Venice Grand Canal

Begin or end your crewed yacht charter from the seafaring city of Venice. Either sail down the Grand Canal out to the Adriatic for a great charter start, or cruise into Venice for a great charter end and dock next to St. Mark’s Square or tie off on the large pilings in the Grand Canal to enjoy this unique city on the water.  Venice is a lovely spot to spend time in before or after your charter to explore the city canals by water taxi or on foot through the myriad of walking streets that spider out throughout the city on either side of the Grand Canal.  Including Venice on a crewed yacht charter is the perfect port in which to begin or end a yacht charter in the northern Adriatic Sea. 

St. Marks Square

Venice, Italy, also known as the “City of Bridges” stretches across 117 islands in the saltwater Venetian Lagoon in northeast Italy off of the Adriatic Sea.  Originally settled by locals who settled the string of islands surrounded by water as a fortress location for protection from marauding Huns, the population of Venice soon out grew the available land.   Land was reclaimed from the lagoon until the various islands were melded together separated only by canals, by sinking large wood pilings into the lagoon, through the bottom silt layer to the hard clay beneath.  As there is no decay if wood is submerged totally in water, over the centuries the mineral rich water literally petrified these wood pilings into stone like foundations, above which the walking streets, buildings and churches of brick and stone were built. 

Venice Canals

The city state of Venice grew in wealth and prominence through trade from the 800’s to the 1500’s and was a maritime power during those centuries.  As local merchant families gained in prominence and wealth, that wealth was reflected in the building of palazzos, churches, and other grand civic buildings, and through the patronage of the arts, literature and music all of which left a stamp of culture and elegance on this once powerful city state.  After the 1500’s,  due to a series of plagues, and the switch of trading interest from the Adriatic Sea to the newly discovered American continents, Venice began to decline in power and wealth.  Today, Venice is an aging city of antique splendor waiting to be explored via the various city water “streets” or canals, and by wandering the many city walking streets connected by over 400 bridges.

St. Marks Cathedral

Be sure to visit St. Mark’s Square, said by many to be one of the most attractively designed squares in the world, exhibiting sublime architectural balance, and anchored on one side by St. Mark’s Cathedral and the Doges Palace, and an entrance on the Grand Canal.  The other three sides are ringed by long buildings strung together by loggias, with shops on the ground level.   Throughout the centuries the center of the square has been home to outdoor living and commerce, and is now home to outdoor cafes, featuring musicians and often impromptu dancing.  Be sure to step inside St. Mark’s Cathedral to see the gold mosaic ceilings, and take a tour of the Doges Palace where you too can walk across the “Bridge of Sighs”.

Venice Gondola

A guided tour can be set up through the canals of Venice focused on any topic of your interest, such the Palazzos and famous families of Venice, or the churches of Venice, especially those designed by Andrea Palladio.  Stop in at the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, housed in the 17^th century Customs House for Venice. Or you can wander the myriad of alleyways, as it is impossible to get lost.  Many people like the back alleyways far from St. Mark’s Square where the antique and trade shops are located.  Perhaps you might happen across a gilt framing shop, where craftsmen are still applying gold leaf in the age old manner using rabbit’s glue, or a paper print shop where the boutique hand crafted paper found throughout Venice is produced.

Canals and Gondolas

While Murano glass abounds in Venice in the shops in various forms from chandeliers to jewelry, all glass has been hand blown since the 13^th century on the nearby island of Murano to reduce the chance of fire in Venice.  Murano is an island full of glass blowing factories, where glass products are being hand blown and created.  Some of the glass factories have tours or have the furnace rooms where the glass is blown open to visitors.  Murano glass, also known as Venetian glass has been sought after for centuries, and has a unique style and look. 

Venice Waterfront

Another nearby island, Burano, is famous for handmade lace and the multi colored facades of the village buildings, while the nearby island of Torcello is home to a 7^th century church with beautiful mosaics and an excellent restaurant.  Close by the Lido, a vast expanse of beach facing out to the Adriatic Sea, is a resort area for both Venetians and the visiting rich and famous.  

Venice Grand Canal

Days can be spent in Venice, or if short on time, one very special night, however whether at the beginning or end of a crewed yacht charter, Venice, as a great seafaring city, is the perfect port in which to embark or disembark a crewed yacht charter.      

Amalfi town

Anchoring the middle of the Amalfi Coast and lending its name to this area of the coastline, sits the town of Amalfi, Italy, a great spot to visit while on a crewed yacht charter of the Amalfi Coast. Located on the Gulf of Salerno, the Amalfi Coast stretches from one end of the southern side of the Sorrento Peninsula to the other, with the western tip of the peninsula just 9 miles from the island of Capri. The town of Amalfi does have a harbor and some dockage available, although weather coming in from the south can sometimes make an overnight stay by yacht while on a crewed yacht charter in this harbor impossible. However, Capri is just a stone’s throw away with a protected harbor for your charter yacht to tuck into for overnight, while visiting the town of Amalfi on a crewed yacht charter of the southern side of the Sorrento Peninsula along the Amalfi Coast.

Amalfi Beach Front

Amalfi was an important maritime trading power in the Middle Ages and at one time had over 70,000 citizens. The wealth of that era is reflected in the architecture of the town, most notably in the famous Amalfi Cathedral. Amalfi flourished first independently and then under other rule until the Tsunami of 1343, which destroyed the port and lower town. Amalfi never recovered in more than local importance and slumbered along until the early 1920’s when discovered by English Aristocracy as a beautiful vacation area; bringing Amalfi back into international prominence again, but this time as a lovely resort town, which is the reputation maintained today. With a reputation as welcoming to visitors along with a strong maritime connection and history makes Amalfi a must see spot on a yacht charter itinerary of southern Italy, especially when visiting, as one does on a yacht charter, by sea.

Amalfi Cathedral

The maritime tradition is very strong in Amalfi, as this town is said to be the birthplace of Flavio Gioia, who introduced the mariner’s compass, an important navigating tool, to Europe, and indeed the maritime code, Tavole Amalfitane, developed in Amalfi was recognized in Europe until 1570. However the most important maritime connection would be certain remains of the Apostle St. Andrew, the Patron Saint of Fishermen said to rest in the crypt of the Amalfi Cathedral, the Cathedral of Saint Andrew.

Amalfi Cathedral interior

Overlooking the Piazza Duomo, just behind the harbor and in the heart of the town of Amalfi, the present Cathedral of Saint Andrew was built in the 1200’s, right beside the previous cathedral still standing. Built at the height of Medieval economic and maritime importance, in 1203, Cardinal Pietro Capuano is said to have brought the relics of St.Andrew to the cathedral crypt from Constantinople, where they remain today. Certain miracles are said to occur in the crypt where the remains are held including the gathering of a dense liquid or “Manna” as it is referred on his tomb. Visit the cathedral and the crypt and also the Cloister of Paradise with a display of medieval art. And take a look at the building itself, as notwithstanding the supposed relics and museum, the newest cathedral building from the early 1200’s is a significant example of Italian medieval architecture, with the Arab-Sicilian marble façade décor of different colored marble laid in stripes.

Amalfi Coast Ceramics

Explore the streets of Amalfi and the little shops filled with hand painted pottery and the local liqueur Limoncello. The lemon reigns supreme on this coast, with lemons grown in virtually every field, and terrace. And the Sorrento Peninsula lemons are felt to have no superior in taste, perfume, sweetness and acidity. The importance of the lemon is seen in the hand painted pottery and tiles, which reflect the colors seen most often in this area of lemon yellow, leaf green and Mediterranean blue. So include the town of Amalfi in a yacht charter itinerary of southern Italy to explore this anchor and namesake of the Amalfi coast.

Ravello - View from Villa Rufolo

Perched high above the Amalfi Coast, in the southern facing cliffs of the Sorrento Peninsula, sits Ravello, a lovely little village to visit while on a yacht charter cruising along the Amalfi Coast.  On a crewed yacht charter of southern Italy, the southern coastline of the Sorrento Peninsula, the Amalfi Coast, is a must do cruise after a stop in Capri.  And when visiting the Amalfi Coast on a crewed yacht charter, head ashore by ships tender to the village of Amalfi and jump in a taxi or for the vigorous, climb the mountain steps to the village of Ravello for a stunning view of the Amalfi Coast and your charter yacht on anchor below. 

Ravello, Piazza Vescovado

Ravello is well worth the time to visit, not just for the outstanding view of the Amalfi Coast that is hard to replicate, but also to explore this little village of less than 2500 people with a lovely central piazza.  Ravello was first founded in the 5^th century high up in the cliffs overlooking the Amalfi coast as a refuge against invading barbarians.  Soon Ravello flourish and for many centuries was the center of wool gathering and weaving in the area becoming an important trading town.  In 1270, Villa Rufolo was built just off of the central piazza by Nicola Rufolo, a wealthy merchant of Ravello.  In the last several centuries, Ravello has become a haven for artists, musicians and writers seeking the beauty of the area for inspiration, including Richard Wagner, M. C. Escher, Giovanni Boccaccio, Virginia Woolf, Gore Vidal, André Gide, Truman Capote, Tennessee Williams, Graham Greene, and Sara Teasdale.  Richard Wagner was said to have been inspired to write his “Parsifal” by the view from the gardens at the Villa Rufolo.

Villa Rufolo

Whether by taxi or a brisk hike, arrival in Ravello is into the central Piazza Vescovado, overlooking the Amalfi Coast on one side and ringed on the other sides by the entrance to the Villa Rufolo, the Duomo (cathedral) of Ravello, and artisans’ shops.  About a 5-10 minute walk from the piazza are the gardens of the Villa Cimbrone, open to the public for a fee and offering spectacular views of the Amalfi Coast.   The gardens of the Villa Rufolo are also open to the public for a fee, and here perched on the stone balustrade overlooking the Amalfi Coast are the busts featured in so many photos of the Amalfi Coast.  The gardens of the Villa Rufolo are also home to an evening summer concert series of classical music from July through September.  Check in advance if you will be in the area for tickets to one of the concerts and spend a delightful evening, high above the Amalfi coast enjoying a classical music concert featuring world class musicians.

Ravello Duomo

While visiting Ravello, be sure to visit the Ravello Duomo with the Moroccan styled courtyard and gardens.  First constructed in 1086, and dedicated to the village patron saint, San Pantaleone, this cathedral is a jewel of Romanesque architecture. And take time to explore the various little shops many featuring hand painted pottery before descending back down to the coast where your crewed charter yacht awaits. 

Villa Cimbrione Gardens

Elba, Italy

Visiting any island is always easier by crewed yacht charter and Elba is no exception.  In fact, Elba is a rather large island and has several ports, so a circumnavigation of Elba while on yacht charter is one of the best ways to see this island.  The largest of the Tuscan Islands, Elba is divided into 8 municipalities and is the third largest island in Italy.  Once Napoleon Bonaparte’s island prison between his first and second period of ruling France, Elba has a significant place in history.  With several coastal ports and great anchorages, Elba is a great spot to explore on a crewed yacht charter of the Tyrrhenian and Ligurian Seas of Italy.

Portoferraio

In 1802, Elba became a territory of France.  Napoleon Bonaparte was forced to abdicate as Emperor of France after the Treaty of Fontainebleau in 1814 and forced into exile on the island of Elba, arriving in Portoferraio on May 3, 1814.  During his exile, Napoleon was the stated sovereign of Elba; however the island was continually patrolled by the British Navy.  As the sovereign of Elba, Napoleon did instigate a series of economic and social reforms, however only stayed on Elba for 300 days before slipping off of the island and back to Paris to again be Emperor of France until his defeat at Waterloo shortly after.  After his defeat at Waterloo, Napoleon was sent to the barren and isolated island south Atlantic island of Saint Helena.  In 1860, Elba became a part of Italy.

View from top of Monte Capanne

Portoferraio is the capital town and largest port on the island and still bears the imprint of Napoleon’s stay.  On the southeastern side of the island is the smaller port of Porto Azzurro.  And around the island are many anchorages with the crystal clear waters for which this area is known offering great snorkeling and refreshing swimming.  For the athletically inclined, hike up to the top of Monte Capanne, the highest peak on Elba and be rewarded with a spectacular view of Elba, the mainland of Italy, and the surrounding islands of Corsica, Capraia, Monte Cristo and Pianosa. For the historically inclined tour the Palazinna dei Mulini which was the official home of Napoleon and his sister Paolina during their 300 day time period on Elba and contains many personal items left behind during their hasty departure.  And close by is the Villa San Martino, which can also be toured which was the Bonaparte “summer home”, while residing on Elba.  Elba is a picturesque pine covered island that offers great bicycling and touring by car or with the extensive coastline, exploring by ship’s tender. 

Positano, Amalfi Coast

Tucked into the beautiful Amalfi Coast, the village of Positano is actually easier to visit by sea on a crewed yacht charter than by driving along the winding small roads of the Sorrento Peninsula.  This town that spills away from the sea up into a valley of the Amalfi Coast, was once a lovely little Italian fishing village, and is now and chic town filled with boutiques, street side cafes and artist galleries.  As a walking town, with little alleyways spidering out and away from the harbor, coming in by ship’s tender on a crewed yacht charter is an excellent way to visit Positano. Come ashore from your crewed yacht charter, land on the beach and spend time exploring the walking streets from the harbor back into the hillsides of Positano along the Amalfi Coast of Italy.

Positano - Nighttime in the Village

With the various buildings and homes of Positano clinging to the cliff face of the southern side of the Sorrento Peninsula, Positano is protected from the northerly winds by the Lattari Mountains just behind the village, which actually form the backbone of the Sorrento Peninsula.  Coming in by water is the best and easiest way to access this little town, however staying overnight is not always an option.  Expect to visit by day on a crewed yacht charter and be prepared to duck off to a nearby safe harbor for night.

Positano Alleyways

Positano is a village of shoe makers, and here the now famous canvas shoes with a rope sandal were first made and are still made today.  Step into a shoe shop and get measured for a pair to be made while you wait, perhaps wandering the rest of the town or sitting in a harbor side café watching life go by  Tumbling up and down the hillsides of this coastline, along with the houses and buildings, are the lemon groves which might either in bloom, releasing a lovely citrus scent that permeates the air or laden full of ripening lemons., depending on the time of year  Limoncello originates from the Sorrento Peninsula and is available throughout Positano as a refreshing digestive after meals.

Positano Lemons

Positano is often visited by the rich and famous, however here in this village, everyone blends into the natural scenery of the area and you never know who may be standing next to you in a small leather shop while you both vie for the attentions of the shop keeper.  And the village has been featured in several major films, including most recently, “Under the Tuscan Sun”. This little village tucked away on the Amalfi Coast is a “must do” visit on a crewed yacht charter of this area of Italy.

Positano Harborside

MYBA Charter Show in Genoa, Italy, 2010, yachts ready and waiting for inspection

 Missy Johnston of Northrop and Johnson Yacht Charters, Newport, Rhode Island attended the Myba Charter Show 2010 in Genoa Italy last week, inspecting crewed charter yachts available for charter in the Western and Eastern Mediterranean for this coming summer.  Starting on Monday, May 3 and ending on Friday, May 7, this year the charter show had 67 crewed charter yachts exhibited in the show.  Viewing the yachts and attending the show, this year were over 350 Yacht Charter Brokers from countries around the world to see new yachts available for charter, check on condition of favorites available again this summer for charter, meet new crew and greet long standing crew friends.  This is also the time to meet with the Captain, Chef and crew to personally discuss charter interests for the charter guests for upcoming charters for this summer that are already booked, to make sure that the charter is all that the charterer is expecting, and more, including custom menu reviews, wines, dockage, special on board events, and special itinerary interests.  After all, a crewed yacht charter is all about creating a custom cruise tailored to the Charterer’s menu and itinerary interests.

49 Meter MY ANEDIGMI features live fun in the sun models

 The largest yacht in the show was the custom motor yacht Nero, built by the present Owner in China to his design and specifications.  At 90.1 meters, Nero is very comfortable for 12 guests, with a lot of interior and deck living space to enjoy on charter.  A smaller motor yacht, but with a unique design that creates a lot of living space, is Icon at 62.25 meters.  The first hull built in the Icon Yard in Holland, the design incorporates having the stern open and unfold into a large aft living area or “beach” as it is called on board, with a great swim platform, and sitting areas, with day head and shower in what has previously organized on other motor yachts as the toy garage.  This innovation adds great additional interior and exterior guest living space. 

MY ANEDIGMI Aft deck in charter ready mode

 As always, there were many more motor yachts than sailing yachts, however Cinderella IV was certainly a great new sailing yacht to see for charter.  Cinderella IV at 39 meters for 8 guests has incorporated in the design, the latest performance details, plus interior cruising comfort, for a very comfortable performance cruising yacht.  The hull and mast are carbon fiber, and the hull design has the latest innovations from Bill Tripp.

Pesto Marine Exhibitor Stand Myba Charter Show, Genoa 2010

 There were 65 stands of companies associated with the yacht charter world from provisioners, to marina operators, and other vendors representing many services and charter locations around the world, adding to the information available to all at this industry trade show.  

This was another great Myba Genoa Charter Show, said Missy Johnston.  I am very pleased with what I saw and look forward to offering many of the yachts inspected for crewed yacht charter this coming summer.

Located in the Adriatic Sea, the Tremiti Islands of Italy sit just 22 nautical miles off of the Garano Peninsula on the east coast of Italy. Parts of this island group today along with the Garano Peninsula form the Garano National Park. These islands, also known as the Pearls of the Apulian Adriatic Sea, are just waiting to be explored on a yacht charter out of Bari, Italy. And the intrepid and well seasoned sailors can cruise the Tremiti Islands and then continue across the Adriatic on their yacht charter to cruise along the coast and through the islands of Croatia.

Just off of the northern tip of Sicily, sits a group of rarely visited islands called the Aegadian Islands or Egadi Islands. While hard to find a remote corner of the Western Mediterranean, this island archipelago would certainly be it. And this is a group of islands that are accessed from another island, the largest island in Italy, Sicily. From the internationally known island of Sicily to the tucked away Aegadian Islands, a yacht charter in this area is an itinerary of either end of the spectrum of island life. And as the mythical “Aegades” of Homer’s tale this is a set of islands perhaps better known in antiquity than they are today.

Marettimo Village Streets

Marettimo Harbor

These three islands have been virtually untouched by man. Favignana, Marettimo, and Levanzo are the main islands of this group and are surrounded by “microisles” or crags of rock that dot the waters around these islands. Indian Figs, dwarf palms and Mediterranean shrub covers these islands that are home to many migratory birds.

Marettimo Cliffs and Caves

Favignana is the largest island, and the only one with any overnight accommodation. This accommodation is in the form of camp grounds and simple family style hotels, which is the same for the few restaurants. Levanzo is the smallest Aegadian Island and Marettimo is close by as a large island rising straight out of the sea. These islands are honeycombed with caves and grottos, both inland and along the coast, and feature white cliffs rising out of the ocean topped with a rich and varied vegetation, where many rare botanical species are found having flourished in relative peace and quiet for centuries. The crystal clear waters around each island beckon to divers and snorkelers, along with the many caves and grottos. Visit the Grotto of San Nicola on Favignana to see graffiti left by some the first Prehistoric Inhabitants of this island.

Marettimo Lighthouse

The waters around these islands are filled with sponges, lobsters and crabs, and sponge gathering was once an industry in these islands. Today, the few islanders mainly make their living from tuna fishing, as these waters are known as the “highways of tuna fish”. And tuna and lobster do feature on the menus of the few restaurants, and very fresh tuna is often available for purchase. For a yacht charter out of Sicily, at Northrop and Johnson Yacht Charters, we suggest including the Aegadian Islands as well in your yacht charter itinerary.

Map of Aegadian Islands

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In the southern corner of the Tuscan Islands, and just 16 kilometers off of the Argentario Peninsula, lies the island of Giglio. With a main harbor and anchorage just outside of the main harbor, Giglio is a perfect stop on a yacht charter in this area of the Tyrrhenian Sea. And perched on the top of Giglio is a medieval walled village that rivals the walled village of Eze, but with far fewer tourists, as this walled village is virtually undiscovered by the rest of the world. Giglio can only be reached by private yacht or ferry, so visit on q yacht charter as one of the few summer visitors to this lovely island.

With a dual focus on yachting, Newport, Rhode Island and Imperia, Italy are perfect “sister cities”. Newport has established “sister cities” throughout the world to exchange social and economic cultures, and Newport and Imperia are a great match as two well known yacht harbors, with a strong history of yachting.

Imperia; Monument to Sailors

Straddling the River Impero, Imperia is tucked into the Italian Ligurian Riviera between San Remo and Portofino, and is a perfect stop in a yacht charter along this coastline. Birthplace of the famous Admiral Andrea Doria from the 15th century, sailing has always been a part of this coastal town. The town of Imperia was created out of two ancient towns by Mussolini in 1923. This merging of two historic cities, one on either side of the River Impero, leaves Imperia with two old city centers, Porto Maurizio and Oneglia. Of the two old city centers, Porto Maurizio is the more colorful and wealthy area of the city and the main center of yachting.

Imperia Fishing Port

Keeping pace with yachting, the new Porto di Imperia is due to be opened June 2010. This yachting facility will feature 1400 berths, black water pump out, small shipyard facilities, yacht club and helipad. The economy of Imperia subsists on tourism centered around the harbor, with a growing focus on yachting. However also for the visiting yachtsmen, the area is well known for high quality olive oil, and in town there is a small naval history museum. Include Imperia on your next yacht charter along the Ligurian coast of Italy.

Imperia Old City

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