Turkish Shores and Greek Archipelagos of the Aegean with Ponant

Description

Departing from Istanbul, cruise along the coastlines in the Aegean Sea, to discover outstanding natural and historical sites. During this 11-day cruise, Le Bougainville will revisit the shores of Turkey and the Greek archipelagos of the Dodecanese and Cyclades.

Your voyage will start with a call at the Çesme peninsula. The imposing Ottoman fortress dominates the azurean sea and the small multicultural city, prized by the Smyrniots seeking freshness, reveals itself through the picturesque streets of Alaçati and the enchanting beaches.

You will continue your tour of the Turkish shores as you visit the town of Kusadasi, not far from the Ephesus site. An old fishing village with history going back 5,000 years, is now one of Turkey’s most famous seaside resorts.

Offering historical visits to the remains of the ancient Greek city of Halicarnassus or the famous Castle of St Peter or the Museum Of Underwater Archaeology, and the chance for a relaxing break on its stunning beaches, Bodrum is sure to win your heart.

Head for the Dodecanese islands, at the crossroads of the Orient and the Occident. The beautiful neoclassical houses surrounded by vineyards, olive trees and cypresses make Symi one of the most beautiful islands in the archipelago. You will then set a course towards 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.

In the south-eastern Aegean Sea, the Cyclades archipelago invites you to enjoy the wild and appealing beauty of Milos and Paros. You will also make a detour via the island of Hydra, famous for its incomparable light and the calm of its small streets on which all motorised traffic is banned.

Then you will reach Istanbul, a rich historical UNESCO listed site, at the end of a magnificent cruise.

Trip Name

Turkish Shores and Greek Archipelagos of the Aegean with Ponant

Days

Overview

Vessel Type: Luxury Passenger Capacity: 92 cabins Built: 2017/2018 Featuring innovative and environmentally-friendly equipment, elegantly designed cabins, spacious suites with large windows, and lounge areas that open onto the outside, this new limited-capacity yacht boasting just 92 cabins and suites will offer you a truly unique cruising experience. As the first ship in a new series that remains true to the Ponant spirit, Le Bougainville will embody the unique atmosphere that is the cruise line’s hallmark: a subtle blend of refinement, intimacy and comfort. Aboard this ship that flies the French flag, you will experience the incomparable pleasure of an intimate cruise, with the possibility of exploring an ever-increasing range of destinations in an ethnic-chic ambiance with luxury service. Experience a luxurious setting where the accent is on authenticity and passion for travel. RESTAURANTS As it is an essential part of French culture, gastronomy will naturally have pride of place aboard this new ship. Through its two restaurants, Le Bougainville will invite you on a journey to elegance and epicureanism. In a relaxed atmosphere, a first dining area located on Deck 3 and able to seat 70 will serve grilled meats daily, along with a variety of salads and desserts. To the back of Deck 4, you will find a 260 m² panoramic restaurant which can accommodate all of our passengers in a single sitting. Designed differently to that on our other ships, this dining area, which opens onto the outside, will have a buffet of salads, desserts and cheeses at your disposal. Our discreet and attentive crew will provide table service for hot meals. PUBLIC AREAS Like Le Boréal and its sisterships, Le Bougainville has many common areas that are designed and equipped to meet all of your needs while preserving the intimacy of each passenger. A 140 m² reception area includes: A reception/concierge desk, An excursions desk, The ship’s administrative services, The sales office, manned by our Guest Relations Officer, Our 50 m² boutique which sells clothing, jewellery, beauty products, postcards and various accessories, Toilets accessible to passengers with reduced mobility. A new hydraulic platform with adjustable height provides: Easier boarding than on any other cruise ship, Easier Zodiac embarkation and disembarkation for expeditions, Easier access to the sea for swimming and practising various water sports such as kayaking or paddle-boarding. A pool deck offering: A pool with a panoramic view, equipped with a counter-current swimming system, A pleasant solarium, An outdoor bar and lounge with armchairs and sofas. A 200 m² main lounge which can accommodate all of our passengers to share convivial moments and to host activities organised during the day or evening. Lastly, a theatre that seats 188, equipped with: The latest sound and lighting technology, A LED wall as the stage backdrop, for the projection of high-resolution images and videos.

Itinerary

Day 1 - DAY 1 - ISTANBUL

Located on the Bosphorus, Istanbul is one of the most beautiful of all Turkish cities. Named Byzantium when founded by the Greeks, and then Constantinople under the Roman Empire, this city is steeped in history and, for this reason, is a listed UNESCO World Heritage site. Located on Sultanahmet hill, the great Blue Mosque, the mysterious Hagia Sophia and the vast Topkapi palace and its countless mosaics, dominate the Marmara Sea. In the Beyazit district, the Grand Bazaar allows to discover elegant covered passages. A little further away, delicate aroma of loukoum and spices will draw the visitors’ attention at the Egyptian Bazaar.

Day 2 - DAY 2 - CESME

Located on a peninsula in western Anatolia, Çesme is a popular seaside resort on the Aegean Sea. It owes its name, meaning fountain in Turkish, to the natural hot springs dotted around the city. Cesme’s cool summertime weather makes it the favourite holiday spot of Izmir locals. Built in 1508, the imposing Ottoman castle overlooking the port is home to the archaeology museum and will delight fans of history. Nearby, the former Ottoman caravanserai is now the site of a grand hotel. Traditional windmills and stone houses lined with narrow streets form the picturesque decor of the nearby village of Alacati, confirming the region’s Greek heritage, and invite visitors to enjoy the pleasant atmosphere at an outdoor café.

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 - BODRUM

Bodrum is located one of the bays of Mugla on the west coast of Turkey. At the harbour entrance, you’ll can’t miss The Bodrum Castle of The Knights of St. John, the town’s emblem. Here you will be able to visit the Bodrum Museum of Underwater Archaeology housed within the castle precincts. In the centre, the passages shaded by arbours abound with diverse craft shops and ice-cream cafés where you can sit out and enjoy refreshing citrus fruit sorbets. A few streets away, the archaeological site of the Halicarnasse mausoleum invites you to experience the old town’s past, just as the old theatre does, built on the slopes of the hillside looking out over the bay of Bodrum.

Day 5 - DAY 5 - SYMI

A simply ravishing gem in the Dodecanese, Symi is located north-west of Rhodes. This island of cypress forests, vineyards and olive orchards, possesses a capital city of the same name that is as colourful as the surrounding countryside. The charm of the port district of Gialos is not to be missed: its quaysides are lined with picturesque houses with multi-coloured facades. You can get to the upper town by car or climb the 500 steps up the Kali Strata ramp. The second option offers superb viewing points of the coast and gorgeous turquoise waters.

Day 6 - DAY 6 - 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 7 - 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 8 - DAY 8 - PAROS

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 - 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 10 - AT SEA

During your day at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This day without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. 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 comfort, rest and entertainment.

Day 11 - DAY 11 - ISTANBUL

Day 12 - Please note:

Itinerary subject to change.

Trip Dates

Start	End	Price From	Room Type

Inclusions

Revisit the shores of Turkey and the Greek archipelagos of the Dodecanese and Cyclades
Visit the town of Kusadasi, not far from the Ephesus site
Head for the Dodecanese islands, at the crossroads of the Orient and the Occident
Enjoy the wild and appealing beauty of Milos and Paros