Quality cruise destinations in the Indian Ocean: What’s more romantic than cruising from Venice? This dreamy eight-night trip visits eight ports around Greece, Italy, and Croatia, promising couples plenty of turquoise oceans, quaint seaside villages, and to-die-for Mediterranean food. Before you depart on one of the best cruises for couples in Europe, spend a day in Venice discovering its labyrinth of canals aboard a cozy gondola for two. Walk around La Serenissima’s cobblestone streets and picturesque bridges. Don’t forget to snap a photo at the iconic St. Mark’s Square while eating gelatos to cool down if you’re visiting Italy in the summer. Then you’re off to Rijeka, Croatia, where you’ll want to dive into the water once you catch a glimpse of the deep blue hue of the Adriatic Ocean. Stay in Rijeka and visit its many landmarks including its own Leaning Tower, the Cathedral of Saint Vitus, and a busy green market. See more info at booking cruises.
A highlight of the Viking Homelands itinerary offered by Viking Ocean Cruises is that it includes stops in eight scenic countries, including Sweden, Norway and Denmark. “Scandinavia is Viking territory, and the Viking Homelands itinerary brings guests along the original trade routes of the Viking explorers. [While] sailing … guests have opportunities to see the great cities of the Baltic Sea, along with Norwegian fjords, rural historical sites and ancient Viking settlements that provide a glimpse at how the original Vikings lived,” says Torstein Hagen, Viking Cruises’ founder and chairman. “One of our signature itineraries, I’m pleased to offer it for guests to experience my home country of Norway and the homelands of the original Viking explorers,” he adds.
If you want to experience America’s heartland and the Deep South, consider rolling along the Mighty Mississippi onboard the world’s largest river steamboat, the American Queen. Itineraries travel to small storybook towns that are filled with American history and reminiscent of days gone by. Stop in big cities such as St. Louis and Memphis, Tennessee, for barbecue and blues before heading into the Mississippi Delta and the South to learn about its rich and complicated history. Experience the best of Americana while leisurely sailing on this iconic American waterway before disembarking in the always lively New Orleans.
Portugal is a brilliant country to visit for a number of reasons. If you are planning a sailing holiday, then Portugal becomes even more desirable. This country has a stunning coastline and some world-class islands. With a rich history, delicious food, and plenty of historic sites. Portugal is always a good idea. Some top cruising destinations in Portugal include Madeira (one of Europe’s best islands) and Lisbon (the capital city). Between these, there are many other worthy places to visit. Discover the Mallorca’s Balearic Islands and swim in their crystal-clear waters or book an Ibiza yacht charter cruise to discover sheltered, hidden coves and enjoy the best sunsets you’ll ever see. With more than 6,000 islands, Greece is an ideal destination for sailing. From ancient ruins and breathtaking culture to incredible cuisine, idyllic villages, endless olive groves, and turquoise waters, Greece offers countless opportunities for fun and relaxation.
2021 will still have to wait a bit longer to see the island at its best. The re-opening after a year of restrictions will be more paused and controlled so as to secure the stable situation Balearic Islands have reached. But no worries! We are sure there are many ways to discover Ibiza for those first-time visitors, in a more tranquil pace but, at the same time, genuine. Experts will find also their way to best attractions and best hotels and, we are quite sure, to a renewed way to enjoy Mediterranean nights. For the best views of the uninhabited, 400m-tall (1,312ft) El Vedra rock-island, head to Cala d’Hort. This gorgeous stretch of sand is lapped by some of the most picture-perfect waters in Ibiza and backs onto a cluster of great chiringuitos (beach bars). Like many of the island’s must-visit beaches, d’Hort is not huge, so arrive early for a decent spot; once settled, you can enjoy the views and bathing as well as some of Ibiza’s best snorkelling. And when it gets too hot, simply wander into one of the beach bars for a cold one and a plate of fresh prawns. The last year was a year we stayed at home. It was the year of coronavirus anxiety, canceled plans, and severe lifestyle changes. With 2020 finally behind us, many of us are hoping for our lives to get back to what we know as ‘normal’: the life without facemasks and fear of illness. Life with schools, offices, restaurants open, and social gatherings and travel plans as things to look forward to. If you cannot wait to pack up and go again, let us show you the destinations that will make you forget about your daily stresses. Start planning your Mediterranean yacht cruise in 2021 in some of Europe’s most secluded locations of blissful beauty. A summer sailing trip in the Mediterranean Sea is a dream vacation that can quickly come true.
Sailors often prefer the area between the northern coast of Sicily, Calabria and the Aeolian Islands. Palermo, Cefalu, Sant Agata, Milazzo and Porto Rosa are ideal places to begin Yacht charter in Sicily. On a sailing trip between the harbors, bays and capes, one can explore the northern coast of the island thoroughly. A detour to the Aeolian Islands (Lipari Islands) is recommended. On the east coast there is the port of Catania, which is a convenient starting point due to the nearby airport. You can also begin a trip from Taormina or Syracuse.
This is a much more touristy option but the Balearics still make a beautiful European sailing destination, and you can avoid the crowds if you know-how. The cluster of Spanish islands include Ibiza, Mallorca, Menorca and Formentera; all major holiday spots known for their sun-drenched beaches and sparkling blue waters. Also include a few stops to the pretty, unspoilt towns of Deia in Mallorca and the secluded Ibizan bay of Cala Llentrisca.
Mondello is an overgrown fishing village flipped into a 19th-century Liberty resort for Palermo’s elite. Imagine Nice, served with a frutti di mare side. A wide arc of beach is backed by more foodie treats. Like mobile carts selling lemon granitas and arancina (fried rice balls). Alicudi is the Sicilian island that Instagram forgot. Irregular ferries and passing yachts call ciaoto the island’s 100 inhabitants. Islanders share a pastoral diet of wild figs and prickly pears served alongside a sustainable daily catch. That’s good news, because this tiny island has no shops, no ATM and no problems. Find more info on https://www.cruisebooking.com/.
Spain’s northern coastline is well-known for its verdant landscapes, fine cuisine, modern cities and picturesque villages along its vast, golden beaches. It’s also packed with art and architecture, making it a great cruise destination for lovers of culture. From the Biscay town of Getxo, with its UNESCO-listed Vizcaya Bridge, to the Basque capital Bilbao, with its world-renowned Guggenheim Museum, there are gems to discover at every port. You’ll start in Getxo before heading to Bilbao and on to the magnificent city of La Coruña in Galicia, where you can wander between the medieval old town and the more modern districts to see the architectural contrasts.
Take care when selecting dates and entering names of passengers. Since cruises run the same itineraries on repeat, it can be easy to select the wrong date and end up with a cruise that doesn’t work for your schedule or even departs in the wrong year! You should also be aware that passengers’ names must match their passport exactly when it’s time to board the ship, so when you type it in to make your cruise reservations online, check and then double-check. (This is especially important if you’re planning a honeymoon cruise and you anticipate changing your last name.)