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

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.

Departing from Athens, Europe's oldest capital and birthplace of democracy, your first stop is Nafplion where you will travel to Mycenae, the legendary home of Agamemnon and an important center of the extraordinary civilization that flourished here in the 2nd millennium BC. Sail next to the island of Paros.  Nestled in the heart of the Cyclades archipelago, this island reputed for its sublime white marble offers a concentration of Greek beauty, from whitewashed houses to olive groves and ancient monuments.

The island of Delos was sacred to the ancient Greeks—the birthplace of Apollo and Artemis, and home to countless shrines and temples—a veritable open-air museum. Mykonos, by contrast, is a sophisticated island resort with smart cafes and boutiques, where you will enjoy an afternoon and evening at leisure to soak in all that this dazzling town has to offer.

Kusadasi on Turkey's Aegean coast is your gateway to Ephesus, one of the world's greatest archaeological sites, spanning the period from the Hellenistic world through the early Christian era. The immense excavation here includes temples of several Roman emperors, the iconic Library of Celsus, and the terraced hill houses, with their splendid mosaics and frescoes, overlooking the city below.

Back in Greece, spend a day on Patmos and discover the monumental Byzantine monastery that guards the cave where St. John the Evangelist received his visions of the Apocalypse. You will also have time to explore the island's Chora (main town), home to an 11th-century monastery and to a labyrinth of picturesque, cobbled streets and arched alleyways.

From Canakkale, Turkey, you may travel south to explore ancient Troy, site of the war that is the subject of Homer's Iliad, or cross the Dardanelles to visit the World War I battlefield and cemeteries at Gallipoli.

Your journey concludes in Istanbul, capital of the Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman Empires.

Overview

Your voyage

All-inclusive

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Destination

Destination

Mediterranean

Athens to Istanbul

Duration

8 days, 7 nights on board

Smithsonian Journeys, Timeless

Smithsonian Journeys

Smithsonian Journeys

Offers

PONANT Bonus 30%

Ref: EU141027

Journey

Your daily itinerary

  • A voyage specially-tailored for English-speaking travelers including discussions with experts, transfers before and after your cruise, and an included excursion or activity in each port of call.
  • Engaging discussions onboard with two Smithsonian Journeys Experts.
  • Experience several UNESCO World Heritage sites.
  • Visit the site of the Trojan War.
  • Marvel at the splendor of Ephesus.
  • See the cave on Patmos where John the Evangelist had visions of the Apocalypse.
  • Visit the village of Naoussa in Paros, widely considered one of the prettiest villages in the Cyclades, and explore its labyrinthine streets and whitewashed homes and churches.
  • Marvel at the sheer number of temples and shrines on tiny Delos.
  • Relax and refresh in the cafés and shops for which Mykonos is famous.
  • Step into the Homeric age of heroes at Mycenae.
  • Witness the architectural sophistication of the Classical Age at Epidaurus.
Unterwegs in der Ägäis: Griechenlands Inseln und die Türkei – mit Smithsonian Journeys 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

Unterwegs in der Ägäis: Griechenlands Inseln und die Türkei – mit Smithsonian Journeys

Itinerary

Embarkation 10/14/27 from 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM Departure 10/14/27 at 6:00 PM

Oct 14, 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.

Oct 14, 27 - Athens

Arrival 10/15/27 early morning Departure 10/15/27 late afternoon

Oct 15, 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.

Oct 15, 27 - Nafplion

Arrival 10/16/27 early morning Departure 10/16/27 evening

Oct 16, 27 - Paros

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.

Oct 16, 27 - Paros

Arrival 10/17/27 early morning Departure 10/17/27 midday

Oct 17, 27 - Delos

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.

Oct 17, 27 - Delos

Arrival 10/17/27 early afternoon Departure 10/17/27 evening

Oct 17, 27 - Mykonos

Nicknamed “little Venice”, Mykonos is famous for its Alefkandra district where houses are built right on the water’s edge. Their multi-coloured loggias are emblematic of this Cyclades island, as are the pelicans and windmills. You can get close up to the birds on the quaysides of the old port. Up on the hillside, you can see the windmill sails turning. In the cobbled streets of the pedestrian centre, bougainvillea bedeck immaculate facades. As you weave in and out of the little streets, snatches of coastline will undoubtedly call you to the island’s beaches, the quietest of which can be found on the northern coast.

Oct 17, 27 - Mykonos

Arrival 10/18/27 early morning Departure 10/18/27 evening

Oct 18, 27 - Kusadasi

The attractive seaside resort of Kusadasi is located in a gulf on the western coast of Turkey. You can bathe there in clear waters or stroll along the coastal walk, in the shade of palms. In the historical district, you can take a mosey down the narrow streets and explore the colourful shops in the bazaar. Close by, the Ephesus archaeological site in the hillsides provides an opportunity to discover the ruins of one of the most famous cities of Antiquity.

Oct 18, 27 - Kusadasi

Arrival 10/19/27 early morning Departure 10/19/27 midday

Oct 19, 27 - Patmos

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.

Oct 19, 27 - Patmos

Arrival 10/20/27 early morning Departure 10/20/27 late afternoon

Oct 20, 27 - Canakkale

Çanakkale is located on the edge of the straits of the Dardanelles, in the north-west of the country. On the promenade alongside the harbour, you’ll come across a contemporary sculpture of an immense wooden horse evoking Odysseus’ legendary scheme to take Troy. In the Archaeological Museum, you’ll see artefacts found during the excavations made in the ancient city.  Thirty or so kilometres south of Çanakkale, you can also visit the archaeological site of Troy, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Rising out of the luxuriant Mediterranean vegetation, you’ll see many stone walls, sculptures and inscriptions, as well as a theatre with stone tiers.

Oct 20, 27 - Canakkale

Arrival 10/20/27 Departure 10/20/27

Oct 20, 27 - Sailing in the Dardanelles

The Dardanelles Strait is an emblematic, 61 km-long waterway connecting the Aegean Sea with the Sea of Marmara. It is strategic for controlling passage between the Mediterranean Sea and the Black Sea. Like the Bosporus, or Strait of Istanbul, it separates Europe from Asia. A surface current flows along it, while a more saline undercurrent flows in the opposite direction. Along the strait, you will be able to admire hilly landscapes and arid lowlands brightened by fields and groves of olive trees.

Oct 20, 27 - Sailing in the Dardanelles

Arrival 10/21/27 early morning Disembarkation 10/21/27 at 8:00 AM

Oct 21, 27 - Istanbul

Located on the Bosphorus, Istanbul is one of the most beautiful of all Turkish cities. Named Byzantium when founded by the Greeks, and then Constantinople under the Roman Empire, this city is steeped in history and, for this reason, is a listed UNESCO World Heritage site. Located on Sultanahmet hill, the great Blue Mosque, the mysterious Hagia Sophia and the vast Topkapi palace and its countless mosaics, dominate the Marmara Sea. In the Beyazit district, the Grand Bazaar allows to discover elegant covered passages. A little further away, delicate aroma of loukoum and spices will draw the visitors’ attention at the Egyptian Bazaar.

Oct 21, 27 - Istanbul

Unterwegs in der Ägäis: Griechenlands Inseln und die Türkei – mit Smithsonian Journeys

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

$70/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

$1,890/person*

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

Premium transfer between istanbul pier and airport

PREMIUM TRANSFER BETWEEN ISTANBUL PIER AND AIRPORT
Details

Travel with peace of mind as PONANT organises your transfer between your port of disembarkation and the airport.

Istanbul

After disembarkation procedures are completed, you will be greeted at the port by our local English-speaking representative.

You will then be transferred to the airport in time for check-in for the PONANT selected flight and you will enjoy fast track assistance services  from the airport entrance until the aircraft gate.

Your programme includes:

·        Transfer as mentioned in the programme.

·        Services of a local English-speaking guide.

·        Services of a fast track assistance (meet and greet by personal assistant at airport entrance, buggy service, fast-track security, luggage porterage, lounge use, accompagny until the aircraft gate).

Your programme does not include:

·        Visa fees if necessary.

·        Tips for the driver and local guide.

·        Personal expenses and other services not mentioned in the programme.

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

$410/person*

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

Unterwegs in der Ägäis: Griechenlands Inseln und die Türkei – mit Smithsonian Journeys

Other available date

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PONANT Bonus 30%

From

$6,490

/person*

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PONANT Bonus 20%

From

$6,900

/person*

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