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18 Jun 26, from 6,170 €
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Cruising the Dalmatian Coast and the Ionian Sea: Venice to Athens – with Smithsonian Journeys

In partnership with Smithsonian Journeys

Cruising the Dalmatian Coast and the Ionian Sea: Venice to Athens – with Smithsonian Journeys

  • Itinerary
    Venice to Athens
    Duration
    8 days
  • Dates
    18 Jun 26 to 25 Jun 26
    Starting price
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Onboard onto Le Boréal for an exquisite journey

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 Le Boréal sails into the deep, fjord-like Bay of Kotor to reach the port town of the same name, 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 full 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.

Overview

Your voyage

All inclusive, gourmet cuisine, room service, evening entertainment, shows, fitness center, hammam, sauna… Discover what is included in every Ponant cruise.

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Destination

Destination

Mediterranean

Venice to Athens

Duration

8 days, 7 nights on board

Smithsonian Journeys, Timeless

Smithsonian Journeys

Smithsonian Journeys

Shore excursion in each port of call + transfers included

Offres

Ponant Bonus 15%

Ref: VA7945US - BO180626

Journey

Your journey day-by-day

  • 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.
  • Discover six Mediterranean countries: Italy, Croatia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Montenegro, Albania, and Greece.
  • Explore as many as six UNESCO World Heritage sites, spanning 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.
Cruising the Dalmatian Coast and the Ionian Sea: Venice to Athens – with Smithsonian Journeys null

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*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.

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Itinerary