Travel
Sail Away, sail away
You’ve spent months – if not years – planning your perfect wedding, so your honeymoon will probably be your first opportunity to kick back, de-stress and unwind from the excitement of the big day.
Whether you have a week or a month to spend away from the world, a luxury cruise will allow you to experience a variety of locations during the trip of a lifetime on the ocean’s waves.
Long regarded as the preserve of the rich and famous, in recent times a holiday on the high seas has become more affordable than ever. A myriad of cruise companies operate excursions departing from a variety of locations throughout the world, yet some of the most beautiful and exciting ports of call can be found right here in Europe. One such example is a seven-day trip across the Mediterranean: leaving from the ancient Greek city of Athens, you will experience the delights of the islands of Santorini, Rhodes and Mykonos before arriving at the crossroads to the East, Istanbul.
Athens
As you embark upon your journey in the Greek capital, a stroll around the main squares or in areas off the beaten path can provide a feel of the unique character of Athens. Observe activities at the central market, or enjoy a cool beverage in one of the city’s many sidewalk cafés. Athens offers endless dining experiences with some of the most romantic spots on the island of Piraeus to be found in one of the many exquisite seafood restaurants situated along the yacht harbor at Microlimano.
Santorini
Of all the Cyclades Islands, Santorini is often considered to be the most dramatic. Once an active volcano, Santorini’s landscape offsets its simple buildings, which shine in the brilliant sunlight. The rich volcanic soil is ideal for growing grapes and the local vines produce a crop known for its “special volcanic taste.”
Hundreds of shops line the narrow streets of the main town of Fira, offering a wide choice of jewellery, rugs, leather goods, ceramics, artwork and embroidered linens. A number of souvenir stands are located at Skala Harbour, close to where your cruise ship docks, and the local currency is Euro - leaving you with no excuse not to pick up a few tangible memories from your visit.
Rhodes
Located only seven miles from the Turkish coast, Rhodes is one of Greece’s most popular visitor spots. Full of ancient charm and unrivalled opportunities for Greek cuisine, it would be easy to stay and explore this historical haven. Not far from the city however, is the charming village of Lindos, with its whitewashed houses and winding streets, providing the location for the stunning ruins of an ancient acropolis. Imagine yourself as Helen of Troy and your new hubby as Hercules as you visit the site of the town’s thirteenth century crusader castle…and maybe even snatch a private moment among the ruins!
Mykonos
The most eastern of the northern Cyclades, the jewel that is the island of Mykonos was first discovered by the bohemian jet-set of the 1960’s and this chic reputation still exists to this day. Mykonos Town is a colourful maze of narrow streets lined by whitewashed houses with bright blue doors and shutters, and many of the old houses along the waterfront are now fashionable restaurants, bars and discos, catering to the international yachting set.
One of the very best assets that Mykonos has to offer is its array of stunning beaches. With coral blue seas, and white sandy beaches, you’ll feel as though you’ve died and gone to heaven as you walk hand-in-hand along the shore. For the bold and the brave among you, Super Paradise beach is reserved for nude sunbathing and swimming…why not see if it lives up to its name?
Turkish Delight…
For many centuries, Istanbul was the capital of the civilised world. Today’s fascination with this teeming metropolis derives from its place in history and the monuments that remain from its glorious past.
An aladdin’s cave for grooms looking for a gift full of eastern promise for his new wife, The Egyptian Bazaar, or Spice Bazaar, is well worth a visit, if only for the local ambience. Bargaining is an accepted practice here so don’t be perturbed!
Visit the European-style Dolmabahçe Palace along the shores of the Bosphorus river, and stop for a drink in the Orient-Express bar of the Pera Palas Hotel. Opened in 1892 with the arrival of the Orient-Express, this hotel attracted royals, spies and writers. The ornate wrought-iron lift carries visitors to room 411, the room once occupied by Agatha Christie.
Whether you choose to sail the Pacific ocean, traverse the calm waters of the Med’ or experience the Arctic waters of Scandinavia, luxury and opulence will greet you aboard your floating city as you sail into the sunset, filled with the promise of what lies ahead… Bon voyage!
