Blue Ocean Club
10 days · 10 stops

From Portofino to Elba's Shores

The air hangs heavy with jasmine and salt as you glide from Portofino's exclusive harbour, its famous pastel houses shrinking astern. This is a voyage of sensory contrasts, tracing the rugged Ligurian coast where the cliff-clinging villages of the Cinque Terre give way to the wild, aromatic maquis of the Tuscan Archipelago. Your journey culminates at Elba, an island of granite peaks, hidden coves, and Napoleonic legacy, its shores waiting to be discovered from the supreme comfort of your private yacht.

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  1. DAY 01

    Portofino

    Embark in the iconic, amphitheatre-shaped harbour of Portofino. The afternoon sun warms the kaleidoscope of tall, slender houses as you settle on board, absorbing the uniquely glamorous atmosphere of Italy's most famous fishing village. The gentle lapping of water against the hull is punctuated by the murmur of chic waterfront cafés.

    • Aperitivo in the famous Piazzetta
    • Hike up to Castello Brown for panoramic views
    • Browse the designer boutiques along Via Roma
    • Visit the hilltop Church of St. George
    Anchorage
    Marina di Portofino
    Dining
    Ristorante Puny
  2. DAY 02

    San Fruttuoso & Camogli

    A short cruise reveals the secluded bay of San Fruttuoso, a near-mythical cove accessible only by sea or a strenuous hike. An ancient stone abbey dominates the small pebble beach, its history palpable. Later, drop anchor off Camogli, a true fishing town with a taller, more dramatic and authentic facade than its famous neighbour.

    • Snorkel or dive over the submerged 'Christ of the Abyss' statue
    • Explore the 10th-century Abbazia di San Fruttuoso
    • Enjoy the beach, accessible only by boat or foot
    • Tender ashore to the colourful fishing port of Camogli for a focaccia al formaggio
    Anchorage
    Anchor off the coast of Camogli
    Dining
    Da Laura in San Fruttuoso for a rustic seafood lunch
  3. DAY 03

    Vernazza, Cinque Terre

    Arrive at Vernazza, the postcard jewel of the Cinque Terre. Seen from the sea, the village is a cascade of colourful masonry tumbling down to a tiny, boat-filled harbour. The scent of pesto and fresh lemons drifts from trattorias as you step ashore to explore the steep, narrow lanes where laundry flutters between buildings.

    • Climb the Belforte tower of Castello Doria for sweeping views
    • Swim in the protected water of the harbour
    • Hike a portion of the famed Sentiero Azzurro trail towards Monterosso
    • Photograph the iconic view from the trailhead above the village
    Anchorage
    Anchor offshore (weather permitting)
    Dining
    Ristorante Belforte
  4. DAY 04

    Portovenere

    Cruise into the 'Gulf of Poets' to Portovenere, a fortified village that acts as the majestic southern gate to the Cinque Terre. The black-and-white striped church of San Pietro clings to the rocky promontory, a starkly beautiful landmark against the blue sea. The channel between the village and Palmaria Island buzzes with tenders and local boats.

    • Explore the sea-battered cave named after Lord Byron
    • Walk to the dramatic cliff-edge Chiesa di San Pietro
    • Wander the main 'carruggio' alleyway, Via Capellini
    • Take the tender across to explore the wilder trails of Palmaria Island
    Anchorage
    Anchorage between Portovenere and Isola Palmaria
    Dining
    Locanda Lorena on Palmaria Island
  5. DAY 05

    Capraia Island

    After a morning crossing, the rugged, volcanic form of Capraia rises from the sea. As part of the Tuscan Archipelago National Park, the island feels wild and untamed, a stark contrast to the Riviera. The air is scented with wild rosemary and rockrose, and the only settlement is a tiny, charming port village.

    • Swim or kayak in the striking red-rocked Cala Rossa
    • Hike a trail through the aromatic maquis shrubland
    • Explore the quiet harbour and the fortress of San Giorgio
    • Enjoy the solitude and clear waters at Cala dello Zurletto
    Anchorage
    Porto di Capraia
    Dining
    Il Carabottino
  6. DAY 06

    Marciana Marina, Elba

    Make landfall on Elba at the elegant town of Marciana Marina on the north-west coast. A long, curving promenade lined with tamarisk trees leads to a distinctive 16th-century Pisan watchtower guarding the harbour. It’s a sophisticated introduction to the island, with a relaxed, traditional maritime character.

    • Take the cable car from nearby Marciana village to the summit of Monte Capanne
    • Stroll the waterfront promenade to the Torre degli Appiani
    • Relax on the smooth pebbles of La Fenicia beach
    • Explore the historic 'Cotone' fishing district
    Anchorage
    Porto di Marciana Marina
    Dining
    Ristorante La Scaletta
  7. DAY 07

    Fetovaia, Elba

    Anchor in what is arguably Elba's most beautiful bay. Fetovaia is a perfect semi-circle of golden sand, protected by a long, wild peninsula covered in greenery. The water here is exceptionally clear and calm, shifting through shades of turquoise and azure, creating an ideal natural swimming pool for a day spent with the yacht's water toys.

    • Deploy the water toys in the calm, sheltered bay
    • Snorkel around the rocky point of the peninsula
    • Relax on the fine golden sand of Fetovaia beach
    • Tender to the neighbouring bay of Cavoli for a change of scene
    Anchorage
    Anchor in the bay of Fetovaia
    Dining
    An alfresco dinner prepared by the yacht's chef
  8. DAY 08

    Marina di Campo, Elba

    Cruise to the lively heart of Elba's southern coast. Marina di Campo boasts the island's longest sandy beach, which curves around a wide bay. The town itself is a vibrant mix of old and new, with a historic fishing quarter at one end and a bustling promenade of shops, gelaterias and bars at the other.

    • Walk the length of the two-kilometre sandy beach
    • Explore the boutiques and artisan shops in the town centre
    • Visit the Elba Aquarium, one of the largest in the Mediterranean
    • Enjoy a sunset cocktail at a beachfront bar
    Anchorage
    Anchor in the Golfo di Campo
    Dining
    Ristorante da Piero
  9. DAY 09

    Porto Azzurro, Elba

    Navigate into the deep, protected natural harbour of Porto Azzurro on the eastern 'coast of the seagulls'. The lively waterfront square, Piazza Matteotti, is lined with excellent restaurants and shops selling local minerals. The entire scene is overlooked by the imposing 17th-century Spanish Fortezza di San Giacomo.

    • Walk up to the Santuario della Madonna di Monserrato, a secluded chapel
    • Discover the unique black, shimmering sands of Terranera Beach
    • Shop for local gems and minerals
    • Enjoy the evening 'passeggiata' in the main square
    Anchorage
    Porto Azzurro Marina
    Dining
    Osteria La Botte Gaia
  10. DAY 10

    Portoferraio, Elba

    Your final morning is spent in Portoferraio, Elba’s historic capital. The old town is wrapped in formidable Medici-era fortifications, its harbour a safe haven since Roman times. This is the port where Napoleon landed for his exile; his legacy is everywhere. Enjoy a final Italian coffee before disembarking.

    • A final breakfast on board with views of the Medici fortress
    • Visit Villa dei Mulini, Napoleon's official residence
    • Explore the fortified walls of Forte Stella
    • Take a last swim at Le Viste beach, just below the ramparts
    Anchorage
    Portoferraio Mediceo Port
    Dining
    A farewell breakfast on the aft deck
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