Planning your European grand tour by yacht.

Planning your European grand tour by yacht

Most yacht charter holidays tend to last a week or two, cruising around a small area, just enjoying life afloat. But our clients quite often ask us to help them plan a longer charter trip – something a bit special, carefully tailored to their personal tastes and interests. And perhaps the ultimate yacht charter adventure is a grand tour of Europe.  

What is a grand tour of Europe?

The original grand tourists, in the 18th, 19th and early 20th centuries, were intrepid travellers from aristocratic and influential North European families. They set off on great adventures, crossing the continent by land and sea to see for themselves the historic sites of classical Roman and Greek civilisation and the natural wonders of Europe, to immerse themselves in the modern-day culture of foreign lands: art, music, theatre, literature and so on. They also went to socialise in different countries with people of the same high social class. The main focus of most grand tours was, naturally, the Mediterranean – and it still is for a grand tour Europe today.

Nowadays a grand tour means something a bit different. Few of us can dedicate three or four whole years of our busy, fast-paced lives to a single epic holiday. Instead, with travel being so much quicker and easier, we can plan a series of trips over a number of years that achieve the same goals as a classic grand tour, visiting many of the same places and more, while also enjoying the highlights of contemporary European culture.

The original grand tourists didn’t travel light. They took libraries, wardrobes, servants, even crockery and silverware – everything that was necessary to maintain their lifestyle and comfort level while travelling abroad. It’s impractical and unnecessary to do that today, of course. But for longer trips, rather than staying in a succession of hotels and living out of suitcases, why not stay in the same excellent accommodation and travel by yacht? That way you’re guaranteed to have perfect lodgings in every port. 

Where can I go on a European grand tour by yacht?

Most of the highlights of the classic grand tour itinerary have now become world class yachting destinations: the French and Italian Rivieras, Athens and the Aegean, Venice and the Adriatic, Naples and the Amalfi Coast. There are excellent yacht harbours on the outskirts of Rome and Istanbul.

Beyond the Mediterranean, the Scottish Highlands and Hebrides were classic grand tour destinations and they're still among the finest yacht cruising grounds in North Europe today, along with the spectacular west coast of Norway. If the idea of a grand tour appeals – perhaps three or four weeks to properly explore amazing places in depth – then read on for some inspiration. 

Get ready to set sail on your grand tour of Europe with Burgess 

The whole point of a grand tour is that it’s carefully researched and precisely tailored to match your interests, your ambitions and your lifestyle. That’s where we come in. Burgess has the expertise and experience to turn your dreams, ideas and aspirations into the yachting grand tour of a lifetime. Get in touch – we’ll take all the hard work out of planning it and make it happen.  

Introduction

Planning your European grand tour by yacht. First stop - France

Planning your European grand tour by yacht. Next stop - Italy

Planning your European grand tour by yacht. Next stop - Croatia

Planning your European grand tour by yacht. Next stop - Greece

Planning your European grand tour by yacht. Next stop - Turkey

Planning your European tour by yacht. Next stop - Scotland

Planning your European grand tour by yacht. Last stop - Norway

Talk to a Burgess charter broker today about making your grand tour dreams a reality. Enquire now 

To find out more about Burgess’ yachts for sale and yachts for charter, please contact a Burgess broker. Alternatively, get in touch with one of our offices directly: London, Monaco, New York, Miami, Singapore or all other locations.