Mediterranean Under Sail

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Mediterranean expeditions aboard the Sea Cloud fleet

Medieval walled cities and crumbling hilltop castles, imposing volcanoes, and ancient Roman ruins—the treasures of the Mediterranean are seen in their full splendor when exploring aboard an elegant tall ship from the Sea Cloud fleet. Few experiences on the water rival the sheer joy of sailing on one of these traditional windjammers, where nostalgia imbues every deck and cabin, and the prevailing winds chart your course through a bygone era. Join us aboard the historic Sea Cloud or her modern counterpart, Sea Cloud II, and set off on a timeless journey, where your transportation is as intriguing as your destination.

NOTE: For expeditions departing April 2024 onward, Day 1 of our itineraries will no longer reflect “departure from the U.S.” and will reflect “arrival to the city” where your expedition begins. Durations of expeditions will remain unchanged. More details.

Mediterranean aboard Sea Cloud Fleet

New and Noteworthy

Italy and Croatia aboard Sea Cloud II

New Coastal Gems of Croatia and Slovenia aboard Sea Cloud II

Duration

10 days

Aug
Sep

From

$12,387

Prices are per person

Highlights

Mediterranean aboard Sea Cloud Fleet

New and Noteworthy

Italy and Croatia aboard Sea Cloud II

New Coastal Gems of Croatia and Slovenia aboard Sea Cloud II

Duration

10 days

Aug
Sep

From

$12,387

Top Highlights

Experience the splendors of the Golden Age of Sail aboard the gracious Sea Cloud II
Discover Diocletian’s Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Split that dates to the 4th century
Explore the cobblestone streets and markets of medieval towns like Korčula and Trogir

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Mediterranean aboard Sea Cloud Fleet

Corsica & Sardinia aboard Sea Cloud

Duration

11 days

May

From

$18,602

Prices are per person

Highlights

Mediterranean aboard Sea Cloud Fleet

Corsica & Sardinia aboard Sea Cloud

Duration

11 days

May

From

$18,602

Top Highlights

Step aboard the square-rigger Sea Cloud, a timeless sailing yacht once owned by heiress Marjorie Merriweather Post
Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Su Nuraxi di Barumini, one of the largest and most well-preserved Bronze Age stone fortresses known as nuraghi
See the stunning karst limestone rock ravines of Les Calanques de Piana, one of the region’s most stunning landscapes

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Mediterranean aboard Sea Cloud Fleet

New Croatia Under Sail: Dubrovnik, Split, and Zadar aboard the Sea Cloud Fleet

Duration

9 days

May
Jun
Aug
Sep

From

$14,880

Prices are per person

Highlights

Mediterranean aboard Sea Cloud Fleet

New Croatia Under Sail: Dubrovnik, Split, and Zadar aboard the Sea Cloud Fleet

Duration

9 days

May
Jun
Aug
Sep

From

$14,880

Top Highlights

Bask in the romance of tall ship sailing as you cruise the turquoise waters of the Adriatic Sea among picturesque isles
Discover ancient ruins, centuries-old architecture, and several UNESCO World Heritage sites that narrate the story of Croatia's past
In Pula, discover the impressive amphitheater built in the first century A.D.—the only remaining Roman amphitheater to have four side towers entirely preserved

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Mediterranean aboard Sea Cloud Fleet

New and Noteworthy

New Isles of Antiquity: Malta, Sardinia, and the Balearic Sea aboard Sea Cloud

Duration

15 days

Apr

From

$29,344

Prices are per person

Highlights

Mediterranean aboard Sea Cloud Fleet

New and Noteworthy

New Isles of Antiquity: Malta, Sardinia, and the Balearic Sea aboard Sea Cloud

Duration

15 days

Apr

From

$29,344

Top Highlights

Sail aboard the historic Sea Cloud and discover the romance of tall ship sailing as you effortlessly visit major islands of the Mediterranean like Sicily, Malta, and Corsica
Encounter multiple UNESCO World Heritage sites—including Sardinia’s Su Nuraxi di Barumini and the city of Valletta—brought to life by expert historians and archaeologists
Explore Menorca’s Bronze Age village of Torralba d’en Salord and see the characteristic T-shaped stone monuments left by the Talayotic peoples

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Mediterranean aboard Sea Cloud Fleet

Mediterranean Gems: Southern Italy and Sicily aboard Sea Cloud

Duration

11 days

Jun
Sep

From

$18,602

Prices are per person

Highlights

Mediterranean aboard Sea Cloud Fleet

Mediterranean Gems: Southern Italy and Sicily aboard Sea Cloud

Duration

11 days

Jun
Sep

From

$18,602

Top Highlights

In Sicily, explore the baroque city of Lecce, the medieval island town of Ortigia, and enjoy a private lunch at Castello degli Schiavi—an 18th-century castle used in The Godfather films
See the Amalfi Coast, with its pastel-colored buildings and stunning vistas
Visit Pompeii, abruptly destroyed by Vesuvius in the year A.D. 79, and witness its extraordinarily well-preserved homes

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Mediterranean aboard Sea Cloud Fleet

New and Noteworthy

Italy and Croatia aboard Sea Cloud II

New Navigating Southern Italy and Coastal Croatia aboard Sea Cloud II

Duration

11 days

Aug

From

$13,765

Prices are per person

Highlights

Mediterranean aboard Sea Cloud Fleet

New and Noteworthy

Italy and Croatia aboard Sea Cloud II

New Navigating Southern Italy and Coastal Croatia aboard Sea Cloud II

Duration

11 days

Aug

From

$13,765

Top Highlights

Stand in Taormina’s Greco-Roman Theater, built into a cliff in the third century and still in use today
Unwind aboard the elegant Sea Cloud II, a romantic tall ship with every modern comfort
Spend a day in picturesque Amalfi where pastel clifftop villas have never-ending views of the Tyrrhenian Sea

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Mediterranean aboard Sea Cloud Fleet

New and Noteworthy

Italy and Croatia aboard Sea Cloud II

New Northern Italy Under Sail: Genoa, Pisa, and the Amalfi Coast aboard Sea Cloud II

Duration

8 days

May

From

$9,173

Prices are per person

Highlights

Mediterranean aboard Sea Cloud Fleet

New and Noteworthy

Italy and Croatia aboard Sea Cloud II

New Northern Italy Under Sail: Genoa, Pisa, and the Amalfi Coast aboard Sea Cloud II

Duration

8 days

May

From

$9,173

Top Highlights

In Pisa, see the iconic Leaning Tower, part of a complex of medieval architectural masterpieces
Bask under the billowing sails of the square-rigger Sea Cloud II along the coast of Northern Italy
Discover Genoa’s cultural treasures like the Strada Nuova and the stunning Cathedral of San Lorenzo, believed to hold the relics of St. John the Baptist

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Mediterranean aboard Sea Cloud Fleet

Sailing the Ancient Shores of Sicily and Malta aboard Sea Cloud

Duration

11 days

May

From

$19,354

Prices are per person

Highlights

Mediterranean aboard Sea Cloud Fleet

Sailing the Ancient Shores of Sicily and Malta aboard Sea Cloud

Duration

11 days

May

From

$19,354

Top Highlights

Sail the shimmering waters of the Mediterranean, Tyrrhenian, and Ionian Seas
Explore enchanting piazzas and winding alleyways of picturesque towns from Lipari to Taormina and Ortigia
Visit an array of UNESCO World Heritage sites, from Greco-Roman ruins in Siracusa and Agrigento to the ancient temples of Ġgantija

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Special Offers

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Mediterranean aboard Sea Cloud Fleet

Sailing the Greek Isles aboard the Sea Cloud Fleet

Duration

8 days

Jun
Aug
Sep

From

$15,568

Prices are per person

Highlights

Mediterranean aboard Sea Cloud Fleet

Sailing the Greek Isles aboard the Sea Cloud Fleet

Duration

8 days

Jun
Aug
Sep

From

$15,568

Top Highlights

Experience the Cyclades while under full sail aboard a romantic tall ship
On UNESCO World Heritage-listed Delos, the mythological birthplace of twin gods Artemis and Apollo, visit the Temple of Apollo, an important archaeological site
At Tinos, see the active pilgrimage site of Panagia Evangelistria and terraced hillsides

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Special Offers

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Mediterranean aboard Sea Cloud Fleet

Under Sail: Greece and the Dalmatian Coast aboard Sea Cloud

Duration

11 days

Jun
Aug
Sep

From

$18,989

Prices are per person

Highlights

Mediterranean aboard Sea Cloud Fleet

Under Sail: Greece and the Dalmatian Coast aboard Sea Cloud

Duration

11 days

Jun
Aug
Sep

From

$18,989

Top Highlights

Discover the romance of life aboard a hand-sailed tall ship in the waters of the Aegean, Ionian, and Adriatic Seas
Step back in history at four UNESCO World Heritage sites, including the evocative ruins of Olympia, Greece, and Albania’s historic city of Butrint
Skim across Montenegro’s Gulf of Kotor to Our Lady of the Rocks, a tiny islet built of rocks from the mainland and sunken fishing boats

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Sea Cloud

A legend of both her time and today, the 30-cabin Sea Cloud was built in 1931 for the heiress Marjorie Merriweather Post. The last of the private tall ships, she carries 30 sails, which are raised by hand as you venture out to sea. Settle into the banquette of the “blue lagoon,” or enjoy refreshments at the covered Lido Bar. Every detail—from the marble fireplaces to the French antiques—reflects the extravagant charms of American royalty.

Inspired by her splendid predecessor, Sea Cloud II celebrates the time-honored traditions of her fleet: the hand-raising of her sails and nightly sundowners on deck. She combines the elegance of a classic square-rigger and the spaciousness of a contemporary vessel, with each of the 44 outward-facing cabins outfitted in modernized amenities. Expansive outdoor viewing areas tempt guests to savor the romance of traveling under billowing sail.

Expedition Highlights

Sail Europe’s most storied waters on an expertly crafted itinerary, stepping ashore in captivating places from Corsica to Croatia and beyond, where the vestiges of antiquity come vibrantly to life. Discover sights both storied and secret, and gain unique perspectives from our expert guides on the threads that connect the region’s histories and cultures. Enjoy an unhurried pace under sail, with time at leisure to amble picturesque harbors and sample the many culinary delights this region has to offer.

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Life On Board

One of the great joys of traveling aboard a traditional tall ship is witnessing the theater of her spirited crew raise and lower the sails by hand. Watch acrobatic sailors climb the rigging, loosen the heavy cloth, and haul the lines in from the deck—performing a grand choreography that never ceases to mesmerize.

Sail the Legendary Sea Cloud

Wherever she sails, Sea Cloud is a destination and a reason to travel all in one. Experience the epitome of elegance aboard the historic Marjorie Merriweather Post sailing yacht.

Sailing the Mediterranean Aboard Sea Cloud II

Let the Mediterranean's prevailing winds chart your course through a bygone era as we sail to lesser-known sites, such as Napoleon’s home on the isle of Elba, and enjoy exclusive experiences, like a private lunch at a Sicilian castle with a riveting Hollywood story.

Traveling Under Sail with the Historic Sea Cloud Fleet

Sailing aboard a Sea Cloud ship is both a grand and effortlessly casual experience. Whether on the namesake vessel or Sea Cloud II, it's a rare chance to get immersed in old-world elegance and comfort.

Wonders of the World: Exploring 9 UNESCO Heritage Sites

On a voyage through history, certain locations and landmarks stand out as especially monumental, such as the world’s largest Buddhist temple or North America’s earliest known European structures.

The Seductive Allure of Santorini

Strikingly beautiful, Santorini has an equally dramatic history and an intersection of geology and architecture that’s apparent.

Expedition Music

Voyages through the Mediterranean offer abundant opportunities to discover local cultural traditions, including special music and dance performances curated by ethnomusicologist Jacob Edgar on select departures. Enjoy a preview of these soulful sounds. Follow Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic on Spotify to find playlists showcasing music from the Mediterranean and beyond, specially curated by Jacob Edgar.

Ready for the adventure of a lifetime?

1.800.397.3348

1.800.397.3348

Expedition Leader

Veteran expedition leaders are the orchestrators of your experience. Many have advanced degrees and have conducted research or taught for years. They have achieved expedition leader status because they possess the skills, the experience, and the depth of knowledge necessary to continually craft the best expedition possible for our guests.

Historian

Our historians will share the stories, tumults, and triumphs of the people and places we explore. Their colorful personalities and passion for history, from the minutiae to the big picture, make them engaging travel companions.

Cultural Specialist

Sail with cultural commentators aboard who further illuminate local life. They are leaders in their fields, some still engaged in conducting research, who know the region intimately. Learn from them in onboard presentations, and engage with them on a one-to-one basis to learn more about their topic or backgrounds.

Certified Photo Instructor

Every expedition aboard Sea Cloud offers an exclusive service—a Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic certified photo instructor. This naturalist is specially trained to offer assistance with camera settings, and the basics of composition and to help you become a better, more confident photographer.

National Geographic Expert

On select voyages travel with a bona fide National Geographic Expert. These top pros at your side and at your service—providing insight, knowledge, and presentations as you voyage along storied coasts.

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Daily Expedition Reports

Daily Expedition Reports

10/1/2023

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Sea Cloud

Amalfi, Italy

Today we awoke to a full moon glimmering over the water as we headed toward the port of Amalfi — situated on the south side of the Sorrentine peninsula that separates the Gulf of Naples from the Gulf of Salerno. This stretch of southern Italy is characterized by spectacular limestone cliffs, valleys, and ravines which plunge into the sea. The natural beauty of the Amalfi Coast has made it a popular destination for European travelers since the 18th century. Like much of the Mediterranean coastline, Amalfi has a long history of settlement. There are remains of Roman-era villas in the area, and it was within the Duchy of Naples during the Byzantine period. Eventually, Amalfi became an independent republic ruled by merchant families who controlled the maritime trade routes across the Mediterranean in the 9th and 10th centuries. Amalfi was the early leader in a trade war that would later be dominated by the likes of Pisa and Venice. We went ashore for a walking tour through the old town, which is bordered on either side by sheer cliffs. Many narrow alleyways wind throughout the town beneath multistory buildings. Many staircases emanate from the central valley up toward residences built high above — Amalfi is truly mountain goat territory. We visited Saint Andrew’s Cathedral, a stunning example of Norman-Arab-Byzantine architecture which features a crypt with many colored marbles and beautiful frescoes. After returning to the Sea Cloud we were treated to a hearty meal of Italian cuisine — local seafood and the pasta wheel! We raised anchor and cruised along the coastline to the amazing Isle of Capri. In the evening we enjoyed the farewell cocktail hour, guest slideshow, and capped everything off with the Captain’s Farewell Dinner.

Daily Expedition Reports

9/30/2023

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Sea Cloud

Salerno, Italy

Sea Cloud arrived alongside the small cruise terminal at Salerno shortly after sunrise. Our expedition leader gave the morning announcement to rouse the guests: we would depart after breakfast for the much-anticipated visit to Pompeii. Our coaches took us up and over the steep hills behind Salerno, and in just a half-hour we found ourselves at the entrance of the vast archaeological site. It was immediately clear that we were not the only visitors to Pompeii today. Our guides deftly moved our groups into the remains of the ancient port city, destroyed by the eruption of Vesuvius on that fateful August day in 79 AD. We entered the city gates and arrived in the gymnasium where gladiators were known to have trained. Adjacent to this, we viewed the well-preserved remains of an odeon and much larger theater. From there, our guides made judicious choices of which roads, shops, houses, and baths to visit; they gave us the full experience of the city while avoiding the many other visitors to the site. It was only toward the end of the visit that we really joined the throngs — but this made sense as we were in the forum, the gathering spot of the ancient city. Thrilled and tired, we returned to Sea Cloud and enjoyed another wonderful buffet lunch. Later we met our local guides again, this time for a low-key walking tour of Salerno. This was a much different perspective on Italian cities than we received in the affluent and rarefied Taormina and Syracuse. Rather, we could appreciate the everyday life of Salerno’s inhabitants as we wandered the narrow alleyways and roads of the city’s medieval center. The interior courtyard of the Duomo and its decorative colored stonework was the endpoint of the guided tour. From there, guests continued to explore on their own; some returned to the ship, while others continued wandering the area. Three adventuresome guests joined staff members David and Jess in climbing up the pine-covered hill behind the city to reach the castle ruins overlooking Salerno. We sailed at 18:00 in search of the perfect sunset at the tip of the Amalfi Peninsula — and during our cocktail hour we found it. Afterwards we sat for a beautiful set-table dinner on deck. The evening was not over, as we then enjoyed the rousing salty songs of the famed Sea Cloud Sea Shanty Singers. Guests and crew together joined in the customary party, and danced late into the evening!

Daily Expedition Reports

9/29/2023

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Sea Cloud

Paestum

The Sea Cloud was a lively ship this morning, full of activity and excitement. To start the day, the Captain sent the crew aloft and every sail on the Sea Cloud was set. Gentle wind conditions allowed us to take Zodiac photo safaris around the ship and photograph the majestic vessel under full sail from the water line. The calm seas also enabled a refreshing impromptu morning swim from the ship. Back on board, historian David Brotherson gave a presentation about daily life in Pompeii in preparation for our visit tomorrow. In the afternoon we travelled inland through the countryside to visit the ancient city of Paestum. Founded in the early 6th century, here three major Greek temples are still intact; this is especially remarkable considering they are in an earthquake zone. We also visited a small museum renowned for its exquisite collection of painted tombs. Back on board the ship, expedition leader John Frick treated us to a presentation on the fascinating history of the Sea Cloud followed by a tour of the original owners’ cabins.

Daily Expedition Reports

9/28/2023

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Sea Cloud

Limpari, Italy

Brace the yards, unfurl the sails; with a whoosh and a puff of wind we were sailing at 4.1 knots. Not too bad considering we had 12 knots of wind to work with. This morning we awoke among the Aeolian Islands, named for the Greek god of the winds. We could clearly see the volcanic tips of Castello on our port side and Pecorini on our starboard side, poking out of the azure waters. Our goal for the afternoon: explore Lipari and its fortified city. We took a casual stroll through the town before boarding coaches for a terrestrial circumnavigation of the island. A series of switchbacks brought us high up the flanks of the island to vantage points with breathtaking views. Returning to town, we walked to the cathedral dedicated to the patron saint of the islands, Saint Bartholomew. This stunning cathedral features a series of additions, reflecting the series of peoples that have dominated these islands over time. The afternoon ended with a dip in the sea. We wrapped up our evening with a full moon illuminating the sporadic eruptions (volcanic hiccups?) of Stromboli. Another full day of sail and exploration.

Daily Expedition Reports

9/27/2023

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Sea Cloud

Taormina to Messina, Sicily

Before sunrise, Sea Cloud sailed softly to a point off the breakwater at Giardini Naxos, Sicily, and dropped anchor. The rising sun cast beautiful colors on the large and dramatic clouds over the Sicilian town of Taormina, and on the dome of clouds covering Mount Etna to the south. After an early breakfast we took ship’s tenders to the small dock, close to where the earliest Greek colonists from the Island of Naxos likely landed some 2,800 years ago. We met our local guides and boarded coaches to travel along the rocky coastline. Picturesque coves and luxurious seaside resorts came into view as we climbed 700 feet up to reach Taormina. From the parking area it was a short walk to Porto Catania where we entered the colorful, varied, elegant, and very Sicilian old town. It was fortunate that we arrived early — before greater numbers of tourists did the same — and our guides gently led us through both the ancient and modern histories of this storied town. As the morning progressed, the weather only improved with mostly clear skies and fantastic visibility. By the time we arrived to the top of the Greco-Roman Theater much of Mount Etna was visible, along with sweeping views of the coastline to the north and south. The ancient Roman scaenae frons, now in partial ruins, framed clear and colorful views of Taormina, the volcano, and the turquoise bay below. After exploring the upper areas and viewpoints of the theater, guests strolled back into the now-busy town for shopping, photography, and of course gelato. After our time at leisure, we reboarded our coaches and traveled further south to Castello degli Schiavi; dating from the 18th century, it is easily recognizable as the ancestral home in the Godfather films. Owner Franco was a welcoming and gracious host, sharing the history of the house and its use by director Francis Ford Coppola. After the tour, we proceeded down into the cool and spacious former wine cellars for a full Sicilian lunch. We enjoyed antipasti, two pastas for first course, and a tasty second course of meat infused with leaves of the lemon tree. We finished with dessert and coffee. Back on our coaches, we traveled north along the steep coastline, across many bridges and through tunnels, to arrive at the port of Messina. Sea Cloud had repositioned here during the day, and soon we were back on board. We sailed through the famous Strait of Messina as the sun was setting over the Island of Sicily. We easily traversed the visible currents and eddies of the strait — feared in antiquity as the abode of the fearsome monsters Scylla and Charybdis. A beautiful, nearly full moon welcomed us into the Tyrrhenian Sea; after dinner, expedition leader John offered the first stargazing session of our trip on the spanker deck.

There’s nothing sacrificed by having this traditional relationship with sailing. This is the height of luxury; and the height of luxury these days, in many ways, is arguably, your ability to get away from it all.

Sven-Olof Lindblad

1.800.397.3348

1.800.397.3348

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Sea Cloud & Sea Cloud II 2024

Caribbean aboard Sea Cloud

Italy and Croatia aboard Sea Cloud II

Mediterranean aboard Sea Cloud Fleet

Sea Cloud & Sea Cloud II 2024

2024 Voyages Aboard the Sea Cloud Fleet

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Europe & British Isles

Mediterranean aboard Sea Cloud Fleet

Europe 2024-25

2024-2025 Voyages

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