Greek Islands and the Peloponnese: Hydra and Nafplio
Treasures and landscapes of the Peloponnese peninsula
Interested in this voyage?
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Aegean Sea & Greek Islands from/to Athens
Seven nights as a round trip from Athens take Le Dumont d'Urville once more deep into the Peloponnese. The route links Delphi and Olympia with the medieval fortress towns of Monemvasia and Nafplio. Marina and Zodiacs open small coves, the Blue Eye underwater lounge adds a second stage beneath the surface. 184 guests, premium all-inclusive, classical Greece off the main routes, now in mild autumn air.
Route highlights
- Athens (Lavrion): Acropolis and Parthenon as the prologue of the Peloponnese loop.
- Corinth Canal: The narrow rock passage between the Peloponnese and the mainland, a spectacle from deck.
- Itea: Anchorage for Delphi, the oracle of Apollo on the slopes of Parnassus.
- Katakolon: Gateway to ancient Olympia, site of the first Olympic Games.
- Monemvasia: A medieval fortress town on a rock, joined to the land by a single causeway.
- Nafplio: The first capital of independent Greece, beneath the Venetian Palamidi fortress.
- Hydra: Car-free island capital with captains' mansions around the steep harbour basin.
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)
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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At sea
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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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Katakolo
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Gythio
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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.
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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.
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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
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
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 | € 5.750 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 4 - 4 | € 6.040 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 5 - 5 | € 6.330 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 6 - 6 | € 6.670 | Available | Enquire |
| Deluxe Suite Deck 3 - 3 | € 10.640 | Available | Enquire |
| Deluxe Suite Deck 4 - 4 | € 10.640 | Available | Enquire |
| Deluxe Suite Deck 5 - 5 | € 10.640 | On request | Enquire |
| Deluxe Suite Deck 6 - 6 | € 10.640 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 5 Suite - | € 11.790 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 6 Suite - | € 12.080 | Available | Enquire |
| Privilege Suite Deck 5 - 5 | € 12.660 | Available | Enquire |
| Privilege Suite Deck 6 - 6 | € 12.660 | Available | Enquire |
| Grand Deluxe Suite Deck 6 - 6 | € 15.240 | Available | Enquire |
| Owner's Suite - 6 | € 16.870 | 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. 7 nights from EUR 5.490 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.