Malta, Ionian Islands & Turkish Coast via Sicily
Through the Mediterranean in the footsteps of great civilisations
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Valletta to Antalya
Ten nights span the arc from Malta to the Turkish Riviera, following the traces of the great Mediterranean civilisations. Le Dumont d'Urville links Phoenician, Greek and Roman stages, from Valletta via Corfu and Athens to Ephesus and Antalya. Marina and Zodiacs open small coves, the Blue Eye underwater lounge becomes an observation room for the world beneath the keel. 184 guests, premium all-inclusive, an arc of civilisations across the eastern Mediterranean.
Route highlights
- Valletta: Malta's UNESCO capital with fortress rings and palaces of the Knights of St John.
- Syracuse: The island of Ortygia with baroque squares and ancient traces of the Greek colony.
- Corfu: UNESCO old town with Venetian fortresses and French arcades.
- Corinth Canal: The narrow rock passage between the Peloponnese and the mainland.
- Athens (Lavrion): Acropolis and Parthenon, the symbol of classical Greece.
- Kusadasi: Turkish harbour and starting point for Ephesus.
- Antalya: Gateway to the Turkish Riviera with the Kaleici old town and the Roman Hadrian's Gate.
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
Valletta
10 nights
Antalya
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Valletta · Embarkation
The capital of Malta is one of the smallest yet richest capitals in the world. A UNESCO World Heritage baroque city, it has more museums and churches per square kilometre than any other city; Grand Harbour is one of the finest natural harbours in the Mediterranean.
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Syrakus, Sizilien
In antiquity, Syracuse was one of the most powerful cities in the Mediterranean and the home of Archimedes. Its centre on the island of Ortygia - a cathedral built on Greek temple foundations, baroque squares and the Arethusa Fountain - has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2005.
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Gallipoli
Gallipoli (Italian for "beautiful city") on Apulia's Salentino coast juts out on a rocky island into the sea. Baroque houses, the bustle of the fresh fish market and the surrounding beaches make Gallipoli the southernmost gem of Italy.
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Korfu
Corfu blends Greek, Italian, French and English influences. The Old Town of Kérkyra (UNESCO) feels like Venice, the Achilleion palace of Empress Sisi stands in the hills, and the beaches of Palaiokastritsa are among the loveliest of the Ionian Islands.
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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)
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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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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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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At sea
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Alanya
Alanya lies on Turkey's Mediterranean coast in Antalya province, dominated by the massive Seljuk castle perched on a 250-metre rocky peninsula. The 13th-century Kızıl Kule, the octagonal Red Tower, still guards the historic shipyard harbour.
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Antalya · Disembarkation
Climate & best time to sail
Embarkation: Valletta
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Air °C | 15 | 15 | 17 | 19 | 23 | 27 | 30 | 31 | 27 | 23 | 18 | 16 |
| Sea °C | 14 | 14 | 14 | 15 | 17 | 21 | 24 | 25 | 24 | 22 | 18 | 16 |
| Rain mm | 43 | 37 | 25 | 32 | 30 | 15 | 7 | 20 | 52 | 66 | 58 | 52 |
Long-term monthly normals · Reference: Balearic Islands (Palma)
Disembarkation: Antalya
| 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 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 | € 8.220 | On request | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 4 - 4 | € 8.630 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 5 - 5 | € 9.040 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 6 - 6 | € 9.530 | On request | Enquire |
| Deluxe Suite Deck 3 - 3 | € 15.200 | Available | Enquire |
| Deluxe Suite Deck 4 - 4 | € 15.200 | On request | Enquire |
| Deluxe Suite Deck 5 - 5 | € 15.200 | On request | Enquire |
| Deluxe Suite Deck 6 - 6 | € 15.200 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 5 Suite - | € 16.840 | On request | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 6 Suite - | € 17.250 | On request | Enquire |
| Privilege Suite Deck 5 - 5 | € 18.070 | Available | Enquire |
| Privilege Suite Deck 6 - 6 | € 18.070 | Available | Enquire |
| Grand Deluxe Suite Deck 6 - 6 | € 21.770 | Available | Enquire |
| Owner's Suite - 6 | € 24.100 | 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. 10 nights from EUR 7.440 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 Valletta the best time to sail is May to October; for disembarkation in Antalya it is May to October.
Non-binding enquiry
Your enquiry reaches a person familiar with this voyage and ship.
