From Athens (Piraeus) to Athens (Piraeus) · Mediterranean · 7 nights
From Athens (Piraeus) to Athens (Piraeus)
Sleek and stylish, Ponant’s wonderful Explorer yachts blend luxury and intimacy with a discreet elegance and tasteful décor.
Named after six of France’s most famous explorers, Le Champlain,
Le Lapérouse, Le Bougainville, Le Dumont d’Urville, Le Bellot and
Le Jacques Cartier offer exciting and adventurous itineraries in
the utmost comfort. Technologically advanced, with the latest in
environmentally friendly hardware, the new ships embody Ponant’s
trademark élan and flair, with just 92 spacious rooms and suites, a
stylish pool deck and an intimate, refined onboard ambience.
Athens is a city awash with historical and cultural significance. Towering over the city are the gleaming columns of the Parthenon, surely one of the most iconic sights in the whole of Europe. And yet Athens is much more than an open air museum; this is a dynamic, bustling metropolis, and a place where history is still very much unfolding. For all its faults, the Greek capital possesses an energy and an optimism that are manifest in everything from the burgeoning art scene to the restaurants and bars that continue to pop up on a regular basis.
Sunseekers have long sought out Skiathos for its beautiful beaches, and it’s a great place to spend a day just chilling out mid-way through a cruise. If the beach doesn’t appeal then Skiathos Town is worth exploring, with plenty of restaurants, tavernas and souvenir shops.
The bustling port of Volos sits on the site of the ancient city of Iolkos, the mythological home of Jason and the Argonauts. The modern city has plenty of interesting museums and churches, along with a pleasant waterfront lined with restaurants.
Greece’s bustling second city has a rich history, shaped by Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman rule, and was once home to a large Jewish community. Sadly many of Thessaloniki’s historic buildings were destroyed by a fire in 1917, but the famous White Tower survives, along with the city’s vibrant, multicultural spirit.
Kavala has a rich history dating back nearly 3,000 years, and was known in antiquity as Neapolis. Many of the city’s most interesting sights were built by the Ottomans, including the aqueduct of Suleyman the Magnificent and the beautiful Imaret, a former religious school.
Limnos is off the beaten track, with a refreshingly low key approach to tourism compared to other Greek islands. Ascend the ruins of the Venetian castle for the best views of the island’s beautiful volcanic landscapes, or spend some time wandering around the charming harbourside capital, Myrina.
Hydra is unique amongst the Greek islands, blissfully free of motorised traffic; transport here is by donkey, water taxi or on foot. The island has attracted many artists, musicians and actors over the years, but retains a rustic and tranquil atmosphere.
Athens is a city awash with historical and cultural significance, but it's much more than an open air museum; this is a dynamic, bustling metropolis, and a place where history is still very much unfolding.
