This cruise, in partnership with the Maud Fontenoy Foundation, will cultivate the art of peaceful travel as well as a family spirit, thanks to its customised activities on board and on shore for youngsters*, with the Kid Explorers Club.
The warmth of the summer on the waters of the Aegean, Ionian and Adriatic Seas promises you an unforgettable 9-day journey between Greece and Croatia. Aboard Le Dumont-d’Urville, fall under the spell of the Mediterranean landscapes and the ancient vestiges that will tell you a fascinating story.
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, discover the ancient town of Corinth and its mythical canal from Nafplio, explore the charming city of Stari Grad and give your senses free rein during a tasting of local wines or fall under the charm of the city of Arta and visit its Archaeological Museum from Parga. 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 Athens, you will sail to Nafplio from where you will have the chance to discover the mythical sites of Epidaurus and Mycenae, respectively an ancient theatre and a pre-Hellenic city, both of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
At the crossroads of the Agean and Ionian seas and Crete, a lost paradise called Kythira will transport you into a universe whose watchwords are wonderment and tranquillity. The island, the birthplace of Aphrodite in mythology, has inspired poets like Baudelaire and painters like Watteau with its enchanting landscapes.
Further north, in the mythical Peloponnese region, you will go to Pylos, from where you will be able to explore the ruins of the Palace of Nestor, one of the heroes of the Trojan War.
Le Dumont-d’Urville will continue its odyssey towards the Ionian island of Zakynthos, which is teeming with other riches, such as its capital Zante and its famous beach Navagio, one the most beautiful in Greece. In Epirus, you will admire Parga and its fortress, built by the Normans in the 14th century, overlooking the pretty fishing port.
The country’s oldest city, Stari Grad, also carries echoes of the past. Founded by the Greeks 2,400 years ago, its plain is now listed with UNESCO for having retained its original agricultural landscape of vineyards and olive groves.
The stunning city of Dubrovnik is the last leg of your journey. In the old town where you drop anchor, you can read its history in the cobbled streets; meanwhile, you can discover Dalmatia’s traditions on a tour of the Konavle valley with its famous vineyards.
- Kid Explorers Club in partnership with MAUD FONTENOY FOUNDATION.
- A Mediterranean cruise between the Aegean, Ionian and Adriatic shores, featuring splendid scenery and archaeological sites.
- 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.
- UNESCO World Heritage sites: the Acropolis of Athens (port of embarkation); the ruins of Mycenae and the theatre of Epidaurus from Nafplio, the plain of Stari Grad on the island of Hvar.
- A brand-new port of call on the island of Zakynthos, with its idyllic beaches, majestic cliffs, and picturesque villages.
- The island of Kythira, a source of inspiration for many artists such as Charles Baudelaire, Victor Hugo, Paul Verlaine or Antoine Watteau.
Prices quoted here are often dependent on currency fluctuations. Please check with (01432 507450 or [email protected]) for the very latest price, which may well be cheaper than the one advertised here.
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.
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.
Kythira, birthplace of Aphrodite according to mythology, has inspired poets and painters. Today, it is a charming port of call at the crossroads of Greece’s three seas: The Ionian, the Aegean and the Sea of Crete. From the deck of your vessel, let your gaze travel over the pine forests of the North of the island, the wild gorges in the South, and the red sandy beaches of Firi Ammos to the East. Villages of dazzling whiteness and unique architecture including Kythira, the capital, as well as the ruins at Milopotamos and Paleohora, are also worthy of a visit.
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.
Nestling in the Ionian Sea, Zakynthos is a Greek island, where the azure blue mixes with the emerald of the olive groves. Imagine yourself on Navagio beach, its majestic cliffs surrounding a solitary wreck, bathed by crystal-clear waters. Explore mysterious caves and breathtaking natural landscapes, where the light of the sun creates bewitching plays on colour. Discover picturesque villages, steeped in history and culture, where the welcoming inhabitants share their heritage with passion. Zakynthos promises an authentic escape, where each moment becomes a memory.
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.
During your journey 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 journey without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, depending on the activities offered, or 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.
You will sail towards the popular island of Hvar, for a day in Stari Grad, an intimate port of call that is off the beaten track. Let your feelings guide you and discover this pretty city located at the end of a fertile plain, planted with vines and olive groves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The organisation of its parcels, marked out by dry stone walls that punctuate the landscape, goes back to ancient times. Wander around the small streets at your leisure, discovering the town’s pretty boutiques and gourmet restaurants.
Emblem of the Dalmatian coast, Dubrovnik is magnificently positioned on a rocky spur. History is sovereign here, in this ancient city, now a listed UNESCO World Heritage site. You will perhaps be surprised by the proportions of La Placa, the central drag through the city. The sheer width of it can be explained by the fact that it straddles a former lagoon. The elegant houses along La Placa are built in the legendary travertine stone. At Pile gate, you will be greeted by the statue of the patron saint of Dubrovnik, and you can admire the coastline as you walk along the ramparts. But what’s inside Fort Saint John, adjoining the outer walls? A maritime museum and an aquarium featuring rare fish from the Adriatic.
Itineraries are subject to change.
Le Dumont d'Urville
| Built | 2018 |
|---|
Featuring innovative and environmentally-friendly equipment, elegantly designed staterooms, spacious suites with large windows, and lounge areas that open onto the outside, this new limited-capacity yacht boasting just 92 staterooms 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 Dumont d'Urville 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 Dumont d'Urville 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 Dumont d'Urville 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.
Please click the following links to read more about Ponant and the other Ponant cruise ships.
