere of a match at the Camp Nou. Barcelona is truly a city with something for everyone.

View from Park Guell, Barcelona
View of the Sagrada Familia, Barcelona

Don't miss

Gaudí’s crowning masterpiece, the church of La Sagrada Familia, is an utterly unique building, a soaring structure that’s rich in bizarre little details. It’s also still not finished; despite the fact that construction began in 1882, the current completion date is scheduled for 2026!

12 August

Spain: Palma de Mallorca

Mallorca is renowned for its beaches, ranging from big, bustling resorts to small, secluded coves. The island interior offers ruggedly beautiful scenery and quaint little towns, while the charming capital, Palma, boasts an attractive old quarter dominated by the imposing Gothic cathedral.
Palma de Mallorca cathedral

13 August

Spain: Mahón

Smaller than Mallorca and mellower than Ibiza, Menorca is rightly feted for its beautiful, unspoilt beaches. The laid back capital, Mahón, is set on the Mediterranean’s largest natural harbour, and the city’s striking Georgian architecture is a reminder of the 18th century British occupation of the island.
Mahon, Menorca

14 August

Italy: Alghero

The Sardinian city of Alghero is home to one of the loveliest old towns in the Mediterranean, with its cobbled lanes, elegant churches and golden sandstone architecture. The city was ruled for some 300 years by the Crown of Aragon and retains a uniquely Hispanic feel, with a dialect of Catalan still spoken by some locals.
Alghero, Sardinia

15 August

France: L'Île-Rousse

L'Île-Rousse was founded by Corsican statesman Pasquale Paoli in 1758 as a rival to Genoese-controlled Calvi, and wandering the atmospheric streets of the old town is the main attraction. The town takes its name from the red rocks on which it sits, and we recommend worth walking up to the Île de Pedra lighthouse for the wonderful views.
L'Ile-Rousse, Corsica

16 August

Italy: Portoferraio (Elba)

The island of Elba, just off the Tuscan coast, is where Napoleon Bonaparte was famously forced to live in exile between 1814-15. It’s hard to feel too sorry for him, though; the views from his plush Villa dei Mulini, situated high above the town of Portoferraio, are quite spectacular.
Portoferraio, Elba

17 August

Italy: Porto Ercole

18 August

Italy: Portofino

This tiny village on the Ligurian coast must be one of the most photographed spots in Italy, and no wonder; brightly coloured houses cling to the hillside overlooking a delightfully picturesque little harbour, where fishing boats gently bob alongside luxury yachts.
Portofino, Italy

19 August

Arriving in Nice

Nice enjoys a marvellous setting on one of the most glorious stretches of the Côte d’Azur, the sweeping Bay of Angels, so it’s no wonder that tourists have been flocking here since the 19th century.
Aerial view of Nice, France
Open top bus, Nice

Our tip

Buy a Nice Riviera Pass from the tourist office which gets you free access to many museums and historical places both in and around Nice, not to mention a ride on the open-topped bus!

The ship

Le Dumont-d'Urville

Capacity:
184 Guests
Crew:
118 Staff
Style:
Refined with a wonderful mix of a modern super yacht and nautical tradition, all with a French flair.

Sleek and stylish, Ponant's wonderful Explorer yachts blend luxury and intimacy with a discreet elegance and tasteful décor.

What we love

Named after six of France's most famous explorers, Le Champlain, Le Lapérouse, Le Bougainville, Le Dumont d'Urville, Le Bellot and Le Jacques Cartier offer exciting and adventurous itineraries in the utmost comfort. Technologically advanced, with the latest in environmentally friendly hardware, the new ships embody Ponant's trademark élan and flair, with just 92 spacious rooms and suites, a stylish pool deck and an intimate, refined onboard ambience.

Learn more about Le Dumont-d'Urville
Ponant Explorers - Le Bougainville in Norway

inclusions

  • All meals in all venues
  • Tea, coffee, soft drinks and alcoholic beverages
  • All onboard entertainment
  • Unlimited use of the Fitness Centre
  • Zodiac outings and landings on expedition sailings
  • Complimentary WiFi
  • One complimentary excursion per port

Tailor-make your trip

Ways to make it better
    • Hotel Arts, Barcelona

      Where to stay in Barcelona

      The lovely Hotel Arts on the sea front is perfectly located for a pre- or post-cruise stay, and has great restaurants too.

    • Girona, Spain

      Explore Catalonia

      Take a day trip to the attractive city of Girona, with its fascinating mix of Gothic, Moorish and Modernist architecture, as well as an exceptionally well preserved Jewish Quarter.

    • Hotel Negresco, Nice

      Where to stay in Nice

      A Mundy favourite is the famous Negresco on the Promenade des Anglais, something of a museum in its own right.

    • Saint Paul de Vence, France

      See more of southern France

      Travel out of Nice into Provence and visit the lovely villages such as Eze and St Paul de Vence.

    How can we help?

    Our frequently asked questions

    From expedition tips to travel protection, here are some of our most-asked questions.

    visit our faqs

    Can you help with pre and post-cruise arrangements?

    Absolutely. Expedition cruises often start and end in remote destinations, and we're able to arrange everything from flights and transfers to hotels and tours. If you're keen to make the most of your time away with bespoke arrangements, we can help with all your travel needs to make sure your trip is exceptional. What's more, we are members of ABTA and we offer full ATOL protection, not to mention a 24-hour emergency contact, to give you complete peace of mind.

    Will I save by booking with Mundy Adventures?

    You'll save money and time by booking with us rather than directly with the cruise line, as well as enjoying more flexibility in your travel arrangements. We have access to preferential rates and exclusive offers, and we offer expert advice on how to get the best value.

    How much time is spent ashore?

    Itineraries are planned to deliver an unforgettable experience of the destination, so days are filled with landings ashore via the ship's fleet of Zodiacs (sturdy rubber boats) or exploration along the coastline. It will vary depending on itinerary and operators, so it's best to contact us to discuss but rest assured an expedition cruise is focused on the time you spend off the ship.

    Why Mundy?

    Who we are

    Mundy Adventures is the intrepid little brother of Mundy Cruising Ltd., the UK's very first cruise specialist, and one of the leading companies in its field.

    We specialise in travel by ship and have been doing so for over 50 years. By providing expert, personal service, insightful ideas and fascinating add-ons we aim to make your adventure holiday truly unique and special.

    More about Mundy

    We're happy to do all of that over the phone. But if you prefer to chat face to face, why not visit us at our comfortable offices on London's High Holborn - we'd be delighted to see you.