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Explore the beautiful walkways of Santorini

Cruising the Greek Islands of the Southern Aegean: With Smithsonian Journeys

Athens Roundtrip - Example 8 Day Cruise aboard Le Bougainville
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Join an enchanting journey discovering the cultural and natural treasures of the Cyclades and the Dodecanese with this exceptional itinerary in alliance with Smithsonian Journeys. From Athens, set sail aboard Le Bougainville for an 8-day cruise to the most beautiful Greek islands of the southern Aegean Sea and delight in the rich cultural heritage and refreshing turquoise waters of the archipelago. Visit ancient sacred sites in Patmos, cruise the caldera at Santorini, and savor fresh local flavors throughout your journey. Your cruise ends in Athens, the mythical city dominated by the Acropolis and monuments that showcase the rich history of the Classical world. 
Colorful local boats in GreeceIconic AthensMykonos windmills at sunsetDiscover beautiful Symi islandAdmire the Terrace of the Lions on DelosExplore the beautiful walkways of Santorini
Highlights
  • Find stunning natural beauty in the islands of the Aegean Sea
  • Explore UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Athens, Patmos, and Delos
  • Experience exceptional sailing in the Santorini caldera.
  • Wander through picturesque whitewashed Cycladic villages
Places Visited
Activity Level: Relaxed
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Athens | Embark

The Greek capital city is located on the edge of the Saronic gulf, in the east of the country. Its plural name references the first villages that surrounded the Acropolis. Explore the enchanting rocky plateau, topped with ancient monuments, temples, and gathering spaces. In the city below, visit some of the liveliest districts in Athens to wander its maze of colorful streets and get a taste of the delicious local cuisine. The National Archaeological Museum and the Cycladic Art Museum are also some of the city’s key attractions and allow visitors to discover Athens’ cultural past. 

Explore this incredible city before boarding your ship in the afternoon and embarking on your journey. 

Day 2: Patmos

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Patmos is one of the legendary must-see islands in the Dodecanese. This is where Saint John, presumed author of the last book in the Christian Bible, resided. The cave of the Apocalypse and the Saint John Monastery is dedicated to him. These sites, which are listed by UNESCO as World Heritage, are located at the top of a hillside planted with vines and orchards. On the shore, the crystalline coves of Kambos and Lampi offer absolutely gorgeous swimming areas.

Day 3: Symi

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
A hidden gem in the Dodecanese, Symi is located north-west of Rhodes. This island hosts cypress forests, vineyards and olive orchards, and possesses a capital city of the same name that is as colorful as the surrounding countryside. The charm of the port district of Gialos is not to be missed: its quaysides are lined with picturesque houses with multi-colored facades. Reach the upper town by car or climb the 500 steps up the Kali Strata ramp for superb viewing points of the coast and its gorgeous turquoise waters.

Day 4: Amorgos

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Fall under the charm of this island as your ship edges closer. Amorgos is the most easterly island in the Cyclades, and is known for its rocky inlets with crystal-clear water and its small, picturesque villages. This port of call will be your chance to visit Chora, one of the prettiest villages in the Cyclades. Explore its cobbled streets and whitewashed houses overlooked by a castle. Byzantine churches, windmills, and courtyards brimming with flowers complete this typical tableau of timeless Greece.

Day 5: Sailing in the Santorini Caldera | Folegandros

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Sailing in the waters of the Santorini caldera is simply breathtaking and one of the highlights of the cruise. The gigantic scale of the caldera and the white, grey, and red hues of the volcanic rocks against the blue of the Aegean Sea form a spectacular view. Marvel at the immaculate villages perched on the high cliffs, surrounding this volcanic crater that collapsed and flooded around 3600 years ago,

Folegandros is a treasure concealed in the Cyclades archipelago. Approach this mountainous island from the south-east side of continental Greece. Here, explore the blue and white houses built on a steep plateau, enjoying the picturesque village and stunning sea views.

Day 6: Delos | Mykonos

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
The legendary Cyclades island of Delos stands just a few miles southwest of Mykonos. More than half the island is occupied by a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which encompasses the Terrace of the Lions, the Stoa of Antigonos, multiple holy sites, a preserved theater, and so much more, all set against expansive views of the glittering blue Aegean sea. 

This afternoon, visit Mykonos. Nicknamed “little Venice,” the island is famous for its Alefkandra district where houses are built right on the water’s edge. Their multi-colored loggias are emblematic of this Cyclades island, as are the pelicans and windmills. In the cobbled streets of the pedestrian center, bougainvillea bedecks immaculate facades. As you weave in and out of the little streets, snatches of coastline will undoubtedly call you to the island’s beaches, the quietest of which can be found on the northern coast.

Day 7: Hydra

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
This gem in the Saronic islands is located to the east of the Peloponnese. Named after the island, the harbor town is layered up the slopes of a mountainous bay and includes beautiful traditional stone mansions. Stroll through the charming harbor to admire the distinctive architecture and multi-colored caïques along 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. 

Day 8: Athens | Disembark

Your cruise concludes in Athens, a bustling modern city full of the myths and history of the ancient world. Disembark after breakfast and continue on your independent travels, or begin your journey home. 

Ship/Hotel

Le Bougainville

Le Bougainville Ship
Le Bougainville
Le Bouganville Restaurant

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Per person starting at
Rates are dynamic and fluctuate based on capacity. Contact us for a specific quote.
Cabin
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Deluxe Stateroom
Area: 19 m² Capacity: up to 2 passengers per cabin 4m² Private balcony; King-size bed or twin beds
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Prestige Stateroom Deck 4
Area: 19 m² Capacity: up to 2 passengers per cabin 4m² private balcony; King-size bed or twin beds
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Prestige Stateroom Deck 5
Area: 19 m² Capacity: up to 2 passengers per cabin 4m² private balcony; King-size bed or twin beds
Cabin
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Prestige Stateroom Deck 6
Area: 19 m² Capacity: up to 2 passengers per cabin 4m² private balcony; King-size bed or twin beds
Cabin
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Deluxe Suite
Capacity: up to 2 passengers per cabin 6m² private balcony
Cabin
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Prestige Suite Deck 5
Area: 38 m² 8m² private balcony King-size bed or twin beds
Cabin
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Prestige Suite Deck 6
Area: 38 m² 8m² private balcony King-size bed or twin beds
Cabin
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Privilege Suite
Area: 32 m² Capacity: up to 4 passengers per cabin 8m² private balcony; King-size bed or twin beds
Cabin
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Grand Deluxe Suite
Area: 45 m² Capacity: up to 2 passengers per cabin 30m² private balcony; King-size bed or twin beds
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Owner's Suite
Area: 45 m² Capacity: up to 2 passengers per cabin 30m² private balcony; King-size bed or twin beds

Notes

Please note:
Fares are based on double occupancy and are capacity controlled. Rates may increase at any time as the ship sells out and are subject to change without notice.
Included
  • 7 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches, 7 Dinners
  • 7 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

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