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The Jewels of the Aegean – 10 Day Turkey & Greek Islands Luxury Cruise

The Jewels of the Aegean – 10 Day Turkey & Greek Islands Luxury Cruise

From AUD $8,200

Description

Sail the Greek and Turkish shores during an exceptional journey, an 10-day cruise aboard Le Dumont-d’Urville, during which you will fall under the spell of these island jewels and secular cities, featuring ancient ruins and splendid scenery, which people the Eastern Mediterranean.
Throughout your journey, you will benefit from an excursion included per person per port of call, to choose from a selection offered by PONANT. During this cruise, visit the archaeological site of Ephesus from Kusadasi, discover the ruins of Mycenae and Epidaurus from Nafplio, or admire the sumptuous archaeological sites, from the Temples of Zeus, Apollo and Athena to the Terrace of the Lions, from Delos. The diversity of experiences on offer promises you intense and varied moments (to discover the full range of excursions, go to the itinerary tab). The diversity of experiences on offer promises you intense and varied moments (to discover the full range of excursions, go to the itinerary tab).
From Antalya, a former Roman port with picturesque alleyways and fine Ottoman residences, Le Dumont-d’Urville will sail south for the Dodecanese archipelago. On the mythical island of Rhodes, let yourself be swept away by the charm of this medieval city with its gothic architecture, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Le Dumont-d’Urville will leave Greece to reach Kusadasi in Turkey. An old fishing village with history going back 5,000 years, not far from the Ephesus site, the town is now one of the country’s most famous seaside resorts. You will discover Patmos, known as the “Jerusalem of the Aegean Sea”. This island, where Saint John is said to have written the Apocalypse, offers unique landscapes combining white sandy beaches and rocky coves.
Your ship will sail to the southern Aegean Sea to discover the capital of Crete, Heraklion, built on a hillside overlooking the port and encircled by formidable Venetian walls.
You will then sail north-west for the charming Monemvasia. A romantic haven for the Athenians, this magnificent peninsula conserves treasures of Venetian and Byzantine architecture in the small vaulted streets of its fortified medieval village, which feature thousands of shades of ochre.
Further north, you will arrive in Nafplio, the departure point for discovering the Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus and the Mycenae archaeological site, both UNESCO World Heritage sites.
In the south-eastern Aegean Sea, the Cyclades archipelago invites you to enjoy the wild and appealing beauty of its islands. Delos, a veritable open-air museum, offers a unique testimony of the succession of different civilisations during the Aegean period. Then there’s Paros, renowned for its sublime white marble, a veritable concentration of Greek beauty, with its olive groves and ancient monuments. The island of Syros is the last port of call on your cruise: the Cyclades capital will surprise you with its authenticity and neo-classical architecture.

Trip Name
The Jewels of the Aegean - 10 Day Turkey & Greek Islands Luxury Cruise
Days
10
Overview
Vessel Type: Luxury Expedition / Cruise Ship Length: 142 metres Passenger Capacity: 264 (200 in Antarctica) Built: 2011 This superb mega-yacht with 132 cabins is the result of the expertise of the Italian Fincantieri shipyard and French sophistication, as interpreted by designer Jean-Philippe Nuel. L'Austral has a unique atmosphere, a subtle blend of luxury, intimacy and well-being. A sleek silhouette softened by elegantly smooth contours and large, arched windows opening up to the sea and the light: so many features come together to give L’Austral her distinctive shape. Precious materials, discreet elegance and a perfect balance between chic and casual, combine to make you feel as if you are on your own private yacht. A design blending tradition and innovation, where a nautical mood has been subtly recreated. Precious materials in smoothing neutral tones are brought to life with splashes of cheerful reds. So many personal touches create the spirit of a “private yacht”. Cuisine Loyal to the great French tradition, the haute cuisine on board is worthy of the finest restaurants, where discreet, attentive service is the hallmark. Our two restaurants welcome you for breakfasts, lunch and dinner. The Gastronomic Restaurant, with a capacity of 268 persons, is situated on Le Liberté Deck and serves you French and international cuisine accompagnied by fine wine. On the Grill Restaurant, you will have the opportuniny to eat outside and enjoy buffet lunch and themed dinner. Life On Board Whether you want to join other guests in the theatre or games area (Wii™ consoles, etc), or relax on your own in a quiet corner of the library, L'Austral has been designed to meet the needs of every guest. Everything has been done to preserve the independence of each guest to suit their personal tastes: lounges for lectures and shows, a spa in partnership with Sothys™, but also more intimate spaces such as the library and internet corner. Comfortable cabins, nearly all with private balcony, are available for families either as triples or as communicating cabins. There is also a games area with Wii™ consoles, children’s menus, and a baby-sitting service. Just as if you were on a private yacht, your time is your own to do as you please. Fitted with the latest equipment (Kinesis Wall, running machine) and in partnership with the famous Sothys™ brand, the Beauty Centre on L'Austral welcomes you for some unforgettable moments of relaxation and pampering (beauty treatments, hairdresser).

Itinerary



Day 1 - Day 1 ANTALYA
On the Turkish Mediterranean coast, discover the seaside resort of Antalya. While the city sports magnificent fine sandy beaches, it is also known for its significant historical heritage. Many vestiges bear witness to the importance of this former Roman port, such as Hadrian's Gate, built in the year 130 in honour of the visiting emperor. In the old town, it is possible to admire magnificent Ottoman houses with flowery gardens, as well as the broken minaret, built on the ruins of a former Byzantine church. The city’s surroundings also provide an opportunity to discover major archaeological sites, such as that of the ancient city of Aspendos, renowned for its impressive Roman theatre.
Day 2 - Day 2 RHODES
With its particularly agreeable climate, the island of Rhodes invites you to walk its pathways and discover its immaculate villages and sumptuous medieval city, a UNESCO World Heritage site. At the centre of the island the mountains are covered in forest and on the western slopes we find vineyards and crops. Rhodes also owes much of its charm and its character to the Knights of St John who reigned over the island from 1310 to 1522 and built impressive defensive walls punctuated with majestic gateways. Do not miss this delightful island with its peaceful beaches and its large walkways, perpetuating the myth of the famous Colossus, the legendary statue that is one of the Seven Wonders of the World.
Day 3 - Day 3 KUSADASI
The attractive seaside resort of Kusadasi is located in a gulf on the western coast of Turkey. You can bathe there in clear waters or stroll along the coastal walk, in the shade of palms. In the historical district, you can take a mosey down the narrow streets and explore the colourful shops in the bazaar. Close by, the Ephesus archaeological site in the hillsides provides an opportunity to discover the ruins of one of the most famous cities of Antiquity.
Day 4 - Day 4 PATMOS
Patmos is one of the legendary must-see islands in the Dodecanese. This is where Saint John resided, presumed author of the last book in the Bible. The cave of the Apocalypse and the Saint John Monastery are dedicated to him. These sites, which are listed by UNESCO as World Heritage, are located at the top of a hillside planted with vines and orchards. On the shore, the crystalline coves of Kambos and Lampi offer absolutely gorgeous swimming areas.
Day 5 - Day 5 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 6 - Day 6 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 7 - Day 7 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 8 - Day 8 DELOS & PAROS
This legendary Cyclades island of Delos stands just a few miles southwest of Mykonos. The ceremonial solemnity of this ancient holy sanctuary will not leave you indifferent. The sheer size and importance of this UNESCO World Heritage site which covers over half of the island is thrilling in itself. From the Stoa of Antigonos, the Terrace of the Lions, to the carved marble animal statues, you will make discovery after discovery, against a backdrop of the Aegean stretching to the horizon. The theatre steps on the hillside are a particularly good place from which to enjoy the expansive view.Famous for its white marble, the island of Paros is located in the Cyclades. Along the quays of Parikia, its main town, you’ll see Byzantine churches and neoclassical buildings. To make the most of the turquoise waters, you can stop over in Naoussa. This little fishing port is bounded by a very beautiful cove.
Day 9 - Day 9 SYROS
Located to the west of Mykonos, Syros is an attractive island in the Cyclades. The island has been inhabited since ancient times and Ermoupolis, its capital, built in an amphitheatre, is spread over two hills. You may wish to visit its archaeological museum and the historical district, where the beautiful houses are evidence of the island’s strategic location for trade, between the East and the West. Admire the superb Agios Nikolaos Church or the Church of the Assumption of Virgin Mary. Further on, the medieval town of Ano Syros allows to admire charming stairways and arched passageways, as well as small, white houses decorated with bougainvilleas.
Day 10 - Day 10 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
17-05-202524-05-2025AUD $8,200Superior Stateroom
17-05-202524-05-2025AUD $8,650Deluxe Stateroom
17-05-202524-05-2025AUD $9,110Prestige Deck 4
17-05-202524-05-2025AUD $9,580Prestige Deck 5
17-05-202524-05-2025AUD $10,120Prestige Deck 6
17-05-202524-05-2025AUD $16,440Deluxe Suite
17-05-202524-05-2025AUD $18,260Prestige Deck 5 Suite
17-05-202524-05-2025AUD $18,730Prestige Deck 6 Suite
17-05-202524-05-2025AUD $23,300Owner's Suite
29-10-202507-11-2025AUD $9,340Prestige Stateroom Deck 4
29-10-202507-11-2025AUD $9,800Prestige Stateroom Deck 5
29-10-202507-11-2025AUD $10,350Prestige Stateroom Deck 6
29-10-202507-11-2025AUD $16,710Deluxe Suite Deck 3
29-10-202507-11-2025AUD $16,710Deluxe Suite
29-10-202507-11-2025AUD $16,710Deluxe Suite Deck 5
29-10-202507-11-2025AUD $16,710Deluxe Suite Deck 4
29-10-202507-11-2025AUD $18,550Prestige Suite Deck 5
29-10-202507-11-2025AUD $19,010Prestige Suite Deck 6
29-10-202507-11-2025AUD $19,930Privilege Suite Deck 6
29-10-202507-11-2025AUD $19,930Privilege Suite
29-10-202507-11-2025AUD $24,080Grand Deluxe Suite
29-10-202507-11-2025AUD $24,080Grand Deluxe Suite Deck 5
29-10-202507-11-2025AUD $31,220Owner's Suite
29-10-202507-11-2025AUD $8,870Deluxe Stateroom
07-11-202516-11-2025AUD $10,940Deluxe Stateroom
07-11-202516-11-2025AUD $11,570Prestige Stateroom Deck 4
07-11-202516-11-2025AUD $12,180Prestige Stateroom Deck 5
07-11-202516-11-2025AUD $12,910Prestige Stateroom Deck 6
07-11-202516-11-2025AUD $21,390Deluxe Suite
07-11-202516-11-2025AUD $23,840Prestige Suite Deck 5
07-11-202516-11-2025AUD $24,460Prestige Suite Deck 6
07-11-202516-11-2025AUD $25,680Privilege Suite
07-11-202516-11-2025AUD $31,220Owner's Suite
07-11-202516-11-2025AUD $31,220Grand Deluxe Suite

Inclusions

    • A cruise to discover the finest ancient sites of Greece, with one port of call in Turkey.
    • UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the medieval city of Rhodes, the Mycenae ruins and the Epidaurus theatre from Napflion, the sacred island of Delos, the monastery of Saint John and the Cave of the Apocalypse in Patmos, the historical sites of Ephesus from Kusadasi, the Acropolis in Athens.
    • Make the most of an excursion included per person per port of call during your cruise thanks to the selection made by our destination experts.
    • Discover the pearls of the Cyclades: Syros, Delos, Paros.

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