Study Cruise: The Adriatic, Dalmatia & the Ionian Coast
With French elegance and a spirit of discovery aboard Le Dumont d'Urville
When the sun sinks into the sea and steeps the sky in colours no evening repeats.
Interested in this voyage?
Personal advice, no call centre - a reply within 24 hours.
Venice to Lavrion (Athens)
Eight nights link Venice with Athens by way of the southern Adriatic and the Ionian Sea. Aboard the Ponant Explorer-class yacht with 184 guests, the Blue Eye underwater lounge, a marina and sixteen Zodiacs you sail with Smithsonian Journeys experts on history and antiquity. The route reaches from the Palace of Diocletian in Split to Sarandë in Albania, the gateway to Delphi and the Corinth Canal. Premium all-inclusive aboard covers drinks, gratuities and service in the French tradition.
Route highlights
- Venice: Departure from the lagoon with views of San Marco.
- Split: UNESCO World Heritage Site with the inhabited Palace of Diocletian.
- Hvar: Lavender island with a Venetian loggia and the Fortica fortress.
- Dubrovnik: UNESCO old town with 1,940 metres of city walls.
- Kotor: Cruise through the Bocche di Cattaro, the only fjord landscape in the Mediterranean.
- Sarandë: Albanian port and gateway to the UNESCO site of Butrint, the best-preserved ancient city in Albania.
- Corinth Canal: Transit of the narrow waterway between central Greece and the Peloponnese.
- Itea: Ionian port on the Gulf of Corinth and gateway to the oracle of Delphi.
- Athens (Lavrion): Attic port to close the voyage.
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
Venice
8 nights
Lavrion (Athens)
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Venedig · Embarkation
Built on 118 islands and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987 - Venice is a masterpiece of human ingenuity. The Grand Canal, palazzo facades, gondoliers and the view from St Mark's Square across the lagoon are among the most iconic images in Europe.
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Split
Split literally lives inside an emperor's palace: Diocletian's Palace, dating from the 4th century, is inhabited to this day and forms the core of the Old Town - a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979.
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Hvar
Hvar is Croatia's sunniest island (2,800 hours of sunshine a year). Its medieval capital, Hvar Town, and the lavender fields inland make it one of the most elegant addresses on the Adriatic. Above the town stands the 16th-century Venetian fortress Fortica (Španjola) - the climb rewards you with a sweeping view over the red rooftops, the harbour and the Pakleni islands. In the evening the harbour turns into an open-air stage, and the legendary Carpe Diem club on the Riva is Hvar's glamorous heart. Just offshore lies the Pakleni island of Sveti Klement with Palmižana marina, whose centrepiece is an open-air art gallery in the subtropical Meneghello garden; a tender or ferry makes it easy to hop between Hvar Town and Palmižana.
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Ploce
On Croatia's Dalmatian Adriatic coast between Split and Dubrovnik, this port serves as the country's second-busiest cargo harbour and as the gateway to Bosnia and Herzegovina. The setting on the Neretva delta with its bird reserves and mandarin groves shapes the surroundings.
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Dubrovnik
The "Pearl of the Adriatic" is one of Europe's best-preserved medieval cityscapes and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979. The mighty 13th-century city walls can be walked all the way round - offering panoramic views of the Adriatic and the Dalmatian islands.
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Kotor
At the end of one of the longest fjords in the Adriatic lies Kotor, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979. The fully preserved Venetian city walls and the panoramic view from the Fortress of San Giovanni over the Bay of Kotor are among the most impressive experiences in the Mediterranean.
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Saranda
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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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Lavrion (Athens) · Disembarkation
Climate & best time to sail
Embarkation: Venice
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Air °C | 10 | 11 | 14 | 18 | 23 | 27 | 30 | 30 | 26 | 21 | 15 | 11 |
| Sea °C | 14 | 13 | 13 | 15 | 18 | 22 | 24 | 25 | 23 | 20 | 18 | 15 |
| Rain mm | 78 | 62 | 72 | 68 | 58 | 48 | 28 | 45 | 78 | 84 | 110 | 96 |
Long-term monthly normals · Reference: Dalmatia (Split)
Disembarkation: 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
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 Adriatic, Le Dumont d'Urville sails along the Dalmatian coast - cultural voyages with Zodiac excursions to remote coves.
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 | € 8.870 | On request | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 4 - 4 | € 9.790 | On request | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 5 - 5 | € 10.240 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 6 - 6 | € 10.790 | Available | Enquire |
| Deluxe Suite Deck 3 - 3 | € 14.800 | On request | Enquire |
| Deluxe Suite Deck 4 - 4 | € 14.800 | On request | Enquire |
| Deluxe Suite Deck 5 - 5 | € 14.800 | On request | Enquire |
| Deluxe Suite Deck 6 - 6 | € 14.800 | On request | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 5 Suite - | € 19.820 | On request | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 6 Suite - | € 20.820 | Available | Enquire |
| Privilege Suite Deck 5 - 5 | € 21.820 | Available | Enquire |
| Privilege Suite Deck 6 - 6 | € 21.820 | Available | Enquire |
| Grand Deluxe Suite Deck 6 - 6 | € 23.910 | Available | Enquire |
| Owner's Suite - 6 | € 26.370 | 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 7.340 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.
When is the best time to sail this voyage?
For embarkation in Venedig the best time to sail is May to September; for disembarkation in Lavrion (Athen) it is May to October.
Non-binding enquiry
Your enquiry reaches a person familiar with this voyage and ship.
