Blue Ocean Club
8 days · 8 stops

From Cinque Terre to Elba

The Ligurian breeze carries the scent of salt and basil as your yacht departs La Spezia, bound for the dramatic cliffside villages of the Cinque Terre. Each day reveals a new pastel-hued harbour and terraced vineyards clinging precariously to the mountainside. A blue-water crossing then transports you to the Tuscan Archipelago, where the wild, volcanic isle of Capraia gives way to the historic charm and golden beaches of Elba, Napoleon’s island of exile. This is a journey of striking contrasts, from rugged coastlines to sophisticated island towns.

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  1. DAY 01

    Portovenere, Gulf of Poets

    After embarking at Porto Mirabello, a short cruise delivers you to the mouth of the Gulf of Poets. The colourful tower houses of Portovenere rise ahead, guarded by the formidable Doria Castle and the striking Church of St. Peter, perched on its rocky plinth. The air feels charged with the literary history that gave this bay its name.

    • Explore Byron's Grotto, a sea cave named for the poet who sought inspiration here.
    • Ascend to the 12th-century Doria Castle for commanding views over the coast.
    • Visit the black-and-white striped Church of St. Peter on the headland.
    • Take the tender ashore for an aperitivo in the vibrant harbour.
    Anchorage
    Anchorage off Portovenere or mooring buoys in the harbour.
    Dining
    Ristorante Le Bocche, for fresh seafood with direct views of Palmaria island.
  2. DAY 02

    Riomaggiore & Manarola

    The yacht glides along a coastline where mountains plunge sheer into the sea. Riomaggiore appears, a cascade of pastel buildings tumbling down a steep ravine to a tiny harbour. A short cruise further reveals Manarola, clinging to a cliff face above the turquoise water, its famous terraced vineyards testament to centuries of human toil.

    • Anchor off Riomaggiore and tender into its minuscule fishing harbour.
    • Hike a section of the Sentiero Azzurro (Blue Trail) for classic coastal views.
    • Swim in the clear, deep water directly beneath the houses of Manarola.
    • Taste the local Sciacchetrà dessert wine in a cliffside Enoteca.
    Anchorage
    Anchorage off the coast of Manarola (weather permitting).
    Dining
    Trattoria Dal Billy in Manarola, known for its fresh pasta and seafood.
  3. DAY 03

    Corniglia & Vernazza

    Today reveals the heart of the Cinque Terre. From the water, you view Corniglia, perched high on a promontory and surrounded by vineyards. The main destination is Vernazza, its natural harbour dominated by the Church of Santa Margherita d'Antiochia and the Belforte Tower. The sound of waves echoes in the small piazza, the social hub of the village.

    • View Corniglia from the sea, the only village without a harbour.
    • Anchor in the bay of Vernazza and swim in its protected waters.
    • Explore the narrow 'caruggi' alleyways leading away from Vernazza's main piazza.
    • Enjoy a pesto tasting; Liguria is the home of this celebrated sauce.
    Anchorage
    Anchorage in the bay just outside Vernazza's small harbour.
    Dining
    Ristorante Belforte, set within a medieval watchtower for an atmospheric dinner.
  4. DAY 04

    Monterosso al Mare

    Arrive at Monterosso al Mare, the largest of the five villages. The old town is a charming maze of streets, while the new town, Fegina, boasts a long, welcoming beach – a rarity in this region. The yacht's water toys come into their own here, with plenty of space to enjoy the open bay before an afternoon exploring ashore.

    • Relax on the sands of Fegina Beach, the most extensive in the Cinque Terre.
    • Visit the Convent of the Capuchin Friars for its artworks and serene views.
    • See the 'Giant', a massive sculpture of Neptune carved into the cliff.
    • Launch the Seabobs and paddleboards for an afternoon of water sports.
    Anchorage
    Anchorage in the large, protected bay off Monterosso al Mare.
    Dining
    L'Ancora della Tortuga, a restaurant built into a cliffside fortification.
  5. DAY 05

    Isola di Capraia

    A day of blue-water cruising as you depart the Ligurian coast and head south towards the Tuscan Archipelago. The volcanic island of Capraia, a rugged and wild outpost, emerges on the horizon. Its stark beauty and status as a marine reserve offer a complete contrast to the bustling Cinque Terre, with quiet anchorages and pristine waters.

    • Enjoy breakfast on deck during the open-water passage, watching for dolphins.
    • Arrive at Cala Rossa, a dramatic cove defined by its red volcanic rock.
    • Snorkel or dive in the clear waters of the protected marine park.
    • Hike the island's trails, which criss-cross the former penal colony.
    Anchorage
    Anchorage in Cala del Ceppo or moor in the small port.
    Dining
    Il Carabottino, located in the port, for authentic island cuisine.
  6. DAY 06

    Marciana Marina, Elba

    A morning cruise brings you to the sophisticated shores of Elba. Your destination is Marciana Marina, a chic town nestled at the foot of Monte Capanne. The waterfront is lined with elegant boutiques and cafés, while the 12th-century Pisan watchtower stands guard over the harbour. The air is fragrant with the scent of Mediterranean maquis scrubland.

    • Stroll along the elegant 'lungomare' seafront promenade.
    • Take the cable car from Marciana up Monte Capanne for exceptional island views.
    • Explore the medieval hilltop village of Marciana Alta.
    • Anchor and swim at nearby Sant'Andrea beach, known for its smooth granite rocks.
    Anchorage
    Berth in the Circolo della Vela Marciana Marina or anchor off the town.
    Dining
    Ristorante La Scaletta for its refined seafood dishes and harbour views.
  7. DAY 07

    Golfo di Lacona, Elba

    Discover Elba's celebrated southern coast, renowned for its beautiful sandy bays. Drop anchor at Fetovaia, a jewel-like cove of golden sand and transparent water, protected by a green peninsula. In the afternoon, cruise to the wide, sweeping bay of Lacona, one of the island's largest beaches, backed by fragrant pine forests and dunes, for a final peaceful evening at anchor.

    • Swim and use the water toys in the crystalline waters of Fetovaia.
    • Tender ashore to Cavoli beach for its lively beach club atmosphere.
    • Explore the underwater world with a dive or snorkel session over posidonia meadows.
    • Enjoy a final sunset cocktail on deck in the calm of Lacona bay.
    Anchorage
    Anchorage in the sheltered Golfo di Lacona.
    Dining
    A farewell dinner on board, prepared by your private chef, featuring local Elban produce and wines.
  8. DAY 08

    Portoferraio, Elba

    A final, leisurely breakfast on deck as the yacht cruises into the grand, historic harbour of Portoferraio. The capital of Elba is a fortress town, its formidable Medici-era ramparts enclosing a vibrant old town. The distinctive pink-hued buildings of the waterfront provide a memorable backdrop as you prepare for disembarkation.

    • Take a final morning swim in the bay before entering the port.
    • Explore the historic centre of Portoferraio, enclosed by fortifications.
    • Visit Villa dei Mulini, Napoleon's official town residence during his exile.
    • Browse the waterfront market for Elban wine and local delicacies before departing.
    Anchorage
    Berth at the main marina in Portoferraio for disembarkation.
    Dining
    A last Italian coffee and pastry at a waterfront café in the old port.
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