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Sailing the Greek Isles aboard the Sea Cloud

Sailing the Greek Isles aboard the Sea Cloud

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Description

Unique, immersive style of travel
While there are many ways to experience the Greek Isles, you’ll find that exploring aboard an authentic tall ship offers an unrivaled experience and guarantees you an in-depth encounter with all its wonders. The combination of this peerless ship, and our expedition style of travel—which sends you off exploring in the company of knowledgeable and engaging companions who can illuminate all you’ll see—offers you an extraordinary experience.

Discover the romance of tall ship sailing
Experience something many people don’t know exists in the 21st-century—the thrill of life under sail—in a region that’s been sailed for millennia. With the winds filling Sea Cloud’s square sails, you’ll have ample opportunities to stand on deck and watch the orchestrated frenzy of 16 crew members going high aloft in the riggings to hand-set 30 sails.

Experience the cultures and ancient wonders of Greece
The iconic Cyclades are captivating, beautiful isles with significant archaeological sites, azure waters, and precariously perched, charming seaside villages. Of the 39 islands in the archipelago, only 24 have inhabitants. Our expedition visits some places largely unknown to all but local residents and discerning travelers. Bougainvillea adorns Sífnos, a gorgeous town with whitewashed houses and quintessential Aegean architecture. At Tinos, we’ll see the active pilgrimage site of Panagia Evangelistria and drive past terraced hillsides home to artists and sculptors. On Delos, the mythological birthplace of twin gods Artemis and Apollo, explore the Temple of Apollo, an important archaeological site. On guided walks, learn firsthand about contemporary life along these sun-drenched shores. The elegant Sea Cloud is the perfectly cast main character in your Aegean maritime adventure.

Every day is active and engaging
Each day is balanced with time to relish our ship under sail, and half- or full-day explorations on land. Our historian, naturalist, and local guides ensure you gain insight and an insider’s perspective about the places we visit. Scenic drives, hikes on hilly terrain, market visits, cruises along idyllic shores, and free time to walk in charming seaside villages are the ways you’ll pass the time. And you may always opt to stay aboard Sea Cloud, for more reading, relaxation, and glorious views. The point is, you can do as much, or as little as you like.

Travel in excellent company
Explore under the sure guidance of a veteran expedition leader, a historian, and a naturalist who will also serve as your National Geographic certified photo instructor. Their knowledge and passion for the Greek Isles is the key to your once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Trip Name
Sailing the Greek Isles aboard the Sea Cloud
Days
8
Overview
Vessel Type: Tall Ship (Sailing) Length: 109 metres Passenger Capacity: 64 Built / refurbished: 1931 / 2011 Sea Cloud is a ship with a soul, imbued by the original owners, Marjorie Merriweather Post and her husband E.F. Hutton in the 1930’s. The ship has played host to royalty, known service in wartime, and sailed the world over. She is a vessel of incomparable grace that harks back to the golden age of ship travel. Once you’ve been on Sea Cloud under full sail, you’ll begin your own love affair. Welcome aboard a legend Sea Cloud accommodates 58 guests in 28 outside cabins including two original owner’s suites that still feature original marble baths and fireplaces. At 360 feet she is an expansive ship with extensive public spaces on the top deck, where we luxuriate in deck chairs and watch the crew of 18 go aloft in the web of riggings to hand-set her 30 sails. Her dining room is hung with marine oil paintings of the period and accommodates all guests at once for a single seating. We’ll gather in the lounge each evening for Recap. Life aboard is a uniquely pleasing mix of elegance and informality—a return to the golden age of sailing in shorts and deck shoes. You’ll find all shipboard services impeccable.  Discover the romance of tall ship sailingExperience something many people don’t know exists in the 21st century—the romance of life under square sails. Discover the thrill of standing on deck as Sea Cloud gently glides through the water, her crew aloft in the riggings, running out and reefing sails. Settle in to your favorite areas on the top deck and bask in the incomparable experience of traveling aboard the finest tall ship to ever sail the seas. Lose yourself in an adventure that, in this day and age, is almost unimaginable. Please note deck and suite plans are indicative only and may vary slightly.

Itinerary



Day 1 - DAY 1: Athens, Greece/Piraeus
Arrive in Athens.Make your way to the Electra Metropolis Hotel for a buffet lunch. We’ll then explore the new Acropolis Museum, which displays some of the finest sculptures and other art of Ancient Greece, including many items brought in from the Acropolis to protect them from the elements. We then transfer to Piraeus and embark the majestic Sea Cloud. Cast off this afternoon, and take in our first Greek sunset at sea.
Day 2 - DAY 2: Sailing the Aegean
Find a spot on deck to watch as the Sea Cloud’s sails are hoisted up their impressive masts by hand as we set sail for the Cyclades. Our first morning on board is spent at sea, experiencing the pleasure of sailing aboard this unique ship. Relax on deck with a book, observe the crew as they climb the rigging and trim the sails, and attend presentations by our team of experts on the area’s history and ecology.
Day 3 - DAY 3: Tinos
Drop anchor at beautiful Tinos, dotted with villages steeped in Venetian history. The island’s Venetian-era dovecotes, terraced hillsides, and green marble quarries have long made this a haven for artists. Explore the picturesque village of Pyrgos, adorned with carved marble facades, and visit the church of Panagia Evangelistria, where thousands of pilgrims come every year to pray at Greece’s holiest shrine.
Day 4 - DAY 4: Delos/Exploring
The tiny archaeological gem of Delos is the birthplace of the twin gods Artemis, goddess of animals and the hunt; and Apollo, god of healing, music, and light. Spend the morning discovering the island’s incredible ruins, including the Terrace of the Lions and the exquisite Temple of Apollo. This afternoon, we’ll look to make an impromptu stop at one of the many interesting islands in the area.
Day 5 - DAY 5: Amórgos
Drop anchor at Amórgos, the easternmost isle of the Cyclades. Visit the main city, perched in the mountains, and see its beautiful domed churches and windmills. Explore the dazzling white monastery of Panagia Hozoviótissa, clinging to a cliff face above the sea. Later, return to the Sea Cloud and enjoy a relaxing afternoon beneath its splendid sails.
Day 6 - DAY 6: Santorini
Incomparable Santorini is an island archipelago formed from a single volcanic cone that erupted in the second millennium B.C., burying the island's Minoan culture in ash. Sail into the caldera, and drive through windswept vineyards to the beautiful town of Oía, which affords unrivaled views of the caldera below. The whitewashed houses and blue-domed churches of this iconic place cling to the steep slopes of the caldera rim. After lunch, we'll visit the excavations at Akrotiri. This important Minoan town had well-built houses, streets, waterworks, pottery and art. It owes its state of preservation to the ash that covered it at the time of the eruption. After exploring Akrotiri, we return to Sea Cloud to continue our adventures.
Day 7 - DAY 7: Sífnos/At Sea
In the morning, we visit the island of Sífnos. Distinguished for its pottery and its Venetian dovecotes, Sífnos is a rugged island with a harbor village and a beautiful upper chora (village), waterfront tavernas and convenient beaches. It’s a great island for walkers or loungers alike. In the afternoon, we hoist Sea Cloud's sails once more as we return to Piraeus.
Day 8 - DAY 8: Piraeus/Disembark/Athens
Disembark Sea Cloud this morning and transfer to the airport for your return flight.
Day 9 - Please Note:
All day-by-day breakdowns are a sampling of the places we intend to visit, conditions permitting.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type

Inclusions

    • Experience the Cyclades while under full sail aboard a romantic tall ship
    • Discover the magnificent ruins of the ancient sanctuary of Delos, birthplace of Apollo and Artemis
    • Immerse yourself in the lively culture, mythology, and Venetian legacy of age-old villages
    • Ride a donkey or a cable car down the cliff side in beautiful Santorini

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