Excavation of Akrotiri

Akrotiri is the modern name of the excavation of this city. The ancient name is still lost, but the civilization was believed to have links to the Minoan civilization due to inscriptions found in Linear A. As the city was buried in ash in one eruption, all is extremely well preserved down to food items found in storage jars.


View in Santorini

Excavations were started when the site was discovered in 1967, and remnants of an advanced civilization are being found. This civilization lived in three story apartment buildings, with an advanced drainage system. The many wall murals, furniture and other items found suggest a very wealthy population that lived in considerable luxury. This ancient city is believed to have been an important trading port city in the Aegean as various items found in the excavation are believed to have been imported from Cyprus, Syria, the Greek mainland, and even as far away as Egypt.

It was Plato that wrote of the legend of Atlantis, and clues in his story lead many to believe that the lost ancient sophisticated, wealthy and beautiful city of Atlantis that suddenly disappeared is really the ancient city being uncovered today on the island of Santorini by the excavations at Akrotiri. However Plato lived over 1000 years after the volcanic eruptions on Santorini, so much is speculation and legend. But do visit Santorini and decide for yourself.


Santorini Anchorage and Quay

Unfortunately, until further notice, the ongoing excavations at Akrotiri are closed to the public, but there as a very good museum in the town of Thira, with many artifacts from the excavations, photos and information on what is being found and what is being conjectured. And while you are there, enjoy the stunning beauty of the caldera inner crescent, created so many centuries ago by this volcanic force of nature.

Visit the Northrop and Johnson Website for More Information

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

Spice Bazaar, Turkey

Take advantage of visiting both countries on a yacht charter between Turkey and Greece as both are delightful cruising areas and very welcoming. Shop in a Turkish bazaar in the morning, and have grilled octopus and ouzo in a Greek Taverna in the evening. It is the best of both worlds.

The best of both worlds does require clearance for customs and so the itinerary does need to be coordinated between entrance ports. For instance, there is a clearance port in Marmaris, Fethiye, Datca, and Bodrum, Turkey. And a clearance port on the islands of Rhodes, Symi, and Kos. There are costs for clearance into and out of the two countries, which you should be aware of, and most nationalities must buy a Visa for entry into Turkey for each person. However, in our opinion, spending a little time in the best of both worlds is worth the additional clearance costs.

Spetses, Greece

There are so many directions in which to cruise out of Athens. After boarding, head south to the island of Aegina, then perhaps to Poros, Hydra and Spetses. These islands, which are part of the Saronic Island Chain, stretch right along the coast of the mainland of Greece along the east side of the Peloponnese Peninsula. There are many nice harbors and places to see on the Peloponnese Peninsula as well. Cruise further through the Corinth Canal cutting right across the Peloponnese Peninsula, from the Aegean to the Adriatic Sea . Stretching along the west coast of the mainland of Greece are the Ionian Islands, just one more string of lovely Greek Islands to discover.


Mykonos, Greece

Board in Athens and cruise in a southeasterly direction to the island of Kos. From there, it is simple island hopping throughout the Cycladic islands, if wind and weather allows, including the islands of Santorini and Mykonos. And for those that want to really explore the Greek Islands on a two or three week itinerary, cruise beyond the Cycladic Islands to the Dodecanese Islands on the far eastern side of the Aegean Sea near the coastline of Turkey. Each island is different, evolving through the centuries with a culture and history specific to that isolated bit of land, and each island offers a new adventure, so that visiting one Greek Island is never enough.

Castle of the Grand Masters - Rhodes, Greece

A nice charter itinerary to combine both the Dodecanese Islands of Greece and the Turkish coast starts from the ancient Mandraki Harbor tucked in next to the walled medieval city on the Greek Island of Rhodes. From there it is an easy cruise to the Greek Island of Symi, which many consider to be one of the nicest of all Greek Islands. There are several other small Greek Islands close by like Nisyros, with its strange combination of luxuriate vegetation against stark rocks.


Old City Gated Entrance - Rhodes, Greece

Then on to Datca, Turkey, a small coastal town of Turkey, complete with its own Turkish Bazaar for a good dose of Turkish culture, perhaps resulting in the purchase of a rug or two. Close by to Datca are the ancient ruins of the town of Knidos, with the famous temple for Aphrodite. Anchor in the same ancient harbor that serviced this once bustling city on the ancient trading route. Then off to the quiet bay outside of Bodrum, perhaps to an anchorage beside Cleopatra's Baths. And cruise into Bodrum, with the crusader castle dominating the harbor in ancient answer to the castle in Rhodes, completing a cruise from one castle to another now in two separate countries.



Turkish Bazaar Lights and Pottery

Mykonos is the playground of Greece with the postcard view: white little houses with flowers and blue trimmed windows and doors, hand painted streets, windmills, pigeon keepers, chimneys, lots of little churches and wonderful restaurants and cafes. According to mythology, Mykonos was where Heracles killed the giants and the rocks around the island are supposedly their corpses!


Windmills of Mykonos

Many of the Greek "jetsetters" either have a house here or visit every summer, and the nightlife is very developed and frequented by a lot of eccentrics along with the rich and famous. In fact night life may continue until the wee hours of the morning, and in some instances until the new sun rises. This island does not provide much for those on a budget, so be prepared to open your wallet.


Nightlife in Mykonos

The town Chora is a place you should really explore. Walk around, go to the windmills, feed the mascot pelican Petros, have a drink in the little harbor and visit the Parapotiani church. And of course, go shopping. There are five museums in Chora: an archaeological, a laographic, a maritime, a cultural and a private one with old rooms and furniture. Folklore shops are everywhere, and a great souvenir is a copy of the ancient Cycladic art; little white figures in various positions (playing the flute, praying, thinking, families etc.) which are more than 6000 years old.


Petros the Pelican

For those interested in architecture, the built town of Chora is one of the best examples of the unique white box style with blue painted trim of the Cycladic Islands. Within the town are a maze of little streets and walking paths that wind throughout, providing endless opportunities to explore, as you never know where you will end. On the way, you might pass a store of couture, next to a store selling the Mykonos espadrilles, next to an artist's gallery, next to a restaurant; all is intermixed in a busy city center.


Walkways of Chora

In the next harbor over is a unique area of Mykonos called "Little Venice" for the houses and balconies are all built hanging over the water.


Balconies in Little Venice

Delos, a small island which used to be the holiest island in ancient Greece is easily accessed from Mykonos. No one is allowed to spend the night on this sacred island, but a daytrip is definitely a must: the island is cluttered with archaeological remains. Once felt to be the birthplace of Apollo, Delos has been an important sacred island and an important island of commerce in a history that stretches back 5000 years. Your private crewed charter yacht can anchor right off of the island of Delos and take you ashore with the ships tender. Or there are frequent day ferries from the town of Chora to Delos. While the ruins are all marked, you may want to hire a guide for a more thorough tour, as the ruins on this sacred island are certainly some of the most famous. There is also a museum on the island housing various smaller artifacts found, many from everyday life. The museum also houses some of the more delicate statues and art found, including wall murals from various homes.



Delos Anchorage



Delos Lion Statuary

You can also go to another neighboring island, Tenos, which is the holiest island of modern Greece. The church of the Virgin Mary is a goal for thousands of orthodox pilgrims every year. It is also a very beautiful place worth visiting.

Rhodes

Rhodes is one of the most well known of the Greek islands and vacationers have been going there for decades. Everywhere you will see bars, clubs, and restaurants with food from all over the world, and miles of long sandy beaches. The beaches on the northern side are open to the Aegean Sea and are best for wind driven water sports such as windsurfing, while the beaches on the southern side are open to the Mediterranean Sea, with less current and wind, and are better for swimming and sunning.

Rhodes used to be the sun god Helios' island. According to mythology, he had fallen in love with the nymph Rhodes, and when he shone his light on her, she transformed into the island. The name means "rose" and the island has been known since antiquity as an island covered with flowers, as it is today.

It was probably during the Classic period that the Colossus of Rhodes was built with one foot on each side of the harbor of Lindos. After an earthquake it fell apart, but when the people on Rhodes wanted to rebuild it, an oracle told them not to.

The capital, Rodos, is in itself very beautiful. Just walk around in the Old Town and see where the streets take you. Mandraki Harbor is a nice area, and the hill of Monte Smith provides a wonderful panorama view. Ringed alongside the harbor are many shops selling natural sponges, as the inhabitants of this island along with the Dodecanese Island of Symi, are well known for sponge diving. It is in the harbor of Mandraki the two famous bronze deer stand where the Colossus of Rhodes once was.

"Old Town", as it is referred to, is a medieval walled city, once home to the Knights of St. John (the Hospitallers) and subsequent Knight Orders to keep this island as a stronghold for Christianity, for across the way was the power of the Ottoman Empire.


Old City Gated Entrance


The walled city still exists including partial remains of a dry moat, and gated entrances. The crenellated tops of the city walls mark the outline of this old city. Within the walls today is an active city with walking streets, courtyards, and medieval buildings. Much of the Old Town is now shops, some touristy and some with elegant Greek jewelry, silver, leather, and couture. Still within the Old Town, and open for tours, is the Castle of the Grand Master, and running in front of the castle, is the road of the Knights, where inns for the various knight orders were once located. Tours are offered of the Old Town. Put aside a morning or afternoon to wander this area, and feel the medieval history come alive.


Castle of the Grand Masters


On the southern side of Rhodes, is the Greek village of Lindos, which can easily be visited by yacht, as there is a good harbor here for overnight anchoring. The harbor of Lindos has a nice beach ringed by a variety of Greek Tavernas offering seafood and typical Greek food for lunch or dinner. Lindos village is capped by an ancient acropolis where the remains of a number of buildings from various civilizations and centuries are still to be found. The acropolis originally housed a temple to Athena. Ruins of this temple and the original Hellenistic walls of the Acropolis are still visible. During the Byzantine time period a castle was constructed on the Acropolis. However in the 1300's, the Knights of St. John built castle walls on top of the Hellenistic walls, along with fortification towers and remodeled the castle so that virtually nothing of the Byzantine era is left and much of the remains on the acropolis now are from the time period of the Knights of St. John, including the church of St. John, which is still standing today. The Acropolis here is felt to only be surpassed by the Acropolis in Athens and can be explored by a short walk up from Lindos village.


Lindos Acropolis

Santorini Anchorage and Quay

The name Santorini is derived from the Greek word Stongilli, meaning round, as round this island was until the volcano erupted. Settlers began colonizing this island as early as 3200 BC. A variety of civilizations existed on this island, one of which, displaced by the volcano eruption, has yet to be identified. The civilizations that built another city on the island called Thira, now in ruins, however are easily identified as ancient Greek and Roman. The ruins of Thira sit on one of the highest peaks of the island and are well worth a visit if only for the panoramic view of the whole island

Many people consider Santorini to be one island; however it is a complex of five islands. Santorini (Thira) is the main island and around it are Thirasia and Aspronisi (parts of the ancient Stongilli) and the two volcanic islands Palea Kameni and Nea Kameni.


Sunrise in Santorini

Around the Caldera, is the bulk of modern Santorini, with buildings and homes built one on top of another, all reached by meandering footpaths. If you are on the Caldera, you will always have a view of the bay below, and the interior sheer sides of the remaining crescent of land.

Cruising to this island can be a challenge. The opening of the island to the Aegean Sea is situated in such a manner that when heavy Meltemi winds blow, it can be very difficult to enter into the interior bay. And anchoring in most of the interior bay is not generally possible due to depth. There is a very small dockage area just below the main town of Fira, where dockage reservations must be requested well in advance. On the eastern side of the interior bay, an underwater shelf of earth still exists in waters shallow enough to allow a small anchorage area. There is a quay built into the side of the caldera in this anchorage area, which is where the ferries arrive in Santorini and also the tenders of the private yachts anchored here can be tied up for shoreside access.

Following is more information on Santorini.


Blue domes of Santorini

Many reasons made this island famous worldwide including its oft photographed white buildings overlooking the blue Aegean Sea. Jules Verne made Santorini famous with the books "Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea" and "The mysterious island" where captain Nemo and his crew watch the volcano eruption. He was one of the visitors and scientists that came to Santorini during the eruptions of 1866 - 1870 and just after wrote this well known book. It is an island where the volcano rules and the caldera view is breathtaking!

The manner in which buildings are built one on top of one another nestled into the hillside is unique to Santorini. Some of the buildings are actually dug into the hillside with cave like rooms with arched ceilings.


Things to Do

Wine Tasting: Boutari is one of the great wine houses of Greece and their winery in Megalochori is the largest on the island. The company gives tours of the installations and wine cellars and a fancy multimedia show in a remodeled vault followed by a wine tasting.

Akrotiri Excavations: Akrotiri are the ruins of an ancient city buried by the 1500 B.C. volcanic explosion. A truly amazing archeological site, it's currently undergoing major renovations (the tourist/viewing facilities) and is still very much under excavation. This is an entire village that was discovered in the mid-19th century. It had been covered in volcanic ash, much like Italy's Pompeii, and appears to be undisturbed after being buried for so long. This civilization has yet to be identified, and stories abound about this site as being the lost city of Atlantis. The civilization appears to have been very sophisticated with apartment buildings running water, and murals showing large monkeys acting as house servants. Were these monkeys painted in the murals as decoration or is this a true reflection of a unique aspect of this unknown civilization?


Excavation of Akrotiri

Fira: The capital of Santorini, Fira, straddles the edge of the caldera. Stroll its winding, narrow streets, visiting ancient marketplaces and churches. There is a superb view out from Fira to the Kamenes, the two islets of black stones created by the volcano. This is the largest town on Santorini and features a large number of shops offering goods from local crafts to the latest couture. Night life is this town is very lively, and you might find yourself on an outdoor terrace of a bar or restaurant that is the roof of the building below. Where ever you find yourself, the view will be spectacular.


Fira

Oia: The most charming and well preserved of all the Santorini villages, Oia is 12 km from Fira. There's plenty of fine dining in restaurants with views of spectacular sunsets, as Oia is on the very western tip of the main crescent of the island. Oia is home to artists and writers from around the world who are attracted to its stunning beauty and light. Here you can wander through art galleries and other artists' shops. Early homes here, like in other areas of the island, were often excavated right out of the hillside, with only a built front of manmade materials. There are many of these home built in this manner to be seen in Oia. Just below Oia, is a narrow beach with a number of tavernas. Walk to the farthest taverna for the best food. The seafood is said to come straight from the sea right in front of this taverna. Here, they are often grilling octopus, small bites of which are served with a glass of ouzo in the late afternoon.


Ios Small Traditional Houses

The Saronic Islands are so named as many of them are located within the Saronic Gulf of the Aegean Sea. As this is the closest island chain to Athens, it is easy to be away from mainland life and into island life quickly when embarking from Athens. And a number of islands can be seen before returning to Athens, as they are all in close proximity, including good harbors located on the Peloponnesian Peninsula.

Following is an itinerary for this island chain including the great harbors along the Peloponnesian Peninsula.

SARONIC AND ARGOLIC GULF - GREECE
Athens - Athens

ATHENS - POROS - 31 Miles: called Kalavria in ancient times, Poros was the island of Poseidon, god of the sea. The town of Poros is actually an island separated by a small canal from the rest of the main island. In ancient times it was two islands, Spheria and Kalavria, which was gradually joined by an isthmus of sand. Kalavria, the larger island was wooded and had lots of water. Spheria, which is now Poros town, was a volcano. The approach by sea is probably one of the most beautiful in Greece.

Upon arriving, start your day by visiting the Archaeological Museum in the port of Poros. Then, take a walk as far as the clock tower, the town's highest point and the island's "trademark".


Poros

POROS - HYDRA 14 Miles: Hydra is perhaps the most beautiful port village in all of Greece. A tiny harbor ringed with cafes, restaurants and gold shops, it is surrounded by a village of stone houses and villas that rise up the hills like an amphitheatre. One of the best things about Hydra is that there are no cars. Everything is transferred and moved by donkey, including groceries, building supplies, people and their luggage. There is a foreign press shop on the waterfront where you can get your International Herald Tribune, USA Today, The Athens News and papers from just about any country. The Monastery of the Panagia is right in the port, with its entrance by the clock tower.


Hydra Transportation

HYDRA - SPETSES 17 Miles: Unforgettable scenes of natural beauty are created by the harmonic combination of crystal clear waters and ageing pine trees. Countless picturesque coves, around the island of Spetses, offer visitors moments of peace and tranquility. Either by land or sea various forms of transportation make every part of the island fully accessible.

One should not miss visiting the Museum of Spetses, situated at the mansion of Hadziyiannis Mexis (one of the wealthiest leading activists of that era), the main mansion of heroine Laskarina Bouboulina, now a private museum and the historical monastery of St. Nicholas, where on April 3, 1821, the locals took the oath "Freedom Or Death" and joined the revolution. Visit 'Patrali' near the waterfront in Kounoupitsa for fish dishes. 'Exedra Taverna' on the old harbor front is great for fresh fish and Greek specialties.


Spetses

SPETSES - TOLO - NAFPLION - 27 Miles: is an old fishing village, situated on the picturesque Bay of Argolis spread out along a lovely beach. Fighters from Crete who, after being persecuted by the Turks, came as refugees to the land of Argolis and settled in this area founded it in 1831. In its sparkling sea you'll be able to enjoy swimming, fishing and every kind of water sport. Tolo offers a great variety of taverns, bouzouki clubs, cafes and other family-run businesses that offer the homey hospitality that has come to characterize the place.

NAFPLION: The city beach, Arvanithia, is located just on the other side of town where Nafplion was founded 4000 years ago. You can enjoy swimming and water sports like canoeing, windsurfing, paragliding, jet skiing and more. There is an interesting bar on the beach, the 'Enalion', where you can enjoy Greek appetizers with a glass of ouzo, and try 'Ouzo Karoni' which has been bottled in Nafplio since 1869, by the same family, using the same recipe. Of particular interest is the shop, which makes handmade bouzouki and other stringed instruments. If you are in the market for a baglama, guitar, bouzouki or even a hand-made flute, then this is where the pros go.

NAFPLION - PORTO HELI 26 Miles: is picturesque because of its fascinating beaches, unique because of its secure port, bright because of its 350 days of sunshine, unforgettable because of its wonderful sunset, and inexhaustible because of its innumerable cultural activities.

The modern name of 'Porto Heli' - also known as 'Porto Cheli' - translates to 'The Bay of Eels', which was the mainstay of the fishing industry here some years ago. The fishermen here continue to go about their business and farming is the other main industry in the area.

PORT HELI - ERMIONI 15 Miles: is a quaint little Greek village. It's placed on a little piece of land jutting into the sea, which is only 4 blocks wide at the largest part and about a mile and a half long. The lack of anything resembling a sandy beach has saved it from the mass impact of tourism but that doesn't mean there is no great swimming there, or tourists.

Ermioni has a market day every Thursday, which is worth a visit to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables while mingling with the locals.
Ermioni also offers great diving adventures. Explore the Ermioni reefs, which have a drop off up to 45m (for advanced divers) or dive the blue reef.


Ermioni

ERMIONI - MONI - AEGINA - 25 Miles: The name "Moni" originates from the fact that the Monastery of Chrysoleontissa formerly owned it, though now the Touring Club of Greece owns it.

It is inhabited mainly by its wildlife: rabbits, Cretan mountain goats, miniature horses and peacocks who will rush down to the boat when you land looking for food. Moni is a predominantly rocky island, covered in wild sage, mountain herbs, purple thyme and caper bushes.


Moni Agio

AEGINA: The most important archaeological site lies to the east of the island near Agia Marina, where the temple of Aphaia, the ancient goddess of Aegina, is situated. The first temple was erected in 570 B.C. and destroyed some sixty years later. The temple, whose remains we see today, was built on the same spot out of limestone from the vicinity. Traces of the original temple can be seen in the foundations of this Doric building.


Temple of Afaia on Aegina

South of the capital is the seaside village of Marathon, followed by the fishing port of Perdika (9 km.). From Perdika small boats ferry visitors to the picturesque islets of Angistri and Moni, ideal spots for enjoying nature, solitude and relaxing pursuits.

Nowadays Aigina is famed for its pistachios and its ceramics so be sure to pick some up while you are there.

AEGINA - ATHENS - 18 Miles. Disembark at noon.

A charter in the Ionian Islands can either start in Athens, with a trip through the Corinth Canal to cruise up the Ionian Islands to Corfu, or start in Corfu or even Brindisi, Italy for a cruise in the southerly direction. The Ionian Islands are well known for beautiful beaches, crystal clear waters, small intimate villages and lovely anchorages.

Below, is a suggested itinerary for this island chain.


THE IONIAN ISLANDS - GREECE


CORFU

Corfu is the most fought-over, romantic and cosmopolitan of all the Ionian Islands. Homer tells us Odysseus found shelter in Corfu at the end of his wanderings. Corfu Town is presided over by two imposing Venetian fortresses and Renaissance-style city squares. Enjoy its museums and the sound and light show at the old fort.
Anchor between Kanoni and Mouse Island on the tip of a small peninsula south of Corfu's town center to visit the much photographed Monastery of Vlachema. Visit the tiny island of Pondikonissi, crowned by a 13th Century church, or enjoy a round at the excellent Corfu Golf club.


PAXOS

Fifteen miles south of Corfu sits tiny Paxos, a major producer of fine olive oil with some orchards dating back to the Venetian occupation (1204-1550). Seven spectacular caves on the western coast include Ipapanti, Homer's cave.


Navigate the ancient Levkas Canal and enter the charming harbor of Lefkada, named for the white cliff from which Sappho supposedly flung herself in the 6th century B.C. Shops around the harbor sell traditional lace.


LEFKADA

En route to Ithaki you will see many Cqiques, the traditional sailing boat of Greece. Ithaca town is a small, hospitable place full of Homerian history and coves with crystal-clear water.


ITHACA - FRIKES OLD WINDMILL

Kefalonia is the largest island with forests offering beautiful walks. Kefalonian wines are unlike those of the rest of Greece due to the introduction of the Robola grape in the 13th century. The archetypical fishing village of Fiskardo is popular with visiting yachts.

Zakinthos is reminiscent of Venice. In fact, Venetians colonized it. On one side of the port is St Dennis Cathedral and on the other side the picturesque Main Town. The view of the port and the town from above is simply breath taking and even more enjoyable from one of the many open-air cafes.


FISKARDO FOOTPATH

From Itea in the Gulf of Corinth you will visit Delphi which the ancients considered the center of the world and whose oracle was the most revered.

To reach the final destination of Athens transit the Corinth Canal, which is 3.2 miles long and 81 feet wide. It cuts through limestone cliffs that rise to a height of 260 feet. Depart in Athens.


THE CORINTH CANAL