Discover hidden treasures, picturesque islands, and ancient wonders on this 11-day cruise aboard Sea Cloud II. Explore Dubrovnik's well-preserved fortress, sail through the Adriatic, and visit Otranto's Baroque Lecce. Uncover archaeological wonders in Saranda, explore mythical Paxos, and relax in Fiscardo and Kefalonia. Appreciate sailing's beauty at sea, then reach Monemvasia, a Byzantine town on a rock. Finally, disembark in Athens, the birthplace of democracy, and explore historic sites, including the iconic Parthenon. This cruise promises an immersive blend of history, culture, and natural beauty for an unforgettable Mediterranean adventure.
Highlights
Explore Dubrovnik's medieval fortress and UNESCO World Heritage old town
Discover Lecce's Baroque idyllic cityscape in Italy
Explore Monemvasia, a Byzantine retreat with a rich historical backdrop
Visit Kefalonia's stunning cliffs and the picturesque village of Fiscardo
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
When Venice still ruled the Adriatic, Dubrovnik was an important maritime republic and the floating city's chief rival. Dubrovnik proudly calls itself the "Pearl of the Adriatic" and its fortress is one of the best preserved in Europe. As you walk around the imposing walls of the old town, you can look out across two seas – the deep blue Adriatic and a sea of red roof shingles. The old town, with its beautiful squares, magnificent boulevards and narrow winding alleyways, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Adriatic island of Korcula is one of the greenest in the region. Vineyards and olive groves stretch across rolling hills. The island's main town of the same name is protected by a city wall. It is one of the best-preserved medieval Mediterranean towns. Some buildings evoke the time when the maritime power of Venice ruled. Tintoretto is immortalised in the cathedral, and in one of the narrow streets you can search for the house where Marco Polo was born.
Climbing the rigging, untying ropes, setting sails – today is all about sailing. Time to lean back and relax in the deck chair and watch the passionate crew hoisting the sails by hand.
Otranto is the most easterly port in Italy and, due to its geographic location in the Adriatic, has had an extremely eventful history over the centuries. Not far away is Lecce, one of the most beautiful and affluent cities in southern Italy whose heyday was immortalised in stone over 200 years. The Baroque cityscape, in the idiosyncratic "barocco leccese" style, is characterised by a marble-like stone known as Lecce stone. The numerous palaces and the Basilica di Santa Croce have profusely decorated facades and art feels right at home here. There is good reason why people are proud of its evocative nickname, the Florence of the South.
Close to the small seaport of Sarande, amidst a national park, lies Butrint, one of Albania's greatest attractions and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This city became a spa and festival town in the ancient world as early as 2,500 years ago, and every era in Greek, Roman and Byzantine history has left behind evidence in stone. Discover the spectacular Lion Gate from the 4th century BC. Four fifths of this archaeological site still remain to be uncovered.
Even gods need a break! In search of a romantic beach together with his wife Amphitrite, Poseidon once used his trident to tear off a piece of Corfu. And in a flash, Paxos was created. This slim, rocky Ionian island is still as fabulous today as the myth of its creation. More than 30 famous beaches with crystal clear water and bright pebbles stretch out in the warm Greek sun. Most of them nestle up to the beautiful east coast. To the west, impressive rock formations with magical grottoes and caves dominate the coastline. Whether down in its pretty fishing villages or up in its scattered mountain villages, Paxos likes to be laid-back.
The largest, greenest, most picturesque of the Ionian Islands – while Kefalonia is bursting with superlatives, it remains a well-kept secret. This is good for us because the island in the middle of the Gulf of Patras has so much to offer – from its 1,600 meter-high black Mount Ainos to the depths of the Melissani lake in a legendary stalactite cave. The cliffs on Kefalonia’s coastline offer fantastic views of clear waters and bright pebble beaches. And if you just want to relax, then nab a quiet spot in the idyllic fishing village of Fiskardo amidst colorful flowers and bright window shutters, and just take it easy.
Climbing the rigging, untying ropes, setting sails – today is all about sailing. Time to lean back and relax in the deck chair and watch the passionate crew hoisting the sails by hand.
The little town of Monemvasia nestles closely against a rock that lies just off the coast. This impregnable fortress was an important trading center in Byzantine times. Today it is a retreat for wealthy Athenians who spend their weekends here. Behind its walls you can discover the beautifully restored lower town, where you simply want to drift along the tranquil narrow lanes. This picturesque little town on a rock transports you back in time to the romantic Middle Ages, when it was exceptionally modern and lively.
Day 11: Athens | Disembark
1 Breakfast
="A ship will come...", declared the singer Melina Mercouri to the port of Piraeus. Later, as Greek Minister for Culture, she made Athens the first European Capital of Culture in 1985. The city is considered the birthplace of Europe, of philosophy and of democracy, and is the embodiment of the Olympic ideal. World-famous and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987, its landmark is the magnificent Parthenon temple, lying high up on the Acropolis in all its glory. At the foot of the Acropolis hill is the Plaka, the oldest quarter of Athens, and the world's most modern archaeological museum, the new Acropolis Museum, has been here since 2009.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
$11,4252-3 travelers
Select a Date
Category F
Two portholes, chair, table, TV with DVD player, mini-bar, dressing table, closet, safe, individually adjustable A/C.
Select a Date
Category E
Two portholes, sofa, table, TV with DVD player, mini-bar, dressing table, closet, safe, individually adjustable A/C.
Select a Date
Category D
Two portholes, two chairs, table, TV with DVD player, mini-bar, dressing table, closet, safe, individually adjustable A/C.
Select a Date
Category C
Panorama windows, two chairs, table, TV with DVD player, mini-bar, dressing table, closet, safe, individually adjustable A/C.
Select a Date
Category B
Panorama window, sofa, table, chair, decorative fireplace, console with TV/DVD and mini-bar, dressing table, walk-in closet, safe, individually adjustable A/C.
Select a Date
Category A
Panorama window, sofa, table, chair, desk, decorative fireplace, TV and DVD player, mini-bar, dressing table, four closets, safe, individually adjustable A/C.
Notes
Rates are based on double occupancy. A limited number of cabins can be booked for individual use for an additional charge.
Initial deposit is 30%, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 70 days prior to departure by Visa, Mastercard, Discover or AmEx. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge
For full cancellation policy details, please contact us for a quote.
Included
10 Breakfasts, 9 Lunches, 10 Dinners
10 Nights Accommodations
Accommodations as listed
Ground transportation as listed
Activities as listed
Meals as listed
Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
Beer, wine, cocktails, and spirits aboard the ship. We are also pleased to offer a selection of super premium wines and liquors that are available for purchase.
Crew gratuities
Complimentary Wi-Fi internet is available to all guests (connectivity permitting)
Gratuities
Port Fees
Welcome and Farewell Cocktails
Welcome champagne in the suite/stateroom
Daily fresh fruit basket in suite/stateroom
All coffee, tea specialties and soft drinks
Bottled water on the excursions
Fine wines from renowned winemakers
Open bar (except premium brands)
Beach barbecues in select destinations
Marina platform with use of water sports equipment such as snorkel gear, stand-up paddleboards, and towable tube (weather permitting)
Laundry service in suites
Curated moments
All meals including nightly 4-course menu and a 5-course gala dinner
Excluded
Travel Insurance
Personal Expenses
Flight costs (please request a quote)
Additional excursions during free time
Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
Wifi
Map
When to Go
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Good to ideal period to travel, and many people choose to visit at this time.
Our guide and driver were very good with their knowledge and were very helpful with our questions. It was a very pleasant visit that would have been impossible to do on our own. Hotels and restaurants were fantastic. The special places we got to go to, like the kitchens, were great. Enjoyed the entire trip!
Meyer Smolen
TrustScore 4.8 | 176 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 176 reviews on
1 day ago
Adventure Life is always an excellent choice when planning complicated, extreme, or exotic vacations or expeditions. They provide friendly professional services and advice and are enthusiastic and encouraging in helping us to prepare and thoroughly enjoy our trip. They handle all the details which greatly reduces the stress of planning a difficult trip. I'm very impressed with Adventure Life and definitely recommend them to friends and family.
Scott Trochim
3 days ago
The response from Adventure Life to my first inquiry was prompt and promising. I worked with Jamie Broeckel, Trip Planner, via text, email, and phone calls- always extremely responsive and thorough with information and explaining the process to arrange a private tour for me to Malaysia Borneo. Within about week, the booking was complete and I made decisions because of Jamie's great customer service , friendly manner, and overall competence on behalf of the company's travel expertise. Now I have an itinerary, additional Trip Planner Assistants, several links for vital information for traveling to Maylasia, etc. Still many details for Sept. trip, but now the heavy lifting is done and I can enjoy the rest of the anticipation and research!! Thanks Jamie- you are amazing!!!!
Susan Campo
5 days ago
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
6 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.