Southern Italy and Greece: Rome and Athens
Ancient civilisations
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Rome / Civitavecchia → Athens (Lavrion)
Ten nights arc from Rome to Athens and link Roman traces in southern Italy with the great stages of Greek antiquity. Le Champlain calls at harbours where bridges do not open every day and even ties up in the Corinth Canal. Zodiacs and marina open small coves, the Blue Eye underwater lounge reveals the Mediterranean from below. 184 guests, premium all-inclusive and a script of myths, temples and harbour towns.
Route highlights
- Rome / Civitavecchia: Gateway to the Eternal City with the Roman Forum and the Vatican.
- Salerno: Harbour at the foot of the Amalfi Coast and starting point for Paestum with its Doric temples.
- Reggio Calabria: Southern Italian port with the Riace Bronzes in the National Museum of Magna Graecia.
- Catania: Sicilian baroque town at the foot of Mount Etna, built in lava-black stone.
- Corinth Canal: The narrow rock passage between the Peloponnese and the mainland, a piece of seafaring theatre.
- Itea: Anchorage for Delphi, the oracle and sanctuary of Apollo on the slopes of Mount Parnassus.
- Nafplio: The first capital of independent Greece, crowned by the Venetian Palamidi fortress.
The Route
Rome / Civitavecchia
10 nights
Athens (Lavrion)
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Civitavecchia (Rom) · Embarkation
Civitavecchia lies about 80 kilometres north-west of Rome and is the classic cruise gateway to the Eternal City. The harbour is guarded by the 16th-century Forte Michelangelo, completed to designs by Michelangelo.
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Salerno
On the Tyrrhenian Sea south of Naples, Salerno is the gateway to the Amalfi Coast with Positano, Amalfi and Ravello. The medieval Schola Medica Salernitana was Europe's first medical school, and the Arechi Castle offers panoramic views over the gulf.
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Reggio di Calabria
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Catania, Sizilien
Catania at the foot of Mount Etna is the gateway for excursions to Europe's highest active volcano (3,357 m). Guided Etna tours cross lava fields up to the craters; the city centre with the Elephant Fountain and the cathedral complex is itself baroque UNESCO World Heritage.
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Gallipoli
Gallipoli (Italian for "beautiful city") on Apulia's Salentino coast juts out on a rocky island into the sea. Baroque houses, the bustle of the fresh fish market and the surrounding beaches make Gallipoli the southernmost gem of Italy.
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Parga
On the western coast of the Greek mainland facing the islands of Paxos and Antipaxos, this amphitheatre of white and pastel houses tumbles down to the sea. The Venetian fortress on the rock above the harbour recalls its time as a bulwark against the Ottomans.
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Katakolo
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Itea
Itea on the Gulf of Corinth is the closest harbour to Delphi - the most important oracle sanctuary of antiquity, only 10 kilometres away. The Sanctuary of Apollo, the Temple of Athena Pronaia and the Archaeological Museum of Delphi are essential stops on the way to the navel of the world.
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At sea
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Nafplio
Nafplio was the first capital of independent Greece from 1827 to 1834, and remains one of the country's most elegant towns. Above the old quarter stands the Venetian fortress of Palamidi, reached by a famous flight of steps, while out in the harbour the little island castle of Bourtzi lies at anchor like a ship of stone. The neoclassical lanes, bright with bougainvillea and lined with cafés, seem to breathe history. Two World Heritage Sites lie close by: the ancient theatre of Epidaurus, celebrated for its perfect acoustics, and the citadel of Mycenae with its Lion Gate.
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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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Athen · Disembarkation
Le Champlain
Le Champlain belongs to the Ponant Explorer class: 184 guests, Blue Eye Underwater Lounge, Zodiac fleet and equipment designed for the most remote waters on earth. Expedition and luxury - at Ponant, no contradiction.
In the eastern Mediterranean, Le Champlain sails through the Greek island world - ancient harbours and turquoise bays, accompanied by the expedition team.
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 Champlain
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 | € 9.280 | On request | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 4 - 4 | € 9.740 | On request | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 5 - 5 | € 10.210 | On request | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 6 - 6 | € 10.780 | Available | Enquire |
| Deluxe Suite Deck 3 - 3 | € 17.270 | On request | Enquire |
| Deluxe Suite Deck 4 - 4 | € 17.270 | On request | Enquire |
| Deluxe Suite Deck 5 - 5 | € 17.270 | On request | Enquire |
| Deluxe Suite Deck 6 - 6 | € 17.270 | On request | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 5 Suite - | € 19.150 | On request | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 6 Suite - | € 19.620 | On request | Enquire |
| Privilege Suite Deck 5 - 5 | € 20.550 | Available | Enquire |
| Privilege Suite Deck 6 - 6 | € 20.550 | On request | Enquire |
| Owner's Suite - 6 | € 24.780 | Available | Enquire |
| Grand Deluxe Suite Deck 6 - 6 | € 24.780 | Available | Enquire |
Prices as of: 14.08.2026
Standard inclusions of the ship voyage
On board
- Full board in gourmet and À-la-carte restaurants
- Afternoon tea and pastries
- Open bar: water, soft drinks, wines, champagne, spirits, beers, coffee and tea
- Minibar in cabin, regularly refilled
- 24-hour cabin service
- All gratuities for crew and service staff
- Complimentary WiFi onboard (standard usage)
- Butler service (in higher suite categories on select ships)
- Zodiac excursions with experienced guides (on Expedition voyages)
- Expert lectures by scientists, marine biologists and historians
- Water sports equipment: kayaks, stand-up paddling, snorkelling gear (subject to weather and region)
Not included
- Flights
- Travel to/from ship (transfers, pre- or post-programmes)
- Some special shore excursions
- Spa treatments
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. 10 nights from EUR 8.910 p.p. With Ponant, selected wines and beverages at meals are included.
How many guests sail on the Le Champlain?
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.
Non-binding enquiry
Your enquiry reaches a person familiar with this voyage and ship.
