Eastern Shore Sunrise over Crab Shacks

Over 200 miles long, the Chesapeake Bay is an extensive waterway to explore while on a crewed yacht charter. Bound on the western side by the mainland of Maryland and Virginia, and on the eastern side, by the unique Eastern Shore of Maryland and Virginia; also known as the Delmarva Peninsula, the Chesapeake Bay separates the Eastern Shore from the mainland. Isolated by this separation, lifestyle on the Eastern Shore has evolved with a unique history and culture from colonial times to today. This lifestyle and culture has always centered on the water, boats, trading, and fishing, oyster catching and crabbing. Be sure to stop and explore the little historic towns, rivers and creeks, along the Eastern Shore of Maryland and Virginia on any yacht charter cruise through the Chesapeake Bay.

 

Eastern Shore Beach

 

One of the first Europeans to step foot on the Eastern Shore, inhabited up until then by 3 native Indian tribes, was Captain John Smith, who stated in describing the Eastern Shore: “Heaven and earth never agreed better to frame a place for man’s inhabitation.” The Eastern Shore is a very fertile land, excellent for farming, and is surrounded by water, including many creeks, rivers, and other tributaries, where seafood such as oysters, clams, crabs and fish abound. In early years, Chestertown, Maryland was one of the 6 Royal clearance ports in the colonies. From the Eastern Shore was shipped abroad and first to other colonies, and then to other U.S. states, white and sweet potatoes, strawberries, fish, oysters, crabs, diamondback terrapins and wild ducks, a terrific bounty from land and sea.

 

Eastern Shore - Bushel of Blue Crabs

 

Today, the Eastern Shore draws a variety of visitors including bird watchers, nature lovers, history lovers, seafood aficionados, and those that love to gunk hole up rivers. Many of the local inhabitants are multi-generational descendants of the watermen and farmers that have derived their family living from the land and sea of the Eastern Shore for centuries. Highlights of the Eastern Shore to visit are: Chestertown up the Chester River, an important colonial town filled with colonial buildings, Rock Hall, with a true crab house at which to stop and enjoy a Blue Crab Boil, St. Michaels with the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum, and Oxford, a colonial village jewel.

 

 

Harbor at St Michaels on Chesapeake Bay

 

The Eastern Shore is an oasis separate unto itself, built on years of history in an area virtually surrounded by salt water. With the Chesapeake Bay on one side and the Atlantic Ocean on the other side, life on the Eastern Shore has evolved in a somewhat isolated area in which a unique culture and history was developed based on the land and sea. Be sure to explore the little villages, rivers, creeks and tributaries of the Eastern Shore of Maryland and Virginia when on a crewed yacht charter in the Chesapeake Bay.

 

Eastern Shore Skipjack Oyster Harvesting Sailing Vessel

Krka Falls-Visovac Island in Visovac Lake

 

Located within a Croatian National Park, Krka Falls, close to the mouth of the Krka River, is a terrific itinerary stop while on a crewed yacht charter along the coast of Croatia. Somewhat in the middle of the Dalmatian Coast, Krka Falls are located just a short cruise from the Adriatic Sea up the Krka River, the waters of which originate in the Dinara Mountains. And, just a short cruising distance up the Krka River from the mouth, is Visovac Lake sitting in front of two sets of outstanding scenic water falls. Cruise up the Krka River while on a crewed yacht charter along the coast of Croatia and anchor in front of the majestic Krka Falls surrounded by nature in what is sure to be one of the most scenic anchorages on earth.

 

Krka National Park Waterfalls

 

There are two sets of waterfalls, one flowing into the other with river waters cascading into Visovac Lake before flowing out to the Adriatic Sea. The upper falls are named Skradinski Buk, and these falls cascade into a water plateau before flowing over the lower falls or Roški Falls into Visovac Lake. Just below the over 17 waterfalls making up the two sets of water falls above, is a great spot in Visovac Lake to swim in the fresh peaceful river water accompanied by the thunderous sounds of falling water. Nearby are several traditional wheat and corn watermills, some still in use today, and several local craft shops.

 

Krka Falls Cascading Water Falls

 

Within Visovac Lake is the tiny island of Visovac which was settled by Franciscan monks in 1445. When settled, a monastery was built on the island which was later demolished in the 18^th century and rebuilt as the building in existence today. In 1576, the church was built. The monastery contains a number of well-preserved artifacts, a library, and a museum with a collection of archeological artifacts. Today visitors are welcome to stop at Visovac Island, a tiny almost forgotten oasis sitting in Visovac Lake, to see the church, library and museum.

 

Krka Falls-Visovac Monastery Gardens

 

As part of a national park, the Krka Falls, Visovac Lake, and surrounding area, are a protected habitat for marine and wildlife. The river is home to a large variety of fish, while the surrounding forests are considered a bird watchers paradise. Foot paths and bridges have been built through the forests surrounding the river and falls, offering great hiking through beautiful surroundings.

 

Bridges and Footpaths in Krka National Park

 

Leave the Adriatic Sea on your crewed yacht charter along the Dalmatian Coast of Croatia and cruise inland a short distance up the Krka River to enjoy the beauty of the stupendous Krka Falls and explore Visovac Lake, Visovac Island and the surrounding forests of the national park.

Kornati Islands-View from an island in the group

Located in northern Croatia, along the coastline, and considered the hidden jewel of Croatia, the Kornati Islands are a great archipelago to explore while on a crewed yacht charter along the Dalmatian Coast. Also known as the Stormorski Islands, this archipelago is made up of 140 islands, well anchoring the claim that the Croatian coast is the land of 1000 islands. In fact the Kornati Archipelago is the densest group of islands in the Mediterranean Sea. One could spend several weeks within this Archipelago visiting and gunk holing just between these 140 islands while on a crewed yacht charter in Croatia.

Kornati Islands- Anchorage 

Named after the largest island, Kornat, the Kornati Islands are a vast Archipelago covering about 320 kilometers of sea. The archipelago is divided geographically into two areas, the Gornji Kornati or Upper Kornati, which are the islands in the northeast and closer to the mainland, and the Donji Kornati or Lower Kornati, which are the islands in the southwest and mainly facing out to sea. In 1980, 89 of the southernmost of the 140 or so islands and bits of land included in the Kornati Archipelago were declared a national park, known now as the, Nacionalni Park Kornati, which was established to protect the islands and their surrounding marine habitats. The national park, in general, is most of the area of Donji Kornati. There are no established towns or villages in the Kornati Islands, only little houses here and there used by people from the mainland for fishing or to relax.

Kornati Islands National Park

The Kornati Islands are beautiful, and while today these islands sit in pristine splendor, the islands were inhabited over the many centuries. Left behind today on the various islands are the marks from those civilizations; and in particular are left those of the Roman Empire. There are several archeological digs ongoing today on the islands, and due to the islands being mainly composed of limestone, there are many fossils to be found. In some areas there are groves of olive, and fig trees, and vineyards, along with many herbs growing wild that provide great pollen for the various bees making local honey.

 

Kornati Islands Old Rock Walls

Today this area is to be enjoyed for the beautiful crystal clear water and the many little coves and anchorages where you can enjoy your time in almost complete isolation with nature. The many islands, coves and anchorages in the Kornati Islands can only be visited by yacht, and so exploring this area on a crewed yacht charter is a unique opportunity to visit a beautiful and virtually untouched area of the world in peace and quiet.

 

Kornati Islands at sunset, Croatia

For More Information, Visit Northrop and Johnson’s Website

 

Miletus-Ancient City, Theatre, and Byzantine Fortress Ruins 

 

Once a harbor city, the ruins of ancient Miletus are now 10 kilometers inland from the beautiful Turkish shoreline; an excellent location for cruising on a crewed yacht charter. Silting from the River Meander gradually pushed the city of Miletus inland along with the neighboring ancient cities of Didyma and Priene. Once one of the 12 important Ionian cities; today, Miletus is an important archeological site, and one that is easily visited while on a crewed yacht charter along the western coast of Turkey.

Miletus-Ancient Temple Ruins 

 

While there is archeological evidence that civilizations lived in the area of Miletus from the Neolithic through the Bronze Age, early artifacts are being found primarily from the Minoan Civilization. These artifacts probably first arrived in Miletus through trade as early as 1900 BC, followed; according to legends from Ancient History, by the Cretans themselves as the first significant settlers of the area. Miletus, in later years as one of the 12 important Ionian Cities, was a powerful city with a large and busy harbor and was an important center of philosophy and science. Miletus came under Persian rule and then Greek rule and finally Roman rule as did many of the neighboring cities and towns. During Roman rule, the Sacred Way was built between Miletus and the Temple of Apollo in Didyma; which was a 12 kilometer roadway for Pilgrims to walk in reverence to the Temple of Apollo to see the famous Oracle. Towards the end of Roman rule as Christianity flourished, the Apostle Paul is said to have visited Miletus several times. During Byzantine times, Miletus was an important home for Archbishops and eventually fell under Seljuk Turkish rule and then Ottoman rule until the city was abandoned as being too far inland, and a haven for malaria, in the 17^th century.

Miletus-Ruins of Ancient Amphitheatre

 

Presided over by the ruins of a Byzantine castle, today the ancient ruins of Miletus sit in a broad plain just inland of the silted area of the Meander River. Just under the castle ruins are the ruins of a large amphitheater that once could seat 25,000 people. Near the theatre are the ruins of the extensive Baths of Faustina, a large complex once filled with water fountains. Near the Baths once was the Harbor Gateway that separated one part of the harbor from the city and was the gate that led to the Sacred Way between Miletus and Didyma. Other ruins of this once large city, still being excavated, include numerous temples, an agora, the Roman Baths, Byzantine churches, a synagogue, stadium, and the Harbor Monument, which was said to stand 25 feet high, topped with a tripod and cauldron. Legend says that this Harbor Monument was the location where the Apostle Paul met with local Christians. Close by the ruins of Miletus is a small museum housing numerous artifacts from the excavations.

 

Miletus-Ancient City Gate

 

Stop close by in the modern harbor of Didim to visit the ruins of the once very powerful city of Miletus, birthplace of many well-known figures in the ancient world, while on a crewed yacht charter along the southern coast of Turkey.

 

Miletus Harbor-Monument Area Ruins

Fortifications overlooking Lake Butrint

Butrint, known in ancient times as Buthrotum, was an active busy trading and fishing port from Hellenistic to Ottoman times and is a very interesting stop to include while on a crewed yacht charter through the Greek Ionian Islands. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Butrint has been being excavated for the last 12 years and today is a fabulous unfolding historical archeological site. Although in Albania, Butrint can be visited by crossing from Corfu by hydrofoil or by ship’s tender when stopped in Corfu on a crewed yacht charter.

 

Medieval Fish Tower Fortification - Butrint

Located on a Peninsula extending into Lake Butrint, the town site was an important location through history with archeological finds excavated in the area from as far back as 100,000 BC, when the lake is believed to have been a bay open to the ocean. Over the thousands of years, the opening to the ocean silted in creating very fertile flood planes with a river, known as the Vivari Channel running between the lake and the ocean. This area was very productive providing an excellent home over the centuries for various civilizations gaining wealth througho fishing and agriculture.

 

Ancient Ruins - Butrint

 

In Ancient Times, Butrint became well known as the location for a healing sanctuary dedicated to Asclepius, the god of medicine, founded in the 4th century and many came to be healed by the waters of Butrint. In 44BC, after visiting Butrint, Caesar designated Butrint a Roman colonial city. Under Caesar’s adopted son’s rule, Augustus, great Roman building works were instigated including an aqueduct bringing water for fountains, and bath houses creating a lovely cityscape with a large forum, gymnasium and theatres, along with villas and palaces for the wealthy. By the 5^th century AD, Christianity was established in Butrint, and large basilicas were built or created within previously built structures. Butrint passed through rule under the Slavs, Byzantines, and Angevins. In 1386, the Venetian Republic purchased the area from the Angevin Kings and held control of Butrint and the island of Corfu just across the straits until the fall of the Venetian Empire in the late 1700’s. After the late 1700’s, the area fell under Ottoman Rule until Albanian Independence was declared in 1912.

 

Butrint Monastery and Basilica

 

The National Park area is open year around from 8:00am until dusk and the Museum on site is open year around from 8:00am to 4:00pm. The port of Saranda, near Butrint, is an international clearance port, so the site is easily visited by all nationalities. Most visitors do not need a Visa for Albania, however be sure to check if a Visa is needed if visiting Butrint is of interest. There is a 10 EUR fee for clearing into Albania paid at the point of entry in Saranda.

Ancient Roman Ruins - Butrint

 

Today, visiting Butrint, one can walk around the peninsula where excavations from the various civilizations throughout time are ongoing, and visit the museum housing many artifacts discovered on site during the excavations. Stop in Corfu and zip across the straits to Saranda or come into Saranda while on a crewed yacht charter for a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Butrint.

 

Excavated Statue Remains in Butrint Archeological Museum

 

 For More Information, Visit Northrop and Johnson’s Website