Old City Gated Entrance - Rhodes, Greece

The Medieval walled city, called Old Town, surrounding the Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights, is today a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the largest and best preserved medieval walled cities in Europe. The main harbors in Rhodes where a charter starts are just on the outside of the walled fortifications of Old Town. Before leaving Rhodes, a "must" is to walk over to Old Town, and enter one of the gates in the walls to explore inside this busy city. If you visit during the day, a tour of the Palace of the Grand Master is available. But at anytime when you visit the Old town, it is teeming with activity with many shops selling all types of wares and souvenirs, especially the natural sponges as Rhodes was once famous as a sponge diving island. There are also many Tavernas with outdoor dining along the stone walkways and plazas inside. It is easy to spend 4 or 5 hours inside this medieval maze and enjoy every minute.


Bodrum Castle Towers

In Bodrum, at the other end of your charter itinerary, stands another castle and walled complex, which was an outpost of the Rhodes Old Town, also housing various Orders of Knights who joined there together for their believed common good of spreading Christianity. Today, the walled complex still stands at the mouth of Bodrum harbor, and is well worth visiting, not only for the architectural history, and history of the Orders of Knights, but also to see the Underwater Archaeology Museum now housed inside the complex. This museum has artifacts and actual ship remains of excavated shipwrecks from ancient civilizations that plied their trade along this important trading route. Inside the museum is, amongst other artifacts, amphoras, glass vessels, coins, and everyday objects belonging to the sailors. This castle and the Underwater Archaeology Museum is another site not to be missed on this charter itinerary.


Bodrum Castle Overlooking the Harbor

The Restaurant at Club 55

Bernard De Colmont , adventurer, explorer and filmmaker, who,"en passant", had acquired a certain fame in the thirties by kayaking down the Colorado river with his wife, no little feat at the time, spent his summer months in a small Cabanon on Pampelonne beach. When, in 1955, Director Roger Vadim and his cast from the movie "Et Dieu Crea la Femme", starring Ms Bardot, landed on the shores of the little fishing village, it was at Mr. and Mrs De Colmont's Cabanon that they would take their meals. With the success of the film, the De Colmont's opened a seasonal beach club where celebrities and others could come and relax away from the Parisian heat. It was named Club 55 in accordance with the year of its creation. Many today come to emulate, but few know its story.


Board walk coming from the beach

Contact Northrop and Johnson For More Information

The start of the July 14th display

This is no ordinary fireworks display. It's pure artistry with a carefully choreographed show of lights that are rhythmically coordinated to explode with the tempo of various musical pieces. An 8 person jury judges the "show" via theme originality, musical quality, colors, synchronization and shooting rhythm. Thousands of visitors line the Croisette for each display, so it's best to arrive early for a front row view to best see the layered heights of lights as they are ignited from several pontoons along the bay. Of course, the best vantage point is from a yacht, dozens of which vie for the best anchorage behind the 300 meter viewing area of sea-based "shooting" pontoons.

This year the schedule includes: July 14, Italy; July 21, Spain; July 29, Poland; August 7, and France; August 15. While the 30 minute fireworks display usually commences at 10 p.m., all displays are followed by concerts. On August 24th the prized country/group is announced and for the ceremony yet another fireworks display, from the Italian group Panzera, concludes the season.

Contact Northrop and Johnson Today for More Information!

The Bar

One of the best kept secrets of the harbor front is the bar of the Hotel Sube, strategically situated behind the statue of the Bailly De Suffren , a local noble man who, in the 17th century, acquired great fame as a free-booter captain, terrorizing British merchant ships in the Indian Ocean. Once you have located the monument, take the covered alley behind it. Inside, after a few yards and on your right, you will find the entrance door for the Hotel Sube. Take a quick leap up the stairs, pass the reception and enter the bar. Memorabilia of ships and yachts greet you wherever the eye rests. Behind the counter a fabulous display of whiskeys and other fine spirits reflect on the great numbers of yacht races and world cruises that have been won or lost on the other side of the same counter. The patina is intact and figures like Ted Turner, Dennis Conner, John Bertrand, and countless anonymous sailors have had there debriefing in this mythical room. A fire place is usually lit in the winter and a hand full of small tables on the balcony can also be used to enjoy the harbor bustle from the shoulders of Monsieur de Suffren himself....

On a fateful summer's day in 79AD, Mount Vesuvius erupted, spewing volcanic ashes and lapili over the village of Pompeii. Unaware of the imminent danger, most people continued on with their daily lives and as a result the entire town and around 20,000 of its inhabitants were buried under tons of ash and pumice.

Almost 2,000 years later, you can explore the preserved ruins of this famous disaster. Depart by taxi from either Naples or Salerno to Pompeii. While there your guide will show you fascinating places such as The Forum, Thermal Baths, the Lupanare and Vettius House with its beautiful frescos.

In ancient Roman cities the forum was the center of activity. There was a basilica, the center for legal and business matters, a macellum or marketplace along with various temples where the masses could appeal to their favorite deities.


The Forum, Pompei

The Vettius house belonged to two wealthy merchants, Aulus Vettius Restitutus and Aulus Vettius Conviva. Its beautiful paintings, still in their original positions, and the skillful reconstruction of its apartments make it one of the most interesting houses to visit in the whole town.


Vettius House Frescoe (Left)

A Lupanare (Brothel)(Right








The Lupanare, or brothel, feature well preserved erotic frescoes that line the interior of the building. The paintings point to the use of the building, but there are more clues in the interior layout. As you enter the building you will find yourself in a long rectangular chamber or hallway. Along each side of the chamber are small cubicles where ladies would conduct their work.

The House of the Faun is considered the most beautiful example of a private house from ancient times because of its size, decorations, and architectural importance. This house provides an incredible example of mosaic art including the Battle of Alexander the Great and Darius which is now in the National Museum of Naples.


Mosaic of Alexander the Great

The house was built at the height of the Samnite civilization and during the great influence of Hellenistic architecture, showing a fusion of Italian and Hellenistic elements.


Bronze Statue of the Dancing Faun

The greeting "Have" is in the front of the entrance to the House of Faun, and two shrines for the Lares (the household god) are high up on the walls of the entrance hall.


House of the Faun

For More Information about The Amalfi Coast Contact Northrop and Johnson Yacht Charters Today!

Alassia, Ligguian Coast, Italy

If your yachts docks in Imperia, consider a visit by car to Laiguelia and Alassio. The former is an ancient fishing village where boats used to be hauled onto the beach. Today, it has kept the charms of the coastal settlements where the growing of olives in the hills contrasts with the narrow lanes and vaulted boat shelters lining the sandy beach. Deep green shades and the silver foliage of the olive groves are the background to ochre, beige, and stoney facades of timeless elegance.

A five-minute drive further east along Via Aurelia brings you to the resort town of Alassio. It was made famous during the twenties and thirties when numerous visitors from Britain would migrate there during the drab winter months of the north. Many palatial residences line beaches and dot the surrounding hills. Its sand beach is a bliss for inspirational winter walks, while the pastel and salt bleached cabanas and colorful umbrellas towered by majestic pine trees make it an attractive summer outing. The Muretto, a wall clad with celebrity signed and created tiles is a favorite landmark where Hemingway and the likes left their marks.

The hamlet of Cap Brun at the base of the promontory of Fort Cap Brun. The awning in the foreground is the one sheltering the terrace of L'Escale.

Nestled in the lee side of the mistral just outside the bay of Toulon and its rim of forts and redoutes, under the old fort of CapBrun and looking east at the Anse Mejan, a clutter of old fishermen houses accommodate a small restaurant, reminiscent of Renoir's "Dejeuner des Canotiers". Grilled fresh fish, Soupe de Poisson and its "rouille" (one of the Cote's best, according to those in the know) are served foot steps away from the lapping blue waters of the bay. Sheltered from the mid-day sun by an awning of reeds and lit up at night by strings of simple light bulbs, L'Escale definitely is one of the best remaining "native" restaurants of this part of the world. It is accessible by boat, by anchoring in the bay and going ashore at the small stone pier, or by car by following the signs for Mourillon, Cap Brun and the Sentier du Littoral, after a very narrow street. Parking is amply available on the top of the steps leading to the waters edge.

Moulin de la Camandoule

After your flight, dine at the nearby Moulin de la Camandoule, an ancient olive oil mill transformed into a stylish hotel and restaurant. The mill has existed since the 15th century and the aqueduct, which brings the water of the Camandoule to the mill, dates from the roman era. You can still see the large wheel of the mill at the entrance to the restaurant. Call for reservations (04 94 76 00 84) as its reputation for gourmets, along with its bucolic ambiance, makes it a popular place to dine. You'll enjoy your dinner, prepared by chef Philipe Choisy, who has officiated there for eight years, on a terrace surrounded by the scent of provencal flowers and waving poplars growing along the nearby Camandoule river.

Gorges du Verdon

Moustiers Sainte Marie, or simply Moustiers lies at the western entrance to the Gorges. The small, quaint village is a pottery center, and is especially known for its faience pottery. The village clings to the side of a limestone cliff and is seemingly dissected by a spring and waterfall which falls directly out of the center of town.


Moustiers Sainte Marie

As you wander along the narrow lanes, look above the center of the town where a star hangs suspended between two cliffs. It has an interesting story. According to local lore a knight of the area, who was held prisoner by the Saracens during the Crusades, vowed to hang a star over his village upon returning. Apparently, he arrived home safely. The current star is one of many that have been replaced, when needed, over the centuries.

Frejus, France

Frejus was founded in the first century BC and was an important stop on the Aurelian Way. In 30 BC, the area became a retirement center for veterans of the 8th Legion. At about the same time Octavian brought ships captured at Actium to the area and began building the port that was to become the second largest Roman port after Ostia.

There are several must see ruins including The Aqueduct with its massive pillars, which can be viewed along the Avenue du Quinzieme Corps and the N7, between the Avenue des Aqueducs and the D437 roundabout. Next, there are ruins of the Roman theatre located at the Rue du Theatre Romain, which are easily viewed from behind a locked gate.

However, the highlight of a visit to Frejus is the Amphitheater, located at the west side of the town on Rue Henri Vadon. The oval arena seated 12,000 people and is only a bit smaller than the amphitheaters at Nimes and Arles. As you walk along the arched walkway, you can see the ambitious plans for its full restoration.

Contact Northrop and Johnson Yacht Charters for More Information!

What to Do

Beaches: Block Island features 17 miles of unspoiled beaches, protected by lighthouses and spectacular bluffs, and surrounded by rolling roads, winding paths and wild, fragrant beach roses. Many of the beaches encompassing the island are isolated and nearly untouched providing breathtaking views and tranquility.
Two-and-one-half miles of some of New England's finest beachfront can be found at Crescent Beach. Crescent Beach stretches along the island's east coast from Old Harbor (where the ferries dock) to Clay Head, and connects with two other fine beaches, Scotch and Mansion beaches, to the north.

Lighthouses: The Block Island Southeast Lighthouse is a 52 foot brick dwelling located atop the Mohegan Bluffs on the southeastern shore. Originally built in 1875, it was deactivated in 1990 and then relight in 1994. Today it acts both as a visitor destination and as an active navigational aid to the U.S. Coast Guard. The Block Island North Lighthouse (pictured below) is located at Sandy Point, near the north end of Block Island. First erected in 1868, the lighthouse stands 55 feet tall, is made of granite, and also serves today as a navigational aid to the U.S. Coast Guard. Visitors and seamen alike can see the tower's flashing white light every five seconds.

Dining and Shopping: There are numerous restaurants, from casual cafes to fine dining, most of which offer daily caught seafood. Nightlife on the island, like most everything else, is casual. Shopping is offered along the main street in Old Harbor, where you can find books, jewelry and clothing.


Great Salt Pond

Mirabella V

Mirabella V, 246 Sailing Yacht, normally charters for $350,000/7 days plus all expenses and crew gratuity. For the period of July 20-30, the Owner is offering the yacht for $300,000/10 days plus all expenses and crew gratuity. Charter ports would be Portofino, Italy to Porto Cervo, Sardinia for a lovely Italian itinerary


Salu

Salu, 98' Benetti Motor Yacht, normally charters for Euro 75,000/7 days plus all expenses and crew gratuity. For the period of July 12-19, the Owner is offering the yacht for Euro 45,000/week plus expenses and crew gratuity. Charter location would be cruising along the French Riviera.


Charisma

Charisma, 152' Feadship Motor Yacht, normally charters for USD 198,250/7 days plus all expenses and crew gratuity. For a 10 day charter during the time period of July 4-17, the Owner is offering 10 days for the price of 8 plus expenses and crew gratuity. Charter location would be cruising the Cote d'Azur, Corsica and Sardinia.


Nanou

Nanou, 100' Benetti Motor Yacht, normally charters for Euro 65,000/7 days plus all expenses and crew gratuity. For a 6 day charter during the time period of August 10-16, the Owner is offering a charter price of Euro 40,000/6 days plus all expenses and crew gratuity. Charter ports would be Kotor, Montenegro to Split, Croatia.