So how do you travel in style by sea at a price you can afford? You hire an independent company that specialises in luxury yachts. The guest aboard divides the expense so sharing the accommodation with others is the key to an affordable luxurious holiday at sea.

When you go on a holiday afloat, which would be better a yacht or motorboat? You might think that they’re both the same but they’re not. The yacht has a mast and sails in addition to its engine and generally looks that more inviting in comparison to a motorboat. A motorboat guzzles diesel buy the gallon is noisy and smells. On average a motorboat will have more accommodation space than a yacht due to a yacht needing to accommodate its mast and sails. But then simply going for a slightly larger yacht can offset this.

If you plan to have an extended stay on board, by all means rent a yacht. They are available in various sizes and most of these can even accommodate a large sized family. You can easily book online through numerous charter companies based in Greece, most come with a skipper and hostess so there is no need for you to have any sailing experience. Another advantage of a yacht over a motorboat is that a yacht when its sails are up has a steady motion through the sea compared to motorboat.

But how much will the hiring of a yacht cost you in Greece? The price varies and this is calculated based on the size of the yacht, the number of passengers sharing the yacht and the cost of the skipper and hostess.

For an up to date price visit ‘Sailing Europe’ it has a comprehensive database of charter companies in Greece that operate luxury sailing yachts at competitive rates. So if money is a concern but you still fancy some luxury, check out…

http://www.sailingeurope.com

If you compare the cost per week in a luxury hotel to a cabin on a luxury yacht this will give you an idea of the expense involved. So why book for a hotel on the island when most of the time, you’ll be visiting the various attractions in other Greek islands? Perhaps you’d be better off stay on a yacht and discover the Islands in luxurious style.

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Samos Archaeological Museum is regarded as one of the most interesting provincial museums in Greece. Its collection rivals Delos in its splendour with a magnificent statue rescued from the temple of Hera towering above its visitors. Located close to the Town Hall and the Central Park of Vathi the museum is housed in two parts across a courtyard.

Various items dating back to the Hellenistic, Prehistoric, Geometric and the archaic period can be seen. Samos Archaeological Museum is the most interesting and well though out exhibitions we’d seen. It’s treasure trove of interesting artefacts and insightful publications provided in-depth detail on many aspects of Greek history.

In the garden outside we rested from the heat whilst fresh water from fountains in the garden cooled the air. Sitting under a canvas canopy we wait for our coach to arrive. We found this holiday far from frantic, a steady themes of archaeology at a pace to enjoy, there was no rush to move on, or any need for encouraging words as we were all engaged.

Big sky, blue sea and clear horizons greeted our ancient sailors leaving the harbour of Pythagorean and so too the guests of the Turkish Gulet ‘Almira’. Our brilliant white sails silently pushed us south to the Island of Patmos and the Archaeological discoveries of John the Apostle. If you would like furter information about our holiday follow this link… 

“If you would like further information about this holiday visit Gulet cruises in Greece

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The weather and sea state is always changeable in Greece.  Hours before whilst crossing from Patmos to Leros. Our rigging began to groan in rhythm with the sea; outside the shelter of the Islands a rolling sea had enveloped ‘Almira’. Although our sails held us steady our hull rocked back and forth, a motion that was not uncomfortable.

I’ve always hated ferries in a blow! they pivot all over the place! A yacht sail stops sideways motion and makes life on board more comfortable. Standing next to the wheel I’m told by our skipper “Yachts plain rock where motorboat rock & roll.” His gyrating hand motions depicting a motorboat soon convinced me, the merits of a sailing boat in a confused sea.

We’re heading for Lakki a town on the southwest coast of Leros, where its deep-water harbour was the strategic location for sheltering capital ships during World War Two.

Whilst on this sailing Archaeological tour of the Greek Island I found Henrich Hall (Our guide) a real source of additional information that far surpassed his archaeological subject.

For example…On 12 November 1943, after almost fifty days of air strikes, a German invasion fleet landed troops at Pandeli Bay, near to Leros town. This was called ‘The Battle of Leros’ and considered one of the last German invasion victories of World War Two. The Guns of Navarone by Alistair MacLean drew heavily on this historical event.

“For further information visit Cultural tours in Greece

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Looking up from our rooftop Taverna. The Monastery of St John the theologian (named after St John the last living Apostle of Christ) can be easily seen overlooking the town of Skala.  Its courtyard lights provide accents of colour across its darkened walls.

Travelling on an architectural tour by Peter Sommer Travels we’d arrived in Patmos in the late afternoon. This was our first meal together (Eleven guests) off our yacht the Turkish Gulet the ‘Almira’ and an opportunity to get to know everyone better. Our tour guide and Archaeologist ‘Heinrich Hall’ had scouted ‘Hiliomodi Fish Restaurant’ as the place to eat, and from our point of view he’d hit the nail on the head.

Looking around local Greek families and friends can be seen frequenting most of the tables. Behind on the walls, fishnets are drape with shells hanging within. In one corner a collage of photographs displayed in a frame, depicts the generations of family that ran this taverna over the years.

From below the odour of spices and lemons permeated the air leaving us ravenous for our meal (Sailing always leaves you hungry). Yet our desire to eat is tempered in traditional Greek style. Food will be ready when its ready and not before. In Greece eating out is a social occasion a gathering of friends and family and an opportunity to catch up on gossip. That’s why there’s no time limit on tables in Greece, you’re expected to stay till closing and socialise.

Hiliomodi Fish Restaurant’ is no different waiting for our meals to arrive and dipping heavily into the mezes. I’m introduced to a drink called Tsipouro (called Raki by the Cretians).  Similar in taste to schnapps it’s made from the skins and stems of grapes.

“Tsipouro!” I’m informed by Enrique, one of eleven guests on this cruise, “Gives you fair warning when to stop drinking, its purity allows the body to respond to the alcohol appropriately without it being disguised by additives.” Enrique (from Spain) became our unofficial advisor on all things Mediterranean outside of Greece. A connoisseur of healthy living (We’re told with a knowing grin) Enrique had plenty of stories to tell, only later did we discover he was the son of the first elected Mayor of Madrid after General Franco.

Our large collection of square little tables strung together was looking chaotic. Despite our waiters best efforts the food disappeared as it arrived leaving empty plates piled up in the middle for easy transportation below. Plates of squid, fish, octopus tentacles, horta (spinage type greens) shrimps and dolmades (rice wrapped in vine leaves) pass before our eyes and readily filled our stomachs, interspersed with the local red & white wine.

Our rooftop location would normally have given a grand panorama of Skala town; however sitting here at night bathed in our own pool of artificial light, only the sounds of the island reach us. Looking across the rooftops subtle shadows with the occasional streetlight can be seen.

The absence of nightlife outside our little world was the perfect location, the perfect antidote to our busy day. Only the occasional scooter could be heared resonating along a narrow alleyway. No neon lights, no discothèque music or even touristic bouzouki. A restrained life surrounded our happy taverna long into the evening.

“For further information visit Cultural holidays in Greece

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