Blue Ocean Club
8 days · 8 stops

Heart of the Volcanic Aeolians

The Tyrrhenian Sea warms under the Italian sun, its deep blue waters circling seven volcanic jewels. Your private yacht charts a course through the Aeolian Islands, a realm of myth and fire where the scent of wild rosemary and lemon hangs in the air. From the primeval force of Stromboli's nightly pyrotechnics to the barefoot glamour of Panarea's whitewashed laneways, this is a journey into the elemental heart of the Mediterranean. Each day reveals a new island, a new character, a new shade of blue.

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  1. DAY 01

    Embarkation & The Sulphurous Isle of Vulcano

    Board your yacht in Sicily's Porto di Milazzo and enjoy a welcome glass of prosecco as you cruise north towards Vulcano. The island greets you with the distinct scent of sulphur, a reminder of the dormant power beneath. Settle in at anchor in the sheltered eastern port, the imposing Gran Cratere cone dominating the skyline.

    • Hike to the Gran Cratere for commanding views across the archipelago
    • Wade into the therapeutic thermal mud baths at Laghetto di Fanghi
    • Swim in the naturally heated waters off the shore, where volcanic vents create a sub-aquatic jacuzzi
    • Tender to the Grotta del Cavallo and Piscina di Venere on the island's western coast
    Anchorage
    Porto di Levante
    Dining
    Ristorante Il Cappero at Therasia Resort for refined Aeolian cuisine with a view.
  2. DAY 02

    Lipari, The Lively Capital

    A short cruise brings you to Lipari, the largest and most populous of the islands. Its vibrant main town hums with Italian life, a labyrinth of narrow streets filled with boutiques and cafés, all watched over by a formidable 16th-century citadel. The yacht's tender allows access to secluded coves carved from white pumice stone, where the sea glows an impossible turquoise.

    • Explore the fortified citadel, home to an archaeological museum and the Cathedral of St. Bartholomew
    • Enjoy an aperitivo in the charming, bustling Marina Corta
    • Swim at the dazzling Spiaggia Bianca (White Beach), a former pumice quarry
    • Rent a scooter to explore the island's interior roads and scenic viewpoints
    Anchorage
    Anchorage south of Marina Lunga
    Dining
    Ristorante Filippino, a Lipari institution serving classic island dishes since 1910.
  3. DAY 03

    Salina, The Green Twin

    Salina rises from the sea as two distinct, verdant peaks, a stark contrast to Vulcano's raw earth. This is the archipelago's garden, famed for its sweet Malvasia wine and salt-cured capers. Anchor off the pretty harbour of Santa Marina and step ashore into a world of lush vegetation, quiet villages, and profound agricultural tradition.

    • Visit a local producer for a tasting of Malvasia delle Lipari wine
    • Swim beneath the dramatic rock arch at Pollara, the filming location for 'Il Postino'
    • Explore the charming fishing village of Lingua and its saltwater lagoon
    • Hike the slopes of Monte Fossa delle Felci, the highest peak in the Aeolians
    Anchorage
    Roadstead of Santa Marina Salina
    Dining
    Signum, a Michelin-starred experience celebrating Salina's exceptional local produce.
  4. DAY 04

    Filicudi, The Remote Retreat

    Venture west to the wilder, more remote island of Filicudi, where time seems to slow. Its steep, terraced slopes are sparsely populated, and the coastline is a dramatic composition of sea stacks and grottoes. This is a day for disconnecting and immersing yourself in raw, undisturbed nature, best explored from the water.

    • Snorkel or dive at the Grotta del Bue Marino, a vast sea cave with incredible light effects
    • Circumnavigate the 'La Canna' sea stack, a volcanic plug rising 74 metres from the sea
    • Visit the prehistoric village ruins at Capo Graziano
    • Enjoy the tranquility of Pecorini a Mare, a simple and authentic fishing hamlet
    Anchorage
    Porto di Filicudi or off Pecorini a Mare
    Dining
    An expertly prepared dinner by your onboard chef, using fresh fish sourced from a local fisherman.
  5. DAY 05

    Panarea, The Chic Hideaway

    Cruise to Panarea, the smallest and most fashionable island, a favourite of the international jet set. Whitewashed, bougainvillea-draped villas cascade down to the sea, and electric golf carts are the only traffic. Anchor in the magnificent bay of Cala Junco, a Bronze Age settlement site, and spend the afternoon swimming before stepping ashore for the evening's sophisticated buzz.

    • Anchor and swim in the sheltered, turquoise waters of Cala Junco
    • Explore the ruins of the prehistoric village at Capo Milazzese
    • Enjoy sunset cocktails at the fashionable Raya Bar, overlooking the sea
    • Discover the bubbling fumaroles between the islets of Lisca Bianca and Bottaro
    Anchorage
    Cala Junco
    Dining
    Cusiritati for a contemporary take on Sicilian flavours in a beautiful garden setting.
  6. DAY 06

    Stromboli, The Living Volcano

    An afternoon cruise delivers you to the base of 'Iddu' (Him), the constantly active volcano of Stromboli. The island's black sand beaches and stark white villages sit under the ever-present plume of smoke. As dusk falls, the yacht repositions to the Sciara del Fuoco, the 'Stream of Fire', for the main event: a private viewing of the volcano's dramatic, fiery eruptions against the night sky.

    • Stroll through the village of San Vincenzo with its car-free lanes
    • Relax on the unique black sand beaches of Ficogrande
    • Take the tender to see the tiny, isolated village of Ginostra
    • Witness the spectacular nocturnal eruptions from the deck of your yacht
    Anchorage
    Overnight viewing position off the Sciara del Fuoco
    Dining
    Dinner on the aft deck, with the volcanic eruptions providing a primal fireworks display.
  7. DAY 07

    Passage to Gelso & A Final Aeolian Swim

    After a night of natural spectacle, enjoy a leisurely morning cruise south, back towards Vulcano. This time, you'll explore its quieter southern coast, dropping anchor off the tranquil black-sand beach of Gelso. It’s a perfect, secluded spot for a final afternoon of swimming, paddleboarding, and relaxing in the Aeolian sun before a farewell dinner onboard.

    • A final, refreshing swim in the clear waters off Spiaggia dell'Asino
    • Explore the coast by tender, discovering sea caves and the old lighthouse
    • Make use of the yacht's water toys in the calm, protected bay
    • Enjoy a final Aeolian sunset with cocktails on the sundeck
    Anchorage
    Anchorage off Gelso or Spiaggia dell'Asino
    Dining
    A bespoke farewell dinner prepared by your chef, celebrating the flavours of the week's journey.
  8. DAY 08

    Return to Milazzo

    Awake to a final Sicilian breakfast onboard, followed by a short and pleasant cruise across the channel back to Porto di Milazzo. The Sicilian mainland grows larger on the horizon as you reflect on a week spent among the fire, glamour, and myth of the Aeolian Islands. Disembark with memories of volcanic rumbles and sun-warmed seas.

    • Enjoy a final breakfast with views of the Sicilian coast
    • One last look back at the archipelago from the water
    • Spot dolphins that often play in the channel between the islands and Sicily
    • Easy access to Catania airport for your onward journey
    Anchorage
    Porto di Milazzo
    Dining
    A light breakfast and coffee onboard before disembarkation.
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