Cruise Description

Sail along Mediterranean shores and explore centuries of history during this exceptional journey between the western Spanish coast, the captivating Balearic Islands, Sardinia and Sicily, passing via the Italian boot and the Greek coastline. During this 11-day cruise aboard Le Dumont-d’Urville, you will be surprised by the Mediterranean and its civilisations, a crossroads of exchange and cradle of a unique way of life weaved together from fascinating cultures.

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 National Museum of Magna Graecia in Reggio Calabria; explore the archaeological site of Delphi from Itea; or discover the ruins of Mycenae and Epidaurus from Nafplio. 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 the Costa del Sol’s cultural capital, Malaga, you will head towards Cartagena, a city with rich ancient heritage from the Carthaginians and the Romans. Further east, you will reach the Balearic Islands, anchored off the coast of the Spanish coastline. You will be captivated by Palma de Mallorca, a jewel of this archipelago renowned for its contrasting islands set on the clear waters of the Mediterranean.

Your Mediterranean odyssey will continue with the discovery of Cagliari, capital of Sardinia and one of the largest natural harbours in the Mediterranean; its historic centre is full of charm, with shaded stairs, small squares inundated with light, and remains conjuring up its medieval grandeur.

Soon, the contours of bewitching and captivating Sicily will appear. Fall under the spell of Palermo, its capital, where you will be able to visit emblematic sites, such as the 12th-century cathedral and the Teatro Massimo, one of the largest in Europe.

In the southernmost part of “the Boot”, you sail off the coast of Calabria with a stopover in Reggio Calabria. You can stroll along the lungomare against the imposing backdrop of Mount Etna.

Le Dumont-d’Urville then crosses the Ionian Sea to Katakolon, its first stopover in Greece. From the port, you can get to Olympia, a UNESCO World Heritage site whose ruins bear witness to past grandeur.

You arrive in the small port of Itea from where it is possible to visit the mythical site of Delphi or even the Hosios Loukas monastery, both of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. After your mythical and remarkable crossing of the Corinth Canal, you will arrive in Nafplio. It is an opportunity to discover the mythical sites of Epidaurus and Mycenae, respectively a ancient theatre and a pre-Hellenic city, both of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Athens, the mythical city dominated by the Acropolis and its monuments, which form the most extraordinary architectural and artistic ensemble bequeathed to the world by Ancient Greece, marks the end of this exceptional odyssey.