Ponant’s Newest European Journeys Turn Cultural Luminaries Into Your Personal Travel Guides

It’s not too early to start making 2025 travel plans.

If you’ve got an opening in your calendar, Ponant just announced four new itineraries highlighting destinations such as Italy, southern Spain, Portugal, Ireland, and Sweden. The French cruise line will have guests embark on small luxury exploration ships with notable experts and special guests onboard to lead the voyage. Throughout these journeys, passengers will have the opportunity to fully engage with each region they’re traveling to, learning insights into the history, cuisine, and local landmarks. 

For the foodies, Le Bougainville will depart on June 10 for an eight-night trek, traveling through Sicily and the Adriatic Coast of Italy and visiting seven UNESCO World Heritage sites. Food writer and cookbook author Maureen Fant will be there to educate guests on the country’s gastronomic highlights. Also on board will be wine experts John Camacho Vidal and Barbara D’Agapiti who will lead tastings, plus acclaimed Italian chef Denny Imbroisi who’s in charge of preparing authentic dishes during the trip. 

Then, on July 15, cruise ship Le Lapérouse will sail 10 nights in the Baltic Sea showcasing historic cities such as Stockholm and Helsinki, as well as the picturesque Danish island of Bornholm and the scenic Swedish harbor town of Gothenburg. Joining the trip will be former Polish president and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Lech Wałęsa, New Yorker contributing writer Robin Wright, and ambassador Beth Jones. 

Ponant will partner with socially conscious operator Mejdi Tours for an eight-night voyage along the Iberian Peninsula. If you’re interested in learning more about the cultural forces of Islam, Judaism, and Christianity, L’Austral will begin in Tarragona on October 10 before heading down the Mediterranean coast with stops in Valencia, Cartagena, Málaga, Cadiz, and Lisbon. Off-boat excursions are offered too, including visits to the Great Mosque of Córdoba and Granada’s Alhambra. Should a question arise, activist Aziz Abu Sarah and journalist Yuval Ben Ami will be there to weigh in. 

Last but not least, music lovers can take concert tourism to new heights by booking a nine-day voyage aboard Le Bellot from October 11 to the 19th. The so-called Symphony at Sea itinerary will explore the melodic traditions of Ireland and France with appearances by Boston Pops conductor Keith Lockhart and six internationally renowned musicians. Also included are performances by Irish dancers and instrumentalists in Belfast and winery tours in the Médoc region in Bordeaux. 

“While Ponant is known for our immersive expeditions and exploration, we also curate themed voyages that invite guests to embark on a more personalized journey of discovery that speaks to their individual passions and curiosities,” explained Samuel Chamberlain, Ponant Exploration’s CEO of the Americas, in a statement. “The result is journeys that exceed expectations and deepen both understanding and connection on a profoundly personal level.”