A Smart, Stellar, Luxe Cruise In The Greek Isles

26.02.2024 - 14:21 / forbes.com / Art

Who wouldn’t be seduced by the selection of fine wines and cheeses, and other sensory delights served aboard Le Bougainville, the 430-foot-long mega-yacht that the luxury travel company, Abercrombie and Kent, charters for their 10-day Greek islands cruise?

But, abundant delights that stimulate the palate (and the mind) can also be found on shore during the myriad excursions on each island, excursions that appeal to an array of interests such as placidly lounging on a wide swath of sand with cold drinks at the ready, participating in a cooking demonstration, or exploring archeological finds. Something that really distinguishes Abercrombie and Kent is the number of on-board scholars, whether it’s a maritime archeologist or a cultural geographer giving talks in the late afternoon after guests return to the ship, the quintet of Athens-based guides with backgrounds that include art history and archeology, or the knowledgeable local guides, including one with an eclectic background that includes icon restoration. Here are some of the many discoveries to be had on a select array of island excursions. After sailing with Abercrombie and Kent, you’ll come away with a greater understanding of everything from Grecian wine production to Minoan art, something that’s sure to impress your friends and colleagues.

Recently opened after an extensive renovation, this is the only museum in the world displaying Minoan art. You’ll notice tiny but exquisite gold jewelry dating to the year 1800 BC. How could the artisans have created these wee pieces, including a pendant bearing a pair of bees with pollen, given that the artisans didn’t have magnifying glasses at that time? Also on display are numerous works showing off a bull motif, an animal that figures prominently in Minoan culture. After all, the Minoans played a game called bull leaping, where they jumped over the animal. Your guide will inform you that the Minoan civilization was like no other, with plenty of time for play — on display is a board game (zatrikio) with a few ivory pieces — as well as sophisticated technology: they had running water and sewers. Even the artwork carved into the stone vases reveal the high-spirited elements of this society: one has an image of a man playing a musical instrument, while a sculpture displays a woman on a swing (Clearly, this was a society that enjoyed the pleasures of life.)

A short drive from the museum brings guests to this charming farm that’s perched atop a hill, affording picturesque views of the sea. This is the excursion for those who gravitate to authentic cooking experiences. Created by a family to represent a typical 17th to 19th century village, complete with a chapel and a shop, this farm is set up almost like an