Under Sail: Greece to the Dalmatian Coast
Trip Details
- Duration: 12 days days
- Visited Areas: Europe
Sailing aboard the legendary Sea Cloud has to be one of the most exhilarating ways imaginable to explore the Aegean, Ionian and Adriatic Seas. These waters have been home to sailors for millennia, and you will follow in their path as you explore coasts with long and rich histories. You will discover Olympia and the charming Ionian island of Corfu in Greece, and continue to the beautiful Dalmatian Coast, a historic region with a tranquil present. CroatiaÂ’s coastal Dalmatians, seafaring Montenegrins, irrepressible Albanians and enduring Greeks all make this voyage an enjoyable expedition. This is the ideal environment for sailing aboard Sea Cloud.
Itinerary
Day 1: Depart Home
Fly Overnight To Athens, Greece.
Day 2: Athens / Piraeus / Embark
Arrive in Athens, and make your way to the Electra Palace Hotel, located in the shadow of the Acropolis. This afternoon, board Sea Cloud in the port of Piraeus and sail into the Aegean.
Day 3: Sailing Aboard the Sea Cloud
Today is a day to hoist the Sea CloudÂ’s sails, an experience that is sure to have everyone on deck. Sails are raised the old-fashioned way: by hand, by the enthusiastic crew, and the excitement is palpable. YouÂ’ll make your way around the Peloponnesian Peninsula, with time to relax and hear talks by your expedition staff.
Day 4: Katakolon / Olympia
Dock in Katakolon and depart for the ancient site of Olympia, home of the Panhellenic Festival that was held here every 4 years beginning in 776 BC. You will see the excavations of Olympia, the Temple of Hora, the famous temple of Zeus in which the statue of Zeus (one of the seven wonders of the ancient world) stood, the Olympic Stadium and the superb Archaeological Museum, along with other sites. Return to the ship and sail northward.
Day 5: Corfu
After a morning’s sailing, arrive at the Ionian island of Corfu, also called Kérkyra. You’ll visit the Achilleion Palace, built in 1890 by Elizabeth, empress of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, with splendid gardens and views of the Ionian Sea. Continuing to the elegant main square of the Old Town, walk its picturesque streets and see the Venetian quarters and the historic center. There’s time to remain in town during the evening if you wish.
Day 6: Sarandë And Butrint, Albania
Today, you visit the ancient city of Butrint, one of the great sites of antiquity and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The major monuments date from between the 4th century BC and the 5th century AD. Its Hellenic theater, Byzantine basilica and Venetian towers lie in a beautiful lakeside setting. Continue to Sarandë, with its blend of religions, cultures and landscapes. In the afternoon, drive up to Lekuris Castle for a view of the harbor below.
Day 7: Tiranë, Albania
From the port of Durrës, drive to Albania’s fascinating capital of Tiranë, where you see relics from one of the longest dictatorships in Eastern Europe. The country is emerging from decades of isolation. You’ll visit the central Skanderbeg Square and the National History Museum and meet with a local luminary. You return to Durrës and unfurl Sea Cloud’s sails as you head northward in the afternoon.
Day 8: Kotor, Montenegro
Sail into the fjord-like Gulf of Kotor, backed by soaring mountains with sparse villages clinging to the slopes. Visit the historic town of Perast, and then take a local boat to the islet of Gospa od Skrpjela, home to the Church of Our Lady of the Rock, created by local fishermen. Spend the afternoon in medieval Kotor, or join a drive up the 27 serpentine switchbacks to the top of the fjord for an unrivaled view.
Day 9: Dubrovnik, Croatia
Under UNESCOÂ’s protection, Dubrovnik is regarded as the best-preserved medieval town in the world. Unlike most ships, the Sea Cloud will actually anchor off the city walls and land in the heart of the Old Town. Here, you stroll marble-paved streets to the 15th-century RectorÂ’s Palace and the Franciscan Monastery. Walk on the ramparts that circle the town. This afternoon, a special treat: a private performance in a monastery courtyard of traditional Croatian klapa music. You remain anchored for the evening, so you might opt for dinner on your own or a stroll through town.
Day 10: Korcula
You’ll travel under sail in the morning, then dock along the 13th-century walls of the island port of Korèula, one of the most beautiful medieval towns in the Balkans. Visit the town, including the house believed by some to be Marco Polo's birthplace; enjoy free time to take in Korèula’s cafés and waterfront; and see a spectacular private performance of the traditional Moreška sword dance. There’s time for a drink in a local café in the evening.
Day 11: Hvar / At Sea
Hvar is known as one of the most attractive of CroatiaÂ’s historic Venetian towns. A walking tour takes you through the Franciscan monastery, the stunning main street arsenal and the oldest active theater in Croatia. Those who want some exercise can hike up to the Citadel. You then head southward for a final afternoonÂ’s sailing.
Day 12: Dubrovnik / Disembark
Disembark for flights home. Please contact ExpeditionTrips for available optional extensions to Mostar and Split.