Best Yacht Charter Destinations for History-Buffs

For a history buff, a private yacht vacation is the ultimate way to cruise between sites of historical interest. We already know that history-themed cruise ship itineraries are vastly popular in the luxury travel market, but what’s important to know is that a private yacht can deliver an unforgettable history-themed journey even better.

You many have read our recent post about making the switch from cruise ships to private yachts, where we explained that a private yacht charter is much more affordable than you might think.  If you are still hesitating, consider this: on your private yacht charter you get to set the itinerary- allowing you to spend extra time in certain places of interest, and skimming over others. If you’re having an amazing time exploring the ruins in Pompeii, you stay longer. That trip to Capri, or that cruise to Rome- well, that can wait until tomorrow. History is calling you- rather than the blaring whistle of a cruise ship calling you back to those crowded orange boats.

On the other hand, if you normally do your history tours by land, imagine the pleasure of traveling by sea instead- no uncomfortable vehicles, stalling traffic, or busloads of people arriving at sites at the same time. In fact, the yacht will often travel through the night so that you can wake up in the next location early, thereby beating the crowds.

Read More: 10 best gourmet themed yacht charters

When you return to the yacht after an exciting day of historical exploration, you might enjoy a drink on the sundeck followed by a candlelit dinner on deck under the stars, discussing the finds of the day and planning the next. On your rest days, live the life you’ve always dreamed of- wandering the terraced vineyards of Italy, snorkeling underwater ruins in Turkey, or swimming the Cenote caves of Mexico. Or you can just find a deckchair on the sundeck and catch up on some glorious reading time- looking up every now to marvel at the view.

This year, why not get a group of like-minded history buffs together and cast off for a journey to the greatest historical destinations on earth. Even better, bring an expert along- you may find a renowned historian rather easily swayed by the idea of accompanying you for a week on your private yacht…

The top 5 locations on earth for a history-themed yacht charter

1. Ephesus and the Turquoise Coast, Turkey

Begin your trip slightly inland at the ancient ruins of Ephesus, then pick up your yacht charter in the bohemian port town of Bodrum. Journey down the stunning Turquoise Coast, where the landscape is littered with ruins of fallen civilisations: Roman, Greek, Ottoman, Pagan and Arabic. Explore the vast archaeological site of Knidos overlooking the sea, swim in Cleopatra’s baths, or snorkel the underwater city of Kekova, sunken by an earthquake and still clearly visible in the crystal clear waters. Take a gentle river cruise up to Dalyan, where you can see the rock tombs of Kaunos and relax in the mud baths.

When you’re not tracing the footsteps of history, haggle for local honey in colorful bazaars, swim with sea turtles at a stunning beach, or drink some sweet mint tea after a blissful afternoon in a Turkish bath.

2. Rome, Pompeii and the Amalfi Coast

Begin your trip in Rome, where the highlights of the Sistine Chapel, the Coliseum and the Forum barely scratch the surface of the historical wonders of the Eternal City. Then cruise on your yacht down to Naples, where the looming shadow of Vesuvius falls across the buried city of Pompeii. When you can drag yourself away from this haunting place, take the short trip onwards to the staggeringly beautiful Amalfi Coast. A UNESCO world heritage area, the Amalfi Coast has been intensively settled since about 400 AD, and there is evidence everywhere of mighty ancient civilizations, which have since eroded into dust. Explore the ruins of Emperor Tiberius’ villa on Capri, marvel at the stunning Duomo of Ravello, and pick out the Arabic, Romanesque and Oriental influences in the beautiful town of Amalfi.

When you’re not time-traveling through the ages, visit Capri’s ethereal Blue Grotto, dine in a cliff-top restaurant in Ischia, or shop in Positano’s glamorous boutiques.

3. Athens & the Greek Islands

Antiquity is everywhere you look in Greece. This land of timeless myth and crumbling ruins is the perfect destination for any history aficionado, and it’s also one of the prettiest places on the planet for a yacht charter. So far, so good. However, the trouble arises when you try to decide exactly where to go. Greece has over 2000 islands stretched over numerous archipelagos, and the whole country is simply littered with temples and historical sites. Some of you might be drawn to the ancient walls and palaces of Rhodes in the Dodecanese, while others will argue that Corfu’s Venetian architecture must win the day. However, a yacht charter in the Cyclades is the most popular choice for history buffs, as it allows you to explore the many ancient wonders of Athens before cruising to Delos – the mythical birthplace of Apollo and today home to an outdoor museum of statues, temples and mosaics.

When not searching among the rubble of antiquity, relax and enjoy your Greek yacht charter by eating fresh mussels and squid in pretty waterfront tavernas, strolling beneath windmills in whitewashed villages, and diving off the yacht to swim to a nearby beach.

4. Tulum and the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico

The Mayan pyramid at Tulum rises up over the turquoise sea, surrounded by palm trees and crashing waves. While the Yucatan Peninsula has many historical sites dating back to the Mayan civilization, the site at Tulum is the only one built overlooking the sea – it even has its own beach. South of Tulum you’ll discover the small ruins of the Chac Mool deep in the Sian Ka’an Biosphere – a world heritage area where you can kayak through the mangroves and climb pyramids in the jungle. Inland, Chacchoben and Chichen Itza are truly sensational examples of Mayan cities, although there are thousands of Mayan ruins to explore…or even discover. Two Mayan cities were unearthed in the Yucatan in 2014 alone!

When not climbing pyramids and channelling your inner Indiana Jones, spend your Mexico yacht charter swimming in the Cenote caves under hanging vines, snorkeling the barrier reef, or just lying back in a beach cabana to watch the Mexican sunset.

5. Malta

Malta is rising as a yacht charter destination, and the only wonder about that is that it has taken so long. Malta’s strategic location between continental Europe and Africa has meant that invading armies have landed and fought on these shores for millennia. The result, of course, is an absolutely magnificent destination for a history-themed yacht charter. Trace the turbulent history of Malta, from the megalithic temples at Xaghra to St Paul’s Catacombs at Mdina. Dock your yacht in the spectacular Grand Harbour of Valetta (surely the most impressive port in the world), and stroll the narrow laneways of this EU nation’s historical capital. Learn about the Knights of Malta, and those brave Maltese who withstood the German bombing during the Siege of Malta and were awarded the first collective St George Cross.

When not dreaming of bygone days and warring empires, spend your Malta yacht charter exploring Malta’s stunning beaches and wandering the olive and orange groves. Sample some of the traditional local fare, including Lampuki pie made with the fresh catch of the day from the Marsaxllox fish market, Bragioli beef rolls stuffed with carrots, onions, bacon, and spices, flaky pastizzi pies filled with ricotta or mushy peas, and ġbejna sheep’s milk cheese, still made and dried in the sun on farmers’ rooftops to this day.

Of course, there are many more wonderful historical destinations to be explored by yacht charter, and this is just a small selection. What is undeniable is that a yacht charter is a perfect way to journey between historical sites, offering luxury, privacy, convenience, and of course a unforgettable way to travel.

Contact Yacht Charter Manager Jackie Guenther for more information: