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Under Sail from Sicily to the Greek Islands Luxury Cruise

Under Sail from Sicily to the Greek Islands Luxury Cruise

From AUD $15,860

Description

Aboard Le Ponant, you will sail between Italian effervescence and the gentle Greek way of life. From Palermo to Athens, from Roman villas to Greek temples, from lively markets to little-known villages, you will explore the countless facets of these shores shaped by a unique cultural melting pot.  In Sicily, guided by the imposing silhouette of the restless Mount Etna, you will plunge into an ancient and volcanic world, steeped in history and passion. Then the Greek islands will offer themselves up like a luminous poem. Between the sun-bleached villages, perfumed pine trees and turquoise coastlines home to historic treasures, you will be lulled by myths of ancient times, the very essence of the region.  
Whether you are a lover of the sea or a curious traveller, experience once again the indescribable joy of navigating under sail surrounded by the elements. Take your place aboard Le Ponant, a majestic three-mast yacht with elegant lines and an interior designed by the Jean-Philippe Nuel studio to be a warm and intimate setting with a highly distinctive character. As if on your very own yacht, savour the freedom of living in the moment.

Trip Name
Under Sail from Sicily to the Greek Islands Luxury Cruise
Days
8
Overview
Vessel Type: Three-Master Sailing Ship Length: 288 feet Passenger Capacity: 32 Built/refurbished: 1991/2021 Le Ponant is a legendary three-masted yacht offering an exceptionally exclusive cruising experience for just 32 guests. With one crew member per passenger, service is highly personalised, ensuring every moment on board feels effortless and indulgent. Her design invites guests to connect deeply with the sea, with open and airy common areas that frame the horizon and allow the elements to be part of the journey. When conditions permit, she sails under wind power, creating a serene and authentic maritime experience that celebrates the art of slow travel. Accommodations comprise 16 spacious staterooms and suites spread across three decks, each bathed in natural light through generous windows or portholes. Stylishly appointed and luxuriously comfortable, they provide a peaceful retreat after days of exploration or quiet contemplation at sea. Combining elegance, sustainability through hybrid propulsion, and a deep respect for the oceans she navigates, Le Ponant offers a rare and refined way to discover the world.

Itinerary



Day 1 - Day 1 - Palermo, Sicily
Palermo is the guardian of the Sicilian soul. Many have been attracted to this city, the largest capital of the Italian islands. Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Romans, Byzantines, Arabs, Normans... Palermo is a rich culmination of so many cultural influences as seen in the Moorish designs on the cathedral, and the Byzantine mosaics of the Palatine chapel, which is itself housed within the precincts of the Norman palace. You will fall under the spell of the palaces, baroque splendours that grace the town with their obsolete beauty. It is thrilling to stumble upon one of those fabulous markets, high in colour, and headily picturesque.
Day 2 - Day 2 - Reggio di Calabria
At the southern tip of the Italian boot, Reggio di Calabria guards the eastern shore of the Strait of Messina. From the lungomare, the sea front promenade, there are magnificent views over Sicily, a little over 3 km away, and Etna. Rebuilt after the 1908 earthquake, Reggio is set out in a grid pattern and has Art Nouveau and Belle Époque architecture that add to its charm. And the fragrance of bergamot, the citrus fruit that dominates the region’s confectionery and perfumery. 
Day 3 - Day 3 - Taormina, Sicily
Located on Sicily’s eastern coast, in the province of Messina, the seaside town of Taormina is Sicily’s Saint-Tropez, boasting heritage sites, secluded beaches and luxury shopping. You can visit its medieval centre, suspended 300 metres above sea level, where terraces offer a spectacular view of the Mediterranean Sea. Another vestige from its past are the ruins of the Greco-Roman theatre. This extremely well-preserved site attracts visitors who are fascinated by the natural beauty of the area which overlooks a turquoise bay.
Day 4 - Day 4 - At sea
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 5 - Day 5 - 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 6 - Day 6 - Pylos
The picturesque port of Pylos is located in the south west of the Peloponnese. Backed against the lush green hills of Messenia, it looks out onto the Navarino Bay. You can admire the gorgeous view as you walk uptown amid pink oleanders that cascade over the jetty. A stone’s throw away, the historical centre’s winding streets will plunge you into a maze of houses with whitewashed facades and terracotta roof-tiles. On the attractive main beach, you will be able to relax in the shade of the age-old plane trees and taste the delicious local biscuits made of sesame and honey.
Day 7 - Day 7 - Spetses
Spetses, “the jasmine island”, is an unspoiled paradise and the favourite holiday spot of Athenian high society. The shaded outdoor dining areas of the restaurants serving local cuisine stand alongside beautiful boutiques. Away from the hustle and bustle of the world, stroll or cycle around the small port lined with the beautiful Neoclassical homes of shipowners and enjoy the pleasantness of the moment. There is a distinct dolce vita atmosphere in the air. From hidden coves to beaches of fine sand, this island is brimming with charm. The hiking trails through the pine forest also promise beautiful panoramas.
Day 8 - Day 8 - Athens (Lavrio)
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. While at this port of call, also take the time to discover Athens and its acropolis, or Cape Sounion on which stands the magnificent temple of Poseidon.
Day 9 - Please note:
Itineraries are subject to change. 

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
08-06-202715-06-2027AUD $15,860MISTRAL STATEROOM
08-06-202715-06-2027AUD $16,840MISTRAL PRESTIGE STATEROOM
08-06-202715-06-2027AUD $25,740MISTRAL JUNIOR SUITE
08-06-202715-06-2027AUD $28,710MISTRAL PRESTIGE SUITE
08-06-202715-06-2027AUD $29,690ALIZÉS STATEROOM
08-06-202715-06-2027AUD $30,680ALIZÉS PRESTIGE STATEROOM
08-06-202715-06-2027AUD $43,530ALIZÉS PRIVILEGE SUITE
08-06-202715-06-2027AUD $44,510ALIZÉS GRAND PRIVILEGE SUITE
08-06-202715-06-2027AUD $53,450Zephyr Owner Suite

Inclusions

    • Discover the cultural riches of Sicily and the Greek islands aboard Le Ponant, the first Relais & Châteaux sailing yacht, to rediscover the feeling of shared joy and reconnect with what is essential, as the wind carries you along.
    • Places of interest (the ancient theatre of Taormina, the archaeological site of Messene
    • both UNESCO World Heritage Sites -, the Riace bronzes at the National Museum of Magna Græcia in Reggio Calabria) and small little-known ports (Pylos, Fiskardo, discovering Spetses by bike).
    • Explore the deep and secret soul of the Ionian Sea via ports of call off the beaten path, revisited to offer you exclusive included activities.

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