Early booking offer - book by 30 January 2027
Low deposit of £100
Free cabin upgrade worth over £250 – cabins limited
An onboard credit voucher of €250 to spend onboard (Spa, gifts, extras).
A Free Half Day City Tour in Athens worth £60, before getting on the cruise.
*Cabins are limited so early booking is advisable*
PONANT EXPLORATIONS
A dedicated group departure on the 4 January 2028 Hosted by Monica – Your Friendship Travel Host.
04 January 2028 – Set sail on an unforgettable, one-off hosted group cruise with Monica from Friendship Travel. Departing from the beautiful city of Athens, this voyage aboard a luxurious ship will take you to some of the most captivating ports in Greece and Italy, ending in beautiful Malta. Enjoy a sociable, fully hosted experience with like-minded travellers, plus the option to upgrade flights to Premium Economy or Business Class for added comfort and style.
PONANT EXPLORATIONS – FOR WHAT TYPE OF TRAVELLER?
Those seeking a unique and exclusive voyage
- Ultra-modern, intimate ships
- Luxury comfort and discrete, attentive service (butler for some suites)
- 1 crew member for every 2 guests on PONANT EXPLORATIONS and 1 crew member for every guest on Le Commandant Charcot.
- Tailor-made assistance before, during, and after the itinerary (flights, transfers, private excursions, hotel accommodations)
Those seeking a “French Touch”
- The only French cruise company with an international crew, ensuring a truly bilingual experience on board.
- The expertise of Ducasse Conseil for gastronomy worthy of the finest restaurants, and accompanied by fine wines. On board Le Commandant Charcot, Le Nuna: the first Alain Ducasse restaurant at sea
- Exclusive partners: Pierre Hermé, Veuve Clicquot, Hermès, Bordier, Diptyque and Fragonard
Those passionate about exploring the world, seeking adventure, and expedition
- The exploration of countless natural and cultural treasures on every itinerary.
- A wide choice of excursions (secret coves, ancient cities, UNESCO world heritage sites, polar treks, etc.)
- Exceptional experts and guests on board (artists, historians, researchers, naturalist guides).
- Zodiac outings and landings accompanied by an expedition team.
- Close encounters with local populations
- Meaningful travel around four themes: Planet, Culture, Lifestyle, and Geopolitics.
Those in search of relaxation and well-being
- Dedicated areas on every ship: spas, fitness rooms, saunas, steam rooms and hair salons
- An outdoor swimming pool on all ships (except Le Ponant, La Désirade and Le Spirit of Ponant), and an indoor pool on Le Commandant Charcot.
- Destination-specific treatments (snow cabin on Le Commandant Charcot, heated seawater pool on all ships – except Le Ponant, Le Spirit of Ponant and La Désirade).
Le Lapérouse
First in the PONANT EXPLORERS series, Le Lapérouse takes you in comfort and style to the most remote destinations on the globe.
Life on Board
Gastronomy
An essential part of French culture, gastronomy naturally holds a special place on board.
The Nautilus – Gourmet Restaurant
At the back of deck 4, you will find a gourmet restaurant complete with wine cellar, offering French and international cuisine.
Le Nemo – Grill Restaurant
In a relaxed atmosphere, the grill restaurant located on deck 3 welcomes you for breakfast and buffet lunches as well as themed dinners.
Lounges and Bars
The ship’s three lounges and bars create a cosy yet sophisticated ambiance—ideal for socialising, relaxing, or simply enjoying the moment. Amongst these lounges we have the main lounge which will host live music on some evenings.
Well-Being
In partnership with SOTHYS™ and KÉRASTASE / L’Oréal Paris, the spa offers a wide range of treatments, massages, hairdressing services, as well as a sauna and a fitness room perfect for self-care and well-being.
Swimming Pool
With its water blending into the surrounding landscapes, the pool is perfect for relaxing in the sun. From the marina platform, embark on your sea excursions or water activities in complete tranquility.
Theatre
Comfortably seated, you can attend conferences given by the guests and teams of naturalists, as well as the various shows, concerts, and performances organised by professional dancers and musicians.
Your Cabin
The Deluxe Staterooms on Le Lapérouse offer a harmonious blend of style and comfort. Each features a private balcony, king size bed, elegant bathroom, and modern amenities. With refined décor, warm tones, and thoughtful details, these staterooms provide guests with a relaxing retreat and panoramic ocean views throughout their voyage.
Upgrades to prestige staterooms and suites available – ask for more details.
Ship Facts
- Passenger Capacity of 184
- 118 Crew members
- 92 staterooms and suites
- 1 Swimming pool
- 2 Restaurants
- 3 Bars/lounges
- Theatre
- Spa
- Gym
- Cabin with king/twin beds for sole occupancy
- En-suite with shower and W/C
- All cabins are outside cabins with balcony
- Air-conditioning
- Hairdryer
- Nespresso coffee machine
- Minibar
- Safe
- Free WiFi
Tuesday 4th January
Fly direct to Athens from regional airports across the UK and Ireland, followed by a transfer to your hotel, including bed and breakfast. This evening, meet your fellow travellers and get to know one another over a welcoming group dinner, included in your package.
Please ensure all flights arrive in Athens by 18:00.
Wednesday 5th January
An optional ½ day city tour in Athens, then transfers to the ship in the afternoon for embarkation.
Board the ship and relax before departure. The all-inclusive package starts – enjoy a glass of champagne as the ship leaves the port.
Thursday 6th January
Nafplion is a charming seaside town in the Peloponnese, known for its Venetian architecture, cobbled streets, waterfront cafés and rich history, offering a delightful blend of culture and relaxation.
Friday 7th January
Katakolon is a picturesque Greek harbour village on the Ionian coast, known for its waterfront tavernas, traditional shops and relaxed atmosphere. It’s also the gateway to ancient Olympia, birthplace of the Olympic Games.
Saturday 8th January
Corfu is a beautiful Greek island known for its Venetian architecture, charming old town, turquoise waters and lush green landscapes. Explore historic streets, enjoy waterfront cafés and discover the island’s rich culture and relaxed Mediterranean charm.
Sunday 9th January
Bari is a vibrant coastal city in southern Italy, famous for its historic old town, winding streets, beautiful seafront and delicious Puglian cuisine. Discover traditional Italian charm, lively piazzas and the magnificent Basilica of Saint Nicholas.
Monday 10th January
Taranto is a historic port city in southern Italy, set between two seas and rich in ancient Greek heritage. Explore its atmospheric old town, impressive Aragonese Castle, waterfront promenades and authentic Puglian cuisine.
Tuesday 11th January
At sea – 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.
Wednesday 12th January
Arrive in Valletta, Malta, and disembark the ship after breakfast. Transfer to your hotel before enjoying a half-day guided city tour, discovering Valletta’s fascinating history, stunning architecture and cultural highlights. This evening, we’ll come together for our final group dinner, included in your package, sharing memories of our wonderful journey.
Thursday 13th January
After breakfast, check out of the hotel and transfer to the airport for your flight home to the UK. We recommend booking flights departing before early evening to allow plenty of time for a relaxed journey home..
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