Superior Stateroom Deck 3
5% Ponant Bonus
226 ft²
3
Cruising the Dalmatian Coast and the Ionian Sea: Venice to Athens – with Smithsonian Journeys
Venice - Athens
Dates:
18/06/2025
to
25/06/2025
Other available dates
days
nights on board
Shore excursion in each port of call + transfers included
In alliance with Smithsonian Journeys.
This cruise is part of a collection of PONANT voyages that are specially-tailored for English-speaking travelers who want to engage with the world. In addition to the usual elements of the PONANT experience, the listed price for these voyages includes transfers to and from the ship, talks and discussions aboard ship by world class experts, and a shore excursion or activity in each port of call that encourages guests to embrace the sights, sounds, tastes, and smells of the local environment and culture.
The eastern shore of the Adriatic Sea – the Dalmatian Coast – is rich in the culture and art of ancient, medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque worlds and home to some of the most charming and welcoming towns and villages to be found anywhere.
Your voyage begins in Venice, the city of canals, from where you will sail the Adriatic Sea south towards the Dalmatian Coast.
Call first on the island of Hvar and tour the island’s charming principal town. Or you may choose to visit a lavender farm in the countryside and enjoy some of the most beautiful views available along the Croatian coast.
The port of Ploče serves as your gateway to the Bosnian city of Mostar, which under the Ottoman Turks became a thriving administrative and cultural center. Severely damaged in the military conflict of the 1990s, the town was declared a World Heritage site and now showcases what the restoration work of UNESCO can accomplish.
Set on a rocky peninsula jutting into the Adriatic Sea, Dubrovnik, despite a devastating earthquake in 1667 and the ravages of many wars, is one of Europe’s best-preserved medieval cities and a designated UNESCO World Heritage site. Discover Dubrovnik's old city on a guided tour or visit the surrounding countryside before enjoying time at leisure to explore this marvelous city on your own in the evening.
Be on deck as L’Austral sails into the deep, fjord-like Bay of Kotor to reach the port town of Tivat. From here, explore the town of Kotor, also a UNESCO World Heritage site, located at the head of the bay beneath towering mountains. This delightful town is the pride of Montenegro, and you will have a day to explore its richly varied history.
Continue down the coast to the Albanian port of Sarandë, from which you may travel to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Butrint, whose ruins span 2,500 years and include the remains of a Greek acropolis, Roman theater, and 19th-century fortress.
After cruising along the shores of the Ionian Sea, your next call is at the small port town of Itea. You may choose to visit Delphi, home of the oracle of Apollo, whose massive ruins dominate an entire hillside. Or travel to St. Lucas Monastery, which, like Delphi, is a UNESCO World Heritage site—one of the most important monuments of Middle Byzantine art and architecture in the world.
This evening, transit the Corinth Canal, a stunning example of maritime engineering prowess first used in 1893. Your journey comes to an end as your ship sails into Athens.
Ref : VA7145US - AU180625
Your itinerary
A voyage specially-tailored for English-speaking travelers including discussions with experts, transfers before and after your cruise, and an included excursion in each port of call. Engaging discussions...
View detailed itinerary
Your trip in detail
Choose your stateroom
Choose your stateroom
Superior Stateroom Deck 3
(226 ft²)
From £5,450
per person
5% Ponant Bonus
Deluxe Stateroom Deck 3
(193 ft²)
From £5,880
per person
5% Ponant Bonus
Prestige Stateroom Deck 4
(193 ft²)
From £6,510
per person
5% Ponant Bonus
Prestige Stateroom Deck 5
(193 ft²)
From £6,830
per person
5% Ponant Bonus
Prestige Stateroom Deck 6
(193 ft²)
From £7,210
per person
5% Ponant Bonus
Deluxe Suite Deck 6
(290 ft²)
Fully booked
5% Ponant Bonus
Prestige Suite Deck 5
(398 ft²)
From £13,390
per person
5% Ponant Bonus
Prestige Suite Deck 6
(398 ft²)
Fully booked
5% Ponant Bonus
Owner's Suite Deck 6
(484 ft²)
From £16,960 per person
Complete your trip
Complete your trip
Included in your cruise
For more peace of mind, PONANT organizes your trip before or after the cruise. This package is included in the price of your cruise.
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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06/03/2025 to the 21/03/2025
LE LYRIAL
03/03/2025 to the 21/03/2025
LE PAUL GAUGUIN
LE BORÉAL
L'AUSTRAL
*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.
Discover all destinations
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
Smithsonian Journeys
Smithsonian Journeys is the travel program of the Smithsonian Institution, the world’s largest museum, education and research complex, consisting of 21 museums, the National Zoological Park, education centers, research facilities, cultural centers, and libraries. Drawing on Smithsonian's resources dating back 175 years, these sailings will feature notable experts and experiences that embrace local cultures and dive deeper into a destination’s history, cuisine, language, environment, and wildlife. For more than 50 years, Smithsonian Journeys has been rooted in and focused on cultural immersion and discovery – with a goal of inspiring guests to become global citizens through travel.
Subject to withdrawal in case of force majeure
Highlights
- A voyage specially-tailored for English-speaking travelers including discussions with experts, transfers before and after your cruise, and an included excursion in each port of call.
- Engaging discussions onboard with two Smithsonian Journeys Experts, including art historian Aneta Georgievska-Shine and historian and author Dennis Romano.
- Discover six Mediterranean countries: Italy, Croatia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Montenegro, Albania, and Greece.
- Explore as many as six UNESCO World Heritage sites, spanning the millennia from the mythic past (Delphi) to the 20th century (Mostar).
- Combine visits of historic cities with forays into the idyllic countryside.
- Sample local wines in Croatia and Albania.
- Experience the nightlife of Hvar, Ploče, and Dubrovnik.
- Engage with the contemporary culture of these cities, towns, and villages as you discover their past.
Ports of Call & Excursions
18 June 2025 - Venice
Embarkation 18/06/2025 from 16:00 to 17:00
Departure 18/06/2025 at 18:00
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.
19 June 2025 - Hvar
Arrival 19/06/2025 midday
Departure 19/06/2025 evening
Off the coast of Split, Hvar will surprise you by its traditions that have not 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.
20 June 2025 - Ploce
Arrival 20/06/2025 early morning
Departure 20/06/2025 evening
Ploče is a port that shares with nearby Makarska a reputation for great beaches, upscale seafront promenades, and a vibrant nightlife. Ploče's Rupe Ethnographic Museum and Markaska's intriguing Shell Museum are both worth a visit. Ploče also serves as a gateway to the Bosnian city of Mostar, which under the Ottoman Turks became a thriving administrative and cultural center. Severely damaged in the military conflict of the 1990s, the town was declared a World Heritage site and now showcases the graceful Stari Most (“Old Bridge”), originally built in 1566, and the early 17th-century Turkish Tabacica Mosque, both carefully restored with help from UNESCO.
21 June 2025 - Dubrovnik
Arrival 21/06/2025 early morning
Departure 21/06/2025 late evening
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 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.
22 June 2025 - Tivat
Arrival 22/06/2025 early morning
Departure 22/06/2025 mid afternoon
Much of Tivat’s elegance comes from the beauty of its marina, Porto Montenegro, which attracts many influential personalities. The port’s promenade, emphasised by its line of palm trees facing the mountains of the Bay of Kotor, really is a setting with unique charm. Built in the 14th century, the town was successively governed by the Venetians and the Austro-Hungarians before the creation of the Kingdom of Yugoslavia following the First World War. Today, Montenegro's most prosperous city welcomes visitors, in particular to visit its old town or take a walk along its magnificent beaches.
23 June 2025 - Saranda
Arrival 23/06/2025 early morning
Departure 23/06/2025 early afternoon
An historical harbour town on the south-west coast of Albania, Saranda is built on a lush green spur. Its streets lined with palms and maritime pines border the beaches of the Ionian sea at the mouth of Corfu Strait. This very ancient town has archaeological ruins dating from Antiquity, which you can visit as you walk along the waterfront.
24 June 2025 - Itea
Arrival 24/06/2025 early morning
Departure 24/06/2025 midday
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 kilometres from Itea. A listed UNESCO World Heritage site, this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience whose ancient ruins are surrounded by steep mountains.
24 June 2025 - Crossing the Corinth Canal
Arrival 24/06/2025 late afternoon
Departure 24/06/2025 late afternoon
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 kilometres 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 metres. 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!
25 June 2025 - Athens
Arrival 25/06/2025 at night
Disembarkation 25/06/2025 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.
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
Shore excursion in each port of call + transfers included
PONANT has organized the following included program for you, which starts the day of embarkation.
Included Features:
- A program of onboard enrichment provided by two Smithsonian Journeys Experts, including art historian Aneta Georgievska-Shine and historian and author Dennis Romano
- Transfers and luggage handling from the airport in Venice to the ship on the day of embarkation
- Comprehensive 7-night cruise aboard the deluxe L’Austral, with all the amenities for which PONANT ships are famous
- One included shore excursion in each port of call (see “Itinerary” for more information and choice of excursions, if applicable)
- Gratuities for ship crew and for guides and drivers on excursions
- Transfer from the ship to the airport in Athens at the end of the cruise on the morning of disembarkation
Not included:
- Independent meals and beverages ashore
- Personal expenses (such as laundry, telephone, etc.)
Notes:
- This voyage is offered on a space available basis
- Program is subject to change without notice
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.
Shore excursions, Pre/Post & Overlands
VENICE: LA SERENISSIMA (2 NIGHTS)
At the height of its imperial power, Venice justly referred to itself as La Serenissima, the most serene republic. Today, Venice still lays claim to the title, as the city basks in the enduring splendor of its history.
Day 1 – Venice, Italy
Arrive at Venice's International Airport, where you will be met and transferred to The Splendid Venice via water taxi. A local representative will be present at the hospitality desk in the afternoon to welcome you and to offer suggestions for dining and independent exploration. Join fellow travelers this evening for a welcome cocktail reception at the hotel. Dinner is on your own.
Day 2 – Venice
After breakfast at the hotel, a walking tour explores nearby St. Mark's Basilica and the Doge’s Palace. The Basilica, originally a private chapel, became the focus of the religious life of the city in 829, when the remains of St. Mark were brought from Alexandria and interred here. The interior is covered with 14,000 square feet of gold mosaics, mostly from the 12th and 13th centuries. Of particular note is the altarpiece known as Pala d'Oro, universally considered the most refined expression of Byzantine sensibility in the world. A masterpiece of Gothic architecture, the Doge’s Palace is an impressive structure comprising layers of construction and ornamentation, from its 14th and 15th century original foundations to its Renaissance and Mannerist additions. It was the working center of Venetian government when Venice dominated the entire eastern half of the Mediterranean, and the grandeur of its chambers befits its role. When your tour concludes, the remainder of the day is at leisure for you to explore Venice on your own. Lunch and dinner are at your leisure.
Day 3 – Venice | Embark
Enjoy a relaxing breakfast at the hotel and a morning at leisure. After an independent lunch, join your knowledgeable guide for an exploration of two of Venice's most emblematic crafts: fashioning the masks worn during the Venetian Carnival and manufacturing the gondolas for which the city is famous. Your first visit is to the studio of an expert mask-maker, who will introduce you to the mysterious origins of the use of masks in Venice and their association with Carnival from the 13th century onward. You will learn how the masks are designed and produced and will see some of the splendid variety of their decoration. A walk through some lesser-known neighborhoods of the city will bring you to one of the few remaining squeri—the workshops where gondolas are built and maintained. In the past, these boatyards were located all along the Grand Canal, attesting to the importance of gondolas in the life of the city. A local artisan will describe the traditional methods of designing a boat to meet the individual needs of each gondolier and will explain the history of this uniquely Venetian method of transport. After your visit to the boatyard, transfer to the pier for embarkation in late afternoon.
Your hotel:
The Splendid Venice is a 4-star property in the center of the city, near St. Mark's Square and the Doge's Palace. It features 165 rooms, a restaurant, two lounge bars, 24-hour room service, marvelous views of the surrounding area, and all of the services you would expect from a luxury hotel in a major European city.
Your program includes:
- 2 nights at The Splendid Venice (or similar)
- Transfer and luggage handling from the airport to the hotel on the scheduled program arrival day
- Transfer and luggage handling from the hotel to the ship on embarkation day
- Welcome Reception on Day 1
- Breakfast on Days 2 and 3
- Sightseeing and programming as noted in the itinerary
- Local English-speaking guide
- Gratuities for the drivers and local guides
Your program does not include:
- Transfer from the airport to the hotel on any day other than the scheduled program arrival day
- Personal expenses and other services and meals not mentioned as included in the program
Please note:
- It is imperative that your flight arrival details are communicated at least 90 days prior to the beginning of your cruise in order to secure your transfer from the airport to the hotel.
- Early check-in and/or late check-out are available depending on availability and at a supplement. An additional night is possible, upon request and depending on hotel availability. Please, contact reservations or your travel agent for further details.
- This is an active program with lots of walking through tight, busy corridors, and across uneven cobblestones, steps, and bridges.
- The official currency is the Euro. Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, shops, and restaurants.
- This pre-cruise program is offered as a package. There will be no refunds for unused accommodations, meals, or excursions.
- Program is offered on a space available basis.
- Program is subject to change without notice.
Hotel contact information:
The Splendid Venice
S. Marco Mercerie, 760
30124?Venice
Italy
Telephone: +39 041 5200755
Total : £1,100
Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.THE HEART OF ATHENS (2 NIGHTS)
Athens is the birthplace of democracy and philosophy and home to the most enduring symbol of classical civilization—the Parthenon. Join this specially designed program to explore the incomparably rich legacy of this amazing city.
Day 1 – Athens, Greece
After breakfast aboard ship, join a tour this morning to the heart of Athens. Your first visit will be to the New Acropolis Museum, opened to the public in 2009 and designed to house and showcase all of the artifacts found on the Acropolis since archaeological work at the site began. The result is the exhibition of some 4,000 objects dating from the Greek Bronze Age through the Roman and Byzantine periods. Your tour of the Acropolis itself includes the Propylaea, which serves as the entrance to the complex, the Temple of Athena Nike, or Wingless Victory, and the Erechtheum with its classical Porch of Maidens. And of course, there is the Parthenon, the most perfect example of classical architecture in the world, designed as a shrine to Athena and at one time housing a massive gold and ivory statue of the warrior goddess.
Following the excursion, enjoy time at leisure to stroll the pedestrian walkways of the Plaka, the ancient neighborhood at the base of the Acropolis. Here you will find a variety of shops and cafés where you can browse and have an independent lunch before checking in to your hotel.
The balance of the day is at leisure and dinner is on your own.
Day 2 – Athens
Breakfast at the hotel is followed by an excursion to two of Athen's most important sites. First, explore the National Archaeological Museum, an incomparable treasure trove of Cycladic, Minoan, Mycenaean, and Classical Greek art. A few of the museum's most important exhibits include the bronze statue of Poseidon, the head of Hygeia (Goddess of Health), the bronze statue of the 'Jockey-boy' of Artemision, the Golden mask of 'Agamemnon,' and the brilliant Minoan-style frescoes from Santorini.
Next, a short drive brings you to the Ancient Agora, which once served as the political, cultural and religious center of the city. Athenians would gather to buy and sell goods, but also to learn the news, to debate issues, or simply to gossip. This is where Socrates could be found daily posing his questions to fellow citizens.
The balance of the day is at leisure with independent lunch and dinner.
Day 3 - Athens | Depart
After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to the airport for flights homeward.
Your hotel:
Located in historic Syntagma Square, the 5-star Hotel Grande Bretagne is the perfect venue for a visit to Athens. Within walking distance of exclusive shopping areas, museums, and the business district, the hotel boasts 320 rooms and suites, two restaurants, and a spa. Its views of the city center, from the Parliament building to the Parthenon, are unrivaled.
Your program includes:
-
2 nights at the Hotel Grande Bretagne (or similar)
-
Transfer and luggage handling from the pier to the hotel on disembarkation day
-
Transfer and luggage handling from the hotel to the airport on Day 3
-
Breakfast on Days 2 and 3
-
Sightseeing and programming as noted in the itinerary
-
Local English-speaking guide
-
Gratuities for the drivers and local guides
Your program does not include:
-
Transfer from the hotel to the airport on any day other than the scheduled program departure day
-
Personal expenses and other services and meals not mentioned as included in the program
Please note:
-
It is imperative that your flight details are communicated at least 60 days prior to the beginning of your cruise in order to secure your transfer from the hotel to the airport.
-
Early check-in and/or late check-out are available depending on availability and at a supplement. An additional night is possible, upon request and depending on hotel availability. Please, contact reservations or your travel agent for further details.
-
The official currency is the Euro. Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, shops, and restaurants.
-
This post-cruise program is offered as a package. There will be no refunds for unused accommodations, meals, or excursions.
-
Program is offered on a space available basis.
-
Program is subject to change without notice.
Hotel contact information:
Hotel Grande Bretagne
1 Vasileos Georgiou A' str.
Syntagma Square
Athens 105 64, Greece
Telephone: +30 210 333 0000
Total : £1,190
Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.