Study Cruise: The Cyclades and the Turkish Aegean
With French elegance and a spirit of discovery aboard Le Dumont d'Urville
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Lavrion (Athens) to Istanbul
Seven nights take Le Dumont d'Urville from Athens via the Cyclades and the Turkish coast to Istanbul, accompanied by the Smithsonian Journeys educational programme. The route includes the passage through the Dardanelles, plus calls at Ephesus and the holy island of Patmos. Marina and Zodiacs open small coves, the Blue Eye underwater lounge gives a view into the deep. 184 guests, premium all-inclusive, an enriched arc between antiquity and the Bosphorus.
Route highlights
- Athens (Lavrion): Acropolis and Parthenon as the prologue to the voyage to Istanbul.
- Nafplio: The first capital of independent Greece, beneath the Palamidi fortress.
- Delos: Uninhabited sanctuary of Apollo, birthplace of Apollo and Artemis.
- Mykonos: Windmills above Little Venice, white lanes and blue domes.
- Kusadasi: Starting point for Ephesus, one of the best-preserved ancient cities of the Mediterranean.
- Dardanelles (passage): A narrow waterway between the Aegean and the Sea of Marmara, scene of antiquity and the First World War.
- Istanbul: The Bosphorus metropolis with Hagia Sophia, Topkapı Palace and the Grand Bazaar.
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
Istanbul
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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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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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Paros (Paros)
Paros combines Cycladic architecture with a relaxed atmosphere: the village of Naoussa with its Venetian harbour, the Byzantine Katapoliani church and crystal-clear water for swimming make Paros the most charming secondary destination in the Cyclades.
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Delos
Delos is one of the most sacred sites of antiquity: in Greek mythology the birthplace of Apollo and Artemis, and once the religious and commercial centre of the Aegean. Today the uninhabited island is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a unique open-air archaeological park.
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Mykonos
Mykonos is the most international of the Greek islands - whitewashed cube houses, blue domes, windmills and a nightlife that lasts until morning. Little Venice with its captains' balconies right above the sea is one of the most photographed scenes in Greece.
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Kusadasi
Kusadasi on Turkey's Aegean coast is the gateway to the ancient city of Ephesus - one of the best-preserved ruined cities in the world, with the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The historic centre and the bazaar invite a leisurely wander.
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Patmos
On Patmos, the apostle John wrote the Book of Revelation in the Cave of the Apocalypse. The UNESCO-protected Monastery of Saint John the Theologian rises above the white-and-blue Chora - one of the most important Christian sites in the eastern Mediterranean.
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At sea
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Canakkale
Çanakkale lies on the southern shore of the Dardanelles, where Europe and Asia are only three kilometres apart. From here it is a short hop to the Gallipoli battlefields and the ruins of ancient Troy, where the wooden horse from the Wolfgang Petersen film now stands by the theatre.
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Istanbul · 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 | € 6.850 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 4 - 4 | € 7.550 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 5 - 5 | € 7.910 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 6 - 6 | € 8.340 | Available | Enquire |
| Deluxe Suite Deck 3 - 3 | € 11.460 | On request | Enquire |
| Deluxe Suite Deck 4 - 4 | € 11.460 | On request | Enquire |
| Deluxe Suite Deck 5 - 5 | € 11.460 | On request | Enquire |
| Deluxe Suite Deck 6 - 6 | € 11.460 | On request | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 5 Suite - | € 15.370 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 6 Suite - | € 16.160 | Available | Enquire |
| Privilege Suite Deck 5 - 5 | € 16.940 | Available | Enquire |
| Privilege Suite Deck 6 - 6 | € 16.940 | Available | Enquire |
| Grand Deluxe Suite Deck 6 - 6 | € 18.580 | Available | Enquire |
| Owner's Suite - 6 | € 22.810 | 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 6.230 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.
