PonantBO180626
Cruising the Dalmatian Coast and the Ionian Sea: Venice to Athens – with Smithsonian Journeys
Date
2026-06-18
Duration
7 nights
Departure Port
Venice
Italy
Arrival Port
Athens (Piraeus)
Greece
Rating
Luxury
Theme
—
Ponant
Le Boréal
Launched
2010
Refitted
—
Tonnage
10,944 GT
Passengers
264
Cabins
132
Crew
139
Length
466 m
Width
18 m
Speed
14 knots
Adults Only
No
Itinerary
Day 1
Day 1
Venice
Depart 18:00
Venice, a historic port city, captivates with its unique canals and rich cultural heritage. Must-do experiences include visiting the iconic Basilica di San Marco and indulging in local delicacies like risotto al nero di seppia. The best time to visit is during the mild, vibrant spring months when the city comes alive with festivals and outdoor activities.
Day 2
Day 2
Hvar
Arrive 13:30Depart 22:00
Hvar port, with its rich history and stunning coastal charm, is a must-visit destination in Croatia. Don't miss indulging in local specialties like pašticada and the breathtaking views from the fortress. The best time to visit is during the late spring or early fall when the weather is delightful and the crowds are manageable.
Day 3
Day 3
Ploce
Arrive 06:00Depart 22:00
Ploče is a Dalmatian coast gateway to the unique Neretva River delta—a wetland of mandarin orchards and traditional boat culture—and the Marian pilgrimage town of Medjugorje in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Must-dos include a traditional boat ride through the delta channels, tasting delta eel specialties, and visiting the Pelješac wine peninsula. September-October offers ideal weather plus the spectacular mandarin orange harvest.
Day 4
Day 4
Dubrovnik
Arrive 08:00Depart 23:00
Dubrovnik, Croatia's stunning port city, is a blend of rich history, dramatic architecture, and vibrant culture, making it a must-visit destination. Don't miss a stroll along the city walls for breathtaking views and savor local dishes like "peka" and "black risotto." The best time to visit is in late spring or early fall when the weather is pleasant and the crowds are thinner.
Day 5
Day 5
Kotor
Arrive 08:00Depart 15:00
The port of Kotor, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is renowned for its stunning natural beauty and rich historical tapestry. A must-do experience includes wandering the cobblestone streets of the Old Town, where culinary delights like "kacamak" and fresh seafood await. The best time to visit is during the spring or early fall, when the weather is pleasant and the crowds are fewer.
Day 6
Day 6
Sarande
Arrive 08:00Depart 14:30
Sarandë is Albania's Ionian coast jewel, where the UNESCO-listed Butrint archaeological marvel and the impossibly turquoise Blue Eye spring create a Mediterranean experience rivaling Greece at a fraction of the cost. Visit June via Emerald Yacht Cruises or Virgin Voyages for six-civilization archaeological sites and Albania's exciting Mediterranean frontier.
Day 7
Day 7
Athens (Piraeus)
Piraeus, the bustling port city of Athens, is a vibrant blend of ancient history and modern charm, inviting travelers to explore its rich culture. Must-do experiences include savoring traditional Greek dishes at the Varvakeios Agora and embarking on day trips to nearby islands like Symi and Nydri. The best time to visit is during the spring and fall when the weather is pleasant and the tourist crowds are fewer.
Day 7
Day 7
At Sea
Day 7
Day 7
Itea
Arrive 08:00Depart 13:30
Itea is the Gulf of Corinth port serving ancient Delphi — the most important oracle of the ancient world — where the Sacred Way, Temple of Apollo, and the extraordinary Charioteer bronze await on the slopes of Mount Parnassus. Visit April through June or September through November via Seabourn or Ponant for the ascent through a million-tree olive grove to the site where ancient Greeks believed the navel of the Earth could be found.
Day 1
Venice
Depart 18:00
Venice, a historic port city, captivates with its unique canals and rich cultural heritage. Must-do experiences include visiting the iconic Basilica di San Marco and indulging in local delicacies like risotto al nero di seppia. The best time to visit is during the mild, vibrant spring months when the city comes alive with festivals and outdoor activities.
Day 2
Hvar
Arrive 13:30Depart 22:00
Hvar port, with its rich history and stunning coastal charm, is a must-visit destination in Croatia. Don't miss indulging in local specialties like pašticada and the breathtaking views from the fortress. The best time to visit is during the late spring or early fall when the weather is delightful and the crowds are manageable.
Day 3
Ploce
Arrive 06:00Depart 22:00
Ploče is a Dalmatian coast gateway to the unique Neretva River delta—a wetland of mandarin orchards and traditional boat culture—and the Marian pilgrimage town of Medjugorje in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Must-dos include a traditional boat ride through the delta channels, tasting delta eel specialties, and visiting the Pelješac wine peninsula. September-October offers ideal weather plus the spectacular mandarin orange harvest.
Day 4
Dubrovnik
Arrive 08:00Depart 23:00
Dubrovnik, Croatia's stunning port city, is a blend of rich history, dramatic architecture, and vibrant culture, making it a must-visit destination. Don't miss a stroll along the city walls for breathtaking views and savor local dishes like "peka" and "black risotto." The best time to visit is in late spring or early fall when the weather is pleasant and the crowds are thinner.
Day 5
Kotor
Arrive 08:00Depart 15:00
The port of Kotor, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is renowned for its stunning natural beauty and rich historical tapestry. A must-do experience includes wandering the cobblestone streets of the Old Town, where culinary delights like "kacamak" and fresh seafood await. The best time to visit is during the spring or early fall, when the weather is pleasant and the crowds are fewer.
Day 6
Sarande
Arrive 08:00Depart 14:30
Sarandë is Albania's Ionian coast jewel, where the UNESCO-listed Butrint archaeological marvel and the impossibly turquoise Blue Eye spring create a Mediterranean experience rivaling Greece at a fraction of the cost. Visit June via Emerald Yacht Cruises or Virgin Voyages for six-civilization archaeological sites and Albania's exciting Mediterranean frontier.
Day 7
Athens (Piraeus)
Piraeus, the bustling port city of Athens, is a vibrant blend of ancient history and modern charm, inviting travelers to explore its rich culture. Must-do experiences include savoring traditional Greek dishes at the Varvakeios Agora and embarking on day trips to nearby islands like Symi and Nydri. The best time to visit is during the spring and fall when the weather is pleasant and the tourist crowds are fewer.
At Sea
Itea
Arrive 08:00Depart 13:30
Itea is the Gulf of Corinth port serving ancient Delphi — the most important oracle of the ancient world — where the Sacred Way, Temple of Apollo, and the extraordinary Charioteer bronze await on the slopes of Mount Parnassus. Visit April through June or September through November via Seabourn or Ponant for the ascent through a million-tree olive grove to the site where ancient Greeks believed the navel of the Earth could be found.
Cabin Categories
Deluxe Suite Deck 6
Suite
DS
In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:
Priority boarding (depending on port of embarkation)
Champagne and fruit basket upon arrival
Butler service
An assortment of sweet or savoury canapés and fruit basket every day
One king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm)
An armchair and sofa (167 x 70 cm)
A bathroom with shower and small bathtub
A private 5 m² balcony
A panoramic sliding bay window
View Details
Owner's Suite
Suite
OS
In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:
Private return transfer
Priority boarding (depending on port of embarkation)
Champagne and fruit basket upon arrival
Butler service
An assortment of sweet or savoury canapés and fruit basket every day
A bedroom with one king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm)
A living/dining room with a sofa, armchair, second TV, 4-seater table, and sliding courtesy door
A bathroom with shower and Balneo bathtub
A one-hour spa treatments per person (for 2 people) in the well-being space, chosen from the facial and body treatments on offer
Included premium pass: access to a selection of premium spirits at the bar
A private 9 m² balcony
Two panoramic sliding bay windows
View Details
Prestige Suite Deck 5
Suite
4
In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:
Champagne and fruit basket upon arrival
An assortment of sweet or savoury canapés and fruit basket every day
A bedroom with king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm)
A lounge with convertible sofa to a king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm), armchairs, second TV, and sliding courtesy door
Two bathrooms with showers
A private 8 m² balcony
Two panoramic sliding bay windows
View Details
Prestige Suite Deck 6
Suite
5
In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:
Priority boarding (depending on port of embarkation)
Champagne and fruit basket upon arrival
Butler service
An assortment of sweet or savoury canapés and fruit basket every day
A bedroom with king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm)
A lounge with convertible sofa to a king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm), armchairs, second TV, and sliding courtesy door
Two bathrooms with showers
A private 8 m² balcony
Two panoramic sliding bay windows
View Details
Superior Stateroom Deck 3
Suite
6
In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:
One king-size bed or two single beds (180 x 200 cm)
A bathroom with shower
A window (except for stateroom 300: a round porthole only)
View Details
Deluxe Stateroom
Balcony
D
In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:
One king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm)
A bathroom with shower
A private 4 m² balcony
A window and panoramic glazed swing door
View Details
Prestige Stateroom Deck 4
Balcony
1
In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:
One king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm)
A bathroom with shower
A private 4 m² balcony
A panoramic sliding bay window
View Details
Prestige Stateroom Deck 5
Balcony
2
In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:
One king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm)
A bathroom with shower
A private 4 m² balcony
A panoramic sliding bay window
View Details
Prestige Stateroom Deck 6
Balcony
3
In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:
One king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm)
A bathroom with shower
A private 4 m² balcony
A panoramic sliding bay window
View Details
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