Superior Stateroom Deck 3
30% Ponant Bonus
21 m²
3
Sweet Mediterranean Escape
Athens - Nice
Dates:
17/7/2026
to
29/7/2026
days
nights on board
The mildness of summer on the waters of the Mediterranean Sea promises you an unforgettable 13-day journey between Greece, Corsica and Italy. Aboard Le Boréal, fall under the spell of the Mediterranean landscapes and the ancient vestiges that will tell you a fascinating story.
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, discover the monastery of Saint John and the Cave of the Apocalypse where the last book of the New Testament was revealed to John the Apostle, from Patmos, set off from Taormina to climb the mythical Mount Etna, or admire the sumptuous archaeological sites, from the Temples of Zeus, Apollo and Athena to the Terrace of the Lions, from Delos. The diversity of experiences on offer promises you intense and varied moments (to discover the full range of excursions, go to the itinerary tab). The diversity of experiences on offer promises you intense and varied moments (to discover the full range of excursions, go to the itinerary tab).
From Athens, your ship will set sail for Patmos. Known as “the Jerusalem of the Aegean Sea”, the island reveals itself to offer you a dazzling time between unique landscapes of white-sand beaches and rocky bays.
In the south-eastern Aegean Sea, the Cyclades archipelago invites you to enjoy the wild and appealing beauty of its islands. Delos, a veritable open-air museum, offers a unique testimony of the succession of different civilisations during the Aegean period. Le Boréal will then head towards Paros. Nestling in the heart of the Cyclades archipelago, this island reputed for its sublime white marble offers a real concentration of Greek beauty, from whitewashed houses to olive groves to ancient monuments. On Milos, the limestone cliffs and small hidden coves are yours to discover in a soothing atmosphere.
The Peloponnese and Nafplio - the starting point to discover the Epidaurus theater and the site of Mycenae, both classified as UNESCO World Heritage Sites - beckon you, preceding the exploration of the island of Hydra, famous for its incomparable light and the tranquility of its streets where all car traffic is banned.
You will cross the emblematic Corinth Canal to arrive in picturesque Galaxidi. You will fall in love with the authentic character of this town, encircled by captivating arid mountains and a sea front of unrivalled beauty, with its paved little streets edged with former neo-classical residences, remnants of the naval era, and sumptuous religious buildings.
It will now be time to set sail towards Italy. Taormina, overlooking Etna’s blanket of snow. Its streets will lead you to its famed ancient Greek theatre, where the quality of the acoustics is exceptional. After a timeless moment at sea, you sail further north to Gaeta. Clinging to the cliffs facing the Tyrrhenian Sea, the ancient city with its narrow streets redolent of a fascinating past will captivate you with its many architectural treasures, like the cathedral, an elegant Romanesque and Moorish building with ceramic decoration.
You will then stop at Porto Santo Stefano, a town built along a hillside and surrounded by a 17th century fortress.
Next, the Cap Corse peninsula reveals itself a little further south. You set sail for Calvi in the heart of the Balagne region. Between steep peaks and sublime beaches with turquoise waters, experience a wild and authentic Corsica.
Your cruise ends in Nice, capital of the French Riviera.
Ref : BO170726
Your itinerary
A cruise discovering some of Greece, Italy and Corsica’s most beautiful ancient sites and scenery. UNESCO World Heritage Sites: The Acropolis of Athens, the monastery of Saint John and the Cave of the...
View detailed itinerary
Your trip in detail
Choose your stateroom
Choose your stateroom
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.
You may also like...
You may also like...
- New
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
- Dyptique 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)
- Three 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 discovering some of Greece, Italy and Corsica’s most beautiful ancient sites and scenery.
- UNESCO World Heritage Sites: The Acropolis of Athens, the monastery of Saint John and the Cave of the Apocalypse in Patmos, Taormina and its Greek Theatre, the sacred island of Delos and the Mycenae ruins and the Epidaurus theatre from Napflion.
- 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.
- Discover the pearls of the Cyclades: Delos, Paros, Milos and their ancient ruins, typical landscapes and beaches.
- On board as on shore, soak up the local riches and traditions of Corsica, and savour authentic moments through cultural encounters and gastronomy.
- Porto Santo Stefano, a small confidential port on the Tyrrhenian Sea.
- Crossing the Corinth Canal.
*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
17 July 2026 - Athens
Embarkation 17/7/2026 From 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Departure 17/7/2026 at 6:00 pm
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.
18 July 2026 - Patmos
Arrival 18/7/2026 midday
Departure 18/7/2026 evening
Patmos is one of the legendary must-see islands in the Dodecanese. This is where Saint John resided, presumed author of the last book in the Bible. The cave of the Apocalypse and the Saint John Monastery are dedicated to him. These sites, which are listed by UNESCO as World Heritage, are located at the top of a hillside planted with vines and orchards. On the shore, the crystalline coves of Kambos and Lampi offer absolutely gorgeous swimming areas.
19 July 2026 - Delos
Arrival 19/7/2026 early morning
Departure 19/7/2026 midday
This legendary Cyclades island of Delos stands just a few miles southwest of Mykonos. The ceremonial solemnity of this ancient holy sanctuary will not leave you indifferent. The sheer size and importance of this UNESCO World Heritage site which covers over half of the island is thrilling in itself. From the Stoa of Antigonos, the Terrace of the Lions, to the carved marble animal statues, you will make discovery after discovery, against a backdrop of the Aegean stretching to the horizon. The theatre steps on the hillside are a particularly good place from which to enjoy the expansive view.
19 July 2026 - Paros
Arrival 19/7/2026 early afternoon
Departure 19/7/2026 evening
Famous for its white marble, the island of Paros is located in the Cyclades. Along the quays of Parikia, its main town, you’ll see Byzantine churches and neoclassical buildings. To make the most of the turquoise waters, you can stop over in Naoussa. This little fishing port is bounded by a very beautiful cove.
20 July 2026 - Adamas, Milos
Arrival 20/7/2026 early morning
Departure 20/7/2026 late afternoon
Although Milos is especially renowned for the famous statue of Venus found in a field there and now displayed in the Louvre in Paris, this mineral island is also a geological treasure. Its volcanic origin is evident in its breathtaking landscapes and the colours of its cliffs, ranging from pure white to deep red. You’ll discover the wild beauty of the shorelines lined with the most beautiful beaches in Greece from a ship deck, and you’ll enjoy privileged access to emerald-green coves. Tiny fishing ports like Adamas hide there, with brightly-painted doors and terraces. Milos is a charming port of call in the heart of the Cyclades.
21 July 2026 - Nafplion
Arrival 21/7/2026 early morning
Departure 21/7/2026 evening
The engaging town of Nafplion is staggered up green hillsides of the Argolic Gulf, to the east of the Peloponnese. Do not be surprised by its extremely varied cultural heritage. Some of the must-see visits are the ancient agora on the plateau of Akronafplia, Italianate arcades in Syntagma square as well as the baroque fortress of Palamidi on a hillside of the same name. At the top of the hill, views of the gulf and the surrounding mountains are simply awesome. If you want to chill out by the water’s edge, walk along the Arvanitia promenade to a beautiful creek in the shade of cedars and cypresses.
22 July 2026 - Hydra
Arrival 22/7/2026 early morning
Departure 22/7/2026 evening
This unusual gem belonging to the Saronic islands is located to the east of the Peloponnese. There are no cars here. Named after the island, the harbour town is layered up the slopes of a mountainous bay. You may be surprised to see beautiful stone mansions. These are traditional here, as are the multi-coloured caïques along the quays. Further along the shore, you will discover the Historical Archives Museum. Collections from Athens National History Museum are exhibited in the elegant villa Koundouriotis.
23 July 2026 - Crossing the Corinth Canal
Arrival 23/7/2026
Departure 23/7/2026
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!
23 July 2026 - Galaxidi
Arrival 23/7/2026 early afternoon
Departure 23/7/2026 evening
Encircled by captivating arid mountains and a sea front of unrivalled beauty, picturesque Galaxidi stands proudly in the Gulf of Corinth, on the shores of Krisaikos Bay. You will fall in love with the authentic character of this preserved and majestic town, with its paved little streets edged with former neo-classical residences, remnants of the naval era, and sumptuous religious buildings. Like one of the town’s symbols: the church of Agios Nikolaos (Saint Nicholas). The building with Byzantine architecture dominates the town, and boasts two bell towers and a monumental dome.
24 July 2026 - At sea
Arrival 24/7/2026
Departure 24/7/2026
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.
25 July 2026 - Taormina, Sicily
Arrival 25/7/2026 early morning
Departure 25/7/2026 early afternoon
Located on Sicily’s eastern coast, in the province of Messina, the seaside town of Taormina is Sicily’s Saint-Tropez, boasting heritage sites, secluded beaches and luxury shopping. You can visit its medieval centre, suspended 300 metres above sea level, where terraces offer a spectacular view of the Mediterranean Sea. Another vestige from its past are the ruins of the Greco-Roman theatre. This extremely well-preserved site attracts visitors who are fascinated by the natural beauty of the area which overlooks a turquoise bay.
26 July 2026 - Gaeta
Arrival 26/7/2026 midday
Departure 26/7/2026 early evening
Gaeta takes its name from the legend of the nanny of Aeneas. This illustrious relationship can be seen in the nobility of this old town, built on a peninsula, at the end of a headland. In Roman times, Gaeta was already a renowned seaside destination; it fell under Byzantine domination then became an autonomous duchy and an independent republic. The fortifications that surround this ancient fort remind us of this rich history, as does the cathedral bell tower, an elegant building of both Roman and Moor influence, decorated with ceramic in the style of bell-towers of Amalfi.
27 July 2026 - Porto Santo Stefano
Arrival 27/7/2026 early morning
Departure 27/7/2026 late afternoon
In Southern Tuscany, Porto Santo Stefano, a charming seaside resort located on the Monte Argentario peninsula, is renowned for its enchanting setting. Nestling on the side of a hill, the small town offers beautiful sandy beaches with crystal-clear water and a picturesque town centre. Stroll around its steep alleyways lined with coloured houses and discover La Rocca, a Spanish fortress built in the 17th century to protect the town against pirate attacks. There, you can enjoy a stunning view over the port and the Gulf of Talamone.
28 July 2026 - Calvi, Corsica
Arrival 28/7/2026 early morning
Departure 28/7/2026 late afternoon
Nestled on a rocky spur in the north-west of Corsica, the port of Calvi offers its whiteness between two sapphire-coloured bays. Capital of the Balagne region, the Genoese city benefits from an exceptional natural setting between the abrupt relief of the central chain, fertile hills and long sandy beaches. From the promontory of the Notre-Dame-de-la-Serra chapel, built in the 19th century on the ruins of a 15th century sanctuary, you will not miss the sublime panorama of the seaside, the mountains and the Calvi citadel. A little further west, you will have the opportunity to discover with the peninsula of Revelatta, a wilder and more preserved part of Corsica.
29 July 2026 - Nice
Arrival 29/7/2026 early morning
Disembarkation 29/7/2026 at 8:00 am
Capital of the Cote d’Azur, Nice is surrounded by an amphitheatre of hills and mountains that protects it from the wind. You will probably want to explore the Promenade des Anglais, where you can sit on one of the famous blue chairs laid out opposite the baie des Anges. The Château hill is also a very pleasent place to walk. This is the entrance to the old city, with its bustling markets and regional products along the main street, the Cours Saleya.
Le Boréal
Le Boréal, like its Sisterships L’Austral, Le Soléal and Le Lyrial, epitomises the unique feel and atmosphere of the ships of the PONANT fleet. Subtly combining luxury, intimacy and serene well-being, the ship has been designed to offer passengers both moments of conviviality and spaces conducive to peaceful tranquillity and a sense of escape and getting away from it all. Its exterior and interior lines testify to the ingeniousness and refinement with which the Sisterships have been designed.
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
17/7/2026 - PANORAMIC TOUR OF ATHENS BEFORE BEING TRANSFERRED TO THE PORT OF PIRAEUS
AU$90
Find out morePANORAMIC TOUR OF ATHENS BEFORE BEING TRANSFERRED TO THE PORT OF PIRAEUS
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$90
Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.