Our final day of this week-long adventure brought us to the island of Syros, located to the west of the sacred island of Delos. In a refreshing change, Sea Cloud was able to dock at Ermoupolis, at one time the busiest port in Greece. We were free to come and go from the ship throughout the morning, and some took advantage of the flexible schedule to go for an early morning swim.
Our knowledgeable local guides, Eleni and Effie, offered a leisurely walking tour of the town, which is the capital city of the Cyclades. Due to its importance in shipping and industry, the city of Ermoupolis boasts marble-paved streets and numerous neoclassical mansions. Our walking tour also brought us to several churches, one of which houses an icon painted by El Greco. We also visited some of the popular sweet shops of Syros and had the opportunity to try the famous lokoum, or Turkish delight. Typical flavors, like lemon or pistachio, were available alongside more exotic options, such as rose, mastic, or bergamot. Returning to the ship for lunch, we then experienced one final afternoon of sailing, achieving a speed of seven knots. Our last evening aboard this beautiful ship was spent enjoying cocktails alongside a slideshow featuring guests’ photos, followed by an impressive four-course meal in the ship’s stately dining room.
