Le Bougainville, 7 Night Croatia's Dalmatian Coast by Sea – with Smithsonian Journeys ex Venice, Italy to Dubrovnik, Croatia

In alliance with Smithsonian Journeys.

This cruise is part of a collection of PONANT voyages that are specially-tailored for English-speaking travelers who want to engage with the world. In addition to the usual elements of the PONANT experience, the listed price for these voyages includes transfers to and from the ship, talks and discussions aboard ship by world class experts, and a shore excursion or activity in each port of call that encourages guests to embrace the sights, sounds, tastes, and smells of the local environment and culture.

The eastern shore of the Adriatic Sea, the Dalmatian Coast, is rich in the culture and art of the ancient, medieval, and Renaissance worlds and home to some of the most charming and welcoming towns and villages to be found anywhere. The relatively short distances traveled on this voyage (it is less than 350 nautical miles from Venice to Dubrovnik) means that you have ample time to explore each port of call and savor what it has to offer— the time to relax and soak in the sights and sounds, tastes and smells of a very special corner of the world.

After Venice, your first stop is in Rovinj on the Istrian Peninsula, where you may choose to tour the city, once the center of Venetian administration of the peninsula, or participate in a truffle hunt and tasting, or sample the vintages of the Matosecic wine cellar.

A menu of choices awaits you in Zadar: a tour of the ancient city's Roman ruins and medieval churches that includes a tasting of the local maraschino liqueur; or an exploration of the unique vegetation and marine fauna of the uninhabited Kornati Archipelago.

The third day of your voyage begins in Primošten with a visit to Krka National Park and its famous travertine waterfalls, after which you sail to Split, home of the UNESCO World Heritage site of Diocletian's Palace, a massive structure that encloses the entire medieval town. Le Bougainville remains docked here until midnight, affording the opportunity to linger ashore well into the evening.

On the incredibly fertile island of Hvar, known for its fields of rosemary, lavender, and laurel, tour the island’s charming principal town of Stari Grad, or get away from the coast and visit a lavender farm in the countryside, where you will encounter some of the most beautiful views available on Croatia.

About 30 miles from Hvar is the island of Korcula, where a morning tour of the quaint streets of this medieval city, once home to Marco Polo, includes a performance of the Moreška sword dance. During lunch, sail to nearby Mljet Island, which local legend identifies with Calypso and Odysseus’s seven-year dalliance, to explore Mljet National Park.

You will want to be on deck as Le Bougainville sails into the deep, fjord-like Bay of Kotor to the UNESCO World Heritage town of the same name. This delightful place is the pride of Montenegro, and you will have a full day to explore its richly varied history. Or, if you prefer, you may enjoy a leisurely day at a beach club, where you can relax, stroll the beach, and swim.

Set on a rocky peninsula jutting into the sea, the UNESCO World Heritage site of Dubrovnik, the final stop on your voyage, is, despite a devastating earthquake in 1667 and the ravages of many wars, one of Europe’s best-preserved medieval cities.

Featuring innovative and environmentally-friendly equipment, elegantly designed cabins, spacious suites with large windows, and lounge areas that open onto the outside, this new limited-capacity yacht boasting just 92 cabins and suites will offer you a truly unique cruising experience.

As the first ship in a new series that remains true to the Ponant spirit, Le Bougainville will embody the unique atmosphere that is the cruise line’s hallmark: a subtle blend of refinement, intimacy and comfort.

Aboard this ship that flies the French flag, you will experience the incomparable pleasure of an intimate cruise, with the possibility of exploring an ever-increasing range of destinations in an ethnic-chic ambiance with luxury service.

Experience a luxurious setting where the accent is on authenticity and passion for travel.

EXPERIENCE CRUISING ANOTHER WAY, DISCOVER THE MAGIC OF YACHT CRUISES.

Our mission is to transport you to mythical destinations and secret ports only accessible to small capacity ships.

To offer the delights of a French-inspired cuisine in an intimate environment - a discreet service where no attention to detail is spared - and unforgettable moments of relaxation on board elegant yachts of character.

To combine sophistication and conviviality, with priority given to authentic experiences, emotions and the ongoing quest for excellence.

Yacht cruises: more than a cruise, a privilege...

Attentive, professional, discreet and elegant, the fully bilingual service on board will meet your every desire. Our unique atmosphere is filled with a signature sentiment: a warm welcome from an experienced crew who are passionate about what they do, in the tradition of private yachting.

In the dining areas, our gourmet cuisine is worthy of top fine dining restaurants: exquisite wines are available, and menus are created with expertise by our skilled chefs with a French-inspired menu enhanced by specialties from our various ports of call.

Pleasure, enrichment, discovery: relax - we take care of everything...