From: Greece, Athens
To: Malta, Valletta
Dates: 22.10.2026 - 29.10.2026
Duration: 8 Nights
Ship: LE DUMONT D'URVILLE

Ancient Cities of the Mediterranean

In partnership with Connaissance des Arts and with the exceptional presence of Guy Boyer, editorial director of Connaissance des Arts, and Christelle Téa, artist-draughtsman.  Between Greece and Italy, set off aboard Le Dumont d’Urville for a cruise discovering two civilisations that have left traces of their intertwined presence in the Mediterranean. During an extraordinary eight-day odyssey, you will hear accounts of the history and secrets of the shores of the Mediterranean Sea. 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 theatre of Epidaurus, considered one of the masterpieces of Greek architecture, during a stopover in Nafplio, explore Lecce, nicknamed “the Florence of the South”, from Gallipoli, or dive into Sicilian baroque architecture with a visit to the village of Noto from Syracuse. The diversity of experiences on offer promises you intense and varied moments (to discover the full range of excursions, go to the itinerary tab). The legendary Peloponnese will plunge you into the country’s tumultuous and glorious past. Nafplio 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. Monemvasia, a gem breathing poetry and revealing its Venetian and Byzantine architecture, commingles with the hustle and bustle and charm of Gythio, which was a former seaport of Sparta then a Roman naval base. Next Corfu, the most famous Ionian island, will reveal the hidden treasures of its Greco-Byzantine and Venetian architectural heritage. It is the northernmost island in the Ionia Sea, both mountainous and woody, and its fascinating landscapes have inspired painters and writers such as Goethe, Alfred Sisley and Lawrence Durrell.  It will now be time to set sail towards Italy. Its ancient archaeological sites, Renaissance palaces, citrus perfumes and internationally recognised cuisine, will welcome you for a few days of unforgettable visits. In Puglia, Gallipoli, meaning “beautiful town” in Greek, reveals its Hellenic origins and offers up its singular atmosphere, where life is good. In Syracuse, the Sicilian soul unfolds across the island of Ortygia - the oldest part of the city -, a maze of small streets dotted with churches, palaces, ancient remnants, sheltering a majestic cathedral in its very heart. Your cruise will come to an end in Valletta, capital of the island of Malta and former stronghold of the Knights of the Order of Malta.

LE DUMONT D'URVILLE

  • Guests: 184
  • Suites: 92
  • Crew: 118
  • Spa: 1
  • Restaurants: 2
  • Length: 430 ft
  • Beam: 59 ft
  • Draft: 15 ft
  • Ice class: 1C
  • Classification: Bureau Veritas
  • Flag: French
  • Decks: 5
  • Zodiacs: 9
  • Tonnage: 9 976 UMS
  • Motors: 2 X 2 000 KW
  • Power: 6 400 KW
  • Construction: Vard Sovik, Norway
Ship in Details

Cruise Itinerary

Day
Date
Location
Arrival
Departure
1
Oct 22, 2026
Greece, Athens
16:00*
18:00
2
Oct 23, 2026
Greece, Nafplion
-
-
3
Oct 24, 2026
Greece, Monemvasia
-
-
4
Oct 25, 2026
Greece, Gythio
-
-
5
Oct 26, 2026
Greece, Corfu
-
-
6
Oct 27, 2026
Italy, Gallipoli
-
-
7
Oct 28, 2026
Italy, Syracuse
-
-
8
Oct 29, 2026
Malta, Valletta
-
08:00**
The itinerary is subject to change without prior notice at the discretion of the cruise line or due to operational, weather, port, or safety considerations. The cruise operator reserves the right to substitute ports, alter the order of calls, or modify the program as necessary to ensure the safety and comfort of passengers.

Cabins & Accomodations

Lower deck balcony stateroom

  • Cabin: 19 m²
  • Pax: 2
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Upper decks balcony stateroom

  • Cabin: 19 m²
  • Pax: 2
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Deluxe Suite

  • Cabin: 27 m²
  • Pax: 3
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Prestige Suite

  • Cabin: 38 m²
  • Pax: 4
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Privilege Suite

  • Cabin: 32 m²
  • Pax: 3
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Grand Suite

  • Cabin: 45 m²
  • Pax: 4
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Owner's Suite

  • Cabin: 45 m²
  • Pax: 4
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