Southern France and the Italian Riviera by Sea

“Southern France and the Italian Riviera by Sea” is a luxurious, inspiring journey from Barcelona to Rome featuring carefully curated excursions and educational talks, designed for discerning travelers who appreciate style, culture, and comfort. The voyage takes place aboard Ponant’s exquisite expedition yacht, Le Champlain, which features a boutique atmosphere, elegant cabins with balconies, and eco-friendly amenities, combined with personalized five-star service

• An elegant blend of culture, gastronomy, and natural landscapes along the iconic Mediterranean coast, featuring a shore excursion at every port for a deeper immersion in local history and flavors.
• An enriching onboard program featuring lectures by renowned Smithsonian Journeys experts, including art historian Ross King—a bestselling author specializing in Italy and France, who brings each destination to life through his storytelling.
• Peace of mind and convenience: all meals and beverages on board, gratuities for the crew and guides, and organized transfers on embarkation and disembarkation days are included for a seamless experience from departure to arrival.

The Le Champlain

• Le Champlain is part of Ponant’s prestigious Explorer series—modern yachts with a capacity of approximately 180–184 guests, 5 decks, and a sophisticated interior designed for intimate voyages and understated luxury.
• On board, you’ll find a gourmet restaurant, a panoramic lounge, a spa, and an outdoor pool, as well as a quiet, relaxing atmosphere reminiscent of a private yacht rather than a large cruise ship.
• The ship entered service in 2018 and is named after Samuel de Champlain—the “father of New France”—a symbol of the spirit of exploration and cultural dialogue.

Smithsonian Journeys on Board

• A program featuring expert lectures, discussions, and themed walks that connects what you see with the great stories of the Mediterranean.
• Ross King—author of *Brunelleschi’s Dome*, *Leonardo and The Last Supper*, and *The Shortest History of Italy*—reveals the contexts behind the masterpieces, the cities, and the people who created them.
• An approach that transforms every port of call into a living page of history and art, accessible and exciting for culturally curious guests.

Who is this trip for?

• For connoisseurs of small-group travel and meticulous attention to detail who prefer the intimate atmosphere of a private yacht to mass-market cruises.
• For travelers who want to hear the stories behind the facades—with expert interpretations, rather than a quick “tick-off” of sights.
• For those seeking impeccable organization and comfort—from transfers to the final toast on deck at sunset.