L'Austral, 8 Night Antique wonders of the Aegean ex Istanbul, Turkey to Athens (Piraeus) Greece

Kid Explorers Club in partnership with MAUD FONTENOY FOUNDATION.

Departing from Istanbul, PONANT brings you an itinerary along the coastlines in the Aegean Sea, to discover outstanding natural and historical sites. During this 9-day cruise, L’Austral invites you to a sensorial and cultural journey to the heart of the ancient treasures of Turkey and Greece.

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 typical villages of Lefkes and Naoussa on the island of Paros, 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, or visit the southern part of charming Symi. The diversity of experiences on offer promises you intense and varied moments (to discover the full range of excursions, go to the itinerary tab).

After a unique sailing experience in the Dardanelles Strait, L’Austral will head towards Bozcaada, a tranquil haven renowned since ancient times for the fruit of its vines. With its charming, cobbled streets, the island reveals a fine combination of Greek and Turkish influences and offers many opportunities to swim in the crystal-clear waters of the Aegean Sea.

Head for the Dodecanese islands, at the crossroads of the Orient and the Occident. You will also fall under the spell of charming Patmos. Known as the 'Jerusalem of the Aegean Sea'. This island, where Saint John is said to have written the Apocalypse, offers unique landscapes combining white sandy beaches and rocky coves. The beautiful neoclassical houses surrounded by vineyards, olive trees and cypresses make Symi one of the most beautiful islands in the archipelago.

In the south-eastern Aegean Sea, the Cyclades archipelago invites you to enjoy the wild and appealing beauty of its islands. Amorgos, the easternmost Cyclades Island, is sure to win your heart. Wild and mountainous, Amorgos is a stunning, protected island which has been used for many things including filming Le Grand Bleu. Following an unforgettable sailing experience opposite the Santorini caldera, Paros, renowned for its stunning white marble, offers a real concentration of Greek beauty, with its whitewashed houses, olive groves and ancient monuments. The serene atmosphere of this spiritual centre infuses its sumptuous scenery. The landscapes of Milos, between limestone cliffs and small confidential coves can be discovered in a soothing atmosphere. You will then make a detour via the island of Hydra, famous for its incomparable light and the calm of its small streets on which all motorised traffic is banned.

Athens, the mythical city dominated by the Acropolis and its monuments, which form the most extraordinary architectural and artistic ensemble bequeathed to the world by Ancient Greece, will mark the end of this exceptional odyssey.

This superb mega-yacht with 132 cabins is the result of the expertise of the Italian Fincantieri shipyard and French sophistication, as interpreted by designer Jean-Philippe Nuel. L'Austral remains faithful to our philosophy - to create a unique atmosphere, a subtle blend of luxury, intimacy and well-being.

A sleek silhouette softened by elegantly smooth contours and large, arched windows opening up to the sea and the light: so many features come together to give L’Austral her distinctive shape. Precious materials, discreet elegance and a perfect balance between chic and casual, combine to make you feel as if you are on your own private yacht. A design blending tradition and innovation, where a nautical mood has been subtly recreated. Precious materials in smoothing neutral tones are brought to life with splashes of cheerful reds. So many personal touches create the spirit of a “private yacht.”

You will encounter unique itineraries, calls inaccessible to large ships, chic and elegant yacht-like ambiance, raffined and personalized service as well as gastronomic cuisine.

EXPERIENCE CRUISING ANOTHER WAY, DISCOVER THE MAGIC OF YACHT CRUISES.

Our mission is to transport you to mythical destinations and secret ports only accessible to small capacity ships.

To offer the delights of a French-inspired cuisine in an intimate environment - a discreet service where no attention to detail is spared - and unforgettable moments of relaxation on board elegant yachts of character.

To combine sophistication and conviviality, with priority given to authentic experiences, emotions and the ongoing quest for excellence.

Yacht cruises: more than a cruise, a privilege...

Attentive, professional, discreet and elegant, the fully bilingual service on board will meet your every desire. Our unique atmosphere is filled with a signature sentiment: a warm welcome from an experienced crew who are passionate about what they do, in the tradition of private yachting.

In the dining areas, our gourmet cuisine is worthy of top fine dining restaurants: exquisite wines are available, and menus are created with expertise by our skilled chefs with a French-inspired menu enhanced by specialties from our various ports of call.

Pleasure, enrichment, discovery: relax - we take care of everything...