Sail the Sea Cloud
Described by the Telegraph as "one of the finest travel experiences in the world," we are offering a DELUXE CABIN FOR TWO at our Virtue & Vice silent auction. It is for a 7 day cruise, Sailing the Mediterranean In the Age of Odysseus, from Istanbul to Athens, from June 27 to July 5, 2015.
The cabin is worth $22,000, and we start the bidding at only $2,500.
You do not have to be in attendance at the event to bid on the cruise. You may contact Adrienne Starr at [email protected] and place your high bid. You would only pay $500 above the last bid.
ITINERARY
U.S.A. DEPARTURE
Saturday, June 27
Depart on an overnight flight to Istanbul.
ISTANBUL, TURKEY I SEA CLOUD
Sunday, June 28
Arrive in Istanbul this morning and join
your fellow travelers during lunch at Pera Palace Hotel.
Visit the Byzantine Church of the Savior in Chora with
its exquisite mosaics before boarding Sea Cloud in the late
afternoon. Enjoy a champagne toast on deck as we cruise
out of the harbor of Istanbul and into the Sea of Marmara.
Monday, June 29
During a relaxed day at sea, attend a lecture
and watch as the ship’s crew trims the sails by hand. Weather
permitting, there will be an opportunity to swim in the Aegean.
This evening, join the captain for a welcome dinner.
IZMIR, TURKEY
Tuesday, June 30
Step ashore at Izmir and drive inland to
the site of ancient Sardis, capital of Lydia. The city was ruled
by the legendary King Croesus, whose reign is credited with the
invention of gold coinage. Sardis was later ruled by Persians,
Byzantines, Romans, and Turks, and most ruins date from the
Roman era. Following lunch on board, enjoy time at leisure
in Izmir.
SAMOS, GREECE
Wednesday, July 1
This morning Sea Cloud calls at the island
of Samos, which in the 8th-7th centuries B.C.E. developed into a
marine trading center with connections from Egypt and the Near
East to Spain in the west. Discover the Temple of Hera and view
artifacts from its excavation at the Archaeological Museum.
Numerous votives of international character were found in the
sanctuary, as well as two colossal kouros statues.
SANTORINI, GREECE
Thursday, July 2
Be on deck this morning as Sea Cloud sails
into the bay of Santorini, one of the world’s most astounding
geological sights. In the 16th century B.C.E. a volcanic eruption
caused the center of the island to sink, creating a vast
caldera of striated rock, rising 1,000 feet from the sea. Explore
Akrotiri, one of the most important prehistoric settlements of
the Aegean. After lunch on board, there will be time at leisure
in the dazzling white town of Fira, perched high on the cliffs
overlooking the harbor. This evening, dinner is served on deck
as we sample the fine wines of Santorini.
CRETE, GREECE
Friday, July 3
Arrive at Heraklion on the island of Crete for
a morning visit to the site of Knossos, political center of the
Minoan civilization and legendary abode of the Minotaur. Then
tour the newly renovated Heraklion Archaeological Museum,
housing exceptional examples of art of the Minoan era and
the age of Odysseus. Continue by coach to the site of ancient
Eleutherna, with treasures that illustrate the interaction of
Crete and the Near East in the age of Phoenician expansion.
Rejoin Sea Cloud in the port of Rethymnon, where the ship
remains overnight. Explore the charming Old Town, whose
architectural influences range from Venetian to Ottoman.
AT SEA
Saturday, July 4
Spend a leisurely day at sea as Sea Cloud sails
from Crete toward mainland Greece. This evening the captain
hosts a festive farewell dinner.
SEA CLOUD
DISEMBARKATION to U.S.A.
Sunday, July 5
Disembark Sea Cloud this morning in Piraeus
and transfer to the Athens airport for your flight home.