Le Bougainville, 9 Night From the Adriatic to the Ionian Sea ex Dubrovnik, Croatia to Valletta, Malta

Set out to discover the Adriatic and Ionian Seas with PONANT. During a 10-day cruise leaving from Dubrovnik, Le Dumont-d’Urville will take you to Croatia, Montenegro, Greece, Italy and Malta.

Throughout your journey, you will benefit from an excursion included per person per port of call, to choose from a selection offered by PONANT. During this cruise, discover the history of Gallipoli by visiting the steep lanes of its old town; watch a moreška sword dance in Korcula’s open-air theatre; or visit the Greco-Roman ancient theatre from Taormina. The diversity of experiences on offer promises you intense and varied moments (to discover the full range of excursions, go to the itinerary tab).

Your ship will leave Dubrovnik, the appropriately named “pearl of the Adriatic”, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to head for the national park of the island of Mljet, surrounded by a wildly beautiful coastline. Treat yourself to a timeless interlude in the shade of the green oaks and Aleppo pines, between lush vegetation and saltwater lakes.

You will then make a port of call at Korcula, a medieval city standing on a promontory and protected by fortifications. You will approach Vis, a little and little-known island ignored by cruise itineraries. Fall under the spell of the historical heritage, which includes Roman ruins and Venetian architecture, of the oldest fishing port in the Adriatic.

Your ship will then set sail towards Montenegro, for an unforgettable cruise in the Bay of Kotor. This impressive gap between two mountain ranges is home to a veritable inland lake with a magical atmosphere; the medieval city of Kotor and its many historical monuments are its jewels.

Le Bougainville will sail along the Greek coastlines and make a port of call in Parga, whose fortress, built by the Normans in the 14th century, overlooks its pretty fishing port.

In Puglia, Gallipoli, meaning “beautiful town” in Greek, reveals its Hellenic origins and offers up its singular atmosphere, where life is good. In Taormina, the streets lead you to the impressive ancient theatre, where the quality of the acoustics is exceptional. And as a constant backdrop: the majestic Mount Etna!

Your cruise will come to an end in Valletta, capital of the island of Malta and former stronghold of the Knights of the Order of Malta.