From Turkey to Greece, Le Bougainville will take you on an exceptional itinerary all around the Aegean sea. From Istanbul, sail to Molyvos, on the north coast of the island of Lesbos. Discover Hydra, a small island of old-worldly charm where motorized traffic is banned. Further south, you will also discover Greece’s largest island, Crete. Visit Rhodes, whose old medieval town, built by the Knights of St John, is surrounded by ramparts. It is the largest of the Dodecanese islands and, like Alexandria, it was once home to one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World: its famous Colossus. Stop in the charming town of Nafplion, the departure point for visiting the famous Epidaurus Theatre and the Mycenae site, listed as World Heritage by UNESCO.
Highlights
Cruise around the Aegean Sea, discovering exceptional Greek sites
Explore UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Rhodes, Napflio and Athens
Discover the Minoan Palace of Knossos and the legend of the Minotaur from Rethymno
See mansions with architecture that is unique in Greece, as well as typical fountains and churches
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
Located on the Bosphorus, Istanbul is one of the most beautiful of all Turkish cities. Named Byzantium when founded by the Greeks, and then Constantinople under the Roman Empire, this city is steeped in history and, for this reason, is a listed UNESCO World Heritage site. On Sultanahmet hill, you’ll see the great Blue Mosque, the mysterious Hagia Sophia and the vast Topkapi Palace and its countless mosaics. In the Beyazit district, you can admire the elegantly covered passages of the Grand Bazaar. A little further away, the delicate aroma of loukoum and spices will draw your attention at the Egyptian Bazaar.
Lesbos, this mountainous island whose volcanic origins explain the presence of many warm springs, does not only attract visitors for its magnificent sandy beaches or the memory of the poet Sappho. For example, the preserved Byzantine fortress of Molyvos, the best preserved in the Western Mediterranean, offers sumptuous panoramas from its ramparts, while a petrified forest, the only one in the region, is a geological witness to the dense subtropical vegetation of giant conifers that covered the region 20 million years ago. Finally, the monasteries are active pilgrimage sites, particularly that of Taxiarchis (Archangel Michael), the patron saint of the island.
Volos, one of the biggest port cities in Greece, is located at the foot of Mount Pelion. According to mythology, Mount Pelion was a place of celebration for gods and heroes, and the home of the centaurs. The beauty of the place and the magical atmosphere that reigns here can indeed only have been inspired by the gods: the clear water that flows from a multitude of sources bathes the plane trees, apple trees, oaks, beech trees, gardenias, camellias, and hydrangeas that thrive in the fertile soil of Thessaly. Do not miss your chance to visit picturesque villages in the hills, such as Makrinitsa and Portaria. They have remained intact over the centuries and visitors will enjoy discovering mansions with an architecture that is unique in Greece, as well as typical fountains and churches.
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.
Between the Sea of Crete and Libya, appears the island of Cretewith its unimaginable beauty. Discover Rethymnon,home of Zeus, king of the Gods. With a huge fine sandy beach to the east and a rocky coastline to the west, this small town enchants visitors with its natural beauty and its fascinating history. The cradle of the Cretan Renaissance, a town of letters and intellectuals, from its rich past it has retained Venetian buildings from the 16th century, which cohabit harmoniously with the many minarets, testimony of the Turkish presence. Do not fail to admire its old Venetian port as well as its historical district offering a maze of narrow streets, before you head to the famous site of Cnossos, birthplace of the Minotaur.
With its particularly agreeable climate, the island of Rhodes invites you to walk its pathways and discover its immaculate villages and sumptuous medieval city, a UNESCO World Heritage site. At the center of the island the mountains are covered in forest and on the western slopes we find vineyards and crops. Rhodes also owes much of its charm and its character to the Knights of St John who reigned over the island from 1310 to 1522 and built impressive defensive walls punctuated with majestic gateways. Do not miss this delightful island with its peaceful beaches, its large walkways and its lively nightlife, perpetuating the myth of the famous Colossus, the legendary statue that is one of the Seven Wonders of the World.
The engaging town of Nafplion is staggered up green hillsides of the Argolic Gulf, to the east of the Peloponnese. Don’t be surprised by its extremely varied cultural heritage. For instance, you’ll see the ancient agora on the plateau of Akronafplia, Italianate arcades in Syntagma square as well as the baroque fortress of Palamidi on a hillside of the same name. At the top of the hill, views of the gulf and the surrounding mountains are simply awesome. If you want to chill out by the water’s edge, walk along the Arvanitia promenade to a beautiful creek in the shade of cedars and cypresses.
Day 8: Athens | Disembark
1 Breakfast
Disembark after breakfast and continue your travels on your own or transfer to the airport and begin your journey home.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
Rates are dynamic and fluctuate based on capacity. Contact us for a specific quote.
Select a Date
Deluxe Stateroom
Area: 19 m²
Capacity: up to 2 passengers per cabin
4m² Private balcony; King-size bed or twin beds
Select a Date
Prestige Stateroom Deck 4
Area: 19 m²
Capacity: up to 2 passengers per cabin
4m² private balcony; King-size bed or twin beds
Select a Date
Prestige Stateroom Deck 5
Area: 19 m²
Capacity: up to 2 passengers per cabin
4m² private balcony; King-size bed or twin beds
Select a Date
Prestige Stateroom Deck 6
Area: 19 m²
Capacity: up to 2 passengers per cabin
4m² private balcony; King-size bed or twin beds
Select a Date
Deluxe Suite
Capacity: up to 2 passengers per cabin
6m² private balcony
Select a Date
Prestige Suite Deck 5
Area: 38 m²
8m² private balcony
King-size bed or twin beds
Select a Date
Prestige Suite Deck 6
Area: 38 m²
8m² private balcony
King-size bed or twin beds
Select a Date
Privilege Suite
Area: 32 m²
Capacity: up to 4 passengers per cabin
8m² private balcony; King-size bed or twin beds
Select a Date
Grand Deluxe Suite
Area: 45 m²
Capacity: up to 2 passengers per cabin
30m² private balcony; King-size bed or twin beds
Select a Date
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.
For full cancellation policy details, please contact us for a quote.
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
Our guide and driver were very good with their knowledge and were very helpful with our questions. It was a very pleasant visit that would have been impossible to do on our own. Hotels and restaurants were fantastic. The special places we got to go to, like the kitchens, were great. Enjoyed the entire trip!
Meyer Smolen
TrustScore 4.8 | 174 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 174 reviews on
1 day ago
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
2 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.
