PONANT
Discover a world of adventure onboard PONANT’s L’Austral. Since 1988 PONANT, the only French cruise company, has been providing luxury cruises in a fully 5 star setting and has won multiple awards for its excellent service and unique cruising model. Offering a truly exclusive experience, the PONANT fleet is made up of small sized ships designed to accommodate a limited amount of travelers. L’Austral features an innovative design with a beautifully decorated refined interior. A journey onboard L’Austral will feel as though you are travelling on your very own private yacht.
Discover the magical and enchanting Greek Islands from the Peloponnese to the Cycaldes via the Dodecanese on this incredible nine night cruise with PONANT. This journey will begin with a two night pre cruise stay in Athens, with guests then boarding the L’Austral for a seven night cruise to the most beautiful Greek Islands. Beautiful coastlines, charming colourful houses, white washed villages, volcanic islands and archeological wonders await on this unforgettable cruise.
Day 1 – 3
Your journey will begin in Athens with a two night pre cruise at The Dolli in a Deluxe Room on a bed and breakfast basis. This ancient city is famous for its rich culture, ancient ruins, and beautiful beaches. Spend your days exploring this fascinating city which features an abundance of attractions including the Acropolis Museum, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, and the Acropolis of Athens, a citadel situated on a rocky outcrop containing ruins of several ancient buildings. On day three you will transfer to the port to begin your seven night luxury cruise onboard PONANT’s L’Austral.
Day 4
The first stop on this incredible cruising journey is Patmos, a stunning and must see island in the Dodecanse island group. This island is most famous for the Monastery of Saint John, named after Saint John who lived on the island and is the presumed author of the last book in the Bible. This UNESCO world heritage site is located at the top of a hill above Chora, the capital town, and is protected by walls, giving it the appearance of a fortress. Also be sure to visit the crystalline coves of Kambos and Lampi on the shore which offer beautiful swimming areas.
Day 5
Next your cruise will dock at Symi, a small island located north-west of Rhodes. This island is home to cypress forests, vineyards and olive orchards as well as a variety of beautiful colourful houses, so be sure to have your cameras ready! Visit one of the several museums and learn about the island’s rich history or alternatively head to one of the gorgeous beaches where pristine sands meet the crystal clear Aegean waters.
Day 6
This morning your cruise will dock in Amorgos, the most easterly island in the Cyclades. The charm of this island is undeniable with beautiful rock inlets with crystal-clear waters and quaint, picturesque villages. Be sure to visit Chora and wander through its charming cobbled streets and whitewashed houses overlooked by a castle. You will then depart Amorgos midafternoon and spend the rest of the day sailing the breathtaking waters of Santorini caldera. Marvel at the reds of the volcanic rocks, the blue of the Aegean Sea and beautiful villages in the distance.
Day 7
Today your cruise will dock in Milos, a volcanic island in the Cyclades boasting a spectacular colourful landscape with cliffs ranging in colour from pure white to deep red. This island is especially famous for the Venus de Milo statue, which was discovered in 1820 and is now displayed in the Louvre Museum in Paris. Discover the islands beautiful coastline which is home to more than 40 exotic beaches as well as stunning emerald-green coves.
Day 8
This morning your cruise will dock in Delos, an island located just a few miles southwest of Mykonos. The entire island has been designated as an archaeological site and is a UNESCO World Heritage Listed Site. Wander back through time to the era of ancient Greece and marvel at the many archaeological wonders including the Stoa of Antigonos and the Terrace of the Lions. You will then depart Delos midday and travel to Paros where you will arrive early afternoon. Paros is the third largest island of the Cycladic complex and is famous for its white marble architecture. Visit the main town of Parika and see its Byzantine churches and neoclassical buildings.
Day 9
The next stop is Hydra, an island in the heart of the Saronic islands located to the east of the Pelopannese. This island does not allow any cars, resulting in a truly serene environment. This beautiful island also features beautiful stone mansions and the island has been used as a filming location for the movies ‘A girl in black’ and ‘Boy on a dolphin’. Also history lovers should be sure to visit the Historical Archives Museum.
Day 10
Your cruise will end in Athens where guests will disembark the ship and transfer to the airport for the return flight home.