Enjoy the voyage from Venice to Athens. Visit the picturesque port of Hvar and continue to sail along the Dalmatian coastlines to Dubrovnik. Then reach Montenegro after sailing in the Bay of Kotor, which is strangely reminiscent of Norwegian fjords. From Brindisi, do not miss out on the visit to Lecce, justifiably nicknamed “the Florence of Southern Italy.” This city, a major site for Baroque architecture, is home to many architectural wonders. Next, head to the Delphi sanctuary of Greek gods which you will reach via Itea. Delphi is located on a grandiose site that is one of Greece’s most beautiful natural landscapes. Walk in the footsteps of the pilgrims of old, who came here to consult the famous oracle. Finally, arrive at Athens, the mythical city dominated by the Acropolis.
Highlights
Discover the Adriatic Sea and the Aegean Sea, featuring exceptional cultural sites
View beautiful landscapes and ports with a unique charm
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. You will inevitably 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.
Off the coast of Split, Hvar will surprise 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, it is possible to discover hams and cheeses made by local producers. The picturesque village of Vrisnik is also a good place to try some of the local produce.
The following optional excursions will be available for an additional charge: Hvar & Its Religious Heritage, Sea Kayaking.
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. You will perhaps 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 the Pile gate, you will be greeted by the statue of the patron saint of Dubrovnik, and you can 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.
The following optional excursions will be available for an additional charge: City Walls & Lokrum Island Kayaking, Treasures & Panorama Of Dubrovnik, Ston Walls Hiking & Oyster Tasting, Meet The Wine Makers.
Situated in one of Montenegro’s most beautiful bays, the medieval city of Kotor is a small town full of charm, truly imbued with the traditions and stories of another time. Built between the 12th and 14th centuries, this village, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has preserved many historical monuments from this epoch. 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.
The following optional excursions will be available for an additional charge: Mini Tour Of Montenegro With Lunch, Perast & Our Lady Of The Rock, Bay Of Kotor Sea Kayaking, Almara Beach Break.
Located on the “heel” of the Italian boot, Brindisi has been famous since Antiquity for its huge natural harbor, which is amongst the most sheltered in the Adriatic. The position of the city turned towards the Orient, explains the commercial trade and the bonds established from the outset with Greece and other eastern Mediterranean countries. Brindisi is an ideal starting point for visiting the villages of the Puglia region, such as Alberobello and its famous Trulli, the traditional dry-stone dwellings with conical roofs, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, or Ostuni with its immaculate façades dominated by a majestic cathedral. The Masseria, fortified farmhouses typical of the region, punctuate an ancient landscape of olive groves, vineyards, and orchards.
The following optional excursions will be available for an additional charge: Alberobello, Walking Tour And Santa Maria Del Casale, Lecce - Florence Of Southern Italy.
We know you’ll be won over by the charm of this fishing village located north-east of the island of Cephalonia. A best-kept secret of the Ionian archipelago, Fiskardo gives onto the coasts of Ithaca, home of legendary king Odysseus. To see the coasts, just walk out onto the jetty. While you’re there, look back at the colorful houses along the quaysides: they have surprising architecture with evidence of Italian influence. Unwind at the café terraces along the water’s edge, in the shade of gazebos. While you watch the boats in the harbor, you can savor some local specialties like kreatopita, small meat pastries.
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.
The following optional excursions will be available for an additional charge: Sacred Site Of Delphi, Monastery Of Saint Lucas & Arachova.
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 passengers 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!
Day 8: Athens | Disembark
1 Breakfast
The Greek capital city is located on the edge of the Saronic gulf, in the east of the country. It bears a plural name about 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. 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.
After breakfast aboard the ship, disembark at Athens.
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.
$4,420
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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. 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.
Notes
*Rates are capacity controlled and are subject to change without notice.
Cruise fares are per person and include the following:
All meals while on board the ship
Captain’s welcome cocktail and gala dinner
Gratuities to onboard crew, local guides, and drivers
“Open Bar” (pouring wines, house champagne, alcohol except premium brands...list available upon request)
Evening entertainment and events
24h room service (special selection)
English-speaking lecturer
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
Highly experienced bilingual (French-English) Expedition team
Park entry fees into protected areas
Free and unlimited Wi-Fi (Internet access may be slower or in some situations interrupted, depending on certain geographic locations or other circumstances beyond our control).
Age-appropriate activities organized aboard the ship by the PONANT Kid’s Club activity leaders for children aged 4 to 17 (depending on staff availability and the number of children signed up
Cruise fares do not include:
Any ground services before and/or after the cruise other than the ones mentioned in each
Pre or post cruise programs, overland programs or shore excursions mentioned
Visa expenses and/or immigration reciprocity taxes if applicable
Luggage handling
Optional Spa package to be booked prior to your departure
Beverages other than the ones mentioned
Laundry services, hair salon, and à la carte Spa treatments
Personal expenses, on board medical consultations and drug prescriptions
Ports of call, visited sites, outings and landings will depend on weather conditions, position of ice, winds and the state of the sea. These can force a change of plans at any time. The Captain and the Expedition Leader may at any time cancel or stop any activity, or even modify the itinerary. The final itinerary will be confirmed by the Captain, who will take into account the touristic quality of the sites and above all, the safety of the passengers. His decision will be based on advice from experts and authorities.
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.
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