by Nick Nikolis

Is your dream to sail on the ocean blue, discovering exotic coves, dainty villages and the romance of a mythological past? If so, indeed you are not alone. Each year, millions of visitors take their well earned trip to the Greek Islands to enjoy pleasant days lingering in the florescent blue Aegean Waters and everything they have to offer. Although it is nice to enjoy the Greek Islands from the coast, you may wish go a step further, for instance, see them from the sea. There are two options. Either taking a plush cruise, get into the alluring Grecian way life by chartering a private yacht!

Photo by Takeaway/Wikimedia

Visiting by sea the Greek Islands conjures visions of Greek Mythology with Zeus and Athena, the wanderings of Odysseus. All the while relaxing in the deep blue skies, clear azure sea, breathtaking scenery with classical white villages. Once you are on land you will experience electrifying nightlife, flavorful dining in seaside taverns and the freedom to explore enchanting villages with historic architecture.

Sailing around Greece you have a few options to choose from. First of all there is self-sail, bare boating or bareboat shipping, which means that you will have to skipper the yacht yourself. There is no hired skipper, cook or hostess supplied for services onboard. Shipping gives you a freedom, to do it your way that no other holiday and can offer.

Greek waters have many destinations to pick and choose from. Research out a few different itineraries, as wind conditions can force you into a different direction. The Aegean Sea Winds usually blow during the summer season, from May to September, but they are specially known for the months of July and August. Greece offers more than 2.000 islands and islets of which only the 169 are inhabited, each and every one of them have their own unique beauty and charm. Many of the beaches are only accessible by boat. The most beautiful places to explore are the Ionian Sea, Cyclades, Dodecanese, Sporades and the Northern parts of the country.

In Greece, sail vacations are considered the most delightful way to investigate the hidden coves and coastlines in the islands. Companies that are based in other countries than Greece often organize sailing vacations. They have few, and at times no Greek staff that can give you firsthand information that they experienced or have been taught as part of their culture. Whatever your penchant for yacht charters, Greece will meet or beat your expectations giving you a vacation like none other.

Photo by Georgios Pazios/Wikimedia

When it comes to chartering a private yacht, you will find out there are a few differences between boats and a yachts. Before you go about charting a private yacht, you are urged to know what they are. For the most part, yachts are equipped with cabins under the deck. These cabins not only contain sleeping quarters, but bathrooms, kitchens, and small dining rooms. This is what makes a yacht larger than most traditional boats, because boats do not have all of the previously mentioned amenities.

Due to the fact that yachts are often compared to small apartments or hotel rooms, they are perfect for those looking to take a long, extended trip, as they can offer guest exactly what they need. Due the size of most yachts, you will also find that they can accommodate more travelers. This is why the charting of a private yacht is ideal for those who are looking for an exciting, interesting, and full of fun family vacation. Most have enough room to accommodate even large sized families.

If you are interested in charting a private yacht for your next romantic getaway, family vacation, or business travel, you will need to find a private yacht chartering company. For the best chance of success, a good place to start is to use the Internet. However, it is not uncommon for your local travel agent to also have info on private yacht companies, particularly those that come highly rated and recommended.

You will find Yachting in Greece is the most unforgettable vacation experience, and the cost for such an experience is also affordable. Following are some prices for different rentals to get you on your way. Generally Prices will vary and are calculated according to distance and fuel consumption.

Rates are based on a 2 day minimum rental, with an on-site cash payment of 45 Euros per booking. This is to cover the Yacht Damage Waiver, Cleaning and Fuel. Prices start at 1100 Euro per person sharing double cabins for a weeks time.

Prices for super luxury yachts start out around eight to ten thousand Euros a day. Yachts this size are fully staffed with crew and sleep between four and six couples, so the price of chartering is comparable to the price of a suite at a super luxury resort.

Not such an impossible dream as one would imagine. Hiring a yacht for a sail around the Greek islands are available from yacht charter companies situated in the capita, or local Islands. Anything from a day to a week or month, yacht hire is one of the fastest growing vacations in the leisure industry. While you're here, why give it a try? Bare boats or crewed vessels, engine or mast, there is quite a variety to suit the adventurer in where you can discover many Islands in the amazing Greek waters.

Nick Nikolis is working in Atlantica Hotels and Resorts as It manager and operates Olive Garden Houses in Rhodos Greece. Atlantica Hotels and Resorts is a Europe Hotels chain currently offering lodging services in Cyprus Greece and Egypt.

For more info here are a few links:
www.greece-charters.com
www.yachting-greece.com
www.sunyachting.gr/
www.poseidoninternational.com