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Peregrine Travel Centre

Landscapes and Historic Sites of the Peloponnese Luxury Cruise

Landscapes and Historic Sites of the Peloponnese Luxury Cruise

From AUD $6,790

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Description

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.

Trip Name
Landscapes and Historic Sites of the Peloponnese Luxury Cruise
Days
8
Overview
Vessel Type: Luxury Length: 127 metres Passenger Capacity: 92 cabins Built: 2017/2018 Featuring innovative and environmentally-friendly equipment, elegantly designed cabins, spacious suites with large windows, and lounge areas that open onto the outside, this new limited-capacity yacht boasting just 92 cabins and suites will offer you a truly unique cruising experience. As the first ship in a new series, Le Champlain will embody the unique atmosphere that is the cruise line’s hallmark: a subtle blend of refinement, intimacy and comfort. Aboard this ship that flies the French flag, you will experience the incomparable pleasure of an intimate cruise, with the possibility of exploring an ever-increasing range of destinations in an ethnic-chic ambiance with luxury service. Experience a luxurious setting where the accent is on authenticity and passion for travel. RESTAURANTS As it is an essential part of French culture, gastronomy will naturally have pride of place aboard this new ship. Through its two restaurants, Le Champlain will invite you on a journey to elegance and epicureanism. In a relaxed atmosphere, a first dining area located on Deck 3 and able to seat 70 will serve grilled meats daily, along with a variety of salads and desserts. To the back of Deck 4, you will find a 260 m² panoramic restaurant which can accommodate all of our passengers in a single sitting. Designed differently to that on our other ships, this dining area, which opens onto the outside, will have a buffet of salads, desserts and cheeses at your disposal. Our discreet and attentive crew will provide table service for hot meals. PUBLIC AREAS Like Le Boréal and its sisterships, Le Champlain has many common areas that are designed and equipped to meet all of your needs while preserving the intimacy of each passenger. A 140 m² reception area includes: A reception/concierge desk, An excursions desk, The ship’s administrative services, The sales office, manned by our Guest Relations Officer, Our 50 m² boutique which sells clothing, jewellery, beauty products, postcards and various accessories, Toilets accessible to passengers with reduced mobility. A new hydraulic platform with adjustable height provides: Easier boarding than on any other cruise ship, Easier Zodiac embarkation and disembarkation for expeditions, Easier access to the sea for swimming and practising various water sports such as kayaking or paddle-boarding. A pool deck offering: A pool with a panoramic view, equipped with a counter-current swimming system, A pleasant solarium, An outdoor bar and lounge with armchairs and sofas. A 200 m² main lounge which can accommodate all of our passengers to share convivial moments and to host activities organised during the day or evening. Lastly, a theatre that seats 188, equipped with: The latest sound and lighting technology, A LED wall as the stage backdrop, for the projection of high-resolution images and videos.

Itinerary



Day 1 - Day 1 - Athens
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 - Day 2 - Crossing the Corinth Canal
The Corinth Canal cuts through the Isthmus of Corinth, turning the Peloponnese into an island as it separates the region from the Greek mainland. Inaugurated in 1893, the canal is a little over six kilometres long and enables merchant vessels and passenger to avoid a long 400-km detour around the peninsula. The two sides of the canal reach a height of approximately fifty metres. From the exterior decks, don’t miss this unique opportunity to watch the ship as it navigates along the narrow strip of water encased between tall, ochre cliffs. What an experience!
Day 3 - Day 2 - Itea
Tucked away in the Gulf of Corinth, this little port is situated in continental Greece, north-west of Athens. Take an easy stroll along the old cobblestone quays, while gazing at the summits encircling the Bay of Itea. We wouldn’t be surprised if you are tempted by a visit to the Delphi Sanctuary. The sanctuary is located on a plateau on the slope of Mount Parnassus, just ten kilometres from Itea. A listed UNESCO World Heritage site, this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience whose ancient ruins are surrounded by steep mountains.
Day 4 - Day 3 - Katakolon
This picturesque village stretches along the Ionian sea in the west of the Peloponnese. Its main harbour offers a vast panorama of the coastline’s wooded hillsides. Dazzling white, the church of Saint-Nicolas houses a selection of sumptuous icons. You can also pay a visit the archaeological site of Olympus on the slopes of Mount Kronos.
Day 5 - Day 4 - Gythio
Located in the south of the Peloponnese, on the Mani Peninsula, Gytheio was the main port and naval base of ancient Sparta, located around fifty kilometres inland. In Roman times, the port experienced significant expansion thanks to trading in imperial dye; in fact, the region had an abundance of murex, the rock snails from which this dye, loved by the Romans, was extracted. The town is nestled against Mount Koumaros and dominated by a citadel. Take a stroll and fall under the charm of the calm that reigns over the stairways bordered by small neoclassic houses with steps overrun with wild flowers.
Day 6 - Day 5 - Monemvasia
The jewel of the southern Peloponnese, Monemvasia is the romantic refuge for Athenians. Given the poetic nickname of the “stone ship”, this majestic peninsula is home to an incredible fortified medieval village, lying at the foot of its abrupt cliffs, which seems to have been cast by the gods from the Aegean Sea. Contemplate the horizon from its ramparts, a veritable walkway defying the azure waters, and stroll through its vaulted narrow streets with their thousand shades of ochre. At the crossroads of western and eastern influences and the maritime routes of the continent, Crete and the Cyclades, Monemvasia has preserved in this magical decor the treasures of Venetian and Byzantine architecture.
Day 7 - Day 6 - Nafplion
The engaging town of Nafplion is staggered up green hillsides of the Argolic Gulf, to the east of the Peloponnese. Do not 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 8 - Day 7 - Hydra
This unusual gem belonging to the Saronic islands is located to the east of the Peloponnese. There are no cars here. Named after the island, the harbour town is layered up the slopes of a mountainous bay. You may be surprised to see beautiful stone mansions. These are traditional here, as are the multi-coloured caïques along the quays. Further along the shore, you will discover the Historical Archives Museum. Collections from Athens National History Museum are exhibited in the elegant villa Koundouriotis.
Day 9 - Day 8 - Athens
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 10 - Please note:
Itineraries are subject to change. 

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
25-10-202601-11-2026AUD $6,790Deluxe Stateroom
25-10-202601-11-2026AUD $7,140Prestige Deck 4
25-10-202601-11-2026AUD $15,220Privilege Suite Deck 5
25-10-202601-11-2026AUD $15,220Privilege Suite Deck 6
25-10-202601-11-2026AUD $18,380Grand Deluxe Suite Deck 6
25-10-202601-11-2026AUD $18,380Grand Deluxe Suite Deck 5
25-10-202601-11-2026AUD $7,490Prestige Deck 5
25-10-202601-11-2026AUD $7,920Prestige Deck 6
25-10-202601-11-2026AUD $12,760Deluxe Suite Deck 6
25-10-202601-11-2026AUD $12,760Deluxe Suite Deck 3
25-10-202601-11-2026AUD $12,760Deluxe Suite Deck 4
25-10-202601-11-2026AUD $12,760Deluxe Suite Deck 5
25-10-202601-11-2026AUD $14,170Prestige Deck 5 Suite
25-10-202601-11-2026AUD $14,520Prestige Deck 6 Suite

Inclusions

    • An autumn cruise to discover some of Greece’s most beautiful ancient sites and cross the Corinth Canal.
    • UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the Delphi site from Itea, the Olympia site from Katakolon, the ruins of Mycenae and Epidaurus from Nafplion, the Acropolis in Athens (port of disembarkation).
    • Make the most of an excursion included* per person per port of call during your cruise thanks to the selection made by our destination experts.

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