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Come aboard Le Dumont d'Urville for an unforgettable voyage.

The tranquil, ever-turquoise sea, craggy hills bathed in light, fertile plains, oceans of olive trees, and slender cypress trees are all invitations to explore the Peloponnese, a land shaped by myths. On this cruise, which will take you along the famous Corinth Canal, set sail to discover emblematic Greek archaeological sites such as Delphi, Olympia, Epidaurus and Mycenae. In autumn, with the summer crowds gone, these sites steeped in legend seem to come alive through tales of Greek heroes, wrathful gods, and ancient creatures, recalling the rich past of this region long coveted for its gentle way of life.

Overview

Your voyage

All-inclusive

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Destination

Destination

Mediterranean

Athens (Greece) to Athens (Greece)

Duration

8 days, 7 nights on board

Timeless

Offers

PONANT Bonus 20%

Ref: EU071027

Journey

Your daily itinerary

  • A trip along the shores of the Peloponnese in early autumn, to visit some of Greece's most iconic sites without all the crowds. 
  • UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the Delphi site from Itea, the Olympia site from Katakolon, the ruins of Mycenae and Epidaurus from Nafplion, the ruins of Mystras from Monemvasia or Gythio. 
  • A few of the included excursions: visit the medieval city of Monemvasia; learn about the history of Hydra on a walking tour; explore Sparta and sample the flavours of Laconia.
Landscapes and Historic Sites of the Peloponnese null

Customize your journey:

Staterooms and suites

Elegance and refinement

*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.

Details

More information

What's Included

Important travel details

In your luggage

Landscapes and Historic Sites of the Peloponnese

Itinerary

Embarkation 07/10/27 from 16:00 to 17:00 Departure 06/10/27 at 23:59

7 Oct 27 > 6 Oct 27 - Athens

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.

7 Oct 27 > 6 Oct 27 - Athens

Arrival 08/10/27 Departure 07/10/27

8 Oct 27 > 7 Oct 27 - Crossing the Corinth Canal

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!

8 Oct 27 > 7 Oct 27 - Crossing the Corinth Canal

Arrival 08/10/27 midday Departure 07/10/27 early evening

8 Oct 27 > 7 Oct 27 - Itea

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.

8 Oct 27 > 7 Oct 27 - Itea

Arrival 09/10/27 early morning Departure 08/10/27 early afternoon

9 Oct 27 > 8 Oct 27 - Katakolon

This picturesque village stretches along the Ionian sea in the west of the Peloponnese. Its main harbour offers a vast panorama of the coastline’s wooded hillsides. Dazzling white, the church of Saint-Nicolas houses a selection of sumptuous icons. You can also pay a visit the archaeological site of Olympus on the slopes of Mount Kronos.

9 Oct 27 > 8 Oct 27 - Katakolon

Arrival 10/10/27 early morning Departure 09/10/27 late afternoon

10 Oct 27 > 9 Oct 27 - Gythio

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

10 Oct 27 > 9 Oct 27 - Gythio

Arrival 11/10/27 early morning Departure 10/10/27 evening

11 Oct 27 > 10 Oct 27 - Monemvasia

The jewel of the southern Peloponnese, Monemvasia is the romantic refuge for Athenians. Given the poetic nickname of the “stone ship”, this majestic peninsula is home to an incredible fortified medieval village, lying at the foot of its abrupt cliffs, which seems to have been cast by the gods from the Aegean Sea. Contemplate the horizon from its ramparts, a veritable walkway defying the azure waters, and stroll through its vaulted narrow streets with their thousand shades of ochre. At the crossroads of western and eastern influences and the maritime routes of the continent, Crete and the Cyclades, Monemvasia has preserved in this magical decor the treasures of Venetian and Byzantine architecture.

11 Oct 27 > 10 Oct 27 - Monemvasia

Arrival 12/10/27 early morning Departure 11/10/27 late evening

12 Oct 27 > 11 Oct 27 - Nafplion

The engaging town of Nafplion is staggered up green hillsides of the Argolic Gulf, to the east of the Peloponnese. Do not be surprised by its extremely varied cultural heritage. Some of the must-see visits are the ancient agora on the plateau of Akronafplia, Italianate arcades in Syntagma square as well as the baroque fortress of Palamidi on a hillside of the same name. At the top of the hill, views of the gulf and the surrounding mountains are simply awesome. If you want to chill out by the water’s edge, walk along the Arvanitia promenade to a beautiful creek in the shade of cedars and cypresses.

12 Oct 27 > 11 Oct 27 - Nafplion

Arrival 13/10/27 early morning Departure 12/10/27 late afternoon

13 Oct 27 > 12 Oct 27 - Hydra

This unusual gem belonging to the Saronic islands is located to the east of the Peloponnese. There are no cars here. Named after the island, the 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.

13 Oct 27 > 12 Oct 27 - Hydra

Arrival 14/10/27 Disembarkation 14/10/27 at 8:00

14 Oct 27 - Athens

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.

14 Oct 27 - Athens

Landscapes and Historic Sites of the Peloponnese

Customize your journey

Panoramic tour of athens before being transferred to the port of piraeus

PANORAMIC TOUR OF ATHENS BEFORE BEING TRANSFERRED TO THE PORT OF PIRAEUS
Details

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

£60/person*

Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.

Athens discovery (2 nights)

Athens Discovery (2 nights)
Details

Enjoy a few days in Athens before your cruise with this carefully designed program.

Day 1 - Athens

Upon arrival at Athens International Airport, you will be greeted by our local representative in the arrivals hall (sign PONANT). This service is provided whether you are arriving on the PONANT-selected flight or another flight (provided your travel agent has shared your flight details with us in advance).

Transfer to the Athens Capital Centre - MGallery Collection 5*, ideally located on Syntagma Square, in the very heart of Athens.

Check-in available from 3:00 pm.

Afternoon and dinner at leisure.

Overnight at the hotel.

Day 2 - Athens

After breakfast at the hotel, depart for a panoramic sightseeing tour of Athens, passing by the city’s most emblematic landmarks such as Constitution Square, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Hadrian’s Arch, and the Panathenaic Olympic Stadium.

Continue with a guided visit of the Acropolis, the iconic hill overlooking the city and symbolizing the achievements of Ancient Greece. Follow your guide to the summit to admire the Parthenon, the Propylaea, the Temple of Athena Nike, and the Erechtheion.

Your morning ends with a leisurely stroll through the picturesque Plaka district, the historic center of Athens with its lively shops, tavernas, and cafés. Return to your hotel by vehicle.

Lunch and afternoon at leisure.

Optional activity (€95 per person): Discover the ancient masterpieces of the renowned Acropolis Museum on a guided tour, with transfers from and to the hotel included.

 

Dinner  at leisure.

Overnight at the hotel.

 

Day 3 - Athens        

Breakfast at the hotel and check-out.

The morning is yours to enjoy at leisure, take time to unwind, stroll through the picturesque streets of Athens, or indulge in a spot of shopping.

Your Hotel

The Athens Capital Centre - MGallery Collection is a 5-star boutique hotel located in the elegant Kolonaki district, just steps away from Syntagma Square. Its contemporary design highlights Greek art, while its panoramic rooftop terrace with pool offers stunning views of the Acropolis, especially enchanting at sunset. Guests can savor Greek and Mediterranean cuisine at the MFlavours restaurant, or enjoy creative gastronomy at Mappemonde.

Superior room categories are available upon request and at an additional cost. Please contact your travel advisor for more details.

Your program includes:

  • 2 nights in a Deluxe Room at Athens Capital Centre - MGallery Collection 5* (or similar), with breakfast included
  • Meals as mentioned in the program
  • Transfers, guided visits, and entrance fees as mentioned in the program
  • Services of a local English-speaking and/or French-speaking representative on Day 1 and Day 2
  • Services of a local English-speaking and/or French-speaking guide during visits

Your program does not include:

  • Meals not mentioned in the program
  • Optional activities
  • Personal expenses
  • Visa fees if applicable
  • Gratuities for driver and local guide
  • Early check-in and late check-out at the hotel
  • Any service not mentioned in the program

Practical information:

  • Your flight details must be communicated to your travel agent no later than 30 days prior to departure in order to arrange your transfer.
  •  This program includes extensive walking and is not recommended for guests with limited mobility
  • The order of visits may vary. A minimum number of participants is required; if not reached, the program may be modified or an alternative offered.

Hotel contact information:

Athens Capital Centre - MGallery Collection

4 Eleftheriou Venizelou Avenue & 2 Kriezotou Street, Syntagma Square

Athens 105 64, Greece

Tel: +30 21 4444 2000

Kindly note that a minimum number of participants is required for this trip to proceed. As a result, both the price and itinerary may be adjusted based on the final number of participants. Should the minimum number not be met, we will offer you an alternative arrangement.

 

 

Total

£1,460/person*

Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.

Athens, the acropolis museum and plaka

ATHENS, THE ACROPOLIS MUSEUM AND PLAKA
Details

Travel with peace of mind as PONANT organises your transfer 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.

You will be taken by coach for an exploration of one of the oldest cities in Europe, Athens.

You will enjoy a panoramic sightseeing tour of the city. 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 arrive at the Acropolis Museum, which was opened in June 2009. The architecture of the whole venue has been designed to emulate the cult of the Temple of Athena. At the foot of the sacred hill, the building’s rear facade of concrete and glass seems to billow out with the weight of its history, and it is from here that you will have your first view of the Parthenon. The museum provides a magnificent setting for the treasures discovered on the hill. The first gallery houses the findings of the archaeological site of the Acropolis of Athens and the glass floor provides a view of the archaeological excavations, giving you the impression of being in the very heart of these ancient ruins.

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 or more depending on your flight return) 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:

·        Transfers, visits and entrance fees as mentioned in the programme.

·        Services of a local English-speaking guide.

Your programme does not include:

·        Lunch.

·        Tips for the guide and the driver.

·        Personal expenses

·        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 agent; it is also indicated 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

£140/person*

Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.

Post cruise athens discovery

Post Cruise Athens Discovery
Details
Total

£950/person*

Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.

Landscapes and Historic Sites of the Peloponnese

Other available date

07/10/2714/10/27

7 nights aboard the ship Le Dumont d'Urville

PONANT Bonus 20%

From

£4,330

/person*

25/10/2601/11/26

7 nights aboard the ship Le Champlain

PONANT Bonus 20%

From

£4,250

/person*

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