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.

Starting at: $6,360 Make a Reservation Ask Us A Question or Call 855-330-1542
 The medieval city and castle of Carcassonne
The medieval city and castle of Carcassonne
 The medieval fortifications of Carcassonne
The medieval fortifications of Carcassonne
 Market square in Old Town, Aix-en-Provence
Market square in Old Town, Aix-en-Provence
 Palais des Papes, Avignon, France
Palais des Papes, Avignon, France
 Street in the medieval village of St. Paul du Vence
Street in the medieval village of St. Paul du Vence
 Place Massena, Nice
Place Massena, Nice
 View of port of Nice from atop Castle Hill
View of port of Nice from atop Castle Hill
 The Rock of Monte Carlo with the Prince's Palace
The Rock of Monte Carlo with the Prince's Palace
 The village of Vernazza, along the Cinque Terre
The village of Vernazza, along the Cinque Terre
 The village of Portofino
The village of Portofino
 Panorama of Florence at dusk
Panorama of Florence at dusk
 Duomo at the historic center of Florence
Duomo at the historic center of Florence
 Michelangelo's <i>David</i> in the Accademia in Florence
Michelangelo's David in the Accademia in Florence
 The Tuscan hill town of Volterra
The Tuscan hill town of Volterra
 The cathedral at Lucca
The cathedral at Lucca
 The legendary tower of Pisa
The legendary tower of Pisa

Southern France and the Italian Riviera by Sea

From Barcelona to Civitavecchia on the 184-guest Le Laperouse

8 days from $6,360

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.

or Call 855-330-1542

Ship

Le Lapérouse

Launched in 2018, Le Lapérouse is among a new fleet of luxury expedition ships launched by PONANT. These ships combine revolutionary design and a new standard of luxury.

Spacious, Ocean-view Suites and Staterooms
Each of the 92 elegant suites and staterooms features a private balcony, while Grand Deluxe Suites have a bay window and spacious private terrace. The deluxe, air-conditioned staterooms and suites (up to 484 square feet) have two twin beds that convert to one queen-size bed. Each cabin has a private bathroom with shower (bathtub in limited number of staterooms) and the luxurious amenities of a fine hotel, including individual climate control, satellite flat screen television, wireless Internet access, safe, minibar, full-length closet, writing desk/dressing table, and plush robes.

Chic and Casual Dining
International and regional cuisine are served in the stylish, spacious indoor-outdoor restaurant in a single, unassigned seating; at the casual pool deck grill; or from 24-hour room service. Continental and buffet breakfast, buffet lunch, afternoon tea, and a four-course dinner are served daily. Wine is served at your table during lunch and dinner and complimentary alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages are included throughout the cruise.

Spacious Public Areas, Intimate Atmosphere, and World-Class Service
The warm and inviting public areas accommodate all passengers comfortably. Enjoy sweeping views from the Observation Lounge and Main Lounge, both of which open to the outdoors, and lectures, cultural performances, or film screenings in the state-of-the-art theater. For your convenience, Wi-Fi is available throughout the ship.

The ship also features the first luxury underwater observatory, the Blue Eye, a multisensory underwater observation lounge that incorporates decor and technology to immerse you in the beauty of the ocean's ecosystem. Here, you can observe fascinating marine life through the large subaquatic windows while digital screens and the specially designed global listening system relay the sights and sounds beneath the ocean surface. 

Other amenities aboard ship are a Sun Deck, swimming pool, beauty salon, spa and sauna, fitness room, and two elevators. In addition, there is a three-level marina platform with complimentary kayaking and snorkeling equipment, as well as 10 easily accessible Zodiacs. 

The highly trained, English-speaking international crew are personable and attentive, and the ship has an infirmary staffed with a doctor and nurse.

Respect for the Environment
The newest additions to a fleet that has been awarded the prestigious "Clean Ship" designation, a rarity among ocean-cruising vessels, these expedition ships are designd with energy efficient, advanced eco-friendly features that protect fragile marine ecosystems while provideing a safe and comfortable voyage. 
 

 deck plan

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