Under Sail: Greece to the Dalmatian Coast aboard the Sea Cloud

DAY 1: Fly Overnight To Athens, Greece

Depart on an overnight flight to Athens.

DAY 2: Athens/Piraeus/Embark

Arrive in Athens and make your way to the Electra Palace Hotel, board Sea Cloud in Piraeus and sail into the Aegean. (L, D)

DAY 3: Sailing Aboard Sea Cloud

Today the sails are set and will be up all day long as we sail along the Peloponnesian Peninsula. Sails are raised the old‐fashioned way, by hand, and the excitement is palpable. Hear presentations from our historian and naturalist, catch‐up on reading and experience the 5‐star service for which the Sea Cloud is famous. (B,L,D)

DAY 4: Katákolo/Olympia

Dock at Katákolo and depart for the ancient site of Olympia, home of the Panhellenic Festival that was held here every four years beginning in 776 BC. 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. (B,L,D)

DAY 5: Ithaca

Sail to Odysseus’s home of Ithaca (Itháki). Today, the island remains off the beaten track, with gems of small Ionian villages. Drive around the island to explore the sites that link it to the era described by Homer. This afternoon we sail southward. (B,L,D)

DAY 6: Sarandë and Butrint, Albania

Today we visit the ancient city of Butrint, one of the great sites of antiquity and now a UNESCO World Heritage site where monuments date from the 4th century BC to the 5th century AD. Its Hellenic theater, Byzantine basilica and Venetian towers lie in a lakeside setting. Continue to Sarandë, with its blend of religions, cultures and landscapes. Drive up to Lekuris Castle for a view of the harbor below. Set sail in the afternoon. (B,L,D)

DAY 7: Kruje

Dock in Durrës, drive to the ancient capital of Kruje, and visit the medieval market and Ethnographic Museum. Also visit the Skanderbeg Museum, dedicated to Albania's national hero. (B,L,D)

DAY 8: Kotor, Montenegro

At Kotor we visit the historic town of Perast, and take a local boat to the islet of Gospa od Skrpjela, home to the Church of Our Lady of the Rock. This tiny islet was created by fishermen dropping rocks

from their rowboats. See medieval Kotor or join us for a drive up the 27 serpentine switchbacks to the top of the fjord for an unrivaled view. (B,L,D)

DAY 9: Dubrovnik, Croatia

Dubrovnik, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is regarded as the best‐preserved medieval town in the world. Stroll marble paved streets to the 15th‐century Rector’s Palace and the Franciscan Monastery, then walk the ramparts that circle the town. This afternoon see a private performance of traditional Croatian klapa music in a monastery courtyard. (B,L,D)

DAY 10: Korčula

At Korčula, we’ll visit the town including the house believed to be Marco Polo's birthplace; enjoy free time to take in cafés and waterfront; and see a private performance of the traditional Moreška sword dance. There’s time for a drink in a local café in the evening. (B,L,D)

DAY 11: Hvar/At Sea

This morning we arrive at Hvar, one of the most attractive of Croatia’s historic Venetian towns. A walking tour takes us 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. Today is a day to hoist the Sea Cloud’s sails, an experience that is sure to have everyone on deck. (B,L,D)

DAY 12: Dubrovnik/Disembark

Disembark for flights home, or to join the optional extension to Mostar and Split. (B)