Cruising the Greek Islands of the Southern Aegean - Le Dumont d'Urville
Join Smithsonian experts on a leisurely voyage through the heart of the Aegean – the perfect introduction to all that Homer’s 'wine-dark sea' has to offer: ancient sites, whitewashed homes, and stylish waterfront cafés.
SPECIAL OFFER
9.0*
ECO SCORE
184
PASSENGERS
8
DAYS
2.5/5
ACTIVITY LEVEL
Greece: Drink It In
Welcome Aboard the
Le Dumont d'Urville
Departing from Athens, your first encounter with the rich history of the Aegean is the monumental Byzantine monastery on Patmos. Next are the labyrinthine streets and splendid plazas of the medieval town of Rhodes. Santorini offers a choice between browsing sundrenched shops and restaurants, or exploring the Bronze Age site of Akrotiri. Amorgos brings you face to face with age-old traditions of olive cultivation, herbal medicine, and religious devotion as they are still practiced in small villages in the mountains.
The island of Delos was sacred to the ancient Greeks—the birthplace of Apollo and Artemis, and home to countless shrines and temples. Mykonos, by contrast, is a sophisticated island resort with smart cafes and boutiques. From Nafplion travel to Mycenae, before continuing to Epidaurus, the ancient shrine of Asklepios. Your journey concludes upon return to Athens.
- • Visit the stunning ruins of Akrotiri, an ancient city destroyed by an eruption and covered with a thick layer of lava stone.
• Amble along cobblestone streets, discover the stories of the ancient past, and visit as many as five UNESCO World Heritage sites in just one trip!
• Participate in engaging discussions onboard with two Smithsonian experts, and immerse yourself in each destination with included excursions at each port of call.
Travel Curator’s Insights:
Trip Sustainability Awards
Carbon
Optimizes the daily speed in order to reduce fuel consumption by 30%
Water
Ships equipped with freshwater purification systems that convert seawater into drinking water
Waste
Has eliminated use of single-use plastic bottles and straws
Itinerary
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 sites. In the city below, you can visit some of the liveliest districts in Athens: Plaka, with its maze of colorful 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: Patmos
Patmos is one of the legendary must-see islands in the Dodecanese. This is where Saint John resided, presumed author of the last book in the Bible. The cave of the Apocalypse and the Saint John Monastery are dedicated to him. These sites, which are listed by UNESCO as World Heritage, are located at the top of a hillside planted with vines and orchards. On the shore, the crystalline coves of Kambos and Lampi offer absolutely gorgeous swimming areas.
Day 3: Rhodes
With its particularly agreeable climate, the island of Rhodes invites you to walk its pathways and discover its immaculate villages and sumptuous medieval city, a UNESCO World Heritage site. At the center of the island the mountains are covered in forest and on the western slopes we find vineyards and crops. Rhodes also owes much of its charm and its character to the Knights of St John who reigned over the island from 1310 to 1522 and built impressive defensive walls punctuated with majestic gateways. Do not miss this delightful island with its peaceful beaches and its large walkways, perpetuating the myth of the famous Colossus, the legendary statue that is one of the Seven Wonders of the World.
Day 4: Santorini
The spectacular volcanic island of Santorini stands out proud in the Cyclades. Its basalt cliffs offer particularly expansive views of the Aegean. To enjoy these views, you can head for the capital, Fira. Its floral belvederes of bougainvillea provide a bird’s-eye view of several thousand meters of coastline. Further away, the gorgeous village of Oia looks like a stairway of blue and white houses on the slopes of the volcano. In the south of the island, you will be able to visit the stunning ruins of Akrotiri, an ancient city destroyed by an eruption and covered with a thick layer of lava stone.
Day 5: Amorgos
It’s no accident that the island of Amorgos was chosen as a shooting location for Luc Besson’s film, The Big Blue. You too will fall under the charm of this island as your ship edges closer. Amorgos is the most easterly island in the Cyclades and stands out for its rocky inlets with crystal-clear water and its small, picturesque villages. This port of call will be your chance to visit one of the prettiest villages in the Cyclades, Chora, and discover its cobbled streets and whitewashed houses overlooked by a castle. Byzantine churches, windmills and courtyards brimming with flowers complete this typical tableau of timeless Greece.
Day 6: Delos & Mykonos
Delos
The legendary Cyclades island of Delos stands just a few miles southwest of Mykonos. The ceremonial solemnity of this ancient holy sanctuary will not leave you indifferent. The sheer size and importance of this UNESCO World Heritage site which covers over half of the island is thrilling in itself. From the Stoa of Antigonos, the Terrace of the Lions, to the carved marble animal statues, you will make discovery after discovery, against a backdrop of the Aegean stretching to the horizon. The theater steps on the hillside are a particularly good place from which to enjoy the expansive view.
Mykonos
Nicknamed “little Venice”, Mykonos is famous for its Alefkandra district where houses are built right on the water’s edge. Their multi-coloured loggias are emblematic of this Cyclades island, as are the pelicans and windmills. You can get close up to the birds on the quaysides of the old port. Up on the hillside, you can see the windmill sails turning. In the cobbled streets of the pedestrian center, bougainvillea bedeck immaculate facades. As you weave in and out of the little streets, snatches of coastline will undoubtedly call you to the island’s beaches, the quietest of which can be found on the northern coast.
Day 7: 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: 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 colorful 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.
Le Dumont d'Urville
Le Dumont d’Urville successfully manages to subtly combine the desire to explore the remotest regions of the planet with the comfort and privacy of a cosily intimate ship. To the innovative and environmentally friendly equipment are added elegant design and a unique atmosphere in keeping with all of her sister ships. Your dream of a cruise onboard a cosily intimate ship is thus made possible through the combination of an authentically genuine voyage experience together with discreet luxury.
• Capacity: 148 guests (Ship carries 184)
• Cabins: 92 cabins
• Specialists: Highly Credentialed Naturalists & Experts, 1.1.3 Guest to Staff Ratio
ACHIEVEMENTS
Travel Weekly's "Best Tour Operator - Luxury" (17 Years)
Afar Magazine's "Best Cultural Trips" 2020
Travvy Awards "Best Escorted Tour Operator - Luxury" 2020
"For those seeking a luxurious expedition experience, Le Dumont d'Urville stands out. The tastefully designed cabins and welcoming public areas ensure a relaxing atmosphere after your excursions. With its sophisticated European-style hospitality, friendly crew, and outstanding educational programs, Le Dumont d'Urville comes highly recommended."
Wild Nectar
Life On Board
Deck Plan
Click to enlarge
Questions?
Rates
PRESTIGE SUITE DECK 6
409 SF; Priority boarding, butler service, & champagne & fruit basket on arrival; One king-size bed or two single beds and TV; a lounge with a sofa bed, an armchair, and second TV; two bathrooms with showers, private 8 m² balcony with four armchairs, and two panoramic sliding bay windows.
From in USD:
$14,820pp
OWNER'S SUITE
484 SF; Priority boarding, butler service, and champagne & fruit basket on arrival; One king-size bed or two single beds and TV; a lounge with a sofa bed, armchair, and second TV; bathrooms with shower and tub, dressing room & closet, private 40 m² balcony with two deck chairs, jacuzzi, & lounge area; and two panoramic sliding bay windows.
From in USD:
$23,580pp
PRIVILEGE SUITE
344 SF; Priority boarding & butler service; One king-size bed or two single beds and TV; a lounge area with a chaise longue and armchair; a bathroom with shower, dressing room & closet, Bose Bluetooth speaker, private 8 m² balcony with two armchairs, and a panoramic sliding bay window.
From in USD:
$15,540pp
GRAND DELUXE SUITE
484 SF; Priority boarding & butler service; One king-size bed or two single beds and TV; a lounge with a sofa bed & armchair; bathrooms with shower and tub, dressing room & closet, private 32 m² balcony with two deck chairs and four-seater dining table, and two panoramic sliding bay windows.
From in USD:
$17,040pp
Smithsonian guides are a fantastic addition to this culturally rich exploration of the Greek Isles. If you’re a history buff or are just curious about the stories behind the places, this program will take you deeper into these stunning landscapes and antiquities than you could go with regular guides.
Joy Martinello, Founder
Questions?
What’s Included & Cancellation Policy:
WHAT'S INCLUDED:
A program of onboard enrichment provided by two Smithsonian Journeys Experts; Transfers and luggage handling from the airport in Athens to the ship on the day of embarkation; Comprehensive 7-night cruise aboard the deluxe Le Dumont-d’Urville, with all the amenities for which this operator's ships are famous; One included shore excursion in each port of call (see “Itinerary” for more information and choice of excursions, if applicable); Gratuities for ship crew and for guides and drivers on excursions; Transfer from the ship to the airport in Athens at the end of the cruise on the morning of disembarkation.
NOT INCLUDED:
Independent meals and beverages ashore; Personal expenses (such as laundry, telephone, etc.)
