Entertainment in the cutting-edge theatre and the Main Lounge
The Blue Eye - a unique underwater lounge
A spacious sun deck and swimming pool
A sumptuous sauna and fully-equipped gym
All-Inclusive Cruising On-board Luxury Yachts with Unlimited Complimentary Drinks,* Shore Excursions,** Unlimited Wi-Fi, 24-hour room service, non-motorised water sports activities*** + Butler Service in a selection of suites****
Save up to 60% with $1,000 credit on selected signature sailings. Elevate your journey with Suite Upgrades and an additional £500 off per suite!
All Inclusive
Unlimited Complimentary Drinks*
Up to £500 OFF per stateroom
Shore Excursions Included**
Water Sports Activities***
Unlimited Wi-Fi
No Single Supplement
Sail with confidenceWe are ABTA and ATOL protected, so your booking is financially secure.
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Unbeatable cruise selectionFrom short breaks to big adventures, our choice is unrivalled.
Price match guaranteeThe best value in cruising. If you find a better price, we’ll match it.
Complimentary Wi-Fi is available throughout the ship, allowing you to stay connected during your voyage.
Drinks
The Open Bar offers a selection of drinks, including mineral water, soft drinks, wine, beer, Henri Abelé Brut Champagne, spirits, coffee, and tea. Certain premium alcoholic beverages on the menu are not included in the Open Bar.
Excursions
Beginning this 2024/2025 winter season, one excursion per person, per port of call will be included in the price of your cruise(excluding any on board Le Paul Gauguin). You will be able to select the excursion of your choice, based on proposed programs by our destination experts.
There will also be paid excursions available, enabling you to explore the region in even more depth.
Entertainment
Choose from a variety of things to entertain yourself including restaurants, bars, theatre, pools and much more.
Breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks from the buffet and main dining restaurants are all included. Meals from the specialty dining restaurants are additional.
Accommodation
Your cabin is included in the price of the cruise.
Port Fees & Taxes
No surprises. All port fees and taxes are included in the price.
Extras
Speciality Dining
Specialty restaurants allow travellers to enhance their dining experience during the cruise. This is a great way to add variety to your holiday or celebrate a special occasion. You can pay for meals in the special dining restaurants onboard.
Parking
Car parking at the port or airport for the duration of your trip is not included within the price of the cruise. Port/airport parking can’t currently be booked with us online but please contact us after you have made the booking if you would like to add this to your package. An approximate cost for parking is between £12 - £20 per car per day. Alternatively we can arrange transfers from your home to the departure airport/port.
Insurance
Insurance is not included in your package. We've partnered with Holiday Extras. They have 40 years of experience and offer excellent insurance cover for your holiday. Their flexible policies offer cruise-specific cover, so you can rest assured that you are completely covered when you go away. Get a Holiday Extras insurance quote
Transfers (home to port)
Transfers from your home to the port or airport aren't included but we can help organise coach transfers, taxis etc to make your life easier. Please contact us after you have made the booking if you would like to add these to your package.
Visa
Visas are not provided by us or the cruise operator. Visas and other travel documents have to be obtained by the individual passengers prior to sailing.
We've partnered with The Travel Visa Company for all your visa needs. They will be able to provide tailored advice and for a fee, assist with arranging your documents.
Ship Facilities
Le Champlain - By Ponant Cruises
Good for couplesOver 50sExplorationFormalLuxury ShipSmall ShipUltra LuxuryYacht style
*This doesn't include premium alcoholic drinks indicated in the Bar Menu. It is valid only for individual personal consumption, without limitations. **This is one included excursion per port, per day. Other excursions are available for a supplement. ***Diving not included. ****Butler service is reserved for passengers travelling in one of the suites situated on Deck 6 aboard Le Boréal, L'Austral, Le Soléal or Le Lyrial, as well as all the Owner suites, Deluxe Suites, Privilege Suites and the Prestige Suites situated on Deck 6 aboard the PONANT EXPLORERS.
All offers and prices are subject to change and availability at time of enquiry. Prices are based on two passengers sharing unless otherwise stated and are subject to the Tour Operator's terms and conditions. Cabin and Flight supplements may apply. Other supplements may apply in addition to the price shown above. Flight details, timings and routing may be subject to alteration. Other tour operator charges may also apply. Any Onboard Spending money or drinks package value shown will be per cabin, again based on two sharing.
Supplier Reference:
EC011026
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We can tailor any package to suit your holiday needs: Add or extend hotel stays, arrange flights and find the best cabin location for you.
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Back
Salerno
Katakolon
Reggio Calabria
Catania, Sicily
Gallipoli
Parga
Delphi (Itea)
Nafplion
Hydra
Athens (Piraeus)
Agia Triada Church
Castella
Promenade Trieste
The Temple of Zeus
Archimedes’ Museum
Archaeological Museum
Monastero dei Benedettini
Mount Etna
Teatro Massimo Bellini
Spiaggia della Purità
Explore the "Old Town"
Bourtzi Castle
Palamidi Fortress
Boat Trips
Museums & History
Archaeological Museum
Hellas Liberty
Zea Bay
Salerno Duomo
Arechi Castle
Olympia Museum
Archaeological Site of Olympia
Castello Ursino
Cathedral of Sant'Agata
Visit the Underground Olive Mills
Cattedrale di Sant'Agata
Venetian Castle of Parga
Ali Pasha Castle
Archaeological Museum of Nafplion
Arvanitia Beach
Hydra Town & Harbor
Cathedral of the Assumption
Le Champlain sailing
Spa on Le Champlain
Blue Eye lounge on Le Champlain
Accommodation on Le Champlain
Le Champlain Sailing
Civitavecchia, Italy
DAY 1
01 Oct 2026
Time at Port: from 7 AM to 6 PM
Today's Civitavecchia was born as an Etruscan village along the Tyrrhenian coast, but it is believed that the territory has been inhabited since the Neolithic era. The first documents mentioning the city date back to the year 107 AD; the same as the construction of the port which ended three years later. During a stop in Civitavecchia you can visit the Taurine Baths, the Michelangelo Fort, and the Cathedral.
Things to do in Civitavecchia, Italy:
Terme Taurine
The Taurine Baths - a Roman archaeological site dating back to the 1st century BC - are located around 4km from the urban centre of Civitavecchia. There is a legend that says the baths came to be after a bull scraped at the ground before a fight, and in doing so uncovered a hot water spring.
Aquafelix Waterpark
Aquafelix Waterpark is ideal for a day of fun with your family and friends. It is the largest water park in central Italy, and boasts areas dedicated to both adults and children.
Forte Michelangelo
The construction of the Michelangelo Fort began in 1508 and ended in 1537. The structure of the fortress, in true Renaissance style, has the shape of a quadrilateral with a tower in each corner, and the central tower has an octagonal layout. Its creation was ordered by Pope Julius II, to defend the Port of Civitavecchia against pirates and any other hostile encounters.
Cathedrale de Civitavecchia
The Cathedral of San Francesco d'Assisi is the most important church of Civitavecchia. Dating back to the 17th century and completely restored in 1950, it has a Baroque style and stands on the remains of a previous Franciscan church.
Salerno
DAY 2
02 Oct 2026
Time at Port: from 12 PM to 6:30 PM
Located to the southeast of Naples, Salerno is a bustling port city which lies between the Amalfi Coast and the picturesque Cilento National Park. Rapidly growing in popularity with tourists who are looking for beautiful beaches, decadent Italian cuisine and an abundance of historic sights, you can easily spend a day or two exploring all this scenic city has to offer.
Things to do in Salerno:
Salerno Duomo
Dating back to the 11th century, the historic Salerno Duomo was beautifully restored in the 1930s. Constructed in a Neapolitan Baroque/Rococo style, this picturesque cathedral features a bell tower (that dates to the 12th century), beautiful artwork in the interior and a Byzantine bronze door.
Arechi Castle
The Arechi Castle is a prominent mediaeval fortress that overlooks the city and the Gulf of Salerno from a height of 300 metres. The reason it is called Arechi is because the Lombard Duke Arechi II has historically been linked to the building of this fortress.
Promenade Trieste
The Promenade Trieste, Salerno's most picturesque location, has become known as a popular landmark in the city. Locals and tourists alike love this 2km long promenade, due to the variety of shops, bars and restaurants that line it. The perfect place to unwind with a tantalising drink, spending time along the Promenade Trieste is a wonderful activity to enjoy during your stop there.
Reggio Calabria
DAY 3
03 Oct 2026
Time at Port: from 8:30 AM to 4 PM
Our experts are preparing detailed information about this location. Please check back shortly to discover more.
Catania, Sicily
DAY 4
04 Oct 2026
Time at Port: from 12 AM to 5 PM
Catania is located on the eastern side of Sicily on the slopes of Mount Etna, the highest active volcano in Europe. It was founded between 729 and 728 BC by the Greeks of Chalcis and, like the other major Sicilian cities, it was subjected to the domination of different populations because of its strategic position on the sea. Among the places of artistic and cultural interest are the Ursino Castle, the Sant’Agata Cathedral, and the Benedictine Monastery.
Things to do in Catania, Sicily:
Castello Ursino
The Ursino Castle dates back to the 13th century and was built at the behest of Frederick II of Swabia, who was at that time King of Sicily. It was the seat of Parliament during the Sicilian Vespers and later the residence of the Aragonese sovereigns. Today it houses a museum.
Cathedral of Sant'Agata
The Sant'Agata Cathedral overlooks the south-east side of Piazza del Duomo. Destroyed and rebuilt several times, the beginning of the first construction dates back to 1086, on the ruins of the ancient Achillian Baths from the Roman period of the 4th century.
Monastero dei Benedettini
The ecclesiastical complex of San Nicolò "la Rena" consists of a Benedictine monastery and a church of the same name. The first structure dates back to the 12th century and owes its name to the volcanic sand that characterises the surrounding area.
Mount Etna
Mount Etna is the highest active volcanic complex in Europe; the most recent measurements have revealed a height of 3,326 metres above sea level. Its historical eruptions have changed the surrounding landscape over the centuries.
Teatro Massimo Bellini
The Massimo Bellini Theatre was built in the 19th century. It was inaugurated on May 31, 1890 with the Norma opera by the Catania composer Vincenzo Bellini. The hall has a horseshoe-shaped structure with four tiers of boxes and a gallery.
Gallipoli
DAY 5
05 Oct 2026
Time at Port: from 12 PM to 7:30 PM
Gallipoli, Italy, is a beautiful "island city" in Puglia, connected to the mainland by a historic bridge. Its old town is a maze of white streets, Baroque churches, and a massive seaside castle. Famous for its clear blue water and fresh seafood, it offers a perfect mix of ancient history and relaxed beach life.
Things to do in Gallipoli:
Visit the Underground Olive Mills
Visiting the underground olive mills is like exploring a secret factory hidden beneath the city's streets. Carved into the rock, these cool caves still hold the massive stone presses and vats used to make the oil that once lit up Europe's biggest cities. It is a quick, fascinating look at how Gallipoli became a world leader in trade centuries ago.
Cattedrale di Sant'Agata
A visit to the Cattedrale di Sant'Agata feels like stepping into a golden art gallery. Located in the heart of the Old Town, its outside is covered in beautiful stone carvings that glow in the sun. Inside, instead of plain walls, you'll find massive oil paintings covering almost everything from floor to ceiling. It is a quiet, cool escape where you can admire grand history and local art in one place.
Spiaggia della Purità
Spiaggia della Purità is a small, golden beach tucked right under the old city walls. It’s the only beach in the historic centre and is famous for its calm, crystal-clear water. It is the best place in town to watch the sunset, where you can relax on the sand as the sun dips into the sea behind the white-washed buildings.
Parga
DAY 6
06 Oct 2026
Time at Port: from 8:30 AM to 9 PM
Nestled on the edge of the Ionian Sea, Parga is a picturesque town that feels more like a hidden island than part of the Greek mainland. It is defined by its amphitheatre like setting, where bright, multi coloured houses spill down the hillside toward a turquoise bay dotted with emerald islets. Crowning the town is a historic Venetian Castle, which offers sweeping views of the coastline and the famous Valtos Beach below. Whether you are wandering through its narrow, flower lined alleys or enjoying fresh seafood at a waterfront taverna, Parga captures the quintessential charm of traditional Greece with a unique, vibrant flair.
Things to do in Parga:
Venetian Castle of Parga
Venetian Castle of Parga is a walk through centuries of history, perched on a rocky headland that separates the town's harbour from Valtos Beach. Originally built in the 11th century and later fortified by the Venetians to protect against pirate raids, the castle’s sturdy walls and stone gateways now house a peaceful, cypress shaded park. As you explore the ruins of the barracks and old storerooms, you are treated to the most spectacular panoramic views in the region, looking down over the colourful houses of Parga and the emerald Islet of Panagia. It is an atmospheric spot where the scent of wild herbs and the sound of the sea create a perfect, quiet escape above the bustling town.
Ali Pasha Castle
Ali Pasha Castle is a journey to a formidable 19th century hilltop fortress designed with the specific goal of besieging the nearby town of Parga. Built in 1814 by the Ottoman ruler Ali Pasha of Ioannina, the massive polygonal structure sits 400 metres above sea level and remains remarkably well preserved. Visitors can explore the atmospheric ruins, which include tall defensive walls, underground silos, and original cannons bought from the Russians that still point toward the coast. The site is particularly famous for its spectacular panoramic views, on clear days, you can see all the way from the red roofs of Parga and Valtos Beach to the distant islands of Paxos, Antipaxos, and the southern tip of Corfu.
Explore the "Old Town"
Wandering through Parga’s Old Town is a charming climb through a labyrinth of steep, cobblestone "kantounia" that wind upward from the harbour. These narrow, flower lined alleys are tucked away from the main tourist bustle, hiding boutique shops filled with local olive wood crafts, handmade leather, and jars of wild honey. As you explore the whitewashed passages, you’ll find quiet corners where traditional houses overlook the sea, offering glimpses of the turquoise bay through ancient archways. It is the perfect place to experience the town’s authentic Mediterranean character and discover a hidden, hilltop café for a peaceful break.
Katakolon
DAY 7
07 Oct 2026
Time at Port: from 11:30 AM to 7:30 PM
The sleepy seaside village of Katakolon is perhaps one of the biggest tourist highlights of Greece, thanks to its close proximity to Ancient Olympia. With sparkling turquoise waters, numerous traditional tavernas and the warmth of a friendly, local community, Katakolon is the perfect place to explore on foot in the sunshine, where you’ll find museums, bars, restaurants and souvenir shops, as well as horse-drawn carriage rides and even a Beer Bike!
Things to do in Katakolon:
Olympia Museum
Home to over 463 ancient works, this museum is rich with fascinating history and culture of Ancient Greece. Featuring exhibits covering the second millennium BC until the 5th century AD, you’ll find pieces that were used throughout the ancient Olympic Games.
Archaeological Site of Olympia
Featuring excavations from the Bronze age to the Byzantine era, this huge site provides an impressive insight into the history of Ancient Greece. You'll find sites such as the Ancient Stadium where the Olympic Games were held, the Temple of Hera, and the Temple of Zeus.
The Temple of Zeus
The beautiful ruins of The Temple of Zeus is a major historical site. Despite it being destroyed it still is a fantastic portal to the past giving you a major insight into the gods of old.
Archimedes’ Museum
This fantastic free museum is dedicated to the physicist, engineer, inventor and astronomer, Archimedes of Syracuse. Home to just some of his inventions and reconstructions, it’s well worth a visit, especially for those curious about his expert creations.
Archaeological Museum
Just a short walk from the archaeological site, the Archaeological Museum hosts artefacts that were discovered in Olympia. With over 3,500 years of history to discover, this small but fascinating museum will take you back in time to Ancient Greece.
Delphi (Itea)
DAY 8
08 Oct 2026
Time at Port: from 7:30 AM to 1 PM
Sail into the tranquil port town of Itea; the gateway to the iconic picturesque destination of Delphi. A stones through from Delphi with lots of attractions nearby, including the Temple of Apollo, you'll create everlasting memories here.
Corinth Canal - Cruising
DAY 8
08 Oct 2026
Time at Port: from 5 PM to 5 PM
Our experts are preparing detailed information about this location. Please check back shortly to discover more.
Nafplion
DAY 9
09 Oct 2026
Time at Port: from 7 AM to 11:45 PM
Just a drive away from Athens, Nafplio is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful towns in Greece. With Venetian architecture it makes an incredibly romantic destination to explore, offering quaint winding streets with boutiques and cafes, secluded coves and beaches, as well as traditional Greek gastronomy. Discover the rich history as you walk around the city and stop into museums, and don’t forget your camera for some of the most stunning photo opportunities in mainland Greece.
Things to do in Nafplion:
Archaeological Museum of Nafplion
Showcasing the fascinating finds from excavations in the Argolis area, the Archaeological Museum of Nafplion provides a brilliant insight into the history of the island. From bronze body armour to ceramics and pottery, this small museum is teeming with ancient objects.
Arvanitia Beach
This hidden gem is nestled in a picturesque cove close to the centre of Nafplio. The small size makes it perfect for crowd-free lounging in peace and quiet, while the crystal-clear waters are safe for swimming. Take your time on the walk to the beach, as this is a scenic venture in itself!
Bourtzi Castle
On the small islet of Bourtzi sits the imposing fortress built in 1471. A short boat ride will take you to the Venetian castle where events and concerts are often held, as well as an annual folk music festival.
Palamidi Fortress
Built between 1711 and 1714, Palamidi Fortress is a steep 911 steps climb, or an easy car journey to the top, and well worth the outstanding photo opportunities. Explore the ruins and discover the ancient history of Palamidi.
Hydra
DAY 10
10 Oct 2026
Time at Port: from 7:30 AM to 5 PM
Hydra is a one-of-a-kind, car-free Greek island in the Saronic Gulf famed for its artistic, quiet ambiance, stone houses, and, most importantly, a strict prohibition on cars, bikes, and all-wheeled vehicles. Life moves slowly, with donkeys for transportation, rocky swimming coves and a busy, attractive harbour.
Things to do in Hydra:
Hydra Town & Harbor
Hydra Town and Harbour is a tranquil, pedestrian-only location that offers a picturesque, step-back-in-time experience. Wheeled vehicles are strictly prohibited. The waterfront is a "glittering theatre" for people-watching, with numerous eateries and cafes that are teeming with activity all day. The town's steep, narrow alleys and well-preserved, historic stone mansions with red-tiled roofs, frequently covered in bougainvillaea, create a charming, maze-like environment.
Cathedral of the Assumption
Situated in the heart of Hydra's principal harbour, the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary is a magnificent three-aisled stone church from the 17th century. It contains the Ecclesiastical Museum and has a huge dome, elaborate marble patterns, and Byzantine-style construction. Statues adorn its tranquil, ancient courtyard.
Boat Trips
Taking a boat cruise to distant beaches like Bisti or Saint Nicholas on Hydra is regarded as one of the best experiences on the island, with a gorgeous 20-35 minute ride from the main port. These excursions allow access to quiet pebble beaches with crystal-clear turquoise waters that are mostly inaccessible by land. Visit Bisti Beach (St. George), a small, lovely cove bordered by pine trees that reach straight down to the water and provide natural shade. The water is famously clear and tranquil, making it perfect for snorkelling and viewing fish. Saint Nicholas (Agios Nikolaos) Beach, located further from the harbour, feels more solitary, with a vast arc of small pebbles and white sand framed by stony, desolate hills.
Museums & History
Visiting Hydra's museums and historic buildings takes you on a voyage through a recreated 19th-century maritime world, complete with steep walks, panoramic views, and intimate looks into the lives of the shipowners who funded Greece's independence. Located high above the harbour, the brilliant yellow Lazaros Kountouriotis Mansion provides a calm, air-conditioned respite from the heat. It feels like walking into a lived-in home with original, minimalist, and wood-paneled decor. On the eastern side of the harbour, The Historical Archive Museum of Hydra is more formal and, as the name implies, serves as a repository for priceless historical documents.
Athens (Piraeus)
DAY 11
11 Oct 2026
Time at Port: TBD
Just a short distance from Athens, Piraeus is the biggest port in the Mediterranean and sees over 20 million cruisers each year. This port city is a perfect example of life by the sea, boasting an impressive harbour and authentic seafood dining, as well as the rich and fascinating history of ancient Greece. Whether you’re looking to discover archaeological findings or just want to relax in the sun at a friendly café, Piraeus is the place to be.
Things to do in Athens (Piraeus):
Agia Triada Church
Despite being a modern construction, Agia Triada features Byzantine architecture as well as an impressive dome that is visible from every spot within the church. Overlooking the port of Piraeus, Agia Triada is a must visit to discover the history of the town and take in the tranquillity.
Castella
This vibrant and colourful district is nestled on top of a hill with views out over the bay. A walk around this neighbourhood will take you to quaint cafes, neoclassical architecture, Prophet Elias church and the Veakeion outdoor theatre.
Archaeological Museum
Covering the Mycenaean period to the Roman era, the Piraeus Archaeological Museum offers artefacts excavated from Piraeus’ landscape, as well as collections donated from other sites. Visitors will discover monuments, statues, artwork and more.
Hellas Liberty
One of only three surviving Liberty ships, the SS Hellas Liberty is a fascinating vessel to explore. This floating maritime museum was presented to the public in 2010 and covers a range of exhibits people of all ages will enjoy.
Zea Bay
With stunning views of the Saronic Gulf and the beautiful vessels moored in the harbour, the bay of Zea is the perfect place to go for a walk, enjoy a delicious coffee and take in the sunshine. You’ll find many hidden gems here, including ancient walls.