Oct 29, 27, from $6,970
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Come aboard Le Dumont d'Urville for an unforgettable voyage.

Set off a musical cruise discovering ancient Mediterranean cities during the 12th Piano Festival at Sea, in partnership with RADIO CLASSIQUE and with the exceptional presence of Alain Duault. From the Peloponnese to Sicily, each port of call will reveal fascinating heritage: Epidaurus and Mycenae, ancient treasures, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites; Monemvasia rising from the waves; Heraklion and its Minoan mysteries; or Gythio, seaport of Ancient Sparta. Each evening on the water, one of the six guest pianists will play a unique recital for you. Puglia, Gallipoli and Syracuse will enhance this trip featuring legends, the scent of citrus and enchanted melodies, which will conclude with a concert bringing together all the artists.

Overview

Your voyage

All-inclusive

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Destination

Destination

Mediterranean

Athens to Valletta

Duration

9 days, 8 nights on board

Timeless

Radio Classique

Radio Classique

Nikolaï Lugansky

Nikolaï Lugansky, Lise de la Salle

No single supplement, PONANT Bonus 30%

Ref: EU291027

Journey

Your daily itinerary

  • Every evening, enjoy an exclusive concert on board given by our guest pianists.
  • An escapade between Greece and Italy, via the Peloponnese, Crete, Puglia and Sicily, to discover some of the most beautiful Mediterranean shores and ancient sites.
  • Among your included excursions: visit of the village of Noto (Syracuse); discovery of the ruins at Mycenae and Epidaurus, UNESCO World Heritage Sites (Nafplio), etc.
Waves & Melodies: 12th Piano Festival at Sea null

Customize your journey:

Guests

Sharing your journey with

Nikolaï Lugansky Marco Borggreve / Naïve-Ambroisie

Nikolaï Lugansky

Lise de la Salle Stéphane Gallois

Lise de la Salle

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

Waves & Melodies: 12th Piano Festival at Sea

Itinerary

Embarkation 10/29/27 from 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM Departure 10/29/27 at 6:00 PM

Oct 29, 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 29, 27 - Athens

Arrival 10/30/27 early morning Departure 10/30/27 evening

Oct 30, 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 30, 27 - Nafplion

2 available excursionsto this stopover

Arrival 10/31/27 early morning Departure 10/31/27 late afternoon

Oct 31, 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.

Oct 31, 27 - Monemvasia

2 available excursionsto this stopover

Arrival 11/01/27 early morning Departure 11/01/27 late afternoon

Nov 1, 27 - Heraklion, Crete

Heraklion, the capital of Crete, is the island’s most populous city. The hustle and bustle of this seaport is an integral part of its charm. It is built on a hillside overlooking the port and is encircled by impressive Venetian walls. From the top of these, you will be able to enjoy one of the most beautiful views of the city. The old town is teeming with small shops, squares, cafés and vibrant architectural evidence of the city’s long history. The Palace of Knossos illustrates the wealth and power of its legendary sovereign, King Minos. The archaeological museum houses one of the largest collections of Minoan artefacts and is worth a visit.

Nov 1, 27 - Heraklion, Crete

2 available excursionsto this stopover

Arrival 11/02/27 early morning Departure 11/02/27 midday

Nov 2, 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.

Nov 2, 27 - Gythio

1 available excursionto this stopover

Arrival 11/03/27 midday Departure 11/03/27 evening

Nov 3, 27 - Corfu

Named after the island, Corfu is the most famous city in the Ionian islands. Protected by citadel fortifications, its old city, designated UNESCO World Heritage, displays unusual Greco-Byzantine and Venetian architecture. Above the water stands Saint George’s church, looking uncannily like a classical temple. The picturesque Pontikonisi, a stone’s throw from the southern point of the town, is the legendary island where Odysseus landed.

Nov 3, 27 - Corfu

2 available excursionsto this stopover

Arrival 11/04/27 early morning Departure 11/04/27 late afternoon

Nov 4, 27 - Gallipoli

Gallipoli, which comes from the Greek kalle polis, meaning beautiful town, is very aptly named. Located on the heel of the boot, the town known as “the pearl of Puglia” has many attractions. The whiteness of its façades recalls its Greek origins while its architecture echoes its multiple influences. Its old town, perched on a limestone island, concentrates the cultural heritage of this city with a thousand faces, alternately a Roman colony, then Byzantine, the property of the Popes, Norman, under the rule of Taranto… By itself, it tells the story of the different civilisations of the Mediterranean Sea. 

Nov 4, 27 - Gallipoli

2 available excursionsto this stopover

Arrival 11/05/27 midday Departure 11/05/27 evening

Nov 5, 27 - Syracuse, Sicily

Its undulating rocky coastline, the endless sandy beaches, the menacing form of Mount Etna which surveys its island like a patriarch, the flowery gardens on the hillside... Sicily lays out its varied landscapes like a shopkeeper displays his wares. Described by Cicero as “the most beautiful city in the world”, Syracuse was one of the most prestigious cities in Sicily and at her height was even a rival for Athens. A central city of Ancient Greece, it was home to a succession of civilisations, each of which has left their mark. The blend of Arabic, Roman, Norman, Byzantine and Spanish cultures makes Syracuse a town that is extraordinarily rich in fragrances, colours and flavours.

Nov 5, 27 - Syracuse, Sicily

2 available excursionsto this stopover

Arrival 11/06/27 early morning Disembarkation 11/06/27 at 8:00 AM

Nov 6, 27 - Valletta

The whole of the Maltese capital Valletta is UNESCO World Heritage listed and occupies a peninsula in the north-east of the island. From the fountain of Tritons to Saint-Elme fort, there are as many majestic streets as there are narrow staircase vennels to explore. The painted loggia and carved corbels on the tall houses will accompany you in your explorations, and you’ll rarely be bothered by traffic. You can visit the Grandmasters palace decorated with coats of arms and frescoes. Saint-John’s cathedral and the ramparts which have guarded the city since the 16th century are also among the most emblematic sites of the city. Arranged in terraces, the Barrakka Gardens will punctuate your promenade with a green and floral experience.

Nov 6, 27 - Valletta

Waves & Melodies: 12th Piano Festival at Sea

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.

Visit of malta's former capital, mdina

Visit of Malta's former capital, Mdina
Details

Travel with peace of mind as PONANT organizes your daytime between airport and embarkation port.

Valletta

After disembarkation procedures are completed, you will be greeted at pier by our local representative.

Drive to Dingli Cliff for a photostop brefore Mdina visiting. Then, proceed to Mdina - Malta's Old Capital. Mdina is one of Europe's finest examples of an ancient walled city, with its extraordinary mix of medieval and Baroque architecture.

Then, Mosta discovery, famous for its church and its spectacular dome inspired by the Pantheon, in Rome.

Continue with the visit of Palazzo Parisio, a unique 19th century palace in the heart of the Mediterranean. Palazzo Parisio is not only another palace of the legendary Knights of St. John, but the ultimate memorial of ambitions, aspirations and pretensions of a 19th century noble family. It houses two baroque walled gardens, including a lovely orangery - a miniature Versailles.

Enjoy a small snack in the Palace.

Transfer to Malta Airport on time for the flight selected by PONANT.

Your programme includes:

·        Transfers, and visits as mentioned in the programme.

·        Services of a local English-speaking guide.

Your programme does not include:

·        Tips for the driver and local guide.

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

Important Information: This program may be subject to change depending on the day of disembarkation and the Ponant flight schedules. The Cathedral is closed on Sundays, and the visit will include Mosta Basilica instead. Palazzo Parisio is closed on Mondays; refreshments will be served at Casa Bernard.

Duration and price of the visits are given as a guide only. The order of the visits may be reversed. 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

$290/person*

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