From the canals in the north and west of France to the Côte d'Azur and Monaco on the Mediterranean in the South, there are unsurpassed vistas, restaurants and bistros, flower and vegetable markets, the most elegant shops and stunningly azure blue waters. Play baccarat in the Casinos in Monte Carlo, check out the latest film at the Cannes Film Festival, rub shoulders with the rich and famous in St Tropez or lie on the soft sand beaches with the warm waters of the Mediterranean lapping at your toes.

For a change of pace go south and visit the rugged coast of Corsica, cruise the Italian Riviera and enjoy the tiny harbor of Portofino, where you can sample the local wines, delicious cheeses, savory hams and salamis. Visit Porto Cervo, the Aga Khan's magnificent creation on Sardinia or the beautiful, protected anchorages of the Maddalena Islands. Wind surf or water ski and then explore ashore.

 

Another fascinating cruising area in Italy is the Amalfi Coast, south of Rome where the scenic islands of Capri and Ischia beckon. Visit the volcanic Aeolian Islands, eat the freshest seafood, and at night watch the light show from the volcano on the island of Stromboli. A stop in Scicily is a must; it is steeped in history with the different civilizations that have made the Mediterranean their home.

The Croatian archipelago in the Adriatic is dotted with islands and historic villages. The warmth of the local communities will make you want to return year after year.

The waters of the Aegean are unsurpassed for clarity and warmth, making Greece and Turkey the most popular cruising areas in the Eastern Mediterranean. East meets west in Turkey, where the countryside is dotted with the ruins of past civilizations, mosques, churches, castles and forts. Viewing ancient Ephesus will remain as a highlight of any trip to the area. There is no better way to travel down through the ages than aboard a luxury charter yacht. Meet the warm and friendly people while cruising their incomparable islands, bays and sounds: truly the vacation of a lifetime experience.