[Sponsored post] Imagine discovering Sicily’s vineyards, Venice’s Biennale, or Greece’s ancient amphitheaters—yet each evening returning to a ship that carries the unmistakable refinement of France. For those who live abroad, PONANT EXPLORATIONS’ expert-led voyages offer the rare pleasure of traveling the world while feeling at home at sea. From Champagne poured with a flourish to cuisine created in partnership with Ducasse Conseil, every moment blends French sophistication with the thrill of discovery.
In 2026, that spirit comes alive with seven new expert-led journeys designed around food, wine, art, music, and world affairs. These itineraries bring together celebrated chefs, curators, musicians, and statesmen who enrich each voyage with their passions—from Chef Denny Imbroisi’s Sicilian specialties to private access at the Venice Biennale with the Pinault Collection, ballet performances by the Paris Opera, and discussions on world affairs with Admiral James Stavridis. Together, these voyages transform travel into an immersion of both culture and comfort, inviting guests to see the world through French eyes while embracing global perspectives.
Epicurean Delights: The Food & Wine of Sicily
April 11–19, 2026 | Roundtrip Valletta | Le Dumont d’Urville
On this circumnavigation of Sicily, you’ll explore the island’s diverse culinary heritage shaped by centuries of Greek, Roman, Arabic, and Norman influence. Acclaimed Sicilian food authority Fabrizia Lanza guides guests through market visits and local traditions, while oenologist Laetitia Ouspointour leads tastings of regional varietals. Onboard, Chef Denny Imbroisi, renowned for his modern Italian cuisine in Paris, and his team prepare authentic dishes that showcase Sicily’s flavors. It’s an epicurean journey designed to delight both palate and mind.
Artistic Adriatic with the Pinault Collection
June 15–22, 2026 | Dubrovnik to Venice | Le Dumont d’Urville
In partnership with the Pinault Collection, this voyage offers rare access to the cultural heartbeat of the Adriatic. Guests explore Ravenna’s mosaics, Croatia’s historic ports, and spend two full days in Venice. Highlights include private tours of Palazzo Grassi and Punta della Dogana, as well as privileged entry to the 61st Venice Biennale. Onboard, Emma Lavigne, General Director of the Pinault Collection, and Belgian artist Edith Dekyndt share insights into the art world, offering conversations as enriching as the destinations themselves.
A Celebration of Art: Valletta to Venice
July 1–9, 2026 | Le Bougainville
This itinerary highlights the artistic heritage of Sicily and Italy’s Adriatic coast. Beyond UNESCO treasures such as Syracuse and Alberobello, guests enjoy exclusive entry to Biennale exhibitions and the Pinault museums in Venice. Expert commentary comes from Kathryn Widing, Senior Vice President at Christie’s, who curates post-war and contemporary art auctions in New York. Her lectures and discussions bring context to the works on display, creating a dialogue between history, market, and creativity.
A Celebration of Art: Rivieras & Corsica
July 10–18, 2026 | Roundtrip Nice | Le Dumont d’Urville
Sailing from the French Riviera, this voyage explores the legacies of Renoir and Picasso through visits to their studios and homes. You will also have the opportunity to visit Corsica’s contemporary Biennale of Bonifacio, Rome’s Villa Borghese, and the Vatican Museum. Accompanying experts from Christie’s, including Ottavia Marchitelli and G. Max Bernheimer, enrich the journey with perspectives on Impressionist, Modern, and Antiquities collections—making the Mediterranean’s artistic legacy come vividly alive.
Ballet at Sea: Paris Opera on the Mediterranean
July 29–August 6, 2026 | Roundtrip Nice | Le Boréal
Dance becomes the language of discovery on this Mediterranean sailing with artists from Opéra national de Paris. You will enjoy two exclusive performances ashore, intimate shows on board, and even dance lessons with company members. Star dancer Roxane Stojanov leads the ensemble, bringing the elegance of French ballet to the shores of Corsica and Tuscany. For travelers with a love of the arts, this voyage bridges the grace of movement with the grandeur of the Mediterranean.
World Affairs: Copenhagen to London
August 26–September 5, 2026 | Le Champlain
This thought-provoking voyage explores Europe’s evolving geopolitical landscape. Distinguished guest Admiral James Stavridis, former NATO Supreme Allied Commander, provides analysis of regional and global issues while connecting them to the history encountered ashore. From the International Court of Justice to pivotal WWII sites like Dunkirk, guests engage with Europe’s past and present in dialogue that is as timely as it is insightful.
A Symphony at Sea: Music in the Greek Isles
October 18–25, 2026 | Roundtrip Athens | Le Champlain
Music resonates through every day of this voyage, with live performances led by Keith Lockhart, famed conductor of the Boston Pops, and a company of six distinguished musicians. Classical recitals and chamber works unfold onboard, while folkloric traditions are explored ashore, from Cretan dances to the Symposion Music & Mythology Center in Santorini. This is a voyage that invites you to listen to Greece’s story through its rhythms and melodies.
French Refinement, Global Horizons
Each themed voyage is more than a journey. They are an immersion into passions that define culture, discovery, and dialogue. For French travelers abroad, they offer a rare balance: the refinement of French style, the stimulation of expert perspectives, and the thrill of new horizons. To sail with PONANT EXPLORATIONS is to reconnect with what you love most, while traveling farther than you imagined.
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