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Ancient Cities of the Mediterranean

In alliance with Connaissance des Arts

Ancient Cities of the Mediterranean

  • Itinerary
    Athens to Valletta
    Duration
    8 days
  • Dates
    Prices from
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Come aboard Le Dumont d'Urville for an unforgettable voyage.

In partnership with Connaissance des Arts and with the exceptional presence of Guy Boyer, editorial director of Connaissance des Arts, and Christelle Téa, artist-draughtsman. 

Between Greece and Italy, set off aboard Le Dumont d’Urville for a cruise discovering two civilisations that have left traces of their intertwined presence in the Mediterranean. During an extraordinary eight-day odyssey, you will hear accounts of the history and secrets of the shores of the Mediterranean Sea.

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, discover the theatre of Epidaurus, considered one of the masterpieces of Greek architecture, during a stopover in Nafplio, explore Lecce, nicknamed “the Florence of the South”, from Gallipoli, or dive into Sicilian baroque architecture with a visit to the village of Noto from Syracuse. 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 legendary Peloponnese will plunge you into the country’s tumultuous and glorious past. Nafplio is an opportunity to discover the mythical sites of Epidaurus and Mycenae, respectively a ancient theatre and a pre-Hellenic city, both of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Monemvasia, a gem breathing poetry and revealing its Venetian and Byzantine architecture, commingles with the hustle and bustle and charm of Gythio, which was a former seaport of Sparta then a Roman naval base.

Next Corfu, the most famous Ionian island, will reveal the hidden treasures of its Greco-Byzantine and Venetian architectural heritage. It is the northernmost island in the Ionia Sea, both mountainous and woody, and its fascinating landscapes have inspired painters and writers such as Goethe, Alfred Sisley and Lawrence Durrell. 

It will now be time to set sail towards Italy. Its ancient archaeological sites, Renaissance palaces, citrus perfumes and internationally recognised cuisine, will welcome you for a few days of unforgettable visits. In PugliaGallipoli, meaning “beautiful town” in Greek, reveals its Hellenic origins and offers up its singular atmosphere, where life is good. In Syracuse, the Sicilian soul unfolds across the island of Ortygia - the oldest part of the city -, a maze of small streets dotted with churches, palaces, ancient remnants, sheltering a majestic cathedral in its very heart.

Your cruise will come to an end in Valletta, capital of the island of Malta and former stronghold of the Knights of the Order of Malta. 

Overview

Your voyage

All-inclusive

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Destination

Destination

Mediterranean

Athens to Valletta

Duration

8 days, 7 nights on board

Timeless, Art & Literature

Connaissance des Arts

Connaissance des Arts

Christelle Téa

Christelle Téa, Guy Boyer

Offers

PONANT Bonus 20%

Ref: EU221026

Journey

Your daily itinerary

  • An escapade between Greece and Italy, via the Peloponnese, Puglia and Sicily, to discover some of the most beautiful sites on the Mediterranean shores.
  • The gentle Mediterranean way of life experienced through picturesque ports of call like Corfu, Monemvasia and Gallipoli.
  • Among your included excursions: visit of the village of Noto (Syracuse); discovery of the ruins at Mycenae and Epidaurus, UNESCO World Heritage Sites (Nafplio).
Ancient Cities of the Mediterranean null

Customize your journey:

Guests

Sharing your journey with

Christelle Téa null

Christelle Téa

Guy Boyer null

Guy Boyer

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

Ancient Cities of the Mediterranean

Itinerary

Embarkation 22/10/26 from 16:00 to 17:00 Departure 22/10/26 at 18:00

22 Oct 26 - Athens
22 Oct 26 - Athens

Arrival 23/10/26 early morning Departure 23/10/26 evening

23 Oct 26 - Nafplion
23 Oct 26 - Nafplion

Arrival 24/10/26 early morning Departure 24/10/26 evening

24 Oct 26 - Monemvasia
24 Oct 26 - Monemvasia

Arrival 25/10/26 early morning Departure 25/10/26 midday

25 Oct 26 - Gythio
25 Oct 26 - Gythio

Arrival 26/10/26 midday Departure 26/10/26 evening

26 Oct 26 - Corfu
26 Oct 26 - Corfu

Arrival 27/10/26 early morning Departure 27/10/26 late afternoon

27 Oct 26 - Gallipoli
27 Oct 26 - Gallipoli

Arrival 28/10/26 midday Departure 28/10/26 evening

28 Oct 26 - Syracuse, Sicily
28 Oct 26 - Syracuse, Sicily

Arrival 29/10/26 early morning Disembarkation 29/10/26 at 8:00

29 Oct 26 - Valletta
29 Oct 26 - Valletta

Ancient Cities of the Mediterranean

Customize your journey

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

200 €/person*

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

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

54 €/person*

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

Flights from/to paris + panoramic tour of athens before being transferred to pireus pier (pre) + visit of malta's former capital, mdina (post)

Flights from/to Paris + Panoramic tour of Athens before being transferred to Pireus pier (PRE) + Visit of Malta's former capital, Mdina (POST)
Details

Total

944 €/person*

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

Ancient Cities of the Mediterranean

Other available date

22/10/2629/10/26

7 nights aboard the ship Le Dumont d'Urville

PONANT Bonus 20%

From

4,830 €

/person*

08/11/2616/11/26

7 nights aboard the ship LE CHAMPLAIN

No single supplement, PONANT Bonus 30%

From

4,880 €

/person*

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