Ionian Islands, the Adriatic & Dalmatia: Dubrovnik and Kotor
A feel-good voyage in the Mediterranean
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.
Lavrion (Athens) to Venice
Eight nights from Athens to Venice link the Ionian Sea with the southern Adriatic and close with the great harbour cities of Croatia and Italy. Aboard the Ponant Explorer-class yacht for 184 guests you sail with the Blue Eye underwater lounge, a marina and sixteen Zodiacs. The route crosses the Corinth Canal, a feat of engineering between mainland Greece and the Peloponnese. Premium all-inclusive aboard covers drinks, gratuities and service in the French tradition.
Route highlights
- Athens (Lavrion): Start in the Attic port of Lavrion southeast of the capital.
- Corinth Canal: Transit of the narrow waterway between central Greece and the Peloponnese.
- Galaxidi: Quiet captains' town on the Gulf of Corinth, gateway to the sanctuary of Delphi.
- Paxos: Small Ionian island of olive groves and hidden coves.
- Kotor: Cruise through the Bocche di Cattaro, the only fjord landscape in the Mediterranean.
- Dubrovnik: UNESCO old town with 1,940 metres of city walls.
- Hvar: Lavender island with a Venetian loggia and the Fortica fortress.
- Rovinj: Istrian peninsula old town beneath the church of Sveta Eufemija.
- Venice: Arrival in the lagoon for the finale of 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
Lavrion (Athens)
8 nights
Venice
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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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At sea
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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.
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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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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.
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Kreuzen in der Bucht von Kotor
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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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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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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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Rovinj
Rovinj is the most romantic Adriatic town in Istria: Venetian Old Town houses on a peninsula, crowned by the Church of St Euphemia. On a clear day, you can see all the way to Venice from its tower.
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Venedig · 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: 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)
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 | € 5.930 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 4 - 4 | € 6.220 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 5 - 5 | € 6.510 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 6 - 6 | € 6.860 | Available | Enquire |
| Deluxe Suite Deck 3 - 3 | € 10.890 | Available | Enquire |
| Deluxe Suite Deck 4 - 4 | € 10.890 | Available | Enquire |
| Deluxe Suite Deck 5 - 5 | € 10.890 | On request | Enquire |
| Deluxe Suite Deck 6 - 6 | € 10.890 | On request | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 5 Suite - | € 12.060 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 6 Suite - | € 12.350 | Available | Enquire |
| Privilege Suite Deck 5 - 5 | € 12.940 | Available | Enquire |
| Privilege Suite Deck 6 - 6 | € 12.940 | Available | Enquire |
| Grand Deluxe Suite Deck 6 - 6 | € 15.560 | Available | Enquire |
| Owner's Suite - 6 | € 19.280 | 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 5.630 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 Lavrion (Athen) the best time to sail is May to October; for disembarkation in Venedig it is May to September.
Non-binding enquiry
Your enquiry reaches a person familiar with this voyage and ship.
