Aegean, Sporades & Northern Greece: Athens and Thessaloniki
Autumn mildness in the Aegean
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Aegean & Greek Islands from/to Athens
Seven nights in the northern Aegean make use of the mild days of early November, from Athens with a return to Lavrion. Le Champlain steers towards the monastic peninsula of Athos, the Greek metropolis of Thessaloniki and quiet islands such as Lemnos. Marina and Zodiacs open coves, the Blue Eye underwater lounge shows the sea from below, complemented by long sea days in autumn calm. 184 guests, premium all-inclusive, a season-closing voyage between history and quiet.
Route highlights
- Athens (Lavrion): Acropolis and Parthenon as the starting point of the autumn Aegean loop.
- Skiathos: Pine-covered island of the northern Sporades with fine sandy beaches.
- Volos: Harbour town at the foot of Mount Pelion and gateway to the hovering monasteries of Meteora.
- Thessaloniki: Greece's second city with Byzantine heritage and Ottoman traces around the White Tower.
- Kavala: A Macedonian port with a Byzantine fortress above the old tobacco quarter.
- Athos: A view from the ship of the Orthodox monastic peninsula with its thousand-year-old monks' republic.
- Lemnos: A wide, lonely island with volcanic landscape and the ancient myth of Hephaestus.
The Route
Lavrion (Athens)
7 nights
Lavrion (Athens)
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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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Skiathos
In the Northern Sporades of the Greek Aegean, the forested island of Skiathos is famed for its more than 60 sandy beaches. The long golden Koukounaries strand ranks among Greece's finest.
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Volos
Volos lies on the Pagasetic Gulf at the foot of the legendary Mount Pelion in Thessaly. The Argonauts are said to have set sail from here, and today the lively port is a base for tours into the mountain villages.
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Thessaloniki
Thessaloniki on the Thermaic Gulf of the Aegean is Greece's second-largest city and the capital of Macedonia. Byzantine churches, the White Tower and a rich Jewish heritage shape its streets.
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Kreuzen entlang der Berg Athos
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Kavala
Port city in northern Greece, opposite the island of Thasos on the northern Aegean. Its landmark is the Ottoman aqueduct Kamares, which spans the picturesque old town on the Panagia peninsula.
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Insel Limnos
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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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Lavrion (Athens) · Disembarkation
Climate & best time to sail
| 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 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 | € 6.490 | On request | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 4 - 4 | € 6.820 | On request | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 5 - 5 | € 7.150 | On request | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 6 - 6 | € 7.550 | Available | Enquire |
| Deluxe Suite Deck 3 - 3 | € 12.080 | On request | Enquire |
| Deluxe Suite Deck 4 - 4 | € 12.080 | On request | Enquire |
| Deluxe Suite Deck 5 - 5 | € 12.080 | Available | Enquire |
| Deluxe Suite Deck 6 - 6 | € 12.080 | On request | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 5 Suite - | € 13.400 | On request | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 6 Suite - | € 13.730 | On request | Enquire |
| Privilege Suite Deck 5 - 5 | € 14.390 | Available | Enquire |
| Privilege Suite Deck 6 - 6 | € 14.390 | On request | Enquire |
| Owner's Suite - 6 | € 17.350 | Available | Enquire |
| Grand Deluxe Suite Deck 6 - 6 | € 17.350 | On request | 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. 7 nights from EUR 6.230 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?
The best time to sail this route is May to October.
Non-binding enquiry
Your enquiry reaches a person familiar with this voyage and ship.
