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Peaceful Islands and Ancient Treasures of the Mediterranean

Peaceful Islands and Ancient Treasures of the Mediterranean

From AUD $8,430

Description

Towns and villages carved out of the water, legendary sites, infinite blue sea: between Italy and Attica, the Mediterranean continues to reveal all its treasures. In Sicily, here is Taormina, its medieval alleyways and its antique ancient theatre watched over by Mount Etna; then come Puglia and Gallipoli, unfolding their baroque pearls before making way for Greek shores. Here, legend and landscape are as one. Paxos, the island born of the gods, Parga and Galaxidi, charming little fishing ports, or Milos and its lunar landscapes, which gave birth to its famous Venus, are all perfect for wandering around. Just like Hydra, the eternal bohemian island, where it is good to lose oneself before reaching the immortal Athens.

Trip Name
Peaceful Islands and Ancient Treasures of the Mediterranean
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 - 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 2 - Day 2 - 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 3 - Day 3 - 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 4 - Day 4 - Parga
An ancient port in the Epirus region, picturesque Parga is located on the western coast of the Greek mainland. Ancient classical ruins and the Venetian citadel bear witness to the town's colourful history and the diverse influences that shaped it. Take the time to discover this ancient fishing village built like an amphitheatre, by strolling along the picturesque maze of pedestrian streets lined with small, typical Greek houses decorated with flowers and many lively taverns.
Day 5 - Day 5 - 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 6 - Day 6 - Galaxidi
Encircled by captivating arid mountains and a sea front of unrivalled beauty, picturesque Galaxidi stands proudly in the Gulf of Corinth, on the shores of Krisaikos Bay. You will fall in love with the authentic character of this preserved and majestic town, with its paved little streets edged with former neo-classical residences, remnants of the naval era, and sumptuous religious buildings. Like one of the town’s symbols: the church of Agios Nikolaos (Saint Nicholas). The building with Byzantine architecture dominates the town, and boasts two bell towers and a monumental dome.
Day 7 - Day 6 - Crossing the Corinth Canal
The Corinth Canal cuts through the Isthmus of Corinth, turning the Peloponnese into an island as it separates the region from the Greek mainland. Inaugurated in 1893, the canal is a little over six kilometres long and enables merchant vessels and passenger to avoid a long 400-km detour around the peninsula. The two sides of the canal reach a height of approximately fifty metres. From the exterior decks, don’t miss this unique opportunity to watch the ship as it navigates along the narrow strip of water encased between tall, ochre cliffs. What an experience!
Day 8 - Day 7 - Adamas, Milos
Although Milos is especially renowned for the famous statue of Venus found in a field there and now displayed in the Louvre in Paris, this mineral island is also a geological treasure. Its volcanic origin is evident in its breathtaking landscapes and the colours of its cliffs, ranging from pure white to deep red. You’ll discover the wild beauty of the shorelines lined with the most beautiful beaches in Greece from a ship deck, and you’ll enjoy privileged access to emerald-green coves. Tiny fishing ports like Adamas hide there, with brightly-painted doors and terraces. Milos is a charming port of call in the heart of the Cyclades.
Day 9 - Day 8 - Hydra
This unusual gem belonging to the Saronic islands is located to the east of the Peloponnese. There are no cars here. Named after the island, the harbour town is layered up the slopes of a mountainous bay. You may be surprised to see beautiful stone mansions. These are traditional here, as are the multi-coloured caïques along the quays. Further along the shore, you will discover the Historical Archives Museum. Collections from Athens National History Museum are exhibited in the elegant villa Koundouriotis.
Day 10 - Day 9 - 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 11 - Please note:
Itineraries are subject to change. 

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
14-06-202722-06-2027AUD $8,950Deluxe Stateroom
14-06-202722-06-2027AUD $9,420Prestige Deck 4
14-06-202722-06-2027AUD $20,170Privilege Suite Deck 5
14-06-202722-06-2027AUD $20,170Privilege Suite Deck 6
14-06-202722-06-2027AUD $24,380Grand Deluxe Suite Deck 6
14-06-202722-06-2027AUD $24,380Grand Deluxe Suite Deck 5
14-06-202722-06-2027AUD $30,330Owner's Suite
14-06-202722-06-2027AUD $9,890Prestige Deck 5
14-06-202722-06-2027AUD $10,460Prestige Deck 6
14-06-202722-06-2027AUD $16,910Deluxe Suite Deck 5
14-06-202722-06-2027AUD $16,910Deluxe Suite Deck 3
14-06-202722-06-2027AUD $16,910Deluxe Suite Deck 4
14-06-202722-06-2027AUD $16,910Deluxe Suite Deck 6
14-06-202722-06-2027AUD $18,780Prestige Deck 5 Suite
14-06-202722-06-2027AUD $19,230Prestige Deck 6 Suite
17-08-202725-08-2027AUD $8,430Deluxe Stateroom
17-08-202725-08-2027AUD $8,870Prestige Deck 4
17-08-202725-08-2027AUD $9,310Prestige Deck 5
17-08-202725-08-2027AUD $9,840Prestige Deck 6
17-08-202725-08-2027AUD $15,890Deluxe Suite Deck 4
17-08-202725-08-2027AUD $15,890Deluxe Suite Deck 6
17-08-202725-08-2027AUD $15,890Deluxe Suite Deck 3
17-08-202725-08-2027AUD $15,890Deluxe Suite Deck 5
17-08-202725-08-2027AUD $17,640Prestige Deck 5 Suite
17-08-202725-08-2027AUD $18,070Prestige Deck 6 Suite
17-08-202725-08-2027AUD $18,950Privilege Suite Deck 6
17-08-202725-08-2027AUD $18,950Privilege Suite Deck 5
17-08-202725-08-2027AUD $21,400Grand Deluxe Suite Deck 5
17-08-202725-08-2027AUD $22,890Grand Deluxe Suite Deck 6
17-08-202725-08-2027AUD $30,330Owner's Suite

Inclusions

    • An escapade between Greece and Italy, via Sicily, Puglia, Epirus, the Cyclades and the Saronic Islands, to discover some of the most beautiful Mediterranean shores.
    • Perfect combination of peaceful ports of call like Parga, Paxos, Galaxidi and Hydra, and unmissable sites like Taormina, Gallipoli and Milos.
    • A few of the included excursions: Mount Etna (UNESCO World Heritage Site) from Taormina; the town of Lecce from Gallipoli; the Delphi site (UNESCO World Heritage Site) from Galaxidi, etc.

Map