Our first port of call in Greece was the lovely Tinos, home to about 10,000 residents. According to local guide, Kriton, the famed marble of Tinos is so abundant that it is cheaper to build with stone than wood here!
We traveled by coach through terraced schist agricultural fields and marble quarries, slowing down for goats and hairpin curves. After a brief visit to the Marble Museum, we headed to the charming city of Pyrgos, built inland and tucked far away from ancient pirates. Church bells, sleeping kittens, bougainvillea, and jasmine flowers were set against the beautiful backdrop of marble and brightly painted doors.
Upon returning to port, guests viewed the Holy Church of Panagia of Tinos, one of the most important Greek Orthodox religious sites in the world. We watched as pilgrims crawled several blocks on their hands and knees to pay homage.
Our beloved Sea Cloud crew welcomed us back with lunch on deck. The captain and expedition leader surprised guests at the end of the Ancient Greece 101 lecture by historian Rebecca Ingram with an opportunity to hop in Zodiacs and view our magnificent ship under sail!
