French and Italian Riviera

French and Italian Riviera

This is a very large cruising area containing many countries and thousands of miles of shoreline. the most popular areas are the French and Italian Riviera The general schedule of the vessels that charter these waters is to cruise and anchor out during the day and come into port to dock for the nights. Nightlife in most towns is upbeat and experiencing the local restaurants, bars, casino and nightclubs is what attracts most travelers to these destinations. Each port has its own charm.

For more information go: – http://www.guideriviera.fr http://www.italiantourism.com

Spanish Coastlines

Balearics

More information coming soon.
For more information go: – http://www.spain.info/

Croatia

Dalmatia

Dalmatia is undeniably one of the most surprising Mediterranean jewels.

The Croatian coast, including islands, cliffs and reefs, is 5.835 km long. There are 1.185 island, islets and reefs in the Adriatic Sea, so it is not strange that it is known as a land of “Thousand Islands”. Each of the islands has its own particular story and place in history. Croatia covers an area of great diversity and it is a place of rare beauty. What makes Croatian people proud is the untouchable nature protected in numerous nature reserves and eight national parks (Islands Brijuni, Kornati and Mljet, River Krka, Plitvice Lakes, Paklenica canyon, Risnjak wooded mountain massive and north part of the mountain massive Velebit).

DUBROVNIK

Jewel of the Dalmatian coast, girded in 9th century walls that rise cheerily from the water’s edge, Dubrovnik is one of the best-preserved medieval towns in Europe and miraculously escaped serious damage in the recent war. Within the ancient fortifications is a labyrinth of alleyways and a striking Renaissance boulevard called the ‘Stradun.’ Dubrovnik is not only beautiful, it is an architectural marvel. This medieval walled city is over 1,000 years old and virtually untouched by the modern world. Dubrovnik has been listed as a city-monument on the UNESCO cultural heritage register. Particular sights of interest include the oldest pharmacy in Europe, located in the Friars Minor monastery (1317).

MLJET

Mljet is situated only 17 miles from Korcula’s. It is a green paradise, unique in the Mediterranean because of its environment. As a consequence of the rising sea level, two beautiful salt lakes were created on the island: Veliko and Malo Jezero, which are surrounded by luxuriant pine and oak woods. Because of its extraordinary beauty, this part of the island was proclaimed a national park in 1960.

KORCULA

Korcula’s contains many monuments dating from its days under Venetian rule. It was the home of famed traveler Marco Polo. His house may be visited – though little remains but his garden and a staircase to the tower from which he is presumed to have gazed out on the world and deemed it a place to explore. An interesting feature in Korcula’s is the manner in which its streets were re-built in the thirteenth century. Most of the lanes run west to east in order to block out the northeastern Bora, a cold and powerful wind that at times stirs up the Adriatic while allowing the gentle Mistral breezes from another direction to air-condition the town.

On the island of Korcula’s (pronounced “kor-chew-la”), exploration is more than a pastime, its heritage.

For tourists wanting to follow Polo’s footsteps closer to home, the explorer’s birthplace is near the almost 700-year-old Saint Peter’s Church, another popular sightseeing destination. Shipbuilding and stonecutting played vital roles in Korcula’s economy for centuries. Pine forests provided the raw materials for ships, and ships provided transportation for Korcula’s stone, which was once well known throughout Europe and used in many palaces. Korcula’s heritage comes alive in a traditional dance that has been performed for more than four centuries. The Moreska sword dance depicts the battle of two kings and their armies for the love of a beautiful girl.

BISEVO

Southwest is the island Bisevo, of an area of 6 square kilometers. There are many caves in ‘chiseled’ into the steep coasts, among which ‘Modra Spilja’ stands out with an above-sea level and below-sea level entrance. When the sea is calm the light rays that shine in the cave break in such a way against the cave walls that the objects and people inside it are covered in blue and those in the water a silvery color.

VIS

Island Vis, the beauty of limpid waters and protected submarine world rich with sunken ships and magic marine images that has been hidden for years. Vis is the most westerly of the larger Croatian islands and the oldest established town in Dalmatia, founded in 397 B.C. by the ruler of Sicily, Dionysus – the Latin name for the island is Issa. In World War II, the island was major base for British troops stationed there and there is a British military cemetery on the island. After 1945, Vis was closed to tourism by the Yugoslav army and only reopened when Croatia declared its independence in 1990. Some of the most exclusive wines in Croatia are produced there, such as Plavac and Vugava.

KRKA National Park

The Krka National Park is an area of outstanding natural beauty boasts countless inter-connected lakes and waterfalls with the opportunity of short boat tours or walks around the many bridges and footpaths. The Franciscan monastery of Visovac located in the middle of one of the lakes makes a picturesque visit.

KORNATI National Park

Kornati National Park, which includes a bigger part of Kornati archipelago, covers an area of 218 km sq. and consists of 89 islands, islets and reefs. An impressive contrast between bare, almost desert like land and a rich and erogenous underwater world is the best feature of the area. The fascinating crowns on the islands facing the open sea, remarkable geomorphology of the land, but also the magnificent scenery, the mystical submarine world and amazing harmony of nature and man that inhabits the area are only a few of the numerous priceless properties adorning this region.

TROGIR

Trogir is a city that usually is visited “casually” and the main impression after a first visit is: How is possible that a place of similar beauty isn’t on the top of promotion of Croatia as well as Dubrovnik? Trogir is a wonderful old city surrounded by the sea, with stone covered streets and buildings with characteristic white color are unique and unforgettable. Old Trogir is an UNESCO heritage from 1997. It is situated on island between the coast and island Ciovo (connected with a bridge). The major part of old town is protected by the walls and on the southern part there is a beautiful shore with palms. Except of Cathedral and fascinating portal of Master Radovan, it is possible to see a lot of historical buildings as Kamerlengo and St. Marco castle, North and South City Door, St. Nicholas tower, Cipiko palace, many churches and monasteries.

After important historical monuments there are a countless quantity of anonymous old house with old family’s stems above the doors, fascinate architectonic details lost in some corner or court with old stone well. The main city square with Cathedral is particularly charming, but it is also an unique feeling to take a walk on a sunshine shore (riva) or get lose yourself inside of narrow streets of old town. Island Ciovo in some sense is a “Trogir’s beach” where the Trogir’s medieval nobles used to build the villas.

For more information go: – http://www.dalmatia.hr/

Greece

Greece

Greek seafaring tradition has a history reaching back for generations. There are thousands of islands to explore and 10,000 miles of rugged coastlines, inlets and beaches. The Greek seas are so vast that it would take months (perhaps years) to explore them all. A 7 day charter in any of the island groups is not nearly long enough. The main charter regions are the Cyclades, Sporades, Ionian, Saronic Gulf, Peloponnese and Dodecanese island groups. As a result of Greece’s geographical location, the subtropical warm summers are cooled by a stream of moderate to strong Northerly winds. These “Meltemi” winds are strongest in July, August and early September, especially in the Cyclades and are very unpredictable. It is important, therefore, that charters to the Cyclades may not be possible during certain periods. There are hundreds of islands protected from the Meltemi however and alternatives abound. temperatures are around 70-80 degrees in May and June and 80-90 degrees in July, Aug., and Sept.

For more information go: – http://www.greektourism.com< href=”http://www.gogreece.com”> http://www.gogreece.com

Turkey

Bodrum – Bodrum (7 days)

Bodrum – Gokova – Knidos – Datca – Hisaronu – Bozburun – Bodrum

Day 1
Embarkation to the yacht in Bodrum. Bodrum is one of the most popular resorts of Turkey famous for its beautiful bays, vivid entertainment life, vast choice of shopping and eating-out varieties. The Medieval Bodrum Castle and the Underwater Archeology Museum worth a visit before you start your cruising on board your yacht.

Day 2
Sailing to the Gulf of Gokova. The Sedir Island, also known as Cleoptra’s Island, the English Harbour, Cat Bay are among the most favorite anchorages in this big gulf.

Day 3
Knidos – Knidos was one of the major trading Dorian city before & during the Hellenistic times. It was famous for the naked statue of Aphrodite made by the famous sculpturer Praxiteles. Today the ruins of the city can be visited. Palamutbuku bay is an ideal anchorage for that night.

Day 4
Datca is the only town in this route except Bodrum. It has a cosy & local atmosphere with its small town center and marina. You can do some shopping, exchange money, buy naturel olive oil soaps and enjoy a concert in the open-air theatre in the evening if you are lucky.

Day 5
Orhaniye & Selimiye are two beautiful villages & bays in the Hisaronu Gulf. The sea is crystal clear, bays are quiet and ideal for all watersports in this area.

Day 6
Bozburun is our last stop before we steer back to Bodrum.

Day 7
Sailing back to Bodrum. Last day is spent in a bay close to Bodrum to enjoy the beautiful sea and do some water sports. If you wish you may spend the last night in Bodrum to do some shopping and to enjoy the night life.

Day 8
After having breakfast on board, time for disembarkation in Bodrum.

For more information go: – http://www.bodrum-info.org

Bodrum – Greek Islands – Gocek (7 days)

Bodrum – Kos – Simi – Rhodes – Marmaris – Gocek

Day 1
Transfer from Bodrum Airport for embarkation onto yacht in Bodrum harbour. Anchorage at Adaburnu for lunch and enjoy swimming and snorkelling. After lunch a visit to Bodrum Castle and Underwater Museum. Enjoying dinner on board or explore the mix of history, entertainment and nightlife of this lively town.

Day 2
After breakfast, sailing to the Greek Island Kos. Visiting the famous “Plane Tree” under which Hypocrites the father of medicine taught his students. The houses dating from the Roman era with fabulous mosaics, ruins of the portico, the Roman baths and the palace of the Knights of St.John. can also be visited. Dinner and night stay in Kos.

Day 3
Sailing to Simi. This small Greek island is a perfect settlement of fishing villages and sandy beaches. Spending the day sightseeing and visiting Chorio the 19th century town of fine neo-classical mansions before enjoying dinner in Simi.

Day 4
Sailing to Rhodes, exploring the largest and the busiest Dodecanese Island. Spending the day sightseeing and visiting the medieval citadel built by the Knights of St. John, an order of Crusaders who ruled here 213 years. After shopping in the “Old Town” swimming or doing water sports in a quite beach. Dinner in Rhodes.

Day 5
Sailing to Marmaris, Cruising to Kadirga Burnu for lunch and then for an afternoon swim. Marmaris Castle is one of the many historical places to visit in this popular summer resort. Shopping at down town or spending time at the cosy local cafe bars by the sea. Night spent at anchor in Turunc or Kumlubuk harbour.

Day 6
After breakfast, taking a small trip to Dalyan river delta to explore the ruins of the Ancient Caunos (Carian) incredible rock tombs. Swimming at the Iztuzu Beach known as the feeding ground for Caretta – Caretta sea turtles. Spending the night at anchor in Ekincik.

Day 7
Sailing to Gocek Laguna. Enjoying the swimming, snorkelling and hiking around the Sunken Bath of Cleopatra. A short visit to Tersane Island in the Laguna. Dinner and night stay in Gocek.

Day 8
Disembarkation from the yacht and transfer to Dalaman Airport.

For more information go: – http://www.allaboutturkey.com/caunos.htm

Gocek – Gocek (7 Days)

(Gocek – Oludeniz – Kekova – Kalkan – Gocek)

Day 1
Embarkation to the yacht in Gocek Harbour. First day is spent in Gocek Gulf and depending on the time of arrival to the yacht, one or two different bays can be visited to enjoy swimming, sunbathing and relaxing in one of the most best cruising areas of the world. Dinner and night spent in Gocek.

Day 2
Gocek – Gemiler Island (15 nm, 2 hrs) After breakfast, sail through the islands on to Gemiler Island. You can discover both the underwater and on land ancient ruins in this area. Oludeniz, which is may be the most famous beach of Turkey, can be visited by the tender.

Day 3
Gemiler Island – Kalkan (35 nm, 4 hrs) After an early start from Gemiler Island, you will arrive to Kalkan. Kalkan is a small seaside town with steep streets bordered by shops, cafes and old-style buildings. The ones interested in history & archaeology, can take a land tour to see the ancient Lycian cities of Xanthos, Letoon and Patara.

Day 4
Kalkan – Kekova (28 nm, 3.5 hrs) In Kekova area, the Sunken City, Simena and Ucagiz can be visited. In the Sunken City, near Kekova Island, the water is so clean that you can easily see the buildings under water. Simena, is the ancient settlement around today’s Kalekoy and the ancient fortress crowning the hill, has a breathtaking view. The Lycian-type tombs are scattered all around the area.

Day 5
Kekova – Kas (13 nm, 1.5 hrs) * Diving area * After breakfast cruise for the delightful seaside town of Kas. (If desired Castellerizon, the small Greek Island just opposite to Kas can be visited as well).

Day 6
Kas – Oludeniz (48 nm, 6 hrs) Your boat will get under way very early in the morning. On the way you may stop by Seven Capes (Yedi Burun) for swimming and lunch. In the afternoon you will be in Oludeniz. The ones interested in can take a tour to Karmylassos (the Ghost Town), the abandoned Greek town behind the hills of Oludeniz.

Day 7
Oludeniz – Gocek (15 nm, 2 hrs) Last day of the holiday will be spent in the Gocek Gulf, visiting different bays for watersports and swimming. In the evening, you may enjoy the cosy town of Gocek and do your last shopping.

Day 8
Disembarkation from the yacht in Gocek Harbour

For more information go: – http://www.gocek.info

Marmaris to Marmaris (7 days)

Marmaris – Dalyan – Gocek – Fethiye – Marmaris

Day 1
Transfer from Dalaman Airport to embark yacht in Marmaris at BASE PARADISE. Marmaris is one of the most popular summer resorts of Turkey. The most important historic building in the town centre is Marmaris Castle. Many bars and restaurants are spread in the Marina. It is, at the same time, quite a full-fledged shopping centre. The night spent in a small, quiet bay nearby the town.

Day 2
Sightseeing tour in Marmaris then sailing onward to Caunos (Dalyan), visiting the Carian city Caunes, its famous rock-tombs and well-known beach. Enjoy the fascinatining and beautiful sands of Iztuzu Beach known as the breeding ground of Caretta – Caretta sea turtles.

Day 3
A short sail to Gocek Laguna-Anchorage at Sunken Bath. Gocek is a favourite bay for yachts and the Blue Cruisers. The crystal-clear water invites everyone to swimming and snorkelling. 7 miles away from Gocek there are seven small islands called Yasl calar real natural beauties with fine sandy beaches.

Day 4
Sail to Fethiye. If all the cities and the seas were to be known by a colour, turquoise-blue would definitely suit Fethiye. And the most beautiful tone of this blue can be seen in Oludeniz (Blue Lagoon). You can enjoy hours of swimming, snorkelling and hiking here. A short land trip will take you to Kaya Village “The old Greek Ghost Town”, “Karymylasses”, rock-tombs, mosques, Turkish Bath and Bazaars. Night spent in one the beautiful bays of Fethiye.

Day 5
Early in the morning sailing to Gemiler Island – hiking to Lycian and Byzantine dwelling and ruins. Here one can swim, dive, surf and fish to one’s heart’s content. Spending the night in a lovely small cove surrounded by pine and olive trees.

Day 6
After having breakfast sailing to Sarigerme. Its back is leaning against the pine trees; in the front is a long beach with fine sands and shallow, warm and clean water. Just off the shore is Baba Ada that serves as a natural breakwater. This island is one of the best places for swimming and playing with the huge array of water toys on board. Dinner and night spent here.

Day 7
Enjoy cruising before return to Marmaris, Base Paradise. Disembarkation from the yacht and transfer to the airport.

For more information go: – http://www.tourismturkey.org/

Find much more information and sample itineraries at Destinctive Yachts