Steeped in history, Greece and Italy are home to some of the finest foods, enchanting islands and well-preserved archaeological sites in the world. Fifty of us embarked on a seven-day epicurean yachting adventure from Athens to Rome, organised by Paul Haar, Jurisconsult of Bailliage of USA, making memories to last a lifetime.

To create the mood before embarking we enjoyed outstanding dinners at Varoulko Seaside and Funky Gourmet both Michelin 2-star restaurants. Tassos Kioulpapas, Greece’s Bailli Délégué, joined us at the Funky Gourmet event. The Grand Bretagne, our pre-embarkation hotel, with its breath-taking views of the fabled Acropolis, regal Syntagma Square and the Parliament, hosted a champagne reception courtesy of Tim Ananiadis, its Managing Director.

The SeaDream I left Piraeus harbour on a hot Saturday afternoon. Starting as we meant to go on tantalizingly delicious Mediterranean appetizers and Champagne Jacquart greeted us in an opening reception. Executive Chef Ondrej Havlicek continued to delight our taste buds.

Our cruise programme provided opportunities to know our fellow travellers.

We visited Hydra’s sun-kissed beaches; toured Delphi and Pompeii’s archaeological sites; visited Capri’s Blue Grotto; attended dine-around luncheons including Ristorante Marina Grande in Sorrento with Piervittorio Tione, Bailli of Amalfi Coast; visited the Cooking Lab Sicilian Food Academy in Taormina owned by renowned Maître Rôtisseur Pietro D’Agostino who shared his passion for the farm-to-table movement and enthralled our palates.

Furthermore, we indulged in wine tasting, lounging by the pool, playing blackjack, singing till dawn, casual dining, a costumed theme dinner party “Dinner of the Gods”. On July 4 we passed through the Corinth Canal celebrating America’s independence.

Landing in Rome, Italy’s Chargée de Mission Anna Accalai organised a “Welcome” dinner prepared by Chef Marzetti at Ristorante Mirabelle. Asolo’s Bailli Enrica Baron donated two spectacular Tenuta Baron wines: Prosecco Millesimato and Rose Delle Stelle.

It was the perfect evening to say goodbye to Chaîne friends old and new with whom we had celebrated the many members receiving their Chaîne regalia.

Based on a comprehensive report written by Micaela Choo, Dame de la Chaîne