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Ancient Cities of the Mediterranean Cruise

  • Departure DateSun 8th Nov 2026
  • Ponant Le Champlain
  • 8 Night Cruise From Athens
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Itinerary

  • Athens
  • Nafplion
  • Monemvasia
  • Heraklion
  • Gythion
  • Corfu
  • Gallipoli
  • Syracuse, Italy
  • Malta

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Day 1 - Athens

Arrive: Sun 08 November 2026 / Depart: Sun 08 November 2026 at 18:00

The Greek capital city is located on the edge of the Saronic gulf, in the east of the country. It bears a plural name in reference to the first villages that surround the Acropolis. You will be enchanted by the rocky plateau presided by its monuments listed as UNESCO World Heritage. In the city below, you can visit some of the liveliest districts in Athens: Plaka, with its maze of colourful streets, and where, in the evenings the drifting aroma of moussaka and garlic prawns will tickle your taste buds. The National Archaeological museum and the Cycladic Art Museum are also some of the city’s key attractions and allow visitors to discover Athens’ cultural past.

Day 2 - Nafplion

Arrive: Mon 09 November 2026 / Depart: Mon 09 November 2026

The engaging town of Nafplion is staggered up green hillsides of the Argolic Gulf, to the east of the Peloponnese. Don’t be surprised by its extremely varied cultural heritage. Some of the must-see visits are the ancient agora on the plateau of Akronafplia, Italianate arcades in Syntagma square as well as the baroque fortress of Palamidi on a hillside of the same name. At the top of the hill, views of the gulf and the surrounding mountains are simply awesome. If you want to chill out by the water’s edge, walk along the Arvanitia promenade to a beautiful creek in the shade of cedars and cypresses.

Day 3 - Monemvasia

Arrive: Tue 10 November 2026 / Depart: Tue 10 November 2026

Day 4 - Heraklion

Arrive: Wed 11 November 2026 / Depart: Wed 11 November 2026

Heraklion, the capital of Crete, is the island’s most populous city. The hustle and bustle of this seaport is an integral part of its charm. It is built on a hillside overlooking the port and is encircled by impressive Venetian walls. From the top of these, you will be able to enjoy one of the most beautiful views of the city. The old town is teeming with small shops, squares, cafés and vibrant architectural evidence of the city’s long history. The Palace of Knossos illustrates the wealth and power of its legendary sovereign, King Minos. The archaeological museum houses one of the largest collections of Minoan artefacts and is worth a visit.

Day 5 - Gythion

Arrive: Thu 12 November 2026 / Depart: Thu 12 November 2026

Gytheio or Gythio, also the ancient Gythium or Gytheion, is a town on the eastern shore of the Mani Peninsula, and a former municipality in Laconia, Peloponnese, Greece. Since the 2011 local government reform it is part of the municipality East Mani, of which it is a municipal unit.

Day 6 - Corfu

Arrive: Fri 13 November 2026 / Depart: Fri 13 November 2026

Corfu, an island off Greece’s northwest coast in the Ionian Sea, is defined by rugged mountains and a resort-studded shoreline. Its cultural heritage reflects years spent under Venetian, French and British rule before it was united with Greece in 1864. Corfu Town, flanked by 2 imposing Venetian fortresses, features winding medieval lanes, a French-style arcade and the grand Palace of St. Michael and St. George.

Day 7 - Gallipoli

Arrive: Sat 14 November 2026 / Depart: Sat 14 November 2026

Day 8 - Syracuse, Italy

Arrive: Sun 15 November 2026 / Depart: Sun 15 November 2026

Syracuse (Italy) was one of Sicily’s most prestigious cities and at the height of its splendour competed with Athens. Visiting Syracuse is like stepping back in time to plunge oneself into the fabulous history of Sicily. Since its role as a central city of ancient Greece, numerous civilisations have followed one another to these shores, each leaving their mark. Arabs, Romans, Normans, Byzantines and Spanish influences give Syracuse its extraordinarily rich culture, a mosaic of perfumes, colours and flavours.

Day 9 - Malta

Arrive: Mon 16 November 2026 at 08:00 / Depart: Mon 16 November 2026

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