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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; follow in their path while exploring coasts with long and rich histories. 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. Croatia’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.

The ship is herself a part of contemporary history, and will sail these waters enthusiastically, as you take pleasure in her comforts, fine food and extraordinary ambiance. The winds along the Peloponnesian Peninsula, Ionian Greece and the Dalmatian Coast tend to pick up in the afternoon as the stalwart limestone landscape returns the warmth of the Mediterranean sun. The National Geographic cruise itinerary takes advantage of Sea Cloud’s acres of canvas while navigating as the ancients did, under full sail.

As befits an expedition, this itinerary is always subject to change, as dictated by the winds and weather of the region.

Day 1 - US to Greece

Fly Overnight To Athens, Greece

Accommodations: n/a
Included Meals: n/a

Day 2 - Athens to Piraeus and Embark

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

Accommodations: Sea Cloud
Included Meals: dinner

Day 3 - Sailing Aboard Sea Cloud

Today will be spent at sea sailing to our first exciting destination. Everyone’s sure to be on deck as Sea Cloud’s sails are hoisted the old-fashioned way: by hand to sail around the Peloponnesian Peninsula.

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

Day 4 - Katakolon & Olympia

Explore the ancient site of Olympia, home of the Panhellenic Festival held here beginning in 776 BC. Return to the ship and sail northward.

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

Day 5 - Corfu

After a morning’s sailing, arrive at Corfu - the second largest of the Ionian Islands. Visit the Achilleion Palace, built in 1890, with splendid gardens and views of the Ionian Sea. Walk and explore the Old Town.

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

Day 6 - Sarandë And Butrint, Albania

Visit the ancient city of Butrint, a World Heritage Site. Continue to intriguing Sarandë. In the afternoon, stop for a swim and walk along Albania’s coastline.

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

Day 7 - Tiranë, Albania

From Durrës, drive to Albania’s capital Tiranë. Visit Skanderbeg Square and the National History Museum, and meet with a local luminary. As crew unfurl Sea Cloud’s sails, we head northward.

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

Day 8 - Kotor, Montenegro

Sail into the Gulf of Kotor. Visit Perast, then take a boat to the islet of Gospa od Skrpjela. See medieval Kotor, and drive up the 27 serpentine switchbacks to the top of the fjord for an unrivaled view.

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

Day 9 - Dubrovnik, Croatia

Anchor off Dubrovnik’s city walls and land in the heart of Old Town. Stroll marble-paved streets and walk on the ramparts. There’s a private performance of traditional klapa music. Opt for an after-dinner stroll through town.

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

Day 10 - Korcula

Sail in the morning, then explore beautiful Korcula. Visit the house believed to be Marco Polo’s birthplace; enjoy free time at Korcula’s cafés and waterfront; see a private performance of the traditional Moreska sword dance.

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

Day 11 - Hvar/At Sea

In Hvar, one of the most attractive and lively of Croatia’s historic towns, a walking tour shows us key sites. You may also hike up to the Citadel. Head southward for a final afternoon’s sailing.

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

Day 12 - Dubrovnik/Disembark

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

Accommodations: n/a
Included Meals: breakfast

Optional Athens Pre-or-Post Voyage Extension:
Day 1 - Fly overnight to Athens
Days 2-3 - Explore Athens's Acropolis and Agora
Day 4 - Athens, Piraeus, Embark ship
Or Reverse

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 ($1200 charter airfare not included), 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!

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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