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Epicurean Delights: The Food & Wine of Sicily on Le Dumont d'Urville

Le Dumont d'Urville Exterior
  • Le Dumont d'Urville Exterior
  • Le Dumont d'Urville Sailing
  • Le Dumont d'Urville Deck
  • Le Dumont d'Urville Lounge
  • Le Dumont d'Urville Restaurant

This cruise is part of a collection of PONANT themed 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.

This carefully curated voyage to Sicily combines visits to some of the most culturally rich destinations in the country with a focus also on the distinctive culinary traditions of the regions visited. Moving through Sicily, a crossroads of the many historical civilizations-Greek, Roman, Arab, Byzantine, Norman-that have flourished along the shores of the Mediterranean, you explore no fewer than seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites. And as you make your way, you sample the wines of Etna, as well as the breads, olives, meats, and cheeses of the island. An ideal way to experience Sicily, where food-its cultivation and preparation-has always been central to the good life.

As a special treat, acclaimed Italian chef Denny Imbroisi and his team will join you aboard to prepare authentic Sicilian and Italian dishes for you to enjoy during your voyage.

Setting sail from Malta, your first stop in Sicily is Porto Empedocle, gateway to the fabled Greek temples of Agrigento, among the most captivating ruins in the entire Mediterranean. Opt to visit Kolymbethra Garden, a shaded corner of paradise in the Valley of the Temples, filled with centuries-old olive trees and the sweet fragrance of citrus fruits.

After rounding the western tip of the island, you arrive in Trapani for an excursion into the countryside and the ancient Doric temple of Segesta or to medieval Erice, perched on a high triangular plateau sloping down to the sea. Or opt to sample the region’s famous Marsala wine at a local winery.

Your fourth day aboard Le Dumont-d’Urville brings you to Palermo, founded by the Phoenicians in 827 BC and becoming one of Europe’s greatest cities in the 12th century, when the Normans took control. Here you will visit Cappella Palatina, a Byzantine-Arab-Norman structure featuring dazzling mosaics and magnificent inlaid marble floors and walls, and Monreale to explore its famed Norman cathedral. Alternatively, wander the streets of the Ballarò Market, one of the oldest street markets in Palermo, to sample traditional Sicilian street food like panelle (chickpea fritters), sfincione (typical Sicilian pizza), crocchè (fried mashed potatoes), and Sicilian caponata (a local eggplant dish).

In Lipari, discover the 16th-century Norman castle-turned-archaeological museum on the site of an ancient acropolis before sailing in the evening to Stromboli, whose active volcano provides the backdrop as you cruise around the island.

From Stromboli, your ship calls in the city of Reggio di Calabria on the Italian mainland. Just across the Strait of Messina from Sicily, Reggio di Calabria is home to the National Archaeological Museum of Magna Graecia and the world famous Riace Bronzes. The surrounding area, both along the coast and in the interior mountains, boasts a number of intriguing castles and many wineries. During your time here, you may visit the hilltop Norman Castle in Vibo Valentia, the Ruffo Castle overlooking the Messina Strait, or the Aragonese Castle in the village of Pizzo, enjoying a variety of local food specialties whichever excursion you choose, including the native citrus bergamot and the ice cream and fruit delight called tartufo.

Back in Sicily, across the Strait of Messina, the beautiful resort town of Taormina, perched high on a cliff overlooking the Ionian Sea, is home to a stunning Greek theater, an Odeon from Roman times, buildings blending Arab and Norman cultures, and villas built by European aristocracy in the 18th and 19th centuries. It is also your gateway to Mt. Etna and the vineyards that thrive in the rich volcanic soils of its slopes.

The final port of call before your voyage comes to an end in Valletta is Syracuse, where you may choose to focus on Ortygia, the ancient center of this once-powerful Greek colony, and on the city's extensive archaeological park; enjoy a tasting at a nearby winery; or join excursions-including one to Baroque Noto-that combine visits to historical sites with samplings of arancini, cheeses, salamis, breads, and desserts.

Your voyage ends back in Valletta.

About Le Dumont d'Urville
Ship Overview Ship Overview

Le Dumont-d'Urville belongs to a new generation of ships fitted with innovative equipment and designed to be environmentally friendly, and which come equipped with lounges that are largely open to the exterior, an outdoor swimming pool and a Blue Eye, a multisensorial underwater lounge. Everything is in place for an extraordinary cruise experience. It's now possible to depart for adventure to the most remote places on the planet onboard a ship offering luxury services.

Ship's Registry
France
Year Built
2018
Ship Length
430 ft
Ship Beam
59 ft
Cruising Speed
12.5 knots
Gross Tonnage
9976
Passenger Capacity
184
Crew Size
118
Laundromats
Number of Decks
5

Deck Plans
Deck Plans

Deck Plan
Deck 3
Deck 4
Deck 5
Deck 6
Deck 7
Cabin Categories
GD5
Grand Deluxe Suite
$24,480.00 USD
GD6
Grand Deluxe Suite
$24,480.00 USD
PV5
Privilege Suite
$20,330.00 USD
PV6
Privilege Suite
$20,330.00 USD
PS6
Prestige Suite
$19,400.00 USD
PS5
Prestige Suite
$18,940.00 USD
DS3
Deluxe Suite
$17,100.00 USD
DS4
Deluxe Suite
$17,100.00 USD
DS5
Deluxe Suite
$17,100.00 USD
DS6
Deluxe Suite
$17,100.00 USD
PR6
Prestige Stateroom
$10,740.00 USD
PR5
Prestige Stateroom
$10,180.00 USD
PR4
Prestige Stateroom
$9,720.00 USD
DEL
Deluxe Stateroom
$9,260.00 USD
Deck 3
Deck 3
Deck plans are not yet available

The World Leader of Luxury Expeditions
Beyond Green
The World of Ponant
The Youngest Fleet Afloat
About Ponant
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More trips from Ponant

PONANT is the World Leader in Luxury Expeditions with ultra-modern, intimate ships, offering attentive service and well-designed itineraries that touch all corners of the globe. Every cruise is a blend of adventure, exploration, and discovery—all experienced in luxurious comfort, even in the heart of extreme landscapes.

Why cruise with PONANT?

• 13 luxury small ships, able to easily navi

...

PONANT is the World Leader in Luxury Expeditions with ultra-modern, intimate ships, offering attentive service and well-designed itineraries that touch all corners of the globe. Every cruise is a blend of adventure, exploration, and discovery—all experienced in luxurious comfort, even in the heart of extreme landscapes.

Why cruise with PONANT?

• 13 luxury small ships, able to easily navigate small waterways and visit remote destinations not accessible by large cruise ships.

• Le Commandant Charcot, the world’s first luxury hybrid-electric polar exploration yacht, sails further into the polar regions (including the Geographic North Pole).

• The youngest expedition fleet afloat.

• The leader in luxury polar expeditions for over 20 years and cultural cruising for over 30 years.

• Over 400 awe-inspiring cruises, calling at over 450 ports on all seven continents.

• Experts on board our voyages of discovery and learning to enrich guests’ understanding of the destinations.

• An exclusive partnership with Smithsonian Journeys, the the travel program of the Smithsonian Institution.

• Understated elegance on board with French-inspired cuisine, fine wines, and chic design.

• Proud to partner with Sothys, Veuve Clicquot, and Ducasse Conseil. Ships feature fabrics by Pierre Frey, beauty products from Hermès, macarons by Ladurée, and tea from Palais des Thés.

• 100% of our staterooms have a sea view and 95% have a balcony (100% on the PONANT EXPLORERS).

• Attentive yet discreet service from an experienced, multilingual onboard staff and crew.

• Open bridge access (requires approval from Captain).

• “Clean Ship” certification for the fleet in recognition of their eco-friendly features.

• All-inclusive pricing with open bar, gratuities, port fees, and taxes (including Zodiac explorations/landings on expeditions).

• The world’s first underwater passenger lounge, the Blue Eye, featured exclusively on the PONANT EXPLORER ships.

Less
Apr 11, 2026 through
Apr 19, 2026
Apr 7, 2026 7:00 PM
8 Nights from
$9,260.00 (USD)
Per Person
Deluxe Stateroom Cat.DEL
Inside
N/A
Outside
N/A
Balcony
$9,260.00
Cat:DEL
$1,157.50 per night
Suite
$17,100.00
Cat:DS5
$2,137.50 per night
Contact Us
Terms & Disclaimers
8918808
Terms and Disclaimers
Charges not included in the price may include but are not limited to: airfare to and from the start of your trip; airline baggage fees including checked and/or excess baggage fees; Federal inspection fees for the Federal U.S. Customs and Immigrations; agricultural tax; other per person taxes imposed by government entities; applicable cruise taxes, fees, fares and port charges; passports; visas and vaccinations; transfers; tips to your Tour or Cruise Director, Local Host, driver, Local Guides, and/or ships' crew; gratuities on ferries, trains, and cruise ships; laundry; telephone; minibar; alcohol, beverages, and food outside of the contracted menu as presented at a hotel or restaurant (these extra items will be billed to you before leaving the hotel, ship, or restaurant); additional excursions and activities not listed as 'included' in the itinerary; porterage at airports or train stations; Travel Protection premiums; and all other items of a personal nature.
If you are interested in an offer, please click on Contact Us . This will open a "Trip Request" that will allow you to send your request to us. We will be able to confirm availability and make further recommendations.
Prices are per person, double occupancy and are based on availability and subject to change.
Ship's registry: France

Itinerary

Day Port Arrive Depart
1 Valletta 6:00 PM
2 Porto Empedocle, Sicily 8:30 AM 2:00 PM
3 Trapani, Sicily 8:00 AM 8:00 PM
4 Palermo, Sicily 6:00 AM 11:00 PM
5 Lipari, Aeolian Islands 8:00 AM 2:00 PM
5 Sailing in front of Stromboli 6:00 PM 8:00 PM
6 Reggio di Calabria  7:00 AM
7 Taormina, Sicily 8:00 AM 10:00 PM
8 Syracuse, Sicily 8:00 AM 6:00 PM
9 Valletta 7:00 AM
Prices are per-person based on double occupancy, unless otherwise noted.
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