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: Exploring Greece, Croatia and Albania
Duration
8 days
Jun
Aug
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
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
New
Crossroads of the Ancient World: Exploring Greece and Turkey
Duration
11 days
Jul
Sep
From
$11,990
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
New
Dubrovnik, Hvar and Zadar Aboard the Sea Cloud Fleet
Duration
9 days
May
Jun
Aug
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
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
$8,625
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
$8,625
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
$17,757
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
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.
Delphi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is our morning’s destination. It’s a scenic drive from the port of Itea to Delphi, with grand vistas overlooking olive orchards of staggering size, surrounding snow-spotted mountains and the Ionian Sea. Once on site, we walked back into deep time, thousands of years into the past to join the Greek gods. Some of us chose to visit an olive grove instead of Delphi. Once we learned about the process of turning olives into oil, we had the pleasure of sampling a variety of olive oils along with other tasty local snacks. Back on board for the afternoon, we headed out to sea. Historian David Brotherson presented, “Thunder, Gods and Underdogs: the Greco-Persian wars.” Later, National Geographic Photographer MacDuff Everson shared, “How I Became a National Geographic Photographer.” The Corinth Canal was the icing on our Mediterranean voyage cake. We transited the canal after dinner.
Today’s excursions took place in Kefalonia, the final island of National Geographic Orion’s voyage across the Mediterranean. Guests and staff spent the morning exploring not one, but two phenomenal cave sites: Melissani Lake, a crystal-clear body of brackish water overhung by a massive 100’ high cavern, and Drogarati Cave, an underground hall festooned with stalactites, stalagmites, curtains, cave straws, and formations too numerous to count. After emerging from the cooler depths, we spent the afternoon kayaking from the ship, embarking on an adventurous hike around the slopes of the town of Sami, or simply relaxing and swimming at one of Greece’s picturesque beaches.
Today we awoke to some passing showers and beautiful views. The dramatic landscape filled with cliffs and beaches was lined with historic buildings, hinting at an eventful history. Once we had finished our breakfast, we boarded the buses and headed into the old town. From here we enjoyed a guided walking tour by some of the best local historians. The rich history was evident in both the architecture and many statues that lined the streets. After these tours were finished, we enjoyed some free time and shopping in the central district. After returning for another exceptional lunch on board, we rejoined our busses and made our way up into the high hills. From the road alone, we could enjoy fantastic vistas over the electric blue waters and many hidden beach coves. Our destination was a cute town with many cafes and shops to be explored. It was another fantastic day aboard National Geographic Orion .
We spent most of today onboard National Geographic Orion making our way towards Corfu, Greece. Seas were fair and winds were light as we took this time to relax, enjoy the ship, and listen to some great presentations by our onboard naturalists. After a wonderful brunch, Naturalist Adam Woolcott talked to us about “Mediterranean Fisheries” and their evolution over time. Later in the morning Macduff Everton, our very own National Geographic Photographer, and his wife Mary Everton held their workshop “Cycladic Inspirations”. In the afternoon we lost another hour on our voyage, switching our clocks to Greek time. Afterward, National Geographic Expert Dirk Booms gave a presentation entitled, “The Connecting Sea: Mediterranean voyages through the ages”. Greek adventures await us tomorrow!
Our expedition throughout the natural and cultural gems of Italy came to its climax today in Syracusa. During the Greek period, it was the capital of Sicily, where the arts flourished during the reigns of tyrants such as Gelon, Dionysios, and Hieron. The archaeological remains of Syracusa include the great limestone quarries, Greek theatre, and Roman amphitheatre, all of which is now complimented by gardens and groves. As we walk through the park, we learned about the great personalities and struggles of the ancient world. Further to the south, the coastal reserve of Vendicari was an oasis of natural wetlands which hosts numerous bird and reptile species. After lunch aboard National Geographic Orion , we headed out for a walking tour of Ortigia, where the city’s oldest temples are still standing today. The Duomo di Siracusa, the city cathedral, is built around the 6th century BC Temple to Athena. This particular place of worship has been active for over 2,500 years and embodies the many chapters of Sicily’s tumultuous history in a single monument. After a fine meal on the ship, we gathered in the lounge to experience the finest crew show in the fleet!
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.