Deluxe Stateroom Deck 3
30% Ponant Bonus
19 m²
2
Ancient shores of the Mediterranean
Athens - Málaga
Dates:
7/11/2025
to
17/11/2025
Other available dates
days
nights on board
With a departure from Athens, PONANT invites you to discover archaeological and historical sites – most of them UNESCO World Heritage sites – on a 11-day cruise to Greece, Italy, Tunisia, Algeria and Spain. You will be captivated by an unforgettable voyage aboard Le Dumont-d’Urville in the Mediterranean.
Throughout your journey, you will benefit from an excursion included per person per port of call, to choose from a selection offered by PONANT. During this cruise, visit the National Museum of Magna Graecia in Reggio Calabria, discover the ruins of Hippo Regius in Annaba, or explore the history-laden streets of the Casbah, the jewel of Algiers ’s heritage. The diversity of experiences on offer promises you intense and varied moments (to discover the full range of excursions, go to the itinerary tab).
Departing from the Greek capital, Athens, you will arrive in the small port of Itea from where it is possible to visit the mythical site of Delphi or even the Hosios Loukas monastery, both of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. You will then set a course for Italian shores. During a stop in Reggio Calabria, stroll along the lungomare against the imposing backdrop of Mount Etna. Soon, the contours of bewitching and captivating Sicily will appear. Fall under the spell of its capital, Palermo, where you will be able to visit emblematic sites such as the 12th-century cathedral and the Teatro Massimo, one of the largest in Europe.
Le Dumont-d’Urville resumes its journey to head for the Tunisian shores and capital, Tunis. Rome’s great rival, Ancient Carthage, is yours to discover as you visit its ruins, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Your journey then continues along the coast of nearby Algeria to Annaba, where you visit the archaeological site of Hippo, one of Roman Africa’s main cities.
You will set sail again, heading for “Algiers the White”. The capital of Africa’s largest country, radiant and vibrant, will reveal its centuries of history. In Tipasa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the wisteria-scented ruins mingle with the sun and the sea, summoning up the Nuptials essays by Albert Camus.
Then the Roman ruins and sumptuous scenery of Cartagena will welcome you before you head for Melilla. This town, an autonomous Spanish enclave, will reveal its rich architectural heritage, between military citadel and Catalan modernism.
The last port of call, Málaga, the lively capital of the Costa del Sol, concludes this journey in the heart of the Big Blue.
Ref : EU071125
Your itinerary
A cruise taking in Europe and the Maghreb to discover five countries: Greece, Italy, Tunisia, Algeria and Spain. UNESCO World Heritage sites: The Acropolis of Athens (embarkation port), the site of Delphi and...
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Your trip in detail
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Complete your trip
Complete your trip
Shore Excursions, Overlands & Pre/Post Programmes
To complete your voyage, PONANT can organise a range of shore excursions, pre & post cruise activities and packages, plus transfers.
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LE COMMANDANT CHARCOT
6/3/2025 to the 21/3/2025
LE LYRIAL
3/3/2025 to the 21/3/2025
LE PAUL GAUGUIN
LE BORÉAL
L'AUSTRAL
*Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability, and subject to change at any time. The category of stateroom to which this price applies may no longer be available.
Discover all destinations
Services provided
- 24-hour room service
- Inclusive Wifi internet access (availability dependent on navigation and latitude)
- Individually-controlled air conditioning
- Dressing room with shelves and closet
- Dressing table and hairdryer
- Diptyque Paris top-of-the-line bath products
- Minibar
- Nespresso coffee maker and boiler
- Electronic safe
- Direct line telephone
- Bose Bluetooth speaker
- Flat screen TV, international channels (availability dependent on navigation) and videos on demand
- 110V American (two flat pins)/220V European (round sockets with two round pins)
- Two ADA staterooms
Select your stateroom category
Ideal clothes for life on board:
During the days spent on board, you are advised to wear comfortable clothes or casual outfits. The entire ship is air-conditioned, so a light sweater, a light jacket or a shawl may be necessary. When moving about in the public areas of the ship and the decks, light but comfortable shoes are recommended.
Informal evening:
In the evening, you are advised to wear smart-casual attire, especially when dining in our restaurants where wearing shorts and tee-shirts is not allowed.
For women:
- Simple dress
- Skirt or trousers
- Blouse
- Polo
For men:
- Pleated trousers or chinos
- Sports jacket
- Shirt
- Polo
Officer’s evening:
For all cruises longer than 8 nights, an Officer’s Evening with a white dress code may be organized. Therefore, we encourage you to bring a stylish white outfit for the occasion (otherwise black and white).
Gala evening:
During the cruise, two gala evenings will be organised on board. Thus, we recommend that you bring one or two formal outfits.
For women:
- Cocktail attire
- Evening dress (if you wish to)
For men:
- Dark suit
- Tie recommended, possibly bow tie (if you wish to)
SHOP:
A small shop is available on board offering a wide range of outfits, jewellery, leather goods and many accessories.
A laundry service (washing/ironing) is available on board, but unfortunately there are no dry cleaning services. For safety reasons, your cabin is not equipped with an iron.
ACCESSORIES:
- Polarized sunglasses
- Swimsuit (for the Spa on board)
- Gym wear (fitness)
- Battery charger and memory cards for your camera
- Mobile phone charger
- Hat/cap
HEALTH CARE:
- Sunscreen and after-sun lotion
- Medications and prescriptions
OUTFITS ON BOARD:
- Casual outfits for the day
- Smarter outfits for dinners
- Elegant outfits for Gala evenings
- White or black and white outfit
PRECAUTIONS:
In your hand luggage, remember to bring any medicines that you need, and possibly a small spare bag of toiletries (in case of delay in the delivery of your baggage by the airline). Remember to always have your travel documents with you in case you need them: hotel vouchers, cruise vouchers, return flight tickets... Never leave them in your hold luggage.
All our cabins have a safe. We recommend not to go ashore with valuable jewellery.
PONANT activities
Highlights
- A cruise taking in Europe and the Maghreb to discover five countries: Greece, Italy, Tunisia, Algeria and Spain.
- UNESCO World Heritage sites: The Acropolis of Athens (embarkation port), the site of Delphi and the monastery of Osios Loukas from Itea, the ruins of Carthage in Tunis, the Casbah in the citadel of Algiers, the site of Tipasa.
- A cruise following the traces of ancient Mediterranean civilisations.
- A brand-new port of call in Melilla, on the North African coast.
- Make the most of an excursion included* per person per port of call during your cruise thanks to the selection made by our destination experts.
- Crossing the Corinth Canal.
- Sicily and its gems during a stop in Palermo to visit its most beautiful sites and soak in its lifestyle.
*Pre-bookings open around two months before the start of the cruise; requests are processed on a first-come first-served basis, subject to availability.
Ports of Call & Excursions
7 November 2025 8 November 2025 - Athens
Embarkation 7/11/2025 From 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Departure 8/11/2025 at 4:30 am
The Greek capital city is located on the edge of the Saronic gulf, in the east of the country. It bears a plural name in reference to the first villages that surround the Acropolis. You will be enchanted by the rocky plateau presided by its monuments listed as UNESCO World Heritage. In the city below, you can visit some of the liveliest districts in Athens: Plaka, with its maze of colourful streets, and where, in the evenings the drifting aroma of moussaka and garlic prawns will tickle your taste buds. The National Archaeological museum and the Cycladic Art Museum are also some of the city’s key attractions and allow visitors to discover Athens’ cultural past.
8 November 2025 - Crossing the Corinth Canal
Arrival 8/11/2025
Departure 8/11/2025
The Corinth Canal cuts through the Isthmus of Corinth, turning the Peloponnese into an island as it separates the region from the Greek mainland. Inaugurated in 1893, the canal is a little over six kilometres long and enables merchant vessels and passenger to avoid a long 400-km detour around the peninsula. The two sides of the canal reach a height of approximately fifty metres. From the exterior decks, don’t miss this unique opportunity to watch the ship as it navigates along the narrow strip of water encased between tall, ochre cliffs. What an experience!
8 November 2025 - Itea
Arrival 8/11/2025 midday
Departure 8/11/2025 early evening
Tucked away in the Gulf of Corinth, this little port is situated in continental Greece, north-west of Athens. Take an easy stroll along the old cobblestone quays, while gazing at the summits encircling the Bay of Itea. We wouldn’t be surprised if you are tempted by a visit to the Delphi Sanctuary. The sanctuary is located on a plateau on the slope of Mount Parnassus, just ten kilometres from Itea. A listed UNESCO World Heritage site, this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience whose ancient ruins are surrounded by steep mountains.
9 November 2025 - At sea
Arrival 9/11/2025
Departure 9/11/2025
During your journey at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This journey without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, depending on the activities offered, or to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.
10 November 2025 - Reggio di Calabria
Arrival 10/11/2025 early morning
Departure 10/11/2025 late afternoon
At the southern tip of the Italian boot, Reggio di Calabria guards the eastern shore of the Strait of Messina. From the lungomare, the sea front promenade, there are magnificent views over Sicily, a little over 3 km away, and Etna. Rebuilt after the 1908 earthquake, Reggio is set out in a grid pattern and has Art Nouveau and Belle Époque architecture that add to its charm. And the fragrance of bergamot, the citrus fruit that dominates the region’s confectionery and perfumery. A visit to the National Archaeological Museum is a must. It is one of the most important in Italy and among its collections are the famous Riace Bronzes, the stunning Greek statues dating from the 5th century BC that were found off the coast in 1972.
11 November 2025 12 November 2025 - Palermo, Sicily
Arrival 11/11/2025 early morning
Departure 12/11/2025 early afternoon
Palermo is the guardian of the Sicilian soul. Many have been attracted to this city, the largest capital of the Italian islands. Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Romans, Byzantines, Arabs, Normans... Palermo is a rich culmination of so many cultural influences as seen in the Moorish designs on the cathedral, and the Byzantine mosaics of the Palatine chapel, which is itself housed within the precincts of the Norman palace. You will fall under the spell of the palaces, baroque splendours that grace the town with their obsolete beauty. It is thrilling to stumble upon one of those fabulous markets, high in colour, and headily picturesque.
13 November 2025 - Annaba
Arrival 13/11/2025 early morning
Departure 13/11/2025 midday
Annaba, a coastal town in eastern Algeria, is the country's fourth largest city. It contains many heritage treasures, including the ancient site of Hippo, the largest Roman forum in Africa. From the Cap de Garde lighthouse, you get a splendid and varied panoramic view with mountains and sea, while the basilica of Saint Augustine, the bishop of Hippo in the 4th century, overlooks the city with its majestic white dome. A stroll along the Corniche and the Cours de la Révolution will introduce you to the lively, elegant town that inspired numerous artists and writers.
14 November 2025 - Algiers
Arrival 14/11/2025 early morning
Departure 14/11/2025 late afternoon
The beauty of the Bay of Algiers offers travellers arriving by sea an unforgettable view. The Casbah houses cascade down to the Haussmann-style buildings and the hustle and bustle of the Mediterranean city creates a unique atmosphere. Algiers the White proudly bears the traces of its history with its magnificent Casbah, listed as UNESCO World Heritage, its tropical garden called Jardin d’Essai, its Martyr’s Memorial, its imposing Basilica of Our Lady of Africa, and its lively city centre with its Grande Poste (main post office) and French quarter. Seventy kilometres (43 miles) away, you will have the possibility of visiting Tipaza, one of the most extraordinary archaeological complexes of the Maghreb, listed as World Heritage by UNESCO. Once a trading post of the Carthaginians and later the Romans, the ancient city is home to the Royal Mausoleum of Mauretania, a funerary monument providing precious evidence of what was once the Punic world.
15 November 2025 - Cartagena
Arrival 15/11/2025 midday
Departure 15/11/2025 late afternoon
Surrounded by hills, the natural site of the Bay of Carthagena presided over the fate of this former fortress which has been home to the greatest European civilisations. Today, these Phoenician, Roman, Carthaginian, Moorish and Christian influences form a rich architectural heritage. Its Roman theatre is one of the most significant and best conserved in Spain. You will also be able to cross the landscapes of vines and citrus groves stretching endlessly towards Murcia, to visit this dynamic regional capital.
17 November 2025 - Málaga
Arrival 17/11/2025 early morning
Disembarkation 17/11/2025 at 8:00 am
A historical and festive town, Malaga is located in Andalusia, on the Costa del Sol. Between the marina and the beaches, the seaside promenade of La Farola offers an ideal setting for strolling and relaxing. Set slightly further back, the Malagueta bullring is one of the emblematic sites of the city. From the hill overlooking the old town, one can see Gibralfaro castle and the Alcazaba, two fortified ensembles rising out from the cypresses and maritime pines. To visit Pablo Picasso’s birthplace, you will go first to the courtly plaza de la Merced. A few streets back from here, you can explore the museum dedicated to the artist, in the Buenavista palace.
Le Dumont d'Urville
Le Dumont-d’Urville belongs to a new generation of ships fitted with innovative equipment and designed to be environmentally friendly, and which come equipped with lounges that are largely open to the exterior, an outdoor swimming pool and a Blue Eye, an underwater lounge. Everything is in place for an extraordinary cruise experience. It's now possible to depart for adventure to the most remote places on the planet onboard a ship offering luxury services.
Decks
Guest Speaker
Aboard your ship, an English-speaking lecturer will enlighten you about the culture and history of your destination to deepen your knowledge of the origins of local traditions, the history of emblematic sites, and stories involving famous personalities and those of major historical significance. During on-board lectures or on your shore visits, this expert will be there to share their precious knowledge with you throughout your PONANT cruise.
Free solo supplement
FREE SOLO SUPPLEMENT *
*The supplement for single usage of a double cabin is waived, according to availability and staterooms categories.
Shore excursions, Pre/Post & Overlands
ATHENS CITY BREAK (2 NIGHTS)
Enhance your cruise and extend your trip with a carefully designed programme.
Day 1 - Athens
Meet at Athens Airport in the Arrival hall. Look for PONANT sign. You will be greeted by our local representative off the flight selected by PONANT or any other flight (provided that you have previously communicated your flight schedule to your travel agent).
You will be transferred to the hotel Athens Capital Centre – Collection Mgallery 5*, perfectly located at Syntagma Square in the heart of Athens.
Official check-in at 15 :00.
Afternoon at leisure.
Dinner at leisure.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 2 - Athens
After breakfast, your walking guided visit will be first focus on Anafiotika district.
This picturesque old quarter is located under the Acropolis. This very typical architecture looks like to the Cycladic islands, with narrow streets and white-washed houses with colorful shutters.
You will learn more about its history with your guide. And you will have the perfect opportunity to take the most beautiful photos, through the lens of a professional photograph at your disposal to give you tips and help you..
Later, you will walk until a local tavern in the Plaka district and you will enjoy a traditional Greek lunch followed by a short time at leisure in Plaka.
During the afternoon, you will visit the Acropolis Museum, which is an archaeological museum focused on the findings of the archaeological site of the Acropolis of Athens. The museum was built in order to house every artifact found on the rock and at its foot, covering a large period of time from the Greek Bronze Age to Roman and Byzantine Greece. Nearly 4,000 objects are exhibited over an area of 14,000 square metres.
After the Museum visit, time at leisure to strool around the Museum area (about 1 hour), or to visit on your own, the Acropolis site (this visit is not accessible to disabled people). Then short drive back to your hotel (about 15 minutes).
Evening and dinner at leisure.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 3 - Athens
Breakfast followed by hotel check-out procedures.
You will walk with your guide until Benaki Museum located in Kolonaki Square (about 10 minutes).
The Benaki Museum ranks among the great benefactions which have enriched the material assets of the Greek State. It is also the oldest museum in Greece. The Museum houses a set of collections comprising many distinct categories and totalling more than 30,000 items that illustrate the Greek world through a spectacular historical panorama: from Antiquity and the age of Roman domination to the medieval Byzantine period, from the fall of Constantinople (1453) and the centuries of Frankish and Ottoman occupation to the outbreak of the struggle for independence in 1821, and from the formation of the modern state of Greece (1830) to 1922, the year in which the Asia Minor disaster took place. Board your vehicle again for a short drive to your hotel.
Following your visit, board your vehicle for a short drive to the meeting point where your local chef will await for you.
Combine the best flavors of Athens has to offer, in a master class that involves putting together a menu, shopping for the ingredients in the vibrant central markets of Athens, and actually preparing it, all under the care of a professional chef and expert on Mediterranean cuisine.
After collecting everything, you will head to a venue with all the necessary equipment to turn the fresh ingredients into delicious delicacies. With the guidance of the chef, you will enjoy the best meal prepared by yourselves.
You will then be transferred to the pier of Athens to embark on board your ship.
Your hotel:
The Athens Capital Center Hotel - MGallery Collection is a boutique hotel ideally located in the heart of Athens, in the upscale Kolonaki neighbourhood, two minutes from Syntagma Square. Its contemporary interior houses works of art celebrating Greek culture. The fully-appointed Deluxe rooms offer a tranquil haven with an elegant atmosphere. From the rooftop terrace with swimming pool, the view of the Acropolis is uninterrupted and cloaked in magic at nightfall. Greek and Mediterranean specialities are served at MFlavours, the first of the hotel’s restaurants, while creative cuisine awaits guests at the second, Mappemonde.
Upgraded rooms are also available depending on availability and on a supplement basis. Contact your travel professional for further detail.
Your programme includes:
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2-nights accommodation in Deluxe room at Athens Capital Centre – Collection Mgallery 5* (local standard) or similar, breakfast included.
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Meals as mentioned in the programme.
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Beverage package during meals (bottled water + 1 soft drink or 1 glass of wine or 1 local beer and 1 coffee or tea).
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Welcome drink voucher of 20 € to enjoy a cocktail at the rooftop Mappemonde during open hours (non refundable)
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Transfers, visits, and entrance fees as mentioned in the programme.
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The services of a local English-speaking escort on the day of arrival.
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The services of a local English-speaking guide during visits.
Your programme does not include:
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Dinner on days 1 & 2.
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Personal expenses.
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Visa if necessary.
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Tips for the driver and local guide.
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Early check-in and late check-out.
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Other services not mentioned in the programme.
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Entry fees and guided visit of the Acropolis.
Please note:
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It is imperative that the details of your departure flight are provided to your travel agent, no later than 30 days before the start date of your cruise, to secure the proper private transfer.
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On day 2, the photo tour of the Anafiotika district requires about 2 hours of walking on flat and uneven ground with uneven level.
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The visit of the Acropolis Museum (day 2), the Benaki Museum and the walk at Central Market (day 3) require moderate walking on flat or uneven ground (paved terrain and a few steps).
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The Acropolis visit site is not included to the program and is not recomanded for disabled people.You can visit it on your own during leisure time.
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The Benaki Museum is closed on Tuesday.
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The Central Market is closed on Sunday.
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The official check-in in room at 15:00.
Contact of your hotel:
Athens Capital Centre – Collection Mgallery
4 Eleftheriou Venizelou Avenue and 2 Kriezotou street Syntagma Square,
Athens 105 64,
Greece
Telephone number: +30 21 4444 2000
Duration and order of the visits may vary. To know your PONANT flight schedule, please contact your travel agent; it is also indicated on your electronic ticket included in your travel documents.
Total : AU$3,080
Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.PANORAMIC TOUR OF ATHENS BEFORE BEING TRANSFERRED TO PIREUS PIER
Travel with peace of mind as PONANT organises your transfer between the airport and your port of embarkation.
Athens
Meet at Athens International Airport Eleftherios Venizelos - Arrival Hall. Look for PONANT sign. You will be greeted by our local representative off the flight selected by PONANT.
You will depart the airport by coach for a scenic tour of Athens en route to the port of Piraeus.
When you will reach Athens, you will make your first stop at the Panathenaic Stadium, a 19th-century reconstruction on Roman foundations, in which the first modern Olympic Games took place. This stadium is also known as the Kallimármaro which means “the beautiful marbled” because it is the only major stadium in the world built entirely of white marble. It was also restored to host some competitions during the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens.
You will enjoy a photo stop at the bottom of the Acropolis Hill with its spectacular view of the Parthenon before being transferred to the port of Piraeus where you will embark on your ship.
Your programme includes:
- Transfer by air-conditioned coach.
- Services of a local English-speaking guide.
Your programme does not include:
- Tips for the driver and local guide.
- Personal expenses.
- Other services not mentioned in the programme.
Note:
- Optional photo stops depending on embarkation time and traffic conditions.
Duration and order of the visits may vary. To know your PONANT flight schedule, please contact your travel agent; it is also indicated on your electronic ticket included in your travel documents.
Total : AU$80
Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.MAGICAL CAPPADOCIA (4NIGHTS)
Enhance your cruise and extend your trip with a carefully designed programme.
Enjoy a few days discovering Cappadocia’s unique scenery in the heart of Turkey. The exceptional landscapes, as beautiful as they are mystical, will fascinate you, as will the history of this striking region. From fairy chimney rock formations to cave dwellings and underground cities, embark on a journey where shimmering colours mingle with the aromas and magic of the Orient.
Day 1 – Antalya/Konya
After disembarkation procedures are completed, you will be greeted at pier by our local representative.
By road, you will immediately head for Konya, lying in Central Anatolia at an altitude of 1,000 metres (3,281 feet). From the Mediterranean region of Antalya, an approximately four-and-a-half-hour drive will take you to this holy city, the cradle of Sufism and the former capital of the Seljuk Empire. It is there that, in the 13th century, the mystic poet Jalal al-Din Rumi – also called “Mevlana”, meaning ‘erudite’ – founded the Mevlevi Order, also known as the “whirling dervishes”. Today, the city boasts prestigious religious monuments that attract a great many pilgrims, but it is also a significantly urbanised modern metropolis.
For lunch, you will enjoy traditional cuisine at a local restaurant in Konya.
You will then visit the Mevlana Museum, dedicated to the founding father of the whirling dervishes. This major pilgrimage site houses the former lodge of the Mevlevi Order and the mausoleum of the master, a masterpiece of Seljuk art built in 1274 after his death.
You will then be taken to the Dedeman Konya Convention Center 5*.
Check-in in your room.
Dinner and overnight at your hotel.
Day 2 – Konya/Cappadocia
Breakfast and check-out.
After breakfast, once you have completed your hotel check-out, you will leave Konya and cross the arid planes of Anatolia towards Cappadocia.
On the way (approximately one-and-a-half hour drive), you will stop at the Sultan Han Caravanserai. This roadside inn built in the 13th century afforded caravaners a place to rest and recover from the day's journey. Caravanserais, or hans in Turkish, supported the flow of commerce across a network of trade routes connecting Asia, North Africa and South-Eastern Europe. The Sultanhani han is one of the most well-preserved along the Silk Road linking Konya to Persia.
You will travel on for another couple of hours to reach Mustafapasa (Sinasos). Located 5 km (3 miles) south of Urgup, it is one of the most beautiful villages in Cappadocia. The town is famous for its Greek architecture. Greeks and Karamanlides (Turkish-speaking Christians) make up the majority of the population. The rest are Muslim Turks. Its sculpted wooden doors and facade decorations are very typical.
Lunch will be served in a local restaurant.
After lunch, you will head to Kaymakli to visit the UNESCO-listed, largest underground city in the region. Between the 6th and 10th centuries, the city was carved out of volcanic rock, up to a depth of more than 90 metres (295 feet). It is possible to go as deep as eight levels down through an intricate labyrinth of tunnels.
After another half-hour or so on the road, you will arrive at the 4* Argos In Cappadocia Hotel in the mid-afternoon.
Enjoy some free time to freshen up and rest.
Dinner will then be served in a local restaurant.
Overnight in the hotel.
Day 3 – Cappadocia
Optional activity - Hot-air ballon in Cappadocia
Very early in the morning (weather permitting), you will set off for a hot-air balloon ride to the heart of unique landscapes. The sunrise will take on another dimension.
Dawn is the best time to enjoy this unique experience, as the cooler, calmer air ensures peaceful and stable flights, as well as soft landings. Another advantage is that the superb colours and contrasts at daybreak provide ideal conditions for taking beautiful photos.
The excellent flying conditions allow the hot air-balloons to gently drift over spectacular and surreal landscapes featuring fairy chimneys, dovecotes hewn into the unique rock formations, orchards and vineyards, and impressive valleys.
The flight time will be around 45 minutes (subject to weather conditions and approval from local authorities).
After your flight, you will return to your hotel to freshen up and breakfast.
You will visit Pasabag, boasting the most striking fairy chimneys in Cappadocia, crowned with double and sometimes even triple rock caps. Even for this region, these formations are truly unique! The locals call them mushroom-shaped fairy chimneys. As you wander around Pasabag, you will see many vineyards.
After lunch, your discovery tour will continue with the Zelve Open-Air Museum, south of Avanos. It encompasses three valleys home to a multitude of crumbling cave dwellings, painted and carved churches, wine-making rooms and wheat grinding mills. Right at the back of the third valley are the deepest and most intact cave dwellings, with many details indicating what life must have been like here a thousand years ago.
Next, in Avanos, the capital of Turkish pottery, a workshop will teach you more about this wonderful local handicraft inherited from the Hittite period.
To wrap up this day spent amid fairy chimneys and Byzantine vestiges, you will stop for a wine tasting at a local vineyard with some of the oldest perched vines in the world. There, you will be able to taste fruity wines made from local grapes.
Back to your hotel.
Dinner will be on your own.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 4 - Cappadocia
Your day will then be spent discovering this unique and colourful natural environment through some of the most well-known sites in the region (ten to twenty-minute transfer between each visit). On the road between Uchisar and Goreme, you will start by visiting Pigeon Valley. A short walk will enable you to discover the dovecote tradition in Cappadocia. The locals carve them out of the tuff formations called “fairy chimneys”. Lunch will be served in a local restaurant. After a short transfer (approximately ten minutes), you will reach the Goreme Open-Air Museum, the most visited site of the monastic communities in Cappadocia, and one of the most famous sites in the centre of Turkey. It is a complex comprising more than 30 churches and chapels carved out of rock and containing superb frescoes dating from the 9th century to the 11th. While the exterior seems relatively unremarkable, the interiors are designed in a typical Byzantine style, with a central dome and a floor plan in the shape of a cross or a rectangle. The largest and most well-preserved church in Goreme is Tokali Kilise. Its interior walls are covered in some of the most beautiful frescoes in the region, depicting scenes from the New Testament. In the early evening, you will be attending a whirling dervish ceremony called “semah”. During this ritual dance, accompanied by Sufi music and symbolising a prayer and divine communion, the Mevlevi Order disciples spin around in a trance-like state. Dinner at the hotel and overnight.
Day 5 – Cappadocia/Kayseri
After breakfast and check-out, time at leisure depending on your flight schedule.
You will then be transferred to the Kayseri airport in time for check-in for the PONANT selected flight or any other flight (provided that you have previously communicated your flight schedule to your travel agent).
Your hotels:
The 5* Dedeman Konya Convention Center Hotel is a modern and comfortable establishment 5 km (3 miles) out of the centre of Konya. Its well-appointed rooms, its restaurant serving Turkish and international cuisine, and its indoor pool will provide a relaxing setting.
The 4* Argos In Cappadocia Hotel is a former monastery in the village of Uchisar, now turned boutique hotel. Its interior reflects the cave-dwelling tradition yet offers every modern-day comfort. The hotel has been beautifully renovated by integrating the new structures into the heart of the vestiges with the utmost respect for the environment. Guests come here to press pause and take a break from the frantic pace of the modern world. Each room is unique and offers a private space. They are carved right out of the rock, celebrating the region’s cave-dwelling tradition. Lush gardens and sun-drenched terraces reveal picturesque panoramic views.
Upgraded rooms are also available depending on availability and on a supplement basis. Contact your travel professional for further detail.
Your programme includes:
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1-night accommodation in Junior Suite at Dedeman Konya Convention Center 5*, (local standard) or similar, breakfast included.
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3-night accommodation in Suite rooms at l’hôtel Argos In Cappadocia 4*, (local standard) or similar, breakfast included.
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Meals as mentioned in the programme.
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Beverage package during meals (bottled water + 1 soft drink or 1 local beer or 1 glass of wine and 1 coffee or tea). Excepted for the Lunch in Konya, No alcoholic beverages available around the Mevlana Museum Complex.
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Transfers, visits, and entrance fees as mentioned in the programme.
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The services of a local English-speaking guide and a local French-speaking guide during visits.
Your programme does not include:
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Optional activity : 45-minutes hot air balloon flight (weather and local authorities permitting).
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Personal expenses.
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Dinner on Day 3, Lunch on day 5.
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Visa if necessary.
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Tips for the driver and local guide.
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Other services not mentioned in the programme.
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Early check-in and late check-out.
Please note:
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It is imperative that the details of your departure flight are provided to your travel agent, no later than 30 days before the start date of your cruise, to secure the proper private transfer.
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Turkey’s unit is the Turkish Lira.
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The distance between Cappadocia and Antalya is about 540 km (335 miles) and takes about 8 hours to cover by road. Since no domestic flights are possible on the itinerary dates, the package includes an overnight stay in Konya to make your trip more enjoyable.
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Konya is a holy city and its region is one of the most conservative in Turkey. The traditional local restaurants, particularly those located near religious sites, do not sell alcoholic beverages. It is possible to order alcoholic beverages in the bars and restaurants of certain international hotels.
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For the Mevlana Museum visit, clothing must cover the shoulders and legs. Women must cover their head, so a scarf is recommended.
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Kaymakli Underground City: this visit is not recommended for anyone suffering from claustrophobia, respiratory problems, or who has difficulties walking. The passageways are very narrow and low, requiring visitors to hunch over (but not crawl). There is adequate light. Good walking shoes are recommended.
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The hot-air balloon ride is subject to weather conditions. It may be postponed to the following day. In the event of a cancellation, the activity will be reimbursed.
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The hot-air balloon ride requires the ability to stand in the basket for the duration of the flight (approximately 1 hour) and to crouch down with bended knees during the entire landing. The maximum weight for taking part in this activity is 90-100 kg. This activity is not recommended for anyone with respiratory problems.
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Official in-room check-in time at 3:00 p.m.
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Official time of check-out from the room at 12:00 p.m.
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This programme is not suitable for people with reduced mobility.
Contact of your hotels:
Dedeman Konya Hotel & Convention Center
Esenler, Yeni Sille Cd. No: 1,
42080 Selçuklu/Konya, Turquie
Telephone number: (90) 332 221 66 00
Argos Cappadocia
Uchisar-Nevsehir
TURKEY
Telephone number: (90) 384 219 31 30.
Duration and order of the visits may vary. To know your PONANT flight schedule, please contact your travel agent; it is also indicated on your electronic ticket included in your travel documents.
Total : AU$2,480
Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.DIRECT TRANSFER FROM ANTALYA PORT TO ANTALYA AIRPORT
Travel with peace of mind as PONANT organises your transfer between your port of disembarkation and the airport.
Antalya
After disembarkation procedures are completed, you will be greeted at the port by our local English-speaking representative.
You will then be directly transferred to the airport in time for check-in for the PONANT selected flight.
Your programme includes:
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Transfer as mentioned in the programme.
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Services of a local English-speaking guide.
Your programme does not include:
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Tips for the driver and local guide.
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Personal expenses and other services not mentioned in the programme.
To know your PONANT flight schedule, please contact your travel agent; it is also indicated on your electronic ticket included in your travel documents.
In the event of schedule changes of PONANT’s selected flight, your programme will be adapted to ensure the most seamless and enriching experience. The content of your revised programme will be updated on the PONANT website, in My Ponant space and on the PONANT app. The final programme will also be sent to you along with your cruise documents.
Total : AU$70
Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.