fbpx

Waves & Melodies: 12th Piano Festival at Sea

Waves & Melodies: 12th Piano Festival at Sea

From AUD $9,650

Description

Set off a musical cruise discovering ancient Mediterranean cities during the 12th Piano Festival at Sea, in partnership with RADIO CLASSIQUE and with the exceptional presence of Alain Duault. From the Peloponnese to Sicily, each port of call will reveal fascinating heritage: Epidaurus and Mycenae, ancient treasures, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites; Monemvasia rising from the waves; Heraklion and its Minoan mysteries; or Gythio, seaport of Ancient Sparta. Each evening on the water, one of the six guest pianists will play a unique recital for you. Puglia, Gallipoli and Syracuse will enhance this trip featuring legends, the scent of citrus and enchanted melodies, which will conclude with a concert bringing together all the artists.

Trip Name
Waves & Melodies: 12th Piano Festival at Sea
Days
9
Overview
Vessel Type: Luxury Passenger Capacity: 92 cabins Built: 2017/2018 Le Dumont d’Urville is one of PONANT’s state-of-the-art Explorer-class yachts, designed to combine refined French sophistication with immersive expedition travel. Hosting a maximum of 184 guests across 92 elegantly appointed staterooms and suites, the ship offers an intimate cruising experience defined by comfort, style, and innovation. Expansive lounge areas, a panoramic theatre, and multiple bars create inviting spaces to relax and socialise, while the infinity pool seamlessly blends into the sea views. From the marina platform, guests can easily embark on Zodiac excursions or enjoy water activities in serene surroundings. Every detail aboard Le Dumont d’Urville reflects a celebration of nature and discovery. Guests enjoy world-class gastronomy, a serene spa and fitness area, and advanced technology that supports environmentally responsible exploration. Purpose-built for navigating diverse destinations — from Nordic fjords and Mediterranean coastlines to Caribbean islands and Arctic waterways — this sleek, modern vessel embodies the art of travel at sea: luxurious, sustainable, and deeply connected to the natural world.

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 - 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 4 - Day 4 - Heraklion, Crete
Heraklion, the capital of Crete, is the island’s most populous city. The hustle and bustle of this seaport is an integral part of its charm. It is built on a hillside overlooking the port and is encircled by impressive Venetian walls. From the top of these, you will be able to enjoy one of the most beautiful views of the city. The old town is teeming with small shops, squares, cafés and vibrant architectural evidence of the city’s long history. The Palace of Knossos illustrates the wealth and power of its legendary sovereign, King Minos. The archaeological museum houses one of the largest collections of Minoan artefacts and is worth a visit.
Day 5 - Day 5 - Gythio
Located in the south of the Peloponnese, on the Mani Peninsula, Gytheio was the main port and naval base of ancient Sparta, located around fifty kilometres inland. In Roman times, the port experienced significant expansion thanks to trading in imperial dye; in fact, the region had an abundance of murex, the rock snails from which this dye, loved by the Romans, was extracted. The town is nestled against Mount Koumaros and dominated by a citadel. Take a stroll and fall under the charm of the calm that reigns over the stairways bordered by small neoclassic houses with steps overrun with wild flowers.
Day 6 - Day 6 - 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 7 - Day 7 - Gallipoli
Gallipoli, which comes from the Greek kalle polis, meaning beautiful town, is very aptly named. Located on the heel of the boot, the town known as “the pearl of Puglia” has many attractions. The whiteness of its façades recalls its Greek origins while its architecture echoes its multiple influences. Its old town, perched on a limestone island, concentrates the cultural heritage of this city with a thousand faces, alternately a Roman colony, then Byzantine, the property of the Popes, Norman, under the rule of Taranto… By itself, it tells the story of the different civilisations of the Mediterranean Sea. 
Day 8 - Day 8 - Syracuse, Sicily
Its undulating rocky coastline, the endless sandy beaches, the menacing form of Mount Etna which surveys its island like a patriarch, the flowery gardens on the hillside... Sicily lays out its varied landscapes like a shopkeeper displays his wares. Described by Cicero as “the most beautiful city in the world”, Syracuse was one of the most prestigious cities in Sicily and at her height was even a rival for Athens. A central city of Ancient Greece, it was home to a succession of civilisations, each of which has left their mark. The blend of Arabic, Roman, Norman, Byzantine and Spanish cultures makes Syracuse a town that is extraordinarily rich in fragrances, colours and flavours.
Day 9 - Day 9 - 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 10 - Please note:
Itineraries are subject to change. 

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
29-10-202706-11-2027AUD $9,650Deluxe Stateroom
29-10-202706-11-2027AUD $10,150Prestige Deck 4
29-10-202706-11-2027AUD $21,710Privilege Suite Deck 6
29-10-202706-11-2027AUD $21,710Privilege Suite Deck 5
29-10-202706-11-2027AUD $24,510Grand Deluxe Suite Deck 5
29-10-202706-11-2027AUD $26,220Grand Deluxe Suite Deck 6
29-10-202706-11-2027AUD $34,770Owner's Suite
29-10-202706-11-2027AUD $10,650Prestige Deck 5
29-10-202706-11-2027AUD $11,250Prestige Deck 6
29-10-202706-11-2027AUD $18,190Deluxe Suite Deck 5
29-10-202706-11-2027AUD $18,190Deluxe Suite Deck 6
29-10-202706-11-2027AUD $18,190Deluxe Suite Deck 3
29-10-202706-11-2027AUD $18,190Deluxe Suite Deck 4
29-10-202706-11-2027AUD $20,190Prestige Deck 5 Suite
29-10-202706-11-2027AUD $20,700Prestige Deck 6 Suite

Inclusions

    • Every evening, enjoy an exclusive concert on board given by our guest pianists.
    • An escapade between Greece and Italy, via the Peloponnese, Crete, Puglia and Sicily, to discover some of the most beautiful Mediterranean shores and ancient sites.
    • Among your included excursions: visit of the village of Noto (Syracuse); discovery of the ruins at Mycenae and Epidaurus, UNESCO World Heritage Sites (Nafplio), etc.

Map