A new cruise offering from Smithsonian Journeys and PONANT
Trace the Mediterranean coasts of France and Italy, exploring Provence, the Côte d’Azur, the Italian Riviera, and Cinque Terre. Venture to the medieval walled towns of Carcassonne and Lucca, and trace the legacies of great artists from Cézanne and Van Gogh in Provence to Michelangelo in Florence.
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Southern France and the Italian Riviera by Sea
From Barcelona to Civitavecchia a 184-guest PONANT small ship
8-9 days from $6,720
A new cruise offering from Smithsonian Journeys and PONANT
Trace the Mediterranean coasts of France and Italy, exploring Provence, the Côte d’Azur, the Italian Riviera, and Cinque Terre. Venture to the medieval walled towns of Carcassonne and Lucca, and trace the legacies of great artists from Cézanne and Van Gogh in Provence to Michelangelo in Florence.
Overview
Post-Cruise Program: Roman Highlights — 3 Days, 2 Nights
May 3–5, 2025
This program is specially designed to orient you to the treasures of Rome and to introduce you to some of its most important monuments.
Day 1 – Disembark | Civitavecchia | Rome
After breakfast aboard, drive into Rome, where your exploration of the Eternal City begins with a panoramic tour of its major monuments—the Caracalla Baths, Tiberina Island, Circus Maximus, and Villa Borghese Park. Then, leaving the coach behind, follow your guide on a walking tour of some of the most famous piazzas and fountains in Rome, including the Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon, and Navona Square.
After lunch at a local restaurant, visit the Forum, the heart of ancient Rome, and walk the Via Sacra, the route followed by generations of Romans as they worshipped their emperors and celebrated their triumphs when Rome considered itself the center of the world, “Caput Mundi." Stroll among the monuments of Palatine Hill, erected to memorialize grand victories, and of course, marvel at the Colosseum, symbol of the Roman Empire. A masterpiece of classical architecture, the Colosseum is an enormous amphitheater in which some 50,000 spectators could watch as gladiators battled to the death, wild beasts were unleashed on human prey, and whatever other entertainments were organized for their amusement.
Rejoin your coach for a short ride to the historic Sina Bernini Bristol Hotel, your home for the next two nights. The evening is at leisure and dinner is independent.
Day 2 – Rome
Today's excursion is to the resort town of Castel Gandolfo, about an hour south of Rome on the shores of Lake Albano. Toward the end of the 1st century CE, the Roman emperor Domitian built an enormous residence here, some remains of which are still visible. But the focus of your visit will be on the Papal enclave, which served as the Pope's summer retreat from the 17th century.
Begin your tour of this spectacular 135-acre property with a drive through the estate's magnificent gardens, including a stop at the Papal farm, where organic produce is grown on site. Continue to the Apostolic Palace, the former Papal residence, converted to a museum by Pope Francis in 2016, for a guided tour, including access to the Pope's private apartments. At the end of your visit, enjoy time at leisure to browse the charming town of Castel Gandolfo before sitting down to lunch at a local restaurant with views over the lake.
On your return to Rome and the Hotel Bernini Bristol, the balance of the day is at leisure. Dinner is independent.
Day 3 – Rome | Depart
After breakfast at the hotel and check out, transfer to the airport for flights homeward.
Your hotel:
Located in heart of Rome, the historic Sina Bernini Bristol is one of the most famous 5-star hotels in the Eternal City. Once the hotel of choice for Russian Tsars, Princes of Wales, the Rockefellers, and the Vanderbilts, the Bernini Bristol enjoys a privileged location between Piazza Barberini and Via Veneto, just a few minutes’ walk from the Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps. The bedrooms are well appointed in classic and contemporary style. Each room features an Italian marble tile bathroom, satellite TV, a safe, minibar, and hairdryer. The hotel has a rooftop restaurant with panoramic views, as well as a spa and fitness center.
Your program includes:
- 2 nights at the Sina Bernini Bristol (or similar).
- Transfer and luggage handling from the pier to the hotel on Day 1.
- Transfer and luggage handling from the hotel to the airport on Day 3.
- Lunch on Days 1 and 2.
- Breakfast on Days 2 and 3.
- Sightseeing and programming as noted in the itinerary.
- Local English-speaking guide.
- Gratuities for the drivers and local guides.
Your program does not include:
- Transfer from the hotel to the airport on any day other than the scheduled program departure day.
- Personal expenses and other services and meals not mentioned as included in the program.
Please note:
- Late check-out is available depending on availability and at a supplement. An additional night is possible, upon request and depending on hotel availability. Please, contact reservations or your travel agent for further details.
- This program involves a lot of walking over uneven surfaces, cobblestones, and steps, and is not suitable for guests with mobility issues.
- The official currency is the Euro. Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, shops, and restaurants.
- This post-cruise program is offered as a package. There will be no refunds for unused accommodations, meals, or excursions.
- Program is offered on a space available basis.
- Program is subject to change without notice.
To see itinerary, please click on an option below.
2025 Itinerary (8 days)
Day 1 — Barcelona, Spain
Arrive in Barcelona and transfer to the port. Embark our ship and begin your voyage north toward France. (D)
Day 2 — Carcassonne, France
Dock in Port-Vendres (April departure) or Sète (October departure) and travel inland to the fortified medieval city of Carcassonne. Spend the day discovering the ramparts, turrets, and towers of this World Heritage site and learn about its restoration at the hands of 19th-century architect Viollet-le-Duc, said to have invented modern restoration techniques. (B,L,D)
Day 3 — Marseille and Provence
Anchor in Marseille, France’s oldest city, and travel into Provence on your choice of excursions. Tour the boulevards and squares of Aix-en-Provence, an elegant university town known for its baroque architecture and for its native sons Émile Zola and Paul Cézanne. Or visit Arles, once a bustling Roman city founded by Julius Caesar. See its impressive Roman amphitheater, and trace the steps of Vincent Van Gogh, who spent one of the most prolific periods of his career in the city. Or drive along the Rhône to Avignon, seat of the papacy for much of the 14th century. Visit the extraordinary Papal Palace and enjoy time to explore the charming old town. (B,L,D)
Day 4 — Nice, St. Paul de Vence / Eze and Monte Carlo, Monaco
Sail along the Côte d’Azur to Nice, named a World Heritage site in 2021. Explore this cosmopolitan seaside city, long considered a winter resort for Europeans. Alternatively, head to Monaco for a tour of chic Monte Carlo, then journey to the picturesque hilltop town of Eze for a stroll along its medieval streets. Or travel to St. Paul de Vence and view the modern art at the Maeght Foundation. (B,L,D)
Day 5 — Portofino, Italy and the Italian Riviera
Cruise past the elegant resort towns that dot the rugged shores of the Italian Riviera. Anchor in the picturesque fishing village of Portofino, and take a walking tour of its winding lanes, lined with houses painted in warm hues. Then enjoy time at leisure to explore this magical spot on your own. (B,L,D)
Day 6 — Cinque Terre or Lucca and Pisa
Set off in private boats from Porto Venere to visit two of the villages of the Cinque Terre - Monterosso and Vernazza - on foot. Or travel into Tuscany to discover the historic walled town of Lucca and visit Pisa, once an important Roman port now known best for its famously leaning tower. (B,L,D)
Day 7 — Florence or Volterra
Immerse yourself in the spectacular Renaissance city of Florence, encountering some of its most iconic artistic treasures, from Brunelleschi’s dome to Michelangelo’s David. Tour the city’s piazzas and churches, and learn how the city of the de Medicis shaped art history. Alternatively, ascend to hilltop Volterra and visit Roman ruins and the Etruscan Museum, where an impressive collection of artifacts traces the rich legacy of this ancient civilization. (B,L,D)
Day 8 — Civitavecchia, Italy
After breakfast, disembark in Civitavecchia, northwest of Rome, and transfer to the airport for your flight home. (B)
Included meals are denoted as follows: Breakfast (B), Lunch (L), Reception (R), Dinner (D)
2026 Itinerary (9 days)
Day 1 — Barcelona, Spain
Arrive in Barcelona and transfer to the port. Embark our ship and begin your voyage north toward France. (D)
Day 2 — Carcassonne, France
Dock in Sète and travel inland to the fortified medieval city of Carcassonne. Spend the day discovering the ramparts, turrets, and towers of this World Heritage site and learn about its restoration at the hands of 19th-century architect Viollet-le-Duc, said to have invented modern restoration techniques. (B,L,D)
Day 3 — Marseille and Provence
Anchor in Marseille, France’s oldest city, and travel into Provence on your choice of excursions. Tour the boulevards and squares of Aix-en-Provence, an elegant university town known for its baroque architecture and for its native sons Émile Zola and Paul Cézanne. Or visit Arles, once a bustling Roman city founded by Julius Caesar. See its impressive Roman amphitheater, and trace the steps of Vincent Van Gogh, who spent one of the most prolific periods of his career in the city. Or drive along the Rhône to Avignon, seat of the papacy for much of the 14th century. Visit the extraordinary Papal Palace and enjoy time to explore the charming old town. (B,L,D)
Day 4 — Nice, St. Paul de Vence / Eze and Monte Carlo, Monaco
Sail along the Côte d’Azur to Nice, named a World Heritage site in 2021. From Villefranche-sur-Mer, explore this cosmopolitan seaside city of Nice, long considered a winter resort for Europeans. Alternatively, head to Monaco for a tour of chic Monte Carlo, or journey to the picturesque hilltop town of Eze for a stroll along its medieval streets. Or travel to St. Paul de Vence and view the modern art at the Maeght Foundation. (B,L,D)
Day 5 — Portofino, Italy and the Italian Riviera
Cruise past the elegant resort towns that dot the rugged shores of the Italian Riviera. Anchor in Santa Margherita Ligure and continue on to the picturesque fishing village of Portofino, and take a walking tour of its winding lanes, lined with houses painted in warm hues. Then enjoy time at leisure to explore this magical spot on your own. (B,L,D)
Day 6 — Cinque Terre or Lucca and Pisa
Set off in private boats from Porto Venere to visit two of the villages of the Cinque Terre - Monterosso and Vernazza - on foot. Or travel into Tuscany to discover the historic walled town of Lucca and visit Pisa, once an important Roman port now known best for its famously leaning tower. (B,L,D)
Day 7 — Florence or Volterra
Immerse yourself in the spectacular Renaissance city of Florence, encountering some of its most iconic artistic treasures, from Brunelleschi’s dome to Michelangelo’s David. Tour the city’s piazzas and churches, and learn how the city of the de Medicis shaped art history. Alternatively, ascend to hilltop Volterra and visit Roman ruins and the Etruscan Museum, where an impressive collection of artifacts traces the rich legacy of this ancient civilization. (B,L,D)
Day 8 - Bonifacio, Corsica
Follow the coast of Corsica to the fortress town of Bonifacio, perched on cliffs high above the sea. Set off into the labyrinthine streets of the medieval Citadel, visiting churches and historic monuments. Or choose to ride a local boat along the coast, exploring grottos tucked within the dramatically eroded limestone cliffs. (B,L,D)
Day 9 — Civitavecchia, Italy
After breakfast, disembark in Civitavecchia, northwest of Rome, and transfer to the airport for your flight home. (B)
Included meals are denoted as follows: Breakfast (B), Lunch (L), Reception (R), Dinner (D)
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