10 Best Small Ship Cruises to Sardinia for 2025-2026

Mediterranean Island Voyage: Sicily, Sardinia, Corsica, and Elba – with Smithsonian Journeys

Valletta - Nice
8 Days from $7,690

Explore the heart of the Mediterranean on this 8-day Mediterranean Island Cruise with Smithsonian Journeys from Valletta to Nice aboard Le Bougainville. Discover Sicily, Sardinia, Corsica, and Elba's historical civilizations that left mark on these islands' language, cuisine, art, and architecture.

Culture and Islands of the Mediterranean

Barcelona - Valletta
12 Days from $9,540

Embark on a 12-day cruise from Barcelona to Malta aboard L’Austral. Enjoy culinary and cultural experiences with an included excursion per port. Highlights include Menorca, Alghero, Cagliari, Trapani, Palermo, Lipari, Catania, Syracuse, Gozo, and ending in Valletta.

Cruising the Mediterranean: Sicily, Sardinia, and Mallorca – with Smithsonian Journeys

Valletta - Tarragona
8 Days from $5,340

Experience an 8-day cruise aboard L'Austral, exploring cultural treasures in the Mediterranean's historic ports. From UNESCO-listed Valletta to the Roman ruins of Tarragona, delve into the region's rich heritage and scenic beauty.

Wander through the vibrant streets of Barcelona

A Solar Eclipse at Sea: Voyage Across the Western Mediterranean - with Smithsonian Journeys

Barcelona - Nice
9 Days from $7,940

Embark on a 9-day Mediterranean cruise from Barcelona to Nice aboard Le Dumont-d'Urville. Visit Palma de Mallorca's stunning coves, and explore Mahon’s historic charm. See Sardinia’s medieval town of Alghero, followed by the scenic beaches of Ile-Rousse in Corsica. Discover Napoleon’s legacy in Portoferraio and more.

Grand Voyage: Malaga to Athens

Malaga to Piraeus
16 Days from $3,640

Take part in a 16-day journey aboard the Star Clipper to see the most breathtaking parts of Spain.

Malta, Balearic Islands & Spain

Valletta to Malaga
11 Days from $2,590

Your 11-day Mediterranean cruise starts in the enchanting port of Valletta, Malta and travels to the spectacular coastal city of Malaga, Spain aboard the Star Flyer, stopping in Cagliari, Cartagena, Gozo, Ibiza, Mahon, Motril, and Palma de Mallorca, with a flexible itinerary that combines exploration with relaxation.

From Iberian Shores to Greek Coastlines

Malaga - Athens
11 Days from $6,280

Set sail on an 11-day cruise from Malaga to Athens aboard Le Dumont-d'Urville, exploring historic sites and diverse cultures across Spain, Sardinia, Sicily, and Greece. Highlights include Palma de Mallorca, Delphi, and the Acropolis.

Luxury Italy

Top 10 Luxury Cruises of Sardinia for 2025-2026

Trip Name	From	Days	Next Departure	Summary
The Most Beautiful Spring Moments	$12560	12	May 7, 2025	Set sail on a 12-day Italy cruise aboard Sea Cloud II. Starting in Livorno this cruise takes you through historic cities, scenic beaches, and … 0
Ligurian Sea	$2030	8	May 3, 2025	Starting in Cannes, France, with stops in Lerici, Portoferraio, Palombiaggia, Bonifacio, Alghero and more, this dazzling 8-day voyage introduces you … 0
Enchanting Italian Coastlines	$11590	8	Aug 2, 2025	Experience the thrill of spectacular adventures along the enchanting coastlines and captivating islands of Greece, Turkey, Croatia, Italy, France, … 0
Mediterranean Island Voyage: Sicily, Sardinia, Corsica, and Elba – with Smithsonian Journeys	$7690	8	May 26, 2025	Explore the heart of the Mediterranean on this 8-day Mediterranean Island Cruise with Smithsonian Journeys from Valletta to Nice aboard Le … 0
Culture and Islands of the Mediterranean	$9540	12	Apr 26, 2025	Embark on a 12-day cruise from Barcelona to Malta aboard L’Austral. Enjoy culinary and cultural experiences with an included excursion per port. … 0
Cruising the Mediterranean: Sicily, Sardinia, and Mallorca – with Smithsonian Journeys	$5340	8	Oct 3, 2025	Experience an 8-day cruise aboard L'Austral, exploring cultural treasures in the Mediterranean's historic ports. From UNESCO-listed Valletta to the … 0
A Solar Eclipse at Sea: Voyage Across the Western Mediterranean - with Smithsonian Journeys	$7940	9	Aug 11, 2026	Embark on a 9-day Mediterranean cruise from Barcelona to Nice aboard Le Dumont-d'Urville. Visit Palma de Mallorca's stunning coves, and explore … 0
Grand Voyage: Malaga to Athens	$3640	16	Apr 25, 2025	Take part in a 16-day journey aboard the Star Clipper to see the most breathtaking parts of Spain. 0
Malta, Balearic Islands & Spain	$2590	11		Your 11-day Mediterranean cruise starts in the enchanting port of Valletta, Malta and travels to the spectacular coastal city of Malaga, Spain aboard … 0
From Iberian Shores to Greek Coastlines	$6280	11	Mar 29, 2025	Set sail on an 11-day cruise from Malaga to Athens aboard Le Dumont-d'Urville, exploring historic sites and diverse cultures across Spain, Sardinia, … 0

All Sardinia Articles

Sardinia Travel Guide

A small island sits out in the crystal clear waters of the sea.

Top 12 Beaches in Sardinia - Must-See Coastal Gems & Attractions.

Discover the top 12 beaches in Sardinia and plan your ultimate beach vacation.

Sardinia & Italy Cruise Highlights

Perhaps no country captures the relaxing classical atmosphere of the Mediterranean better than Italy. Ever since it was the seat of the powerful Roman Empire, its influence has been felt throughout the world, in art, architecture, and even language. As you tour this ancient country, you will have the chance to visit the cities and sites that make Italy what it is today.

Venice - the city of bridges and canals that takes you back to Italy's yesteryear, where you'll see the Byzantine Doge's Palace and maybe enjoy a classic gondola tour.
Rome (Civitavecchia) – the country's capital city and home to the Roman empire's most famous ruins, like the Colosseum and the Forum, just to name a few.
Sicily - the Mediterranean's largest island is the off the southern coast of Italy, and home to its own unique culture, cuisine and wines.
Vatican City - home to St. Peter's Basilica, the Sistine Chapel, and the administrative headquarters of the Catholic Church.
Naples - here, you can visit the harrowing sites of Pompeii and Herculaneum, where artifacts from the violent eruptions of Mt. Vesuvius are well preserved.
Portofino - A tranquil seaside village home to unforgettable cafes, restaurants, and shopping.

Introduction to the Mediterranean

Summer is the high travel season in the Mediterranean. The best time to take a Mediterranean cruise, however, is in the spring (May-June) or fall (September-October).

Italy Overview

This boot-shaped peninsula is a country almost every traveler longs to visit! Ancient history, rich culture, world-renowned cuisine, & iconic landmarks are just a few of the reasons travel to Italy is so appealing. Our brief introduction to the geography, culture & attractions of this popular destination will help prepare you for your own Italy experience!

Best Sardinia Small Ship Cruise Lines for 2025-2026

Star Clippers Americas - created the iconic clippers that sailed the oceans in the nineteenth century and offered the unique excitement of sailing aboard a tall ship. The flagship 227-guest Royal Clipper sails in the western Mediterranean, with cruises departing from Venice, Civitavecchia (Rome), and Cannes.
Ponant - has small capacity ships that can dock in private ports and offer stopovers in preserved locations. Onboard, the limited number of passengers means that everybody can enjoy unique moments and feel like a private yacht. Visit theatres, relics, and archaeological sites like Pompei between Malta and Sardinia aboard the Le Bougainville.
Silversea Cruises - not only expanded its all-inclusive service and added door-to-door transfers for seamless travel from home to ship and back but has also added shore excursions for classic voyages. Silver Cloud has one of the highest crew-to-guest and space-to-guest ratios in expedition cruising. With her 20 zodiacs ten kayaks, possibilities are almost limitless with ship-wide simultaneous explorations
Lindblad Expeditions - is a 100% carbon neutral company committed to green business operations and preserving our planet for future generations. Visit UNESCO World Heritage sites, including Sardina’s Su Nuraxi, aboard the incomparable and legendary square-rig tall ship Sea Cloud.
Sea Cloud Cruises - has majestic tall ships that have shaped an entire era of sailing, reliable and always in harmony with nature. The Sea Cloud II perfectly combines spaciousness for up to 94 passengers with the lifestyle of a private yacht.