From the City of Gods to the Canals of Venice

Set sail to discover the cultural and artistic jewels of the Aegean, Adriatic and Ionian Seas with Ponant. During this 9-day cruise, L'Austral will take you to Greece, Italy, Croatia, and Slovenia. 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, explore Lecce, known as the Florence of Southern Italy, from Otranto; discover Split and Diocletian's Palace; or enjoy a walking tour of the charming town of Piran.

The diversity of experiences on offer promises you intense and...read more varied moments (to discover the full range of excursions, go to the itinerary tab). The last rays of sunlight caress the mythical and emblematic ancient city of Athens. Its millennia-old sites and maze of picturesque streets grow distant as you set sail towards some of the treasures bordering the Aegean, Adriatic and Ionian Seas. After your mythical and remarkable crossing of the Corinth Canal, you will fall under the spell of the island of Itea, not far from the marvellous archaeological site of Delphi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Temple of Apollo stood here, constructed in the 4th century BC. In Epirus, you will be transported by your exploration of Parga, bathed by the Ionian Sea, with its fortress, built by the Normans in the 14th century, overlooking the pretty fishing port. Next, you will visit the stunning Puglia region in Italy when the ship calls at Otranto.

Do not miss a visit to Lecce: Its lavish baroque monuments have earned it the nickname "Florence of the South of Italy". A little further north, Vieste will welcome you from atop its limestone promontory. Its history with multiple influences and its architecture featuring whitewashed houses make this a special place with undeniable charm. Split will open its doors to you to discover its historic centre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with treasures such as Diocletian's Palace or the Cathedral of Saint Domnius.

Zadar will reveal the architectural treasures of the former fortified Roman town on the peninsula, from the monumental Land Gate. The Slovenian shores await you in Piran, a medieval town extending out into the crystal-clear waters of the Adriatic. Its architecture, influenced by five centuries under the rule of the Republic of Venice, affords it a singular charm. As a grand finale, Venice the Serenissima, which is home, among other sites, to the mythical St Mark's Square or the sumptuous Doge's Palace, will mark the end of this enchanted moment.