Today's expedition took us through the breathtaking landscapes of Montenegro. Our journey began nestled high in the mountains in Njegusi, where we were greeted by lush greenery and traditional stone houses. The village is renowned for its smoked ham and cheese, offering us a taste of authentic Montenegrin cuisine.
We then descended towards the Bay of Kotor, a UNESCO World Heritage site, with medieval walls and narrow cobblestone streets, rich history, and architecture. One of the options was to climb the ancient fortress walls, marveling at panoramic views of the bay and its charming, red-roofed houses.
After lunch we ventured to Perast, a picturesque town nestled on the bay's edge. Here, we explored the town's Baroque architecture and visited the famous Our Lady of the Rocks islet, where a stunning church sits atop a man-made island.
As the sun began to set over the Adriatic Sea, we sailed away while enjoying the taste of fresh oysters, Montegrin wines and liqueurs, and the music from our piano player, Gabriel. We all joined in and sang our favorite songs. The serene waters and majestic mountains provided a perfect backdrop for capturing memorable photographs and memories.
9/18/2024
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Sea Cloud
Butrint, Albania
We arrived in the port city of Sarande to begin our two-day visit of Albania. We first traveled by bus to Butrint, traversing an intriguing landscape of beachside hotels, half-finished houses, Communist-era bunkers, and cultivated fields. Once at the National Park of Butrint, we toured the archaeological site along forested paths, taking in the complex mix of material dating from the Hellenistic to Ottoman eras. The weather was perfect, and the rain from the previous evening left behind shallow pools that reflected the site’s ancient ruins and lush vegetation. Departing Butrint, we traveled to Lekuris Castle, originally built in the 16th century by the Ottoman Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent. We were greeted upon arrival by a musician in Albanian dress, playing a traditional Albanian flute. We had a light snack in the restored castle and enjoyed spectacular views from the terrace. Heading back to the ship, we spent an afternoon under sail, with several guests taking the opportunity to climb along the bowsprit with guidance from Sea Cloud ’s expert sailors. Photo Instructor Jose Calvo offered a talk on key aspects of photography, and we concluded our day with a maritime buffet on the Lido Deck.
