Destination Reviews
Duration
10 Nights
Journey Type
Cruise only (Please call for flight options)
Ports
9 Ports
19 July
Setting sail from Athens (Piraeus)
Athens is a city awash with historical and cultural significance. Towering over the city are the gleaming columns of the Parthenon, surely one of the most iconic sights in the whole of Europe. And yet Athens is much more than an open air museum; this is a dynamic, bustling metropolis, and a place where history is still very much unfolding. For all its faults, the Greek capital possesses an energy and an optimism that are manifest in everything from the burgeoning art scene to the restaurants and bars that continue to pop up on a regular basis.
Don't miss
Obviously don’t miss the Acropolis, nor the new adjacent museum, where space has pointedly been left for the frieze we call the Elgin Marbles – it is really excellent. Then take time to stroll on the hills and slopes around the outcrop.
20 July
Greece: Spetses
The island of Spetses lies just off the coast of the Peloponnese, and is popular as a second home for well-to-do Athenians. Wander the streets of charming Spetses Town and you’ll find some excellent restaurants, while the surrounding countryside is a verdant landscape of pine forest and gently rolling hills.
21 July
At sea
22 July
Greece: Fiskardo (Kefalonia)
Rugged Kefalonia is the largest of the Ionian islands, and remains unspoilt by tourism despite earning fame as the setting for ‘Captain Corelli’s Mandolin’. The island rewards exploration, with some splendid beaches and lovely little villages, and the vineyards here produce some excellent wines.
23 July
Greece: Paxos
Paxos (also known as Paxi) is a little island with a lot to offer, from beautiful turquoise bays to hiking trails over rugged cliffs. The island is popular with the yachting crowd, and there are some lovely seafront tavernas and bars in the three harbour villages of Gaios, Loggos and Lakka.
24 July
Greece: Corfu
Corfu, known as Kerkyra in Greek, is a beautiful island of verdant hills and rocky coves, and away from the more crowded resorts it remains a sleepy and idyllic place. Don’t miss the picturesque Venetian architecture of Corfu Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
25 July
Italy: Otranto
Otranto sits at the end of the ‘heel’ of Italy, and has borne the brunt of many invasions and attacks over the years, most notably by the Turks in 1480. If you only have a day here we'd recommend visiting nearby Lecce, a true baroque masterpiece that has been described as the ‘Florence of the South’.
26 July
Croatia: Dubrovnik
We never fail to be moved when we see the terracotta roofs and honey-golden walls of Dubrovnik, and a stroll around the perfectly preserved old town is a highlight of any visit to the Dalmatian coast. Make sure you take the time to walk around the walls and soak up the marvellous sea views.
27 July
Croatia: Korcula
Draped in vineyards and olive groves, the verdant Croatian island of Korcula is famous for its white wine and is said by some to be the birthplace of Marco Polo. The main settlement, Korcula Town, bears more than a passing resemblance to Dubrovnik, with a historic centre encircled by medieval walls and towers.
28 July
At sea
29 July
Arriving in Venice
Venice is a city like no other, a marble maze of turquoise canals criss-crossed by beautiful bridges, overflowing with palaces, churches and charming little piazzas. No matter how many times you've seen it in photographs, that first glimpse of the Grand Canal will simply take your breath away; it hardly seems credible that such an eye-popping scene could exist outside of a Canaletto painting. Of course Venice is a city that draws big crowds, especially in summer, but don't let this put you off; even the busiest areas are never more than a few steps from a quiet courtyard or a secluded square.
Our tip
The long, long queues for St Marks might put you off, but just book online in advance for timed entrance and bypass the exhausted tourists.
Your home from home
Built as a private yacht and launched in 1931, this elegant four-masted barque still evokes an era when Hollywood stars, politicians and diplomats graced the decks.
What we love
Sea Cloud is a true tall ship, sailed in the traditional way. With lovingly renovated original cabins, cosy outside cabins or one of the former officer's cabins, it's easy to get a sense of the history this vessel exudes.
| Capacity | 64 Guests |
|---|---|
| Crew | 60 International staff |
| Style | A style that is sure to impress even seasoned cruise-goers, it's elegant, traditional and has a sense of history that is unmatched. |
| Inclusions |
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Tailor-make your trip
Ways to make it better
Extend your stay in Athens
At Mundy, we have long been hunting for the perfect Athenian hotel - our favourite so far is the Electra Palace in Plaka.
Excursions from Athens
Delphi is an absolute must – you’ll need a full day though, it’s quite a drive.
Our favourite hotel in Venice
The Metropole is an old favourite for its quieter location and lovely lagoon views.
See more of the Veneto
If you’ve time, take the train to Padova and visit the Scrovegni Chapel.
