We began and ended today by experiencing the beauty of Sea Cloud in the rising and setting of the sun. We entered the port of Katapola on Amorgos Island as sunlight spilled across the landscape, casting its light on the village below. The morning was spent visiting a dramatic monastery and a quaint village on Amorgos. An afternoon filled with sailing ended as the crew ascended the rigging to furl the sails as the sun set on the horizon ahead.
Today’s port of call was Sifnos, a small island gem in the Cyclades. The captain took us to a nice little port, Platos Gialos. Two groups, Zeus and Apollo, went on a scenic drive to medieval Kastro. This town was built on a small hill as a castle, as the word Kastro suggests. As we walked the narrow streets, we were amazed by its charm. Cats invited us to pet them, and amazing views opened around every corner. Some of us went down to a small peninsula to see the picture-perfect Church of the Seven Martyrs while others immersed themselves in the town’s atmosphere. Our next stop was Kamares, a ferry port in a beautiful bay. We were treated to a selection of the best local food Sifnos can offer on a terrace by the beach. Photographers: Linda Burback and Ante Skracic
The unofficial guardians of Delos greeted us this morning, a clipped-ear furry brigade of assorted color and heritage cats. The resident peacock could be heard calling back by the lion statues. Welcome to the center of the Greek mythological world, the “floating island” of Delos. In ancient times, the sounds would have been associated with the hustle and bustle of commerce, or perhaps the oration of a play in the theater. This morning, the crested larks sang as we wandered through a historical landscape with engaging narration by Evangelos and Dionysis, our two Greek guides. A climb to the top of Mount Kynthos topped our terrestrial explorations, and a dip in the Aegean upon our return to the Sea Cloud topped our aquatic explorations. The day ended with a mix of voices in a boisterous sea shanty sing-along, which evolved into a dancing under the stars melee on deck. Another memorable day hosted by the good ship Sea Cloud and her tireless crew.
After being whisked ashore by Zodiacs, guests boarded coaches in Hora, Tinos for a mesmerizing traverse across the island. Every hillside on Tinos is etched with stone terraces, creating a landscape that resembles stained glass. Dovecotes, the historic aristocratic freestanding structures for pigeon nesting, dotted the hills and gullies. Arriving to Pyrgos, guests enjoyed a visit to The Museum of Marble Crafts. The museum is renowned for displaying the role of marble and its legacy, as well as the historic and contemporary harvesting practices in a region rich in marble quarries. Making our way down marble steps, guests arrived in the heart of Pyrgos. All were invited to enjoy life’s simple pleasures: exploring the narrow streets of Pyrgos for photography, meandering into Pyrgos’s unique shops, or even giving into temptation by trying the region’s best Galaktoboureko — a special phyllo dough-wrapped custard dish marinated in local honey. With winds on our stern, afternoon sailing commenced on Sea Cloud . The captain opened the foredeck for guests to harness up and have a little fun out on the bowsprit.
