8-night Ancient Cities Of The Mediterranean Cruise

November 8, 2026

PONANT EXPLORATIONS: Le Champlain

Athens (Piraeus)/Valletta

Vacation Offer ID 1626292

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From $6,000

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Overview

Ship Info

Activities & Services

Staterooms

Deckplans

The Signature Collection – Exclusive Amenities
The Signature Collection Sailings offer Exceptional Value and Exclusive Amenities.

Cruise Inclusions

Cruise, meals, and more... including:

Complimentary Open Bar including alcoholic beverages, bottled water, soft drinks, specialty coffees, and fully stocked stateroom mini bar
Complimentary Fine Cuisine Restaurants
Complimentary 24-hour room service for all staterooms and suites
Complimentary Unlimited Wi-Fi throughout the ship
Complimentary Gratuities
Complimentary 24-hour butler service in suites
Complimentary use of Wellness facilities
Complimentary Concierge Service for all staterooms and suites
HERMES amenities
Open Bridge Policy

Destination Guide
Suggested Shore Excursions

Destination	Arrival	Departure
Athens (Piraeus) Optional Private Excursions Avoid the crowds and hustle and bustle associated with a group activity. For a memorable trip ashore, we invite you to consider a private shore excursion. Enjoy the undivided attention of your own driver/guide and the flexibility of experiencing the aspects of the local culture that most interest you. Below are just some samples of the private shore excursions we can arrange for you. Let us personalize your experience! Piraeus: The Ancient City of Athens - 8 Hours Dominated by the remarkable Parthenon, which has stood for over 2,000 years, Athens is a city of major architectural and archaeological treasures. At Piraeus Port you will receive a warm welcome from your guide and driver who provides a captivating insight into the city’s history and culture during your full day tour. For most, the highlight of a visit to Athens is the world famous Acropolis and the Parthenon. Dedicated to the Goddess Athena, it is one of the most important ancient monuments in the Western world. This afternoon, delight in the mesmerising display of eclectic Greek and Oriental art at the Benaki Museum. Complete your day with a drive past the Panethenaic Stadium, the pure marble masterpiece that served as the original site for the modern Olympics. At the end of the tour you are privately transferred back to your cruise ship. Highlights: Ascend the Acropolis to the Parthenon, one of the most important ancient monuments in the Western world Tour the Benaki Museum Tour Duration: 8 Hours Tour Can Operate: Morning/ Afternoon Wheelchair Accessible: Please enquire for more information Physical Activity Level: Light Inclusions: Private transport by luxury car or minivan An expert local guide for 8 hours Entrance fees to all sights and museums All taxes Exclusions: All cruise travel, personal items, meals and associated costs Gratuities Piraeus: Cape Sounion - 5 hours Meet your guide as you disembark your cruise ship in Piraeus and venture along the scenic coast to Cape Sounion where you visit the ancient ruined Temple of Poseidon. This temple is believed to date from the 5th century BC and was built to honour Poseidon, who ranked second only to Athena herself in terms of power. The Temple enjoys an impressive position, high on the cliffs, and has, over the centuries, been marked by many travellers’ carved signatures, including that of Lord Byron. After touring the site, you return to your cruise ship in Piraeus. Highlights: Venture along the coast to Cape Sounion to the ancient ruins of the Temple of Poseidon Tour Duration: 5 hours Tour can Operate: Morning/ Afternoon Wheelchair Accessible: Please enquire for more information Physical Activity Level: Low Inclusions: • Luxury car or minivan at your disposal during the tour • An expert A&K local guide (5 hours) • Entrance fees • All taxes Exclusions: • All cruise travel, personal items, meals and associated costs • Gratuities	11/08/2026	11/08/2026
Nafplion (Nauplia)	11/09/2026	11/09/2026
Monemvasia	11/10/2026	11/10/2026
Heraklion Optional Private Excursions Avoid the crowds and hustle and bustle associated with a group activity. For a memorable trip ashore, we invite you to consider a private shore excursion. Enjoy the undivided attention of your own driver/guide and the flexibility of experiencing the aspects of the local culture that most interest you. Below are just some samples of the private shore excursions we can arrange for you. Let us personalize your experience! Crete: Knossos - Archanes - Heraklion Museum -5 hours Guests will be met by our English speaking guide to commence the tour. Upon completion of the tour, transfer will be provided back to the ship. We will first visit the Archaeological Museum in the town centre and then continue with the exploration of the ruins of Knossos Palace. The palace is one of the major must-see archaeological sites in Greece, presenting visitors with a rare glimpse into Minoan civilization. Accompanied by a knowledgeable, qualified archaeological guide who will offer in-depth personal attention, you will browse through the restored palace. By examining the structures the Minoans lived in, you will have the best avenue for piecing together the threads of the Great Minoan civilization. After a walk through the award winning historically restored village of Archanes, you can enjoy lunch in its picturesque main square, before returning back to the pier. Duration: approx. 5 hours Notes: Because of the extensive walk in Knossos, comfortable shoes and a hat are required. Knossos Palace and Historical Heraklion Highlights/Description: Knossos Palace Heraklion A full day tour that explores the Palace of Knossos and the nearby city of Heraklion. The palace is one of the major must-see archaeological sites in Greece, presenting visitors with a rare glimpse into Minoan civilization. Accompanied by a first class guide who will offer in-depth personal attention, you will walk around the ruins and excavations of the vast ancient palace, and learn about the Greek mythological tales that are linked to it. After exploring the labyrinth of corridors and rooms on the Knossos tour, you will travel into central Heraklion for a walk around its historical center and main sites and a visit to the recently renovated Archaeological Museum. The most magnificent collection of Minoan art and culture in the world is housed in this museum, that is one of the most visited ones Greece, with an exhibition of artifacts, covering a period of 5,000 years. Tour can operate: Morning Wheelchair Accessible: No Physical Activity Level: Moderate to Heavy Inclusions: Licensed, English-speaking guide Entrance fees Applicable taxes Transfers to/from departure port Not Included: Meals, unless otherwise noted Gratuities Personal expenses Introduction to the Cretan Diet & Cooking- 5 hours Highlights/Description: Tasting of traditional delicacies and local drinks Walk in the fields and the olive groves and introduction to the local flora Introduction to the Mediterranean and Cretan diet Info booklet and Recipe Book Hands-on cooking class Outdoor lunch paired with wine and raki Visit to the chef’s nuno felt, mosaic and beeswax workshop Recipe book Allow yourselves to be shown around the scenic mountains of Crete, exploring its rich customs and traditions. Learn about handcraft professions and techniques lost in time, and walk through beautiful olive groves. Collect wild herbs and vegetables and bring them to the kitchen, to transform them into delicious Cretan dishes. Tour Duration: 4-5 Hours Tour can operate: Morning Wheelchair Accessible: No Physical Activity Level: Light Inclusions: Licensed, English-speaking guide Entrance fees Applicable taxes Transfers to/from port of Heraklion Not Included: Meals, unless otherwise noted Gratuities Personal expenses Looking for the Muses (Crete) - 5 hours Highlights/Description: Visit to the oldest olive tree in the world Visit to 2 traditional wineries and their vineyards Visit to a traditional Cretan musical workshop Information about the unique viticulture and the indigenous grape varietals Two wine tasting sessions with 10 different types and styles of wines Visit to a Minoan farm and a Medieval wine press A traditional lunch in the picturesque village of Archanes Info booklet and wine certificate Explore your senses enjoying a day full with ancient old flavors, sounds and sights. Embark on an epic journey around quaint villages, amazing wineries, a musical workshop and a medieval wine press. Pay a visit to a Minoan farm and discover the mystic way of wine making in Crete, before enjoying your lunch in a picturesque village (paid locally). Tour Duration: 4-5 Hours Tour can operate: Morning Wheelchair Accessible: No Physical Activity Level: Light Inclusions: Licensed, English-speaking guide Entrance fees Applicable taxes Transfers to/from port of Heraklion Not Included: Meals, unless otherwise noted Wine Tasting and Cooking in Crete - 5 hours Highlights/Description: Visit to a traditional winery and its vineyard Tour around the scenic area of Peza Information about the unique viticulture and the indigenous grape varietals A wine tasting session with 5 different types and styles of wines Visit to a Minoan farm and a Medieval wine press Hands on cooking class Outdoor lunch paired with wine and raki Info booklet, wine certificate and recipe book Visit one of Crete’s most renowned wineries and indulge in its fine wines. Drive through scenic roads, visit a medieval wine press and trust yourselves into the hands of a celebrated local chef. Experience a hands-on cooking class uncovering the secrets of the Cretan cuisine, and enjoy regional specialties in a traditional setting. Tour Duration: 4-5 Hours Tour can operate: Morning Wheelchair Accessible: No Physical Activity Level: Light Inclusions: Licensed, English-speaking guide Entrance fees Applicable taxes Transfers to/from port of Heraklion Not Included: Meals, unless otherwise noted Gratuities Personal expenses	11/11/2026	11/11/2026
Gythion	11/12/2026	11/12/2026
Corfu Optional Private Excursions Avoid the crowds and hustle and bustle associated with a group activity. For a memorable trip ashore, we invite you to consider a private shore excursion. Enjoy the undivided attention of your own driver/guide and the flexibility of experiencing the aspects of the local culture that most interest you. Below are just some samples of the private shore excursions we can arrange for you. Let us personalize your experience! Corfu Town & Achilleion Palace - 4.5 hours Guests will be met by our English speaking guide to commence the tour. Upon completion of the tour, transfer will be provided back to the ship. We drive to the old historical village of Gastouri and we arrive at the Achilleion Palace, the former residence of Empress Elizabeth of Austria and later that of Kaiser Wilhelm the 2nd. Here we visit the museum with mementos of the two Royalties and enjoy the splendour of its landscaped gardens and the statues including the famous statue of the dying Achilles. Continue through the coastal road of Perama to the beauty spot of Kanoni, where there will be time for drinks (upon consumption) and to photograph the famous views of Mouse Island. From Kanoni, we continue to Corfu Town for a walking tour in the Historical centre of the fascinating old city where the following historical sights are to be seen: The residence of the High Commissioner, a splendid Edwardian building completed in 1824, once the sea of the Knights of Saint Michael and Saint George up to 1864 and later the Palace of the King of Greece. The bronze statue of the British High Commissioner, Sir Frederick Adam. The Venetian quarters of Cambiello and Corfu's Historical Centre. The Town Hall, once a Venetian theatre, built in 1690. The Church of Saint Spyridon, Patron Saint of Corfu with the rare icons and where the Holy body of the Saint lays in a crypt. There will be free time for shopping before transfer back to the Port Duration: approx. 4 1/2 hours Notes: It is recommended that guests wear flat, comfortable walking shoes. Corfu Culinary Experience (Full Day) Highlights/Description: Corfu is the ideal place to enjoy a diverse mix of different tastes. The cuisine is inextricably tied in with its history and this is what makes the food here so different from the rest of Greece. The cuisine is neither spicy nor bland, but rich in the flavours of the Mediterranean. Specialties consist of local ingredients found on the island; especially olives, lemons, vegetables, tomatoes and fish. Many dishes hark back to the days when cooks put all the ingredients in a single pot and left it to simmer all day. Today’s excursion starts with the Old Town of Corfu, where you may enjoy a walking tour of this UNESCO’s World Heritage Site. You will discover the town’s beautiful sites such as Saint Spyridon Church, dedicated to the protector of the island, the charming narrow Venetian alleyways, the famous Esplanade, one of the largest squares in Europe, the elegant Liston where access in the past was only allowed to the aristocracy of Corfu who were written down in the “Libro d’Oro’’, the Dimarcheio, or Town Hall, and the imposing Palace of St Michael and St George. After exploring Corfu historical center take a stroll through the local market. Your tour continues with a scenic drive through the countryside to Triklino Vineyard, also known as Ambelonas Corfu, which is situated in Pelekas upon a hill with a panoramic view of central Corfu. Here local varieties of grapes are grown around a building of local architecture, in which traditional oil and wine production tools are displayed. Upon arrival you will be welcomed with herbal soft drink. Get to know the history of the estate, the vineyard, the wild herbs and vegetables, the equipment and the processes for traditional olive and wine making and then spend some time learning about the principles ingredients and techniques of Mediterranean cuisine and the Corfiot culinary culture. You will then follow a step-by-step live presentation of the preparation of a full Corfiot meal – starter, salad, first course, main course, and desert. Participate in the cooking and sample the dishes at different stages of cooking. After the demonstration you will be able to enjoy lunch while relaxing in the ambient surroundings in the nature before returning to the port. Tour Duration: 7 Hours Tour can operate: Morning Wheelchair Accessible: No Physical Activity Level: Light Inclusions: Licensed, English-speaking guide Applicable taxes Transfers to/from Corfu port (applies to tour + cooking class only) Not Included: Meals, unless otherwise noted Gratuities Personal expenses Cultural Tour of Corfu (Half Day) - 4 hours Highlights/Description: Kanoni (Mouse Island and the Monastery of Vlacherna) Museum of Asiatic Art in the Palace of St. George Old Town of Corfu Your tour begins with a scenic drive to Kanoni, where you will have the opportunity to admire Mouse Island and the Monastery of Vlacherna before continuing on to the historical center of Corfu. Here you will explore the Museum of Asiatic Art which is unique in Greece and one of the most important of its kind in Europe. The museum contains approximately eleven thousand exhibits spanning the 11^th century BC to the 20^th century AD from a variety of Asian countries The greater part of the collection, more than ten thousand objects, come from China and Japan, while the rest come from Tibet, Korea, India, Pakistan, Nepal, Thailand and Cambodia. The museum is housed in the imposing Palace of St George and St Michael. After visiting the museum, you may enjoy a walking tour of the Old Town of Corfu, a UNESCO’s World Heritage site. Discover the town’s beautiful sites such as Saint Spyridon Church, dedicated to the protector of the island, the charming narrow Venetian alleyways, the famous Esplanade, one of the largest squares in Europe, the elegant Liston where access in the past was only allowed to the aristocracy of Corfu who were written down in the “Libro d’Oro’’, and the Dimarcheio, or Town Hall. Upon completion of the tour, we return to the Port. Tour Duration: 4 Hours Tour can operate: Morning or Afternoon Wheelchair Accessible: No Physical Activity Level: Light to Moderate Inclusions: Licensed, English-speaking guide Luxury vehicle Applicable taxes Pick-up/Drop off at Corfu port Entrance and tasting fees will be additional and can be pre-booked Not Included: Meals, unless otherwise noted Gratuities Personal expenses Exciting Jeep Safari in Corfu (Half Day) - 4 hours Highlights/Description: Discover Angelokastro, Lakones and Paleokastritsa driving through lush vegetation routes and traditional Corfiot villages. Admire panoramic breathtaking views of West Corfu and explore the magnificent bays with the crystal clear blue waters in a premium 4x4 vehicle. First we will follow a route through Corfiot villages heading towards the western part of the island to Angelokastro – (“Castle of Angels”) which is located at the top of the highest peak of the island’s shoreline in the northwest coast near Paleokastritsa and is one of the most important Byzantine castles of Greece. A stunning view of Corfu’s west coast and the amazing terrain provide an ideal spot to admire the view, shoot some panoramic photos and refresh ourselves. Continuing our route through Lakones village with its surroundings is also known as Bella Vista, one of the top 10 views in Europe, and along the road in and out of the village, we will stop to enjoy the view while enjoying our coffee or tea. After our coffee stop, we follow a route from the top of the hill down to Paleokastritsa. Paleokastritsa is one of the most celebrated and attractive spots on Corfu island, with many coves with incredibly clear water surrounded by olive, cypress, and lemon trees. The lush vegetation and landscape combines blue and green waters with picturesque rocky bays and the monastery of Virgin Mary with the small museum. Visit the Monastery of The Virgin Mary in Paleokastritsa and take in superb views over the sea, and the rock that is said to be Odysseus' ship turned to stone. Tea/coffee or juice included liability insurance included Angelokastro is closed on Tuesdays Don’t forget to wear comfortable shoes Sun protection and a hat are recommended Tour Duration: 4 Hours Tour can operate: Morning Wheelchair Accessible: No Physical Activity Level: Light to Moderate Inclusions: English-speaking driver - escort Applicable taxes Entrance fee to Angelokastro Pick-up/Drop off at Corfu port Not Included: Meals, unless otherwise noted Gratuities Personal expenses Highlights of Corfu - 4 hours Highlights/Description: Mon Repos Palace Kanoni (Mouse Island and the Monastery of Vlacherna) Old Town of Corfu Our exciting tour begins with a drive to Kanoni, where guests will have the opportunity to admire magical Mouse Island and the Monastery of Vlacherna. There will be time to take photographs to capture this picturesque panorama, before continuing our tour. Our tour continues to The Palace of Mon Repos. The palace was once the summer residence of the ex-Greek Royal Family. Its wild-natural park is an oasis of tall trees and shrubs. According to historians, the ancient city of Corfu had originally been located. It was built by Commissioner Adams for his wife, although she soon vacated the palace when her husband was sent to serve in India and it became a rarely used summer house for all the governors. During the British occupation a school for clergymen was located there. After the union of the Ionian Islands with Greece, King Georgios I took possession of the area and named it Mon-Repos. At Mon Repos one can see a beautiful view from the hill of Analipsi, the ruins of the ancient city and the basilica of Palaiopoli. Our final destination is the Heritage Old Town of Corfu, where guests may enjoy a walking tour. Inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List as a fortified Mediterranean port town of high integrity and authenticity, guests will discover all the interesting sites like the Saint Spyridon Church, protector of the island, the charming narrow alleyways of the old Venetian town, the famous Esplanade - one of the largest squares in Europe, the elegant Liston which access in the past was only allowed to the aristocracy of Corfu, written down in the “Libro d’Oro’’, the Dimarcheio or Town Hall and the imposing Palace of St Michael and St George (viewed from the outside). There will be time at leisure for shopping before we return to the port. Tour Duration: 4 Hours Tour can operate: Morning or Afternoon Wheelchair Accessible: No Physical Activity Level: Light to Moderate Inclusions: Licensed, English-speaking guide Luxury vehicle Applicable taxes Pick-up/Drop off at Corfu port Entrance fees Not Included: Meals, unless otherwise noted Gratuities Personal expenses Paleokastritsa and Theotoky Estate - 4 hours Highlights/Description: Monastery of Paleokastritsa Wine and meze in Theotoky Estate Our wonderful tour begins with a scenic drive to Paleokastritsa, one of the most beautiful resorts on the island with fine beaches, wooded hills and crystal-clear sheltered bays pierced by black rocks. Here you’ll visit Paleokastritsa's venerable monastery, founded in 1226 and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere created with shady archways and lovely gardens. Our next visit is to the Theotoky Estate, located in the Ropa Valley, in the center of the Island, 20 km from Corfu Town. The estate has been in the family for many generations, as Theotoky is one of the oldest families in Greece. The Estate is over 300 acres. Covered almost entirely by pine trees, olive trees and vineyards, it is one of the few ecological and peaceful spots that still exist. The locally famous and of excellent quality Theotoky wine is produced in the estate's 30 acres vineyards. The estate also has an abundance of olive trees, which are grown in the fields without the use of chemical fertilizers. The harvesting is done directly from the trees and olives are milled in the cold-press. Guests will have the opportunity to tour the winery and olive oil refinery. After the tour, a typical Greek meze (feta cheese, tomatoes, olives and bread) of local produce grown on the estate will be offered to the guests with a glass of wine. Inclusions: Licensed, English-speaking guide Luxury vehicle Applicable taxes Pick-up/Drop off at Corfu port Entrance fees Not Included: Meals, unless otherwise noted Gratuities Personal expenses	11/13/2026	11/13/2026
Gallipoli	11/14/2026	11/14/2026
Siracusa	11/15/2026	11/15/2026
Valletta	11/16/2026	11/16/2026

Like the rest of the PONANT EXPLORERS series, Le Champlain successfully manages to subtly combine the desire to explore the remotest regions of the planet with the comfort and privacy of a cozily intimate ship. To the innovative and environmentally friendly equipment are added elegant design and a unique atmosphere in keeping with the whole PONANT universe. Your dream of a cruise onboard a cozily intimate ship is thus made possible through the combination of an authentically genuine voyage experience together with discreet luxury.