Category Archives: Charter Types

Luxury Yacht Charter in Greece: Seven Day Itinerary through the Saronic Islands

The Saronic Islands or Argo-Saronic Islands are an archipelago in Greece, named after the Saronic Gulf in which they are located, just off the Greek mainland. Due to their close proximity, these islands are very popular destinations for Athenians.

Visitors here can have a diversified experience ranging from exciting urban bustle to laid-back island flavor. Be prepared to go with the flow and enjoy each remarkable destination for its unique offerings.

Saronic Islands Seven Day Itinerary

1st day: Marina Alimos – Poros Island

Sail through the narrow channel of the Peloponnese to reach the lush green island of Poros, where old pine forests still stand in the south and center of the island and the landscape is fertile and mountainous.

The town of Poros features neo-classical architecture, enticing tavernas and a variety of shops. Scattered throughout the island are archeological sites and historical points of interest.

2nd day: Poros Island – Spetses Island

Spetses, the southernmost of the Saronic Islands, is a popular weekend destination where visitors find lovely beaches and quaint restaurants and shops. Cars are not allowed in the main town and transport is on foot, by bicycle, motorbike and horse carriages.

Spetses is ideal for a walking tour along traditional narrow streets lined with beautiful Venetian buildings that attest to a wealthy past. For hikers, there are many monasteries connected by trails through a lush gentle landscape that is green and beautiful.

3rd day: Spetses Islands – Leonidio and Plaka

Near the ancient city of Prasiae on the Peleponnese coast, the town of Leonidio emerges from a breathtaking landscape. The second century geographer Pausanias declared the fertile area “the garden of Dionysus.” This god of the grape harvest, winemaking and wine, of ritual madness and ecstasy, according to Greek mythology was found on a Leonidio beach.

Four kilometers from town, the picturesque port of Plaka beckons visitors to enjoy any of several tavernas and bars immediately adjacent to the sea. In August, Plaka hosts the “Tsakonian Eggplant Festival”, where chefs from across Europe compete in an event that grows increasingly popular with participants and spectators alike.

4th day: Leonidio – Hydra Island

Hydra is one of the most impressive islands of the Saronic Gulf and has long attracted photographers and painters who love its quaint, little, crescent shaped harbor.

Clustered here are an intriguing assortment of restaurants, shops, markets, and galleries that cater to tourists and locals alike.

5th day: Hydra Island – Aegina Island 

Aegina, located just 27 kilometers from Athens, was a rival and a great sea power in ancient times. Aegina has a long and very colorful history with roots in Greek mythology, as a center of trade, of strategic importance, of war, slavery and even as a pirate headquarters.

It also has the distinction of being the first place in Greece where the Greek flag was raised at the end of the War of Independence. The traditional fishing village of Perdika welcomes yachtsmen to the island. The town is a busy place, especially popular on weekends with Athenians.

6th day: Aegina Island – Marina Alimos, Athens

For the final time we cast off, bound for mainland Greece. Visitors to Athens will find dozens of museums, galleries and historic sites, in addition to superb gourmet restaurants, elegant designer shops, numerous theaters and other entertainment venues. Visit The National Archaeological Museum, which ranks among the top ten museums in the world. Then take your queue from the locals in this crowded, cosmopolitan urban center. Stroll arm in arm along the busy streets, do a bit of window shopping, then relax at one of the many coffee shops and observe the world passing by, just as Athenians have done for centuries.

7th day: Athens – Airport

Today you have to say goodbye to your captain and crew, reflect upon your memorable sunny holiday, and begin planning your next trip to Greece.
Please visit Greece Yacht Charter and Sailing Vacation Guide for comprehensive charter and destination information.

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Luxury Yacht Charter in Greece: 7 Glorious Days Cruising in the Cyclades Islands

Here we present a sample seven-day yacht charter itinerary through the Cyclades that provides an opportunity to enjoy a bit of everything these islands have to offer. The Cyclades Islands are one of several groups of islands, which together comprise the Aegean archipelago. Arguably the most popular island group, these 220 or so islands are the fertile peaks of a submerged mountainous terrain stretching southeast of Athens.

Each island has a unique splendor and every port a distinct charm. Pristine whitewashed villages that dot the landscape are radiant in the Aegean sun. Vendors on donkeys still ply their wares along the winding roads that link historic sites dating back over thousands of years. Beautiful beaches and charming harbors beckon with delightful seaside restaurants and vibrant nightlife.

1st day: Athens – Kea Island
Kea is an island of the Cyclades archipelago, in the Aegean Sea, 60 km southeast of Athens. After decades of depopulation the island has been popularized by Athenian yachtsmen who appreciate its remote charm yet proximity to the city. Ayia Irini is a Bronze Age settlement dating to the late Minoan period. The classical era lyric poets Simonides and Bacclides come from this island. The Byzantine Empire brought prosperity to the island until control by the Venetians during the Middle Ages. The Turks also occupied the little island. This checkered past contributes to an intriguing archeological and architectural legacy. On your visit be sure to include time for leisurely seaside dining at the picturesque fishing hamlet of Vourkari, popular for its local charm and excellent restaurants.

2nd day: Kea Island to – Siros Island
Rocky Siros, or Sira, is the commercial, administrative and cultural capital island of the Cyclades. This is a very popular destination that offers something for everyone. There are excellent restaurants, tavernas with live music, shops, even a casino. Beautiful beaches are ideal for water sports. History buffs can visit archaeology sites dating from 2800 to 2300 BC. In the 19th century Siros was a wealthy and powerful port. Impressive neoclassical buildings and large mansions from this era remain intact throughout the island.

3rd day: Siros Island – Mykonos Island
Mykonos is a whitewashed paradise of magnificent natural beauty. Mykonos has been a famous tourist Mecca for decades, with a history stretching back over 2,000 years. It has long been a playground for the rich and famous boasting beautiful beaches, delightful shops and restaurants and a vibrant nightlife. Here locals and backpackers mingle amongst the jet setters, artists and celebrities from all over the world. The renowned architecture of whitewashed houses, diminutive storefronts and Byzantine churches, emerge along narrow, winding passageways as if sculpted from the cliffs. The cosmopolitan flavor of Mykonos is a delightful contrast to the simplicity of other islands.

4th day: Mykonos Island – Serifos Island
Serifos is a lovely island dotted with traditional villages and coastal resorts. The harbor is lined with outdoor restaurants and tavernas and is an ideal spot to enjoy a carafe of local wine while absorbing the view. The white houses and churches of Chora, the capital of Serifos, are perched high on a hill overlooking the harbor. At the entrance to the village is a grouping of windmills, some of which have been turned into most unusual houses. On a clear day the panoramic view from here includes the islands of Sifnos, Naxos, Paros and Antiparos.

5th day: Serifos Island – Kythnos Island
Kythnos or Thermia is a quiet, unspoiled island favored by Greek tourists. Anchor in crystal clear water that gently laps white sand beaches. The traditional villages of Chora and Driopida are very picturesque and offer panoramic views. Loutra resort has warm, curative, sulfur spa waters that tradition says come from Vesuvius and have been a healing source since ancient times.

6th day: Kithnos Island – Marina Alimos, Athens
For the final time we raise our sails bound for mainland Greece. Arriving in Athens there is always much to see and do. Athens has dozens of museums, galleries and historic sites, in addition to superb gourmet restaurants, elegant designer shops, numerous theaters and other entertainment venues. Visit The National Archaeological Museum, which ranks among the top ten museums in the world. Then take your queue from the locals in this crowded, cosmopolitan urban center. Stroll arm in arm along the busy streets, do a bit of window shopping, then relax at one of the many coffee shops that line Syntagma Square and observe the world passing by, just as Athenians have done for centuries.

7th day: Athens – Airport
Today you have to say goodbye to your captain and crew, reflect upon your memorable sunny holiday, and begin planning your next trip to Greece.

Here is a useful link to discover more about Luxury Yacht Chartering for a Vacation in Greece.

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Aegean Summer Aboard 114′ PROTEUS and 101′ IRIS: Superb Luxury Charter Yachts For Exploring the Incomparable Greek Islands

IRIS 101' Ferretti Custom Line

The Greek Islands of the Eastern Mediterranean beckon luxury yacht charter clients with nearly unlimited options

PROTEUS 114 C.T.M Falcon

for first class adventure this summer. Each island has a unique splendor and every port a distinct charm. Two superb Italian yachts still have limited summer availability in the region, 101’ IRIS Ferretti Custom Line and 104’ PROTEUS C.T.M. Falcon. The distinguished crews on both luxury yachts are natives of the Aegean; eager to reveal everything that is marvelous in these renowned ports of call.

Of all the island groups the Cyclades, a short journey southeast of Athens, are the most popular. These islands are topographically diverse, populated with archetypal Greek towns, congested with appealing restaurants and shops, scattered with amazing archeological sites and famous for their beaches. Whether your yacht of choice is the seaworthy PROTEUS, slicing smoothly through the sea between these destinations, or the stylish IRIS, with spacious social areas ideal for entertaining in port, your experience aboard will be unforgettable.

PROTEUS Salon
IRIS Main Aft Deck

PROTEUS offers twelve guests incomparable luxury in six elegantly appointed, ensuite staterooms. This voluminous trideck design was launched in 2004 and is meticulously maintained. Guests will be thoroughly pampered by her crew of six, dedicated to the requirements of each individual guest. IRIS is an excellent family yacht accommodating up to 12 guests and featuring two twin staterooms with extra Pullman berths that are always a delight for children. The upper deck is superb for sunning and spectacular panoramic views. IRIS is an elegant, stately vessel, yet with a relaxing, ambiance.

 

Whichever yacht you are fortunate enough to charter, the Captain and crew can assist with planning your itinerary, which can be the most difficult part of your charter given the myriad of spectacular destinations available. Paros is the new Mykonos for the Greeks, very lively and chic, but not as touristic as Mykonos, which has long been famous for its beaches and nightlife. Santorini is spectacularly beautiful and features extraordinary archeological sites. Naxos has amazing white sand beaches and Antiparos is a very exclusive and expensive hidden gem where Tom Hanks and his wife of Greek origin, Rita Wilson, own a home.

Charter super yacht PROTEUS or luxury yacht IRIS this summer in the incomparably beautiful, mythical and magical Aegean Sea, and there is little doubt these ships and these islands will lure you back over and over again.

Here is a helpful link for comprehensive information on Vacation Yacht Charters in Greece.

 

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Splendid QUINTA ESSENTIA: Largest Yacht Launched by Heesen Shipyard To Date is Available for Summer Charter in Monaco

Heesen Yachts recently launched the first of its highly anticipated 55-meter semi-displacement series from the shipyard at Oss, The Netherlands. The head turning QUINTA ESSENTIA clearly displays, in both form and function, her esteemed Heesen pedigree.

Heesen naval architects in collaboration with Van Oossanen Associates have created a sophisticated and highly efficient hard-chine hull, while Frank Laupman from Omega Architects developed the dynamic and supremely graceful exterior lines.

The arresting exterior color striping plan alternates custom metallic dark red Awlgrip paint and oyster white. The inspiration for the plum red tone is taken from Montemaggio Merlot and reflects another of the owner’s passions – fine Tuscan wines. The dapper limousine tender, designed by Vripack and custom built in New Zealand by Vaudrey Miller, repeats the color scheme in miniature.

Renowned designer Ken Freivokh with Michela Reverberi, are responsible for cutting edge interiors that are at once artful, posh and beckoning. Commenting on this design co-operation, Nakhimov’s principal, Sergei Dorboserdov explained: “Ken was asked to create a futuristic interior in the minimalist style and while this resulted in an extremely attractive and conceptual design, the owners felt that the modern style was too stark. For this reason the owners introduced the Italian designer, Michela Reverberi to the QUINTA ESSENTIA project with a brief to make the atmosphere more intimate…Michela created a completely new interior style incorporating the color palette and atmosphere that met the owners’ taste and wishes.”

Michela Reverberi explains, “The inspiration for my work was ‘Quinta Essentia’ – the fifth element – which is the highest synthesis of the four elements. These four elements – Earth, Water, Air and Fire – are represented in the four guests’ cabins, while the owners’ suite synthesizes them all. The theme is integrated in the design thanks to details, colors, patterns that are displayed against an absolute and pure white background. Their presence is subtle and discrete. For the owners’ stateroom I chose the color silver, which reflects all the other elements, and therefore encompasses them all.”

The yacht has notable features that include a voluminous master stateroom, two double guest cabins that convert to a VIP compartment, a main deck swimming pool with lush waterfall, full gym and spa facilities on the sundeck, and a technologically innovative tender bay that can be flooded to allow easy launching and recovery of the tenders.

Yacht spotters are keeping an eye out for QUINTA ESSENTIA, a vessel certain to make a powerful impact on the luxury superyacht charter circuit in Monaco this summer.

LOA: 180.5ft.

Beam: 34ft.

Draft: 9.8 ft.

Fuel Capacity: 33,022 gal.

Water Capacity: 2,642 gal.

Maximum speed: 24 kts

Range: 4,500nm at 12 kts

Engines: 2 x MTU 20V4000M93L, each 4.300 kW

Please follow this link for comprehensive information on Luxury Superyacht Charter worldwide.

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Spectacular Rate Reduction for 116ft. Sloop WHISPER: Superb Spectator Yacht for Heineken Regatta, St. Barth’s Bucket and Les Voiles de St. Barth

WHISPER is an extraordinary sailing yacht, launched in 2003, that features every classic detail you can imagine. This luxurious 116ft. sloop features naval architecture and styling by renowned Ted Hood/Ted Fontaine with supremely elegant interiors by Andrew Winch. WHISPER, built by Holland Jachtbouw, was the distinguished winner of the 2004 ShowBoats Award for Best Sailing Yacht Under 40 Meters.

WHISPER is an ideal yacht from which to view some of the Caribbean’s most exhilarating competitions. St. Maarten’s Heineken Regatta, March 3-6, St. Barth’s Bucket, 24-27 March, and Les Voiles de St. Barth, 4-9 April, pit award winning world class teams against each other to challenge the seas.

Guests on board WHISPER will thrill to magnificent views from the raised pilot house featuring L-shaped banquette seating and congenial bar area. This luxury sailing yacht also has a spacious cockpit that seats up to 10 guests.

WHISPER has a regular weekly rate of $80,000 but is being offered at the reduced rate of $69,000 per week. This supremely elegant yacht features a highly skilled crew of five that are dedicated to providing the ultimate charter experience.

Follow these informative links for information on Caribbean Regatta Charter, St. Barths Bucket Regatta Yacht Charter Opportunities and Regattas and Sailing Events.

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