Sail the Adriatic and Eastern Mediterranean this Summer

In additional to exploring fabled cities including Venice, Athens, Dubrovnik and Istanbul, the intimate 132-stateroom Le Soléal also slips effortlessly through these turquoise seas, wending her way between necklaces of islands dotted here and there off the Dalmatian and Aegean Coast bringing guests to the region's many hidden treasures and secret ports only accessible to smaller ships.

On Compagnie du Ponant's destination-rich itineraries, guests will be able to explore off-the-beaten-path ports such as the Korcula Islands in Croatia, where vineyards, olive groves and aromatic woodlands are dotted between hidden coves; Cetinje in Montenegro, the ancient capital during the reign of King Nicholas I; and the sunken city of Kekova, a Turkish fishing village at the foothills of the Taurus Mountains.

They'll also enjoy adventure excursions including hiking the Krka Falls in Croatia, biking along the Dubrovnik countryside; rafting on the Cetina River in Split, and scuba diving in the waters of Bodrum.

Select sailings will be themed cruises, including a Classical Music cruise from Athens to Venice and a Gastronomic cruise from Venice to Venice. Two of the Athens to Athens sailings will feature performances by members of the Paris production of “Mamma Mia!” What could be more fitting than seeing this international hit performed while visiting Greece's whitewashed, blue domed villages?

Compagnie du Ponant offers 5-day to 8-day cruises on Le Soléal in The Adriatic, Eastern Mediterranean and Aegean from May through September 2014. Cruise options include voyages that sail from the heart of the Adriatic, pass the rugged coastline of Dalmatia to the majestic citadels of Dubrovnik, Split and Kotor, and adventures in the turquoise Aegean Sea, sailing between a string of islands including Santorini, Mykonos, Rhodes and Delos.

Select sailings include:

A Symphony on the Sea....
Set sail from Venice to Athens, the city of Gods. Along the way, enjoy a special voyage with performances by exceptional, renowned artists and musicians conducted by Alain Duault. During the cruise, these talented artists will share their passion for classical music through concerts and a tribute to Verdi and Wagner, celebrating the bicentennial anniversary of the birth of these two great composers.

7-Nights Passionate Classical Music Cruise from Venice to Athens; Trip dates: September 18 to 25, 2014; Priced from $4,594 all-inclusive, per person.

Mamma Mia Tour…

Set sail from Athens to Turkey with stops in Bodrum, Antayla and Kas, then to the Greek isles of Rhodes and Patmos. On board guests enjoy a unique performance of the famous musical “Mamma Mia”, adapted into French. The troupe from the Paris production makes a guest appearance on board to perform a concert featuring many of the celebrated Swedish group's most popular hits.

7-Nights Athens to Athens; Trip dates: July 24 to 31, 2014 and July 31- August 7, 2014; Priced from $3,307 all-inclusive, per person.

A Culinary Cruise…

From Venice, set sail for Croatia and its many hidden treasures, with a stop in Montenegro. This voyage explores the wild beauty and pearls of the Adriatic, including ancient ruins, a wealth of art, and timeless cities just waiting to be discovered. On board, special guests award-winning French food journalist and TV personality Jean-Luc Petitrenaud, and Philippe Faure-Brac, voted Best Sommelier of France 1988 will present an exclusive culinary program and prepare several dinners during the cruise.

7-Nights Gastronomic Cruise from Venice to Venice; Trip Dates: August 21 to 28, 2014; Priced from $3,739 all-inclusive, per person.

For a complete listing of Compagnie du Ponant's 2014 Adriatic, Greece and Turkey cruises, click on the links below:

Visit website: https://en.ponant.com