Greek Islands, Sicily & Malta: Syracuse and Valletta
Ancient cities of the Mediterranean
Interested in this voyage?
Personal advice, no call centre - a reply within 24 hours.
Lavrion (Athens) → Valletta
Eight nights link Athens with Valletta and follow the traces of ancient cities along the Ionian Sea. Le Champlain calls at Venetian fortresses, Minoan sites and baroque harbour towns, with stops from Nafplio to Syracuse. Marina and Zodiacs open coves and anchorages, the Blue Eye underwater lounge gives the voyage a second, submarine stage. 184 guests, premium all-inclusive, a classic Mediterranean crossing without haste.
Route highlights
- Athens (Lavrion): Acropolis and Parthenon as the opening of the crossing.
- Nafplio: The first capital of independent Greece, beneath the Venetian Palamidi fortress.
- Monemvasia: A medieval fortress town on a rock, barely visible from the sea.
- Heraklion: Gateway to the Minoan palace of Knossos, with origins around 1900 BC.
- Corfu: UNESCO old town with Venetian fortresses and French arcades.
- Syracuse: The island of Ortygia with baroque squares and ancient traces of the Greek colony.
- Valletta: Malta's UNESCO capital with fortress rings and baroque palaces of the Knights of St John.
The Route
Lavrion (Athens)
8 nights
Valletta
-
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.
-
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.
-
Monemvasia
Monemvasia is a Byzantine rock-fortress town linked to the mainland by a single causeway. The medieval lower town with its vaulted lanes, Orthodox churches and views over the Ionian Sea is one of the best-preserved medieval sites in Greece.
-
Heraklion, Kreta
Heraklion is the gateway to the Palace of Knossos - the largest Minoan palace complex in the world, dating from the 2nd millennium BC. The Heraklion Archaeological Museum holds the most important collection of Minoan art worldwide. Crete also boasts the Samaria Gorge, one of Europe's most impressive hiking trails.
-
Gythio
-
Korfu
Corfu blends Greek, Italian, French and English influences. The Old Town of Kérkyra (UNESCO) feels like Venice, the Achilleion palace of Empress Sisi stands in the hills, and the beaches of Palaiokastritsa are among the loveliest of the Ionian Islands.
-
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.
-
Syrakus, Sizilien
In antiquity, Syracuse was one of the most powerful cities in the Mediterranean and the home of Archimedes. Its centre on the island of Ortygia - a cathedral built on Greek temple foundations, baroque squares and the Arethusa Fountain - has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2005.
-
Valletta · 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: Valletta
| 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 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 | € 6.140 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 4 - 4 | € 6.440 | On request | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 5 - 5 | € 6.750 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 6 - 6 | € 7.110 | Available | Enquire |
| Deluxe Suite Deck 3 - 3 | € 11.310 | On request | Enquire |
| Deluxe Suite Deck 4 - 4 | € 11.310 | Available | Enquire |
| Deluxe Suite Deck 5 - 5 | € 11.310 | On request | Enquire |
| Deluxe Suite Deck 6 - 6 | € 11.310 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 5 Suite - | € 12.540 | On request | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 6 Suite - | € 12.830 | Available | Enquire |
| Privilege Suite Deck 5 - 5 | € 13.450 | Available | Enquire |
| Privilege Suite Deck 6 - 6 | € 13.450 | On request | Enquire |
| Grand Deluxe Suite Deck 6 - 6 | € 16.180 | Available | Enquire |
| Owner's Suite - 6 | € 18.920 | 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 5.840 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.
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 Valletta it is May to October.
Non-binding enquiry
Your enquiry reaches a person familiar with this voyage and ship.
