Voyage to some of Greece's Less-Visited Islands

Voyage to some of Greece's Less-Visited Islands
The 90-passenger luxury yacht Le Levant, offers 10 departures throughout the summer, transports its guest to the heart of the Cyclades archipelago, birthplace of the mythological Apollo. The five Istanbul-Athens sailings stop in Limnos, Chios, Patmos, Delos, Mykonos, Paros, Naxos and Thira, while the five return sailings call at Milos, Santorini, Sitia, Amorgos, Mykonos, Tinos, Siros and Turkey's Dikili. Allowing for half- and full-day explorations of these idyllic slices of history, guests can wander the cobblestone streets, relax on the white sand beaches, enjoy a cool glass of wine or ice coffee at sidewalk cafés or explore many of the world's most ancient ruins. Prices range from $2,674 to $5,215 per person, double, depending on stateroom choice, departure and when booked. The more in advance the booking, the greater the savings. Compagnie du Ponant is also offering a $400 per stateroom shipboard credit for new guests booking by May 31, 2011 – based on double occupancy.

With more than 6,000 islands and islets, 227 of them inhabited, it is easy to be taken in by Greece's breadth of possibilities – with a history that dates back to the Stone Age and has provided the world with so many of its most important cultural, scientific and political anchors. Ports of call include Chios, the fifth largest island and home to scores of ancient ruins; Patmos, mentioned in the Book of Revelation, is great for sun and sand worshippers; Delos is one of Greece's most important mythological, historical and archaeological sites; cosmopolitan Mykonos offers great beaches and an active night life; and Santorini, home to a flourishing wine industry, attracts visitors to its volcano-formed caldera and is one of the most romantic of the islands.

Ponant's philosophy is front and center on its cruises: designed for the traveler who prefers to explore off-the-beaten­-path, unspoiled destinations, especially those out of sight of the large ship masses. Just as important to the guests' experience as they trek around the world, is the on-board environment. The company prides itself on its discrete personalized service, assured with a staff to guest ratio of greater than 1:2, delicious cuisine – both haute and country French , stylish accommodations, elegant design, expansive sun decks and open-air restaurants.

The 330-foot Le Levant offers its 90 guests two restaurants, a spacious lounge, several bars, a library, a swimming pool, a beauty and fitness area with sauna, and salon. A 4,300-square-foot Sun Deck provides plenty of space for relaxing in the sun and open air. Its 45 outside staterooms have an abundance of space and amenities – king size or twin beds, a desk, minibar, dressing table, marble baths with showers and L'Occitane amenities. The staterooms have all the latest technology including: flat screen satellite TVs, DVD/CD players, satellite direct-dial telephone and Wi-Fi and 110/220 outlets.

Included in all sailings are selected accommodations, all meals (wine, beer and soda during meals included), entertainment, excursions, Captain's welcome and farewell parties and 24-hour room service. Lectures, guides, naturalists and expedition leaders are included on select sailings. Port charges/taxes, gratuities and transfers are additional.

Established in 1988 by Jean Emmanuel Sauvée and Philippe Videau, Compagnie du Ponant launched its first vessel, Le Ponant in 1991. Le Levant was added in 1998, and Le Diamant joined the fleet in 2004. Le Boréal sets sail in May 2010 and its sister ship, L'Austral, debuted in April of this year. Compagnie du Ponant is a division of CMA CGM, the world's third largest container shipping group.

Compagnie du Ponant's North American sales office is located at: 2 Biscayne Boulevard, Suite 2000, Miami, Florida 33131. For reservations and further information, call: 1-305-398-9849 or toll free: 1-888-400-1082; fax: 1-877-533-3043; email: USreservations@ponant.com or go to www.ponant.com.