Superior Stateroom Deck 3
226 ft²
3
At the heart of the Greek islands
Athens - Athens
Dates:
02/07/2025
to
09/07/2025
Other available dates
days
nights on board
The Greek Islands, from the Peloponnese to the Cyclades via the Dodecanese, are enchanting, bewitching and captivating. From the sheer coastlines bordered by paradisiacal turquoise waters to the archaeological sites that are as emblematic as they are monumental, let yourself fall under the spell of these jewels of the Aegean Sea. From Athens, set sail aboard L’Austral for an 8-day cruise in the heart of the most beautiful Greek islands.
Throughout your journey, you will benefit from an excursion included per person per port of call, to choose from a selection offered by PONANT. During this cruise, admire the ancestral history of Hydra through its famous monuments and museums, discover the monastery of Saint John and the Cave of the Apocalypse where the last book of the New Testament was revealed to John the Apostle, from Patmos, or admire the sumptuous archaeological sites, from the Temples of Zeus, Apollo and Athena to the Terrace of the Lions, from Delos. The diversity of experiences on offer promises you intense and varied moments (to discover the full range of excursions, go to the itinerary tab).
The diversity of experiences on offer promises you intense and varied moments (to discover the full range of excursions, go to the itinerary tab).
In the Dodecanese archipelago, the island of Patmos, known as “the Jerusalem of the Aegean Sea”, reveals itself to offer you a moment suspended between unique landscapes of white-sand beaches and rocky bays.
Planted with forests of cypress trees and olive groves, Symi is bewitching. The shimmering colours of its dwellings and surrounding nature make it a real paradise for those seeking tranquillity and serenity.
You will now head towards the most easterly part of the Cyclades. Amorgos, or the island in the Big Blue film, as it is nicknamed, is a rough gem. Fall under the spell of its volcanic and mountainous landscapes diving into the bordering crystal-clear waters and its paved small streets edged by traditional whitewashed houses.
After an unforgettable cruise in Santorini’s captivating caldera, where high cliffs surround the majestic ancient crater engulfed by water in the 2nd millennium BC, you will set sail north west. On Milos, the limestone cliffs and small hidden coves are yours to discover in a soothing atmosphere.
The birthplace of Artemis and Apollo, Delos is rich in archaeological ruins, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, illustrating its prestigious history. A journey back in time almost 2,000 years, between millennia-old heritage and sumptuous panoramas.
L’Austral will then head towards Paros. Nestling in the heart of the Cyclades archipelago, this island reputed for its sublime white marble offers a real concentration of Greek beauty, from whitewashed houses to olive groves to ancient monuments.
You will now sail towards the east of the Peloponnese, to reach your final port of call. Here, a gem named Hydra reveals its old-world charm in a stunning setting. With its hidden coves and its mountains topped with monasteries, this jewel of the Saronic Islands completely devoid of cars offers a total change of scenery against the spellbinding blue of the Aegean Sea.
Athens, the mythical city dominated by the Acropolis and its monuments, which form the most extraordinary architectural and artistic ensemble bequeathed to the world by Ancient Greece, will mark the end of this exceptional odyssey.
Ref : AU020725
Your itinerary
A cruise in the heart of the Aegean Sea, discovering the Greek Islands, featuring emblematic ancient heritage and unique landscapes with a mix of white sandy beaches and rocky bays. UNESCO World Heritage...
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Your trip in detail
Choose your stateroom
Choose your stateroom
Superior Stateroom Deck 3
(226 ft²)
From £4,530 per person
Deluxe Stateroom Deck 3
(193 ft²)
From £4,780 per person
Prestige Stateroom Deck 4
(193 ft²)
From £5,040 per person
Prestige Stateroom Deck 5
(193 ft²)
From £5,290 per person
Prestige Stateroom Deck 6
(193 ft²)
From £5,590 per person
Deluxe Suite Deck 6
(290 ft²)
From £9,070 per person
Prestige Suite Deck 5
(398 ft²)
From £10,070 per person
Prestige Suite Deck 6
(398 ft²)
From £10,320 per person
Owner's Suite Deck 6
(484 ft²)
From £12,840 per person
Complete your trip
Complete your trip
Additional services
For more peace of mind, PONANT selects stays and flights then takes care of your transfers for your trip as well as shore visits before and after the cruise.
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LE COMMANDANT CHARCOT
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LE CHAMPLAIN
LE SOLÉAL
01/11/2024 to the 16/11/2024
*Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability, and subject to change at any time. The category of stateroom to which this price applies may no longer be available.
Services provided
- 24-hour room service
- Inclusive Wifi internet access (availability dependent on navigation and latitude)
- Individually-controlled air conditioning
- Dressing room with shelves and closet
- Dressing table and hairdryer
- Dyptique Paris top-of-the-line bath products
- Minibar
- Nespresso coffee maker and boiler
- Electronic safe
- Direct line telephone
- Bose Bluetooth speaker
- Flat screen TV, international channels (availability dependent on navigation) and videos on demand
- 110V American (two flat pins)/220V European (round sockets with two round pins)
- Three ADA staterooms
Select your stateroom category
Ideal clothes for life on board:
During the days spent on board, you are advised to wear comfortable clothes or casual outfits. The entire ship is air-conditioned, so a light sweater, a light jacket or a shawl may be necessary. When moving about in the public areas of the ship and the decks, light but comfortable shoes are recommended.
Informal evening:
In the evening, you are advised to wear smart-casual attire, especially when dining in our restaurants where wearing shorts and tee-shirts is not allowed.
For women:
- Simple dress
- Skirt or trousers
- Blouse
- Polo
For men:
- Pleated trousers or chinos
- Sports jacket
- Shirt
- Polo
Officer’s evening:
For all cruises longer than 8 nights, an Officer’s Evening with a white dress code may be organized. Therefore, we encourage you to bring a stylish white outfit for the occasion (otherwise black and white).
Gala evening:
During the cruise, two gala evenings will be organised on board. Thus, we recommend that you bring one or two formal outfits.
For women:
- Cocktail attire
- Evening dress (if you wish to)
For men:
- Dark suit
- Tie recommended, possibly bow tie (if you wish to)
SHOP:
A small shop is available on board offering a wide range of outfits, jewellery, leather goods and many accessories.
A laundry service (washing/ironing) is available on board, but unfortunately there are no dry cleaning services. For safety reasons, your cabin is not equipped with an iron.
ACCESSORIES:
- Polarized sunglasses
- Swimsuit (for the Spa on board)
- Gym wear (fitness)
- Battery charger and memory cards for your camera
- Mobile phone charger
- Hat/cap
HEALTH CARE:
- Sunscreen and after-sun lotion
- Medications and prescriptions
OUTFITS ON BOARD:
- Casual outfits for the day
- Smarter outfits for dinners
- Elegant outfits for Gala evenings
- White or black and white outfit
PRECAUTIONS:
In your hand luggage, remember to bring any medicines that you need, and possibly a small spare bag of toiletries (in case of delay in the delivery of your baggage by the airline). Remember to always have your travel documents with you in case you need them: hotel vouchers, cruise vouchers, return flight tickets... Never leave them in your hold luggage.
All our cabins have a safe. We recommend not to go ashore with valuable jewellery.
PONANT activities
Highlights
- A cruise in the heart of the Aegean Sea, discovering the Greek Islands, featuring emblematic ancient heritage and unique landscapes with a mix of white sandy beaches and rocky bays.
- UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the Acropolis in Athens (embarkation port), Delos, the sacred island, the monastery of Saint John and the Cave of the Apocalypse in Patmos.
- Make the most of an excursion included* per person per port of call during your cruise thanks to the selection made by our destination experts.
- Discover the pearls of the Cyclades: Amorgos, the Santorini Caldera, Milos, Paros, Delos and their ancient ruins and typical landscapes.
- An exceptional sunset cruise in the Santorini caldera
- Swimming opportunity from many small coves.
*Pre-bookings open around two months before the start of the cruise; requests are processed on a first-come first-served basis, subject to availability.
Ports of Call & Excursions
2 July 2025 - Athens
Embarkation 02/07/2025 from 16:00 to 17:00
Departure 02/07/2025 at 18:00
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 colourful 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.
3 July 2025 - Patmos
Arrival 03/07/2025 early morning
Departure 03/07/2025 early evening
Patmos is one of the legendary must-see islands in the Dodecanese. This is where Saint John resided, presumed author of the last book in the Bible. The cave of the Apocalypse and the Saint John Monastery are 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.
4 July 2025 - Symi
Arrival 04/07/2025 early morning
Departure 04/07/2025 midday
A simply ravishing gem in the Dodecanese, Symi is located north-west of Rhodes. This island of cypress forests, vineyards and olive orchards, possesses a capital city of the same name that is as colourful 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-coloured facades. You can get to the upper town by car or climb the 500 steps up the Kali Strata ramp. The second option offers superb viewing points of the coast and gorgeous turquoise waters.
5 July 2025 - Amorgos
Arrival 05/07/2025 early morning
Departure 05/07/2025 mid afternoon
It’s no accident that the island of Amorgos was chosen as a shooting location for Luc Besson’s film, The Big Blue. You too will fall under the charm of this island as your ship edges closer. Amorgos is the most easterly island in the Cyclades and stands out for its rocky inlets with crystal-clear water and its small, picturesque villages. This port of call will be your chance to visit one of the prettiest villages in the Cyclades, Chora, and discover 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.
5 July 2025 - Sailing in the Santorini Caldera
Arrival 05/07/2025 early evening
Departure 05/07/2025 early evening
Sailing in the waters of Santorini caldera is breathtaking. The gigantic scale of the unique setting, the majesty of the high cliffs surrounds this ancient crater that was flooded in 2000 years before Christ, is one of the highlights of the cruise. From your ship, the colourful whites, greys, reds of the volcanic rocks, the blue of the Aegean Sea and the immaculate perched villages form a unique and marvellous spectacle.
6 July 2025 - Adamas, Milos
Arrival 06/07/2025 early morning
Departure 06/07/2025 late afternoon
Although Milos is especially renowned for the famous statue of Venus found in a field there and now displayed in the Louvre in Paris, this mineral island is also a geological treasure. Its volcanic origin is evident in its breathtaking landscapes and the colours of its cliffs, ranging from pure white to deep red. You’ll discover the wild beauty of the shorelines lined with the most beautiful beaches in Greece from a ship deck, and you’ll enjoy privileged access to emerald-green coves. Tiny fishing ports like Adamas hide there, with brightly-painted doors and terraces. Milos is a charming port of call in the heart of the Cyclades.
7 July 2025 - Delos
Arrival 07/07/2025 early morning
Departure 07/07/2025 midday
This legendary Cyclades island of Delos stands just a few miles southwest of Mykonos. The ceremonial solemnity of this ancient holy sanctuary will not leave you indifferent. The sheer size and importance of this UNESCO World Heritage site which covers over half of the island is thrilling in itself. From the Stoa of Antigonos, the Terrace of the Lions, to the carved marble animal statues, you will make discovery after discovery, against a backdrop of the Aegean stretching to the horizon. The theatre steps on the hillside are a particularly good place from which to enjoy the expansive view.
7 July 2025 - Paros
Arrival 07/07/2025 early afternoon
Departure 07/07/2025 evening
Famous for its white marble, the island of Paros is located in the Cyclades. Along the quays of Parikia, its main town, you’ll see Byzantine churches and neoclassical buildings. To make the most of the turquoise waters, you can stop over in Naoussa. This little fishing port is bounded by a very beautiful cove.
8 July 2025 - Hydra
Arrival 08/07/2025 early morning
Departure 08/07/2025 late afternoon
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 harbour 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-coloured caïques along the quays. Further along the shore, you will discover the Historical Archives Museum. Collections from Athens National History Museum are exhibited in the elegant villa Koundouriotis.
9 July 2025 - Athens
Arrival 09/07/2025 at night
Disembarkation 09/07/2025 at 08:00
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 colourful 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.
Saint John Monastery & Apocalypse Cave
From the pier, board your coach for a drive to the Saint John Monastery. Overlooking Skala port and the island’s southern region, this medieval monastery looks more like a fortress than a house of prayer. It was built to repel attacks by pirates.
In the year 95 AD, Saint John the Evangelist was banished from Ephesus and exiled to Patmos, which in the days of the Roman Empire was where those who were exiled were sent.
In 1088, the Byzantine Emperor Alexios Komnenos authorised Saint Christodoulos, an abbot from Asia Minor, to erect a monastery in memory of Saint John. The whole island was yielded to the monastery. The adjoining Theotokos Chapel has frescoes dating back to the 12th century. Other Byzantine treasures are found in the monastery. Today this holy place is a veritable museum of Byzantine art thanks to the countless frescoes, icons, holy objects and manuscripts contained within its walls.
After visiting the monastery, a short drive away, will take you to the Apocalypse Cave where the final chapter of the New Testament was revealed to John the Apostle. The Book of Revelation prophecy came to him through a symbolic vision and was written in Greek. This cave was the house of the evangelist and now is surrounded by a monastery and school of theology. You can see the resting place outlined in beaten silver where St John laid his head every night. To the right the rock is shaped like a pulpit and is where the disciple, Prochoros, wrote the revelation as dictated by John.
Finally, you will re-board your coach for a photo stop at the three windmills located at the top of Chora hill. You will then return returning to the pier.
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This excursion is not suitable for people who have difficulty walking. The coach will drop you near the old town, and access to the monastery is on foot via cobblestone streets. All together you will have to go up and down about 100 steps. Appropriate clothing is required to enter religious sites: shoulders and knees must be covered. It is not permitted to take photos inside the chapel or the cave.
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.Walking around Symi, the pearl of the Dodecanese
This incredibly charming mountainous island reveals its history through its streets and colourful houses. Stroll the quays of the lower town of Symi before you take to the heights to overlook the bay.
With its amphitheatre harbour on the side of the mountain, Symi and its colourful neoclassical-style houses are one of the most beautiful sites in the Dodecanese Islands. Considered the birthplace of the Charites (Three Graces) in Greek mythology, Symi played a significant role in the Roman and Byzantine Empires. Occupied by the Knights Hospitaller in 1373, it was at its height under the Ottoman Empire, when shipbuilding and trading brought the island relative prosperity.
Fall under the charm of the Gialos port district whose quaysides are lined with picturesque houses with multi-coloured facades. If you wish, at the end of the guided tour, you can go the upper town by car or climb the 500 steps of the main street, called the Kali Strata, which offers stunning views over the coast and the turquoise waters.
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We recommend that you wear comfortable clothing and walking shoes.
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.The unspoiled beauty of Amorgos
Amorgos is an unspoiled island and the Eastern-most of the Cycladic Islands, chosen by filmmaker Luc Besson for the scene of "The Big Blue".
From the pier, you will board your coach and start your visit by the island’s trademark, the Byzantine Monastery of Hozoviotissa. Dedicated to Saint of the island, which is wedged into a huge precipice at 900 ft from the sea, the Monastery was founded by the Byzantine Emperor Alexius Komninus in 1088 and contains rare icons and manuscripts.
Continuing your tour, you will reach Chora with its castle, one of the most picturesque villages in Cyclades. Along the streets lined with whitewashed houses, Byzantine or pre-Christian churches alternate with windmills. After tasting local homemade sweets served with ouzo and raki, you may stroll around the paved little streets and discover the typical architecture of Cyclades or you may relax under the shade of the huge eucalyptus tree located in the middle of "Plateia Lozza" main square.
You will then return to Katapola port to embark your ship.
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Coaches are very limited on the island and are not recent models. This tour involves approximately 2 hours of walking. In order to visit the inside of the monastery, guests will have to negotiate the 269 steps up and back down. Guests who do not wish to walk up the monastery can enjoy a panoramic view from the parking lot where there are benches but no shade. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes. Appropriate dress is required to visit the monastery. Men must wear long pants. Ladies must have their shoulders covered and wear a long skirt.
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.Typical Milos & its Venus
From the pier, you will board your coach for a 20-minute drive to Sarakiniko, an inlet of pure white rock formations sculpted by volcanic eruptions.
The beautiful, other-worldly spot is one of the island’s many geological wonders and perhaps one of the most photographed places in the Cyclades. You will enjoy a walk down the inlet to experience this one-of-a-kind beach and take photos. Here, you will feel as if you have landed on the moon.
Your next stop will be at the outskirts of Trypiti. You will stroll towards the marble Roman Amphitheatre, recently restored. You will discover its seven entire seat rows offering a unique view of the bay. Not far from this location, you will have the opportunity to see the site of the discovery of Venus de Milo in 1820 (now residing in the Louvre Museum in Paris).
From there, you will travel the road along the northern coast towards Plaka and its cobbled streets and alleys. Plaka is a classic Cycladic “Chora” with white stone houses and bougainvilleas, situated at 250 m, above sea level. You will walk through the village to admire its traditional architecture and its stunning view of the sea from the veranda of Panagia Korfiatissa, a beautiful 19th-century church.
After enjoying some free time, you will get back to your coach and your ship, 10-minute drive.
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This tour involves approximately 1h45 of walking on cobblestones streets and uneven path with some steps. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun. All the visits are outside visits.
The archaeological site of Delos
Your tour will start directly from the pier where you will have disembarked by ship's tender. Follow your guide and go discover one of the best preserved archaeological sites in Greece.
Both the oldest and the largest open-air site in Europe, this antique site has many houses, temples and sacred shrines. Emerging from a burned grass carpet, the ruins are spread out below Mount Kynthos. At the top of this small hill and only relief of the island, the Sanctuary of Zeus and Athena Cynthiens dating from the 3rd century BC. Overlooking the area, as on the hillside, you can see a range of cultural institutions dedicated to oriental divinities. Frozen by 2,000 years of abandonment, the city ruins draw an impressive maze of white stone in which one can get lost like the pilgrims and the merchants of yesteryear, when Delos was beaming on the Aegean.
You will reach the sanctuary of Apollo, known as the “Temple of the Athenians”, where you will admire the temples dedicated to this god, their altars, their votive offerings and other buildings.
Then, you will discover the Terrace of the Lions, with its famous marble lions that dominated and protected the town. You will continue until the Theatre District, the most luxurious district of the ancient city with the mansions known as the home “of Dionysus”, “of Cleopatra” and “of Dioscuri”. You will see the different mosaics that adorned the floors of Hellenistic houses, and the streets, the houses, the workshops and the shops that made Delos a bustling city.
- This excursion is entirely on foot. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun. The museum is closed for revonation.
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.Panorama & winery
Your tour starts off with a panoramic drive to the traditional village of Lefkes, a beautiful hilltop village built in an amphitheatre shape, offering wonderful vistas all around. The town hall is especially nice, being built with the famous marble of Paros.
After a short visit, continue towards the traditional Moraitis Winery, see the vineyards, visit the production areas and the old winery basement, where the famous red wines of Moraitis are still aged. Your visit of the property will end with a wine tasting accompanied by local snacks.
You will then continue to the nearby village of Naoussa, considered to be one of the prettiest in the Cyclades. Despite the development of tourism, the village has managed to keep its authenticity, its character and its charm, with its whitewashed and flowered little houses and its tiny whitewashed churches and chapels, surrounded by labyrinth-like narrow, stone-paved streets.
Your last stop will be in Parikia town, where you will visit the famous Church of a Hundred Doors. This church is the holy place of Paros and is linked to the history and myths of Byzantium.
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This tour involves approximately two hours of walking over flat but uneven terrain and a few steps. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun.
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.Parikia & Naoussa
From the pier, board your coach for a 10-minute drive to the famous Byzantine Church of Ekatontapyliani. Also named the “Lady of the hundred doors”, this church is one of the greatest early Christian monuments in Greece. The name was a creation of the 17th century scholars who wanted to compare the splendour of the church to that of the Temple of Hundred Doors (Ekatonpylon) in ancient Thebes of Egypt.
Following your visit, you will board your coach for a panoramic drive to the traditional village of Lefkes.
Lefkes is the most mountainous village of Paros and the most verdurous one. It was the first capital of Paros. The village is located under a pineforest on the hill. Follow your guide on a walking tour through its narrow streets with white walls. See the old wash-houses that are still used by some housewives, the House of Literature, the picturesque Ramnos, a street with taverns and other stores and the wonderful view: the sea and Naxos in the background. The houses are built amphitheatrical. The first residents were immigrants that came from Crete and Naoussa and locals who chose to build their village on the mountain, in order to be protected from the pirates. The town hall was built with the famous marble of Paros.
Once leaving Lefkes, you will head for the picturesque village of Naoussa. The port of Naoussa is protected by a separate fortification, the Venetian Castle. The fortification was built in the 15th century by the dynasty of Sommaripas and emerges from the sea behind the small harbour with the traditional fish boats. Today, although half sunk, the castle offers a very impressive sight worth seeing.
Before rejoining your ship, you will have some free time to stroll around its narrow streets, little squares and traditional whitewashed houses.
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This tour involves approximately 2 hours of moderate walking mainly on flat ground, a few steps are to be expected at the Church of Ekatontapyliani. We recommend you wear comfortable shoes and protect yourself from the sun. Appropriate clothing is required to enter religious sites: shoulders and knees must be covered.
History of Hydra
The charm of Hydra town certainly lies in her rich history, port and waterfront unspoiled by motorised vehicles. This island offers a rugged charm and many scenes to discover.
From the pier, follow your guide on a walking exploration through the island's historical landmarks. Your first stop will be the Hydra Museum - Historical Archives where you may admire 19th century paintings of considerable artistic value as well as rich documental and photographic material detailing the long maritime tradition and history of the island.
Continuing your walk around the port, you will visit the Church of the Dormitian, which houses icons, chandeliers and other offerings from the wealthy seafarers of the island. It is even said one of the chandeliers was stolen from Louis XIV and given to the church.
Enjoy a coffee break or a refreshment together with Hydra's local sweet "amygdaloto".
Next, reach Koundouriotis Mansion, one of the finest examples of the traditional 18th and 19th century architecture of Hydra. Built in 1780 by the ship owner Lazaros Koundouriotis, it now houses various items from the National Historical Museum of Athens, such as traditional costumes, jewellery, fine embroideries, pottery and wood-carvings.
Enjoy a leisurely walk through Hydra's little alleys and stone houses before your return to the port.
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This tour is entirely on foot, walking over uneven ground, cobble stone streets and steps (70-80 steps). You must be in relatively good physical condition to participate. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun. Appropriate clothing is required to enter religious sites: shoulders and knees must be covered. The refreshment is included on your tour.
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.L'Austral
Innovative design, sleek shape and profile, refined interior decoration, friendly, intimate atmosphere: French designers and decorators have managed to give this ship a unique style and veritable signature of its own. Combinations of fine materials, colours and tones harmoniously livened up with touches of bright colour, elegant lines, discreet and subtle refinement… everything has been designed to create a unique atmosphere onboard, a veritable personality: the chic style and naturally relaxing ambiance of a veritable private yacht.
Decks
Guest Speaker
Aboard your ship, an English-speaking lecturer will enlighten you about the culture and history of your destination to deepen your knowledge of the origins of local traditions, the history of emblematic sites, and stories involving famous personalities and those of major historical significance. During on-board lectures or on your shore visits, this expert will be there to share their precious knowledge with you throughout your PONANT cruise.
Excursions included
During your journey, enjoy an excursion included per person per port of call, to choose from a selection offered by PONANT. Whether this is the visit of an emblematic museum or a UNESCO World Heritage Site, an activity in the heart of nature or a tasting of local products, or one of many other highlights, you will benefit from a careful selection of activities throughout your itinerary.
Pre-bookings will open around two months before the start of the cruise; requests will be processed on a first-come first-served basis, subject to availability.
Shore excursions, Pre/Post & Overlands
02/07/2025 - PANORAMIC TOUR OF ATHENS BEFORE BEING TRANSFERRED TO THE PORT OF PIRAEUS
£50
Find out more
PANORAMIC TOUR OF ATHENS BEFORE BEING TRANSFERRED TO THE PORT OF PIRAEUS
Travel with peace of mind as PONANT organises your transfer between the airport and your port of embarkation.
Athens
Meet at Athens International Airport Eleftherios Venizelos - Arrival Hall. Look for PONANT sign. You will be greeted by our local representative off the flight selected by PONANT.
You will depart the airport by coach for a scenic tour of Athens en route to the port of Piraeus.
When you will reach Athens, you will make your first stop at the Panathenaic Stadium, a 19th-century reconstruction on Roman foundations, in which the first modern Olympic Games took place. This stadium is also known as the Kallimármaro which means “the beautiful marbled” because it is the only major stadium in the world built entirely of white marble. It was also restored to host some competitions during the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens.
You will enjoy a photo stop at the bottom of the Acropolis Hill with its spectacular view of the Parthenon before being transferred to the port of Piraeus where you will embark on your ship.
Your programme includes:
- Transfer by air-conditioned coach.
- Services of a local English-speaking guide.
Your programme does not include:
- Tips for the driver and local guide.
- Personal expenses.
- Other services not mentioned in the programme.
Note:
- Optional photo stops depending on embarkation time and traffic conditions.
Duration and order of the visits may vary. To know your PONANT flight schedule, please contact your travel agent; it is also indicated on your electronic ticket included in your travel documents.
Total : £50
Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.ATHENS CITY BREAK (2 NIGHTS)
Enhance your cruise and extend your trip with a carefully designed programme.
Day 1 - Athens
Meet at Athens Airport in the Arrival hall. Look for PONANT sign. You will be greeted by our local representative off the flight selected by PONANT or any other flight (provided that you have previously communicated your flight schedule to your travel agent).
You will be transferred to the hotel Athens Capital Centre – Collection Mgallery 5*, perfectly located at Syntagma Square in the heart of Athens.
Official check-in at 15 :00.
Afternoon at leisure.
Dinner at leisure.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 2 - Athens
After breakfast, your walking guided visit will be first focus on Anafiotika district.
This picturesque old quarter is located under the Acropolis. This very typical architecture looks like to the Cycladic islands, with narrow streets and white-washed houses with colorful shutters.
You will learn more about its history with your guide. And you will have the perfect opportunity to take the most beautiful photos, through the lens of a professional photograph at your disposal to give you tips and help you..
Later, you will walk until a local tavern in the Plaka district and you will enjoy a traditional Greek lunch followed by a short time at leisure in Plaka.
During the afternoon, you will visit the Acropolis Museum, which is an archaeological museum focused on the findings of the archaeological site of the Acropolis of Athens. The museum was built in order to house every artifact found on the rock and at its foot, covering a large period of time from the Greek Bronze Age to Roman and Byzantine Greece. Nearly 4,000 objects are exhibited over an area of 14,000 square metres.
After the Museum visit, time at leisure to strool around the Museum area (about 1 hour), or to visit on your own, the Acropolis site (this visit is not accessible to disabled people). Then short drive back to your hotel (about 15 minutes).
Evening and dinner at leisure.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 3 - Athens
Breakfast followed by hotel check-out procedures.
You will walk with your guide until Benaki Museum located in Kolonaki Square (about 10 minutes).
The Benaki Museum ranks among the great benefactions which have enriched the material assets of the Greek State. It is also the oldest museum in Greece. The Museum houses a set of collections comprising many distinct categories and totalling more than 30,000 items that illustrate the Greek world through a spectacular historical panorama: from Antiquity and the age of Roman domination to the medieval Byzantine period, from the fall of Constantinople (1453) and the centuries of Frankish and Ottoman occupation to the outbreak of the struggle for independence in 1821, and from the formation of the modern state of Greece (1830) to 1922, the year in which the Asia Minor disaster took place. Board your vehicle again for a short drive to your hotel.
Following your visit, board your vehicle for a short drive to the meeting point where your local chef will await for you.
Combine the best flavors of Athens has to offer, in a master class that involves putting together a menu, shopping for the ingredients in the vibrant central markets of Athens, and actually preparing it, all under the care of a professional chef and expert on Mediterranean cuisine.
After collecting everything, you will head to a venue with all the necessary equipment to turn the fresh ingredients into delicious delicacies. With the guidance of the chef, you will enjoy the best meal prepared by yourselves.
You will then be transferred to the pier of Athens to embark on board your ship.
Your hotel:
The Athens Capital Center Hotel - MGallery Collection is a boutique hotel ideally located in the heart of Athens, in the upscale Kolonaki neighbourhood, two minutes from Syntagma Square. Its contemporary interior houses works of art celebrating Greek culture. The fully-appointed Deluxe rooms offer a tranquil haven with an elegant atmosphere. From the rooftop terrace with swimming pool, the view of the Acropolis is uninterrupted and cloaked in magic at nightfall. Greek and Mediterranean specialities are served at MFlavours, the first of the hotel’s restaurants, while creative cuisine awaits guests at the second, Mappemonde.
Upgraded rooms are also available depending on availability and on a supplement basis. Contact your travel professional for further detail.
Your programme includes:
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2-nights accommodation in Deluxe room at Athens Capital Centre – Collection Mgallery 5* (local standard) or similar, breakfast included.
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Meals as mentioned in the programme.
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Beverage package during meals (bottled water + 1 soft drink or 1 glass of wine or 1 local beer and 1 coffee or tea).
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Welcome drink voucher of 20 € to enjoy a cocktail at the rooftop Mappemonde during open hours (non refundable)
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Transfers, visits, and entrance fees as mentioned in the programme.
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The services of a local English-speaking escort on the day of arrival.
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The services of a local English-speaking guide during visits.
Your programme does not include:
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Dinner on days 1 & 2.
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Personal expenses.
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Visa if necessary.
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Tips for the driver and local guide.
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Early check-in and late check-out.
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Other services not mentioned in the programme.
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Entry fees and guided visit of the Acropolis.
Please note:
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It is imperative that the details of your departure flight are provided to your travel agent, no later than 30 days before the start date of your cruise, to secure the proper private transfer.
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On day 2, the photo tour of the Anafiotika district requires about 2 hours of walking on flat and uneven ground with uneven level.
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The visit of the Acropolis Museum (day 2), the Benaki Museum and the walk at Central Market (day 3) require moderate walking on flat or uneven ground (paved terrain and a few steps).
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The Acropolis visit site is not included to the program and is not recomanded for disabled people.You can visit it on your own during leisure time.
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The Benaki Museum is closed on Tuesday.
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The Central Market is closed on Sunday.
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The official check-in in room at 15:00.
Contact of your hotel:
Athens Capital Centre – Collection Mgallery
4 Eleftheriou Venizelou Avenue and 2 Kriezotou street Syntagma Square,
Athens 105 64,
Greece
Telephone number: +30 21 4444 2000
Duration and order of the visits may vary. To know your PONANT flight schedule, please contact your travel agent; it is also indicated on your electronic ticket included in your travel documents.
Total : £1,690
Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.Saint John Monastery & Apocalypse Cave
From the pier, board your coach for a drive to the Saint John Monastery. Overlooking Skala port and the island’s southern region, this medieval monastery looks more like a fortress than a house of prayer. It was built to repel attacks by pirates.
In the year 95 AD, Saint John the Evangelist was banished from Ephesus and exiled to Patmos, which in the days of the Roman Empire was where those who were exiled were sent.
In 1088, the Byzantine Emperor Alexios Komnenos authorised Saint Christodoulos, an abbot from Asia Minor, to erect a monastery in memory of Saint John. The whole island was yielded to the monastery. The adjoining Theotokos Chapel has frescoes dating back to the 12th century. Other Byzantine treasures are found in the monastery. Today this holy place is a veritable museum of Byzantine art thanks to the countless frescoes, icons, holy objects and manuscripts contained within its walls.
After visiting the monastery, a short drive away, will take you to the Apocalypse Cave where the final chapter of the New Testament was revealed to John the Apostle. The Book of Revelation prophecy came to him through a symbolic vision and was written in Greek. This cave was the house of the evangelist and now is surrounded by a monastery and school of theology. You can see the resting place outlined in beaten silver where St John laid his head every night. To the right the rock is shaped like a pulpit and is where the disciple, Prochoros, wrote the revelation as dictated by John.
Finally, you will re-board your coach for a photo stop at the three windmills located at the top of Chora hill. You will then return returning to the pier.
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This excursion is not suitable for people who have difficulty walking. The coach will drop you near the old town, and access to the monastery is on foot via cobblestone streets. All together you will have to go up and down about 100 steps. Appropriate clothing is required to enter religious sites: shoulders and knees must be covered. It is not permitted to take photos inside the chapel or the cave.
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.Walking around Symi, the pearl of the Dodecanese
This incredibly charming mountainous island reveals its history through its streets and colourful houses. Stroll the quays of the lower town of Symi before you take to the heights to overlook the bay.
With its amphitheatre harbour on the side of the mountain, Symi and its colourful neoclassical-style houses are one of the most beautiful sites in the Dodecanese Islands. Considered the birthplace of the Charites (Three Graces) in Greek mythology, Symi played a significant role in the Roman and Byzantine Empires. Occupied by the Knights Hospitaller in 1373, it was at its height under the Ottoman Empire, when shipbuilding and trading brought the island relative prosperity.
Fall under the charm of the Gialos port district whose quaysides are lined with picturesque houses with multi-coloured facades. If you wish, at the end of the guided tour, you can go the upper town by car or climb the 500 steps of the main street, called the Kali Strata, which offers stunning views over the coast and the turquoise waters.
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We recommend that you wear comfortable clothing and walking shoes.
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.The unspoiled beauty of Amorgos
Amorgos is an unspoiled island and the Eastern-most of the Cycladic Islands, chosen by filmmaker Luc Besson for the scene of "The Big Blue".
From the pier, you will board your coach and start your visit by the island’s trademark, the Byzantine Monastery of Hozoviotissa. Dedicated to Saint of the island, which is wedged into a huge precipice at 900 ft from the sea, the Monastery was founded by the Byzantine Emperor Alexius Komninus in 1088 and contains rare icons and manuscripts.
Continuing your tour, you will reach Chora with its castle, one of the most picturesque villages in Cyclades. Along the streets lined with whitewashed houses, Byzantine or pre-Christian churches alternate with windmills. After tasting local homemade sweets served with ouzo and raki, you may stroll around the paved little streets and discover the typical architecture of Cyclades or you may relax under the shade of the huge eucalyptus tree located in the middle of "Plateia Lozza" main square.
You will then return to Katapola port to embark your ship.
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Coaches are very limited on the island and are not recent models. This tour involves approximately 2 hours of walking. In order to visit the inside of the monastery, guests will have to negotiate the 269 steps up and back down. Guests who do not wish to walk up the monastery can enjoy a panoramic view from the parking lot where there are benches but no shade. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes. Appropriate dress is required to visit the monastery. Men must wear long pants. Ladies must have their shoulders covered and wear a long skirt.
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.Typical Milos & its Venus
From the pier, you will board your coach for a 20-minute drive to Sarakiniko, an inlet of pure white rock formations sculpted by volcanic eruptions.
The beautiful, other-worldly spot is one of the island’s many geological wonders and perhaps one of the most photographed places in the Cyclades. You will enjoy a walk down the inlet to experience this one-of-a-kind beach and take photos. Here, you will feel as if you have landed on the moon.
Your next stop will be at the outskirts of Trypiti. You will stroll towards the marble Roman Amphitheatre, recently restored. You will discover its seven entire seat rows offering a unique view of the bay. Not far from this location, you will have the opportunity to see the site of the discovery of Venus de Milo in 1820 (now residing in the Louvre Museum in Paris).
From there, you will travel the road along the northern coast towards Plaka and its cobbled streets and alleys. Plaka is a classic Cycladic “Chora” with white stone houses and bougainvilleas, situated at 250 m, above sea level. You will walk through the village to admire its traditional architecture and its stunning view of the sea from the veranda of Panagia Korfiatissa, a beautiful 19th-century church.
After enjoying some free time, you will get back to your coach and your ship, 10-minute drive.
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This tour involves approximately 1h45 of walking on cobblestones streets and uneven path with some steps. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun. All the visits are outside visits.
The archaeological site of Delos
Your tour will start directly from the pier where you will have disembarked by ship's tender. Follow your guide and go discover one of the best preserved archaeological sites in Greece.
Both the oldest and the largest open-air site in Europe, this antique site has many houses, temples and sacred shrines. Emerging from a burned grass carpet, the ruins are spread out below Mount Kynthos. At the top of this small hill and only relief of the island, the Sanctuary of Zeus and Athena Cynthiens dating from the 3rd century BC. Overlooking the area, as on the hillside, you can see a range of cultural institutions dedicated to oriental divinities. Frozen by 2,000 years of abandonment, the city ruins draw an impressive maze of white stone in which one can get lost like the pilgrims and the merchants of yesteryear, when Delos was beaming on the Aegean.
You will reach the sanctuary of Apollo, known as the “Temple of the Athenians”, where you will admire the temples dedicated to this god, their altars, their votive offerings and other buildings.
Then, you will discover the Terrace of the Lions, with its famous marble lions that dominated and protected the town. You will continue until the Theatre District, the most luxurious district of the ancient city with the mansions known as the home “of Dionysus”, “of Cleopatra” and “of Dioscuri”. You will see the different mosaics that adorned the floors of Hellenistic houses, and the streets, the houses, the workshops and the shops that made Delos a bustling city.
- This excursion is entirely on foot. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun. The museum is closed for revonation.
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.Panorama & winery
Your tour starts off with a panoramic drive to the traditional village of Lefkes, a beautiful hilltop village built in an amphitheatre shape, offering wonderful vistas all around. The town hall is especially nice, being built with the famous marble of Paros.
After a short visit, continue towards the traditional Moraitis Winery, see the vineyards, visit the production areas and the old winery basement, where the famous red wines of Moraitis are still aged. Your visit of the property will end with a wine tasting accompanied by local snacks.
You will then continue to the nearby village of Naoussa, considered to be one of the prettiest in the Cyclades. Despite the development of tourism, the village has managed to keep its authenticity, its character and its charm, with its whitewashed and flowered little houses and its tiny whitewashed churches and chapels, surrounded by labyrinth-like narrow, stone-paved streets.
Your last stop will be in Parikia town, where you will visit the famous Church of a Hundred Doors. This church is the holy place of Paros and is linked to the history and myths of Byzantium.
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This tour involves approximately two hours of walking over flat but uneven terrain and a few steps. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun.
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.Parikia & Naoussa
From the pier, board your coach for a 10-minute drive to the famous Byzantine Church of Ekatontapyliani. Also named the “Lady of the hundred doors”, this church is one of the greatest early Christian monuments in Greece. The name was a creation of the 17th century scholars who wanted to compare the splendour of the church to that of the Temple of Hundred Doors (Ekatonpylon) in ancient Thebes of Egypt.
Following your visit, you will board your coach for a panoramic drive to the traditional village of Lefkes.
Lefkes is the most mountainous village of Paros and the most verdurous one. It was the first capital of Paros. The village is located under a pineforest on the hill. Follow your guide on a walking tour through its narrow streets with white walls. See the old wash-houses that are still used by some housewives, the House of Literature, the picturesque Ramnos, a street with taverns and other stores and the wonderful view: the sea and Naxos in the background. The houses are built amphitheatrical. The first residents were immigrants that came from Crete and Naoussa and locals who chose to build their village on the mountain, in order to be protected from the pirates. The town hall was built with the famous marble of Paros.
Once leaving Lefkes, you will head for the picturesque village of Naoussa. The port of Naoussa is protected by a separate fortification, the Venetian Castle. The fortification was built in the 15th century by the dynasty of Sommaripas and emerges from the sea behind the small harbour with the traditional fish boats. Today, although half sunk, the castle offers a very impressive sight worth seeing.
Before rejoining your ship, you will have some free time to stroll around its narrow streets, little squares and traditional whitewashed houses.
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This tour involves approximately 2 hours of moderate walking mainly on flat ground, a few steps are to be expected at the Church of Ekatontapyliani. We recommend you wear comfortable shoes and protect yourself from the sun. Appropriate clothing is required to enter religious sites: shoulders and knees must be covered.
History of Hydra
The charm of Hydra town certainly lies in her rich history, port and waterfront unspoiled by motorised vehicles. This island offers a rugged charm and many scenes to discover.
From the pier, follow your guide on a walking exploration through the island's historical landmarks. Your first stop will be the Hydra Museum - Historical Archives where you may admire 19th century paintings of considerable artistic value as well as rich documental and photographic material detailing the long maritime tradition and history of the island.
Continuing your walk around the port, you will visit the Church of the Dormitian, which houses icons, chandeliers and other offerings from the wealthy seafarers of the island. It is even said one of the chandeliers was stolen from Louis XIV and given to the church.
Enjoy a coffee break or a refreshment together with Hydra's local sweet "amygdaloto".
Next, reach Koundouriotis Mansion, one of the finest examples of the traditional 18th and 19th century architecture of Hydra. Built in 1780 by the ship owner Lazaros Koundouriotis, it now houses various items from the National Historical Museum of Athens, such as traditional costumes, jewellery, fine embroideries, pottery and wood-carvings.
Enjoy a leisurely walk through Hydra's little alleys and stone houses before your return to the port.
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This tour is entirely on foot, walking over uneven ground, cobble stone streets and steps (70-80 steps). You must be in relatively good physical condition to participate. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun. Appropriate clothing is required to enter religious sites: shoulders and knees must be covered. The refreshment is included on your tour.
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.ATHENS, THE BYZANTINE & CHRISTIAN MUSEUM AND PLAKA
Travel with peace of mind as PONANT organises your day time between your port of disembarkation and the airport.
Athens
After disembarkation procedures are completed, you will be greeted at the port by our local English-speaking representative. Then, you will depart the port of Piraeus by coach for an exploration of one of the oldest city in Europe, Athens.
On your way to Athens centre, you will pass by the Zea and Microlimano marinas, two of the most attractive spots in Piraeus.
Your next visit will be at the Byzantine Museum & Christian Museum, one of Greece's national museums. Its areas of competences are centred on - but not limited to - religious artefacts of the Early Christian, Byzantine, Medieval, post-Byzantine and later periods which it exhibits, but also acquires, receives, preserves, conserves, records, documents, researches, studies, publishes and raises awareness of. The museum has over 25,000 artefacts in its possession. The artefacts date from between the 3rd and 20th century AD, and their provenance encompasses the entire Greek world, as well as regions in which Hellenism flourished. The size and range of the collections and value of the exhibits makes the museum a veritable treasury of Byzantine and post-Byzantine art and culture.
At the end of the morning, you will be taken to the Plaka Old District located at the bottom of the Acropolis, in the historic heart of Athens. You will have some free time (about 45 minutes) to explore on foot Plaka's pedestrian shopping streets where you will find jewellery stores, souvenir shops, cafes and restaurants.
You will then be transferred to the airport in time for check-in for the PONANT selected flight.
Your programme includes:
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Transfers, visits and entrance fees as mentioned in the programme.
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Services of a local English-speaking guide.
Your programme does not include:
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Lunch.
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Tips for the driver and local guide.
-
Personal expenses and other services not mentioned in the programme.
Duration and order of the visits may vary. To know your PONANT flight schedule, please contact your travel advisor; they are also shown on your electronic ticket included in your travel documents.
In the event of schedule changes of PONANT's selected flight, your programme will be adapted to ensure the most seamless and enriching experience. The content of your revised programme will be updated on the PONANT website, in My Ponant space and on the PONANT app. The final programme will also be sent to you along with your cruise documents.
Total : £110
Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.