Today, you will never travel like before. This could be a post-Covid-19 pandemic advertising slogan. The French have regained their taste for traveling but are looking to escape differently. No more trips that are too far away and too traditional, make way for destinations that are less frequented, rarer and therefore also less expensive.
Liverpool rather than London, Girona rather than Barcelona, Sweden rather than Finland, the Sporades Islands in Greece rather than the Cyclades, etc. Without forgetting a strong trend in current tourism: the craze for cruises. From the Mediterranean to the Baltic, they are another way to discover Europe, far from the beaten track. Ready to get fitted?
A transatlantic aboard the Club Med 2
Lovers of the sea often dream of it without ever daring… A transatlantic crossing is a unique journey, which requires time and the desire to appreciate the ocean as far as the eye can see. Many liners and cargo ships undertake this legendary journey regularly, but boarding the Club Med 2 is the opportunity to do it aboard a boat on a human scale, whose immense sails ensure that classic nautical spirit so sought after. With its elegant schooner silhouette, this five-master cruises according to the seasons in the Mediterranean Sea or the Caribbean, and crosses the Atlantic once a year.
Flagship of the Exclusive Collection brand, this 187 meter long sailboat offers the luxury of an original cruise, endowed with authentic refinement. If the ship was designed in 1992, it benefited from a total renovation in 2022, to modernize and offer the comfort of a palace to its travelers. More contemporary, its decor echoes the great crossings of yesteryear, between woodwork, teak deck and mahogany railing… As the ship has only 184 cabins, everyone can find peace and quiet for a tête-à-tête with the horizon, while savoring this delicious sensation of cutting through the waves…
And because crossing the Atlantic remains an adventure, Club Med invited on board Rémi Camus, the French explorer who notably distinguished himself by swimming around France from Dunkirk to Monaco, the descent of the Mekong in hydrospeed, and running 5,400 kilometers across Australia. Committed to the fight against marine pollution, the protection of biotopes, access to drinking water, he tries to raise awareness among as many people as possible about the preservation of the planet with his expeditions, and will host workshops every day to discuss environmental protection, surpassing oneself or even entrepreneurship. Debates which will also continue every evening during “round table” dinners. Departing from Fort-de-France (Martinique), the cruise will begin with two days in the islands before setting off for nine days at sea, before, finally, arriving on the Portuguese island of Madeira, in Funchal . A day of navigation will follow and disembarkation in Lisbon. During this stay, passengers will of course enjoy a festive atmosphere, signature of Club Med, the spa, the gourmet restaurants, the swimming pool, for an experience combining splendor and adventure.
From April 4 to 18, 2024, from 3,144 euros all inclusive.
More details on the Club Med website.
In the Sporades Islands with the Star Flyer
Between pine forests, white sand beaches and turquoise waters, these islands located to the east of the Pelion peninsula are a true little paradise. More confidential than other Greek islands, they represent an ideal destination to discover aboard the Star Flyer, a four-masted ship 115 meters long. Its 70 comfortable cabins, combining mahogany and royal blue carpet, can accommodate 170 people. In a warm setting, bars and restaurants invite guests to enjoy the gentle way of life on a sailboat.
This will leave Piraeus, with the first stopover at Dikili, a small seaside resort in Turkey. Then head to Limnos, where passengers can visit the archaeological site of Poliochni. The next stopover will be in Skiathos, the most chic island of the Sporades, for a walk in the typical little streets, highlighted by the film Mamma Mia!. The journey continues to Skopelos, whose impressive religious heritage includes 120 churches and two monasteries. Then comes Poros, where a visit to the archaeological museum and the Zoodochos Piyi monastery is a must, before enjoying the small shaded beaches with turquoise waters.
First departure on August 3, 2024, from Piraeus to Piraeus. From 2,070 euros per person.
More details on the Star Clippers website.