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The Cyclades are the essence of the Greek Isles. They surround the sacred sanctuary of Delos, one of the most important archaeological sites in the western world. Many of the Cyclades remain virtually unknown to all but the Greeks and the discerning traveler. Your expedition in the Cyclades is an organized mosaic of highlighted island jewels, profound historic substance, overlooked day-by-day living, the sensual delight of Mediterranean flavor, flora, color, sea and sails hoisted above the legendary Sea Cloud. This windjammer will inspire you. Her maritime character as a graceful private yacht will create an atmosphere of elegance while sailing the storied Aegean Sea. It’s the perfect way to experience the islands that the gods called home.

Day 1 - Athens, Greece

Fly Overnight To Athens, Greece

Accommodations: n/a
Included Meals: n/a

Day 2 - Athens/Piraeus/Embark

Arrive in Athens, and head to our hospitality suite at the Electra Palace Hotel, located in the shadow of the Acropolis. After lunch in Athens, travel to Piraeus, embark Sea Cloud and cast lines immediately, enjoying our first Grecian sunset at sea.

Accommodations: Sea Cloud
Included Meals: lunch and dinner

Day 3 - Skyros/At Sea

This morning finds us on unspoiled Skyros. The old town’s whitewashed houses extend improbably across a peak overlooking the sea. The narrow steps and alleys show us quintessential island architecture of the Aegean. Explore before returning to our ship, and in the afternoon sail the Aegean.

Accommodations: Sea Cloud
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 4 - At Sea/Tinos

After a morning’s sailing, anchor at Tinos. Its green marble, Venetian dovecotes and terraced hillsides have long made it a haven for artists. Drive to Pyrgos, where carved marble adorns the facades. Returning to the main town, stop at Panagia Evangelistria Church, a pilgrimage site, and spend the evening at the attractive waterfront.

Accommodations: Sea Cloud
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 5 - Delos/Naxos

At tiny Delos, the twin gods Artemis, goddess of animals and the hunt, and Apollo, god of healing, reason, and light, were said to have been born. Explore the Street of the Lions and the marble Temple of Apollo. This afternoon visit Naxos, a center of Cycladic art, taking a walking tour of Naxos Town and the old town, with narrow alleys and a medieval Venetian castle.

Accommodations: Sea Cloud
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 6 - Amorgos/At Sea

This morning explore mountainous Amorgos, where many residents still live traditionally, using donkeys for transport. The beautifully preserved capital of Hora offers great opportunities to explore on foot, and visit the remarkable monastery of Hozoviotissas, suspended on a cliffside. This afternoon sail forward enjoying Sea Cloud’s many amenities.

Accommodations: Sea Cloud
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 7 - Santoríni, Greece

Santoríni is an island archipelago, once a single volcanic cone that erupted some 3,600 years ago. Be on deck to sail into the caldera, the center of the volcano and observe the cliffs. On shore, drive through Santoríni’s windswept vineyards to the hugely picturesque town of Oia, before visiting the main town of Thira. Perched high on the cliff, Thira affords unrivaled views of the caldera below. Santoríni is one of the most spectacular islands on earth.

Accommodations: Sea Cloud
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 8 - Exploring the Aegean/At Sea

Today set the sails in the scenic Cycladic islands, watching the crew up in the rigging, trimming the sails. Listen to presentations from our Historians and Naturalist, and experience the 5-star service and cuisine for which the Sea Cloud is famous. If time allows, opt for a swim or make an impromptu stop at one of the less-visited islands.

Accommodations: Sea Cloud
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 9 - Piraeus/Disembark/Athens/U.S.

Disembark Sea Cloud this morning for transfers to Athens airport, or take the optional 3-night extension to Crete.

Accommodations: n/a
Included Meals: breakfast



Extend Your Trip: Call AdventureSmith Explorations about the possibilities of combining trips to other regions of Europe.

Itinerary Notes: Read this itinerary as a guide only; our exact route and program varies according to weather conditions and the wildlife/culture we encounter. Flexibility is the key to the success of this expedition.

For your party of 8 or more, you will each receive 5% off your expedition. A 10% deposit is due at time of reservation, and an additional 25% is required 120 days in advance.

Included: All accommodations per itinerary or similar, all meals and nonalcoholic beverages aboard ship, meals on land as indicated, air transportation where indicated as included, shore excursions, sightseeing and entrance fees, special access permits, transfers to and from group flights, use of snorkeling equipment and wet suits, use of kayaks (where available), gratuities (except to ship’s crew), taxes and service charges, services of a ship physician on most voyages, and services of our staff.

Exclusions: Air transportation ($900 charter airfare), extensions, passport, visa, immigration fees, scuba diving (where available), meals not indicated, baggage/accident/travel protection plan, items of a personal nature, such as alcoholic beverages, e-mail, and laundry. Gratuities to ship's crew at your discretion

Room Configurations: Arrangements for roommate shares for solo travelers at the double occupancy rate in Category 1 and 2 only can be made. You will be matched with a cabin mate(s) of the same gender. If no cabin mate can be found for you, no single supplement will be charged. Third person rates are available in certain categories at one half the double occupancy rate.

Families & Children: Travelers aged 17 years old and under save $500. Specially skilled staff who are trained in organizing activities that inspire curiosity in young people of all ages. These staff members have gone through a course designed by travel experts with years of experience in childhood and environmental education. This course has also been created in conjunction with the National Geographic Education department and NG Kids Magazine. And don't worry – even though these are educational travel gems, the primary emphasis is on "fun". After all, you are on a family cruise vacation! Child Discount: We believe sharing an expedition with your kids or grandkids is a life-enhancing experience.

Arrival & Departure: We have charter flights available. Our specialists can help with booking flights.

Payment & Cancellation: To reserve your place, an advance payment for the program as outlined is required and is payable by Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover or check. The per person amount due is $850. For expeditions of nine nights or more, final payment is due 90 days prior to departure.

Cancellation Penalties are as follows:
120 or more days prior to departure - $150 fee per person
119-90 days prior - Advance payment cost forfeited
89-60 days prior - 25% of trip cost forfeited
59-30 days prior - 50% of trip cost forfeited
29-0 days prior - No refund

Terms & Conditions: This trip is subject to AdventureSmith Explorations Terms and Conditions. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A packing list and extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information is sent upon confirmation.

Travel Insurance: We highly recommend our travelers protect their investment with travel insurance. Please note that you must purchase your travel insurance policy within 14 days of booking your trip for it to cover pre-existing medical conditions. Click the link below for a selection of policies from our partners at Travelex.



Qualifications: This trip will be enjoyed by anyone who is in good health and leads an active life. Daily excursions from the boat will be made in Zodiacs. Trip members will take excursions to specific areas for wildlife observation. Hiking time for most landings will be a couple of hours roundtrip with lots of time to stop to study, photograph and enjoy the flora and fauna. Some landings are dry but many are "wet", requiring cautious footing on slippery rocks. The boat staff will be on hand to assist.


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