The Authentic Cruise Company

Itinerary

Day 1: Piraeus
Day 2: Spetses
Day 3: Náfplion
Day 4: Milos
Day 5: Pátmos
Day 6: Kusadasi
Day 8: Istanbul
Day 1: Piraeus

It’s no wonder that all roads lead to the fascinating and maddening metropolis of Athens. Lift your eyes 200 feet above the city to the Parthenon, its honey-color marble columns rising from a massive limestone base, and you behold architectural perfection that has not been surpassed in 2,500 years. But, today, this shrine of classical form dominates a 21st-century boomtown. To experience Athens—Athína in Greek—fully is to understand the essence of Greece: ancient monuments surviving in a sea of cement, startling beauty amid the squalor, tradition juxtaposed with modernity. Locals depend on humor and flexibility to deal with the chaos; you should do the same. The rewards are immense. Although Athens covers a huge area, the major landmarks of the ancient Greek, Roman, and Byzantine periods are close to the modern city center. You can easily walk from the Acropolis to many other key sites, taking time to browse in shops and relax in cafés and tavernas along the way. From many quarters of the city you can glimpse “the glory that was Greece” in the form of the Acropolis looming above the horizon, but only by actually climbing that rocky precipice can you feel the impact of the ancient settlement. The Acropolis and Filopappou, two craggy hills sitting side by side; the ancient Agora (marketplace); and Kerameikos, the first cemetery, form the core of ancient and Roman Athens. Along the Unification of Archaeological Sites promenade, you can follow stone-paved, tree-lined walkways from site to site, undisturbed by traffic. Cars have also been banned or reduced in other streets in the historical center. In the National Archaeological Museum, vast numbers of artifacts illustrate the many millennia of Greek civilization; smaller museums such as the Goulandris Museum of Cycladic Art Museum and the Byzantine and Christian Museum illuminate the history of particular regions or periods. Athens may seem like one huge city, but it is really a conglomeration of neighborhoods with distinctive characters. The Eastern influences that prevailed during the 400-year rule of the Ottoman Empire are still evident in Monastiraki, the bazaar area near the foot of the Acropolis. On the northern slope of the Acropolis, stroll through Plaka (if possible by moonlight), an area of tranquil streets lined with renovated mansions, to get the flavor of the 19th-century’s gracious lifestyle. The narrow lanes of Anafiotika, a section of Plaka, thread past tiny churches and small, color-washed houses with wooden upper stories, recalling a Cycladic island village. In this maze of winding streets, vestiges of the older city are everywhere: crumbling stairways lined with festive tavernas; dank cellars filled with wine vats; occasionally a court or diminutive garden, enclosed within high walls and filled with magnolia trees and the flaming trumpet-shaped flowers of hibiscus bushes. Formerly run-down old quarters, such as Thission, Gazi and Psirri, popular nightlife areas filled with bars and mezedopoleia (similar to tapas bars), are now in the process of gentrification, although they still retain much of their original charm, as does the colorful produce and meat market on Athinas. The area around Syntagma Square, the tourist hub, and Omonia Square, the commercial heart of the city about 1 km (½ mi) northwest, is distinctly European, having been designed by the court architects of King Otho, a Bavarian, in the 19th century. The chic shops and bistros of ritzy Kolonaki nestle at the foot of Mt. Lycabettus, Athens’s highest hill (909 feet). Each of Athens’s outlying suburbs has a distinctive character: in the north is wealthy, tree-lined Kifissia, once a summer resort for aristocratic Athenians, and in the south and southeast lie Glyfada, Voula, and Vouliagmeni, with their sandy beaches, seaside bars, and lively summer nightlife. Just beyond the city’s southern fringes is Piraeus, a bustling port city of waterside fish tavernas and Saronic Gulf views.

Day 2: Spetses
Day 3: Náfplion

Oraia (beautiful) is the word Greeks use to describe Nafplion. The town’s old section, on a peninsula jutting into the gulf of Argos, mixes Greek, Venetian, and Turkish architecture; narrow streets, often just broad flights of stone stairs, climb the slopes beneath the walls of Acronafplia. Tree-shaded plazas surround neoclassic buildings. The Palamidi fortress—an elegant display of Venetian might from the early 1700s—guards the town. Nafplion deserves at least a leisurely day of your undivided attention, and you may want to spend several days or a week here and use the city as the base from which to explore the many surrounding ancient sights.

Day 4: Milos

Milos or Melos is a volcanic Greek island in the Aegean Sea, just north of the Sea of Crete. Milos is the southwesternmost island in the Cyclades group. The Venus de Milo and the Asclepius of Milos were both found on the island, as were a Poseidon and an archaic Apollo now in Athens.

Day 5: Pátmos

For better or worse, it can be difficult to reach Patmos—for many travelers, this lack of access is definitely for the better, since the island retains the air of an unspoiled retreat. Rocky and barren, the small, 34-square-km (21-square-mi) island lies beyond the islands of Kalymnos and Leros, northwest of Kos. Here on a hillside is the Monastery of the Apocalypse, which enshrines the cave where St. John received the Revelation in AD 95. Scattered evidence of Mycenaean presence remains on Patmos, and walls of the classical period indicate the existence of a town near Skala. Most of the island’s approximately 2,800 people live in three villages: Skala, medieval Chora, and the small rural settlement of Kambos. The island is popular among the faithful making pilgrimages to the monastery as well as with vacationing Athenians and a newly growing community of international trendsetters—designers, artists, poets, and “taste gurus” (to quote Vogue’s July 2011 write-up of the island)—who have bought homes in Chora. These stylemeisters followed in the footsteps of Alexandrian John Stefanidis and the English artist Teddy Millington-Drake who, in the early ’60s, set about creating what eventually became hailed as one of the most gorgeous island homes in the world. The word soon spread thanks to their many guests (who included Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis) but, happily, administrators have carefully contained development, and as a result, Patmos retains its charm and natural beauty—even in the busy month of August.

Day 6: Kusadasi

Whilst the busy resort town of Kusadasi offers much in the way of shopping and dining – not to mention a flourishing beach life scene, the real jewel here is Ephesus and the stunning ruined city that really take centre stage. With only 20% of the classical ruins having been excavated, this archaeological wonder has already gained the status as Europe’s most complete classical metropolis. And a metropolis it really is; built in the 10th century BC this UNESCO World Heritage site is nothing short of spectacular. Although regrettably very little remains of the Temple of Artemis (one of the seven wonders of the ancient world), the superb Library of Celsus’ façade is practically intact and it is one of life’s great joys to attend an evening performance in the illuminated ruins once all the tourists have left. The history of the city is fascinating and multi-layered and it is well worth reading up on this beforehand if a visit is planned. Another point of interest for historians would be the house of the Virgin Mary, located on the romantically named Mount Nightingale and just nine kilometres away from Ephesus proper. Legend has it that Mary (along with St. John) spent her final years here, secluded from the rest of the population, spreading Christianity. An edifying experience, even for non-believers. For the less historical minded amongst you, Kusadasi offers plenty in the way of activities. After a stroll through the town, jump in a taxi to Ladies’ Beach (men are allowed), sample a Turkish kebap on one of the many beachfront restaurants and enjoy the clement weather. If you do want to venture further afield, then the crystal clear beaches of Guzelcamli (or the Millipark), the cave of Zeus and the white scalloped natural pools at Pamukkale, known as Cleopatra’s pools, are definitely worth a visit.

Day 8: Istanbul

The only city in the world that can lay claim to straddling two continents, Istanbul—once known as Constantinople, capital of the Byzantine and then the Ottoman Empire—has for centuries been a bustling metropolis with one foot in Europe and the other in Asia. Istanbul embraces this enviable position with both a certain chaos and inventiveness, ever evolving as one of the world’s most cosmopolitan crossroads. It’s often said that Istanbul is the meeting point of East and West, but visitors to this city built over the former capital of two great empires are likely to be just as impressed by the juxtaposition of old and new. Office towers creep up behind historic palaces, women in chic designer outfits pass others wearing long skirts and head coverings, peddlers’ pushcarts vie with battered old Fiats and shiny BMWs for dominance of the noisy, narrow streets, and the Grand Bazaar competes with modern shopping malls. At dawn, when the muezzin’s call to prayer resounds from ancient minarets, there are inevitably a few hearty revelers still making their way home from nightclubs and bars. Most visitors to this sprawling city of more than 14 million will first set foot in the relatively compact Old City, where the legacy of the Byzantine and Ottoman empires can be seen in monumental works of architecture like the brilliant Aya Sofya and the beautifully proportioned mosques built by the great architect Sinan. Though it would be easy to spend days, if not weeks, exploring the wealth of attractions in the historical peninsula, visitors should make sure also to venture elsewhere in order to experience the vibrancy of contemporary Istanbul. With a lively nightlife propelled by its young population and an exciting arts scene that’s increasingly on the international radar—thanks in part to its stint as the European Capital of Culture in 2010—Istanbul is truly a city that never sleeps. It’s also a place where visitors will feel welcome: Istanbul may be on the Bosphorus, but at heart it’s a Mediterranean city, whose friendly inhabitants are effusively social and eager to share what they love most about it.

Luxury Owner Suites (Cat. A)
Junior Suites (Cat. B)
De Luxe Double-Bed Cabins (Cat. C)
De Luxe Double-Bed Cabins (Cat. D)
De Luxe Double-Bed Cabins (Cat. E)
Upper-/Lower-Bed Cabins (Cat. F)
Guarantee Cabins
Luxury Owner Suites (Cat. A)

Our two owner suites follow the tradition in the maritime world of always having their own cabins ready for the ship owners. We have reserved these living areas for those of our guests who appreciate special comfort and cosiness even on board a tall ship. Both light-flooded suites are located on the lidodeck and with their large panoramic windows offer a unique view of the sea even from a four-poster bed. The spacious ambience includes selected individual pieces of furniture, four large cupboards, the fireplace – and last but not least the large bathroom with bathtub and separate shower, marble washstand including the legendary golden fittings.

Junior Suites (Cat. B)

With their rosewood furniture, stucco elements on the walls and a decorative marble fireplace, the Junior Suites are the epitome of Hanseatic solidity. The simple elegance corresponds in gentle tension with the maritime atmosphere in front of the panorama windows, which offer a view of the vastness of the sea. A separate sitting area and a walk-in closet round off the comfortable ambience. Bathtub, marble washbasin and golden fittings are of course also standard in this category. The junior suites are located on the promenade deck, so that the restaurant, boutique and reception can easily be reached.

De Luxe Double-Bed Cabins (Cat. C)

This De-Luxe outside cabin combines the comfort and solidity that characterizes the suites with a special maritime cosiness. Thanks to its location in the front area of the promenade deck, the floor plan follows the elegant line of the SEA CLOUD II and thus additionally conveys the feeling of security on a luxury private yacht. The panorama windows offer a wonderful view of the sea.

De Luxe Double-Bed Cabins (Cat. D)

The three large porthole windows give our De-Luxe Category D outside cabins a special maritime flair. Together with their luxurious yacht ambience, these cabins underline the feeling of being part of an extraordinary journey on an extraordinary ship. Stylish individual pieces of furniture and a beautiful seating area make the spacious room cosy. The six De-Luxe outside cabins are located amidships on the same deck where the massage and cosmetic treatments, the fitness room, the bathing platform and the hospital are located.

De Luxe Double-Bed Cabins (Cat. E)

These outside cabins on both sides of the cabin deck are the epitome of cosiness on board the SEA CLOUD II. This is where you can retreat, switch off and relax while enjoying the unique luxurious ambience for which our yachts are famous. Like the other cabins, Category E is equipped with TV/DVD, a mini-bar and a safe. An interesting detail: the double bed can be divided into two single beds on request.

Upper-/Lower-Bed Cabins (Cat. F)

This outside cabin on the cabin deck is still modelled on the officers’ cabins as on traditional windjammers and is equipped with an upper and lower berth. Warm woods and a comfortable sitting area radiate a cosy, maritime atmosphere and offer you a cosy retreat. Our recommendation: this cabin is ideal for single travellers.

Guarantee Cabins

Guaranteed double cabins: The range of accommodation starts from Cat. F. You will receive your exact cabin number when arriving on board. The allotment for this category is very limited.

Restaurant
Lido Deck
Restaurant

In the restaurant you will find tables for couples and groups of four, six and eight. The lido deck is often an inviting place to have lunch or an evening barbecue out in the open air. No matter whether you are sitting inside or outside, you can all enjoy this feast for the senses together in the same sitting. And since you are dining on a tall ship with the character of a private yacht, you are free to choose your place and company at the table. Our culinary creations are sure to impress even the most discerning of connoisseurs – it is easy to see why the SEA CLOUD II was chosen to join the exclusive Chaîne des Rôtisseurs group.

Lido Deck

You will find a dining area and Lido Bar on the Lido Deck.

Zodiacs
Watersports
Zodiacs

Smaller ships, greater possibilities

Among the many joys of travelling smaller: a quick spin on a zodiac, enjoying the beach barbeques in secluded bays, photo safaris, pausing for a dip in the azure sea. And on selected tours, some exclusive experiences are included – a private concert, an opera house or a palace tour, a culinary visit to a special vineyard, or a front-row seat at a legendary regatta.

Watersports

Dive in and be active

Whether you want to start your swim directly from the ship or explore the colorful world on the reef – water sports are even more fun under the Caribbean sun. Equipment is available for everyone: Snorkels, fins and stand-up paddles are waiting for you. If you are in the mood for even greater action, let yourself be glided across the crystal clear waters by tubing in the Caribbean.

Lounge
Library
On Deck
Lido Deck with Bar
Bridge
Lounge

In the middle of the lido deck you will find the spacious lounge. At certain times you will hear gentle music from the Steinway piano and, on selected cruises, you can listen to some interesting talks.

Library

Also on the Lido Deck, you will find the library on the lido deck which contains selected literature, DVDs, popular board games, the SEA CLOUD II’s intriguing guest book and a laptop with internet access. But this is not just a place to get engrossed in reading; you should also enjoy the breathtaking all-round view of the ship’s forecastle – do not forget that you are on board a majestic tall ship!

On Deck

To watch the movement of the sails and all the traditional tasks associated with a tall ship is for many people one of the most wonderful experiences on the high seas. On all the decks you will of course find many traditional deckchairs and benches on which you can sit alone or in a small group, gazing out to sea. On the sun deck you will also find two large sun loungers and the bridge. The officers will be happy to welcome you into the command centre – manoeuvres permitting.

Our snorkelling equipment can be taken ashore at any time. The on-board zodiac boats do not only take you ashore and back to the SEA CLOUD II, but are also used to tow the “Fun Island”, our inflatable water sled for those who fancy some high-speed fun! Depending on sea conditions, the swim platform provides direct access to the largest swimming pool in the world: the sea. And in the evening, the lido deck is a wonderful place to wind down with a nice drink. You might also be entertained by our Crew Shanty Choir.

Lido Deck with Bar

The Lido bar is open daily from 11:00 am. Soft drinks, coffee, tea, water and juices are available all day free of charge.

Bridge

The Bridge can be located on the Sun Deck.

Swim Platform
Fitness and Sport
Massage & Cosmetics
Swim Platform

The Swim Platform is located on the cabin deck.

Fitness and Sport

Fitness enthusiasts can use the 100-metre long lido deck as their running/walking circuit while taking in all the different views which you can expect on board a tall ship. For others, our morning exercise sessions are just the way to start a new day. In the smart fitness studio, you will find dumbbells, bikes, treadmills and step machines for more focused workouts, and the adjoining sauna area will enhance your general well-being.

Massage & Cosmetics

We provide a range of spa services on board the SEA CLOUD II (massages and beauty treatments at additional cost), using the finest products from Maria Galland.

Special Dietary Requirements
Dress Code
Disabled Access
Smoking Policy
Wi-Fi
Laundry Services
Children on Board
Sustainability & Low Impact Tourism
Medical Facilities
Special Dietary Requirements

The chef will happily accommodate special diet requests—please let us know about any requests in advance so that we may prepare.

Dress Code

During the day, and depending on the weather, a sophisticated summer look is suitable. For the evening, we recommend smart-casual wear. We also kindly request that guests refrain from wearing shorts at evening meals. The Captain’s Dinner (an event which normally takes place twice on each trip – once on short cruises) is a time when our guests tend to opt for a more elegant look. We recommend a suit for men and appropriate smart dress for women. Please remember to take some non-slip shoes with you.

Disabled Access

Our tall ships SEA CLOUD and SEA CLOUD II are not accessible for all people with disabilities and are not suitable for wheelchair users. Please contact our cruise consultancy for further details.

Smoking Policy

Smoking is permitted only on the outer decks outside of meal times. We kindly request that smokers take the comfort of other passengers into consideration. Smoking is prohibited on the blue lagoon deck and covered areas of the spanker and lido deck at all times.

Wi-Fi

A laptop is available for use on board in the lounge (SEA CLOUD) or in the library (SEA CLOUD II). You can use this laptop or your own laptop to connect to the internet (Wi-Fi) using the access code, however please note that there is a charge for this. The code can be obtained from reception or the purser.

Laundry Services

Laundry services available on board are limited to washing and ironing. There is no dry-cleaning available. The washing and ironing service is provided at an additional charge and is carried out overnight. For guests with bookings in Cat. A-C (SEA CLOUD) or Cat. A+B (SEA CLOUD II), this service is free of charge. For safety reasons, passengers are not permitted to iron in their cabins.

Children on Board

Children are of course very welcome on our ships, however there is no supervision or entertainment available for children.

Sustainability & Low Impact Tourism

We approach the people and their cultures with respect in all the regions we visit, travelling mindfully through the local environment. By doing this, we can bring our guests closer – in the truest sense of the word – to these places, and what makes each one special.

THE WINDJAMMER EXPERIENCE

For you and us alike, the key attraction of our trips is the chance to sail on the open seas.

We therefore take every opportunity to set sail and be propelled by the sheer power of the wind. That is why the captain will sometimes change the route if the weather requires it. On board our SEA CLOUD tall ships, you’ll experience the elements, as many of the day-to-day activities take place outside.

HAVING AS LITTLE IMPACT AS POSSIBLE

When we do have to start the engines, we utilise low-sulphur marine diesel on all three of our windjammers.

For us, this is standard practice. Even the SEA CLOUD, our very first windjammer, was equipped with this technology right from the start. Our motto: to minimise our impact on the environment yet still make a profound and positive impression on those around us.

A SUSTAINABLE APPROACH TO LIFE ON-BOARD

Avoiding plastic, reducing water usage and protecting the environment.

These are the factors that guide us in the day to day operation of our ships and our ongoing development of eco-friendly alternatives. To cite just one example, our reusable drinks bottles are not only easy on the eye, but also easy on the environment.

QUALITY, NOT QUANTITY

Our ‘small but perfectly formed’ windjammers are able to visit smaller ports, away from the busy routes frequented by large cruise liners.

With a maximum of 64 to 136 passengers, we’re always welcomed in those locations thanks to our approach of visiting local communities rather than overwhelming them. Needless to say, our itineraries also include some classic destinations, though we usually visit these only when the mega-liners have moved on.

BOOSTING THE LOCAL ECONOMY

Procuring supplies locally, working with local, smaller-scale agencies and paying fair prices.

By taking this approach, we see ourselves as a partner for our local service providers, with whom we’ve built relationships based on trust over many years. After all, we want our voyages to benefit both our guests and the communities we visit around the world.

AUTHENTIC CUISINE

Our menus are always a true reflection of the regional cuisine.

This is because our chefs enjoy buying exotic spices, local specialities and freshly caught fish from local markets to bring you – even in a culinary sense – closer to the places we visit.

A MEMBER OF THE FUTOURIS NETWORK

Heading into the future with Futouris.

Preserving the natural and cultural heritage of our world and shaping the future of tourism in a sustainable way is what Futouris stands for. Members of the network are working globally to improve people’s living conditions, preserve biodiversity and protect the environment and climate.

Medical Facilities

All three ships have a hospital, which is supervised by a ship’s doctor. Medical consultation hours can be found in the daily program. In case of an emergency, the doctor can be reached at any time by calling 911.

Sun Deck
Lido Deck
Promenade Deck
Cabin Deck
Sun Deck
  • Captain
  • Bridge
Lido Deck
  • Lounge
  • Lido Bar
  • Lido Deck
  • Library
  • Luxury Owner Suites
Promenade Deck
  • Restaurant
  • Boutique
  • Purser
  • Reception
  • Junior Suites
  • De luxe double-bed cabins
Cabin Deck
  • Fitness Area
  • Massage and Cosmetics
  • Hospital
  • Swim Platform
  • De luxe double-bed cabins
  • Upper/Lower-bed Cabins

Get in touch with our team to start planning

Call and speak to a member of our experienced team today on +44 (0)1491 528 988 or email info@authenticcruises.co.uk.

Alternatively, leave your details and our team will get back to you as soon as possible.