Landscapes and historic sites of the Peloponnese
The calmness of an always turquoise sea, the craggy hills bathed in light, fertile plains, oceans of olive trees and slender cypress trees are all invitations to explore the Peloponnese, a land shaped by myths. During a 8-day journey aboard Le Champlain, set off to discover these unique landscapes and archaeological sites. In autumn, far from the crowds, these places imbued in legends seem to come alive through tales of Greek heroes, wrathful gods and ancient creatures.
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, explore the archaeological site of Delphi from Itea, or discover the ruins of Mycenae and Epidaurus from Nafplio, or discover the rich history of Hydra. The diversity of experiences on offer promises you intense and varied moments (to discover the full range of excursions, go to the itinerary tab). After an equally mythic and remarkable crossing of the Corinth Canal, you will arrive in the small port of Itea from where it is possible to visit the incredible site of Delphi or even the Hosios Loukas monastery, both of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Your ship then crosses the Gulf of Patras to reach the Ionian Sea and the Peloponnese. This legendary region immerses you in the tumultuous and glorious past of the country. From the port of Katakolon, you can visit the sublime site of Olympia, a UNESCO World Heritage site, whose ruins bear witness to its former grandeur. After a port of call in Gythio, the seaport of Ancient Sparta, the fortified peninsula of Monemvasia will reveal itself, monumental, like a ship of stone overlooking the azure. Your ship will then set sail for Nafplion, to arrive at your final port of call. 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. The island of Hydra, famous for its incomparable light, will enchant you with the calm of its little streets, where all motor traffic is forbidden. 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.
When searching for a luxury yacht expedition cruise, there’s one name above all else that you need to know – Ponant Cruises. Founded in 1988 by former French Merchant Navy officers, Ponant combines succulent luxury with authentic adventures on all seven continents.
From classic Mediterranean itineraries and Caribbean sailings, to bucket-list expeditions around Greenland and Antarctica, Ponant cruises proudly counteract the banality of mainstream voyages with a unique take on the concept of small-ship cruising. It’s the absolute trip of a lifetime.
Like the rest of the PONANT EXPLORERS series, Le Champlain successfully manages to subtly combine the desire to explore the remotest regions of the planet with the comfort and privacy of a cosily intimate ship.
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