Guest Speaker 
No single supplement 
Deluxe Stateroom
25% Ponant Bonus
19 m2
2
- New
From the shores of Greece to the Maltese coast
Athens - Valletta
Dates:
26/6/2023
to
2/7/2023
days
nights on board
Discover the Mediterranean as you have never seen it before, during a brand-new 7-day cruise that will take you from Athens, the famous city of the gods, to Valletta, the Maltese capital. Aboard Le Bougainville, Greece, its mythical Peloponnese region, and Sicily will reveal their most beautiful landscapes to you.
From Athens, you will reach the small island of Hydra, famous for its incomparable light.
Then, Le Bougainville will set a course for the Peloponnese region. The fortified peninsula of Monemvasia will reveal itself, monumental, like a ship of stone overlooking the azure.
Next comes Gythio. To the south of Peloponnese, what was once the main port of ancient Sparta is the gateway to the Byzantine city of Mystras, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
You will leave behind the Greek coast to make your way to Italy and the largest Mediterranean island, Sicily. You will stop in Catania, dominated by Mount Etna, whose eruptions and earthquakes in the late 17th century led to the city’s reconstruction in the late Baroque style of the time. Thanks to the high level of architectural and artistic achievement, the city is now listed with UNESCO.
Your cruise will come to an end in Valletta, former stronghold of the Knights of the Order of Malta.
Ref : EG260623
Your itinerary
A brand-new cruise from the Greek capital to the former headquarters of the Order of Knights Hospitaller, to enjoy idyllic landscapes and sites brimming with history. UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the Acropolis...
View detailed itinerary
Your trip in detail
Choose your stateroom
Choose your stateroom
Complete your trip
Complete your trip
Additional services
For more peace of mind, PONANT selects flights and takes care of your transfers for your trip as well as shore visits before and after the cruise.
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LE JACQUES-CARTIER
LE SOLEAL
21/10/2022 to the 1/11/2022
- New
LE COMMANDANT CHARCOT
L'AUSTRAL
4/11/2022 to the 20/11/2022
- New
LE LAPEROUSE
9/11/2022 to the 23/11/2022
*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 Wi-Fi Internet access (availability dependent on navigation and latitude)
- Individually-controlled air conditioning
- Dressing room with shelves and closet
- Dressing table and hairdryer
- Hermès 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)
- Two ADA staterooms
Select your stateroom category
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:
Depending on the itinerary and the program of your cruise, 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
Highlights
- A brand-new cruise from the Greek capital to the former headquarters of the Order of Knights Hospitaller, to enjoy idyllic landscapes and sites brimming with history.
- UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the Acropolis in Athens (embarkation port), the archaeological site of Mystras from Gythio, Catania, the historic centre of Valletta(disembarkation port).
- The charming island of Hydra which can only be discovered on foot.
- Discover the famous Peloponnese region by visiting Monemvasia and Gythio.
- Sicily with a stop in Catania, dominated by the majestic volcano Mount Etna.
Ports of Call & Excursions
26 June 2023 - Athens
Embarkation 26/6/2023 from 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Departure 26/6/2023 at 8:00 pm
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.
27 June 2023 - Hydra
Arrival 27/6/2023 at night
Departure 27/6/2023 late evening
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.
28 June 2023 - Monemvasia
Arrival 28/6/2023 early morning
Departure 28/6/2023 late evening
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.
29 June 2023 - Gythio
Arrival 29/6/2023 early morning
Departure 29/6/2023 evening
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.
30 June 2023 - At sea
Arrival 30/6/2023
Departure 30/6/2023
During your day at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This day without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.
1 July 2023 - Catania, Sicily
Arrival 1/7/2023 early morning
Departure 1/7/2023 late afternoon
Sicily’s second city Catania is dominated by the majestic silhouette of Mount Etna. Nourishing and devastating at the same time, this giant crowned with smoke rings brought about the destruction of the city at the end of the 17th century. Catania was then rebuilt in the late Baroque style, and the many monuments of this epoch have earned its status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The baroque churches of the harmonious Via dei Crociferi perfectly illustrate the riches of this architectural heritage. During your stop, be sure to visit Saint Agatha Cathedral with its apses made of lava stones, and its square decorated with a fountain of the Elephant, the animal which allegedly has the power to calm the fury of Mount Etna …
2 July 2023 - Valletta
Arrival 2/7/2023 early morning
Disembarkation 2/7/2023 at 8:00 am
The whole of the Maltese capital Valletta is UNESCO World Heritage listed and occupies a peninsula in the north-east of the island. From the fountain of Tritons to Saint-Elme fort, there are as many majestic streets as there are narrow staircase vennels to explore. The painted loggia and carved corbels on the tall houses will accompany you in your explorations, and you’ll rarely be bothered by traffic. You can visit the Grandmasters palace decorated with coats of arms and frescoes. Saint-John’s cathedral and the ramparts which have guarded the city since the 16th century are also among the most emblematic sites of the city. Arranged in terraces, the Barrakka Gardens will punctuate your promenade with a green and floral experience.
History of Hydra
The charm of Hydra town certainly lies in her rich history, port and waterfront unspoiled by motorised vehicles. This island offers a rugged charm and many scenes to discover.
From the pier, follow your guide on a walking exploration through the island's historical landmarks. Your first stop will be the Hydra Museum - Historical Archives where you may admire 19th century paintings of considerable artistic value as well as rich documental and photographic material detailing the long maritime tradition and history of the island.
Continuing your walk around the port, you will visit the Church of the Dormitian, which houses icons, chandeliers and other offerings from the wealthy seafarers of the island. It is even said one of the chandeliers was stolen from Louis XIV and given to the church.
Enjoy a coffee or a refreshment together with Hydra's local sweet " amygdaloto" at a promenade local coffee shop.
Next, take the road uphill to reach Koundouriotis Mansion, one of the finest examples of the traditional 18th and 19th century architecture of Hydra. Built in 1780 by the ship owner Lazaros Koundouriotis, it now houses various items from the National Historical Museum of Athens, such as traditional costumes, jewellery, fine embroideries, pottery and wood-carvings.
Enjoy a leisurely walk through Hydra's little alleys and stone houses before your return to the port.
- This tour is entirely on foot, walking over uneven ground, cobble stone streets and steps (70-80 steps). We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun. Appropriate clothing is required to enter religious sites: shoulders and knees must be covered. The refreshment is included on your tour.
Price range:
Find out more
€: the excursion price is less than €50.
The price of the excursion will be available approximately two months prior to the cruise departure.
The complete programme of excursions, including up-to-date prices, will be provided with the Travel book that you will receive before the departure of your cruise.
PONANT also allows you to pre-book your excursions approximately two months prior to the cruise* departure. Billing is done on board.
*Excluding Expedition cruises.
According to availability, price per passenger.
The Byzantine city of Mystras
From the pier, board your coach and start your 1-hour drive to Mystras.
On the lower slopes of Mount Taygetos, a short distance from Sparta, stands the silent, ruined city of Mystras. Many remains have remained unharmed by time. Wandering along the cobblestone streets, between churches and noblemen’s houses to reach the citadel crowning the summit, you will have the feeling you are re-living part of the Byzantine Hellenism.
During its two centuries of existence as the Byzantine capital of the Peloponnese, many churches and monasteries were erected in Mystras, representing all the painting trends of the capital. Going up the hill, you will enter the gate of Mystras castle, which was built by the Franks in 1249. The most important monument you will meet on your way up is the Cathedral of Agios Dimitrios. On the floor of the church is the two-headed eagle, symbol of the Palaiologos dynasty, carved into a plaque.
Towards the northern corner of the enclosure stand the two most impressive churches of Mystras, Agii Theodori and the Panagia Odigitria with fabulous wall paintings. On the slope to the east stands the Pantanassa monastery built on the 15th century, today a hospitable convent.
Following your guided visit to Mystras, you will board your coach and join your ship, 1-hour drive.
- This tour involves approximately 2 hours of walking on strenuous and slippery streets with some steps. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes, and protect yourself from the sun. Appropriate dress is recommended to enter religious sites (shoulders and knees must be covered).
Price range:
Find out more
€€: the excursion price is between €50 and €100.
The price of the excursion will be available approximately two months prior to the cruise departure.
The complete programme of excursions, including up-to-date prices, will be provided with the Travel book that you will receive before the departure of your cruise.
PONANT also allows you to pre-book your excursions approximately two months prior to the cruise* departure. Billing is done on board.
*Excluding Expedition cruises.
According to availability, price per passenger.
Taste of Lakonia region
From the pier, board your coach and start your 40-minute drive to Sparta, the administrative capital of the prefecture of Laconia.
Once arriving, you will visit the Museum of Olive and Greek Olive Oil.
The Museum aims to highlight the culture and technology of the olive and oil production. Unique in Greece, the museum is located in the heart of Laconia, one of the main olive producing locations in Greece.
The Museum’s ground floor is devoted to the development of olive oil production technology from Antiquity until the early industrial era. Hence, you can admire post-Byzantine technology and machinery.
After your visit, re-board your coach for a short drive to Theodorakakos Private Estate located outside Sparta. The owner will greet you and accompany you during the visit of his winery. His comments you will allow you to learn more about on the wine making.
Then, you will have the opportunity to taste 3 different types of wine with some local snacks.
Following the tasting, you will start your drive back to the ship, 30-minute drive.
- This tour involves approximately 1 hour of walking uneven terrains with some steps. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes, and protect yourself from the sun. The tasting and the snack is included on your tour. The tour is limited to 40 participants.
Price range:
Find out more
€€: the excursion price is between €50 and €100.
The price of the excursion will be available approximately two months prior to the cruise departure.
The complete programme of excursions, including up-to-date prices, will be provided with the Travel book that you will receive before the departure of your cruise.
PONANT also allows you to pre-book your excursions approximately two months prior to the cruise* departure. Billing is done on board.
*Excluding Expedition cruises.
According to availability, price per passenger.
Le Bougainville
Welcoming and spacious common areas, refined open-to-the-sea design, sleek exterior lines, a marina to make access to the ship's Zodiac® inflatables easier, hi-tech equipment, an outdoor pool, a multisensorial underwater lounge… Le Bougainville represents the new generation of ships designed to combine discovery and exploration with luxury, even in the planet's most remote and isolated regions.
Up to 184 Guests
92 staterooms & suites
118 crew members
Spa
2 restaurants
Decks
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.
No single supplement
FREE SINGLE SUPPLEMENT *
*The supplement for single usage of a double cabin is waived, according to availability and staterooms categories.
Shore excursions, Pre/Post & Overlands
History of Hydra
The charm of Hydra town certainly lies in her rich history, port and waterfront unspoiled by motorised vehicles. This island offers a rugged charm and many scenes to discover.
From the pier, follow your guide on a walking exploration through the island's historical landmarks. Your first stop will be the Hydra Museum - Historical Archives where you may admire 19th century paintings of considerable artistic value as well as rich documental and photographic material detailing the long maritime tradition and history of the island.
Continuing your walk around the port, you will visit the Church of the Dormitian, which houses icons, chandeliers and other offerings from the wealthy seafarers of the island. It is even said one of the chandeliers was stolen from Louis XIV and given to the church.
Enjoy a coffee or a refreshment together with Hydra's local sweet " amygdaloto" at a promenade local coffee shop.
Next, take the road uphill to reach Koundouriotis Mansion, one of the finest examples of the traditional 18th and 19th century architecture of Hydra. Built in 1780 by the ship owner Lazaros Koundouriotis, it now houses various items from the National Historical Museum of Athens, such as traditional costumes, jewellery, fine embroideries, pottery and wood-carvings.
Enjoy a leisurely walk through Hydra's little alleys and stone houses before your return to the port.
- This tour is entirely on foot, walking over uneven ground, cobble stone streets and steps (70-80 steps). We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun. Appropriate clothing is required to enter religious sites: shoulders and knees must be covered. The refreshment is included on your tour.
Price range:
Find out more
€: the excursion price is less than €50.
The price of the excursion will be available approximately two months prior to the cruise departure.
The complete programme of excursions, including up-to-date prices, will be provided with the Travel book that you will receive before the departure of your cruise.
PONANT also allows you to pre-book your excursions approximately two months prior to the cruise* departure. Billing is done on board.
*Excluding Expedition cruises.
According to availability, price per passenger.
The Byzantine city of Mystras
From the pier, board your coach and start your 1-hour drive to Mystras.
On the lower slopes of Mount Taygetos, a short distance from Sparta, stands the silent, ruined city of Mystras. Many remains have remained unharmed by time. Wandering along the cobblestone streets, between churches and noblemen’s houses to reach the citadel crowning the summit, you will have the feeling you are re-living part of the Byzantine Hellenism.
During its two centuries of existence as the Byzantine capital of the Peloponnese, many churches and monasteries were erected in Mystras, representing all the painting trends of the capital. Going up the hill, you will enter the gate of Mystras castle, which was built by the Franks in 1249. The most important monument you will meet on your way up is the Cathedral of Agios Dimitrios. On the floor of the church is the two-headed eagle, symbol of the Palaiologos dynasty, carved into a plaque.
Towards the northern corner of the enclosure stand the two most impressive churches of Mystras, Agii Theodori and the Panagia Odigitria with fabulous wall paintings. On the slope to the east stands the Pantanassa monastery built on the 15th century, today a hospitable convent.
Following your guided visit to Mystras, you will board your coach and join your ship, 1-hour drive.
- This tour involves approximately 2 hours of walking on strenuous and slippery streets with some steps. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes, and protect yourself from the sun. Appropriate dress is recommended to enter religious sites (shoulders and knees must be covered).
Price range:
Find out more
€€: the excursion price is between €50 and €100.
The price of the excursion will be available approximately two months prior to the cruise departure.
The complete programme of excursions, including up-to-date prices, will be provided with the Travel book that you will receive before the departure of your cruise.
PONANT also allows you to pre-book your excursions approximately two months prior to the cruise* departure. Billing is done on board.
*Excluding Expedition cruises.
According to availability, price per passenger.
Taste of Lakonia region
From the pier, board your coach and start your 40-minute drive to Sparta, the administrative capital of the prefecture of Laconia.
Once arriving, you will visit the Museum of Olive and Greek Olive Oil.
The Museum aims to highlight the culture and technology of the olive and oil production. Unique in Greece, the museum is located in the heart of Laconia, one of the main olive producing locations in Greece.
The Museum’s ground floor is devoted to the development of olive oil production technology from Antiquity until the early industrial era. Hence, you can admire post-Byzantine technology and machinery.
After your visit, re-board your coach for a short drive to Theodorakakos Private Estate located outside Sparta. The owner will greet you and accompany you during the visit of his winery. His comments you will allow you to learn more about on the wine making.
Then, you will have the opportunity to taste 3 different types of wine with some local snacks.
Following the tasting, you will start your drive back to the ship, 30-minute drive.
- This tour involves approximately 1 hour of walking uneven terrains with some steps. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes, and protect yourself from the sun. The tasting and the snack is included on your tour. The tour is limited to 40 participants.
Price range:
Find out more
€€: the excursion price is between €50 and €100.
The price of the excursion will be available approximately two months prior to the cruise departure.
The complete programme of excursions, including up-to-date prices, will be provided with the Travel book that you will receive before the departure of your cruise.
PONANT also allows you to pre-book your excursions approximately two months prior to the cruise* departure. Billing is done on board.
*Excluding Expedition cruises.
According to availability, price per passenger.