NEW YORK
Thursday, September 27
Depart New York on an overnight flight to Naples.
NAPLES, ITALY
Friday, September 28
Arrive in Naples and transfer to the deluxe Grand Hotel Vesuvio, overlooking the Bay of Naples. This afternoon visit the Cloister at Santa Chiara, which dates from the 14th century and was entirely transformed with delicate majolica tile work. Gather on the hotel terrace in the  evening for a welcome reception with introductory remarks by our lecturers, followed by dinner.
NAPLES
Saturday, September 29
The morning and lunch are at leisure. Begin this afternoon at the Church of Pio Monte della Misericordia to see Caravaggio's masterpiece The Seven Acts of Mercy. Continue to the National Archaeological Museum of Naples, with its mosaics, wall paintings and erotica from Pompeii, as well as the renowned Gallery of the Farnese Bull. Dinner this evening is at a Neopolitan restaurant.
NAPLES / SEA CLOUD II
Sunday, September 30
 The 18th-century royal palace of Capodimonte, which we visit in the morning, houses the Farnes collections of the National Gallery. These impressive works include masterpieces by Piero della Francesca, Titian, Bellini and Raphael. Drive to Pompeii (above & left) for lunch and to see the ruins of the Roman town, buried by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 C.E. The extensive site provides a rare glimpse of Roman life and we will visit some of the recently opened areas under current restoration. Embark Sea Cloud II at teatime and set sail for the Aeolian Islands.
AT SEA
Monday, October 1
Today discover the thrill of sailing aboard the legendary Sea Cloud II. As she carries us through gentle waters under a full set of billowing white sails, the day is ours to experience the grace and romance of a bygone era of travel. Attend lectures and enjoy the amenities of this fine ship. Tonight join the captain on Lido Deck for a cocktail reception, followed by a welcome dinner. 
LIPARI, ITALY
Tuesday, October 2
Early risers may wish to be on deck as we sail through the Aeolian archipelago, volcanic islands off the north coast of Sicily. We go ashore at Lipari (right), which has known uninterrupted occupation since the Neolithic Age. The Archaeological Museum within the fortress walls has a superb collection of artifacts, such as extraordinary masks from this and other islands.
SYRACUSE (SICILY), ITALY
Wednesday, October 3
Today we explore Syracuse, one of the most important cities in antiquity. Discover the ancient Greek and Roman theaters of the Archaeological Zone, and see the cathedral in the Old Town, built upon the ruins of the Temple of Athena. Antonello da Messina's painting of the Annunciation and Caravaggio's Burial of St. Lucy will be at Palazzo Bellomo. We are invited for a private visit to the Palazzo Beneventeno del Bosco overlooking Piazza del Duomo.
AT SEA
Thursday, October 4
Spend a leisurely day at sea aboard Sea Cloud II. Watch the ship's crew as they practice the art of trimming the sails by hand, or perhaps settle into a comfortable deck chair with a favorite book.
 BRINDISI, ITALY
Friday, October 5
From the port of Brindisi, a morning drive takes us past ancient olive groves to Lecce, an unspoiled baroque city full of exuberantly ornamented churches, palaces and houses carved from the honey-colored local stone. Often used for period movies, Lecce resembles an opera set. Visit the restored cathedral and the adjoining Archbishop's Palace, the seminary and the Church of Santa Croce (left). Enjoy time at leisure before returning to our ship for an afternoon at sea. 
DUBROVNIK, CROATIA
Saturday, October 6
Step ashore for a full day visit to the spectacular walled city of Dubrovnik (right), the "Pearl of the Adriatic Coast." The city is a World Heritage Site and has undergone tremendous rebuilding with the assistance of UNESCO. The influence of the Venetian architects is apparent on Dubrovnik's main artery, La Placa. Visit the collections in the ancient Franciscan and Dominican Monasteries, and the Rector's Palace. In the afternoon, by special arrangement, enjoy a cocktail reception and an a capella concert with dancers in the courtyard of Palazzo Spoza.
SPLIT, CROATIA
Sunday, October 7
Following lunch on board we arrive at the colorful port of Split, dating from the 3rd century C.E. Visit the gallery of sculptor Ivan Mestrovic, with a collection of his works in marble, bronze and wood. Continue to Diocletian's Palace, an incomparable complex of buildings including luminous white stone from Brac, marble from Italy and sphinxes brought from Egypt. There will be time at leisure to stroll in the Old Town before returning to Sea Cloud II.
 AT SEA
Monday, October 8
Relax today as Sea Cloud II sets a course for Venice. In the evening celebrate our voyage with a festive farewell dinner hosted by the captain.
VENICE, ITALY / NEW YORK
Tuesday, October 9
Be on deck this morning for breathtaking vistas as Sea Cloud II enters the Venetian Lagoon. Disembark and transfer to the airport for return flights to New York, or continue with the optional postlude program in Venice.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
OPTIONAL POSTLUDE
VENICE
October 9 to 11
Tuesday, October 9
Disembark Sea Cloud II to explore the glorious works of Venetian painters — Giorgione, Titian and Tintoretto among others — in the Accademia delle Belle Arti. Following lunch in a lively trattoria, continue to I Frari, where Titian's monumental Assumption of the Virgin is a highlight. Conclude at Scuola di San Rocco with its remarkable paintings by Tintoretto before arriving at the deluxe Hotel Europa & Regina on the Grand Canal.
Wednesday, October 10
Transfer by motorboat for morning visits to two masterpieces by Palladio, the island church of San Giorgio Maggiore and on Giudecca Island, his "Il Redentore" church. Then discover the small early Renaissance church of Santa Maria dei Miracoli, sheathed inside and out with the finest marbles and porphyry. Lunch and the afternoon are at leisure. Gather this evening for dinner at the hotel's restaurant.
Thursday, October 11
Transfer to the airport for the flights to New York.
Back to Top |
