Have questions? We're here.
The ruins of Athens

Jewels of the Peloponnese

Example 8 Day Cruise aboard Le Bougainville
Talk with an expert
Build your ideal Mediterranean trip. Call 1.406.541.2677
Start Planning My Trip
Head west to cross the Corinth Canal, a narrow waterway that separates the Peloponnese from the Greek mainland. Then head to the Delphi sanctuary of Greek gods which you will reach via Itea, your first port of call. In Pylos, discover the Palace of Nestor, one of the heroes of the Trojan War, then, during the port of call at Gythio, the Byzantine city of Mystras, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Your ship will then drop anchor further south, in Crete. From Napflio, do not miss out on the visit of the renowned Epidaurus theatre and the Mycenae archaeological site, both of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Before your return to Athens, Le Bougainville will make a detour via Hydra, a small island of old-worldly charm where all motorized traffic is banned.
Corinth Canal, GreecePylos, site of the battle on NavarinoVisit the island of Gythion with the spectacular Dirou CavesCrete's famous, lively port of RethymnonNafplion, GreeceHistoric NafplionPanoramic views of Hydra's harborThe ruins of Athens
Highlights
  • Cruise to discover the finest ancient sites of the Peloponnese, with a port of call in Crete
  • Explore Gythio, the main port of ancient Sparta, not far from the Byzantine city of Mystras
  • Cross the Corinth Canal
  • Admire the gorgeous view of Pylos as you walk uptown amid pink oleanders
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.
0

Full Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Athens | Embark

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.  You will 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 will tickle 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.

Day 2: Crossing the Corinth Canal | Itea

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!

Tucked away in the Gulf of Corinth, this little port is situated in continental Greece, north-west of Athens. Take an easy stroll along the old cobblestone quays, while gazing at the summits encircling the Bay of Itea. We wouldn’t be surprised if you are tempted by a visit to the Delphi Sanctuary. The sanctuary is located on a plateau on the slope of Mount Parnassus, just ten kilometers from Itea. A listed UNESCO World Heritage site, this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The ancient ruins are surrounded by steep mountains, and their Archaeological Museum is chock-full of cultural delights.

Day 3: Pylos

The picturesque port of Pylos is located in the south west of the Peloponnese. Backed against the lush green hills of Messenia, it looks out onto the Navarino Bay. You can admire the gorgeous view as you walk uptown amid pink oleanders that cascade over the jetty. A stone’s throw away, the historical center’s winding streets will plunge you into a maze of houses with whitewashed facades and terracotta roof tiles. On the attractive main beach, you will be able to relax in the shade of the age-old plane trees and taste the delicious local biscuits made of sesame and honey.

Day 4: Gythio

Located in the south of the Peloponnese, on the Mani Peninsula, Gytheio was the main port and naval base of ancient Sparta, located around fifty kilometers inland. In Roman times, the port experienced significant expansion thanks to trading in imperial dye; in fact, the region had an abundance of murex, the rock snails from which this dye, loved by the Romans, was extracted. The town is nestled against Mount Koumaros and dominated by a citadel. Take a stroll and fall under the charm of the calm that reigns over the stairways bordered by small neoclassic houses with steps overrun with wildflowers.

Day 5: Rethymno, Crete

Between the Sea of Crete and Libya, appears the island of Crete with 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.

Day 6: Nafplion

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 7: Hydra

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. 

Day 8: Athens | Disembark

  • 1 Breakfast
Disembark after breakfast. Continue your travels or transfer to the airport for your journey home.

Ship/Hotel

Le Bougainville

Le Bougainville Ship
Le Bougainville
Le Bouganville Restaurant

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

 Jul 2025>
SMTWTFS
293012345
6789101112
13141516171819
20212223242526
272829303112
Available departures
Selected departure
This itinerary is no longer available. For other trip ideas, please visit Mediterranean Small Ship Cruises.
Rates are dynamic and fluctuate based on capacity. Contact us for a specific quote.
Cabin
Select a Date
Deluxe Stateroom
Area: 19 m² Capacity: up to 2 passengers per cabin 4m² Private balcony; King-size bed or twin beds
Cabin
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
Cabin
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
Cabin
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
Cabin
Select a Date
Deluxe Suite
Capacity: up to 2 passengers per cabin 6m² private balcony
Cabin
Select a Date
Prestige Suite Deck 5
Area: 38 m² 8m² private balcony King-size bed or twin beds
Cabin
Select a Date
Prestige Suite Deck 6
Area: 38 m² 8m² private balcony King-size bed or twin beds
Cabin
Select a Date
Privilege Suite
Area: 32 m² Capacity: up to 4 passengers per cabin 8m² private balcony; King-size bed or twin beds
Cabin
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
Cabin
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.
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
  • 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)
  • 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. 
  • Butler service in every suite
  • Beginning this 2024/2025 winter season, one excursion per person, per port of call is included.
  • Port Fees and taxes
Excluded
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • Visa Fees
  • Scuba Diving
  • 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 
  • 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
  • Items from the boutique
  • Premium spirits/cocktails with more elaborate ingredients and high-end wines will have an additional charge

Map

Inquire

* By providing your phone number, you consent to receive direct phone calls or SMS messages from our Trip Planners to get the process started. We do not share your information with third-parties.
Change & customize to make it yours.
Travel Agents

We Love to Talk Travel

Call 1.800.344.6118
or
Chat Now
This was my first experience with Adventure Life - and I couldn't have been more pleased with the trip. The guides and local staff in both Buenos Aires and Uruguay were terrific - extremely helpful and accommodating. I really enjoyed meeting the friendly staff in Buenos Aires in person (I left my bags with them for the afternoon).
Karen Snider

Mediterranean Travel Guide

Favorite Mediterranean Mediterranean All Trips

Top Mediterranean Travel Destinations

Mediterranean Trips by Departure Date

Top Experiences in Mediterranean

Mediterranean Trips by Duration

Mediterranean Trips by Activity

More Reasons

Why Travel With Adventure Life

All News

Recognized By