10 Night Corsica and Sardinia Cruise from Naples

Fly overnight and arrive in Naples. Board the legendary Sea Cloud and cast off from the city's active harbor. We'll pass by the rugged coast of the island of Capri at sunset as we enter the Tyrrhenian Sea. (Day 2: D)

Join the expedition leader for a play-by-play description of the crew in the rigging and the action of the setting of square sails, staysails, and jibs as Sea Cloud shows her full glory. Bask in the comfort and intrigue of this legendary and historic square rigger, enjoy delicious meals, complimentary drinks, and talks by the expedition staff as we sail toward Sardinia. (B,L,D)

We dock in Sardinia's capital of Cagliari on the south end of the island, dominated by its hilltop medieval Castello. In the morning, we drive inland to the archeological centerpiece of Su Nuraxi in Barumini, which is the most well-preserved of the Bronze Age nuraghes, or stone fortresses, that characterize both Sardinia and Corsica, built by the enigmatic civilizations that inhabited these islands over 3,000 years ago. Su Nuraxi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the largest and most well preserved of them all, and the morning will serve as an introduction to the history, culture, and landscape of Sardinia. Return to Sea Cloud for lunch, and in the afternoon visit the impressive Roman Amphitheater in Cagliari, which is carved into the sloping limestone hill at the edge of the city. Continue to the outstanding National Archaeological Museum in the medieval Castello before taking a walking tour of the old town. (B,L,D)

We set sail again for the full morning, then enter the large western bay of Oristano to dock for the afternoon. Visit the Archaeological Park of Santa Cristina and Nuraghe Losa before enjoying some local food and entertainment. Dinner is served onboard Sea Cloud as we sail to our next destination. (B,L,D)

Anchor this morning off the medieval city of Alghero, which reveals its historic Catalan influence and is still sometimes referred to as "Barceloneta". The attractive old town is a joy to explore on foot, as are the protective sea walls. Local guides will give us a walking orientation to the old town to start the day. Next, travel to nearby Leda d'Ittiri estate for a wine tasting and tour. In the afternoon, we'll take a local boat out to the dramatic Capo Caccia peninsula to visit the colorful and expansive cave of Neptune's Grotto. Return to Sea Cloud and sail by the dramatic cliffs of Capo Caccia in the golden sunset light on our way toward Corsica. (B,L,D)

Dawn's light finds us holding off the layered cliff of Bonifacio, with its signature perch overlooking the Bonifacio Strait. Sea Cloud enters this small and spectacular narrow harbor to dock for the day. We begin with a walking orientation to the Citadel and the town of Bonifacio on its cliffside perch, with the rest of the morning devoted to enjoying one of the most beautiful towns of the Mediterranean. In the afternoon, we'll offer an option to drive inland to some of the menhir standing stone alignments of the Sartene region of Corsica, or to experience the characteristic Corsican maquis herbal scrubland with its stunning fragrances. (B,L,D)

The rock formations of Calanques de Piana are some of the most stunning natural landscapes in the Mediterranean. The calanques are karst limestone rock ravines that have been shaped by wind and water erosion, and the Calanques de Piana in Corsica are deservedly designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Our morning is devoted to this landscape and the delightful town of Piana, set in the midst of this disorienting labyrinth of rock formations. The scenery and the accompanying fragrance of the maquis and the pure, clean air are unforgettable highlights. (B,L,D)

The gorgeous crescent bay, with its narrow white-sand beach and the prominent Genoese citadel, has made the northwest Corsican town of Calvi a renowned summer resort destination for the last century. In the shoulder seasons it is a very pleasant town in a lovely setting to explore on foot, starting at the hilltop citadel with its ethnographic museum and medieval shops and alleys. Work your way back down to the waterfront, where you will board Sea Cloud. This afternoon, we sail north around Cap Corse. (B,L,D)

With hopes for an overnight sail, we keep the morning free to continue sailing on the northeast side of Corsica toward the port of Bastia, where we dock for the afternoon. Bastia is a very active working port and the principal gateway to Corsica from France. It is a rugged city made up of the upper Terra Nova citadel and the lower working district of Terra Vecchia with its lively food and fish markets. We will offer the option of driving from Bastia to explore the wild nature of Cap Corse, which is the protruding mountainous peninsula of northern Corsica, before returning for the late afternoon and evening in Bastia. (B,L,D)

We spend the final full day on Sea Cloud, hopefully enjoying the ship under full sail, reflecting on our visits to the unique and extraordinary islands of Sardinia and Corsica, and sorting our photos for the evening's "guest slide show" of favorite photos contributed by all of our shipmates. (B,L,D)

We return this morning to the port of Napoli for your flights home. (B)