Sicily, Ionian Islands & the Peloponnese: Taormina and Athens
From Sicily to the Greek Islands, under the sails of Le Ponant
Interested in this voyage?
Personal advice, no call centre - a reply within 24 hours.
Palermo to Lavrion (Athens)
From Palermo to Lavrion (Athens) in 7 nights: Taormina with views of Mount Etna and 4 further ports of call. A varied itinerary with a new panorama every morning.
Summer in the Aegean: dry heat, crystal-clear water and the Meltemi wind filling the sails.
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
Palermo
7 nights
Lavrion (Athens)
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Palermo, Sizilien · Embarkation
Palermo is Sicily's lively capital, with Arab-Norman monuments designated as UNESCO World Heritage. Excursions lead to Monreale (cathedral with 6,400 m² of gold mosaics) or to ancient Agrigento with the Valley of the Temples - one of the most striking Greek ruin sites outside Greece.
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Reggio di Calabria
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Taormina, Sizilien
Taormina sits on a rocky spur above the Ionian Sea and is regarded as the loveliest spot in Sicily. The Greek-Roman theatre with Mount Etna in the background is one of the most spectacular ancient settings; ships moor at Giardini-Naxos at the foot of the hill.
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At sea
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Fiskardo, Kefalonia
At the northern tip of the Greek Ionian island of Kefalonia lies the picturesque fishing village of Fiskardo. It was the only place on the island to survive the 1953 earthquake with its pastel-coloured Venetian houses intact and today is a popular stop for yachts in the Aegean.
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Pylos
This Greek port town on the western Peloponnese sits on the Bay of Navarino, site of the decisive 1827 naval battle of the Greek War of Independence. The Ottoman fortress of Niokastro and the nearby Mycenaean Palace of Nestor shape the surrounding region.
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Spetses
Spetses is a car-free island in the Saronic Gulf (only carriages and mopeds). The main town with its neoclassical captain's houses, the famous Poseidonion hotel island and the Anargyrios School peninsula (filming location of John Fowles' "The Magus") define the island.
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Lavrion (Athens) · Disembarkation
Climate & best time to sail
Embarkation: Palermo
| 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: 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
Le Ponant
Le Ponant is the essence of the Ponant idea: a three-masted sailing yacht for 64 guests, gliding under sail through waters closed to motorised ships. French cuisine, 32 crew, an atmosphere like a private yacht.
The Ship
Cabins
Prestige Suite
Spacious aft suite with private balcony and panoramic view of the wake. Double or twin beds, separate seating area, marble bathroom with bathtub and shower. Butler service included.
Outside Cabin
Comfortable outside cabins on the main deck and bridge deck with porthole or panoramic window. Double or twin beds, shower, individual air conditioning. Bespoke fit-out with high-quality materials.
Deck plan · Le Ponant
Cabin prices
Prices per person in double cabin (suites: based on double occupancy), all-inclusive. Subject to availability.
| Category | Price p.P. | Status | |
|---|---|---|---|
| MISTRAL STATEROOM - MISTRAL | € 12.660 | Available | Enquire |
| MARIE GALANTE PRENIUM - MARIE-GALANTE | € 13.280 | Available | Enquire |
| MISTRAL JUNIOR SUITE - MISTRAL | € 16.980 | Available | Enquire |
| MISTRAL PRESTIGE SUITE - MISTRAL | € 18.230 | Available | Enquire |
| ALIZu00c9S STATEROOM - ALIZu00c9S | € 19.460 | On request | Enquire |
| ALIZu00c9S PRESTIGE STATEROOM - ALIZu00c9S | € 19.700 | Available | Enquire |
| ALIZu00c9S PRIVILEGE SUITE | € 27.490 | On request | Enquire |
| ALIZu00c9S GRAND PRIVILEGE SUITE | € 28.100 | On request | Enquire |
| Zu00c9PHYR OWNER SUITE - Zu00c9PHYR | € 33.690 | Available | Enquire |
Prices as of: 14.08.2026
Standard inclusions of the ship voyage
On board
- Schiffsreise in der gewählten Kabinenkategorie
- Vollpension an Bord: Frühstücksbuffet, französische Brasserie-Küche zum Mittagessen, mehrgängiges Abendessen
- Große Auswahl an Getränken in Markenqualität (Mineralwasser, Softdrinks, Wein, Bier, Champagner, Kaffee, Tee, ausgewählte Spirituosen)
- Inhalt der Minibar
- 24-Stunden-Roomservice
- Unbegrenzter WiFi-Zugang an Bord
- Ein Landausflug pro Person und Anlaufhafen
- Vorträge und Begleitung der Naturforscher und Lektoren an Bord
- Abendunterhaltung, Vorträge und Shows
- Zugang zu Fitnessbereich und Sauna
- Nicht-motorisierte Wassersport-Aktivitäten (Kajak, Stand-up-Paddle)
- Bei Expeditionsreisen: Zodiac-Anlandungen und Ausfahrten
- Hafen- und Sicherheitsgebühren
Not included
- An- und Abreise zum Schiff (Flüge, Bahn)
- Flughafentransfers
- Reiseversicherung
- Trinkgelder für Crew (übliche Empfehlung 8 bis 10 Euro pro Person und Tag)
- Premium-Spirituosen und ausgewählte Edel-Weine
- Zusätzliche, optionale Landausflüge
- Spa- und Wellness-Anwendungen
- Persönliche Ausgaben (Wäscheservice, Boutique)
- Tauchgänge
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 9.930 p.p. With Ponant, selected wines and beverages at meals are included.
How many guests sail on the Le Ponant?
A maximum of 32 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 Palermo the best time to sail is May to October; for disembarkation in Lavrion (Athen) it is May to October.
Non-binding enquiry
Your enquiry reaches a person familiar with this voyage and ship.
