Posts Tagged ‘croatia sailing’

40 things to do before you’re 40 - Number 26!

Tuesday, August 6th, 2013

26. Sail the Mediterranean Sea

It sounds beautiful doesn’t it? Sailing the Mediterranean Sea… What are the first things you think of when imagining it? The crystal clear water, the warmth from the bright summer sun shining down or perhaps the incredible island landscapes you’ll see along the way? How about looking down to see schools of fish swimming beneath you or looking across the Sea to see the odd dolphin or two jumping out of the water? Chances are, whatever you’re thinking, unless you do it for yourself the thoughts will only be a fraction of the true experience!

There are many countries with a coastline along the Mediterranean Sea. Touching the African, Asian & European continents some of these countries include Morocco, Egypt, Cyprus, Lebanon, Croatia, Greece, Turkey, Spain & France. The number of stunning locations and islands throughout the Mediterranean are endless. For this week’s entry we’ll just focus on a few of the best locations to sail through and around – Croatia, Greece & Turkey.

Croatia

With over 700 Croatian islands in the Adriatic division of the Mediterranean Sea, some of them have to be good, right? Correct! In fact, there are also some amazing coastal cities that deserve just as much recognition as the islands.

Starting in Split – Croatia’s second highest populated city, you’ll encounter some authentic Croatian lifestyle, red tiled houses, delicious food & a beautiful mountainous landscape. It’s not a bad place to dock yourself for the night! If you have an appreciation for good nightlife then Hvar is where you’ll want to sail to next. It’s not only an attractive town with great nightlife but it also has a long history. Stari Grad or ‘Old Town’ is situated on the island and is one of the oldest towns in Europe with civilization dating back to 3500 BC!

Another city on the coastline of Croatia is Dubrovnik which boasts spectacular views. You can take in these views by walking around the city walls, or hop on a gondola to the top of the mountain. Keep an eye on the old buildings here as you can still see post-war damage!

Greece

Sailing throughout the Greek Islands is truly incredible. There are around 3500 islands in Greece although only a very small portion of these are populated. The two islands that get most of the attention in Greece are Mykonos & Santorini however Paros, Corfu, Skyros and Hydra all deserve some credit of their own. If you’re looking for a romantic getaway for you and your partner – you cannot go wrong in the Greek Islands.

If time is not on your side then perhaps catching a ferry between the islands is the best option for you. Sailing from Mykonos to Santorini non-stop can take over 48 hours with the ferry taking just a few!

Turkey

Although there may be fewer islands to sail around than neighbouring Mediterranean countries, do not discount Turkey for an incredible sailing adventure. Sailing around Turkey on a traditional Gulet boat is an amazingly relaxing experience, offering magnificent beaches with crystal blue water, ancient ruins, waterfalls and many other picturesque sights. Plus, you’ll have access to some of the world’s best Baklava! Is that not reason enough to get on a boat and travel there!?

Some of the places you’ll want to check out when on a Turkish Gulet cruise include the 12 Islands of Fethiye, Kas, The Sunken City of Kekova, Simena Castle and for those who want to let their hair down and boogie the night away - Smugglers’ Island!

Topdeck Top Tip: Pack as light as possible when heading out on a sailing adventure, don’t forget to fill your music player with your favourite tunes and take a good book! If you can think of something more relaxing than listening to your favourite music or reading a good book while sailing the Mediterranean Seas, we want to know about it!

Seven Ways to Spend Your Summer

Friday, July 15th, 2011

By Kara Segedin

Moping around the office on dismal grey London day (isn’t it supposed to be summer already?) I was wishing for some ruby slippers so I could click my heels together and say ‘I wish I was on the Med, I wish I was on the Med!”

A girl can dream, can’t she?

So I settled for the next best thing - picking the brains of Topdeck’s travel experts for some daydream inspiration!

So here goes - the London Topdeck Team’s ‘7 Suggestions for Summer’….

Sailing in Croatia

Eat, swim, tan, sleep, party and repeat.

Sign up for the ‘Pomalo’ way of life - the Dalmatian philosophy of relax, take your time and have fun. Why hurry, there’s no rush!

Where else in the world can you sit around drinking cup after cup of coffee for hours on end, simply watching the day stroll by.

Fantastic fresh food can be found all along the coast – pizza and seafood to Germanic meals and ice cream!

The best way to take in all the Adriatic has to offer is aboard a sail boat! Visit all the top island destinations including Korcula, Hvar and Mljet as well as the coastal cities of Split and Dubrovnik.

Eat, drink and sunbath until the heat gets the better of you. Finish by rolling into the clear blue waters then dry off and start all over again!

Eat Your Way Through Italy

From gelato in Venice, pizza in Rome, steak in Florence and al fresco dining and wine tasting in Tuscany, Italy is a foodie’s paradise. You’ll be pressed to find a better setting for your meals!

Originally from Naples, the world famous pizza is served throughout the country. Your mission is to find the best!

Pizza in Venice

Adrenalin in Austria

Try sky-diving, mountain biking or white-water rafting in one of the Europe’s most beautiful settings.

Austria’s famous Tyrol region has adventure activities abound.

For the slightly less adventurous hire a mountain bike and explore at your own pace.

Shot Vodka in Russia

Toast the Tsars and Commissars from St. Petersburg to Moscow. It’s your chance to get behind the Iron Curtain - checkout Red Square, St Basil’s Cathedral and the Kremlin. Oh, and make sure you sample the local vodka & caviar!

Star-spotting in the French Riviera

The Côte d’Azur is dripping with glitz and glamour. Yachts, casinos and super cars - live like the rich and famous on the Mediterranean.

The Jolie-Pitts, Johnny Depp, Bono & Elton John are just some of the A-List stars who have holiday homes in this coastal resort.

Get lazy on the beach and stroll the promenades by day then try your luck at the casinos of Monaco at night!

Don Your Lederhosen for Oktoberfest

Steins, pretzels and pork knuckles. Some 6 million litres of beer will be served during the celebrations in 16 beer tents over a 103 acre site. Get your fill at Europe’s biggest festival!

Dating back to 1810, Oktoberfest was first held to celebrate the wedding of Prince Ludwig to Princess Therese. All of Munich was invited to festivities held on fields in front of the city gates called the Theresienwiese – known locally as ‘Wies’n’.

Besides the beer and Bavarian treats, there is a fairground and state-of-the-art rides and roller coasters.

Party Day and Night in Mykonos

The most cosmopolitan of the Greek Islands, Mykonos is a 24 hour party-people paradise! Groove to beach beats with the beautiful people on this amazing island.

Also, there’s plenty of relaxing, eating and shopping to be done when you need to recharge your batteries.

Get in the mood with a romantic sunset of the windmills of ‘little Venice’ or head out to the nearby island of Delos – the birthplace of the sun god Apollo.

Sunbake, swim, party, sleep, repeat!

Thursday, May 19th, 2011

Croatia Sailing - A day in the life of a Topdeck passenger.

By Liana Szwajlyk

Let me set the scene; waves subtly lapping against the boat, the sun high in the sky with that warm touch on your skin for ultimate relaxation, and you – lounging on deck with your new mates, followed by a dip in the sea, then onto explore a new island. Yes, I am talking about Croatia Sailing with Topdeck.

This could be your day….

9:00AM9:00am: The smell of fresh sea air, the sound of water gently lapping against the boat, the Adriatic gleaming under the waking sun....time for a delicious brekkie cooked by your onboard crew!

The smell of fresh sea air, the sound of water gently lapping against the boat, the Adriatic gleaming under the waking sun.

9:30AMCheck out that view...WOW! Now time for a delicious brekkie cooked by your on board crew!

Check out that water...WOW! Now time for a delicious brekkie prepared by your on board crew!

11:00AM A morning full of card playing with new friends, followed by a refreshing dip in the sea and sunbaking on deck. This afternoon’s destination: UNESCO World Heritage City, Dubrovnik.

A morning full of card playing with new friends, followed by a refreshing dip in the sea and sunbaking on deck. This afternoon’s destination: UNESCO World Heritage City, Dubrovnik.

3:00PMThe sun painting the water a deep jade, time to dock in Dubrovnik.

The sun painting the water a deep jade, time to dock in Dubrovnik.

3:30PMAncient fortress walls surround the Old Town, inside which, gleaming marble streets are lined with Baroque style buildings.

Ancient fortress walls surround the Old Town, inside which, gleaming marble streets are lined with Baroque style buildings. Head for the 'Place', or main square.

4:00PMWith plenty of free time to soak up the atmosphere of this stunning city, why not savour an espresso in one of many cafes? Or why not explore the back streets and alleyways, which offer countless surprises.

With plenty of free time to soak up the atmosphere of this stunning city, why not explore Dubrovnik's back streets and alleyways, which offer countless surprises. Or savour an espresso in one of the many cafes?

5:00PMDubrovnik's walls are the most intact and impressive in the Adriatic. These walls were built over hundreds of years at the end of the Middle Ages and measure more than 2km in length and stand between 5m and 25m in height, depending on which part you are looking at.

Dubrovnik's walls were built over hundreds of years at the end of the Middle Ages and measure more than 2km in length....time for some exercise!

5:30PMScale these famed walls for superb views over both the city and surrounding scenery and coastline. Not to be missed!

Scale these famed walls for superb views over both the city and surrounding scenery and coastline. Not to be missed!

6:00PM

Followed the signs that point to cold water, along the walls of Dubrovnik. You’ll know you’ve arrived when you come across a small hole in the castle walls. Through the hole leads you to cool cliffside hangout - a secret little bar!

6:30PMTake a plunge in the crystal clear waters below, kick back with a cocktail & nibbles or perch atop the rocks to watch the ships dreamily pass by at sunset. Truly blissful!

Take a plunge in the crystal clear waters below, kick back with a cocktail & nibbles or perch atop the rocks to watch the ships dreamily pass by at sunset. Truly blissful!

8:00PMThe Old Town at night is certainly as beautiful as it is during the day. It’s the perfect place to unwind with a glass of local wine!

The Old Town at night is certainly as beautiful as it is during the day. It’s the perfect place to unwind with a glass of local wine & incredible view!

9:00PMVenture off the worn cobblestone path and check out the small local seafood restaurants for dinner. Dalmation squid ink risotto – highly recommended!

Venture off the worn cobblestone path and check out the small local seafood restaurants for dinner. Dalmation squid ink risotto – highly recommended!

11:00PMA few ‘bucket’ style cocktails in a funky alleyway bar, anyone?

A few ‘bucket’ style cocktails in a funky alleyway bar, anyone?

5:00AMBack to the boat in time to catch the first sunrise views - tomorrow, Mljet and new horizons. That's what travelling is all about!

Back to the boat in time to catch the first sunrise views - tomorrow, Mljet and new horizons. That's what travelling is all about!

Topdeck Croatia Sailing - Sale on now, save up to 20%

Topdeck recommends… Croatia Sailing!

Monday, April 26th, 2010

Croatia Sailing Offer! 10% off June departures aboard the Vrgada or Senia!!! Use promo code TD10SPRING when booking. Hurry - limited places available.

Chill out and explore with Topdeck!

Chill out or explore with Topdeck!

Hop on board a traditional Croatian motor sailing boat for an all-out 8 day adventure around the gorgeous islands of the Adriatic! The local captain and crew will do the work: you just relax, swim and soak up the sun during the day and party away at night. Easy!

Highlights include Korcula, the birthplace of Marco Polo and home to Massimos cocktail bar; the awesome medieval walled city of Dubrovnik,  the very special Captain’s Dinner on board, the UNESCO site at Split and much much more!

What’s included

  • 7 breakfasts & 7 lunches prepared by your onboard cook
  • 7 nights twin share cabin
  • Local Captain & Crew
  • Topdeck Representative
  • Boat exclusive to Topdeck

Choice of 3 boats:

Croatia Sailing 2010 - Vrgada Category B Boat. Twin Cabins with share facilities on deck and under deck! Holds 30 people. This is the largest of the boats - recommended if you like the party crowd!

Croatia Sailing 2010 - Senia Category B Boat . Twin Cabins with share facilities on deck and under deck! Fits 22 people. - and the most fun captain :)

Croatia Sailing 2010 - Stoncica Category A/B+ Boat. Larger Cabins and en-suite facilities! Fits approx. 20 people. This is the smallest of the boats. Recommended for couples or for those who’d prefer less company and more comfort.

Croatia Sailing Offer! 10% off June departures aboard the Vrgada or Senia!!! Use promo code TD10SPRING when booking. Hurry - limited places.

Enjoy your Croatia Sailing holiday to the max!

Enjoy your Croatia Sailing holiday to the max!

Croatia Sailing two for one offer!

Friday, June 5th, 2009

Topdeck is offering an exclusive deal on its 20th June departure for Croatia Sailing (boat: Stoncica).

The deal: book one place, get one free!

What’s available?
Twin-share cabins, on deck - category A,  with en-suite.

The itinerary…
Split – Milna – Hvar – Korcula – Dubrovnik – Mljet – Makarska - Split

How good is that? E-mail our Res Team to take advantage of this fantastic one-off offer!!!

Please note flights and fuel supplement £40 not included. Subject to availability. Term and conditions apply.

New Croatia Sailing website

Wednesday, April 8th, 2009

Discover Croatia and discover great value at Topdeck’s brand new Croatia Sailing website specifically designed to cover all aspects of a Croatia Sailing tour!