Cruising the Greek Islands of the Southern Aegean – with Smithsonian Journeys
From $9,350 per person
8 days
1 countries
Ship: Le Bougainville
8 days, 7 nights.
Journey summary
- Day 1 - Jun. 16, 2026, Tue. - Athens
- Day 2 - Jun. 17, 2026, Wed. - Patmos
- Day 3 - Jun. 18, 2026, Thu. - Symi
- Day 4 - Jun. 19, 2026, Fri. - Amorgos
- Day 5 - Jun. 20, 2026, Sat. - Sailing in the Santorini Caldera
- Day 6 - Jun. 21, 2026, Sun. - Adamas, Milos
- Day 7 - Jun. 22, 2026, Mon. - Delos
- Day 8 - Jun. 23, 2026, Tue. - Mykonos
Itinerary highlights
- Explore Athens and board your small ship, beginning a seven-night journey through the Southern Aegean Islands
- Visit Patmos and tour the Monastery of St. John and the Cave of the Apocalypse, key sites in early Christian history
- Wander Symi’s picturesque harbor and hillside village, with panoramic views over the turquoise Aegean
- Discover Amorgos with visits to traditional Cycladic villages, olive groves, and authentic island life
- Sail through the iconic Santorini Caldera, taking in dramatic volcanic cliffs and stunning sea vistas
- Explore Milos, including its volcanic landscapes and the charming port of Adamas
- Visit Delos, the mythic birthplace of Apollo and Artemis, and wander its extensive archaeological ruins
- Spend leisure time on Mykonos, famed for whitewashed streets, historic windmills, and vibrant island ambiance
- Explore Nafplion, a historic Peloponnesian port, with optional excursions to Mycenae and the ancient theater at Epidaurus
- Enjoy Smithsonian expert-led talks and guided excursions at each port of call
- Travel aboard the elegant Le Bougainville, 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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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 $9,350 per person | From $9,350 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 |
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Cabin categories
* Per double occupancy. Some pricing may reflect single traveler rate.
** Double asterisk - for reverse direction indication
The Le Bougainville.
Sail the world in unparalleled luxury aboard the Le Bougainville, a masterpiece of design and comfort.
Le Bougainville is part of Ponant’s innovative Explorer-class fleet, offering a sophisticated small-ship experience for just 184 guests. Named after the French explorer Louis Antoine de Bougainville, the ship combines sleek design, advanced sustainability features, and access to remote destinations—from the turquoise lagoons of the Indian Ocean to the historic ports of the Mediterranean. It delivers a seamless blend of modern elegance, immersive travel, and responsible cruising.
The interiors are inspired by contemporary French style, with clean lines, natural textures, and a calming palette of oceanic hues. Expansive windows invite in light and panoramic views, while public spaces include a panoramic lounge, infinity pool, spa, fitness room, library, and a theater for lectures and cultural performances. A signature feature of the ship is the Blue Eye Lounge, an underwater observatory where guests can listen to and observe marine life through curved, subaquatic windows.
All staterooms and suites face the sea, most with private balconies. Accommodations are minimalist yet luxurious, with high-end linens, rainfall showers, espresso machines, and sleek bathrooms. Dining is a highlight onboard, with a main restaurant serving gourmet French and international cuisine, and a more casual grill for al fresco meals. Menus often reflect the ship’s geographic journey and are paired with fine wines curated by onboard sommeliers.
Equipped with advanced eco-friendly systems—including dynamic positioning and shore power compatibility—Le Bougainville is designed to operate with minimal environmental impact. Expedition sailings are led by a seasoned team of naturalists and experts who guide Zodiac excursions and in-depth shore experiences. Blending comfort, culture, and conscious exploration, Le Bougainville offers a uniquely refined way to discover the world’s most captivating coastlines.
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