Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic has expanded its expedition cruise portfolio with the addition of chartered voyages aboard Sea Cloud II, a three-mast modern sailing yacht.
A 88-guest tall ship built in 2001, Sea Cloud II combines the spaciousness and modern amenities of a contemporary vessel with the grace and sophistication of a square rigger. Inspired by the legendary 1930s yacht Sea Cloud, the ship embodies the Golden Age of Sail, yet reflects today’s standards of luxurious comforts.
Sea Cloud II will set sail for its first season with Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic on May 15, 2024, through September 20, 2024. Throughout the summer, the ship will sail three unique itineraries with exclusive tours and locally inspired excursions in unique ports of call like Hvar, Croatia, and Amalfi and Genoa in Italy, balanced by off-the-beaten-path explorations of coastal towns less traveled as guests have come to expect from Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic.
"Northern Italy Under Sail: Maritime Heritage and Cultural Treasures:" Over the course of eight days, guests will explore Ligurian cities like Genoa, an important port city, full of cultural treasures like the Cathedral of San Lorenzo, believed to hold the relics of St. John the Baptist, and Camogli, known as "The City of a Thousand Sails" for its shipbuilding history; and visit maritime museums, stroll along harbor fronts, and explore well-preserved waterfront old towns as the vessel travels between Nice and Naples. Pisa and Elba have many offerings beyond the Leaning Tower and sites related to Napoleon, while Amalfi does not disappoint with its villa-covered hills overlooking the azure Tyrrhenian Sea.
"Coastal Gems of Croatia and Slovenia:" Guests will voyage back in time to medieval walled cities like Hvar, a reminder of the great Venetian empire. During this 10-day sailing, guests will coast along archipelagos like the 80 forested islands of Kornati National Park and take in the storied coastline and Adriatic Sea. Along Croatia’s coast and in Slovenia’s lively capital Ljubljana, travelers visit castles and monasteries, walk through the old towns of Korčula and Rovinj, and sample regional specialties such as peka (stew) and wine, and explore seaside villages like Komiža.
"Navigating Southern Italy and Coastal Croatia:" Over the course of 11 days, guests will explore the volcanic Aeolian Islands and journey around the foot of Italy’s boot. As the Tyrrhenian Sea flows into the Ionian and then the Adriatic Seas, discover castles and walled cities, picturesque waterfronts and intricately ornamented churches. There will be ample time at leisure to enjoy the amenities of Sea Cloud II and to stroll along the cobblestone streets of UNESCO-designated old towns.
To learn more, visit www.expeditions.com/seacloudii.
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