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Peregrine Travel Centre

Ancient Cities of Greece and Italy Luxury Cruise

Ancient Cities of Greece and Italy Luxury Cruise

From AUD $7,710

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Description

In the peace and quiet of the off-season, far from the crowds, set off on a journey to discover ancient Greek and Italian cities, with fortresses overlooking the Mediterranean, old towns and architectural treasures. From the Peloponnese to the Italian boot, each port of call will reveal grandiose heritage: Epidaurus and Mycenae from Nafplio, ancient jewels and the legendary archaeological site of Olympia from Katakolon, all UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Corfu’s Greco-Byzantine and Venetian influences unveil another face of Greece, a harmonious blend of civilisations set into the island’s architecture. In the Puglia province, fall under the spell of these historic cities with their mix of ancestral heritage, pretty little streets and Mediterranean traditions.

Trip Name
Ancient Cities of Greece and Italy Luxury Cruise
Days
8
Overview
Vessel Type: Luxury Length: 127 metres Passenger Capacity: 92 cabins Built: 2017/2018 Le Lapérouse is the first vessel in the PONANT Explorers series, designed to bring refined luxury to the world’s most remote destinations. With a maximum of 184 guests and 92 beautifully appointed staterooms and suites, the ship combines modern elegance with an intimate atmosphere. Expansive lounges, a theatre, and an infinity pool create inviting spaces for relaxation and connection, while panoramic windows throughout the ship ensure constant connection to the sea. Guests can embark directly from the marina platform for Zodiac excursions or water activities, blending adventure with comfort. On board, Le Lapérouse celebrates the art of French living with world-class gastronomy, serene wellness facilities, and understated sophistication in every detail. The vessel was built with advanced environmental technology, reflecting a commitment to responsible exploration and preservation of the natural world. Whether cruising through Nordic fjords, Mediterranean coastlines, or tropical archipelagos, Le Lapérouse offers an immersive travel experience where discovery, comfort, and elegance converge.

Itinerary



Day 1 - Day 1 - 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.
Day 2 - Day 2 - 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.
Day 3 - Day 3 - Katakolon
This picturesque village stretches along the Ionian sea in the west of the Peloponnese. Its main harbour offers a vast panorama of the coastline’s wooded hillsides. Dazzling white, the church of Saint-Nicolas houses a selection of sumptuous icons. You can also pay a visit the archaeological site of Olympus on the slopes of Mount Kronos.
Day 4 - Day 4 - 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.
Day 5 - Day 5 - Bari
Extending out along a fertile plain facing the Adriatic Sea amid infinite landscapes sculpted by the water and wind, Bari bears the traces of the peoples which, over the centuries, have conquered it, settled it, or simply visited it fleetingly before making their way to faraway lands. Though its exact origins are lost among the mysteries of archaeology, the many sites here provide evidence of the town’s rich past. The Saracens, Byzantines, Normans and Swabians have left a trace here, each bringing their own cultural baggage.  During your stop here, stroll along the minuscule streets in Bari Vecchia, the historic centre, where you will find small churches and monuments from bygone eras.
Day 6 - Day 6 - Taranto
Taranto lies in the region of Puglia, the heel of the Italian boot jutting into the Adriatic and Ionian seas whose crystal-clear waters take on exquisite shades of azure and jade. In this ancient Greek colony built on a peninsula, an 1886 swing bridge links the modern district to the old town, which stands on an artificial island at the entrance to the channel. From Taranto, discover the cave city and rock churches of Matera, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Day 7 - Day 7 - At sea
During your journey at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This journey without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, depending on the activities offered, or to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.
Day 8 - Day 8 - 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.
Day 9 - Please note:
Itineraries are subject to change. 

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
05-01-202812-01-2028AUD $7,710Deluxe Stateroom
05-01-202812-01-2028AUD $8,100Prestige Stateroom Deck 4
05-01-202812-01-2028AUD $17,090Privilege Suite Deck 5
05-01-202812-01-2028AUD $17,090Privilege Suite Deck 6
05-01-202812-01-2028AUD $20,620Grand Deluxe Suite
05-01-202812-01-2028AUD $29,050Owner's Suite
05-01-202812-01-2028AUD $8,490Prestige Stateroom Deck 5
05-01-202812-01-2028AUD $8,960Prestige Stateroom Deck 6
05-01-202812-01-2028AUD $14,360Deluxe Suite Deck 6
05-01-202812-01-2028AUD $14,360Deluxe Suite Deck 4
05-01-202812-01-2028AUD $14,360Deluxe Suite Deck 3
05-01-202812-01-2028AUD $14,360Deluxe Suite Deck 5
05-01-202812-01-2028AUD $15,930Prestige Suite Deck 5
05-01-202812-01-2028AUD $16,320Prestige Suite Deck 6

Inclusions

    • An escapade during the low season, away from the crowds, between Greece and Italy, via the Peloponnese and Puglia, to discover some of the most beautiful sites on the Mediterranean shores.
    • Discover the region’s emblematic UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Epidaurus and Mycenae from Nafplio; the archaeological site of Olympia from Katakolon; the old town of Corfu; Castel del Monte and the Trulli of Alberobello near Bari.
    • The gentle Mediterranean way of life experienced through picturesque ports of call like Corfu, Bari and Taranto.

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