PELOPONNESE TREASURES GREECE

All aboard This eight-day journey with Variety Cruises is ideal for anyone who wants to explore the ancient wonders and heritage of the Peloponnese by sea while someone else hoists the mainsail and navigates the waters. It blends relaxed cruising with enriching archaeological excursions and expert-led historical lectures. Along the way, you’ll sail through the dramatic Corinth Canal, a feat of 19th-century engineering carved through sheer limestone cliffs to link the Aegean and Ionian Seas.

Leaving from Athens, you’ll sail around the Peloponnese peninsula, stopping to take in some of the most significant sites of the ancient world, such as Mycenae, Olympia and Delphi. Highlights include the imposing Lion’s Gate at Mycenae and the Stadium of Ancient Olympia, which is where the original Olympic Games took place. You can almost hear the cheering crowds as you stand there today. The real treasure, though, is resident historian Eugenia Alexiou. Far beyond what a signpost or leaflet could offer, Eugenia brings these places vividly to life – whether leading site visits or delivering evening lectures on board covering everything from the Golden Age to Byzantine mosaics.

Best for History lovers and armchair archaeologists eager for authentic, expertly guided access to the fascinating cradle of Western civilisation.

What’s the vessel like? The 157ft-long classic yacht Galileo becomes your home for eight days. Despite her renovation in March this year, she retains a majestic olde worlde charm – especially when her impressive white sails are hoisted. With room for 49 guests, there’s a spacious lounge, library, two dining rooms, sunbathing decks, shaded areas and more.

ONE-WEEK PAXOS FLOTILLA GREECE

All aboard This one-week flotilla through the Ionian is ideal for those keen to get hands-on with sailing – but without diving straight into a solo charter. Travelling as part of a fleet of 11 yachts, including a ‘lead boat’ crewed by an experienced skipper, engineer and host, guests can practise their wind awareness, sail trimming and tacking skills, with expert guidance close at hand. No need to chart your own course – the flotilla sets sail from Plataria Harbour, about an hour’s drive north of Preveza airport, and traces a gentle route south past Corfu towards the picture- perfect island of Paxos. It’s an ideal passage for novice sailors, with the protective embrace of surrounding islands and the reliable rhythm of afternoon breezes offering just the right balance of ease and exhilaration.

Days unfold at a relaxed pace, sailing between the characterful harbours of Paxos – Lakka, Gaios, Mongonisi and Longos – before continuing to Antipaxos and its gleaming Emerald Bay, then looping back up the coast. There are plenty of opportunities along the way to drop anchor in stunning bays for swimming, sunbathing and leisurely lunches on deck.

Best for Adventurous sailors keen to take the helm – you get to pull the ropes and steer the boat, not just pick the playlist. You’ll need an RYA Day Skipper qualification or be sailing with someone who has one. Not quite there yet? Pair the trip with a Day Skipper or Competent Crew course beforehand, and put your new skills into practice on this one-week coastal voyage.

What’s the vessel like? You’ll be staying aboard a well-equipped Beneteau yacht, 32-40ft depending on the size of your group.

WEST COAST ADVENTURE SCOTLAND

All aboard While a sailing holiday in Scotland can’t promise perfect weather, it more than makes up for it with thrilling conditions, abundant wildlife, varied coastlines and some of the most staggering scenery in Europe. It’s also a chance to slip away from the crowds and reach wild corners few travellers ever see. Eda Frandsen’s West Coast Adventure is a nine-night voyage departing from Mallaig on Scotland’s rugged northwestern coast. From here, you’ll cross The Minch strait and begin a deep exploration of the Outer Hebrides. The challenge won’t be in the sailing but in absorbing the constant spectacle of raw, elemental beauty: from the soaring hills and ancient geology of Harris to the windswept drama of Lewis, its peat bogs and moorlands fringed by wide, quiet beaches. Anchor off the hidden shores of Taransay and the Uists, trace the towering sea cliffs of Mingulay, and spend each night in a remote bay, wrapped in silence. Don’t miss this perfect opportunity for stargazing – with zero light pollution, the night skies are unforgettable.

Best for Wildlife and the quiet life, with a route that threads through some of Scotland’s most remote and soul-stirring landscapes, far from the tourist trail.

What’s the vessel like? The Eda Frandsen is a traditional wooden gaff cutter with serious seafaring pedigree. Built in Denmark in 1938, she began life as a fishing trawler in the North Sea. Restored and refitted, she now carries just eight guests on voyages around Cornwall and the Hebrides. Since 2020, she’s been in the hands of Stella and Mungo, who bring not only deep sailing expertise but a clear passion for wild places and good company.

SAILING CROATIAN RESTAURANTS ROUTE CROATIA

All aboard With a Mediterranean climate, favourable winds, crystalline waters and more than 1,000 islands to explore, it’s no wonder Croatia ranks high among sailing aficionados. This eight- day voyage with Sail Croatia charts a course through one of the country’s most rewarding regions, blending lazy days on deck with stops for swimming, wine tasting and world-class gastronomy. Your journey begins in the historical seaside city of Split. After meeting your skipper, you’ll board your private boat and set sail along the Dalmatian coast, hopping between standout islands such as Hvar, Vis, the Pakleni archipelago and Makarska. At the end of every day, you’ll dock somewhere new and dine at hand-picked local restaurants – all arranged by your skipper, with room for personal requests. Expect a mix of modern coastal cuisine and traditional Croatian fare. Think along the lines of slow-cooked peka (a fragrant meat or seafood stew baked under a bell-shaped ironlid), inky black cuttlefish risotto and just-caught seafood. Among the culinary highlights: Hora, a farm-to-table gem on a working organic winery in Hvar’s Stari Grad Plain, and Roki’s on Vis, where the octopus peka is a local legend.

Best for Food lovers who want to actually get off the boat and eat in local restaurants, not just dine on board.

What’s the vessel like? This itinerary is available on any of Sail Croatia’s private fleet. Travelling as a foursome? Opt for Manilo, a sleek Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 349 monohull with three cabins and a stylish, compact feel. Got a bigger crew? Step aboard Hound Dog, a spacious, brand-new Lagoon 46 catamaran that comfortably sleeps eight across four cabins.

THE SALAMANDER EXPERIENCE TÜRKIYE

All aboard A new seven-night journey from family-run Salamander Voyages offers a slower, more soulful way to discover Türkiye’s Aegean coast aboard a traditional wooden gulet. Departing from the busy harbour of Bodrum, you’ll soon sail south-west to the Datça Peninsula and the atmospheric ruins of Knidos, where crumbling amphitheatres and temples rise from the sea-facing hills like a mirage from antiquity. After a night in the peaceful bay of Mercincik, the route turns north to Gümüşlük – a laid-back favourite among in-the-know locals – where you’ll shop at the market, enjoy a seaside dinner and take part in a cocktail-making class. From here, the journey loops into the Gulf of Gökova, stopping at tucked-away bays for swimming and leisurely lunches, exploring historic sites such as the ruins at Kissebükü and visiting hillside villages where crafts like carpet weaving still thrive. There’s cheese and wine tasting, local colour and time to simply drift. The final days are spent back in Bodrum, with time to explore the city.

Best for Travellers who believe the journey is just as important as the destination. The Salamander experience is all about slow sailing, unhurried exploration and sinking into local culture – not clocking miles or ticking boxes.

What’s the vessel like? You’ll sail on Salamander, a traditional wooden gulet lovingly built in 1996 and meticulously refitted each winter to keep her elegant and seaworthy. At 100ft, she’s spacious without being overwhelming, with six en-suite guest cabins (four doubles, and two with both a double and a single bed) and a crew of four to look after you. That includes private chef Tugay, a Turkish MasterChef finalist – so expect local dishes cooked to perfection. You’ll be the judge, of course...

SAILING THE INDONESIAN WONDERS INDONESIA

All aboard Set sail on a remarkable nine-day voyage through Indonesia’s breathtaking Komodo archipelago. Led by experienced Captain Jurfi, this expedition strikes the perfect balance between luxury and adventure. Your journey will guide you through the vast Komodo National Park and its surrounding islands, turning them into your personal playground. You’ll be able to swim alongside manta rays, drift through the waters with sea turtles and snorkel in the company of majestic whale sharks.

Each day brings new possibilities: encounter free-roaming Komodo dragons – some of the world’s largest lizards – on Rinca Island, or trek across an atmospheric volcanic island to explore its sunken crater lake. There’s also plenty of opportunity for cultural discovery. Visit the island of Moyo and meet locals in Labuan Aji village, before heading to Melo Village to witness a Caci performance – a ritual fight-dance between two men armed with rattan shields and whips. Best for Nature lovers seeking once-in-a-lifetime experiences in a tropical paradise.

What’s the vessel like? You’ll sail aboard Ombak Putih, a stunning Indonesian pinisi built by local artisans using traditional hand tools and hardwoods. The crafting of boats in this way is part of a centuries-old maritime tradition now recognised by Unesco.The nearly 138ft vessel offers 12 ensuite cabins in a range of configurations, with ample communal space across the two main deck areas. With 14 crew members, including an onboard chef, you’ll experience the warmth and generosity of Indonesian hospitality throughout your journey. Your sailing companion will be sister vessel Katharina, which offers a longer trip starting in Borneo.