Blue Ocean Club
10 days · 10 stops

The Amalfi to Pontine Passage

The Tyrrhenian Sea unfolds in a grand symphony of colour, sound, and scent. Your journey begins amidst the dazzling glamour of Capri, where the air hangs heavy with jasmine and the Faraglioni rocks pierce a sapphire sky. From the iconic, tumbling villas of Positano, we set a course west, leaving the well-trodden coast behind. Ahead lies the Pontine Archipelago: a wilder, more elemental Italy. Here, Roman history is carved into the volcanic tuff of Ventotene and the raw, primeval beauty of Palmarola offers a profound and secluded escape into nature's embrace.

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  1. DAY 01

    Capri, Bay of Naples

    Step aboard in the bustling Marina Grande, the scent of lemon groves and salt spray filling the air as the iconic Faraglioni rocks rise from the cobalt sea. We cruise to a secluded anchorage near Marina Piccola, the tenders ready to whisk you ashore to the Piazzetta's vibrant theatre of life or the serene heights of Anacapri.

    • A private boat tour through the Faraglioni rock formations.
    • Ascend Monte Solaro by chairlift from Anacapri for panoramic views.
    • Explore the tranquil Gardens of Augustus overlooking Via Krupp.
    • Discover the Villa San Michele, the dream home of Axel Munthe.
    Anchorage
    Anchorage at Marina Piccola
    Dining
    Da Paolino, for exquisite Italian cuisine beneath a canopy of lemon trees.
  2. DAY 02

    Positano, Amalfi Coast

    The pastel cascade of Positano appears, a tumble of villas clinging to the cliffside down to the sea. We anchor off the main beach, Spiaggia Grande, where the majolica-tiled dome of Santa Maria Assunta gleams in the sun. The afternoon is for exploring the steep, narrow lanes filled with linen boutiques and artisan ceramic shops.

    • Swim and relax at Fornillo Beach, a quieter alternative to the main bay.
    • Shop for bespoke leather sandals and 'Moda Positano' linen.
    • Explore the recently excavated Roman Villa beneath the main church.
    • Enjoy an aperitivo at Franco's Bar with its peerless coastal views.
    Anchorage
    Anchorage off Spiaggia Grande
    Dining
    La Sponda at Le Sirenuse, where dinner is served by the light of 400 candles.
  3. DAY 03

    Amalfi & Ravello, Amalfi Coast

    We arrive in the ancient maritime republic of Amalfi, its grand Duomo di Sant'Andrea dominating the main piazza. A short drive up the valley reveals Ravello, a refined hilltop town of serene gardens and classical music. The views from here, stretching out over the glittering coastline, are some of the most famous in all of Italy.

    • Visit Amalfi's magnificent 9th-century Duomo di Sant'Andrea.
    • Discover the tranquil gardens and 'Terrace of Infinity' at Villa Cimbrone in Ravello.
    • Attend a classical music concert at Villa Rufolo, the inspiration for Wagner's Parsifal.
    • Taste the famed 'Delizia al Limone' at Pasticceria Pansa.
    Anchorage
    Port of Amalfi
    Dining
    Rossellinis at Palazzo Avino in Ravello, for Michelin-starred cuisine.
  4. DAY 04

    Ischia, Phlegraean Islands

    The lush, green profile of Ischia, the 'Green Island', rises on the horizon. We cruise into a sheltered bay near Sant'Angelo, a charming, car-free fishing village connected to the main island by a narrow isthmus. The island's volcanic nature is palpable, from the steaming fumaroles on the beach to the world-renowned thermal spa gardens.

    • Rejuvenate in the thermal pools of the Negombo thermal park.
    • Explore the medieval Aragonese Castle, connected to the island by a stone causeway.
    • Wander the exotic Giardini La Mortella, created by Susana Walton.
    • Hike to the summit of Mount Epomeo for commanding views of the Bay of Naples.
    Anchorage
    Anchorage off Sant'Angelo d'Ischia
    Dining
    Dani Maison, a two-Michelin-starred restaurant set in a traditional Ischian house.
  5. DAY 05

    Ventotene, Pontine Islands

    After a beautiful morning passage across the Tyrrhenian, the small, tranquil island of Ventotene comes into view. We enter the Porto Romano, a harbour carved from tuff rock by the Romans over 2,000 years ago. This is a place of quiet contemplation, where history is etched into the very fabric of the island, from ancient fish farms to imperial ruins.

    • Explore the remarkably preserved Roman-era harbour.
    • Snorkel or dive over the ancient Roman fish tanks (Peschiera Romana).
    • Take a boat trip to the neighbouring island of Santo Stefano to see its imposing Bourbon-era prison.
    • Visit the Ventotene archaeological museum.
    Anchorage
    Porto Romano, Ventotene
    Dining
    Ristorante Il Giardino, known for its fresh lentils and local fish.
  6. DAY 06

    Ponza, Chiaia di Luna

    We arrive at the majestic western coast of Ponza, anchoring beneath the spectacular chalky-white cliffs of Chiaia di Luna. This perfect, crescent-shaped bay glows under the afternoon sun, its name translating to 'Moonlight Bay'. The water here is an impossible shade of turquoise, inviting a long afternoon of swimming and relaxing on deck before the cliffs catch the golden light of sunset.

    • Anchor and swim in the iconic bay of Chiaia di Luna.
    • Watch the sunset paint the white cliffs in hues of pink and gold.
    • Explore the nearby Grotte di Pilato, a complex of Roman-era sea caves.
    • Enjoy water sports in the sheltered, calm waters.
    Anchorage
    Anchorage at Chiaia di Luna
    Dining
    An exquisite al fresco dinner prepared by the yacht's chef, served on the aft deck.
  7. DAY 07

    Ponza, Porto

    A short cruise brings us around to Ponza's main harbour, a delightful amphitheatre of pink, blue, and yellow houses curving around the port. The atmosphere is distinctly Italian and effortlessly chic, a place to see and be seen. Spend the day wandering the waterfront, browsing the small boutiques, and sipping an aperitivo as the local fishing boats return with their catch.

    • Stroll along the lively waterfront of the Bourbon harbour.
    • Rent a small 'gozzo' boat to explore the island's many hidden coves.
    • Hike up to the 'Il Semaforo' viewpoint for a superb view of the port.
    • Enjoy an evening aperitivo at a waterfront bar, watching the passeggiata.
    Anchorage
    Porto di Ponza
    Dining
    Acqua Pazza, a celebrated restaurant on the harbour front for creative seafood.
  8. DAY 08

    Palmarola, Pontine Islands

    We reach Palmarola, a protected nature reserve and arguably one of the most beautiful islands in the Mediterranean. It is a primeval landscape of volcanic rock formations, sea stacks, and hidden grottos, often called 'The Cattedrale' for its cathedral-like rock arches. With only a couple of seasonal restaurants, this is a true escape into raw, untamed nature.

    • Cruise by tender through the dramatic rock arches of 'La Cattedrale'.
    • Discover secluded coves like Cala Brigantina for swimming and snorkelling.
    • Kayak into the numerous sea caves and grottos dotting the coastline.
    • Hike one of the rugged paths for staggering views of the archipelago.
    Anchorage
    Cala del Porto (also known as Cala Francese)
    Dining
    O' Sarracino, a simple, seasonal beach restaurant serving the day's catch.
  9. DAY 09

    Zannone & Cala Feola, Pontine Islands

    Today is dedicated to the wilder side of the Pontines. We cruise by Zannone, an uninhabited island and part of the Circeo National Park, home to wild mouflon. We then find our final anchorage in Cala Feola, a beautiful inlet on Ponza known for its natural swimming pools and traditional fishermen's houses carved into the rock.

    • Observe the wild, uninhabited coastline of Zannone island from the yacht.
    • Swim in the 'piscine naturali' (natural pools) at Cala Feola.
    • Tender ashore to see the unique 'case grotta' fishermen's dwellings.
    • Enjoy a final peaceful swim in the clear waters of the bay.
    Anchorage
    Anchorage at Cala Feola, Ponza
    Dining
    A celebratory farewell dinner on board, featuring the best of the week's discoveries.
  10. DAY 10

    Ponza, Porto Romano

    Awake to the gentle sounds of Ponza's harbour for a final, leisurely breakfast on deck. Enjoy one last espresso while soaking in the views of the colourful town and turquoise water. The crew will assist with your luggage as you prepare to disembark, leaving with the scent of salt and wild herbs as a lasting memory of your Pontine passage.

    • Enjoy a final Italian breakfast on the aft deck.
    • Take one last stroll along the harbour front.
    • Purchase some local delicacies like Ventotene lentils or Ponza wine.
    • Exchange farewells with the captain and crew.
    Anchorage
    Porto di Ponza
    Dining
    A final Italian coffee at a waterfront café before departure.
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