Mediterranean Expeditions Aboard Sea Cloud

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Uncover the storied Mediterranean on a unique sailing vessel

The Mediterranean, literally meaning “the sea in the middle of the Earth,” has deeply influenced Western history and culture. There is no better way to delve into the region’s history and myths than under sail—hopping among the islands and exploring the coasts as the ancients did. Discover its myth and magic aboard Sea Cloud. This historic tall ship is far more than a souvenir of a golden age. It is full of the glamour and sophistication of the ’30s and her original owner, Marjorie Merriweather Post, and also a thoroughly modern yacht in terms of safety technology and creature comforts. It is the perfect platform to travel among islands and along storied coasts, a bridge to history in a land bursting with it.

Mediterranean aboard Sea Cloud

New and Noteworthy

New Corsica & Sardinia aboard Sea Cloud

Special Offers

Length

12 days

May
Jun

From

$16,950

Prices are per person

Special Offers (1)

Highlights

Mediterranean aboard Sea Cloud

New and Noteworthy

New Corsica & Sardinia aboard Sea Cloud

Length

12 days

May
Jun

From

$16,950

Top Highlights

Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Su Nuraxi di Barumini, one of the largest and most well-preserved Bronze Age stone fortresses known as nuraghi
Get a taste of Alghero and its surroundings: discover the medieval city, Neptune’s Grotto nestled in Capo Caccia’s peninsula, and Leda’ d’Ittiri wine-tasting estate
See the stunning karst limestone rock ravines of Les Calanques de Piana, one of the region’s most stunning landscapes
Bask in the comfort and intrigue of the legendary and historic Sea Cloud as you sail from Calvi to Bastia and around wild Cap Corse
Explore Naples & Pompeii on a 3-day pre-voyage extension

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Special Offers

FREE BAR TAB AND CREW TIPS INCLUDED

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Mediterranean aboard Sea Cloud

New Extraordinary Adriatic: Croatia And Slovenia Under Sail

Special Offers

Length

10 days

Aug

From

$14,670

Prices are per person

Special Offers (1)

Highlights

Mediterranean aboard Sea Cloud

New Extraordinary Adriatic: Croatia And Slovenia Under Sail

Length

10 days

Aug

From

$14,670

Top Highlights

Venture to Croatian sites that tell the region’s rich history, from Neolithic Vis to the Roman ruins of Pula and the Venetian gems of Rovinj and Hvar
Visit UNESCO World Heritage sites including Diocletian’s Palace complex in Split and the lovely city center of Ljubljana
Step into history at Slovenia’s cliff-side Predjama Castle, and see hidden World War II bunkers and tunnels in Vis
Relax under the billowing sails of a legendary square-rigger, enjoying the elegance and exceptional service of Sea Cloud, once the private ship of Marjorie Merriweather Post

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Special Offers

FREE BAR TAB AND CREW TIPS INCLUDED

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Mediterranean aboard Sea Cloud

Mediterranean Gems: From Dubrovnik to Naples

Special Offers

Length

12 days

Jun
Sep

From

$15,270

Prices are per person

Special Offers (1)

Highlights

Mediterranean aboard Sea Cloud

Mediterranean Gems: From Dubrovnik to Naples

Length

12 days

Jun
Sep

From

$15,270

Top Highlights

Explore Greco-Roman sites, the baroque city of Lecce, and the medieval island town of Ortigia, and take in their vibrant life and culture
See the Amalfi Coast, with its pastel-colored buildings and stunning vistas
Visit Pompeii, abruptly destroyed by Vesuvius in the year A.D. 79, and witness its extraordinarily well-preserved homes
Enjoy a private lunch at Castello degli Schiavi, an 18th-century castle used as a locale for the Godfather films
Savor ample time at sea sailing aboard Sea Cloud, the world’s most beautiful tall ship
Explore enchating Split, Trogir, Mostar & Dubrovnik on a four-day trip extension, and/or historic Naples on a two-day trip extension

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Special Offers

FREE BAR TAB AND CREW TIPS INCLUDED

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Mediterranean aboard Sea Cloud

New and Noteworthy

New Sailing the Ancient Shores of Sicily and Malta

Special Offers

Length

12 days

Jun
Sep

From

$16,950

Prices are per person

Special Offers (1)

Highlights

Mediterranean aboard Sea Cloud

New and Noteworthy

New Sailing the Ancient Shores of Sicily and Malta

Length

12 days

Jun
Sep

From

$16,950

Top Highlights

Sail the shimmering waters of the Mediterranean, Tyrrhenian, and Ionian Seas
Explore enchanting piazzas and winding alleyways of picturesque towns from Lipari to Taormina and Ortigia
Visit an array of UNESCO World Heritage sites, from Greco-Roman ruins in Siracusa and Agrigento to the ancient temples of Ġgantija
Experience Sicily’s unique cuisine at a wine tasting in Marsala, at Erice’s renowned Pasticceria Maria Grammatico, and at a private lunch in a historic castle near Taormina
Savor ample time at sea sailing aboard Sea Cloud, the world’s most beautiful tall ship
Explore Naples & Pompeii on a 3-day pre-voyage extension

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Special Offers

FREE BAR TAB AND CREW TIPS INCLUDED

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Expedition Highlights

Sun, steady winds, far-reaching Mediterranean culture and history, archaeology, mythology, and the tranquility of small islands—Sea Cloud’s season in the iconic Aegean, Ionian, Tyrrhenian, and Adriatic Seas is historically rich and scenically beautiful. Our itineraries are studded with archaeological landmarks, with sites both legendary and seldom seen. But our expedition style is also designed to balance active exploration with reflection and relaxation—so plan to discover isolated beaches, small fishing villages, welcoming people, and quiet beauty. And to have unplanned moments—a gathering in a Greek taverna perhaps—you’ll remember forever.

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Life Aboard

Polished brass capstans and portholes gleam, teak decks glow, and interiors are fitted with Italian marble and paneled in carved oak. Enjoy the grace and refinement of Sea Cloud, an extraordinarily elegant ship and a direct descendant of the opulent '30s—as you also enjoy the casual attitude and informal style of our small ship cruise of the Mediterranean.

The Seductive Allure of Santorini

Strikingly beautiful, Santorini has an equally dramatic history and an intersection of geology and architecture that’s apparent.

Ready for the adventure of a lifetime?

1.800.EXPEDITION (1.800.397.3348)

1.800.EXPEDITION (1.800.397.3348)

Opened a new world for me.

Sheila Ann S.

Expedition Leader

Veteran expedition leaders are the orchestrators of your experience. Many have advanced degrees and have conducted research or taught for years. They have achieved expedition leader status because they possess the skills, the experience, and the depth of knowledge necessary to continually craft the best expedition possible for our guests.

Naturalist

Our naturalists, passionate about the geographies they explore (and return to regularly), illuminate each facet through their enthusiasm and knowledge. Our guests consistently cite the expertise and engaging company of our staff as key reasons to repeatedly travel with us.

Historian

Our historians will share the stories, tumults, and triumphs of the people and places we explore. Their colorful personalities and passion for history, from the minutiae to the big picture, make them engaging travel companions.

Certified Photo Instructor

Every expedition aboard Sea Cloud offers an exclusive service—a Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic certified photo instructor. This naturalist is specially trained to offer assistance with camera settings, and the basics of composition and to help you become a better, more confident photographer.

Cultural Specialist

Sail with cultural commentators aboard who further illuminate local life. They are leaders in their fields, some still engaged in conducting research, who know the region intimately. Learn from them in onboard presentations, and engage with them on a one-to-one basis to learn more about their topic or backgrounds.

1.800.EXPEDITION (1.800.397.3348)

Daily Expedition Reports

Daily Expedition Reports

7/11/2022

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Sea Cloud

Katakolon / Olympia, Greece

This morning, we disembarked early in Katakolon to begin our overland trek to Olympia, the home of the Ancient Olympic Games, dating back to the 8th century BC. The archaeological site has been investigated for more than 100 years, and new discoveries are still being made. Our visit to the site was filled with the whirring sounds of the summer cicadas. We were lucky to have plenty of shade and a cool breeze as we explored the ancient training grounds, where the best athletes of the Ancient Greek world gathered under a flag of truce to prepare for the competition to honor Zeus. The entrance to the stadium, an underground arch standing since antiquity, leads from a collection of inscriptions intended to embarrass past cheaters in the games–sort of a hall of ignominy rather than a hall of fame! The morning finished with a visit through the truly stunning museum that houses the pediment sculptures from Zeus’s temple, the 12 Labors of Heracles that once graced its roofline, and generations of offerings, large and small, to honor the gods and the champions of the games. Following our return to the ship, we sailed off the dock and headed on our way around the Peloponnesus toward our final port of Piraeus. Following a Greek buffet, we enjoyed a boisterous end to the evening provided by the talented crew of Sea Cloud . They led the guests and staff in a rousing round of sea shanties! Photo caption: The site was used for centuries, eventually growing to provide hotels and services for the gathered athletes, trainers, and later, spectators. Photo by Bill Saturno

Daily Expedition Reports

7/10/2022

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Sea Cloud

Vathy/Ithaca, Greece

What a spectacular morning in Ithaca! With Sea Cloud anchored just offshore in the natural harbor of Vathy, we departed in Zodiacs to explore the island home of Odysseus, the Greek hero. Odysseus famously spent ten years cursed by Poseidon, toiling to return home after the Trojan War. All the while, his faithful wife, Penelope, and his dutiful son, Telemachus, fought off the advances of a host of suitors eager for Penelope’s hand and with it the Kingdom of Ithaca.

Daily Expedition Reports

7/9/2022

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Sea Cloud

Kruje, Albania

Today we made our first explorations into Albania, a formerly communist country that was also subject to the Ottomans throughout the early modern period. In the morning, we docked at Durres, Albania’s largest port and main conduit for cargo and shipping containers. Durres, known as Dyrrachium in the Roman Era, was also an important node for shipping across the Adriatic to Southern Italy throughout antiquity. Disembarking, we took buses inland towards the old capital of Kruje, set amidst the country’s rugged limestone mountains. Kruje was the capital of Albania’s first independent state, and it was also the center of resistance efforts led by Georgi Kastrioti against the Ottoman Empire. Its impressive fortifications, coupled with a prominent location along a ridgeline, helped Kastrioti “Skanderbeg” fight off numerous Ottoman invasions during the mid-15th century. The site is now home to a purpose-built museum to promote the story of an Albanian national hero. Around the foot of the castle, we walked through a Turkish-style village lane with wooden architecture and rustic limestone cobblestones paving the street. A variety of traditional art pieces and handicrafts were on display. For lunch, we enjoyed a traditional Albanian meal at Bardhi restaurant, which serves fresh produce from farm to table. We started with a range of spinach pies, cheeses, and roasted vegetables before the main course of slow-roasted lamb and potatoes. All washed down with a selection of regional wines. Before we departed, we were treated to a performance of traditional Albanian folkdance. In colorful attire and accompanied by joyful music, the dancers and musicians put on a show that had us clapping and singing along.

Daily Expedition Reports

7/8/2022

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Sea Cloud

Durres to Krujë, Albania

This morning, we woke up in Albania! We explored new scenery, foods, and culture as we immersed ourselves in the cobblestone streets of Krujë. Intricately patterned, handmade items like rugs, slippers, and pashminas lined the storefronts on the street. We walked up and into the Skanderbeg Castle and the museum, where we learned about Albania’s hero, George Kastrioti a.k.a. Skanderbeg. After a fascinating journey through the history of Krujë, we scurried to lunch during the beginning of what would be a very wet rest of our afternoon. Determined to learn and explore, we quickly adapted with umbrellas and “leapfrogged” under awnings. Lunch at the Bardhi Restaurant was delightful. We enjoyed traditional foods paired with traditional Albanian music and dancing. The bus ride home to Sea Cloud was quiet with bellies full, but a few troopers amongst us took to exploring some of Durrës to close out a successful first day in Albania.

Daily Expedition Reports

7/7/2022

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Sea Cloud

Kotorfjord (Kotor and Perast), Montenegro

Many things can delight the senses and become part of our memories, knowledge, and overall adventure. But nothing can be more enduring and charming about a destination than the warmth of its people. And that’s how I remembered Montenegro, as a country of courteous, easygoing, and happy inhabitants. This is how we were welcomed at the pier of Kotor today, by smiling guides with whom I developed an immediate connection, as if I had known them my whole life. I felt at home, as if Montenegro, a country in the Adriatic, was instead in Latin America. Maybe they are joyful because they live surrounded by so much beauty. They have the sea, and they have limestone mountains that rise sharply from sea level, giving the illusion of a fjord, when instead the bay was carved by rivers instead of ice. After landing at Kotor, we took buses to the tiny baroque town of Perast. Then we went by a small boat to the rocky island of Gospa od Skrpjela, the Church of Our Lady of the Rocks. Long ago, two fishermen discovered an idol of the Virgin Mary in the shallows and determined it was a sign that a church had to be built on that very spot. At that time, however, the only exposed ground was a very small outcropping, barely above the tideline. Over several centuries, local seafarers and fisherman dropped off large rocks. Eventually, an island of significant size was formed, and a church was built with an altar made of marble of different colors, shipped all the way from Venice. We enjoyed the beautiful paintings, gifts, and the views: in all directions, the mountains, and in all directions, the sea. We returned to visit Kotor itself, to go through the gate and explore its narrow streets, many churches, and eclectic shops. In the afternoon, we placed our trust in the steady hands of the expert drivers as we embarked on a sightseeing tour up and over the serpentine road to 3000 feet high. The sheer fjord walls have a narrow road with twenty-five thrilling switchbacks that our drivers maneuvered with steady skill. The view was worth the ride, together with a tasty treat of smoked prosciutto in the small village of Njegusi along with a splash of wine. We then descended back down to our waiting ship, where hotel manager Simon organized a feast of fresh oysters from Kotor Bay on the spanker deck. Dinner was on the Lido deck. We enjoyed the views along the seventeen miles of Kotorfjord with its background of evergreen trees until the half-moon was the brightest light in the sky. We continued sailing down the Dalmatian Coast towards Albania.

There’s nothing sacrificed by having this traditional relationship with sailing. This is the height of luxury; and the height of luxury these days, in many ways, is arguably, your ability to get away from it all.

Sven-Olof Lindblad

1.800.EXPEDITION (1.800.397.3348)

1.800.EXPEDITION (1.800.397.3348)

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