Mediterranean Under Sail

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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

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. 

Europe

Mediterranean

Mediterranean aboard National Geographic Orion

New Ancient Mediterranean Odyssey: Exploring Greece, Croatia, and Albania 

Duration

8 days
  1. Jun
  2. Aug
  3. Oct

From

$7,493

Prices are per person

Highlights

Europe

Mediterranean

Mediterranean aboard National Geographic Orion

New Ancient Mediterranean Odyssey: Exploring Greece, Croatia, and Albania 

Duration

8 days
  1. Jun
  2. Aug
  3. Oct

From

$7,493

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
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Europe

Mediterranean

New and Noteworthy

New Croatia Under Sail: Dubrovnik, Split, and Zadar aboard the Sea Cloud Fleet

Duration

9 days
  1. May
  2. Jun
  3. Aug
  4. Sep

From

$12,148

Prices are per person

Highlights

Europe

Mediterranean

New and Noteworthy

New Croatia Under Sail: Dubrovnik, Split, and Zadar aboard the Sea Cloud Fleet

Duration

9 days
  1. May
  2. Jun
  3. Aug
  4. Sep

From

$12,148

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
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Europe

Mediterranean

Mediterranean aboard National Geographic Orion

New Crossroads of the Ancient World: Exploring Greece and Turkey

Duration

11 days
  1. Jul
  2. Sep

From

$11,330

Prices are per person

Highlights

Europe

Mediterranean

Mediterranean aboard National Geographic Orion

New Crossroads of the Ancient World: Exploring Greece and Turkey

Duration

11 days
  1. Jul
  2. Sep

From

$11,330

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
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Europe

Mediterranean

Mediterranean aboard National Geographic Orion

New Greek Isles Odyssey: Mythology, History, and Cerulean Seas

Duration

8 days
  1. May
  2. Jun
  3. Jul
  4. Aug
  5. Sep

From

$7,888

Prices are per person

Highlights

Europe

Mediterranean

Mediterranean aboard National Geographic Orion

New Greek Isles Odyssey: Mythology, History, and Cerulean Seas

Duration

8 days
  1. May
  2. Jun
  3. Jul
  4. Aug
  5. Sep

From

$7,888

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_
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Mediterranean

Europe & British Isles

Mediterranean aboard National Geographic Orion

New Mediterranean Wonders: Sicily, Greece, Sardinia, and Beyond

Duration

13 days

From

$15,855

Prices are per person

Highlights

Mediterranean

Europe & British Isles

Mediterranean aboard National Geographic Orion

New Mediterranean Wonders: Sicily, Greece, Sardinia, and Beyond

Duration

13 days

From

$15,855

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
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Special Offers

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Europe

Mediterranean

Sailing the Ancient Shores of Sicily and Malta aboard Sea Cloud II

Duration

11 days
May

From

$13,881

Prices are per person

Highlights

Europe

Mediterranean

Sailing the Ancient Shores of Sicily and Malta aboard Sea Cloud II

Duration

11 days
May

From

$13,881

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
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Special Offers

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Europe

Mediterranean

Sailing the Greek Isles aboard the Sea Cloud Fleet

Duration

8 days
  1. Jun
  2. Aug
  3. Sep

From

$12,709

Prices are per person

Highlights

Europe

Mediterranean

Sailing the Greek Isles aboard the Sea Cloud Fleet

Duration

8 days
  1. Jun
  2. Aug
  3. 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
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Special Offers

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Europe

Mediterranean

Mediterranean aboard National Geographic Orion

New Treasures of the Adriatic: Croatia's Dalmatian Coast and Montenegro

Duration

8 days
Aug

From

$9,243

Prices are per person

Highlights

Europe

Mediterranean

Mediterranean aboard National Geographic Orion

New Treasures of the Adriatic: Croatia's Dalmatian Coast and Montenegro

Duration

8 days
Aug

From

$9,243

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
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Special Offers

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Europe

Mediterranean

Under Sail: Greece and the Dalmatian Coast aboard Sea Cloud

Duration

11 days
  1. Jun
  2. Aug
  3. Sep

From

$15,796

Prices are per person

Highlights

Europe

Mediterranean

Under Sail: Greece and the Dalmatian Coast aboard Sea Cloud

Duration

11 days
  1. Jun
  2. Aug
  3. Sep

From

$15,796

Top Highlights

  • Discover the romance of life aboard a hand-sailed tall ship in the waters of the Aegean, Ionian, and Adriatic Seas
  • Step back in history at four UNESCO World Heritage sites, including the evocative ruins of Olympia, Greece, and Albania’s historic city of Butrint
  • Skim across Montenegro’s Gulf of Kotor to Our Lady of the Rocks, a tiny islet built of rocks from the mainland and sunken fishing boats
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The Sea Cloud Fleet

Sea Cloud

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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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.

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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.

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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.

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The Seductive Allure of Santorini

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

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Expedition Music

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.

wavelengths_spotify.jpg

Ready for the adventure of a lifetime?

Talk to an Expedition Specialist

1.800.397.3348

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Talk to an Expedition Specialist

1.800.397.3348

Call now

Make a reservation

Book Now

Sign up for our newsletter & special offers

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Explore with top expedition teams

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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National Geographic Expert

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. 

Talk to an Expedition Specialist

1.800.397.3348

Call now

Daily Expedition Reports

Follow Along

Daily Expedition Reports

10/3/2024

Read

Sea Cloud

Amalfi and Napoli, Italy

Anticipating rough weather, we woke early today to attempt a morning visit to the city of Amalfi. Unfortunately, the seas were already too rough to safely disembark, and we were compelled to make other plans. We instead spent a quiet morning at sea, including a presentation by National Geographic-Lindblad Historian Rebecca on shipwreck archaeology, a fitting topic for a ship prudently avoiding rough weather. Today’s lunch on the lido deck featured the famous Sea Cloud pasta wheel, a large wheel of Parmigiano-Reggiano in which a delectable pasta is prepared.   We managed to dock in Napoli around midday, and interested guests accompanied Expedition Leader John on a walk around some of Napoli’s historic neighborhoods. Our leisurely walk took us past the medieval Castel Nuovo, through the soaring Galleria of Umberto I, and alongside the expansive Royal Palace of Napoli.   Back aboard Sea Cloud this evening, we enjoyed the guest slide show during cocktail hour followed by one final, sumptuous dinner in the ship’s elegant dining room.

Daily Expedition Reports

10/2/2024

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Sea Cloud

Pompeii and Salerno

Our journey through Southern Italy is coming to a close, but no voyage is complete without walking through some of the deepest parts of history. We’ve had the good fortune of exploring some of the most magnificent archaeological sites this region has to offer. This morning, however, was more than a field trip of exploration—it was an awakening, feeling the ground beneath us almost exactly as it was 2,000 years ago.   Our morning in Pompeii was humbling and our guides did more than point and talk, they brought us to a time and place with a sense of familiarity. The stories resonated with all of us differently, but everyone felt connected.   In the afternoon, we were fortunate to experience the historic streets of Salerno. The ancient streets we wandered were a work of art—from colorful laundry hanging on the line, to dainty symbolic murals and the ever so frequent scruffy alley cats. We couldn’t help but to marvel at it all.

Daily Expedition Reports

10/1/2024

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Sea Cloud

Agropoli and Paestum

After landing in Agropoli, the breeze carried the scent of the Mediterranean, a prelude to the historic wonders of Paestum just a short drive away. The coastal town, with its rocky shoreline and deep-blue waters, set the scene for a journey back in time. As we traveled inland, the landscape transformed into verdant fields, a reminder of southern Italy’s ancient agricultural roots.   Arriving in Paestum, we were greeted by three magnificent Greek temples, each standing tall amidst a vast archaeological site. The Temple of Hera, the oldest of the trio, exuded a timeless elegance, its Doric columns still largely intact after millennia. The Temple of Neptune, perhaps the most imposing, felt almost alive, its grandeur a testament to the engineering prowess of the ancient Greeks. The quieter Temple of Athena, perched slightly uphill, offered panoramic views of the surrounding plains.   Walking among these ruins, we could imagine the thriving Greco-Roman community that once lived here. The blend of art, religion, and daily life, preserved in both the temples and the museum artifacts, brought ancient Paestum vividly to life, making it an unforgettable day in the heart of Campania.

Daily Expedition Reports

9/30/2024

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Sea Cloud

At Sea and Lipari

Through the night we traversed through the Messina Strait, making way well into the Tyrrhenian Sea to wake up among the Aeolian Islands. The surface of the seas, although smooth, were still in rolling conditions, but that didn’t stop sailors from climbing the masts to let Sea Cloud’ s sails billow in the breeze. The display of sails was deemed too magnificent, and therefore called for a spontaneous photo safari granting guests the opportunity to view and photograph the Sea Cloud from various angles in our Zodiacs.   Our afternoon spent ashore in Lipari boasted breathtaking views of the surrounding islets, volcanoes (even Etna on this clear day), and small sailboats taking full advantage of the favorable winds.   After soaking in scenery and absorbing some archaeological insight from our local guides, we made our way back to Sea Cloud to enjoy an Italian family-style barbeque on the lido deck. The after-dinner show was a crowd favorite. Stromboli left us smiling from ear to ear. Intermittent basaltic magma bursts exploded into the clear starry night sky above—a perfect ending to a quaint, satisfying visit to Lipari.

Daily Expedition Reports

9/29/2024

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Sea Cloud

Giardini Naxos for Taormina

The morning started with an unexpected but auspicious rainbow over Taormina and Etna against an otherwise cloudless sky. Using the ship’s tenders, we arrived on shore to be greeted by our local guides, Maria Rosa and Nicola. Our coaches climbed the rugged coastline to eventually reach Porto Catania, our entryway into the colorful ancient town of Taormina. Our guides brought us through the three main “squares,” past the gelaterias, cafes, ceramic shops, and high-end fashion, to eventually reach the ancient Greco-Roman Theater with its stunning views in all directions, particularly towards Mt. Etna framed by the remains of the Roman scena. After the guided visit, guests had ample time for shopping or other personal pursuits such as tasting fresh handmade cannoli.   Back aboard our coaches, we transferred to the countryside, arriving at Castello degli Schiavi, an old estate made familiar as the Corleone ancestral home from the Godfather films. Here we were greeted by Franco, the owner, along with exuberant folk musicians and a gracious staff providing refreshments and a delectable lunch in the estate’s wine cellar.   Back aboard Sea Cloud , we lifted anchor and sailed northwards to pass through the narrows of the Strait of Messina just after dinner.

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

Talk to an Expedition Specialist

1.800.397.3348

Call now

Make a reservation

Book Now

Sign up for our newsletter & special offers

Sign up

Talk to an Expedition Specialist

1.800.397.3348

Call now

Make a reservation

Book Now

Sign up for our newsletter & special offers

Sign up

View our brochure for more details

Sea Cloud & Sea Cloud II 2025-2026
Caribbean
Italy and Croatia aboard Sea Cloud II
Mediterranean

Sea Cloud & Sea Cloud II 2025-2026

2025-26 Voyages Aboard the Sea Cloud Fleet

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The Mediterranean Aboard National Geographic Orion 2025-26
Europe & British Isles
Mediterranean
Mediterranean aboard National Geographic Orion

The Mediterranean Aboard National Geographic Orion 2025-26

2025-2026 Voyages

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