Mediterranean expeditions aboard the Sea Cloud fleet
Medieval walled cities and crumbling hilltop castles, imposing volcanoes, and ancient Roman ruins—the treasures of the Mediterranean are seen in their full splendor when exploring aboard an elegant tall ship from the Sea Cloud fleet. Few experiences on the water rival the sheer joy of sailing on one of these traditional windjammers, where nostalgia imbues every deck and cabin, and the prevailing winds chart your course through a bygone era. Join us aboard the historic Sea Cloud or her modern counterpart, Sea Cloud II, and set off on a timeless journey, where your transportation is as intriguing as your destination.
(9) Mediterranean Itineraries
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NOTE: For expeditions departing April 2024 onward, Day 1 of our itineraries will no longer reflect “departure from the U.S.” and will reflect “arrival to the city” where your expedition begins. Durations of expeditions will remain unchanged. More details.
New
Ancient Mediterranean Odyssey: Exploring Greece, Croatia, and Albania
Duration
8 days
Jun
Aug
Oct
From
$7,343
Top Highlights
Navigate the iconic Corinth Canal, a spectacularly scenic cut that is inaccessible to larger ships
Immerse yourself in Delphi, the center of ancient Greek civilization, once home to the famed Oracle of Delphi
Explore Dubrovnik—the pearl of the Adriatic—while strolling atop its ancient walls, trying your hand at oystering, or participating in a cooking or silk embroidery class
New
Croatia Under Sail: Dubrovnik, Split, and Zadar aboard the Sea Cloud Fleet
Duration
9 days
May
Jun
Aug
Sep
From
$10,336
Top Highlights
Bask in the romance of tall ship sailing as you cruise the turquoise waters of the Adriatic Sea among picturesque isles
Discover ancient ruins, centuries-old architecture, and several UNESCO World Heritage sites that narrate the story of Croatia's past
In Pula, discover the impressive amphitheater built in the first century A.D.—the only remaining Roman amphitheater to have four side towers entirely preserved
New
Crossroads of the Ancient World: Exploring Greece and Turkey
Duration
11 days
Jul
Sep
From
$11,103
Top Highlights
Approach Greece and Turkey’s iconic coastal villages from the sea, and dive into the surrounding turquoise waters for swimming, snorkeling, diving, kayaking, and paddleboarding adventures
Enjoy hiking in Paros and sample the culinary delights of Naxos during a cooking class and wine tasting
Explore Delos, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the mythical birthplace of Artemis and Apollo
NOTE: For expeditions departing April 2024 onward, Day 1 of our itineraries will no longer reflect “departure from the U.S.” and will reflect “arrival to the city” where your expedition begins. Durations of expeditions will remain unchanged.
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
From
$7,730
Prices are per person
Highlights
Europe
Mediterranean
Mediterranean aboard National Geographic Orion
New
Greek Isles Odyssey: Mythology, History, and Cerulean Seas
Duration
8 days
NOTE: For expeditions departing April 2024 onward, Day 1 of our itineraries will no longer reflect “departure from the U.S.” and will reflect “arrival to the city” where your expedition begins. Durations of expeditions will remain unchanged.
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
From
$7,730
Top Highlights
Sail the sapphire waters of Santorini's volcanic caldera, and go ashore to explore the enchanting town of Oía, with its sugar-cube buildings and world-famous sunsets
On Milos, visit the Bronze Age settlement of Phylakopi and the farm where the famed Greek sculpture of ‘Venus de Milo’ was evacuated
Swim, snorkel, kayak, or dive in the turquoise waters of the Cyclades, and take in classic Aegean sunsets from the beautiful open deck of _National Geographic Orion_
New
Mediterranean Wonders: Sicily, Greece, Sardinia, and Beyond
Duration
13 days
From
$15,538
Top Highlights
Discover an array of architectural marvels, from the Alhambra in Granada to Lisbon’s 16th-century Jerónimos Monastery and Ronda's impressive Puente Nuevo bridge
Explore six UNESCO World Heritage sites, including Granada's extraordinary Alhambra palace, the Tower of Belém in Lisbon, and Porto’s old city
Learn how cork oak is harvested in the orchards of the Algarve, and explore Galicia's estuaries with local fishermen
Sailing the Greek Isles aboard the Sea Cloud Fleet
Duration
8 days
Jun
Aug
Sep
From
$12,709
Top Highlights
Experience the Cyclades while under full sail aboard a romantic tall ship
On UNESCO World Heritage-listed Delos, the mythological birthplace of twin gods Artemis and Apollo, visit the Temple of Apollo, an important archaeological site
At Tinos, see the active pilgrimage site of Panagia Evangelistria and terraced hillsides
New
Treasures of the Adriatic: Croatia's Dalmatian Coast and Montenegro
Duration
8 days
Aug
From
$9,058
Top Highlights
Experience Croatia’s stunning shades of blue and green on the forested isle of Mljet and amid the picturesque waterfalls and gem-like pools of Plitvice Lakes National Park
Explore the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Dubrovnik while strolling atop the ancient walls, trying your hand at oystering, or participating in a cooking or silk embroidery class
Marvel at the medieval charms of fortified Montenegro, with options for wine tasting, hiking, or learning about olive oil production
A legend of both her time and today, the 30-cabin Sea Cloud was built in 1931 for the heiress Marjorie Merriweather Post. The last of the private tall ships, she carries 30 sails, which are raised by hand as you venture out to sea. Settle into the banquette of the “blue lagoon,” or enjoy refreshments at the covered Lido Bar. Every detail—from the marble fireplaces to the French antiques—reflects the extravagant charms of American royalty.
Inspired by her splendid predecessor, Sea Cloud II celebrates the time-honored traditions of her fleet: the hand-raising of her sails and nightly sundowners on deck. She combines the elegance of a classic square-rigger and the spaciousness of a contemporary vessel, with each of the 44 outward-facing cabins outfitted in modernized amenities. Expansive outdoor viewing areas tempt guests to savor the romance of traveling under billowing sail.
Expedition Highlights
Sail Europe’s most storied waters on an expertly crafted itinerary, stepping ashore in captivating places from Corsica to Croatia and beyond, where the vestiges of antiquity come vibrantly to life. Discover sights both storied and secret, and gain unique perspectives from our expert guides on the threads that connect the region’s histories and cultures. Enjoy an unhurried pace under sail, with time at leisure to amble picturesque harbors and sample the many culinary delights this region has to offer.
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Highlights
Life On Board
One of the great joys of traveling aboard a traditional tall ship is witnessing the theater of her spirited crew raise and lower the sails by hand. Watch acrobatic sailors climb the rigging, loosen the heavy cloth, and haul the lines in from the deck—performing a grand choreography that never ceases to mesmerize.
Sail the Legendary Sea Cloud
Wherever she sails, Sea Cloud is a destination and a reason to travel all in one. Experience the epitome of elegance aboard the historic Marjorie Merriweather Post sailing yacht.
Sailing the Mediterranean Aboard Sea Cloud II
Let the Mediterranean's prevailing winds chart your course through a bygone era as we sail to lesser-known sites, such as Napoleon’s home on the isle of Elba, and enjoy exclusive experiences, like a private lunch at a Sicilian castle with a riveting Hollywood story.
Traveling Under Sail with the Historic Sea Cloud Fleet
Sailing aboard a Sea Cloud ship is both a grand and effortlessly casual experience. Whether on the namesake vessel or Sea Cloud II, it's a rare chance to get immersed in old-world elegance and comfort.
Wonders of the World: Exploring 9 UNESCO Heritage Sites
On a voyage through history, certain locations and landmarks stand out as especially monumental, such as the world’s largest Buddhist temple or North America’s earliest known European structures.
Voyages through the Mediterranean offer abundant opportunities to discover local cultural traditions, including special music and dance performances curated by ethnomusicologist Jacob Edgar on select departures. Enjoy a preview of these soulful sounds. Follow Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic on Spotify to find playlists showcasing music from the Mediterranean and beyond, specially curated by Jacob Edgar.
See, do, and learn more by going with engaging experts who have been exploring this region for decades. Go with an expedition leader, naturalists, historians, and more.
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.
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.
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.
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.
On select voyages travel with a bona fide National Geographic Expert. These top pros at your side and at your service—providing insight, knowledge, and presentations as you voyage along storied coasts.
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Sailing into Kotor, Montenegro is a breathtaking experience. As the ship glides through the narrow fjord-like Bay of Kotor, the towering mountains embrace the crystal-clear waters, creating a majestic natural amphitheater. The medieval town of Kotor slowly emerges, its ancient stone walls and red-tiled roofs a striking contrast against the lush green mountainsides. The air is filled with the scent of saltwater and pine trees, as the ship docks in the charming harbor. A short boat ride from Kotor leads to Gospa od Škrpjela (Our Lady of the Rocks), a tiny, man-made island steeped in legend. The island, crowned by a beautiful Catholic church, is said to have been created by sailors who laid stones in the water to honor an icon of the Virgin Mary. The church’s interior dazzles with intricate paintings and silver votive plaques, each one a token of gratitude for answered prayers. Surrounding the island is the calm, sapphire sea, reflecting the sun’s rays and the grandeur of the surrounding mountains. Visiting Gospa od Škrpjela offers a serene, spiritual pause, enhancing the timeless beauty of Montenegro’s Bay of Kotor.
Early this morning, Sea Cloud docked at the port of Durrës, Albania. After disembarking, we boarded a coach and began our journey inland, driving along scenic roads lined with olive trees and rolling hills. Our destination was Krujë, a historic town perched on a hillside. We soon reached Krujë, where we made our way to the famous Skanderbeg Castle, a fortress that once stood as the stronghold of Albania's national hero, Gjergj Kastrioti Skanderbeg. We explored the grounds, walking through ancient stone pathways that offered stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Inside the castle, we visited the Skanderbeg Museum, which housed artifacts, weapons, and historical documents related to the hero's resistance against the Ottoman Empire. Our expert guide explained how Skanderbeg’s leadership had inspired Albanian unity and pride during the 15th century. A fascinating story of the bravery and the enduring legacy of Skanderbeg in Albania. After the tour, we strolled through the bustling bazaar at the base of the castle, admiring traditional handicrafts before heading back to Durrës, reflecting on the rich history we had just witnessed.
Our voyage with Sea Cloud II is coming to an end, and today’s morning saluted us with clear, blue skies and sun as we were anchoring in front of the beautiful coastal town of Piran. On our sailing adventures, we marked one more country on our maps – Slovenia. We took a lovely drive towards Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia, where we enjoyed beautiful Austrian architecture in the center of the city, a scenic boat drive along the Ljubljanica River, and a photo walk tour with our Lindblad Expedition Photographer Lisa Hornak. After a big and tasty lunch in the center of Ljubljana, we took a scenic bus drive towards the beautiful, small village of Predjama to visit the largest cave castle. This impregnable medieval marvel was built 800 years ago in the middle of a 400 foot-high cliff. After exploring the hidden corner of Predjama Castle, we took a bus back to Piran where we enjoyed a beautiful sunset and even a longer stay in the city to explore Piran by night.
We arrived in the port city of Sarande to begin our two-day visit of Albania. We first traveled by bus to Butrint, traversing an intriguing landscape of beachside hotels, half-finished houses, Communist-era bunkers, and cultivated fields. Once at the National Park of Butrint, we toured the archaeological site along forested paths, taking in the complex mix of material dating from the Hellenistic to Ottoman eras. The weather was perfect, and the rain from the previous evening left behind shallow pools that reflected the site’s ancient ruins and lush vegetation. Departing Butrint, we traveled to Lekuris Castle, originally built in the 16th century by the Ottoman Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent. We were greeted upon arrival by a musician in Albanian dress, playing a traditional Albanian flute. We had a light snack in the restored castle and enjoyed spectacular views from the terrace. Heading back to the ship, we spent an afternoon under sail, with several guests taking the opportunity to climb along the bowsprit with guidance from Sea Cloud ’s expert sailors. Photo Instructor Jose Calvo offered a talk on key aspects of photography, and we concluded our day with a maritime buffet on the Lido Deck.
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.