PonantEU130427
The Mediterranean: in the Footsteps of Great Civilisations
Date
2027-04-13
Duration
10 nights
Departure Port
Valletta
Malta
Arrival Port
Antalya
Turkey
Rating
Luxury
Theme
—
Ponant
Le Dumont-d'Urville
Ponant Explorers
Launched
2019
Refitted
—
Tonnage
9,976 GT
Passengers
184
Cabins
92
Crew
118
Length
430 m
Width
18 m
Speed
13 knots
Adults Only
No
Itinerary
Day 1
Day 1
Valletta
Depart 18:00
Valletta, Europe's smallest capital, is a fortress city of exceptional grandeur raised from bare limestone in just fifteen years after the Knights of St. John repelled the great Ottoman siege of 1565 — its rigid Renaissance grid of sun-drenched streets concealing a density of baroque palaces, gilded oratories, and subterranean World War II shelters unrivaled anywhere in the Mediterranean. The Grand Harbour, framed by golden bastions plunging into startlingly blue water, offers one of the most dramatically photogenic arrivals in the world for arriving vessels. Spring and autumn deliver the most comfortable temperatures for exploring this UNESCO-listed gem.
Day 2
Day 2
Syracuse
Arrive 08:00Depart 14:00
Syracuse (Siracusa) is one of the ancient world's greatest cities, featuring the island quarter of Ortigia—a baroque masterpiece built over Greek temple ruins—and an archaeological park with a fifth-century BC theatre still hosting summer performances. Must-dos include Ortigia's cathedral with its embedded Greek columns, the morning market, and tasting pasta with sea urchin. April through June and September through November offer ideal temperatures.
Day 3
Day 3
Gallipoli
Arrive 09:00Depart 18:00
Gallipoli is a compelling Mediterranean port in Italy where centuries of history, vibrant local cuisine, and luminous coastal scenery converge. Visitors should explore the historic quarters on foot and surrender to the local dining culture, where fresh seafood and regional wines provide a masterclass in Mediterranean living. Best visited May through October, when the climate is at its most welcoming for outdoor exploration. Cruise lines including Windstar Cruises feature this port on their most compelling itineraries. Whether you have a few hours or a full day, the port rewards exploration at every pace and in every direction.
Day 4
Day 4
Corfu
Arrive 07:00Depart 15:00
Where Homer placed the island of the Phaeacians and four centuries of Venetian rule left their most enduring Mediterranean legacy, Corfu is a singular island of extraordinary historical depth and natural beauty. The UNESCO-listed Old Town — its narrow Kantounia alleyways, the elegant Liston arcade, and twin Venetian fortresses — is the finest preserved Venetian streetscape in Greece. Beyond the town, secret coves, olive groves of immense antiquity, and mountain villages offer weeks of unhurried discovery. May through June and September offer perfect conditions: warm sea temperatures, clear skies, and the island before or after its summer crescendo.
Day 5
Day 5
At Sea
Day 5
Day 5
Itea
Arrive 07:00Depart 14:00
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 6
Day 6
Athens (Lavrion)
Arrive 07:00Depart 16:30
Lavrion, a historic port town in southeastern Attica, Greece, is famed for its ancient silver mines and vibrant maritime culture. Must-do experiences include indulging in grilled octopus at local tavernas and exploring nearby islands like Delos and Symi. The best time to visit is during the spring and early fall when the weather is pleasant, and the crowds are fewer.
Day 7
Day 7
Volos
Arrive 06:30Depart 16:30
Volos is a Greek port city at the foot of mythical Mount Pelion, where Jason launched the Argonauts, famous for its unique tsipouro taverna culture where endless meze plates accompany rounds of grape spirit. Must-dos include a tsipouradiko session on the waterfront, exploring Pelion's stone-built mountain villages, and the narrow-gauge Pelion train. April through October is ideal, with June and September best for combining beach and mountain.
Day 8
Day 8
Kusadasi
Arrive 13:00Depart 23:00
Kuşadası owes its place on the world's cruise itineraries to one extraordinary proximity: the ancient city of Ephesus, one of the greatest metropolises of the Greco-Roman world, lies just seventeen kilometres from the port. Ephesus — with its two-kilometre marble colonnade, the Library of Celsus, and the Temple of Artemis (one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World) — demands at least half a day of unhurried exploration. The House of the Virgin Mary, a pilgrimage site believed to be where Mary spent her final years, adds a profound spiritual dimension. Kuşadası itself is a lively Aegean resort; the season runs April through October, with May and September offering ideal temperatures and smaller crowds.
Day 9
Day 9
At Sea
Day 10
Day 10
Alanya
Arrive 08:00Depart 20:00
Alanya is a dramatic Turkish Riviera port city crowned by a massive thirteenth-century Seljuk fortress atop a rocky peninsula, with Cleopatra's Beach below. Must-dos include exploring the castle complex and Red Tower, taking a boat tour around the peninsula's sea caves, and savoring traditional Turkish meze at a clifftop meyhane. Visit in spring (April–June) or autumn (September–November) for warm weather without the summer crowds.
Day 11
Day 11
Antalya
Arrive 07:00
Antalya is the Turkish Riviera's finest city, combining a beautifully preserved Ottoman old town, ancient Roman ruins, and a dramatic clifftop setting above the Mediterranean. Must-dos include wandering the lanes of Kaleiçi, visiting the perfectly preserved Roman theater at Aspendos, and savoring an expansive Turkish breakfast overlooking the sea. Spring (April–June) and autumn (September–November) offer the ideal blend of warm weather and manageable crowds for exploring this two-thousand-year-old city.
Day 1
Valletta
Depart 18:00
Valletta, Europe's smallest capital, is a fortress city of exceptional grandeur raised from bare limestone in just fifteen years after the Knights of St. John repelled the great Ottoman siege of 1565 — its rigid Renaissance grid of sun-drenched streets concealing a density of baroque palaces, gilded oratories, and subterranean World War II shelters unrivaled anywhere in the Mediterranean. The Grand Harbour, framed by golden bastions plunging into startlingly blue water, offers one of the most dramatically photogenic arrivals in the world for arriving vessels. Spring and autumn deliver the most comfortable temperatures for exploring this UNESCO-listed gem.
Day 2
Syracuse
Arrive 08:00Depart 14:00
Syracuse (Siracusa) is one of the ancient world's greatest cities, featuring the island quarter of Ortigia—a baroque masterpiece built over Greek temple ruins—and an archaeological park with a fifth-century BC theatre still hosting summer performances. Must-dos include Ortigia's cathedral with its embedded Greek columns, the morning market, and tasting pasta with sea urchin. April through June and September through November offer ideal temperatures.
Day 3
Gallipoli
Arrive 09:00Depart 18:00
Gallipoli is a compelling Mediterranean port in Italy where centuries of history, vibrant local cuisine, and luminous coastal scenery converge. Visitors should explore the historic quarters on foot and surrender to the local dining culture, where fresh seafood and regional wines provide a masterclass in Mediterranean living. Best visited May through October, when the climate is at its most welcoming for outdoor exploration. Cruise lines including Windstar Cruises feature this port on their most compelling itineraries. Whether you have a few hours or a full day, the port rewards exploration at every pace and in every direction.
Day 4
Corfu
Arrive 07:00Depart 15:00
Where Homer placed the island of the Phaeacians and four centuries of Venetian rule left their most enduring Mediterranean legacy, Corfu is a singular island of extraordinary historical depth and natural beauty. The UNESCO-listed Old Town — its narrow Kantounia alleyways, the elegant Liston arcade, and twin Venetian fortresses — is the finest preserved Venetian streetscape in Greece. Beyond the town, secret coves, olive groves of immense antiquity, and mountain villages offer weeks of unhurried discovery. May through June and September offer perfect conditions: warm sea temperatures, clear skies, and the island before or after its summer crescendo.
Day 5
At Sea
Itea
Arrive 07:00Depart 14:00
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 6
Athens (Lavrion)
Arrive 07:00Depart 16:30
Lavrion, a historic port town in southeastern Attica, Greece, is famed for its ancient silver mines and vibrant maritime culture. Must-do experiences include indulging in grilled octopus at local tavernas and exploring nearby islands like Delos and Symi. The best time to visit is during the spring and early fall when the weather is pleasant, and the crowds are fewer.
Day 7
Volos
Arrive 06:30Depart 16:30
Volos is a Greek port city at the foot of mythical Mount Pelion, where Jason launched the Argonauts, famous for its unique tsipouro taverna culture where endless meze plates accompany rounds of grape spirit. Must-dos include a tsipouradiko session on the waterfront, exploring Pelion's stone-built mountain villages, and the narrow-gauge Pelion train. April through October is ideal, with June and September best for combining beach and mountain.
Day 8
Kusadasi
Arrive 13:00Depart 23:00
Kuşadası owes its place on the world's cruise itineraries to one extraordinary proximity: the ancient city of Ephesus, one of the greatest metropolises of the Greco-Roman world, lies just seventeen kilometres from the port. Ephesus — with its two-kilometre marble colonnade, the Library of Celsus, and the Temple of Artemis (one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World) — demands at least half a day of unhurried exploration. The House of the Virgin Mary, a pilgrimage site believed to be where Mary spent her final years, adds a profound spiritual dimension. Kuşadası itself is a lively Aegean resort; the season runs April through October, with May and September offering ideal temperatures and smaller crowds.
Day 9
At Sea
Day 10
Alanya
Arrive 08:00Depart 20:00
Alanya is a dramatic Turkish Riviera port city crowned by a massive thirteenth-century Seljuk fortress atop a rocky peninsula, with Cleopatra's Beach below. Must-dos include exploring the castle complex and Red Tower, taking a boat tour around the peninsula's sea caves, and savoring traditional Turkish meze at a clifftop meyhane. Visit in spring (April–June) or autumn (September–November) for warm weather without the summer crowds.
Day 11
Antalya
Arrive 07:00
Antalya is the Turkish Riviera's finest city, combining a beautifully preserved Ottoman old town, ancient Roman ruins, and a dramatic clifftop setting above the Mediterranean. Must-dos include wandering the lanes of Kaleiçi, visiting the perfectly preserved Roman theater at Aspendos, and savoring an expansive Turkish breakfast overlooking the sea. Spring (April–June) and autumn (September–November) offer the ideal blend of warm weather and manageable crowds for exploring this two-thousand-year-old city.
Cabin Categories
Deluxe Suite Deck 3
Suite
290 m²Max 3
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)
An armchair and sofa (90 x 190 cm)
A bathroom with shower
A private 6 m² balcony with two armchairs
A glazed panoramic swing door and panoramic window
King or Twin ConfigurationSofa BedShowerToiletries ProvidedRoom Service AvailableTV+13
View Details
Deluxe Suite Deck 4
Suite
290 m²Max 3
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)
An armchair and sofa (90 x 190 cm)
A bathroom with shower
A private 6 m² balcony with two armchairs
A panoramic slidging bay window
King or Twin ConfigurationSofa BedShowerToiletries ProvidedRoom Service AvailableTV+13
View Details
Deluxe Suite Deck 5
Suite
290 m²Max 3
3
In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:
Champagne and fruit basket on arrival
One king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm)
An armchair and sofa (90 x 190 cm)
A bathroom with shower
A private 4 m² balcony with two armchairs
A panoramic sliding bay window
King or Twin ConfigurationSofa BedShowerToiletries ProvidedRoom Service AvailableTV+13
View Details
Deluxe Suite Deck 6
Suite
290 m²Max 3
4
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)
An armchair and sofa (90 x 190 cm)
A bathroom with shower
A private 6 m² balcony with two armchairs
A glazed panoramic swing door and panoramic window
King or Twin ConfigurationSofa BedShowerToiletries ProvidedRoom Service AvailableTV+13
View Details
Grand Deluxe Suite Deck 6
Suite
484 m²Max 4
GDS
In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:
Priority boarding (depending on port of embarkation)
Champagne and fruit basket on 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 lounge with sofa convetible to a double bed (160 x 190 cm), armchair, and second TV
A bathroom with shower and Balneo bathtub
A private 32 m² terrace with two deckchairs and four-seater dining table
2 panoramic sliding bay windows
King or Twin ConfigurationShowerToiletries ProvidedFree Wi-FiSafeHair Dryer+12
View Details
Owner's Suite
Suite
484 m²Max 4
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 on arrival
Butler service
An assortment of sweet or savoury canapés and fruit basket every day
A lounge with armchair, double sofa bed (160 x 190 cm), and second TV
A bedroom with king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm)
A bathroom with shower, Balneo bathtub and smart mirror
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 40 m² terrace: 2 deckchairs, jacuzzi, and outdoor lounge area with sofa and armchair
Two panoramic sliding bay windows
King or Twin ConfigurationShowerBathToiletries ProvidedRoom Service AvailableButler Service+14
View Details
Prestige Deck 5 Suite
Suite
8
In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:
Champagne and fruit basket on 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), armchair, second TV, and sliding courtesy door
Two bathrooms with shower
A private 8 m² balcony with four armchairs
Two panoramic sliding bay windows
View Details
Prestige Deck 6 Suite
Suite
9
In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:
Priority boarding (depending on port of embarkation)
Champagne and fruit basket on 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), armchair, second TV, and sliding courtesy door
Two bathrooms with shower
A private 8 m² balcony with four armchairs
Two panoramic sliding bay windows
View Details
Privilege Suite Deck 5
Suite
344 m²Max 3
10
In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:
Priority boarding (depending on port of embarkation)
Butler service
One king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm)
A lounge area with chaise longue and armchair
A bathroom with shower
A private 8 m² balcony with two armchairs
A panoramic sliding bay window
King or Twin ConfigurationSofa BedShowerToiletries ProvidedButler ServiceTV+12
View Details
Privilege Suite Deck 6
Suite
344 m²Max 3
11
In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:
Priority boarding (depending on port of embarkation)
Champagne and fruit basket on 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)
A lounge area with chaise longue and armchair
A bathroom with shower
A private 8 m² balcony with two armchairs
A panoramic sliding bay window
King or Twin ConfigurationSofa BedShowerToiletries ProvidedButler ServiceTV+12
View Details
Deluxe Stateroom
Balcony
204 m²Max 2
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) and TV
A bathroom with shower
A private 4 m² balcony with two armchairs
A glazed panoramic swing door and rectangular window
King or Twin ConfigurationShowerToiletries ProvidedRoom Service AvailableTVFree Wi-Fi+11
View Details
Prestige Deck 4
Suite
409 m²Max 4
5
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)
One chaise longue
A bathroom with shower
A private 4 m² balcony with two armchairs
A panoramic sliding bay window or glazed panoramic swing door
King or Twin ConfigurationToiletries ProvidedRoom Service AvailableButler ServiceSafeHair Dryer+14
View Details
Prestige Deck 5
Suite
409 m²Max 4
6
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)
One chaise longue
A bathroom with shower
A private 4 m² balcony with two armchairs
A panoramic sliding bay window or glazed panoramic swing door
King or Twin ConfigurationToiletries ProvidedRoom Service AvailableButler ServiceSafeHair Dryer+14
View Details
Prestige Deck 6
Balcony
7
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)
One chaise longue
A bathroom with shower
A private 4 m² balcony with two armchairs
A panoramic sliding bay window or glazed panoramic swing door
View Details
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