Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
Arrive in Istanbul and check in to your extraordinary hotel, the Four Seasons at Sultanahmet, located in the heart of the historic district. After lunch take a brief driving tour that includes a visit to the Blue Mosque and Topkapi Palace or Hagia Sophia. This afternoon you may rest or explore on your own, and then gather for dinner. (D)
Day 2: Istanbul / Ephesus / Embark
Today board your flight to Izmir and drive to Ephesus, an ancient Greco-Roman city that was for many years the second largest city of the Empire, ranking only behind Rome. Ephesus was famed for one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Temple of Artemis (Diana), who had her chief shrine there; for the Library of Celsus; and for its theater, which was capable of holding 25,000 spectators. Explore the Great Theater and the ruins of the Library. After lunch, drive the short distance to the port of Kusadasi and embark Sea Cloud. (B,L,D)
Day 3: At Sea / Didyma
On deck, watch as nimble sailors climb the lines to raise Sea Cloud’s sails by hand. Under full sail head for Didyma. Once a shrine of ancient Greece, Didyma was established preceding literacy, and even before the Hellenic colonization of Ionia. Next to Delphi, this site was home to the most renowned oracle of the Hellenic world. Here visit the Temple of Apollo and learn the site’s meaning in the ancient world. Late this afternoon return to Sea Cloud. (B,L,D)
Day 4: Bodrum
Bodrum enjoys a picturesque setting on the Aegean. On a small promontory lies the Castle of St. Peter, built in the 15th century by Crusader knights and later captured by Suleiman the Magnificent. It houses the fabulous Museum of Underwater Archaeology, where you’ll have a special visit, seeing many items excavated from shipwrecks of the Bronze Age and subsequent eras, including artifacts from all over the Mediterranean. (B,L,D)
Day 5: Sailing the Aegean
Today set the sails and leave them up all day long, sailing among the Cycladic islands, watching the crew up in the rigging, trimming the sails. Hear presentations from the Historians and Naturalist, catch-up on reading and experience the 5-star service and cuisine for which the Sea Cloud is famous. And you might even go for a swim or make an impromptu stop in the late afternoon. (B,L,D)
Day 6: Santorini, Greece
Incomparable Santorini is an island archipelago that was once a single volcanic cone. It erupted in the second millennium BC and buried what some say might have been the legendary island of Atlantis. Stand on deck as your ship sails into the caldera (the center of the old volcano) and observe the cliffs from the sea. On shore, drive through windswept vineyards characteristic of Santorini, and along the rimmed town of Oia before visiting the main town of Thira. Perched high on the volcanic cliff, Thira affords unrivaled views of the caldera below. Santorini is, quite simply, one of the most spectacular islands on earth. (B,L,D)
Day 7: At Sea / Folegandros
At Folegandros head up to the stunning, cliffside town of Hora. With quiet lanes, cafes and great vistas, Folegandros is quintessentially “undiscovered.” This afternoon the crew climb the rigging and set sail as your ship charts a course for Delos. (B,L,D)
Day 8: Delos / At Sea
Tiny Delos is where the twin gods Artemis, goddess of animals and the hunt, and Apollo, god of healing, reason and light, were said to have been born. Today Delos is a magnificent archaeological site, where you will explore, among other places, the Street of the Lions and the marble Temple of Apollo. On your final afternoon relax, unwind and set sail one last time, bound for Piraeus. (B,L,D)
Day 9: Piraeus / Disembark
Disembark Sea Cloud this morning for transfers to Athens airport for your return flights home. (B)
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Category 1
Cabins 28-29 on Promenade Deck. Cabins have two single beds, a window and private bath facilities.
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Category 1S
Cabins 16-17, Promenade Deck. Upper and lower single beds, window. These cabins once housed the ship's officers.
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Category 2
Cabins 18-25 on the Promenade Deck. Cabins have two single beds, a window and private bath facilities.
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Category 3
Cabins 32-37 on Captain's Deck. Cabins have two single beds, a window and private bath facilities.
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Category 4
Cabins 30-31, Captain's Deck. Cabins have a queen bed, forward-facing window and private bath facilities.
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Category B
Deluxe Cabins 3-10, Main Deck. Large original cabins have a mix of bed types and decor motifs. All have portholes.
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Category A
Deluxe Cabins 3-10, Main Deck. Large original cabins have a mix of bed types and decor motifs. All have portholes.
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Category OS
Original owners suites 1-2, Main Deck. King sized beds, grand marble bathrooms with bathtubs.
Everything was amazing! The planning with Adventure Life went smoothly. The actual trip was fantastic! One of the best trips I have experienced. The cruise staff members were knowledgeable and attentive. I will be writing more about this on the blog!
Justin Chappelle
TrustScore 4.8 | 174 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 174 reviews on
1 day 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
2 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.