Blue Ocean Club
9 days · 9 stops

From Corsica's Cliffs to Naples' Bay

Your journey begins beneath the immense limestone cliffs of Bonifacio, its medieval citadel standing sentinel over the turquoise sea. The scent of wild Corsican maquis fills the air as you sail across the Tyrrhenian, touching the granite isles of La Maddalena before reaching the volcanic Pontine archipelago. This passage from France to Italy is a sensory immersion, culminating in the thermal springs and lemon-scented slopes of Ischia in the Bay of Naples.

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  1. DAY 01

    Bonifacio, Corsica

    Embark in Port de Bonifacio, a spectacular natural harbour carved deep into limestone cliffs. The medieval citadel, or Haute Ville, teeters dramatically overhead, a labyrinth of ancient alleys and Genoese history watching over the shimmering strait. The air is thick with the scent of salt and the wild herbs of the surrounding maquis.

    • Climb the King of Aragon's Stairway, a steep staircase cut into the cliff face.
    • Explore the narrow, cobbled streets of the Haute Ville (Old Town).
    • Take the tender through the sea caves beneath the cliffs, including the Grotte du Sdragonato.
    • Hike the coastal path towards the Pertusato Lighthouse for views across to Sardinia.
    Anchorage
    Marina at Port de Bonifacio
    Dining
    L'Auberge du Pêcheur for fresh seafood in the marina, or Ciccio for authentic Corsican cuisine in the old town.
  2. DAY 02

    Lavezzi Islands, Corsica

    A short cruise south brings you to the Lavezzi archipelago, a protected marine reserve of sculpted granite boulders and crystalline water. The islands feel elemental and untouched, a haven for snorkelling amongst shoals of fish in the shallow, sandy-bottomed coves. The only sounds are the seabirds and the gentle lap of water against the hull.

    • Snorkel or dive in Cala Lazarina's protected waters.
    • Tender to the main island, Lavezzu, to see the two cemeteries from the 1855 Sémillante shipwreck.
    • Sunbathe on the secluded sands of Cala di u Ghiuncu.
    • Paddleboard around the distinctive wind-eroded granite formations.
    Anchorage
    Anchor at Cala Lazarina (weather permitting)
    Dining
    A gourmet lunch prepared by your chef, served at anchor amidst the granite scenery.
  3. DAY 03

    Isola Spargi, La Maddalena Archipelago

    Cross the Strait of Bonifacio into Italian waters, arriving in the La Maddalena Archipelago. Isola Spargi is a granite jewel, its coastline indented with exquisite white-sand beaches like Cala Corsara. The water shifts from pale aquamarine to deep sapphire, and the air smells of juniper and cistus from the island's wild interior.

    • Swim in the turquoise waters of Cala Corsara.
    • Discover the 'Witch's Head' rock formation on the eastern coast.
    • Tender ashore for a walk along the quiet coastal paths.
    • View the famous Spiaggia Rosa (Pink Beach) on nearby Isola Budelli from the yacht (access is restricted).
    Anchorage
    Anchor off Cala Corsara, Isola Spargi
    Dining
    La Scogliera in La Maddalena town, a short tender ride away, for sophisticated dining on a deck over the water.
  4. DAY 04

    Porto Cervo, Sardinia

    Cruise the short distance to the epicentre of the Costa Smeralda, Porto Cervo. This village, designed by architect Luigi Vietti, is a world of exclusive boutiques, elegant piazzas, and a marina filled with some of the world's most impressive yachts. The atmosphere is one of polished glamour, set against the backdrop of Sardinia's rugged hills.

    • Browse the designer boutiques along the waterfront Passeggiata.
    • Enjoy an aperitivo at the Cervo Hotel's terrace bar overlooking the Piazzetta.
    • Visit the Stella Maris church, a modernist architectural gem with a distinctive conical tower.
    • Play a round of golf at the renowned Pevero Golf Club.
    Anchorage
    Berth at Marina di Porto Cervo
    Dining
    Ristorante Il Pescatore for classic waterfront dining or Phi Beach for sunset cocktails and music.
  5. DAY 05

    Tyrrhenian Sea Crossing

    Today is dedicated to the timeless pleasure of being at sea. As Sardinia's coast recedes, the deep blue of the Tyrrhenian unfolds in all directions. Enjoy the yacht's amenities, from sunbathing on the top deck to a session in the gym, as your captain navigates the overnight passage towards the Pontine Islands.

    • Enjoy a leisurely breakfast on the aft deck with unbroken ocean views.
    • Take a dip in the yacht's Jacuzzi while under way.
    • Watch a film in the onboard cinema.
    • Join the captain on the bridge to learn about passage planning and navigation.
    Anchorage
    At sea, under way to Ponza
    Dining
    A bespoke tasting menu created by your private chef, enjoyed under the stars of the open sea.
  6. DAY 06

    Ponza, Pontine Islands

    Awake to the sight of Ponza, its pastel-coloured houses clinging to the curve of a volcanic harbour. This island is a Roman holiday classic, a place of simple pleasures, from exploring sea caves by tender to enjoying fresh fish at a waterfront trattoria. The cliffs, composed of soft tuff and kaolin, glow in the afternoon light.

    • Tender to the Grotte di Pilato, a complex of Roman-era fish farm caves.
    • Swim through the natural rock arch at Lucia Rosa.
    • Anchor at the stunning bay of Chiaia di Luna, a towering white cliff accessible only from the sea.
    • Explore the crescent-shaped harbour and its artisan shops.
    Anchorage
    Anchor off Cala Feola or take a berth in the main harbour.
    Dining
    Acqua Pazza for refined seafood dishes overlooking the port.
  7. DAY 07

    Ventotene, Pontine Islands

    A short cruise brings you to the tranquil island of Ventotene. Quieter and more reserved than Ponza, its history is palpable, from the Roman port carved from tuff rock to the ruins of Villa Giulia. The island is a protected marine area, offering superb snorkelling and a genuine sense of escape.

    • Explore the ancient Porto Romano, excavated from volcanic rock and still in use today.
    • Visit the ruins of Villa Giulia on Punta Eolo, where Emperor Augustus exiled his daughter.
    • Snorkel or dive in the protected marine reserve around the island.
    • Visit the small but fascinating archaeological museum.
    Anchorage
    Anchor off the coast or berth in Porto Romano.
    Dining
    Il Giardino di Ventotene for fresh, local cuisine in a beautiful garden setting.
  8. DAY 08

    Sant'Angelo, Ischia

    Arrive at the southern coast of Ischia, dropping anchor off the picturesque fishing village of Sant'Angelo. This car-free isthmus, connected to a towering volcanic rock, is the island's most chic enclave. Spend the day indulging in the island's famous thermal waters or exploring the narrow lanes lined with sophisticated boutiques.

    • Relax in the thermal pools of the Aphrodite Apollon or Tropical thermal parks.
    • Walk up to the top of the Sant'Angelo rock for panoramic views.
    • Swim at Fumarole Beach, where the sand is geothermally heated by volcanic vents.
    • Browse the exclusive boutiques in the quiet village.
    Anchorage
    Anchor off Sant'Angelo
    Dining
    Ristorante Lo Scoglio for wonderful seafood with views of the bay, or Il Pescatore at the Miramare Sea Resort.
  9. DAY 09

    Porto d'Ischia, Ischia

    Enjoy a final morning cruise to Ischia's main harbour, a perfect circle formed from an extinct volcanic crater. Before disembarking, there is time to visit the magnificent Castello Aragonese, a fortified citadel connected to the main island by a stone causeway. It stands as a final, dramatic monument to the rich history of the Bay of Naples.

    • Visit the imposing Castello Aragonese, exploring its churches, prisons, and gardens.
    • Stroll along the bustling Via Roma for some last-minute shopping.
    • Enjoy a final espresso at a café in the lively port.
    • A final swim in the clear waters off the Spiaggia degli Inglesi.
    Anchorage
    Berth at Porto d'Ischia for disembarkation
    Dining
    A final, celebratory breakfast on board prepared by your chef.
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