Piraeus - Piraeus, 28 September - 5 October 2014 (Saronic Islands)
This has been the trip of a lifetime. Gene has long wanted to sail around the Greek Islands, and I thought it seemed like fun as well as exciting. And it has surpassed my expectations! Coming from the dry desert land of Phoenix, Arizona, we were thrilled that the sea life is beautiful and there is so much history here.
Although we’ve spent time on the ocean in Hawaii, California, Caribbean, Italy and Mexico, there is a unique flavor to this place that is equal parts romance, charm, and ancient history, and its beauty is unmatched as is the food.
Anastasia is a talented cook, which is an understatement. Not only was the food delicious, but the fact she can get it all ready together at the same time, in such a small kitchen, is astonishing. She has also been a gracious and kind hostess, helping if we needed anything.
Atilla did a great and even humorous job of captaining the boat. Though we felt rather dumb at times about sailing, he was very skilled and we always felt in good hands.
Anastasia also distinguished herself leaping across the boat to help crew and bouncing back down to the kitchen, often to a swinging stove, as the boat moved over the waves.
It was also fun to get to know Nikos, Kristina and Adonis and to learn more about Greece. They are all good English speakers, putting our lack of Greek language ability to shame.
A trip of a lifetime! Thanks again, Anne and Gene (USA)
Ios - Piraeus, 21 - 28 September 2014 (Cyclades Cruise)
What an amazing week! Everything was fabulous. The islands, swimming in the Aegean Sea. The sailing was amazing!! Anastasia is wonderful. She cooks fabulous food, gives great advice on where to go and what to do on the islands. She is very attentive and excellent at all of her duties on the boat. She is very confident with crewing as well.
Atilla definitely knows his stuff. We had some very big seas and some very big winds and it always felt safe with him as our captain. He was very good about showing us the plan and teaching us more about ocean sailing.
We couldn’t have asked for a better captain or cook/crew. The experience was truly amazing. We loved it!
Sherri-Lee and Andy (Canada)
Piraeus - Ios, 14 - 21 September 2014 (Cyclades Cruise) Dear Atilla and Anastasia,
It has been a dream of mine to sail the Greek Islands for a long time. Thank you for taking us on the journey and the fun way you embraced us as a family. Games always form part of our family holidays. You will be part of our memories for 2 new ones – ‘Solo’ and ‘What are you doing’. We enjoyed the laughs!
Thanks for the generous way you involved us in your sailing, Atilla - we all enjoyed being involved. The lunches were an absolute highlight, Anastasia. We will miss them. Those ‘little shoes’ will stick with me… Enjoy the last 2 weeks of your season before a well earned rest.
Thanks again Kerrie, Daniel, Flynn, Isabella (Australia)
Lefkas - Piraeus, 7 - 14 September 2014 (Ionian, Gulf of Corinth, Saronic)
Had so much fun!!! You guys made the trip :) So energetic and full of life. The food was fantastic. Anastasia is so beautiful on the outside as well as the inside. Atilla was knowledgeable and quite professional! Thanks so much for the best vacation!
Jacqyelynn and Raul (Texas, USA and Mexico)
Lefkas - Piraeus, 7 - 14 September 2014 (Ionian, Gulf of Corinth, Saronic)
Thank you from the bottom of our hearts (and our stomachs!). We had truly an amazing time on the boat and that is truly down to yourself Anastasia and Atilla. You are an amazing person who has such a fantastic, warm, caring and welcoming heart. You have a fantastic skill in the kitchen and I hope next time we are back in Greece that we will find you in your own restaurant.
If you ever fill adventurous, hungry or thirsty then I am happy to tell you that you will always have a place to stay in Ireland. We hope that we can return the great hospitality you gave to us.
P.S. Jim wants me to write “all the best, Jim. He never got a fry! ;)”.
Lots and Love and happy memories, Your Irish friends, Orla, Sean (Dad) and Jim (Ireland) xxx
Lefkas - Lefkas, 31 August - 7 September 2014 Dear Anastasia and Atilla,
We enjoyed ourselves very much… even in the rain! Who said it does not rain in Greece!!! There was lots of ‘First’ for us! - sailing on the 50’ Boat - cruising in large waves - swimming & snorkeling in Greece - swimming into a cave - sleeping in a cabin …so much! “We saved the rain all for you!!!”
Thank you for making it fabulous holiday for us! Michel and Chantale (Canada)
Lefkas - Lefkas, 31 August - 7 September 2014
Atilla, thanks for the sailing - it was fun to put up the hankies, turn off the diesel and just enjoy. It was particularly fun to catch up and pass a certain sailboat, one that was far ahead at the start!
Anastasia, thanks for the wonderful lunches, smiles and good cheer! It was fun chatting with you :)
Bruce (WA, USA)
Lefkas - Lefkas, 31 August - 7 September 2014
Good luck with your future - you have everything ahead of you. Thank you for a lovely week on the sailboat.
Merita (WA, USA)
Lefkas - Lefkas, 24 - 31 August 2014 Dear Atilla and Anastasia,
Thank you for a memorable week! We all had a fabulous time. Very best wishes to you both for the future.
Val, Alyssa, Alan and Tabitha (UK)
Lefkas - Lefkas, 17 - 24 August 2014 Dear Anastasia, dear Atilla,
Thank you very much for a wonderful week on the boat. This was our first sailing tour ever!! Anastasia, you are Queen Of The Kitchen, your food was wonderful. Atilla, you are the best & funniest Captain. Your sailing made it more fun. We are gonna miss the solo-games with you. Anders and Atilla are friends forever! Good memories! Thank you so much!
Love, Ander, Anne, Peter, Mette and Preben (Danemark)
Corfu - Northern Ionian Islands - Corfu, 3 - 10 August 2014 Liebe Anastasia, Lieber Atilla,
Danke fur diese schone Woche auf der Alexandros. Anastasia’s Essen war wundervoll unr wir warden es vermissen. Besonders Ella wird Anastasia vermissen, sie hatten so viel Spass zusammen. Auch wenn wir nicht so fiel gesegelt sind, haten alle viel Spass beim Dinghi fahren. Wir hoften ihr werdet unser “Aus lauflied” (Sail Away – the Rasmus) und uns vermissen.
Ahh, da haben wir doch glatt vergessen den spezial Einkaufs chip in unsere Flaschenpost zu packen… Wenn ihr unsere Flaschenpost zufallig saht – Bitte rein packen! Liebe Grusse Verena, Ella, Ole, Jurgen, Anja, Iona, Hermann-Josef (Germany)
Ole’s P.S. Nicht vergessen: Wir sind Fifa World Champions!!!
Lefkas - Corfu, 20-27 July 2014 Anastasia and Atilla,
Thank you so much for an amazing trip around this beautiful country. We were very excited about this trip and thought we knew what to expect. However all our expectations were FAR EXCEEDED! You all took such good care of us and fed us so well (thanks Anastasia!).
This vacation has made memories that will last forever. From Pepe to Fireman to the mystery of Atilla’s previous profession… the entire week was wonderful. We will hope to see you both again in the future. Anastasia, let us know when you come to Italy!
Many thanks Mark and Tiffany B. (USA)
Lefkas - Corfu, 20-27 July 2014 Dear Anastasia and Atilla,
Thank you for a wonderful vacation away from the worries of our regular lives. We appreciate your hard work and hope that fulfilling happy expectations of your travels makes you happy. We will stay in touch on Facebook. So, I won’t say ‘goodbye’ but merely ‘see you later’!
Vince and Emily (USA)
Lefkas - Corfu, 20-27 July 2014 Anastasia and Atilla,
- First and foremost - Thank you!!! Because of your hard work and dedication you have made a lasting and memorable vacation for us. From Mr. Pepe to learning to sail to unforgettable food (!), it was all amazing! We appreciate you and look forward to our next meeting - facebook!
Danielle and Gabriel L. (USA)
Lefkas - Corfu, 20-27 July 2014 Buongiorno Atilla and Anastasia!
Thank you, a million times, for making this one of the most memorable holidays of our lives. You guys took care of us by safely navigating to beautiful places to snorkel and swim, and by cooking some of the best meals of our life.
We will remember awesome solo card games; guessing your previous vocations; the spinning black pepe; and making new friends in all of you including the beautiful souls on the other boat. We will treasure these memories forever. So, not goodbye - Until we meet again!
Love, Josh and Meghan H. (USA)
P.S. We loved how at dinner yesterday, our last night, we all went around and shared our favorite moments from the week - and we all had different memories to share: from the caves to the sandy beach ‘Bella Vista’ in Emerald Bay, to learning SOLO, to all the incredible lunches. Thanks to you both for an unforgettable week!
Lefkas - Lefkas, 13 - 20 July 2014 Dear Anastasia and Atilla,
Max and I had the most relaxing, delightful time with you! We wish we could stay away with you for the rest of the summer. Anastasia - you are so smart, sweet, mature and a wonderful cook. We look forward to sailing on your ship one day, future captain! Thank you for keeping the wine floating and for all your vegetarian dishes. And keep teaching the Greeks how to do the Wobble! We will come back ready to dance all night with you!
Atilla, you are such a skilled, knowledgeable and dynamic skipper. And you owe us some Johnny Cash karaoke next time we see you! Oh, thank you for taking us to all the beautiful bays for swimming - they were perfect!!
Sincerely, Carina and Max (USA)
P.S. We will find you on Facebook!
Lefkas - Lefkas, 6 - 13 July 2014 To Anastasia and Stavros,
Thanks so much for taking such good care of us, all the fun and laughter and the great sailing. We loved all your delicious meals, Ana! A real taste of Greek Mediterranean food. Definitely loved all the beaches for swimming and the spots where we over-nighted and had dinner. Thanks for all the restaurant recommendations. We really enjoyed all the sailing with Stavros, the knot-tying lessons and winching races putting away the genoa and mainsail. The best week ever!
I just remembered the great Italian - Greek anchor war of 2014 at Fiskardo. We all laughed so much at the exuberance! Again the next morning, when the Italians started up as we were pulling up the anchor!
Please keep in touch! Cheers, The Bate Clan: David, Gill, Jo, Sam, Amber and Georgia (UK)
Lefkas - Lefkas, 29 June - 6 July 2014 To Anastasia and Stavros
Thank you so very much for a truly amazing experience and a week of fantastic memories that will last a lifetime. The company, food, sailing lessons, swimming and Islands were all perfect. Best of wishes in all your future endeavors!
Much love, The M. Family: Stuart, Hilary, Josh, Jordan, Just (USA)
Lefkas - Lefkas, 22 – 29 June 2014
A big thank you to Anastasia for your hard work and for looking after us so well!!!
Sabastian, Zorica, Tom, Joana (Argentina, Serbia, UK)
Lefkas - Lefkas, 22 – 29 June 2014 To Anastasia and Stavros,
Thank you both for a wonderful week - great hospitality and a wonderful adventure. A very special week and stunning places. Many thanks and best wishes!
Rick and Jan (Australia)
Lefkas - Lefkas, 15-22 June 2014 Thanks for having us on the ship! We had a fantastic time and we wish you guys the best in the future! Sorry about messing up the dingy, and I sincerely apologize for the inconvenience it caused you. Still the people here are fantastic and I would definitely come again! Thanks so much, Isaiah (California, USA)
Lefkas - Lefkas, 15-22 June 2014 Dear Anastasia and Stavros, Thank you so much for taking such a great care of the boys! You are both a delight and I hear that your food is unmatched, Anastasia. Kristina (California, USA)
Lefkas - Lefkas, 15-22 June 2014 Thanks for the awesome trip! We really enjoyed you guys, and I hope we come back soon! Taiye (USA)
Lefkas - Lefkas, 15-22 June 2014 Dear Anastasia and Stavros, Thank you so much for everything you’ve done to make this week one of the most wonderful weeks I have ever experienced!!! The food and hospitality made this holiday even better. I hope to see you guys in Brazil very soon! With love, Giulia P. (Brazil)
Lefkas - Lefkas, 15-22 June 2014 Dear Anastasia and Stavros! There are no words to express how glad we are for having this experience with both of you. Next time we will see each other in Brazil! Big hug, The P. Family (Brazil)
Lefkas - Lefkas, 15-22 June 2014 Dear Anastasia and Stavros, Another fantastic time here on Alexandros. I thoroughly enjoyed every aspect of my trip and the great company of the Piccoli Family, as well as the Martin Twins. Great trip. Thank you for your great hospitality and generosity. Maybe I will come again! Lots of hugs and kisses, Angela (UK)
Piraeus - Lefkas, 8 - 15 June 2014 (Saronic, Gulf of Corinth, Ionian) Anastasia and Stavros,
Thanks so much for a fun week of sailing. This has been a great experience. I will be emailing you for recipes! The food was amazing.
Erica (Vicenza, Italy & Nebraska, USA)
Piraeus - Lefkas, 8 - 15 June 2014 (Saronic, Gulf of Corinth, Ionian)
Thank you for an amazing week – sailing is such a wonderful way to see the Greek Isles. We will be back to see the other islands. We were so impressed with the Greek cuisine!
Jonathan and Kris L. (Charlotte, NC, USA)
Piraeus - Lefkas, 8 - 15 June 2014 (Saronic, Gulf of Corinth, Ionian)
Anastasia - you have been the BEST hostess & first mate ever. We will miss your laugh! Stavros - great captain & skipper. Thanks for everything. We will be back!
Much love, Julieta and Alan (Fortitude Valley, Brisbane, Australia)
Piraeus, 1 - 8 June 2014 (Saronic)
The most wonderful week I’ve ever experienced, or I should say, we’ve ever experienced. The views, the boat, the cooking! Thank you!
Susan and John Ian, Jen, Cormac, Fiona, Maeve and Claire (USA)
P.S. This has been the best vacation EVER! I hope we come again! – Fiona
Ios - Ios, 18-25 May 2014 (Cyclades)
We had such a great time - even in the one rough-weather day. The islands are beautiful, Anastasia and Stavros are wonderful - we’ll remember this trip always! Great food, great hospitality and beautiful scenery.
Robin and Rebeca (USA)
Ios - Ios, 18-25 May 2014 (Cyclades) Stavros and Anastasia,
Thank you so much for the trip of a lifetime! We felt so comfortable on the boat, even with the big waves. Our first sailing trip has been fantastic thanks to both of you. Anastasia, your thoughtfulness made the trip. We sincerely hope this will not be the last time we see either of you. Whether it be in your country or ours, we hope to meet again (and have more of Anastasia’s cooking).
Thank you again for such an amazing week, Stephanie and Erin (USA)
Mykonos - Kos, 27 April - 4 May 2014 (One way cruise through the Cyclades, Sporades and Dodecanese) Dear Anastasia and Stavros,
A wonderful week with wonderful folks! Including Phillip, we could not have asked for better. I think we may have lifelong friends! We will miss all of you greatly but we will try to return and you are welcome at our home!
With heartfelt affection, Jim and Maryann F. (USA)
P.S. What Jim said and more you will always hold a special place in my heart! Ma.
Mykonos - Kos, 27 April - 4 May 2014 (One way cruise through the Cyclades, Sporades and Dodecanese) Stavros, Anastasia,
Hours of great sailing, charging along on Alexandros, covering some long distances. Some adrenaline for sure in the stronger winds, always felt safe and that you were in control.
Beautiful islands to visit and explore, especially the smaller ones… we dreamed of staying for months. And all the time cared for by Anastasia, great meals put together in a tiny kitchen while being bounced around. Meeting new friends, exciting sailing, trying new foods and wines, exploring new places… What a week.
All good wishes also to Thanos and Alicia, Phillip (New Zealand)
|