Le Dumont-D'urville sailing on April 1st, 2026

About Antalya

All of the right elements come together to make this sun-drenched Mediterranean town on the Turkish Riviera a major holiday resort. The beautiful crescent bay, dramatic cliffs and jagged mountains contribute to a stunning backdrop. It is an attractive city with shady palm-lined boulevards and a prize-winning marina. In the picturesque old quarter, narrow streets and old wooden houses huddle against the ancient city walls.

Antalya Attractions

Although the beaches are out of town, Antalya itself draws visitors who come here to see the old town with its picturesque harbor and the excellent Archaeological Museum. Its outstanding exhibits provide fascinating glimpses into ancient and modern life of the region. In the surrounding area are additional attractions such as Aspendos, Perge and Side. Their remains of antiquity are considered among the most impressive sites in Anatolia.

Antalya Activities

Hadrian's Gate: This structure was built in honor of the Roman Emperor Hadrian who visited Antalya in 130 A.D. Main Square: With its landmark clock tower, the square offers lovely views of the bay and the distant mountain peaks. Karatay Medrese (Theological College): Built by the Seljuk sultan Alaeddin Keykubat in the 13th century, this college exemplifies the best of Seljuk stone carving. It is located in the old quarter. Ataturk Museum: The museum features a collection of interesting memorabilia commemorating the founder of the Turkish Republic.

About Alanya

Alanya lies on the east side of the Gulf of Antalya below a rocky promontory of marble. The ancient city was enclosed by a rambling wall that makes its way all around the peninsula. Alanya was a Cilician frontier fortress on the border with Pamphylia. In 2 BC. Diodoros, a pirate chief, erected a fortress on the hill and it stood until the final stages of Pompey's campaign against the Mediterranean pirates. Passing into Roman hands, the town was later given to Cleopatra by Antony. It was not until Alanya came under Seljuk rule in 1221 that it became an important naval base; the stronghold on the promontory was completed in 1231. The old town dates from Seljuk and Ottoman times and lies between the lower and middle walls of the fortress on the eastern slopes of the promontory. The modern town extends along the northeastern shore of the promontory. Once a pleasant, small agricultural town, Alanya has become a popular tourist center due to its wide sand beach stretching more than four miles eastward from the town.

Alanya Attractions

• Kale Camii - A short taxi ride from the old town will take you to citadel hill and the courtyard of the upper fortress. Here stands the castle mosque, or Kale Camii. In the same courtyard are the ruins of a cruciform Byzantine church and, at the southern end, a lighthouse that dates back to 1720. From citadel hill you will have a superb panoramic view over the Mediterranean coastal plain, the scattered houses and fruit orchards along Alanya's shore.
• Seljuk Dockyard - The dockyard was quarried out of the rock in about 1227 and was recently restored. It has five vaulted galleries with linking arched entrances. Here Seljuk Sultan Alaeddin Keykubad built the warships that enabled him to extend his power across the eastern Mediterranean.
• Red Tower - Located right in the harbor, this five-story octagonal tower was the key to Alanya's harbor defenses.

About At Sea

Relax and enjoy your vacation onboard your ship. You can do as much or as little as you want.

About Kusadasi

The gulf city of Kusadasi has miles of isolated beaches and is a rather lively resort. A tour of nearby Ephesus establishes the areas early religious importance and is considered one of the seven wonders of the world for its ruins. Among the most visited sites are the home where the Virgin Mary lived until her death, the Temple of Hadrian, the Fountain of Trajan and the Street of Curates.

Kusadasi Attractions

When you're in the area, don't miss the chance to visit the once powerful trading and religious city of Ephesus. Travel through the Magnesia Gate, the main entrance to the ancient city, and continue along marble streets grooved by chariot wheels. Gaze upon beautiful temples, porticoes, fountains and frescoes. Discover the three-story Library of Celsus, the Temple of Hadrian, the Odeum, the Fountain of Trajan and the Great Theater.

Kusadasi Activities

Explore the 14th-century Turkish baths and the Isa Bey Mosque on your way to the Basilica of St. John. Visit the Temple of Artemis - one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Less known than Ephesus are the ruins of ancient Miletus and Dydima. They include a well-preserved Roman theater at Miletus and the sacred Temple of Apollo at Dydima. It requires a day trip to visit these sites. They are favored mainly by guests with a keen interest in archaeology.

About Volos

Volos is a commercial and industrial city; it is Greece’s third-largest port. Much of it has been rebuilt after a severe earthquake in 1955. The location in the gulf of the same name and near scenic Mount Pelion ensures this town an attractive setting. Interesting sites in the surrounding areas include imposing monasteries perched atop craggy mountains and a fine Archaeological Museum. Volos was founded in the 14th century in an area which has been occupied by man since the Neolithic era. A short distance out of Volos, the second millennium saw the establishment of the Mycenaen city of Iolkos, seat of King Pelias and home of his nephew Jason, who sailed from here with the Argonauts. Remains of Mycenaen buildings have been discovered near the river, where a palace stood around 1400 B.C. The main reason visitors come to Volos is to depart on excursions to the monasteries of Meteora. Their lofty position atop gigantic pinnacles makes them the area's foremost attraction.

Volos Activities

Of interest may be some of the churches such as Aghios Nikolaos and Aghios Kontantinos. Note the Town Hall which is built in the traditional style of Pelion architecture. The main attraction is the Archaeological Museum in the west of town. The exhibits were reorganized in 1976; its greatest feature includes a unique collection of more than 300 funerary stelae of the 3rd century B.C. Between the towns of Volos and Larissa lie Sesko and Dimini, believed to be two of the oldest centers of civilization in Greece. They date back to the Neolithic Age and will attract guests who have a special interest in the prehistoric and early historical periods. The sites are about 15 miles west of Volos.

About Athens (Piraeus)

Piraeus is the port of Athens. Serving as the gateway to the past and civilization as we know it, Athens is far more than the Acropolis. Nowhere on earth are mans past accomplishments more dramatically displayed as a backdrop to a modern metropolis. Spend time exploring ancient ruins, viewing incalculable treasures or just relax as another day evolves in the cradle of civilization.

Athens (Piraeus) Attractions

No visit to Athens would be complete without a visit to the Acropolis. There you'll find the Parthenon, the largest building in the Acropolis and one of the world's most awe-inspiring sights. It was built as a temple to Athena and is still a remarkable structure today.

Athens (Piraeus) Activities

Visit Plaka, the old neighborhood of Athens. Explore the narrow streets and alleys, single-story houses, neoclassical villas, taverns and many tourist shops. Experience the traditional flea market of Monastiraki, the neighborhood next to Plaka. Explore the National Archaeological Museum, home to a formidable collection of the world's antiquities. Pay a visit to ancient Agora, ancient site of the religious and political heart of Athens. The Archaeological Museum is known to have the finest collection of Greek art in the world. Exhibits include the sensational finds from the excavations at Mycenae and the remarkably well preserved frescoes from a 3,000-year-old civilization discovered at Akrotiri on the island of Santorini. There are also classical statuary, pottery, stone carvings and jewelry from excavations throughout Greece. The Benaki Museum has recently undergone thorough modernization. Its three floors house more than 30,000 items, all illustrating the character of the Greek world. Located near Kolonaki, the Goulandris Museum features a fantastic collection of Cycladic and ancient art spanning 5,000 years. The exhibits were assembled by ship owner Nikolaos P. Goulandris. Its treasures include many of the slim marble figurines that fascinated artists like Picasso and Modigliani. Mount Lycabettus, Athens' highest hill, is only a 10-minute walk from Syntagma Square. It borders the fashionable Kolonaki residential area. A steeply inclined funicular climbs to the summit, which is crowned by a small, white chapel. Pollution permitting, the view from Mount Lycabettus is the finest in Athens. Plaka stretches east from the Agora, this lovely quarter, with winding alleys, neo-classical buildings, whitewashed, bougainvillea-framed houses and tiny churches, is worth your exploration. Agios Eleftherios is a 12th-century Byzantine church and Athens' former cathedral is known for the fanciful figures and zodiac signs that adorn its walls.

About Corinth Canal

This is perhaps the Mediterranean´s most unique experience: Very few ships are able to navigate this extremely narrow passage that separates mainland Greece and the Peloponnesian peninsula. You can almost reach out and touch the walls of the canal while sailing through it! And where else will you find a drawbridge that does not open but actually sinks into the water to let ships pass over it?

About Itea

Itea is the port gateway for a visit to Delphi, one of the world’s most intriguing and best-preserved ancient sites. Located deep in the Parnassos Mountains, Delphi was once believed to be the center of the world. More important, it was the site of the ancient Delphi Oracle. Beginning in the 8th century BC, pilgrims from all walks of life made great physical sacrifices to climb the 2,000-foot mountain to seek guidance from the Pythian priestess, who was an intermediary for those looking for advice and guidance from the Oracle. The recipients expressed their thanks with generous offerings, which were stored in various treasuries and brought great wealth to Delphi. In the 2nd century BC, during the Roman occupation, valuables gradually began to disappear. Today, ruins of many ancient temples and other monuments remain, along with various masterpieces of ancient art. Delphi is of great appeal for its historical significance as well as its physical beauty.

Itea Attractions

The Prophet Ilias

About Corfu / Sarande

About Gallipoli

The Gallipoli Peninsula has a long and memorable history extending back beyond the Peleponesian Wars. Its rugged landscape and historic towns provide the backdrop to the battlefields of 1915, places of heroism and sacrifice which are of immense national significance to Turks, Australians and New Zealanders. Explore the sights of Gallipoli here.

About Syracuse, Sicily

On the East coast of Sicily is the city of Syracuse. Some people says that it has the best natural harbour of Italy. Once a great rival to ancient Athens, the old city is based in a small island next to the coast and contains many historical buildings. Archimedes lived and died here. Catania is a city that dates from the 18th century, reconstructed after a series of earthquakes. Mount Etna, the greater active volcano of Europe, is close and its continuous eruption attracts many tourists.

Visit the archaeological museum Paolo Orsi. Break for lunch in a noble villa in the gulf in front of the island of Ortigia. Explore the city and its monuments, such as the Greek theather and the Dyonisuss Ear. Tour Ortigia, historical centre of the city and visit Palazzo Bellomo to see paintings by Caravaggio and Antonello da Messina.

About Valletta

In 1530, Charles V of Spain granted the island of Malta to the Knights of the Order of St. John. Many impressive 16th-century limestone buildings and fortifications from the Knights have endured, helping make the city of Valetta simply magnificent to experience today.

Valletta Attractions

Explore the city's main square and pass many of its ancient buildings. Then head to St. John's Cathedral, founded by the Knights of the Order of St. John during the 16th century. Today the cathedral is the final resting place for many of the knights - their headstones line the cathedral floor.

Valletta Activities

Visit the Armory, St, John's Co-Cathedral, and the 18th century Manoel Theater for some more spectacular sights. Visit the National Museum of Archaeology. It houses collections of pottery, sculpture, statuettes, stone implements and personal ornaments recovered from the Maltese megalithic temples and other prehistoric sites. Explore the Palace of the Grand Masters, completed in 1574. It contains portraits of the Grand Masters of the Order and European monarchs, interesting furniture and other works of art. Stroll through the Upper Barrakka Gardens and enjoy the magnificent panoramic view of Grand Harbour.