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Natural Wonders and Cultural Jewels of Dalmatia in Luxury

Natural Wonders and Cultural Jewels of Dalmatia in Luxury

From AUD $6,920

Description

Between olive groves, national parks and UNESCO-listed towns, discover the many faces of the Adriatic and the civilisations that have flourished along its azure shores. Traces of the reign of the Most Serene Republic of Venice are scattered here and there, including the symbol of the City of the Doges, the winged lion, which still watches over Balbi’s Arch in Rovinj and the gates of Zadar and Korčula. From ancient times, Split has preserved Diocletian’s Palace and its Romanesque cathedral, while the island of Hvar is home to Stari Grad, founded by the Greeks. Further south, the Bay of Kotor provides a spectacular sight: a medieval town nestled in a sea inlet surrounded by mountains.

Trip Name
Natural Wonders and Cultural Jewels of Dalmatia in Luxury
Days
8
Overview
Vessel Type: Luxury Passenger Capacity: 92 cabins Built: 2017/2018 Le Bougainville is the third ship in the PONANT Explorers series, designed to merge elegant French style with advanced expedition technology. Carrying up to 184 guests across 92 luxurious staterooms and suites, it offers an intimate atmosphere with a focus on comfort and open connection to the sea. The ship’s sleek design invites light and space, featuring expansive lounges, panoramic decks, a swimming pool, theatre, and wellness facilities that create a relaxed yet sophisticated onboard experience. True to the French spirit of exploration, Le Bougainville celebrates both discovery and refinement. Guests can savour world-class cuisine in elegant dining venues, enjoy a quiet moment in the ship’s stylish lounges, or embark on Zodiac excursions directly from the marina platform. Equipped with the latest environmental technologies, the vessel embodies responsible luxury travel—offering guests the chance to explore the world’s most extraordinary destinations in style and harmony with nature.

Itinerary



Day 1 - Day 1 VENICE
 Proud and eternal, Venice has reigned on its lagoon ever since the 6th century. You may think you know this city before even setting foot here. You will inevitably fall in love with the charm of the innumerable treasures of the Serenissima: Saint Mark’s square, the basilica, Doges palace, the Grand Canal and the gondolas. Yet, secret Venice is also waiting for you to explore its little interlacing streets and canals, to ramble through its squares and to push open the doors of its churches. The city’s extraordinary heritage shouldn’t stop you from enjoying a glass of Spritz and a few tramezzini.
Day 2 - Day 2 ROVINJ
 Rovinj is located in Istria, a region bordering Slovenia. This becomes apparent as you walk through its old cobblestoned town. There are many monuments of Venetian influence here. If you study the Balbi arch, you will see the winged lion, symbol of Venice. The bell-tower erected beside Saint Euphemia Cathedral was designed like the bell of Saint Mark in Venice. From the top of the tower, you can scan the entire historical district. To absorb its quaint atmosphere, take a walk in the ochre and sepia-coloured streets leading to bustling squares and terraces shaded by canvas awnings.
Day 3 - Day 3 ZADAR
 The old fortified city of Zadar stands on peninsula in Northern Dalmatia. It has survived since Antiquity, as the ruins of a Roman forum illustrate. Beside these ruins, the architecture of the church of Saint Donat is Byzantine while the bell-tower of the Cathedral of Saint Anastasia is of Italian design. Your walks in the old town will be punctuated by diverse encounters with history. As you reach the shoreline, you’ll be brought back to modern day because this front is animated by two contemporary architectural creations. Maybe you will hear the sound of the “Sea Organ” music played by the surf and the “ Sun Salutations ” solar light installation reflecting its luminous rays.
Day 4 - Day 4 PRIMOSTEN & SPLIT
 Located south of Sibenik, Primosten is a picturesque village on the Dalmatian Coast, whose charm is distilled, via its narrow streets, through pretty stone houses and an architectural heritage influenced by the Venetian Republic. Built on a rocky peninsula, the historic city was connected to land by a mobile bridge from which it earned its name in the 16th century: in Croatian, primostiti means “to bridge”. The high point of the village, the Church of St. George watches over the stunning bay enveloped in crystal-clear waters while, to the north of the peninsula, the charming beach of Raduca reveals itself between the skies and the pine forest. Further on, the vines of the renowned babić varietal, protected from erosion by low stone walls, complete this idyllic setting. On the Dalmatian coast, the town of Split offers cultural visits in a seaside atmosphere. Close to the seafront shaded by palm trees, the historical centre listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, boasts a unique building: the Diocletian’s Palace. Here you will explore its galleries, courtyards with carved columns, as well as a former mausoleum converted into a church, namely Saint Domnius Cathedral. If you get peckish, stop off at a terrace in the Pjaca, the main square in the old town, where you can try a palacinka, a kind of pancake topped with melted cheese.
Day 5 - Day 5 HVAR
 Off the coast of Split, Hvar will surprise you by its traditions that have not changed since Antiquity. The country’s oldest town, Stari Grad, is here on this Dalmatian Island. The town nestles by a cove on the north-west coast, surrounded by dry stone wall structures on the Stari Grad plains. These have been designated a UNESCO World Heritage site because they were built in the time of the Ancient Greeks.  From these parcels of land come wines and olive oil manufactured manually. In the upper part of town, it is possible to discover hams and cheeses made by local producers. 
Day 6 - Day 6 KORCULA
 This harbour town has a very special location, presiding on a spur on the north-eastern coast of the island of Korçula. The ramparts in its medieval district provide perfect vantage points over the Pelješac peninsula. To get there, you can take the monumental staircase in the Revelin Tower. Another way is to climb the steps in the shade of palm trees from the MorskaVrata (Marine portal). As you make your way through the little streets, you’ll see the bell-tower of Saint Mark’s cathedral rise above you. This landmark will help you locate the house where Marco Polo was born. The island also has some of its own famous wines like the red Plavac and the white Posip.
Day 7 - Day 7 KOTOR
 Situated in one of Montenegro’s most beautiful bays, the medieval city of Kotor is a small town full of charm, truly imbued with the traditions and stories of another time. Built between the 12th and 14th centuries, this village, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has preserved many historical monuments from this epoch. During your stop, be sure to admire the impressive castle that dominates the town, and let yourself fall under the charm of its maze of small streets and intimate squares on which folk festivals featuring magnificent colourful costumes are often organised.
Day 8 - Day 8 DUBROVNIK
 Emblem of the Dalmatian coast, Dubrovnik is magnificently positioned on a rocky spur. History is sovereign here, in this ancient city, now a listed UNESCO World Heritage site. You will perhaps be surprised by the proportions of La Placa, the central drag through the city. The sheer width of it can be explained by the fact that it straddles a former lagoon. The elegant houses along La Placa are built in the legendary travertine stone. At Pile gate, you will be greeted by the statue of the patron saint of Dubrovnik, and you can admire the coastline as you walk along the ramparts. But what’s inside Fort Saint John, adjoining the outer walls? A maritime museum and an aquarium featuring rare fish from the Adriatic.
Day 9 - Please note:
Itineraries are subject to change.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
23-07-202630-07-2026AUD $9,030Deluxe Stateroom
23-07-202630-07-2026AUD $9,510Prestige Deck 4
23-07-202630-07-2026AUD $20,470Privilege Suite Deck 5
23-07-202630-07-2026AUD $20,470Privilege Suite Deck 6
23-07-202630-07-2026AUD $23,480Grand Deluxe Suite Deck 5
23-07-202630-07-2026AUD $24,760Grand Deluxe Suite Deck 6
23-07-202630-07-2026AUD $26,040Owner's Suite
23-07-202630-07-2026AUD $9,990Prestige Deck 5
23-07-202630-07-2026AUD $10,570Prestige Deck 6
23-07-202630-07-2026AUD $17,130Deluxe Suite Deck 5
23-07-202630-07-2026AUD $17,130Deluxe Suite Deck 3
23-07-202630-07-2026AUD $17,130Deluxe Suite Deck 4
23-07-202630-07-2026AUD $17,130Deluxe Suite Deck 6
23-07-202630-07-2026AUD $19,040Prestige Deck 5 Suite
23-07-202630-07-2026AUD $19,520Prestige Deck 6 Suite
06-08-202613-08-2026AUD $7,680Deluxe Stateroom
06-08-202613-08-2026AUD $8,090Prestige Deck 4
06-08-202613-08-2026AUD $8,490Prestige Deck 5
06-08-202613-08-2026AUD $8,980Prestige Deck 6
06-08-202613-08-2026AUD $14,510Deluxe Suite Deck 4
06-08-202613-08-2026AUD $14,510Deluxe Suite Deck 6
06-08-202613-08-2026AUD $14,510Deluxe Suite Deck 5
06-08-202613-08-2026AUD $14,510Deluxe Suite Deck 3
06-08-202613-08-2026AUD $16,120Prestige Deck 5 Suite
06-08-202613-08-2026AUD $16,520Prestige Deck 6 Suite
06-08-202613-08-2026AUD $17,320Privilege Suite Deck 6
06-08-202613-08-2026AUD $17,320Privilege Suite Deck 5
06-08-202613-08-2026AUD $20,930Grand Deluxe Suite Deck 5
06-08-202613-08-2026AUD $20,930Grand Deluxe Suite Deck 6
06-08-202613-08-2026AUD $26,040Owner's Suite
20-08-202627-08-2026AUD $8,130Deluxe Stateroom
20-08-202627-08-2026AUD $8,560Prestige Deck 4
20-08-202627-08-2026AUD $8,990Prestige Deck 5
20-08-202627-08-2026AUD $9,510Prestige Deck 6
20-08-202627-08-2026AUD $15,380Deluxe Suite Deck 3
20-08-202627-08-2026AUD $15,380Deluxe Suite Deck 6
20-08-202627-08-2026AUD $15,380Deluxe Suite Deck 4
20-08-202627-08-2026AUD $15,380Deluxe Suite Deck 5
20-08-202627-08-2026AUD $17,090Prestige Deck 5 Suite
20-08-202627-08-2026AUD $17,520Prestige Deck 6 Suite
20-08-202627-08-2026AUD $18,370Privilege Suite Deck 6
20-08-202627-08-2026AUD $18,370Privilege Suite Deck 5
20-08-202627-08-2026AUD $22,210Grand Deluxe Suite Deck 5
20-08-202627-08-2026AUD $22,210Grand Deluxe Suite Deck 6
20-08-202627-08-2026AUD $26,040Owner's Suite
11-08-202718-08-2027AUD $6,920Deluxe Stateroom
11-08-202718-08-2027AUD $7,280Prestige Deck 4
11-08-202718-08-2027AUD $7,640Prestige Deck 5
11-08-202718-08-2027AUD $8,060Prestige Deck 6
11-08-202718-08-2027AUD $13,000Deluxe Suite Deck 4
11-08-202718-08-2027AUD $13,000Deluxe Suite Deck 5
11-08-202718-08-2027AUD $13,000Deluxe Suite Deck 6
11-08-202718-08-2027AUD $13,000Deluxe Suite Deck 3
11-08-202718-08-2027AUD $14,440Prestige Deck 5 Suite
11-08-202718-08-2027AUD $14,780Prestige Deck 6 Suite
11-08-202718-08-2027AUD $15,500Privilege Suite Deck 5
11-08-202718-08-2027AUD $15,500Privilege Suite Deck 6
11-08-202718-08-2027AUD $18,730Grand Deluxe Suite Deck 5
11-08-202718-08-2027AUD $18,730Grand Deluxe Suite Deck 6
11-08-202718-08-2027AUD $26,540Owner's Suite
25-08-202701-09-2027AUD $7,380Deluxe Stateroom
25-08-202701-09-2027AUD $7,760Prestige Deck 4
25-08-202701-09-2027AUD $8,150Prestige Deck 5
25-08-202701-09-2027AUD $8,600Prestige Deck 6
25-08-202701-09-2027AUD $13,900Deluxe Suite Deck 5
25-08-202701-09-2027AUD $13,900Deluxe Suite Deck 6
25-08-202701-09-2027AUD $13,900Deluxe Suite Deck 3
25-08-202701-09-2027AUD $13,900Deluxe Suite Deck 4
25-08-202701-09-2027AUD $15,430Prestige Deck 5 Suite
25-08-202701-09-2027AUD $15,800Prestige Deck 6 Suite
25-08-202701-09-2027AUD $16,570Privilege Suite Deck 5
25-08-202701-09-2027AUD $16,570Privilege Suite Deck 6
25-08-202701-09-2027AUD $18,730Grand Deluxe Suite Deck 6
25-08-202701-09-2027AUD $20,030Grand Deluxe Suite Deck 5
25-08-202701-09-2027AUD $26,540Owner's Suite

Inclusions

    • An escapade in the Adriatic Sea, between natural wonders and historic towns, taking the time to appreciate the beauty of this region.
    • Extended ports of call in Hvar and Split to enjoy warm summer evenings, plus a cruise in the Bay of Kotor.
    • Among your activities: included excursions led by local guides.

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