Greek Islands, Sicily and the Côte d'Azur via Corsica
A Mediterranean stroll
Interested in this voyage?
Personal advice, no call centre - a reply within 24 hours.
Lavrion (Athens) to Nice (Villefranche)
Eight nights take Le Bougainville on a leisurely summer flanerie from Athens through the Corinth Canal to Nice. The route mixes Greek islands, Italian coastal towns and Corsica, calling at harbours that each offer their own stage. The marina opens for a swim in turquoise water, Zodiacs reach small coves, and the Blue Eye underwater lounge becomes an auditorium with a deep view. Premium all-inclusive for 184 guests, Mediterranean ease without the crowds.
Route highlights
- Athens (Lavrion): Acropolis and Parthenon as the classic opening of the eastern Mediterranean.
- Hydra: Car-free island capital with captains' mansions and the most beautiful harbour amphitheatre of the Saronic Islands.
- Corinth Canal: The narrow rock passage between the Peloponnese and the mainland, a spectacle from deck.
- Galaxidi: A quiet captains' town in the bay of the Gulf of Corinth, gateway to Delphi.
- Taormina: A Sicilian stage above the sea with its ancient theatre against the silhouette of Mount Etna.
- Porto Santo Stefano: An elegant harbour on the Monte Argentario peninsula along the Tuscan Maremma.
- Calvi (Corsica): Genoese citadel, white sand beach and pine forests behind the old watchtower.
Early booking advantage: Voyages in 2027 fill quickly - premium cabins are often reserved 18-24 months in advance. An early booking enquiry is non-binding and secures your preferred cabin category.
The Route
Lavrion (Athens)
8 nights
Nice (Villefranche)
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Lavrion (Athens) · Embarkation
Lavrion (also Lavrio) sits at the south-eastern tip of Attica, some 60 kilometres from Athens, and is today one of Greece's foremost sailing harbours. Most Cyclades passages set off from its modern marinas, as the Meltemi wind sets in more favourably here than in the Saronic Gulf. Lavrion mattered in antiquity too: the silver mines of Laurion funded the Athenian fleet that defeated the Persians at Salamis in 480 BC. A few kilometres to the south, Cape Sounion rises above the sea, crowned by the Temple of Poseidon, whose marble columns glow golden at sunset.
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Hydra
Hydra is one of the few islands in the world without cars - donkeys, muleteers and water taxis are the only forms of transport. The historic harbour town of whitewashed captains' houses was one of the most important trading centres of the Aegean in the 19th century.
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At sea
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Galaxidi
On the Gulf of Corinth in central Greece lies the historic harbour town of Galaxidi, south of Delphi at the foot of Mount Parnassus. The elegant 19th-century captains' houses bear witness to its former wealth as a shipping centre, and the Maritime Museum documents the golden era of sailing freighters.
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At sea
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Taormina, Sizilien
Taormina sits on a rocky spur above the Ionian Sea and is regarded as the loveliest spot in Sicily. The Greek-Roman theatre with Mount Etna in the background is one of the most spectacular ancient settings; ships moor at Giardini-Naxos at the foot of the hill.
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Gaeta
Gaeta is a port town on the Tyrrhenian coast in Italy's Lazio region. Its old town sits on a promontory crowned by a medieval fortress.
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Porto Santo Stefano
Porto Santo Stefano lies on Monte Argentario and is the gateway to the Tuscan archipelago islands of Giglio and Giannutri. The nearby Maremma nature parks, the outstanding seafood and the low level of tourism make Porto Santo Stefano the most elegant insider tip in Italy.
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Calvi, Korsika
Calvi on Corsica's north-west coast has been home to the French Foreign Legion since 1962. The 13th-century Genoese citadel towers over a perfect crescent of pine-fringed beach, and local legend even claims the town as the birthplace of Christopher Columbus.
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Nizza · Disembarkation
Climate & best time to sail
Embarkation: Lavrion (Athens)
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Air °C | 13 | 14 | 16 | 20 | 26 | 31 | 34 | 34 | 29 | 23 | 18 | 14 |
| Sea °C | 15 | 15 | 15 | 16 | 19 | 23 | 25 | 25 | 24 | 22 | 19 | 16 |
| Rain mm | 48 | 41 | 41 | 29 | 18 | 6 | 5 | 7 | 12 | 52 | 60 | 70 |
Long-term monthly normals · Reference: Athens / Aegean Sea
Disembarkation: Nice (Villefranche)
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Air °C | 15 | 15 | 17 | 19 | 23 | 27 | 30 | 31 | 27 | 23 | 18 | 16 |
| Sea °C | 14 | 14 | 14 | 15 | 17 | 21 | 24 | 25 | 24 | 22 | 18 | 16 |
| Rain mm | 43 | 37 | 25 | 32 | 30 | 15 | 7 | 20 | 52 | 66 | 58 | 52 |
Long-term monthly normals · Reference: Balearic Islands (Palma)
Le Bougainville
Le Bougainville has sailed since 2019 as the third ship of the Explorer class. 184 guests, Blue Eye Underwater Lounge, ice-reinforced hull. Expedition with the comfort and cuisine that have made Ponant the first address for discerning explorers.
The Ship
Cabins
Owner's Suite
The most exclusive suite on board, located on Deck 6. Separate bedroom, balneo bathtub, panoramic views, butler service and personalised attention from the crew.
Cabin layout
Prestige Suite with Balcony
Elegant suites on Decks 5 and 6. Separate living and sleeping areas, two dressing rooms, generous balcony. Round-the-clock butler service.
Cabin layout
Deluxe Suite with Balcony
Spacious suites on Deck 6 with a separate bathtub and shower, sitting area and a private balcony. Butler service included.
Cabin layout
Deluxe Cabin
Outside cabin with a large panoramic window on Deck 3. Ideal for solo travellers or couples. All on-board amenities included.
Cabin layout
Deluxe Cabin with Balcony
Comfortable outside cabins on Decks 3 and 4 with a private balcony. Convertible twin or double beds, shower bathroom.
Cabin layout
Prestige Cabin with Balcony
The most popular category: premium cabins on Decks 4-6 with a private balcony, sitting area and convertible beds. Unobstructed views of the destination.
Cabin layout
Deck plan · Le Bougainville
Cabin prices
Prices per person in double cabin (suites: based on double occupancy), all-inclusive. Subject to availability.
| Category | Price p.P. | Status | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deluxe Stateroom - 3 | € 6.580 | On request | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 4 - 4 | € 6.910 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 5 - 5 | € 7.240 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 6 - 6 | € 7.630 | Available | Enquire |
| Deluxe Suite Deck 3 - 3 | € 12.170 | Available | Enquire |
| Deluxe Suite Deck 4 - 4 | € 12.170 | Available | Enquire |
| Deluxe Suite Deck 5 - 5 | € 12.170 | Available | Enquire |
| Deluxe Suite Deck 6 - 6 | € 12.170 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 5 Suite - | € 13.480 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 6 Suite - | € 13.810 | Available | Enquire |
| Privilege Suite Deck 5 - 5 | € 14.470 | Available | Enquire |
| Privilege Suite Deck 6 - 6 | € 14.470 | Available | Enquire |
| Grand Deluxe Suite Deck 6 - 6 | € 17.430 | Available | Enquire |
| Owner's Suite - 6 | € 19.290 | Available | Enquire |
Prices as of: 14.08.2026
Standard inclusions of the ship voyage
On board
- Schiffsreise in der gewählten Kabinenkategorie
- Vollpension an Bord: Frühstücksbuffet, französische Brasserie-Küche zum Mittagessen, mehrgängiges Abendessen
- Große Auswahl an Getränken in Markenqualität (Mineralwasser, Softdrinks, Wein, Bier, Champagner, Kaffee, Tee, ausgewählte Spirituosen)
- Inhalt der Minibar
- 24-Stunden-Roomservice
- Unbegrenzter WiFi-Zugang an Bord
- Ein Landausflug pro Person und Anlaufhafen
- Vorträge und Begleitung der Naturforscher und Lektoren an Bord
- Abendunterhaltung, Vorträge und Shows
- Zugang zu Fitnessbereich und Sauna
- Nicht-motorisierte Wassersport-Aktivitäten (Kajak, Stand-up-Paddle)
- Bei Expeditionsreisen: Zodiac-Anlandungen und Ausfahrten
- Hafen- und Sicherheitsgebühren
Not included
- An- und Abreise zum Schiff (Flüge, Bahn)
- Flughafentransfers
- Reiseversicherung
- Trinkgelder für Crew (übliche Empfehlung 8 bis 10 Euro pro Person und Tag)
- Premium-Spirituosen und ausgewählte Edel-Weine
- Zusätzliche, optionale Landausflüge
- Spa- und Wellness-Anwendungen
- Persönliche Ausgaben (Wäscheservice, Boutique)
- Tauchgänge
Frequently asked questions
How do I book this voyage?
Send us a non-binding enquiry via the form on this page. Our team replies personally within 24 hours with availability, cabin options and a tailored offer. No enquiry fee, no upfront payment.
What is included in the price?
The base price per person (twin cabin) includes the cabin in your chosen category, full board, all port fees and the onboard programme. Flights and transfers are quoted separately. 8 nights from EUR 4.970 p.p. With Ponant, selected wines and beverages at meals are included.
How many guests sail on the Le Bougainville?
A maximum of 184 guests - extraordinarily intimate compared to standard cruise ships. The high crew-to-guest ratio ensures personal attention throughout the voyage.
Can the itinerary change?
Yes - all itineraries are subject to weather, port availability and the captain's decisions. This is part of the charm of small-ship cruising: flexibility allows for unexpected discoveries.
Are there specials for early bookers or solo travellers?
Yes. Early bookers receive discounts for timely booking. Solo travellers often benefit from a reduced or waived single supplement. Simply mention your preferences in the enquiry.
Is my booking protected?
Yes. As a German tour operator, ivent-sailing provides a travel protection certificate (Reisesicherungsschein) under German law. Your payment is fully insured.
What about flights and transfers?
We arrange flights and transfers on request as part of your personal offer. This allows us to find the best connections for your specific departure date and home airport.
Are there shore excursions?
Yes. All cruise lines offer shore excursions - from guided cultural tours to nature experiences. The concepts vary by fleet. We are happy to provide details on available excursions for your chosen voyage.
What water sports and activities are available?
Depending on the ship and route: snorkelling, kayaking, stand-up paddling, diving, and Zodiac landings (on expedition voyages). Many ships have a marina platform for direct access to the water. We will be happy to tell you exactly what is available on your voyage.
When is the best time to sail this voyage?
For embarkation in Lavrion (Athen) the best time to sail is May to October; for disembarkation in Nizza (Villefranche) it is May to October.
Non-binding enquiry
Your enquiry reaches a person familiar with this voyage and ship.
