Sailing the Adriatic and Ionian Seas: A Journey Aboard Emerald Sakara

Departure from Venice

The evening light cast a golden shimmer across the Venetian Lagoon as we stepped aboard the Emerald Sakara, a sleek, modern luxury yacht designed for intimate exploration. As the ship gently pulled away from the pier, we gathered on deck with glasses of prosecco in hand, watching the city unfold around us.

Sailing past St. Mark’s Square, the basilica’s domes glowed in the fading light, and the Campanile stood tall against a watercolor sky. Gondolas bobbed in the wake as we glided along the Giudecca Canal, the city slowly giving way to open sea. It was a cinematic departure—quiet, majestic, and unforgettable.

Life Onboard

With only a small number of guests on board, the Sakara felt more like a private retreat than a cruise ship. The atmosphere was refined yet relaxed, with polished teak decks, elegant lounges, and a crew that seemed to anticipate every need without ever being intrusive.

Vis, Croatia

Our first stop was Vis, a quiet island with a storied past. Once a Yugoslav military base, Vis has retained a sense of mystery and authenticity. We wandered through its sleepy streets, tasted local wines in a family-run vineyard, and watched the sunset from a hilltop fort.

Back on board, dinner was a celebration of Mediterranean flavors—grilled octopus, heirloom tomatoes, and a citrusy panna cotta that lingered on the palate.

Dubrovnik, Croatia

That morning in Dubrovnik, we were treated to something truly special—a private concert held in a centuries-old courtyard tucked within the Old Town. As sunlight filtered through the stone arches, a small ensemble of local musicians performed traditional Dalmatian and classical pieces. The setting was intimate, the acoustics rich, and the experience deeply moving.

After the concert, we returned to the Emerald Sakara, now anchored just off the coast with the marine platform lowered. Guests lounged on floating mats and paddleboards, or simply relaxed with a chilled drink in hand, gazing back at the terracotta rooftops and ancient walls of Dubrovnik rising from the sea.

Otranto & Gallipoli, Italy

Crossing into Italy, we docked at Otranto, a coastal town with Greek, Roman, and Norman influences. Its cathedral, with a mosaic floor depicting the Tree of Life, was a highlight.

In Gallipoli, we explored the old town’s labyrinthine alleys and watched fishermen mend their nets by the harbor. That evening, the ship’s sommelier hosted a wine pairing dinner featuring Apulian reds and handmade pasta.

Naxos & Taormina, Sicily

The journey continued to Naxos, Sicily, where we ventured inland to Taormina. Perched on a cliff with views of Mount Etna, Taormina was a dreamscape of ancient ruins and bougainvillea-lined streets. A guided tour of the Greek Theatre offered a glimpse into the island’s layered history.

Returning to the Sakara, we were welcomed with Sicilian cannoli and limoncello on deck.

Sorrento & Disembarkation in Rome

Our final Italian ports were Sorrento, with its lemon groves and cliffside vistas, and then onward to Rome, where the voyage came to a close. In Sorrento, some guests opted for excursions to Pompeii or Capri, while others lingered in town, soaking in the views and savoring gelato in the piazza.

The final leg to Rome was bittersweet—an elegant farewell dinner was held under the stars, with live music and a tasting menu that celebrated the regions we had explored.

A Journey to Remember

Disembarking in Rome, there was a shared sense among guests that we had experienced something rare—a voyage not just through geography, but through culture, cuisine, and connection.