Cruising the Dalmatian Coast and the Ionian Sea with Smithsonian Journeys

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.

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. 

Ploče is a port that shares with nearby Makarska a reputation for great beaches, upscale seafront promenades, and a vibrant nightlife. Ploče's Rupe Ethnographic Museum and Markaska's intriguing Shell Museum are both worth a visit. Ploče also serves as a gateway to the Bosnian city of Mostar, which under the Ottoman Turks became a thriving administrative and cultural center. Severely damaged in the military conflict of the 1990s, the town was declared a World Heritage site and now showcases the graceful Stari Most (“Old Bridge”), originally built in 1566, and the early 17th-century Turkish Tabacica Mosque, both carefully restored with help from UNESCO.

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.

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.

An historical harbour town on the south-west coast of Albania, Saranda is built on a lush green spur. Its streets lined with palms and maritime pines border the beaches of the Ionian sea at the mouth of Corfu Strait. This very ancient town has archaeological ruins dating from Antiquity, which you can visit as you walk along the waterfront.

The Greek capital city is located on the edge of the Saronic gulf, in the east of the country. It bears a plural name in reference to the first villages that surround the Acropolis. You will be enchanted by the rocky plateau presided by its monuments listed as UNESCO World Heritage. In the city below, you can visit some of the liveliest districts in Athens: Plaka, with its maze of colourful streets, and where, in the evenings the drifting aroma of moussaka and garlic prawns will tickle your taste buds. The National Archaeological museum and the Cycladic Art Museum are also some of the city’s key attractions and allow visitors to discover Athens’ cultural past.

The Greek capital city is located on the edge of the Saronic gulf, in the east of the country. It bears a plural name in reference to the first villages that surround the Acropolis. You will be enchanted by the rocky plateau presided by its monuments listed as UNESCO World Heritage. In the city below, you can visit some of the liveliest districts in Athens: Plaka, with its maze of colourful streets, and where, in the evenings the drifting aroma of moussaka and garlic prawns will tickle your taste buds. The National Archaeological museum and the Cycladic Art Museum are also some of the city’s key attractions and allow visitors to discover Athens’ cultural past.

Itineraries are subject to change. 

Vessel Type: Luxury Expedition / Cruise Ship

Length: 142 meters

Passenger Capacity: 264 (in twin cabins, 200 in Antarctica)

Built: 2011

Le Boréal, along with her sisterships L’Austral, Le Soléal, and Le Lyrial, embodies PONANT’s signature blend of luxury, intimacy, and serene well-being. Designed with both conviviality and tranquillity in mind, she offers inviting shared spaces alongside peaceful retreats for moments of quiet escape. Her sleek exterior and refined interiors reflect the careful thought and craftsmanship that define the fleet, with a décor that captures the spirit of a private yacht. Featuring 132 staterooms and suites, she welcomes up to 264 guests in an atmosphere that feels both elegant and personal.

Built in 2010 by Fincantieri in Ancona, Italy, Le Boréal measures 466 ft in length, with a beam of 59 ft, an ice-class 1C hull, and eco-design innovations continually updated to improve her environmental performance. With six passenger decks, 11 Zodiacs for exploration, and attentive French-flag service, she is equally at home navigating icy polar waters or warm, sunlit coasts. Life on board combines refined gastronomy, engaging social activities, and immersive excursions, creating a travel experience where elegance meets adventure.

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.