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Fortress Cities & Fishing Villages – Sailing from Athens to Valletta

Fortress Cities & Fishing Villages – Sailing from Athens to Valletta

From EUR €4,355

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Description

Embark on a week-long windjammer journey along the legendary coast of the Peloponnese, visiting historical and picturesque destinations. Begin in Athens and sail to Nauplio to explore the ancient fortress city of Mycenae, followed by Monemvasia’s impressive rock fortress. Continue to Gythio and Fiscardo in Kefalonia, where colorful fishing villages and stunning landscapes await. The voyage culminates with stops in Syracuse, Sicily, where ancient and Baroque architecture blend seamlessly, and finally in Valletta, Malta, known for its rich history and vibrant culture.
Some departures may have slightly modified itineraries. Please confirm the itinerary with an Expedition Specialist.

Trip Name
Fortress Cities & Fishing Villages - Sailing from Athens to Valletta
Days
8
Overview
Vessel Type: Tall Ship (Sailing) Length: 105 metres Passenger Capacity: 88 Built: 2001 Sea Cloud II is a romantic tall ship that masterfully blends the elegance of classic sailing with the comfort and convenience of modern luxury. Inspired by her legendary predecessor from the 1930s, this three-masted barque is fitted with 23 sails and is hand-sailed whenever possible, adding a sense of theatre and tradition to every voyage. With 44 cabins accommodating just 88 guests, the atmosphere aboard remains intimate and relaxed, while the interiors evoke the charm of a bygone era—polished wood, sweeping staircases, and vintage nautical style—all paired with the contemporary standards of a premium expedition ship. Guests aboard Sea Cloud II enjoy spacious decks for sun-soaked sailing days, al fresco dining on the Lido Deck, and a wellness area featuring a sauna, massage therapy, and fitness facilities. The ship’s welcoming indoor spaces include an elegant dining room and a comfortable lounge for evening Recaps hosted by expert field staff such as historians and photo instructors. Meals focus on locally sourced ingredients and regional cuisine, served in an informal yet refined setting. With an open Bridge policy and wide, accessible passageways, Sea Cloud II invites guests not just to relax, but to immerse themselves fully in the experience of life under sail.

Itinerary



Day 1 - Day 1 Athens (Piraeus), Greece
Departure 7:00 pm"A ship will come...", declared the singer Melina Mercouri to the port of Piraeus. Later, as Greek Minister for Culture, she made Athens the first European Capital of Culture in 1985. The city is considered the birthplace of Europe, of philosophy and of democracy, and is the embodiment of the Olympic ideal. World-famous and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987, its landmark is the magnificent Parthenon temple, lying high up on the Acropolis in all its glory. At the foot of the Acropolis hill is the Plaka, the oldest quarter of Athens, and the world's most modern archaeological museum, the new Acropolis Museum, has been here since 2009.
Day 2 - Day 2 Nauplio, Peloponnese
Arrival 1:30 pm, Departure 10:00 pmThe old town of Nauplio has a picturesque peninsula setting and three Venetian fortresses guard the pretty town. In ancient times, the excavation site of Mycenae, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was one of the most important towns in Greece. Its legendary king, Agamemnon, has a large role in Homer's Iliad. The palace grounds were surrounded by a cyclopean stone wall. Now you can only gain entrance through the famous Lion Gate. In Epidaurus, also protected by UNESCO, the impressive 14,000-seat theatre is one of the most important buildings in this archaeological site.
Day 3 - Day 3 Monemvasia, Peloponnese
Arrival 8:00 am, Departure 1:30 pmThe little town of Monemvasia nestles closely against a rock that lies just off the coast. This impregnable fortress was an important trading center in Byzantine times. Today it is a retreat for wealthy Athenians who spend their weekends here. Behind its walls you can discover the beautifully restored lower town, where you simply want to drift along the tranquil narrow lanes. This picturesque little town on a rock transports you back in time to the romantic Middle Ages, when it was exceptionally modern and lively.
Day 4 - Day 4 Gythio, Peloponnese
Arrival 8:00 am, Departure 1:00 pmThe picturesque harbor town of Gythio charms with its colorful houses and bustling fish market. Surrounding beaches and crystal-clear waters invite swimming, while nearby ancient sites like the Gythio Theater offer cultural exploration opportunities.
Day 5 - Day 5 Fiscardo, Kefalonia
Arrival 4:00 pm, Departure 11:00 pmThe largest, greenest, most picturesque of the Ionian Islands – while Kefalonia is bursting with superlatives, it remains a well-kept secret. This is good for us because the island in the middle of the Gulf of Patras has so much to offer – from its 1,600 meter-high black Mount Ainos to the depths of the Melissani lake in a legendary stalactite cave. The cliffs on Kefalonia’s coastline offer fantastic views of clear waters and bright pebble beaches. And if you just want to relax, then nab a quiet spot in the idyllic fishing village of Fiskardo amidst colorful flowers and bright window shutters, and just take it easy.
Day 6 - Day 6 Day under full sails
Climbing the rigging, untying ropes, setting sails – today is all about sailing. Time to lean back and relax in the deck chair and watch the passionate crew hoisting the sails by hand.
Day 7 - Day 7 Syracuse, Sicily
Arrival 1:30 pm, Departure 7:00 pmThe municipal area of Syracuse boasts relics from cultural history going back more than three millennia. In ancient times, the city was the most powerful in the known world and was famed for its splendour. The island of Ortigia, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was where Syracuse began its rise as an ancient city. The huge cathedral is at the heart of the old town, magnificent palaces line the Piazza and wide promenades invite you to take a stroll. The archaeological park brings Greek and Roman history back to life. Yet Syracuse exudes southern Italian charm, with washing drying outside the windows.
Day 8 - Day 8 Valletta, Malta
Arrival 8:00 amThis strategically important location has always attracted foreign conquerors. More than 7,000 years ago, a civilisation existed here, leaving behind enormous temple complexes. Just like proud Valletta, these are now UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Jean Parisot de la Valette, Grand Master of the Order of St John, founded a modern fortified city on a rock in 1566, between the two splendid natural ports of Marsamxett and Grand harbor. Long rows of facades made from golden-yellow blocks of chalk stretch along the straight streets. Splendid Renaissance and Baroque buildings are evidence of riches and power, such as the Palace of the Grand Master and the impressive St John's Co-Cathedral.
Day 9 - Please note:
Itineraries are subject to change. 

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
20-09-202527-09-2025EUR €4,355GTY Double Cabin. From
20-09-202527-09-2025EUR €4,745Category F Upper/Lower Beds. From
20-09-202527-09-2025EUR €5,485Category E. From
20-09-202527-09-2025EUR €6,095Category D. From
20-09-202527-09-2025EUR €6,445Category C. From
20-09-202527-09-2025EUR €7,595Category B. From
20-09-202527-09-2025EUR €8,445Category A. From
25-06-202603-07-2026EUR €7,780Category C. From
25-06-202603-07-2026EUR €8,730Category B. From
25-06-202603-07-2026EUR €9,870Category A. From
25-06-202603-07-2026EUR €5,690Category F Upper/Lower Beds. From
25-06-202603-07-2026EUR €6,450Category E. From
25-06-202603-07-2026EUR €7,590Category D. From

Inclusions

    • Living History: Explore the ancient fortress city of Mycenae including its acropolis, palace, and tomb.
    • The Gibraltar of Greece: Marvel at Monemvasia's rock fortress, a Byzantine town above the sea.
    • The Ionic Islands: Colorful fishing villages dot the landscapes on the way to the dreamy island of Kefalonia.
    • Where Ancient Meets Baroque: Stroll through history with Ortigia’s Old Town and the grandeur of Noto.

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