Get ready to be swept off your feet! This month we visited 2 crewed yacht charter shows in Nafplion and Poros, Greece. With last-minute availability this summer and great currency exchange rates, it's time to think about booking your yacht vacation! See our personal yacht charter itinerary and review of why you should consider a private luxury yacht charter vacation in Greece.
We flew to Athens and then transferred to Nafplio, a stunning coastal town rich in history. This picturesque little village is watched over by the imposing Palamidi fortress high on the hill and from the Bourtzi Castle on an island off the coast. Nafplio was the capital of both the First Hellenic Republic and the Kingdom of Greece. This town is thriving with a young, renewed spirit of enterpreneurs offering great restaurants and fun shops!
Poros, located about 36 miles south of Athens, is another popular yacht charter destination and tourist destination, known for its beautiful beaches, lush vegetation, and charming villages.
After the yacht show in Poros, it was time to play! We hopped on 62' Catamaran Selene for 3 days of sailing with a flotilla of several yachts & brokers. Most yacht charter vacations are 8 days, 7 nights; but this was a great way for us to re-familiarize ourselves with a part of the Greek Islands that we've sailed in the past. Since many of the yacht charter brokers have been friends for more than 2 decades, it was a wonderful time of enjoying each other's company as well as comparing all our notes from visiting the yachts & crews at the recent shows.
Our Itinerary from Poros to Athens Greece:
Day 1:
After the embarkation in Poros, we sailed to Palaia Epidavros. It is a small town in the Peloponnese's Argolis prefecture. Today, Archaia Epidavros is built in the same location as the ancient city of Epidaurus, on top of and encircling a tiny peninsula between two bays on the Saronic Gulf coast.
We stopped for lunch, a quick swim, played with the selection of water toys on board and then headed towards the quaint village of Palaia Epidavros.
Our most memorable highlight of the area was The Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus, which is located on the southeast end of the sanctuary dedicated to the ancient Greek God of medicine, Asclepius. It is built on the west side of Cynortion Mountain, near modern Lygourio, and belongs to the Epidaurus Municipality. It's famous for its incredible acoustics; a coin dropped in the theater's center can be heard from the highest seat. The theater can hold up to 14,000 people. Its entrance is flanked by reconstructed Corinthian pillars, and the ruins of the ancient stage are visible beyond the circle. It is now utilized for ancient Greek theater performances during the yearly Hellenic Festival.
Day 2:
We had a nice morning stretch before breakfast, then breakfast on board. Afterward we set sail to the abandoned island of Kyra where we stopped for lunch, a swim and relaxation. When we arrived, the sun was high in the sky and the water was the most incredible shade of turquoise! After lunch we set sail for Agistri. It is a small pine-clad island with gorgeous beaches and crystal-clear waters. It boasts a serene atmosphere. Its ideal location makes it extremely popular to Greeks.
Day 3:
Today we set sail for Aegina and enjoyed spending a few hours there. It has a wealth of attractions and scenic features. The well-known Aphea Temple is the island's main attraction. The island's capital, Aegina Town, is notable for its well-maintained structures. Agia Marina, Perdika, Souvala, Kypseli, Agii, and Vagia are just a few of the quaint tiny villages with distinctly traditional characteristics that can be found on the outskirts.
Last but not least, Aegina is well known for the pistachios and while they are found around the world, the variety found in Aegina, called Koilarati, are rare and exceptionally delicious! The first time we sailed here many years ago, we shelled multiple bags of pistachios and then laughed when we discovered blisters on our thumbs!
Day 4: We departed the yacht and visited the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center before our afternoon flight departed from Athens. This is a wonderful way to spend a few hours exploring a building complex of incredible pioneering architecture that houses the National Library of Greece and the Greek National Opera. Enjoy the dancing fountains! Then take the elevator in the main building to the top floor, enjoy the view of the city, followed by a leisurely walk down the long hill through the gardens. Spend some time in the cafe with a nice meal & a glass of wine. The experience is truly exceptional!
Featured Video of Chef George on Catamaran Selene
Our compliments to the Chef! Chef George Kazantzis aboard 62’ Catamaran Selene! We wanted to honor his fantastic work in the galley while we were onboard the yacht with this special video. Gathering friends at the table with laughter and bountiful family-style meals that are perfectly seasoned with a deft hand via years of experience is Chef's goal. George is Delta's head of the culinary arts department and was born in Toronto, Canada. He started his career at the Ossawippi Express Train fine dining restaurant. He has instructed a number of seminars such as fish filleting, and modern Greek cuisine, managed as a chef kitchens around the city of Athens and attended a number of seminars furthering his knowledge such as enology, bartending, HACCP applying, and Sous Vide technics.
🚩Chef George is part of a well-oiled team including Capt. Theo Giannisis and the very capable Deckhand/ Steward-George Kourtoglou. They have a few weeks available from now until October! To see a live booking calendar, visit the “Rates” link below! Sleeps 10 Guests in 5 Ensuite Queen Cabins
🚩Online brochure and Rates: https://bit.ly/SailSelene
Our Final Thoughts:
Charter a luxury crewed yacht in Greece and discover gorgeous scenic beaches and landscapes! A cultural explosion of ruins, artifacts, and incredible history has collided with a vibrant lifestyle and flare for the extraordinary.
Here are a few of the most popular reasons why you should consider a yacht charter vacation in Greece:
Rich history and culture. Greece is the birthplace of Western civilization, and its history and culture are rich and diverse. You can visit ancient ruins, learn about Greek mythology, and experience the country's unique way of life.
Stunning natural beauty. Greece is home to some of the most beautiful scenery in the world. From the snow-capped mountains of the north to the white-sand beaches of the south, there's something for everyone to enjoy.
Delicious food. Greek cuisine is known for its fresh ingredients, simple preparation, and bold flavors. You'll find everything from traditional dishes like moussaka and souvlaki to modern fusion cuisine.
Friendly people. Greeks are known for their hospitality and love of life. You'll feel right at home in Greece, no matter where you go.
Many of the locals as well as the yacht crews speak English!
If you're looking for a yacht vacation that offers something for everyone, Greece is the perfect destination. With its rich history, stunning natural beauty, delicious food, and friendly people, Greece is sure to leave you with memories that will last a lifetime.
We'd like to send a very large Thank you to all the yachts and management companies that participated!
About Us:
Your Charter Yacht Brokers: Capt. Randy & Shelly Tucker!
If you want to experience a luxury yacht charter vacation first hand and up close, there is no better way than on your own privately crewed yacht with a full-time professional Captain and Chef/First Mate. We've been sailing and chartering for well over twenty-five years.
The U.S. Virgin Islands and British Virgin Islands were our "backyard" which we came to love and cherish. So much so, that we sold everything in 1997 and moved to Charlotte Amalie, USVI as owners & operators aboard the 72' sailing yacht Three Moons. We do know the ins and outs of this special place & the people who live there. That's what makes us an official "Yacht Charters Guru”!
We've also sailed in Greece, Croatia, Tahiti and Belize.
Never been on a chartered yacht vacation? We will help you personally design your charter yacht vacation. Imagine being able to sail into small bays with beautiful white sands & fantastic snorkeling. A yacht vacation is a great way to spend time with your friends or family.
Why use a CYBA certified yacht charter broker?
Key Takeaways:
As a member of CYBA, the Charter Yacht Broker’s Association, we adhere to strict yacht charter booking protocols. We have access to the CYBA industry escrow account to protect your money.
Charter yacht crews do not have access to this account. If it is a busy yacht with lots of booking reservations, they are taking care of guests onboard and do not have time to answer travel questions.
This is what differentiates professionally licensed yacht brokers from crews booking charters.
It is not safe to send your hard-earned money directly to a business or yacht that is not accredited by a professional charter industry association to handle client funds. Always ask!
Choose from an extensive list of yachts, including our spacious and stable catamaran charters, power catamarans, traditional monohull sailboat vacations, or high-end luxury motor yacht charters in the U.S. Virgin Islands, British Virgin Islands, Bahamas, Belize, Croatia. Greece, and the Mediterranean.
We do not sell yachts like many other agencies so there is no conflict or distraction in our focus for your yacht charter. Our service is free to you. We travel extensively to boat shows and yacht charter shows year-round to personally view and inspect as many of the yachts as possible.
6 Reasons Why We are Qualified:
1. As Members of the Charter Yacht Brokers Association, The Virgin Islands Professional Charter Yacht League, and the BVI Charter Yacht Society, we maintain contact with the yachts to keep abreast of the very latest information on crew/yacht conditions and new yachts entering the arena.
2. We stay on top of local and Federal Governments to keep informed about changes in our industry, as well as involve ourselves with the changes in the environment in which we offer charters.
3. We engage in open dialogue with local publications to help keep the government and the public aware of this important industry in our islands.
4. We attend multiple charter yacht industry shows in the Caribbean and Mediterranean, go aboard each of the yachts, meet the crews, attend association meetings and seminars. We'll happily share our notes about changes to the boats and crews and confirm any newly added features and upgrades as well as re-fits to the boat’s decor like new carpets, interior and exterior soft goods & fun new water toys.
5. As a seasoned charter yacht Owner & Crew, we have access to the "inner circle" and know all the insider facts.
6. We've developed a longtime friendship with vendors of services such as local taxi drivers, ferry companies, good places to stay on land, great restaurants, and much more.
Yacht Charters Guru is Accredited by the Following Professional Associations:
