Music 
Guest Speaker 
Superior Stateroom
25% Ponant Bonus
21 m2
3
9th annual Piano Festival at Sea
Venice - Athens
Dates:
20/6/2024
to
27/6/2024
days
nights on board
In partnership with RADIO CLASSIQUE,with featured guest Alain Duault.
From the Aegean Sea to the Adriatic Sea via the Ionian Sea, the Italian, Croatian, Montenegrin and Greek coastlines bewitch, captivate and enchant. Between millennia-old cities, jagged coastlines and emblematic ancient heritage, let yourself fall under the spell of these Mediterranean treasures, during an unexpected interlude, in Venice the Serenissima.
After a stopover in the charming city of Rovinj, which has Venetian influences, L’Austral will sail towards Hvar. Here, on this charming Dalmatian island, the country’s oldest city Stari Grad nestles between dry-stone rustic estates, UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
You will now leave the shores of Montenegro for Croatia. You will sail along the coast to reach the mythical city of Dubrovnik. In the aptly named “Pearl of the Adriatic”, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, you will be inspired by its millennia-old history, fascinated by its limestone cliffs sculpted by the wind and marvel at the heritage of its old town.
L’Austral will continue sailing north to the Adriatic Sea. The majestic, grandiose, iconic Bay of Kotor will stretch out before you. There is an air of the Norwegian fjords here in its sparkling blue waters. Nestling in the heart of a bay surrounded by rocky and woody summits, the city of Kotor will surprise you, as you stroll through the narrow little streets of its old town, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its mediaeval architecture.
Next Corfu, the most famous Ionian island, will reveal the hidden treasures of its Greco-Byzantine and Venetian architectural heritage. It is the northernmost island in the Ionia Sea, both mountainous and woody, and its fascinating landscapes have inspired painters and writers such as Goethe, Alfred Sisley and Lawrence Durrell.
After your mythical and remarkable crossing of the Corinth Canal, you will fall under the spell of the island of Itea, not far from the marvellous archaeological site of Delphi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Temple of Apollo stood here, constructed in the 4th century BC.
Your cruise will end in Athens, the mythical city dominated by the Acropolis and its monuments that form the most extraordinary architectural and artistic collection bequeathed by Ancient Greece to the rest of the world.
Ref : AU200624
Your itinerary
A musical cruise in partnership with RADIO CLASSIQUE, with featured guests Alain Duault and an exceptional musical line-up. A cruise between the Aegean, the Ionian and the Adriatic Seas, discovering four...
View detailed itinerary
Your trip in detail
Choose your stateroom
Choose your stateroom
Superior Stateroom
(21 m2)
From €4,640
25% Ponant Bonus
Deluxe Stateroom
(18 m2)
From €5,020
25% Ponant Bonus
Prestige Deck 4
(18 m2)
From €5,570
25% Ponant Bonus
Prestige Deck 5
(18 m2)
From €5,840
25% Ponant Bonus
Prestige Deck 6
(18 m2)
From €6,170
25% Ponant Bonus
Deluxe Suite
(27 m2)
From €8,590
25% Ponant Bonus
Prestige Deck 5 Suite
(37 m2)
From €11,600
25% Ponant Bonus
Prestige Deck 6 Suite
(37 m2)
From €12,210
25% Ponant Bonus
Owner's Suite
(45 m2)
From €18,580
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LE CHAMPLAIN
24/7/2023 to the 2/8/2023
LE BORÉAL
LE PAUL GAUGUIN
- New
- Last staterooms
LE PONANT
- New
- Last staterooms
LE PONANT
*Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability, and subject to change at any time. The category of stateroom to which this price applies may no longer be available.
Services provided
- 24h room service
- Inclusive Internet access Wi-Fi (availability dependent on navigation and latitude)
- Individually-controlled air conditioning
- Dressing room with shelves and closet
- Dressing table and hairdryer
- Dyptique Paris top-of-the-line bath products
- Minibar included
- Nespresso coffee maker and boiler
- Electronic safe
- Direct line telephone
- Bose Bluetooth speaker
- Flat screen TV, international channels (availability dependent on navigation) and videos on demand
- 110V American (two flat pins)/220V European (round sockets with two round pins)
- Three ADA staterooms
Select your stateroom category
Alain Duault
The novelist, poet, journalist, musicologist and radio and television presenter Alain Duault has been sharing his passion for and knowledge of classical music for more than 30 years. Considered to be one of the greatest opera specialists in France he is now President of the Prix Pelléas jury, and has been made an Officier de la Légion d’Honneur and Commandeur des Arts et Lettres.
Alain Duault studied literature, philosophy and psycho-analysis in Paris, then musicology and piano. His first TV appearance was as a guest of Bernard Pivot for his book of poems, Colorature. This led to a number of radio programmes dedicated to classical music, notably on RTL, the radio station where Alain Duault would be “Mr Classical Music” for 22 years, before joining Radio Classique with daily slots until 2018. A role that he also took on for the France 3 television channel, presenting a number of exceptional programmes (masterclasses with Ruggero Raimondi in the Salle Gaveau, Musiques en fête at the Chorégies d’Orange festival…).
In 1999, he conceived and presented Intégrale Chopin (225 works, 60 pianists), broadcast on France 3. Then in 2001, he wrote and performed an ambitious and very popular show, Verdi, une passion, un destin (with Jean Piat and 250 musicians). In the wake of this success, he wrote and performed two other shows: Victor Hugo, la légende d’un siècle in 2002 and Rencontre avec George Sand (with Marie-Christine Barrault) in 2004 and 2005.
Alain Duault also puts his writing skills to the service of classical music. The author of a number of books, including Dans la peau de Maria Callas, (Le Passeur Éditeur, 2014, pocket edition, 2017), Dictionnaire amoureux illustré de l’Opéra (Plon Gründ, 2016), Ce léger rien des choses qui ont fui, poetry (Gallimard, 2017), he also writes editorials for Classica.
Language spoken: French
Photo credit: Laurent Rouvrais @Radio Classique
Subject to withdrawal in case of force majeure
Ideal clothes for life on board:
During the days spent on board, you are advised to wear comfortable clothes or casual outfits. The entire ship is air-conditioned, so a light sweater, a light jacket or a shawl may be necessary. When moving about in the public areas of the ship and the decks, light but comfortable shoes are recommended.
Informal evening:
In the evening, you are advised to wear smart-casual attire, especially when dining in our restaurants where wearing shorts and tee-shirts is not allowed.
For women:
- Simple dress
- Skirt or trousers
- Blouse
- Polo
For men:
- Pleated trousers or chinos
- Sports jacket
- Shirt
- Polo
Officer’s evening:
For all cruises longer than 8 nights, an Officer’s Evening with a white dress code may be organized. Therefore, we encourage you to bring a stylish white outfit for the occasion (otherwise black and white).
Gala evening:
During the cruise, two gala evenings will be organised on board. Thus, we recommend that you bring one or two formal outfits.
For women:
- Cocktail attire
- Evening dress (if you wish to)
For men:
- Dark suit
- Tie recommended, possibly bow tie (if you wish to)
SHOP:
A small shop is available on board offering a wide range of outfits, jewellery, leather goods and many accessories.
A laundry service (washing/ironing) is available on board, but unfortunately there are no dry cleaning services. For safety reasons, your cabin is not equipped with an iron.
ACCESSORIES:
- Polarized sunglasses
- Swimsuit (for the Spa on board)
- Gym wear (fitness)
- Battery charger and memory cards for your camera
- Mobile phone charger
- Hat/cap
HEALTH CARE:
- Sunscreen and after-sun lotion
- Medications and prescriptions
OUTFITS ON BOARD:
- Casual outfits for the day
- Smarter outfits for dinners
- Elegant outfits for Gala evenings
- White or black and white outfit
PRECAUTIONS:
In your hand luggage, remember to bring any medicines that you need, and possibly a small spare bag of toiletries (in case of delay in the delivery of your baggage by the airline). Remember to always have your travel documents with you in case you need them: hotel vouchers, cruise vouchers, return flight tickets... Never leave them in your hold luggage.
All our cabins have a safe. We recommend not to go ashore with valuable jewellery.
PONANT activities
Radio Classique
Every day RADIO CLASSIQUE attracts over a million listeners with a promise to celebrate the best works in the classical repertoire by top performers, and bring classical music into the hearts of the greatest number of people in a welcoming and relaxed atmosphere. Radio Classique achieves this by employing well-known personalities with a passion for music, offering a varied play list from symphonies to film music, as well as interactive programmes and numerous live concert broadcasts.
It is these values which set Radio Classique apart, as an accessible, elegant radio station which is much appreciated by epicurean and discerning listeners ; values that are perfectly in tune with what PONANT’s musical cruises have to offer, under the artistic direction of Alain Duault. A truly unforgettable musical experience awaits passengers in the company of outstanding artists in an intimate and privileged setting.
Subject to withdrawal in case of force majeure
Highlights
- A musical cruise in partnership with RADIO CLASSIQUE, with featured guests Alain Duault and an exceptional musical line-up.
- A cruise between the Aegean, the Ionian and the Adriatic Seas, discovering four Mediterranean countries: Greece, Montenegro, Croatia and Italy.
- UNESCO World Heritage Sites: The Acropolis of Athens (your embarkation port), the sanctuary of Delphi (from Itea), the old towns of Corfu, Kotor and Dubrovnik, the plain of Stari Grad on the island of Hvar, Venice and its lagoon (your disembarkation port).
- Panorama of the Croatian islands: Hvar and Rovinj.
- Sailing in the Bay of Kotor.
- Crossing the Corinth Canal.
- From Itea, the possibility of discovering the archaeological site of Delphi and its Pan-Hellenic sanctuary.
Ports of Call & Excursions
20 June 2024 - Venice
Embarkation 20/6/2024 from 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Departure 20/6/2024 at 6:00 pm
Proud and eternal, Venice has reigned on its lagoon ever since the 6th century. You may think you know this city before even setting foot here. You will inevitably fall in love with the charm of the innumerable treasures of the Serenissima: Saint Mark’s square, the basilica, Doges palace, the Grand Canal and the gondolas. Yet, secret Venice is also waiting for you to explore its little interlacing streets and canals, to ramble through its squares and to push open the doors of its churches. The city’s extraordinary heritage shouldn’t stop you from enjoying a glass of Spritz and a few tramezzini.
21 June 2024 - Rovinj
Arrival 21/6/2024 early morning
Departure 21/6/2024 late afternoon
Rovinj is located in Istria, a region bordering Slovenia. This becomes apparent as you walk through its old cobblestoned town. There are many monuments of Venetian influence here. If you study the Balbi arch, you will see the winged lion, symbol of Venice. The bell-tower erected beside Saint Euphemia Cathedral was designed like the bell of Saint Mark in Venice. From the top of the tower, you can scan the entire historical district. To absorb its quaint atmosphere, take a walk in the ochre and sepia-coloured streets leading to bustling squares and terraces shaded by canvas awnings.
22 June 2024 - Hvar
Arrival 22/6/2024 early morning
Departure 22/6/2024 evening
Off the coast of Split, Hvar will surprise you by its traditions that have not changed since Antiquity. The country’s oldest town, Stari Grad, is here on this Dalmatian Island. The town nestles by a cove on the north-west coast, surrounded by dry stone wall structures on the Stari Grad plains. These have been designated a UNESCO World Heritage site because they were built in the time of the Ancient Greeks. From these parcels of land come wines and olive oil manufactured manually. In the upper part of town, it is possible to discover hams and cheeses made by local producers.
23 June 2024 - Dubrovnik
Arrival 23/6/2024 early morning
Departure 23/6/2024 late evening
Emblem of the Dalmatian coast, Dubrovnik is magnificently positioned on a rocky spur. History is sovereign here, in this ancient city, now a listed UNESCO World Heritage site. You will perhaps be surprised by the proportions of La Placa, the central drag through the city. The sheer width of it can be explained by the fact that it straddles a former lagoon. The elegant houses along La Placa are built in the legendary travertine stone. At Pile gate, you will be greeted by the statue of the patron saint of Dubrovnik, and you can admire the coastline as you walk along the ramparts. But what’s inside Fort Saint John, adjoining the outer walls? A maritime museum and an aquarium featuring rare fish from the Adriatic.
24 June 2024 - Kotor
Arrival 24/6/2024 early morning
Departure 24/6/2024 midday
Situated in one of Montenegro’s most beautiful bays, the medieval city of Kotor is a small town full of charm, truly imbued with the traditions and stories of another time. Built between the 12th and 14th centuries, this village, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has preserved many historical monuments from this epoch. During your stop, be sure to admire the impressive castle that dominates the town, and let yourself fall under the charm of its maze of small streets and intimate squares on which folk festivals featuring magnificent colourful costumes are often organised.
25 June 2024 - Corfu
Arrival 25/6/2024 early morning
Departure 25/6/2024 early afternoon
Named after the island, Corfu is the most famous city in the Ionian islands. Protected by citadel fortifications, its old city, designated UNESCO World Heritage, displays unusual Greco-Byzantine and Venetian architecture. Above the water stands Saint George’s church, looking uncannily like a classical temple. The picturesque Pontikonisi, a stone’s throw from the southern point of the town, is the legendary island where Odysseus landed.
26 June 2024 - Itea
Arrival 26/6/2024 early morning
Departure 26/6/2024 midday
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.
26 June 2024 - Crossing the Corinth Canal
Arrival 26/6/2024
Departure 26/6/2024
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!
27 June 2024 - Athens
Arrival 27/6/2024 early morning
Disembarkation 27/6/2024 at 8:00 am
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.
L'Austral
Innovative design, sleek shape and profile, refined interior decoration, friendly, intimate atmosphere: French designers and decorators have managed to give this ship a unique style and veritable signature of its own. Combinations of fine materials, colours and tones harmoniously livened up with touches of bright colour, elegant lines, discreet and subtle refinement… everything has been designed to create a unique atmosphere onboard, a veritable personality: the chic style and naturally relaxing ambiance of a veritable private yacht.
Up to 264 Guests
132 staterooms & suites
145 crew members
Spa
2 restaurants
Decks
Music
Set sail on a musical journey! If you have a passion for classical instrumental music or opera, if you love Celtic melodies or jazz, treat yourself to a different and exclusive experience aboard a PONANT ship. On board or ashore, our guests of honour, including renowned artists, talented musicians and brilliant virtuosos, share their knowledge and their passion in an intimate and accessible manner during concerts or talks.
Guest Speaker
Aboard your ship, an English-speaking lecturer will enlighten you about the culture and history of your destination to deepen your knowledge of the origins of local traditions, the history of emblematic sites, and stories involving famous personalities and those of major historical significance. During on-board lectures or on your shore visits, this expert will be there to share their precious knowledge with you throughout your PONANT cruise.