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A Solar Eclipse at Sea: Voyage Across the Western Mediterranean – with Smithsonian Journeys

A Solar Eclipse at Sea: Voyage Across the Western Mediterranean – with Smithsonian Journeys

From AUD $13,460

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Description

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.
On August 12, 2026, a total solar eclipse will begin over Palma de Mallorca, Spain, at 7:38 p.m., reach totality at 8:31 p.m., and end as the sun disappears over the horizon at 8:49 p.m. This voyage aboard Le Dumont-d’Urville offers you the chance to witness the extraordinarily rare setting of the sun just moments after totality, followed by an exploration of the natural beauty and cultural history of the islands of the western Mediterranean.
Begin in Barcelona and set sail in time to arrive in Palma de Mallorca at midday on the day of the eclipse. You will have time to enjoy a tour of some of the city’s landmarks, including Bellver Castle and Palma’s Cathedral, the second largest in Spain, before returning to the ship to prepare for the evening’s eclipse.
With the experience of the eclipse behind you, attention turns to the islands themselves, which despite differences, share a history of successive waves of civilizations—Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, Spaniards, Arabs, Byzantines, the French, and Italians—washing over them and leaving marks on language, art, architecture, and cuisine.
From Menorca’s port of Mahon, drive across the island to Ciutadella, which was founded by the Carthaginians and served as the island’s capital until 1772. A walking tour of the city’s old town reveals a treasure trove of architectural styles, including a gothic cathedral and well-preserved palaces belonging to British nobility. Alternatively, you may travel inland to Binissues to visit a living museum of Menorcan rural life, where actors recreate traditional farm life on the estate of the local lord. Whichever excursion you choose, you may want to sample a Pomada, Menorca’s signature frozen cocktail of gin and lemon soda.
The fishing port of Alghero on Sardinia’s northern coast is a quaint old city known as “Barcelonetta” because of its strong Catalan legacy from the Middle Ages. Explore its picturesque cobblestoned streets, old walls and towers, and flamboyant churches, including the 14th-century Church of San Francesco and the Cattedrale di Santa Maria, before boarding a coach for a panoramic drive along the coast to Capo Caccia. These stunning limestone headlands jutting into the sea are an impressive sight, and the area is dotted with nuraghi, the prehistoric monumental towers that are found all over the island.
The port of L’Ile-Rousse on the northern coast of Corsica serves as your gateway to Calvi, once a Genoese stronghold and now a picturesque vacation getaway. A guided walking tour includes the Citadel, with stunning views over the sea and the houses below, the Place d’Armes, and the Cathedral Saint Jean Baptiste. Also visit the house of Christopher Colombus, who is believed to have been born in Calvi. Then make your way to the lower town and the Quay Landry, featuring a lovely marina and a café-lined promenade.
Continue your discovery of these islands in Portoferraio, the main harbor of the island of Elba. Most famous as the site of Napoleon Bonaparte’s exile in 1814-15, Portoferraio was founded by the Médicis in the 16th century. A tour of Villa San Martino, Napoleon’s summer residence during exile, is followed by a visit to the charming village of Porto Azzurro and a wine tasting and sampling of Tuscan mezze at a local vineyard.
Porto Ercole on the Italian mainland is a seaside resort less well-known than some. But nestled between the lush green vegetation of Monte Argentario and the surreal blue of the Tyrrhenian Sea, it is a marvelous place to explore on foot. You may choose among options for walking tours on a variety of trails that lead to great views and to fortifications built by the Spanish to protect Tuscany from Ottoman attacks.
The small Italian fishing village of Portofino, now a favored haunt of the rich and famous, welcomes you on the final day before disembarkation in Nice, France, for a relaxing afternoon and evening of leisurely browsing through its shops and galleries, as well as a chance to sample the local cuisine and wines.

Trip Name
A Solar Eclipse at Sea: Voyage Across the Western Mediterranean – with Smithsonian Journeys
Days
9
Overview
Vessel Type: Luxury Passenger Capacity: 92 cabins Built: 2017/2018 Le Dumont d’Urville is one of PONANT’s state-of-the-art Explorer-class yachts, designed to combine refined French sophistication with immersive expedition travel. Hosting a maximum of 184 guests across 92 elegantly appointed staterooms and suites, the ship offers an intimate cruising experience defined by comfort, style, and innovation. Expansive lounge areas, a panoramic theatre, and multiple bars create inviting spaces to relax and socialise, while the infinity pool seamlessly blends into the sea views. From the marina platform, guests can easily embark on Zodiac excursions or enjoy water activities in serene surroundings. Every detail aboard Le Dumont d’Urville reflects a celebration of nature and discovery. Guests enjoy world-class gastronomy, a serene spa and fitness area, and advanced technology that supports environmentally responsible exploration. Purpose-built for navigating diverse destinations — from Nordic fjords and Mediterranean coastlines to Caribbean islands and Arctic waterways — this sleek, modern vessel embodies the art of travel at sea: luxurious, sustainable, and deeply connected to the natural world.

Itinerary



Day 1 - Day 1 - Barcelona
Located on the seashore between the mountains of Montjuïc and Tibidabo, Barcelona offers its many visitors a perfect blend of tradition and modernism. Truly an open-air museum, the “prodigious town” reveals an astonishing range of artistic treasures and museums, combining Roman ruins, medieval districts and a number of avant-garde elements from the 20th Century. Over the years, it has been marked by some of the greatest artists, such as Picasso, Miró or Gaudí, most of whose work has been listed as World Heritage Sites by UNESCO. Take the time to stroll along the Ramblas and enjoy the gentle, typically Mediterranean lifestyle of the capital of Catalonia. 
Day 2 - Day 2 - Palma de Mallorca, Balearic Islands & 2026 Total Eclipse Observation
Palma de Mallorca will reveal its many treasures: idyllic coves, majestic limestone cliffs that plunge into the clear sapphire- and turquoise-coloured waters of the Mediterranean, and vast plains planted with almond trees, olive trees and vineyards. When your ship calls at the capital of the Balearic Islands, take a walk to discover its emblematic monuments, such as its famous cathedral, and amble through its old streets. Here, like a painting, the island’s historical heritage forms a backdrop to the lively and warm cosmopolitan atmosphere of the Mediterranean.  At sea, facing completely unobstructed skies, the Captain will take you, weather conditions permitting, in search of the best place to observe the 16th total eclipse to occur in the 21st century. On board, admire the horizon plunge suddenly into darkness and enjoy this unique spectacle, during which the Moon will obscure the Sun.
Day 3 - Day 3 - Mahon, Balearic Islands
You will be welcomed by the colourful houses of Mahon, its narrow streets and pretty squares that appear as you stroll around this richly contrasting city. Mahon reveals its different neighbourhoods, alternating between monuments, villas and white buildings. Discover the Santa Maria church, a building of neo-gothic inspiration, rebuilt in the 18th Century. It is worth a visit to see its monumental organ with more than 3,000 pipes and four keyboards. Around the Carmen church you will find a local market, full of stands selling avarcas, typical Menorcan sandals originally made by peasants. Let yourself fall under the spell of this Mediterranean treasure. 
Day 4 - Day 4 - Alghero, Sardinia
Located on the north-west coast of Sardinia, Alghero offers you traces of Sardinian culture combined with vestiges from a Catalan past. Here, many inhabitants speak the Algherese dialect, a variant of Catalan, as well as Catalan itself. A walk along the well-preserved medieval ramparts will give you a panoramic view of the town. The streets in the historical centre bear witness to its rich past, from Santa Maria Cathedral to numerous palaces dating from different eras. 
Day 5 - Day 5 - L'Île-Rousse, Corsica
Overlooking a wide crystalline bay to the north of Corsica, the port of Ile-Rousse offers the charm of an historical town in the heart of spectacular natural surroundings. You will be able to admire the white facades of the famous Paoli square, the busy hub of the old town centre, where restaurants lay out their terraces in the shade of plane trees. Make sure you take a look at the statue of Pasquale Paoli, known as “Babbu”, father of Corsica. Amateurs of fine sandy beaches will find fulfilment at Napoleon beach, located near the centre, or the calmer Caruchettu beach. There are a plethora of hiking paths from which to choose. 
Day 6 - Day 6 - Portoferraio, Elba
In the elbow of a creek on the northern coastline of Elba Island, a small corner of paradise awaits in the form of Portoferraio. As you approach its coastlines, you will make out the powerful and majestic contours of its Medici fortresses. Napoleon Bonaparte spent many of his 300 days in exile here. The Palazzina dei Mulini, his first imperial residence, whose gardens offer outstanding views of the sea, is a must-see. Historical treasures are followed by another kind of treasure, namely white sand beaches, and equally tempting local specialities including gurguglione and rice with cuttlefish ink. 
Day 7 - Day 7 - Porto Ercole
With its landscapes of undulating hills covered in lush meadows, narrow streets with colourful houses, and picturesque paths shaded by pines... Porto Ercole is a concentration of all of Tuscany’s beauty. And what would it be without a fascinating, mystery-filled history? Overlooked by its 16th century fortress, this small village is renowned for having witnessed the final days of the famous painter Caravaggio, said to be buried there. On the Monte Argentario peninsula, you might have the chance to meet the fishermen of the Orbetello Lagoon, classed as a natural reserve, who perpetuate traditional fishing methods, or meet local wine, olive oil and cheese producers. For our sportier guests, the surrounding wild and pristine nature will provide the opportunity for a hike along the island’s heights to enjoy breathtaking views. 
Day 8 - Day 8 - Portofino
Close to the Cinque Terre, Portofino is the jewel of the Ligurian Riviera. This "small village that stretches like a half moon around a silent basin", described by Guy de Maupassant, is today a pretty, lively little port that has managed to preserve the authenticity of its maritime traditions, which have been recognised since Ancient times. Built in the hollow of a small natural cove sheltered by the pine forest, the village is at the heart of a protected maritime reserve. The shimmering colours of its house fronts and the exceptional location of this village have inspired many authors and artists. You will also see the Portofino lighthouse, immaculate in its green setting. Perched on the Punta del Capo, it watches over the peninsula and its postcard setting. 
Day 9 - Day 9 - Nice
Capital of the Cote d’Azur, Nice is surrounded by an amphitheatre of hills and mountains that protects it from the wind. You will probably want to explore the Promenade des Anglais, where you can sit on one of the famous blue chairs laid out opposite the baie des Anges. The Château hill is also a very pleasent place to walk. This is the entrance to the old city, with its bustling markets and regional products along the main street, the Cours Saleya. 
Day 10 - Please note:
Itineraries are subject to change. 

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
11-08-202619-08-2026AUD $13,460Deluxe Stateroom
11-08-202619-08-2026AUD $14,910Prestige Deck 4
11-08-202619-08-2026AUD $34,080Privilege Suite Deck 5
11-08-202619-08-2026AUD $34,080Privilege Suite Deck 6
11-08-202619-08-2026AUD $37,410Grand Deluxe Suite Deck 5
11-08-202619-08-2026AUD $37,410Grand Deluxe Suite Deck 6
11-08-202619-08-2026AUD $39,300Owner's Suite
11-08-202619-08-2026AUD $15,650Prestige Deck 5
11-08-202619-08-2026AUD $16,510Prestige Deck 6
11-08-202619-08-2026AUD $22,900Deluxe Suite Deck 4
11-08-202619-08-2026AUD $22,900Deluxe Suite Deck 3
11-08-202619-08-2026AUD $22,900Deluxe Suite Deck 5
11-08-202619-08-2026AUD $22,900Deluxe Suite Deck 6
11-08-202619-08-2026AUD $30,880Prestige Deck 5 Suite
11-08-202619-08-2026AUD $32,480Prestige Deck 6 Suite

Inclusions

    • A voyage specially-tailored for English-speaking travelers including discussions with experts, transfers before and after your cruise, and an included excursion in each port of call.
    • Engaging discussions onboard with two Smithsonian Journeys Experts.
    • The August 12, 2026, Total Solar Eclipse in Palma de Mallorca, Spain.
    • An opportunity to explore five Mediterranean islands: Mallorca, Menorca, Sardinia, Corsica, and Elba.
    • Alghero's Catalan legacy.
    • Prehistoric nuraghi on Sardinia.
    • The massive Citadel in Calvi, Corsica.
    • The resort towns of Calvi, Porto Ercole, and Portofino.
    • Napolean’s summer residence on Elba.
    • Wine tastings and local specialties on Elba and in Portofino.

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