L'Austral, 8 Night From the city of gods to the canals of Venice ex Athens (Piraeus) Greece to Venice, Italy

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 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.

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...