From the city of the gods to the Dalmatian coast

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.