The Insider’s Mediterranean

Explore Europe with the Experts

PONANT EXPLORATIONS and Smithsonian Journeys itineraries include Smithsonian Journeys Experts who enrich your cruise experience.

Water views from Kotor in Montenegro. (Photo Credit: PONANT / François Lefebvre)

There’s nowhere quite like the Mediterranean. The dazzling whites and blues of the Greek islands are a balm for eyes exhausted by city life, while the hot-pink sunsets of the Côte d’Azur seem designed to pair with an Aperol Spritz. This is a land bathed in year-round sunshine, dotted with silvery olive trees, and fringed by waters that glisten with hues ranging from the palest of turquoises to deepest of inky blues. Empires have risen and fallen here, leaving behind thrilling tales and enduring traces of those who came before. From its terrain have sprung some of the world’s most delicious ingredients, and each summer glamorous restaurants, boutiques, and beach clubs attract visitors with their irresistible allure.

But the Mediterranean can also feel a little too familiar. We’ve all seen the beaches of Mykonos in our feeds, the pastel-colored houses of Cinque Terre cascading down into picture-perfect bays, the yachts, the gelato, and the striped parasols. For curious explorers, it can all seem a bit “been there, done that.”

To experience the Mediterranean in a deeper way, it’s best to turn to the experts. But not just any experts—the foremost experts in the region’s cultural, historical, and artistic riches. Travelers on Ponant Explorations’ voyages, developed in collaboration with Smithsonian Journeys, do just that on trips that unlock the Mediterranean’s lesser-known stories.

Ephesus, an ancient Greek city in present-day Turkey. (Photo Credit: PONANT/Alexandre Herbrecht)

The itineraries draw on the Smithsonian Institution’s 179 years of research and knowledge, combined with PONANT EXPLORATIONS’ 35-plus years of expertise in creating excellence and elegance at sea, offering an insider’s view into the destination. 

This series of cruises takes travelers to some of the most beautiful locations in the Mediterranean accompanied by world-class experts in archaeology, art history, and the classics who reveal the wonders of the region in a new—and ancient—light. The itineraries draw on the Smithsonian Institution’s 179 years of research and knowledge, combined with Ponant Explorations’ 35-plus years of expertise in creating excellence and elegance at sea, offering an insider’s view into the destination. Each day, guests have the opportunity to engage more deeply with the places they’re visiting, experiencing the wonders of the Mediterranean on a different level while gaining new perspectives, expanding their knowledge, and exchanging ideas with Smithsonian Journeys Experts.

Ponant Explorations and Smithsonian Journeys voyages sail to 12 countries across the Mediterranean, from the Iberian Peninsula to the Turkish coast, visiting iconic landmarks as well as hidden gems that larger vessels cannot reach—like Symi in Greece’s Dodecanese Islands and Isola del Giglio in Italy’s Tuscan archipelago. Itineraries are thoughtfully designed to appeal to both seasoned travelers and novices, presenting familiar destinations in new and creative ways while offering culturally enriching activities imbued with an educational approach.

Through onboard lectures and discussions, two Smithsonian Journeys Experts on each sailing—who might include an archaeologist, historian, or anthropologist—spark meaningful dialogue and perspective during the voyage. Their extensive knowledge and insights enable guests to engage more deeply with the people they meet and places they visit, gaining a profound understanding of local cultures, customs, and ways of life. In select ports, Smithsonian Journeys discussions are complemented by local experts who come aboard to share stories of their heritage.

The town of Sidi Bou Said in northern Tunisia. (Photo Credit: PONANT / François Lefebvre)

Harnessed with a deeper understanding of each destination, guests are encouraged to explore on land in their own way. From oenophiles and home chefs to adventurers and history buffs, curious travelers of all types will find included experiences that suit their passions and priorities. In Sicily, for example, guests can choose to visit the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Agrigento and Syracuse or opt for wine-tasting on the slopes of Mount Etna, one of Italy’s most active volcanoes, with the possibility of witnessing one of its ash plumes.

In Sardinia, adventure options include a hike around the Sella del Diavolo—the Devil’s Saddle—a two-mile trek above Cagliari that meanders through groves of juniper and palm and past olive trees and shrubs of fragrant mastic and euphorbia before rewarding walkers with glorious views of the Gulf of the Angels. In each port of call, travelers can choose his or her own pace, with both half-day and full-day options (where possible) that leave time for wandering solo or simply soaking up the ambience of the ship. 

Stromboli, a volcanic island off northern Sicily. (Photo Credit: PONANT / Laurence Fischer)

PONANT EXPLORATIONS and Smithsonian Journeys voyages are crafted for intellectually curious travelers seeking experiences that provide an intimate understanding of the places they visit—adding context to their immersive adventures. They’re for travelers who like to explore the ancient past and then reflect on it all with a glass of local wine as the setting sun bathes the Mediterranean in the type of golden light that’s only found there. Through a unique combination of culture, luxury, leisure, and expertise, they leave guests feeling empowered with an experience that stays with them long after they leave the ship.

PONANT EXPLORATIONS in alliance with Smithsonian Journeys bring you expert-led voyages that enrich your travels to the Mediterranean far beyond the usual tours and tourist traps.