During this 9-day cruise, Le Lyrial takes you to Greece, Montenegro, Croatia and Italy. From Athens, sail to the small island of Hydra, where it is only possible to get around on foot, on donkey back, or by boat. There, visit the museum of historical archives, the Ecclesiastical Museum, along with its monastery and cathedral, and the Koundouriotis Mansion, the former home of merchants, with its collection of traditional garments. Visit the charming Kotor, its old town is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its medieval architecture. Your discovery of Croatia will continue with the islands of Mljet, Korcula and Hvar. And finally disembarking in Venice to explore its little interlacing streets and canals.
Highlights
Explore numerous UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Athens, Venice & Dubrovnik
Discover the charming Hydra, the St. Tropez of Athenians
Visit Ithaca, the main source of inspiration for Homer’s legendary Odyssey
Admire the most beautiful ports of call in Dalmatia: Mjlet, Korcula, Hvar
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
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. 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 colorful streets, and where, in the evenings the drifting aroma of moussaka and garlic prawns tickles your taste buds. Don’t miss anything of the city’s cultural past. Pay a visit to the National Archaeological Museum, or the Cycladic Art Museum.
This unusual gem belonging to the Saronic islands is located to the east of the Peloponnese. There are no cars here. Named after the island, the harbor town is layered up the slopes of a mountainous bay. You may be surprised to see beautiful stone mansions. These are traditional here, as are the multi-colored caïquesalong the quays. Further along the shore, within the walls of the “Monastery of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary” is a museum of Byzantine art. Collections from Athens National History Museum are exhibited in the elegant villa Koundouriotis.
The Corinth Canal cuts through the Isthmus of Corinth, turning the Peloponnese into an island as it separates the region from the Greek mainland. Inaugurated in 1893, the canal is a little over six kilometers long and enables merchant vessels and passenger to avoid a long 400-km detour around the peninsula. The two sides of the canal reach a height of approximately fifty meters. From the exterior decks, don’t miss this unique opportunity to watch the ship as it navigates along the narrow strip of water encased between tall, ochre cliffs. What an experience!
“As you set out on the way to Ithaca, hope that the road is a long one,” wrote Constantine Cavafy, a famous Greek poet. Mythical and immortal, a symbol of quests and adventure, Ithaca is a magical island and was the main source of inspiration for Homer’s legendary Odyssey. The ultimate aim of many sailors, Ulysses’ island offers unusual landscapes with a harmonious mixture of wooded mountains, white-sand beaches, traditional villages and archaeological monuments. When your ship calls here, discover the island’s many landmarks such as the ancient ruins of Stavros, and try to solve the mysteries of one of the world’s most told stories.
The long walls of the fortified city of Kotor unfurl before your eyes as you admire this medieval construction enclosed between the sea and the rugged cliffs from the decks of your ship. The still, deep waters of the bay plus the clouds of mist floating here and there create a surreal and magical atmosphere. Small islands with churches and fortresses built on them remind us that a proud maritime people have lived here for centuries, in this bay that forms a perfect natural harbor, used by sailors since ancient times. At the crossroads of Latin and Byzantine cultures, have the pleasure of observing the natural treasures of Montenegro during an unforgettable journey. 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 colorful costumes are often organized.
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. 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, be greeted by the statue of the patron saint of Dubrovnik, and 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.
This splendid, pristine island is located off the Pelješac peninsula. Untouched nature awaits you in the protected forests of Mljet National Park. A hike up the hills brings you to the bays linked to two saltwater lakes. On the larges lake, Veliko Jezero, you can see an old Benedictine monastery.
This harbor town has a very special location, residing on a spur on the north-eastern coast of the island of Korçula. The ramparts in its medieval district provide perfect vantage points over the Pelješac peninsula. To get there, you can take the monumental staircase in the Revelin Tower. Another way is to climb the steps in the shade of palm trees from the MorskaVrata (Marine portal). As you make your way through the little streets, observe the bell-tower of Saint-Mark’s cathedral rise above you. This landmark helps you locate the house where Marco Polo was born. The island also has some of its own famous wines like the red Plavac and the white Posip.
Off the coast of Split, Hvar surprises you by its traditions that haven’t 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, you can discover hams and cheeses made by local producers. The picturesque village of Vrisnik is a good place to try some of the local produce.
Day 9: Venice, Italy | Disembark
1 Breakfast
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. 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.
Say farewell to your fellow passengers and the crew and start your independent journey back home.
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Superior Stateroom
Individually-controlled A/C, en suite shower, desk, Wi-Fi access, TV, and stereo.
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Deluxe Stateroom
28 cabins, 200 sq. ft. + 43 sq. ft. private balcony. Located on Deck 3. Individually-controlled A/C, en suite shower, desk, Wi-Fi access, TV, and stereo.
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Prestige Stateroom - Deck 4
35 cabins, 200 sq. ft. + 43 sq. ft. private balcony. Individually-controlled A/C, en suite shower, Wi-Fi access, TV, and stereo.
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Prestige Stateroom - Deck 5
37 cabins, 200 sq. ft. + 43 sq. ft. private balcony. Individually-controlled A/C, en suite shower, Wi-Fi access, TV, and stereo.
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Prestige Stateroom - Deck 6
1 cabin, 200 sq. ft. + 43 sq. ft. private balcony. Individually-controlled A/C, en suite shower, Wi-Fi access, TV, and stereo.
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Deluxe Suite
3 cabins on Deck 6, 290 sq. ft. + 54 sq. ft. private balcony. Individually-controlled A/C, en suite shower, sofa, armchair and pedestal table, Wi-Fi access, TV, and stereo.
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Prestige Suite - Deck 5
11 cabins, 398 sq. ft + 86 sq. ft. private balcony. Individually controlled A/C, ensuite bathroom with shower, desk, sofa, armchair & table, 2 TVs, stereo, Satellite telephone, Wi-Fi access.
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Privilege Suite
8 cabins, 398 sq. ft + 86 sq. ft. private balcony. Individually controlled A/C, ensuite bathroom with shower, desk, sofa, armchair & table, 2 TVs, stereo, Satellite telephone, Wi-Fi access.
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Grand Deluxe Suite
1 cabin, 484 sq. ft. + 96 sq. ft. private balcony. Individually controlled A/C, ensuite bathroom with jacuzzi and shower, desk, TV, stereo, Satellite telephone, Wi-Fi access.
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Grand Privilege Suite
7 cabins, 398 sq. ft. + 86 sq. ft. private balcony. Individually controlled A/C, ensuite bathroom with bathtub and shower, desk, minibar, TV, stereo, Satellite telephone, Wi-Fi access.
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Owner Suite
On Deck 6, 592 sq. ft. + 129 sq. ft. private balcony. Individually controlled A/C, ensuite bathroom with jacuzzi and shower, desk, sofa, table with 4 chairs, armchair and table, 2 televisions, stereo, Satellite telephone, Wi-Fi access.
For full cancellation policy details, please contact us for a quote.
Included
8 Breakfasts, 7 Lunches, 8 Dinners
8 Nights Accommodations
Accommodations as listed
Ground transportation as listed
Activities as listed
Meals as listed
Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
Port Fees
Unlimited Wifi
Onboard Entertainment
Captain’s Welcome Cocktail and Gala Dinner
Gratuities to Onboard Crew
“Open Bar” (pouring wines, house champagne, alcohol except premium brands...list available upon request)
24h Room Service (special selection)
English-Speaking Lecturer
Highly experienced and bilingual (French-English) expedition staff
Park Entry Fees into Protected Areas
Water sports activities (except scuba diving) using the ship’s equipment, when permitted by local authorities and confirmed by ship Master according to safety and sea conditions onsite.
Excluded
Travel Insurance
Personal Expenses
Flight costs (please request a quote)
Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
Visa Fees
Optional Excursions - Ponant allows you to pre-book your excursions approximately six to two months prior to the cruise* departure. Please note that this is subject to change. Please contact us for more details.
Any ground services before and/or after the cruise other than the ones mentioned
Luggage Handling
Laundry Services, Hair Salon, and à La Carte Spa Treatments
Pre or post cruise programs, overland programs or shore excursions
Beverages other than the ones mentioned in inclusions
CDP recommends that every Traveler has full and adequate travel insurance covering the risks of cancellation, assistance being required, repatriation, damages to and loss of baggage, and medical expenses
The trip might have been the absolute best of our lifetime (thus far). We particularly want to commend our guide Peter in the Guilin area-he was so incredibly attentive, energetic, enthusiastic-and absolutely dedicated to ensuring that our meals were 100% vegetarian.