Island Hopping from Dubrovnik to Athens

Description

“Eternity. It is the sea mingled with the sun”, according to a poem by Rimbaud. Whether you are a lover of the sea or a curious traveller, experience once again the indescribable joy of navigating under sail, bathed by the wind and sea spray, surrounded by the elements. Take your place aboard Le Ponant, a majestic three-mast yacht with elegant lines and an interior design created by the Jean-Philippe Nuel studio to be a warm and intimate setting with a very distinctive personality. As if you were on your very own yacht, match your inner tempo to the boat’s subtle oscillations and savour the freedom of living in the moment, being fully present for your trip. Find out more about Le Ponant, here.

Aboard its emblematic yacht, PONANT is reshaping the contours of cruising and invites you to experience a new way of discovering the wonderful Mediterranean shores, between olive groves and sun-drenched vines. From unique and iconic ports of call to private moments, experience the very essence of the Mediterranean and welcome the unexpected like a breath of freedom.

With the evening light caressing the golden roofs of Dubrovnik, you will leave the Pearl of the Adriatic, and set sail for the South, towards the preserved oases of the Ionian and Aegean Seas.

Let yourself be captivated by these islands and their well-guarded treasures. Aboard Le Ponant, the wind will take you towards mineral fortresses and lush hiding places, inviting you to dream. Discover the soul of these islands, which is ingrained in their history and their singularities. From cultural riches to local produce, external influences reshape the contours of Greek identity.

You will sail towards the beautiful and secret Paxos, covered with olive trees and bathed with legends in the aquamarine and dark blue sea.

Let yourself fall under the spell of the charming port of Fiskardo with its Venetian inspiration, on the island of Kefalonia, very close to Ithaca.

You will now head towards the south-east of the Peloponnese. The fortified peninsula of Monemvasia will reveal itself, monumental, like a ship of stone overlooking the azure.

You will sail, senses heightened, towards Kythnos, a wild and hilly rock, tamed by traditional and environmentally friendly agriculture.

Then you will reach the charming port of Lavrio, located very close to beautiful Athens. The experiences, designed for you and with you, create possibilities for going back to basics in a setting that is conducive to contemplation. At your own pace, immerse yourself in wild and stunning panoramas, away from the crowds, and enjoy moments spent in harmony with nature: glass-bottom kayaking, snorkelling, paddle-boarding, bike riding.

Trip Name

Island Hopping from Dubrovnik to Athens

Days

Overview

Vessel Type: Motor Yacht Length: 88 metres Passenger Capacity: 64 Built: 1991 This sleek, expertly designed 88-metre-long and 56-metre-high three-master is one of the most majestic yachts in the world. In an age when everything is becoming computer controlled, it shines the spotlight back on the more manual, skilful art of sailing, combined with comfort, elegance, exclusivity and sustainability. The striking lines, the quality of the materials, the sophistication of the way they’re combined: the common areas, designed by French design studio Jean-Philippe Nuel, exude a sense of timelessness and offer a genuine connection with the exterior scenery and landscapes. Their design offers a blend of purity, excellence and a sense of easy living through the prominent use of stylish plain tones: off-white, taupe and caviar grey. No flourishes or embellishments here, but instead a unity between the common areas and the staterooms. Exterior bar - Sun Deck Sun Lounge area - Exterior bar The Le Diamant panoramic restaurant - Zéphyr Deck Seats 34 guests - 61 m² - Buffet breakfast and dinner - Fine gastronomic cuisine made using exceptionally high quality organic and local products - Veuve Clicquot champagne - Wines from French artisan wine producers and the regions visited. The Marina - Alizés Deck Two standard kayaks and two glass-bottomed kayaks - Four stand up paddleboards - Snorkelling equipment - Fishing equipment - Scuba diving equipment (for a group of four people) - Saltwater swimming pool - Small equipment for children (noodles, rings, armbands and safety equipment) - Bicycles The lounge and Bar Emeraude - Alizés Deck Interior surface : 92 m² - Seats 35 guests - Exterior surface : 85 m² - Seats 24 guests The wellness space - Alizés Deck Spa / massages (18.5 m²): one cabin offering massages and Biologique Recherche treatments - Gym (16 m²) with dedicated fitness instructor - Yoga sessions on the Sun Deck

Itinerary

Day 1 - Day 1 DUBROVNIK

Emblem of the Dalmatian coast, Dubrovnik is magnificently positioned on a rocky spur. History is sovereign here, in this ancient city, now a listed UNESCO World Heritage site. You will perhaps be surprised by the proportions of La Placa, the central drag through the city. The sheer width of it can be explained by the fact that it straddles a former lagoon. The elegant houses along La Placa are built in the legendary travertine stone. At Pile gate, you will be greeted by the statue of the patron saint of Dubrovnik, and you can admire the coastline as you walk along the ramparts. But what’s inside Fort Saint John, adjoining the outer walls? A maritime museum and an aquarium featuring rare fish from the Adriatic.

Day 2 - Day 2 AT SEA ABOARD LE PONANT

During your day at sea on board Le Ponant, make the most of your free time and the comfort of your ship for a moment of rest or conviviality. If the weather is right, let yourself be tempted by a spot of sunbathing. This day without a port of call will also be an opportunity to do some shopping in the boutique and share the highlights of your cruise with the other passengers. 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 relaxation, sharing and the pleasure of sailing on a yacht.

Day 3 - Day 3 PAXI

Near the pretty port of Gaios, discover Paxos, a lush hideaway resting in the Ionian Sea. The island is planted with cypresses and ancient olive trees that once provided oil to Venice. The architecture is marked by a distinct Venetian influence. Succumb to the charms of this island where nature, ever-present, forms beautiful landscapes. From mountainous terrain to lovely fishing villages and hidden coves, Paxos reveals its authenticity to those willing to discover it.

Day 4 - Day 4 FISKARDO, CEPHALONIA

You will discover Fiskardo in the north-east of Kefalonia, a refined, flowery island, a little-known destination in the Ionian Islands. The colourful houses along the seafront present an astonishing architecture with Italian influences. As you step further out on the peer, you will glimpse the coast of Ithaca, the legendary land of King Ulysses. Take the time to sit at an outdoor terrace along the water’s edge, under the shade of the awnings: they offer a delightful, relaxing setting. Enjoy the spectacle of the boats moored in the harbour as you savour small meat pies called kreatopita, a Greek speciality.

Day 5 - Day 5 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.

Day 6 - Day 6 KYTHNOS

You will discover Kythnos, an arid and rocky island covered in maquis. Low dry stone walls delimit the terraces where olive groves stand alongside fig and almond trees that feed the imagination as much as the people. Discover the chora and its beautiful white houses by taking a stroll along the intertwined streets. A breakfast of traditional local dishes is planned, in an enchanting and private setting. Then, the welcoming shade of a parasol awaits you for a nap on the beach. You might also be tempted by a swim or a spot of paddle-boarding or kayaking to discover the exceptional landscapes of this island surrounded by the exceptionally beautiful Aegean Sea. Local conditions permitting, an optional dive will be possible near wrecks, some of which date back to the Second World War.

Day 7 - Day 7 LAVRIO (ATHENS)

Near Athens, Lavrion is a peaceful port welcoming boats from around the world. The town has been known since ancient times for the silver-producing mines of Lavrion, which were major contributors to the wealth of Athens and to the Greek economy in the 20th century. Weather permitting, take a stroll through the town and discover the many vestiges of this industry that flourished until the 1980s: old Neoclassical-style constructions, industrial buildings, and worker houses. Not far from there, the ancient site of Thorikos reveals a Greek theatre and a marble temple dedicated to Demeter, both well preserved. The elegant silhouette of Le Ponant will be awaiting you at quay, to take you on an incredible journey to the heart of the Greek islands.

Day 8 - Please Note:

Itineraries are subject to change.

Trip Dates

Start	End	Price From	Room Type

Inclusions

Enjoy the extraordinary experience of sailing aboard Le Ponant as though you were on your own private yacht.
A limited-capacity yacht: a maximum of 32 passengers and as many crew members; a dedicated chef.
Sail on a ship propelled by the wind and enjoy the wonderful opportunities nature offers us to adapt the programme and navigate under sail whenever possible.
As the wind carries you, rediscover your taste for shared happiness and the essential.
(Re)discover the deep and secret soul of the Mediterranean and enjoy ports of call off the beaten path, revisited to offer you exclusive experiences.
On board as on shore, soak up the local riches and traditions of the Greek islands, and live authentic moments through cultural encounters and gastronomy.
Exceptional moments on board and numerous water-based activities to rediscover the insular landscapes of the Ionian and Aegean Seas.
On board, to fulfil your most unexpected desires, or for lovers of the Mediterranean wishing to rediscover the must-see sites, PONANT is there to assist you and can arrange additional bespoke services.