Blue cruise: 7 days exploring the Eastern Mediterranean

Captain Ferdinando Tarquini, of 63.2 metre Force Blue which is available to charter with Fraser, reveals a route encompassing the highlights of Croatia, Montenegro and the Greek Islands

Day one

Meet Force Blue in Dubrovnik port near the historic old town. Explore the city’s white limestone streets, baroque buildings and ancient city walls before a welcome lunch on board. In the afternoon, venture out on the tenders for a dip at one of the nearby beaches or explore the botanical gardens and monastery on the uninhabited island of Otok Lokrum.

In the early morning, cruise 40nm down Croatia’s steep cypress tree-strewn coastline to the Bay of Kotor in neighbouring Montenegro. Wedged in front of towering mountains in the corner of the bay, the fortified town of Kotor is a medieval maze of museums, churches and Venetian palaces and pillories. Spend the afternoon wandering the cobbled streets and sampling local wines from the cafés dotted around its squares.

Force Blue will make her way overnight to the tiny Greek island of Antipaxos, which is famous for its beautiful beaches and is a quieter alternative to Corfu. Spend the day frolicking in the aquamarine waters off the beaches of Voutoumi and Vrika and playing on Force Blue’s extensive selection of water toys. Afterwards, the yacht will relocate south to a secluded cove to watch the sun set.

Wake up anchored off Kefalonia’s Myrtos beach and have an al fresco breakfast taking in the views of the perfect half-moon of white sand surrounded by rocky cliffs. In the afternoon, Force Blue will cruise to the island’s capital of Argostoli, which sits within a deep, sheltered inlet on the Fanari peninsula. Head to the seafront promenade and dine on the catch of the day at the Captain’s Table restaurant, hosted by colourful owner Captain Makis.

Start the long cruise through the Gulf of Corinth, stopping off at the historic naval town of Galaxidi to stroll past its neoclassical houses and visit its nautical museum. Afterwards, Force Blue will navigate her way through the terracotta coloured cliffs of the Corinth Canal, which at its narrowest point is only 21 metres wide.

Arrive at the volcanic island of Milos and anchor off the smooth white rocks of the inlet of Sarakiniko. Swim to the beach, which looks like a lunar landscape, or head slightly further west to snorkel the wreck of a freighter that hit rocks during a storm in 2003.

Spend your final day at the whitewashed island of Santorini. Take the cable car for stunning views of the volcano and the old port. Return to the yacht to watch the sun set and indulge in a final dinner on board. Next morning, depart by private jet from Santorini Thira airport or extend your trip to visit the Dodecanese islands and the Turkish Riviera.