Sicily, Ionian Islands & Aegean: Malta and the Cyclades
Island worlds and ancient treasures of the Mediterranean
Interested in this voyage?
Personal advice, no call centre - a reply within 24 hours.
Valletta to Lavrion (Athens)
Eight nights take Le Dumont d'Urville from Malta through the Ionian Sea and the southern Aegean to Athens. Sicilian stages, Ionian islands and Cycladic rock harbours follow one another, with a passage through the Corinth Canal in between. Marina and Zodiacs open small coves, the Blue Eye underwater lounge gives a view into the deep. 184 guests, premium all-inclusive, a voyage between ancient traces and island calm.
Route highlights
- Valletta: Malta's UNESCO capital with fortress rings and palaces of the Knights of St John.
- Taormina: A Sicilian hill town with its Greco-Roman theatre high above the Ionian Sea.
- Paxos: The smallest of the main Ionian islands, olive groves above turquoise coves.
- Corinth Canal: The narrow rock passage between the Peloponnese and the mainland, a piece of seafaring theatre.
- Galaxidi: A quiet captains' town on the Gulf of Corinth, gateway to Delphi.
- Adamantas / Milos: The port of volcanic Milos, famed for the ancient statue Venus de Milo.
- Athens (Lavrion): Acropolis and Parthenon, the symbol of classical Greece.
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
Valletta
8 nights
Lavrion (Athens)
-
Valletta · Embarkation
The capital of Malta is one of the smallest yet richest capitals in the world. A UNESCO World Heritage baroque city, it has more museums and churches per square kilometre than any other city; Grand Harbour is one of the finest natural harbours in the Mediterranean.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
Paxos
Paxos is the smallest of the inhabited Ionian Islands (only 25 km²). Emerald-green water, white cliffs, olive groves and three tiny harbours (Gaios, Lakka, Loggos) make Paxos one of the most beautiful islands of Greece.
-
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.
-
At sea
-
Adamas, Milos
-
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.
-
Lavrion (Athens) · Disembarkation
Le Dumont d'Urville
Le Dumont d'Urville has sailed since 2019 as the fourth Explorer ship. 184 guests, Blue Eye Lounge, Zodiac fleet. Named after the explorer who claimed Adélie Land for France in 1840.
In the eastern Mediterranean, Le Dumont d'Urville links Greek islands with the Turkish coast - a route through 3,000 years of maritime history.
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 Dumont d'Urville
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 | € 6.250 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 4 - 4 | € 6.560 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 5 - 5 | € 6.870 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 6 - 6 | € 7.250 | Available | Enquire |
| Deluxe Suite Deck 3 - 3 | € 11.530 | Available | Enquire |
| Deluxe Suite Deck 4 - 4 | € 11.530 | Available | Enquire |
| Deluxe Suite Deck 5 - 5 | € 11.530 | Available | Enquire |
| Deluxe Suite Deck 6 - 6 | € 11.530 | On request | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 5 Suite - | € 12.770 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 6 Suite - | € 13.080 | Available | Enquire |
| Privilege Suite Deck 5 - 5 | € 13.700 | Available | Enquire |
| Privilege Suite Deck 6 - 6 | € 13.700 | Available | Enquire |
| Grand Deluxe Suite Deck 6 - 6 | € 16.500 | Available | Enquire |
| Owner's Suite - 6 | € 19.290 | 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. 8 nights from EUR 5.950 p.p. With Ponant, selected wines and beverages at meals are included.
How many guests sail on the Le Dumont d'Urville?
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.
