Sea Cloud II, ex Athens Return

7 Night Cruise sailing from Athens roundtrip aboard Sea Cloud II.

In February 2001 the SEA CLOUD II turned fantasy into reality:
In the harbor of Las Palmas, godmother Sabine Christiansen broke a bottle of champagne across the bow of the gleaming white barque and proclaimed: "I christen you the 'SEA CLOUD II'".

Like no other ship, she combines the timeless elegance of windjammers of past with the highest safety standards and the luxurious comfort of modern cruise ships.

Sailing romantics will be fascinated while on board, where the 29,600 sq. feet of sails is set by hand..

What makes the SEA CLOUD II special is her unusual bounty and expanse for a sailing ship. You have almost limitless possibilities on the four decks to do exactly as your heart desires.

Highlights of this cruise:

Athens
In the heart of the city lies the ancient Plaka district, with its honeycomb of streets, little shops - and tavernas that come alive at night. Situated on the north and east slopes of the Acropolis, it is rich with historic sites, such as ancient monuments and churches. Within Athens there are eight large hills, including the Acropolis, and on the outskirts, Mount Parnitha, Mount Pendeli and Mount Hymettos surround the city. A trip to Athens' most famous tourist attraction, the impressive Parthenon built on the Acropolis around 2,500 years ago, will be memorable to say the least.

There are an extraordinary number of historic tourist sights in Athens and many of these are known world-wide. Some of the top Athens attractions include the Agora - a grand, ruined Roman building, Hadrian's Arch - originally the city gate linking the Roman quarters with original town of Athens and the stunning Dionysos Theatre - the world's oldest theatre where many great plays have been performed over the years.

Mykonos
Mykonos is the most famous tourist island in the Eastern Mediterranean and certainly the most cosmopolitan among the Cyclades. Mykonos easily captures the visitors interest, thanks to the great variety of choices on offer here. There is something for everyone; "holidays" here can mean anything from the most peaceful relaxation to the wildest partying.

Located on the islands' western harbor, the "Chora" of Mykonos is a very beautiful old island town, which in the past had its own merchant fleet. Today it maintains a balance between tourism-related development and the preservation of its very picturesque features.

There are whitewashed houses, proud windmills, a multitude of chapels, busy back streets with balconies full of flowers and a multicolored fleet of fishing boats in the port.

In the background is the Paraportiani Church; alongside it, sea-washed "Little Venice". After sunset everything changes: crowds throng this luxurious marketplace and the restaurants, bars and discos consign the tiny town to the pleasures and the different rhythm of the night.

Ano Mera one of the most eastern side of the island, a tranquil village in the midst of farms, is a lovely locale, known for its excellent taverns. It is ideal for bicycling and hiking, and there are beaches nearby for swimming and water-sports. Tourists may also visit the two monasteries in the area, "Tourliani" and "Paleokastro".

As long as the sun is shining, the island's greatest attractions are the many beautiful beaches and the clean blue-green sea. Most of the beaches are on the south side of the island. Among these are the much frequented Platy Gialos, Psarou, Ornos, Paranga "Paradise" (Kalamopodi), "Super Paradise" (Blintri), Elia, Kalafati, Kalo Livadi, and Lia. On Mykonos western shore are Agios Stefanos, Houlakia, Tourlos, Megali-Ammos and Agios Yannis (opposite Delos).

A day devoted to exploring Delos is a must before returning home. This ancient ruined city dedicated to Apolo, was also a major center in the Mediterranean.

There are a number of small museums in Mykonos town and, during the summer, there is an outdoor cinema, the Cine Mando, and various art exhibitions, theatrical performances and concerts.

Navplion
Navplion (Nafplion, Nauplia etc) When in Greece, do as the Grecians do: Go to the Peloponnese. Connected by a narrow isthmus (it's less than four miles across at its narrowest) off the southern end of central Greece, the Peloponnese is a large peninsula with many things going for it. Not only are there fewer crowds than on the Aegean islands, it has just as many-if not more-ancient sites, including the temples at Nemea and Olympia. On the sunny east coast of the Peloponnese, tucked away in a deep bay, is the city of Navplion.

As Greece's first capital after the Greek War of Independence in the 1820s, Navplion has its share of history, including two Venetian fortresses and many neoclassical buildings. But in fact, Navplion is the more modern side of Greece-a relaxed and appealing place with leafy parks, small museums, picturesque streets and lively outdoor cafes.

  _____   ___    ___    ___   ___   ___ 
 |_   _| |   \  |   \  | __| | _ \ | _ \
   | |   | |) | | |) | | _|  |   / |   /
   |_|   |___/  |___/  |___| |_|_\ |_|_\