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.
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
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. 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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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.
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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
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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
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Deluxe Suite
Capacity: up to 2 passengers per cabin
6m² private balcony
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Prestige Suite Deck 5
Area: 38 m²
8m² private balcony
King-size bed or twin beds
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Prestige Suite Deck 6
Area: 38 m²
8m² private balcony
King-size bed or twin beds
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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
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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.
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
Kate was great to work with in the planning stage. She was prompt, helpful, and efficient. Our tour guide, Edwin, was knowledgeable and passionate. We were very happy to have traveled with Adventure Life, it made the trip easy and a true pleasure. We could concentrate on enjoying the experience rather than the details of travel.
Lisa Bridge
TrustScore 4.8 | 175 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 175 reviews on
7 hours ago
The response from Adventure Life to my first inquiry was prompt and promising. I worked with Jamie Broeckel, Trip Planner, via text, email, and phone calls- always extremely responsive and thorough with information and explaining the process to arrange a private tour for me to Malaysia Borneo. Within about week, the booking was complete and I made decisions because of Jamie's great customer service , friendly manner, and overall competence on behalf of the company's travel expertise. Now I have an itinerary, additional Trip Planner Assistants, several links for vital information for traveling to Maylasia, etc. Still many details for Sept. trip, but now the heavy lifting is done and I can enjoy the rest of the anticipation and research!! Thanks Jamie- you are amazing!!!!
Susan Campo
2 days 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
3 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.