Photos by Yvonne Yorke
The Gulf of Naples has captivated sailors throughout the centuries with its
crystalline blue waters of the Mediterranean, the majestic sweep of the grand
bay with Vesuvius looming in the distance, and the picturesque towns along
the Sorrentine peninsula and the Amalfi Coast. Lying just 33 kilometers from
Naples in the mainland, and neighboring the better-known Capri, the island of
Ischia is blessed with a rugged coastline accentuated with breathtaking
coves, lemon groves and romantic islets – some of which is only
reachable by boat. The long-extinct volcano, Mount Epomeo, is the
island’s highest point at 788 meters above sea level, and offers a
stunning panoramic view of the Gulf.
Colonized by the Greeks in 8th century BC, it was under Roman rule that
Ischia first became a popular resort island- prized for its temperate climate
t... (more)
YV&C International Yacht Vacations & Charters Magazine reports:
Photos by Yvonne Yorke
At first glance the coordinates of 44° 25’ north latitude and 8°
56’ 60 east longitude don’t indicate much. However on closer
inspection, they reveal a millenia-old seafaring port centrally situated
between the Riviera di Ponente and the Riviera di Levant – in the heart
of Italy’s Ligurian coast. The port of Genoa is the oldest in Italy,
and the city’s position as an important maritime center was established
in the Middle Ages.
Nicknamed “Genova La Superb... (more)
The first Swan Hellenic Mediterranean cruise traveled to the Greek Islands in
1954, and in 1983, P&O purchased the company and furthered its development as
a destination-rich cruise line, visiting numerous international ports of
historical and archeological interests. Since 2004, Swan Hellenic is part
of the Carnival Corp, along with the Yachts of Seabourn, Cunard, NCL,
Princess, Costa and Windstar.
However, Swan Hellenic is a distinctive product and a premium brand. Perhaps
the first thing guests notice when they step onboard the 600-passenger
Minerva II is the richly-appointed... (more)
Connoisseurs of luxury travel are well acquainted with Silversea Cruises:
four Italian-built ships known for their all-suites accommodations,
all-inclusive price, personalized service, and some of the finest dining at
sea. The 388-passenger Silver Whisper had only around 260 guests at my
sailing, which with a crew of 295, superseded their usual phenomenal
crew-to-passenger ratio.
The pampering began with a champagne welcome at the ship’s bar before I
was escorted to my 521 sq. ft. Medallion Suite where more chilled champagne
and caviar was waiting, and where I was greeted ... (more)
If there was ever a checklist for those seeking a refined yet laid-back
Caribbean island with rustic charm and bohemian authenticity, it might be go
something like this: Luxurious secluded villas for privacy? Check.
Duty-free designer name boutiques? Check. Gourmet dining in unpretentious
surroundings? Check. A harbor to dock the yacht next to the ones owned by
celebrity pals? Double check. It’s an island where it seems all the
7,000 residents know one another, except during the winter months when the
world’s glitterati descend on the island either by flight, or sail... (more)
Yvonne Yorke is an established international travel writer and photographer specializing in travel destinations, luxury resorts and spas, yachting and cruise travel. Her work has been featured in leading travel and lifestyle publications in the U.S, Europe, Asia, Australia and South America including CNN Traveller, Departures, InStyle, Elle, Harper's Bazaar, and many others. She has also been a foreign correspondent for W and Women's Wear Daily.
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