Cruising the Dalmatian Coast and the Ionian Sea: Venice to Athens – with Smithsonian Journeys
From $7,930 per person
8 days
4 countries
Ship: Le Boreal
8 days, 7 nights.
Journey summary
- Day 1 - Jun. 18, 2026, Thu. - Venice
- Day 2 - Jun. 19, 2026, Fri. - Hvar
- Day 3 - Jun. 20, 2026, Sat. - Ploce
- Day 4 - Jun. 21, 2026, Sun. - Dubrovnik
- Day 5 - Jun. 22, 2026, Mon. - Kotor
- Day 6 - Jun. 23, 2026, Tue. - Saranda
- Day 7 - Jun. 24, 2026, Wed. - Athens
- Day 8 - Jun. 25, 2026, Thu. - Crossing the Corinth Canal
Itinerary highlights
- Explore Venice and board your small ship, beginning a seven-night journey along the Dalmatian Coast and Ionian Sea
- Visit Hvar, Croatia, and tour the Renaissance Franciscan Monastery, Cathedral of St. Stephan, Venetian Loggia, and local lavender fields
- Journey inland from Ploče to Mostar, Bosnia & Herzegovina, to see the iconic Stari Most (Old Bridge) and Ottoman-era sites, or explore Ston’s ancient saltworks and seafood culture
- Discover the medieval walled city of Dubrovnik, Croatia, with walking tours of the Old Town, Franciscan Monastery, and Rector’s Palace
- Sail into Kotor, Montenegro, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and explore its medieval streets, fortress views, and maritime history
- Experience Sarandë, Albania, with free time along the Ionian coastline and optional visits to ancient sites such as Butrint’s archaeological park
- Explore Itea (Delphi), Greece, with optional excursions to the legendary Oracle of Apollo or the Byzantine St. Lucas Monastery
- Transit the dramatic Corinth Canal, a narrow engineering marvel connecting the Adriatic to the Aegean Seas
- Disembark in Athens, ancient capital of Western civilization, with optional visits to the Acropolis, Plaka district, and major museums
- Enjoy Smithsonian expert-led talks and guided excursions at each port of call
- Travel aboard the elegant Le Boréal, featuring luxurious accommodations, fine dining, and curated cultural experiences
- Private airport transfers available when travel aligns with scheduled departure dates and times
Your journey, ashore & afloat.
Fourteen days. Open any day for the full narrative and that day's highlights.
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Why Book With Us
Booking Direct or Booking by Small Ship Travel
The cruise fare is identical whether you book direct with Ponant or by Small Ship Travel. Cruise lines set their fares, and they do not discount them for direct bookings. Loyalty Program members earn 2% to 5% credit per booking, in addition to any rewards from the cruise line, and points carry across every cruise line we book.
| Book Direct | Book by Small Ship Travel | |
|---|---|---|
| The cruise fare | From $7,930 per person | From $7,930 per person. The fare is the fare. |
| Loyalty credit | The line's own program | 2–5% credit earned per booking for members, in addition to any rewards you receive from the cruise line* |
| Advice | Ponant's ships, known well | We compare across Viking, AmaWaterways, Silversea, and the rest, then put you on the right one |
| Cabin selection | Brochure categories | Which cabins to target on this ship, and which look equivalent on paper but run smaller in practice |
| If plans change | The line's call center | An advocate who knows you, your booking, and people at the line |
* Credit applies to a non-cruise portion of your booking. $250 credit for new clients who have not previously booked with Small Ship Travel. Loyalty Program details
or call 1-888-318-3110 before you finalize anything
Pick your departure. (per person*)
Cabin categories
* Per double occupancy. Some pricing may reflect single traveler rate.
** Double asterisk - for reverse direction indication
The Le Boreal.
Sail the world in unparalleled luxury aboard the Le Boreal, a masterpiece of design and comfort.
Le Boreal from Ponant stands as a contemporary expedition vessel that fuses refined French design with a restless spirit of discovery. Built to explore both sunlit tropical seas and polar ice, the ship carries an understated elegance that feels more like a private yacht than a conventional liner. With a capacity of up to 264 guests, Le Boreal preserves an intimate atmosphere where attentive, personalized service thrives and access to secluded ports and uncharted paths remains possible beyond the reach of larger ships.
Inside, the ambiance is defined by clean lines, warm hues, and premium materials—soft leathers, brushed metals, and rich woods. Floor-to-ceiling windows bathe public spaces in natural light and offer uninterrupted views of the sea and surrounding landscapes. Guests can unwind in a panoramic lounge, a quiet library, a spa sanctuary, and an open-air pool deck. The onboard theater hosts lectures, film screenings, and cultural performances that enrich the destinations visited and deepen the voyage experience.
Dining on Le Boreal is a journey in its own right, with two restaurants serving refined French and international fare. The main dining room offers an elegant atmosphere with flexible seating and a curated wine list, while the pool-deck grill provides a casual yet thoughtfully composed menu. All suites and staterooms are ocean-facing, many with private balconies, and come equipped with thoughtful amenities such as premium linens, Nespresso machines, and luxury bath products.
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