Sea Cloud— Photo: Courtesy Sea Cloud Cruises

Appearing as sun-drenched beacons under an azure sky, Greece's famed Aegean Islands are the defining features of the eastern Mediterranean Sea. Here, where southeastern Europe reaches its limit at the edges of Asia and Africa, are landscapes bathed in endless light, where serene bays, coastal villages, and a navy-blue sea forever stoke the irresistible allure of Greece.

In May 2012, VENT is returning to Greece for a Birds and History cruise to Crete and Santorini. On this journey we will delve into the country's remote past while seeking many of the special resident and migrant birds of the southern Aegean region. We have chartered the peerless Sea Cloud, a four-masted barque widely regarded as the world's most beautiful sailing vessel, for a trip that combines the fascinating history and culture of ancient Greece, particularly the Minoan civilization, with an emphasis on exploring the region's interesting birdlife and other natural history. Our cruise route will begin in Athens and end a week later in Kusadasi, Turkey. We will spend three days exploring the mountains and coastline of Crete, a day at famous Santorini, and two days cruising the southern Aegean Sea—one of the world's most historic bodies of water.

Adding to the allure is the opportunity to travel aboard Sea Cloud. Ornate in her all-wood construction, resplendent under sail, and owner of a vivid history, this majestic ship sets a standard by which all other ships are measured.

Santorini, Greece— Photo: Myriam Boudan

We have planned this trip for the late spring when the mountains still retain winter snow, and the heat of summer has not yet arrived in the lowlands. On Crete we will visit the renowned ruins of Knossos and Malia, sites of royal palaces in Minoan times; travel to the ruins of Lato, a fifth-century B.C. Greek city; and witness several sites built by the Venetians, who arrived in Crete much later. Santorini, known for its scenic and architectural beauty, is home to a breathtaking caldera; iconic white-washed, cliff top villages; and an outstanding archaeological site at Akrotiri.

Late May is a lovely time of year to travel in Greece, with spring flowers still in bloom and breeding birds on territory and readily found. Among the species we'll seek are some of the eastern Mediterranean's most special birds, including Levantine Shearwater, Eurasian Griffon, Eleonora's Falcon, Audouin's Gull, Red-billed Chough, and Rueppell's Warbler, in addition to other resident and migratory birds.

Joining VENT leaders Victor Emanuel and Barry Lyon for this special departure is Dr. Paul Woodruff, a professor of philosophy and classics at the University of Texas, and an expert on ancient Greece. For an added bonus, acclaimed author and two-time National Book Award winner, Peter Matthiessen, will join this departure as a special guest.

One night in Athens and six nights aboard the incomparable Sea Cloud; excellent cuisine; shore excursions to ruins and nature sites will involve short, easy walks; warm temperatures and little or no precipitation expected.