Yachting the Adriatic

Venice has been known as the "Queen of the Adriatic", "City of Water", "City of Masks", "City of Bridges", "The Floating City", and "City of Canals". Luigi Barzini, writing in The New York Times, described it as "undoubtedly the most beautiful city built by man". Venice has also been described by the Times Online as being one of Europe's most romantic cities. Founded in the 5th century, the city stretches across 118 small islands in the marshy Venetian Lagoon along the Adriatic. In 1987 Venice and its Lagoon was inscribed as a UNESCO Heritage site. SeaDream typically docks at the San Basilio pier after navigating by the famous St. Mark’s Square down the grand canal. With its yacht stature, SeaDream vessels are amongst the very few commercial vessels that can navigate this famous waterway. SeaDream does offer Land Adventures when overnighting. You can also contact our destination specialists should you need a private arrangement, transfer or hotel recommendation.

Rovinj is a popular tourist resort in Croatia situated on the north Adriatic Sea. It is situated on the western coast of the Istrian peninsula and remains as one of the last true fishing ports. SeaDream has arranged some unique land adventure options including; Porec, a Touch of History, Culture & The Family Tradition of Wine Making, and the very popular Searching For Truffles in the Countryside. SeaDream is scheduled to anchor to offer water sports activities from the marina (Permission and conditions pending).

Hvar is a Croatian island in the Adriatic Sea. The island of Hvar is somewhat unusual as it is blessed with a large fertile coastal plain and fresh water springs. Its hillsides are covered in pine forests, with vineyards, olive groves, fruit orchards and lavender fields in the agricultural areas. The climate is characterized by mild winters and warm summers with many hours of sunshine. Guests have an option to kayak down the coastline on one of our land adventures or take an independent hike up to the fortress to have some incredible views of the picturesque harbor. You also have an option to bike across the island to Starigrad and meet up with the other guests on the land adventure called “The best of Both Worlds".

This island holds a host of accolades from being the oldest town in Croatia and hosting the oldest regatta in Europe, to featuring some of the most beautiful beaches in the country. With a picturesque coastline, it is easy to see why Vis was selected as the backdrop for the 2018 feature film “Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again.” The farthest inhabited island off the Croatian mainland, Vis has an interesting cultural heritage after being secluded from foreign visitors up until the late 1980s. This history of isolation has been key in keeping the island pure, making Vis an ideal destination for those seeking authenticity.

Korčula may be the actual birthplace of Marco Polo! This is an island in the Adriatic Sea, in Southern Dalmatia and is considered by our guests as one of their favorites. One activity offered sells out every time so book early the Buggy Safari. As SeaDream typically anchors off Korcula expects the water toys to be used from the marina platform. As the island is relatively flat, this is a great biking destination as well.

Korčula may be the actual birthplace of Marco Polo! This is an island in the Adriatic Sea, in Southern Dalmatia and is considered by our guests as one of their favorites. One activity offered sells out every time so book early the Buggy Safari. As SeaDream typically anchors off Korcula expects the water toys to be used from the marina platform. As the island is relatively flat, this is a great biking destination as well.

Jutting into the southern Adriatic Sea coast, Dubrovnik—dubbed the “Pearl of the Adriatic”—is perhaps the most picturesque city on the Dalmatian Coast. A key Mediterranean maritime power from the 13th century, Dubrovnik has preserved its storied mix of Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque churches, monasteries, palaces, and fountains. Its Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site adorned with the ancient city walls and Rector’s Palace. SeaDream anchors off the walled city as a port of call and tenders directly to the town gate.

Kotor is a coastal town in Montenegro. The old Mediterranean port of Kotor is surrounded by an impressive city wall built by the Republic of Venice and the Venetian influence remains dominant among the architectural influences. In 1979 the Bay of Kotor, City of Kotor and the surrounding territory have been listed in the UNESCO Heritage as a Cultural Site. SeaDream usually navigates close by the small islands of St. George and Our Lady of the Reef. The Bay of Kotor stretches 28 km and is one of the most indented parts of the Adriatic Sea. It is sometimes called the southern-most fjord in Europe (though it is actually a submerged river canyon called a ria). SeaDream typically docks steps away from the town. SeaDream has arranged a few different Yachting Land Adventures. One of them is a walking discovery and the other will show you the heritage and countryside of Montenegro. For the active guests, there’s incredible biking along the coast as well as a hike up to the fortress. On occasion, SeaDream may dock in the bay and tender directly to the town. We regret that watersports are not allowed in this protected area.

Corfu’s rich multicultural heritage, historic monuments, and unsurpassed natural landscape make the island notable as one of the most cosmopolitan of all Mediterranean destinations. Corfu is the second largest Greek island in the Ionian Sea, situated so far north that parts of its coastline lie off the Albanian coast of Sarandë. In Greek, the island is named Kerkyra, Homer’s beautiful and rich land described in The Odyssey and Odysseus’s last stop on his ten-year journey home to Ithaca. With vibrant wildflowers and slender cypress trees rising from olive groves, Corfu is considered by many to be the most beautiful—and greenest—of all the Greek Islands. Unlike the rest of Greece, Corfu never fell under the Ottoman oppression. Due to the successive domination of the Venetians, French, and the British over the centuries the island has become part of the Western rather than the Levantine world. Venetian culture wielded strong influence throughout the island, the town of Corfu reminiscent of Venice and Florence, Italy. In the beautifully preserved Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2007, Renaissance, Baroque, and Classical influences came to be successfully applied to local artistic traditions. The cobblestone streets and pastel-colored Venetian architecture of the Old Town are a gem for sightseeing, boasting the fifteenth-century Old Fortress of Corfu, constructed on the site of a former Byzantine castle. To the West, the Venetian-constructed New Fortress features a network of underground tunnels and views that overlook the harbor. The Archaeological Museum contains artifacts from the Archaic period, including bronze and marble statues, clay pottery, and parts of ancient temples. Best explored by foot, visitors to Old Town note the charm of Spianada Square and Liston Street, reminiscent of Rue de Rivoli in Paris. Nearby, explore the Achillion Palace, built in 1890 as the summer retreat of Austria’s Empress Elizabeth. Nature lovers will find unmatched scenery at secluded La Grotta Beach, where swimming, snorkeling, and cliff diving opportunities are plentiful, and the Corfu Trail, extending from Asprokavos along the south coast up to Agios Spiridon in the north. This off-the-beaten-path hiking trail passes through rolling olive groves, rugged gorges, traditional Greek villages, and ancient monasteries that line its route.

Fiskardo is a village located about 54 km north of Argostoli and a district of the city of Erisos.The coast around Fiskardo is mainly rocky with numerous pebble-beached coves. There are numerous viewpoints in the area around the village that offer panoramic views of the Ionian Sea including Daskalio island, Ithaca, northwestern Aetolia-Acarnania and the island of Lefkada.

Galaxidi is a small village on the northern coast of the Corinth Golf lying west of Itea and 15 km southwest of Delphi. It allows excellent access to the incredible sight of Delphi which is within the top three archeological attractions in Greece and in 1987 was inscribed as a UNESCO Heritage Site. It is believed the Zeus wanted to find the center of the Earth so he sent two eagles flying from the eastern and western extremities and where they met was Delphi – becoming the “navel/center of the earth”. SeaDream has arranged the very best guides and vehicles from Athens to further enhance this incredible visit. Your guided visit highlights the ancient Sanctuary of Apollo, where Pythia, the celebrated Oracle dwelt, the Temple of Apollo, the Sacred Way, the amphitheater, the best-preserved stadium of Greece, and the Castalia Spring, where in ancient days the pilgrims had to wash before they were allowed to consult the Oracle. In the Delphi Museum, see such treasures as the Omphalos, which marked the center of the world, and the magnificent bronze Charioteer, one of the finest pieces surviving from the 5th century BC. After the museum, there will be free time to visit the village of Delphi. SeaDream has the option of docking along the small pier in Itea or anchoring off to provide water sports options. This is dependent on availability as well as a number of guests visiting the archeological site.

So narrow! So dramatic! You'll understand why SeaDream says "expect the unexpected" as your yacht transits the Corinth Canal. The canal was first completed in 1893, despite previous attempts from ancient times; the first plans being from 602BC. The Roman Emporer Nero actually started construction in 67AD, making the first cut himself with a golden pick. The canal we transit is 6.3 kilometres (3.9 mi) in length. Before the canal, ships sailing between the Aegean and the Adriatic had to circumnavigate the Peloponnese Peninsula adding about 185 nautical miles to their voyage.

Piraeus, roughly translating to “the place over the passage”, is an important Greek port located within the Athens agglomeration, in the Attica Basin. It is 12 kilometers from the municipality of Athens, considered the fourth largest and is the third most populous amongst all the municipalities of Greece. Now a peninsula, Piraeus, originally a rocky island, was developed in early 5th Century B.C. when it was initially designated as Athens’ import and transit trade port. It is the largest marine-based shipping center of Greece, one of the largest ports in Europe, and considered the second largest passenger port in the world. Inhabited since the 26th Century, it wasn’t until the 6th Century B.C. that Piraeus began catching attention. The land of Piraeus was essentially impassable, flooded by the sea most of the year until centuries passed and the flooding ceased. By the 5th Century B.C. it became a navy base for the Athenian fleet for the natural harbors and the strategic potential they carried. Athenian general and politician Themistocles fortified Piraeus’ three harbors Kantharos, Zea and Munichia, created ship houses and completed his walls in 471 B.C., which led to the port becoming a great military and commercial harbor. There are many archaeological sites, points of interest and entertainment available in Piraeus. Most famous for its tavernas and cuisine, several popular events take place in Piraeus, such as the Ecocinema International Film Festival, the Maritime Festival, the Piraeus Rock Wave Festival and the Three Kings’ Way Festival. There are also many theaters, including the Municipal Theater, the open air Veakeio Theater, and the Menandreio Theater. Museums in Piraeus include the Archaeological Museum of Piraeus, the Merchant Shipping History Institute Exhibition, the Panos Aravantinos Decor Museum, the Georgios Averof Museum Ship and the Museum of Electric Railways. Be sure to catch the panoramic views available from the hill of Kastella, overlooking Athens and the Saronic Gulf!