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From Valletta to Nice

Mediterranean Island Voyage: Sicily, Sardinia, Corsica, and Elba – with Smithsonian Journeys

Dates:
4 May - 11 May 2028
Duration:
7 Nights
Journey type:
Cruise only (please call for flight options)
No. of ports:
8
Ship:
L'Austral
Cruise Line:
Ponant Explorations
Fares:

From £4,210 pp

White cliffs at Bonifacio, Corsica

From Valletta to Nice

Mediterranean Island Voyage: Sicily, Sardinia, Corsica, and Elba – with Smithsonian Journeys

Dates:
4 May - 11 May 2028
Duration:
7 Nights
Journey type:
Cruise only (please call for flight options)
No. of ports:
8
Ship:
L'Austral
Cruise Line:
Ponant Explorations
Fares:

From £4,210 pp

Voyage Itinerary

4 May

Setting sail from Valletta

Malta's tiny capital, established by the Knights of St John, packs in an awful lot of history considering its diminutive size. The atmospheric old streets, bathed in Mediterranean sunshine, are full of attractive honey-golden buildings, along with an impressive selection of bars and restaurants.

Valletta, Malta

5 May

Italy: Siracusa

Founded by Greek colonists in 734 BC, Siracusa was once the largest city in the ancient world, surpassing even Athens in its splendour. Highlights include the island of Ortigia, where narrow streets are lined by beautiful Baroque architecture, and the impressive ruins at the Parco Archeologico della Neapolis on the Sicilian mainland.
Ortigia Island, Siracusa, Sicily

6 May

Italy: Taormina

Taormina enjoys a truly spectacular setting on Sicily’s east coast, perched on a mountainside looking out towards the smouldering Mount Etna. The medieval streets are pleasant but often crowded in high season, so we’d recommend getting out and exploring the surrounding countryside.
Architecture in Taormina, Sicily

7 May

Italy: Palermo

Palermo is an acquired taste; noisy, chaotic and rather grimey in places. But there’s something quite intoxicating about the crumbling facades and the bustling markets, and the Arabesque style of many of the buildings hints at Sicily’s historical role as a stepping stone between Europe and North Africa.
Spring flowers in Palermo, Sicily

8 May

Italy: Cagliari

Sardinia’s capital is a fascinating patchwork of historical architecture and vertiginous streets, crowned by the old hilltop citadel of Il Castello. Explore the island’s history at the Museo Archeologico, where you can learn about Sardinia's ancient Nuragic civilisation.
Cagliari, Sardinia

9 May

France: Bonifacio

Bonifacio sits atop brilliant white limestone cliffs on the southern tip of Corsica, with the harbour down below filled with fishing boats and glitzy yachts. The town's history as a Genoese stronghold, along with its proximity to Sardinia, means that the Italian influence is strong here.
Fishing boats in Bonifacio, Corsica

10 May

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

11 May

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

L'Austral

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

Sleek and stylish, Le Boréal, Le Soléal, L'Austral and Le Lyrial are wonderful small ships that blend luxury and intimacy with a discreet elegance and tasteful décor.

What we love

These chic sisters are amongst the most stylish ships at sea, with muted natural tones, minimalist interiors and playful splashes of colour. The accommodation is flexible, with the option to combine staterooms and create expansive suites, while the restaurants deliver the sort of outstanding gastronomic experience that you would expect from a French flag cruise line.

Learn more about L'Austral
Ponant Cruises - Le Lyrial

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 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.