Richard Lawson discovers Greek temples, Christian shrines and many other treasures on a luxurious Mediterranean cruise.
Picturesque ports, ancient sites and chic resort towns are all part of the experience aboard this luxury five-star mega-yacht voyage between Athens and Rome.
When this writer wasn't lounging on the sundeck of the Sea Dream 1, sipping cocktails on demand or enjoying alfresco dining, he was taking in the local sights.
Here are some highlights from a recent Mediterranean trip.
HYDRA (Greece) Step ashore at the beautiful port and waterfront town, unspoiled by motorised vehicles. Donkeys do all the hard work on this island. But do some yourself to get a feel for how people live here. Walk the steep stone streets for some of the best views. The Koundouriotis Mansion, one of the finest examples of traditional Hydra architecture from the 18th and 19th century, is a must visit. For the really fit, it's a 5km walk - all uphill - to the Monastery of Constantine. Take in the magnificent view below as your body recovers, knowing it's all downhill from here. On the flat and away from less adventurous tourists, consider lunch at a family-run taverna. When you find one, ignore the menu and look for what's already prepared - stuffed tomatoes, giant beans, warm beetroot salad - to go with simply grilled local fish. With a glass or two of wine, you shouldn't be paying more than about $35 for two.
DELPHI (Greece) One of the most visited ancient sites in Greece. Extraordinary rocky hillside location that contains, among a host of other sights, the Sanctuary of Apollo, home of the ancient Oracle who exerted considerable influence throughout the ancient Greek world. Walk to the top of this Unesco-listed site and see the best-preserved stadium in Greece. The Delphi Museum features treasures from 5th century BC including the Omphalos - which marked the centre of the world - and the magnificent bronze charioteer. You can also visit the historic walled St Lucas Monastery - also listed by Unesco - one of the most important monuments of Middle Byzantine architecture and art. It was founded in the early 10th century by the hermit St Lucas, whose relics are kept in the monastery to the day.
FISKARDO (Greece) Picturesque little port on the island of Kefalonia in western Greece that hosts thousands of holidaymakers between May and October and "survives" with a population of about 50 for the rest of the year. They filmed Captain Corelli's Mandolin here, but don't let that dud sway you. It wasn't until 2005 that its origins in the ancient Greek town of Panormos were established.
The island of Kefalonia. Photo / 123RF
A year later construction workers building a hotel stumbled upon a perfectly preserved Roman-era grave complex filled with gold jewellery, glass, clay pots and bronze artefacts. The area is famous for its caves and underground lakes.
On this trip you visit the small village of Karavomylos and the mysterious 40,000-year-old underground lake of Melissani. Boatmen take you around the blue-green waters and tell you very amusing stories about the stalacites.
TAORMINA (Sicily) A chic resort town with boutique shopping to match. High-rollers and international celebrities love this spectacularly located town perched on the side of a mountain. Mt Etna looms in the mid-distance. The main street features high-end designer shops, medieval churches and an ancient theatre with views stunning of the Gulf of Naxos.
A must-see destination on what was known as the Grand Tour - the traditional trip of Europe undertaken by mainly upper-class young men of means up to about 1840. Sea Dream provides a bus service from the port below to the town above during the day. Optional tours include an ascent of Mt Etna - one of Europe's largest active volcanoes - to as close as possible to the crater's edge, a drive to the Land of the Godfather or golf at Il Picciolo.
Piazza IX Aprile om Taormina Italy.. Photo / 123RF
POMPEII (Italy) Experience is the word to describe the bus trip from Amalfi, where Sea Dream is anchored, to Pompeii 90 minutes away. The ocean views are spectacular, which is just as well because the coastal road literally clings to the steep cliffs. Pompeii itself doesn't disappoint. There's a photo opportunity at every corner and you can't help but be amazed and moved at this remarkable ruin. The site was lost for about 1500 years until its initial rediscovery in 1599 and broader rediscovery almost 150 years later.
Remarkably, much of what was covered by the eruption of Mt Vesuvius in AD79 remains intact. Walking the paved streets, you don't need much imagination to recognise what this town of 30,000 would have looked like before the catastrophe.
CAPRI (Italy) The island of love is touristy, kitschy and a favourite holiday destination for the rich and famous. The land adventure starts at the gangway with a motorboat taking you for a zip around the island and a look at the incredibly beautiful blue water grottoes. On shore, a convertible touring car takes you to the high village of Anacapri for a chairlift ride to the top of the island and spectacular views.
Then it's back to Capri for lunch and shopping before.
CHECKLIST
Getting there: Sea Dream Yacht Club cruises depart Athens, Rome, Venice, Istanbul, Dubrovnik, Barcelona on a variety of cruises between May and October.
The writer travelled as a guest of Sea Dream Yacht Club.
