10-night Mediterranean cruise on Le Soleal

The Ancient civilisations, from Italy to Greece is a 10-night Mediterranean cruise aboard Le Soleal, operated by Ponant. Departing Civitavecchia, Rome on October 1, 2026, the voyage visits 10 ports.

Length: 10 nights
Departs: Oct 1, 2026
Returns: Oct 11, 2026
Ports of call: 10
Days at sea: 1

Voyage code EC011026

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Itinerary

Day 1 Oct 1, 2026 Civitavecchia, Rome Departs 18:00 All roads lead to Rome, and with good reason - this city is one of the world’s most thrilling, offering unmatched history along every street. An evocative, inspiring and utterly artistic capital of unrivalled cultural impact, Rome is a city of back-to-back landmarks, which will take you on an exhilarating journey through the ages. This may be one of the world’s oldest cities, but it’s well and truly lived in. The ruins are punctuated with murmuring cafes, and the outdoor seating of restaurants sprawls out across piazzas, enticing you to sample tangles of creamy pasta and crispy pizzas. Rome’s incredible Roman Forum is littered with the ruins of its ancient administrations, which have stood firm for 2,000 years, since the times when the area was the centre of the Western world. Few sites are more simultaneously beautiful and haunting than that of the storied Colosseum, which looms deep into Rome’s rich blue sky. Take a tour to learn details of the grisly goings-on within. The best way to experience Rome is to wander its streets, gelato in hand. There is a lot to see here - whether it’s the domed spectacle of the Pantheon, or the elaborate flowing waters and artistry of the Trevi Fountain. Vatican City is an astonishing, colossal display of Catholic grandeur, while the Spanish Steps – crowned by the Trinità dei Monti church – offer a beautiful spot to gather and soak up the lively atmosphere of this humming city. With so much on the to-do list, you’ll relish the breaks you take, enjoying simple pleasures like a strong espresso, or fresh pasta with tomato sauce and ripped basil. Civitavecchia, Rome Civitavecchia, Rome port guide Search cruises visiting Civitavecchia, Rome

Day 2 Oct 2, 2026 Salerno Situated between two of Italy’s most beautiful and best-known destinations, the Amalfi Coast and Cilento National Park, the lively city of Salerno is – perhaps unsurprisingly, but not justifiably – overlooked by many visitors to, and explorers of, the gorgeous Campania region. However, the loss of the ‘over lookers’ is certainly the gain of those who do take the time to visit and explore Salerno; there are centuries of rich history – influenced by the Romans, Goths and Byzantines – to delve into here, landmarks, monuments and museums and aplenty awaiting discovery, and authentic local life to immerse yourself in. Whether you choose to see the medieval churches and capture the gritty elegance of the neighbourhood trattorias; sample traditional cuisine at the finest restaurants, or people watch at one of the cafés over a proper Italian espresso; or take a stroll along the picturesque, tree-lined promenade, Salerno is sure to get under your skin. Salerno Salerno port guide Search cruises visiting Salerno

Salerno photo — Day 2 Oct 2, 2026 Salerno Situated between two of Italy’s most beautiful and best-known destinations, the Amalfi Coast and Cilento National Park, the lively city of Salerno is – perhaps unsurprisingly, but not justifiably – overlooked by many visitors to, and explorers of, the gorgeous Campania region. However, the loss of the ‘over lookers’ is certainly the gain of those who do take the time to visit and explore Salerno; there are centuries of rich history – influenced by the Romans, Goths and Byzantines – to delve into here, landmarks, monuments and museums and aplenty awaiting discovery, and authentic local life to immerse yourself in. Whether you choose to see the medieval churches and capture the gritty elegance of the neighbourhood trattorias; sample traditional cuisine at the finest restaurants, or people watch at one of the cafés over a proper Italian espresso; or take a stroll along the picturesque, tree-lined promenade, Salerno is sure to get under your skin. Salerno Salerno port guide Search cruises visiting Salerno

Day 4 Oct 4, 2026 Catania, Sicily There’s a famous centuries-old quote about how important Sicily is — basically, if you skip it when visiting Italy, you might as well have just stayed home. We don’t exactly agree, but we know where the guy was coming from. Catania is the island’s second-largest city and an excellent place to kick off an exploration of Sicily. There’s no missing the gigantic Mt. Etna volcano — really, it’s impossible since it literally overshadows much of the island’s eastern region, and Catania puts you right in a primo position to see it. Compared to Etna, historical sites from Greek and Roman times are only a couple-thousand years old, but you can see them all — and some are even still in use today, like the amphitheater in Siracusa. Piazza Armerina features a villa once home to a Roman emperor, and today a UNESCO World Heritage Site, one that’s still decked out in well-preserved mosaics. Also, don’t miss the nearby town of Savoca, which you actually may have already seen… in a famous mobster trilogy. Capiche? Catania, Sicily Catania, Sicily port guide Search cruises visiting Catania, Sicily

Catania, Sicily photo — Day 4 Oct 4, 2026 Catania, Sicily There’s a famous centuries-old quote about how important Sicily is — basically, if you skip it when visiting Italy, you might as well have just stayed home. We don’t exactly agree, but we know where the guy was coming from. Catania is the island’s second-largest city and an excellent place to kick off an exploration of Sicily. There’s no missing the gigantic Mt. Etna volcano — really, it’s impossible since it literally overshadows much of the island’s eastern region, and Catania puts you right in a primo position to see it. Compared to Etna, historical sites from Greek and Roman times are only a couple-thousand years old, but you can see them all — and some are even still in use today, like the amphitheater in Siracusa. Piazza Armerina features a villa once home to a Roman emperor, and today a UNESCO World Heritage Site, one that’s still decked out in well-preserved mosaics. Also, don’t miss the nearby town of Savoca, which you actually may have already seen… in a famous mobster trilogy. Capiche? Catania, Sicily Catania, Sicily port guide Search cruises visiting Catania, Sicily

Day 5 Oct 5, 2026 Gallipoli Kalè polis, meaning beautiful city, is the name ancient Greek mariners bestowed on Gallipoli, with good reason. Situated on a mound, the Old Town with its labyrinth of winding lanes, emerges from the Ionian Sea. It is connected to the mainland and modern Gallipoli via a 17th-century bridge. The area lies on the Salentina Peninsula in the extreme southeast end of Italy, commonly referred to as the heel of the boot. The Salento region was inhabited already in prehistoric times; later centuries were marked by Greek, Norman, Byzantine and Baroque cultures. It is a land of farms, castles, works of art, myths and legends. Many heroic battles were fought; fierce resistance was shown by Gallipoli's citizens against numerous invaders that included Romans, Vandals, Swabians, Venetians, French and lastly the English in 1809. Gallipoli Gallipoli port guide Search cruises visiting Gallipoli

Gallipoli photo — Day 5 Oct 5, 2026 Gallipoli Kalè polis, meaning beautiful city, is the name ancient Greek mariners bestowed on Gallipoli, with good reason. Situated on a mound, the Old Town with its labyrinth of winding lanes, emerges from the Ionian Sea. It is connected to the mainland and modern Gallipoli via a 17th-century bridge. The area lies on the Salentina Peninsula in the extreme southeast end of Italy, commonly referred to as the heel of the boot. The Salento region was inhabited already in prehistoric times; later centuries were marked by Greek, Norman, Byzantine and Baroque cultures. It is a land of farms, castles, works of art, myths and legends. Many heroic battles were fought; fierce resistance was shown by Gallipoli's citizens against numerous invaders that included Romans, Vandals, Swabians, Venetians, French and lastly the English in 1809. Gallipoli Gallipoli port guide Search cruises visiting Gallipoli

Day 6 Oct 6, 2026 Parga In the heart of a sheltered cove on the north western shores of Greece in the Epirus province, Parga was Venetian from the 15th to the end of the 18th century. During that period it belonged to Ali Pacha, a high official of Soliman the Magnificent. Its imposing Venetian citadel built on a steep rocky promontory dominates the town, the port and the sweet smelling pines which surround it. Today it is a lovely seaside resort. Parga Parga port guide Search cruises visiting Parga

Parga photo — Day 6 Oct 6, 2026 Parga In the heart of a sheltered cove on the north western shores of Greece in the Epirus province, Parga was Venetian from the 15th to the end of the 18th century. During that period it belonged to Ali Pacha, a high official of Soliman the Magnificent. Its imposing Venetian citadel built on a steep rocky promontory dominates the town, the port and the sweet smelling pines which surround it. Today it is a lovely seaside resort. Parga Parga port guide Search cruises visiting Parga

Day 7 Oct 7, 2026 Olympia (Katakolon), Greece The small Greek port of Katakolon was developed in the 19th century to serve the thriving local trade in currants. Today it is your starting block for Olympia - birthplace of the Olympic Games. A pretty town on the banks of the River Alpheios, Olympia lies only a short drive away from the port and its historic stadium - where the first Olympic torch was lit in 776 BC and is a fascinating site to explore. You can still see the marble starting blocks used by early athletes in the 45,000-seat arena, as well as the ruins of the Temple of Hera and the gigantic Temple of Zeus - its gold and ivory statue of Zeus was one of the Seven Wonders of the ancient world. If you have already visited Olympia, you could spend your day exploring the lush wine country north of Katakolon and sampling the local vintages. Olympia (Katakolon), Greece Olympia (Katakolon), Greece port guide Search cruises visiting Olympia (Katakolon), Greece

Olympia (Katakolon), Greece photo — Day 7 Oct 7, 2026 Olympia (Katakolon), Greece The small Greek port of Katakolon was developed in the 19th century to serve the thriving local trade in currants. Today it is your starting block for Olympia - birthplace of the Olympic Games. A pretty town on the banks of the River Alpheios, Olympia lies only a short drive away from the port and its historic stadium - where the first Olympic torch was lit in 776 BC and is a fascinating site to explore. You can still see the marble starting blocks used by early athletes in the 45,000-seat arena, as well as the ruins of the Temple of Hera and the gigantic Temple of Zeus - its gold and ivory statue of Zeus was one of the Seven Wonders of the ancient world. If you have already visited Olympia, you could spend your day exploring the lush wine country north of Katakolon and sampling the local vintages. Olympia (Katakolon), Greece Olympia (Katakolon), Greece port guide Search cruises visiting Olympia (Katakolon), Greece

Day 9 Oct 9, 2026 Nafplion The former capital of Greece is a popular town on the eastern coast of the Peloponnese. Stately, medieval architecture recalls its Venetian occupation in the 15th century. The most dominant structure from this time is the crenellated Palamidi Fortress towering high above the town. The lively port and resort town spreads around a scenic harbor. Its center is crisscrossed by narrow streets, which are best negotiated on foot. Several monuments remain from the towns' Turkish past, including a mosque and the parliament building. Relics from ancient sites are on display in the Archaeological Museum. Those who are interested in handicrafts and traditional costumes may enjoy a visit to the Folk Art Museum. Enjoy exploring along the waterfront and around the main square of the Old Town. Open-air cafés and restaurants invite you for a break to enjoy a light snack or a seafood lunch while taking in the local atmosphere. Nafplion Nafplion port guide Search cruises visiting Nafplion

Nafplion photo — Day 9 Oct 9, 2026 Nafplion The former capital of Greece is a popular town on the eastern coast of the Peloponnese. Stately, medieval architecture recalls its Venetian occupation in the 15th century. The most dominant structure from this time is the crenellated Palamidi Fortress towering high above the town. The lively port and resort town spreads around a scenic harbor. Its center is crisscrossed by narrow streets, which are best negotiated on foot. Several monuments remain from the towns' Turkish past, including a mosque and the parliament building. Relics from ancient sites are on display in the Archaeological Museum. Those who are interested in handicrafts and traditional costumes may enjoy a visit to the Folk Art Museum. Enjoy exploring along the waterfront and around the main square of the Old Town. Open-air cafés and restaurants invite you for a break to enjoy a light snack or a seafood lunch while taking in the local atmosphere. Nafplion Nafplion port guide Search cruises visiting Nafplion

Day 10 Oct 10, 2026 Hydra When you disembark at the picture-perfect, crescent-shaped harbor on your Hydra cruise, the first thing you’ll notice is the serenity and intense quiet. Cars, motorcycles, and even bicycles are not permitted on the island, making it an ideal setting for quiet relaxation and peaceful respite during a European cruise. Make no mistake—quiet is by no means boring. The island’s romantic and rustic beauty regularly attracts celebrities, artists, and writers. Twice each year, the Hydra Nautical Club hosts regattas that bring sailboats and yachts to the harbor and add an extra touch of glamour to the island. Each summer, the DESTE Foundation hosts a series of contemporary art exhibitions, including a special exhibition by an artist or team. On a cruise to Hydra, you can’t help but be captivated by its natural beauty, like its stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters quietly lapping at the shores, and the Peloponnese Mountains as a constant backdrop. As you walk Hydra Town, you’ll be charmed by streets lined with bougainvillea, the neoclassical architecture of old manor houses and mansions, and churches both humble and ornate. Hydra Hydra port guide Search cruises visiting Hydra

Day 11 Oct 11, 2026 Athens (Piraeus), Greece Arrives 08:00 A city of legend, civilisation and enduring culture, Athens is a majestic and magical urban sprawl. Extraordinary elegance and grace combine with grit and graft in Greece's capital, where highways encase ruins from antiquity, and gleaming museums and galleries stand beside concrete sprayed with edgy street art. These contrasts enhance and elevate the wonders of this 2,500-year-old city, however, which can count notable contributions to philosophy, drama and democracy, among its global legacy. Piraeus' giant port and naval base welcome you to the edge of the Athens' urban area. From there it's a simple jaunt to the centre. The majestic ancient citadel of the Acropolis dominates an elevated platform and is a constant presence as you explore the city. The wonderful remains of the columned temple of the Parthenon - which date back to the 5th century BC - stand here, representing the pinnacle of classical architecture. The nearby Acropolis Museum adds context to your visit and frames the broad views from its giant glass windows. Or rise up Mount Lycabettus, to be rewarded with perhaps Athens' best panorama of the Acropolis sitting high over the city on its grand stage. See the marble horseshoe of the Old Olympic Stadium, where the first modern Olympics were held in 1896, for more of the city's enduring legacy. Elsewhere, golden beaches and temples stretch out along the coastline, should you wish to explore a little further afield. Coffee is an art form to the Greeks, and it's an unwritten rule that coffee time must never be rushed. So prepare to settle down for a couple of hours and lose yourself in a good chat. Feeling hungry - try traditional souvlaki made with sauces handed from generation to generation. Athens (Piraeus), Greece Athens (Piraeus), Greece port guide Search cruises visiting Athens (Piraeus), Greece

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Show all 32 cabin grades

Cabin grades and pricing
Name	Supplier code	Type
Prestige Deck 4	1	Balcony
Prestige Deck 5	2	Balcony
Prestige Deck 6	3	Balcony
Alizés Stateroom with balcony	A	Balcony
Alizés Prestige Stateroom with balcony	AP	Balcony
Deluxe Stateroom	D	Balcony
Superior Stateroom	6	Oceanview
Mistral Stateroom	M	Oceanview
Mistral Prestige Stateroom	MP	Oceanview
Prestige Deck 5 Suite	10	Suite
Prestige Deck 6 Suite	11	Suite
Grand Deluxe Suite Deck 6	12	Suite
Privilege Suite Deck 6	13	Suite
Prestige Deck 5 Suite	4	Suite
Prestige Deck 6 Suite	5	Suite
Deluxe Suite Deck 6	7	Suite
Privilege Suite Deck 5	8	Suite
Privilege Suite Deck 6	9	Suite
Alizés Privilege Suite with balcony	APS	Suite
Deluxe Suite	DS	Suite
Deluxe Suite Deck 6	DS6	Suite
Deluxe Suite Deck 7	DS7	Suite
Deluxe Suite Deck 8	DS8	Suite
Grand Deluxe Suite Deck 6	GDS	Suite
Grand Privilège Alizés Suite with balcony	GPAS	Suite
Grand Privilege Suite	GPS	Suite
Grand Prestige Suite on Deck 6	GPS6	Suite
Grand Suite GS – Deck 8	GS	Suite
Mistral Junior Suite	MJ	Suite
Mistral Prestige Suite	MPS	Suite
Owner's Suite	OS	Suite
Privilège Suite Deck 6	PS	Suite