Blue Ocean Club
9 days · 9 stops

Tuscan Archipelago Adventure

The Tyrrhenian Sea whispers tales of ancient mariners and exiled emperors as your yacht charts a course through the Tuscan Archipelago. Sunlight glints off the fortified walls of Portoferraio, your starting point for an odyssey of discovery. Feel the volcanic pulse of remote Capraia, wander the mediaeval lanes of Giglio Castello, and taste the salt-laced air of isles steeped in myth. This is a journey where history, nature, and Italian elegance converge on the water.

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  1. DAY 01

    Portoferraio, Elba

    You arrive in the historic heart of Elba, a harbour watched over by the imposing Medici fortresses. The pastel-coloured townhouses of Portoferraio cluster around the Darsena Medicea, where your yacht finds its berth. The air is thick with the scent of pine and sea as you step ashore to explore the island capital where Napoleon spent his first exile.

    • Explore Villa dei Mulini, Napoleon's official clifftop residence
    • Wander the steep, cobbled streets of the old town centre
    • Swim at the white-pebble Spiaggia delle Ghiaie
    • Enjoy an aperitivo with views of the bustling Darsena Medicea
    Anchorage
    Darsena Medicea, Portoferraio
    Dining
    Osteria Pepe Nero
  2. DAY 02

    Marciana Marina, Elba

    A gentle morning cruise leads you along Elba's northern coast to the elegant town of Marciana Marina. A Pisan watchtower guards the entrance to the harbour, which gives way to a sophisticated promenade lined with boutiques and gelaterias. The green slopes of Monte Capanne form a dramatic backdrop, inviting exploration by land or simply admiration from the sundeck.

    • Stroll the waterfront promenade, the 'Lungomare'
    • Take the cable car from Marciana Alta to the summit of Monte Capanne
    • Tender to the Sant'Andrea granite cliffs for snorkelling
    • Visit the Cotone, the ancient and picturesque fishing quarter
    Anchorage
    Porto di Marciana Marina
    Dining
    Ristorante Capo Nord
  3. DAY 03

    Golfo di Fetovaia, Elba

    The yacht glides towards Elba's 'Costa del Sole', or Sun Coast, dropping anchor in the turquoise waters of Fetovaia. This protected bay, framed by a promontory covered in maquis shrubland, boasts one of the island's most idyllic sandy beaches. The day is spent swimming in crystalline water and basking in the sheltered warmth of this southern cove.

    • Swim and sunbathe on the fine golden sands of Fetovaia beach
    • Use the yacht's water toys in the calm, protected bay
    • Snorkel around the rocky headlands flanking the beach
    • Explore the equally beautiful neighbouring bay of Cavoli
    Anchorage
    Anchor in Golfo di Fetovaia
    Dining
    Barbatoja for fresh seafood on the beach
  4. DAY 04

    Capraia Isola

    You leave Elba in your wake, cruising north across open water to the wild and remote island of Capraia. The island reveals itself as a rugged, volcanic cone, with just one small settlement nestled into its dramatic coastline. As you enter the harbour, the sense of isolation and raw nature is palpable, a stark and beautiful contrast to the Tuscan mainland.

    • Hike up to the Forte di San Giorgio for commanding views
    • Explore the quiet, car-free village and its simple church
    • Observe the unique geology and protected flora of the National Park
    • Kayak from the harbour to the nearby Cala dello Zurletto
    Anchorage
    Porto di Capraia
    Dining
    Il Carabottino
  5. DAY 05

    Cala Rossa, Capraia

    A short cruise from the port reveals Capraia's most spectacular geological feature: Cala Rossa. Here, a sheer cliff of deep red volcanic rock plunges into a cobalt-blue sea, marking the wall of the ancient crater. You anchor in this primeval setting for a day of swimming and snorkelling, feeling as if you have sailed back to the dawn of time.

    • Swim in the shadow of the incredible red rock formations
    • Snorkel to observe the rich marine life of the protected waters
    • Hike a section of the coastal path towards Punta Zenobito
    • Enjoy the solitude with no other sign of civilisation in sight
    Anchorage
    Anchor at Cala Rossa (weather permitting)
    Dining
    A private chef's barbecue served on the sundeck as the sun sets over the volcanic coast.
  6. DAY 06

    Giglio Porto

    Today's passage is a glorious southbound sail towards the island of Giglio. Your destination is the impossibly charming Giglio Porto, a crescent of brightly-painted houses curving around a small, active harbour. Fishing boats and ferries come and go, creating a lively, authentic maritime atmosphere as you secure a prime position for the night.

    • Explore the colourful harbour and its waterfront shops
    • Climb the Saracen Tower for views along the coast
    • Discover the Roman ruins of a moray eel farm near the port
    • Tender to the nearby Spiaggia delle Cannelle for an afternoon swim
    Anchorage
    Porto di Giglio
    Dining
    Ristorante Da Maria
  7. DAY 07

    Giglio Castello

    High above the port sits Giglio Castello, a perfectly preserved mediaeval village encircled by defensive walls. You spend the morning exploring its labyrinth of narrow alleys, stone archways, and flower-filled balconies. The views from the ramparts stretch across the island's terraced vineyards to the sea, offering a new perspective on your island sanctuary.

    • Wander the ancient, fortified walls of the 'Rocca Aldobrandesca'
    • Get lost in the maze of car-free stone alleyways
    • Visit the Church of San Pietro Apostolo
    • Taste the local Ansonaco wine at a small cantina
    Anchorage
    Anchor at Cala dell'Allume on the west coast for sunset
    Dining
    La Vecchia Pergola in Giglio Castello
  8. DAY 08

    Porto Ercole, Monte Argentario

    You cross to the mainland, arriving at the chic harbour of Porto Ercole on the Monte Argentario peninsula. This stylish fishing village, a favoured retreat for well-heeled Romans, is guarded by three imposing Spanish forts. The old town climbs the hill from the harbour, a charming tangle of lanes leading to the main piazza, where the painter Caravaggio is said to be buried.

    • Explore the 16th-century Spanish forts: Forte Filippo, Forte Stella, and La Rocca
    • Walk up to the historic 'borgo antico' (old town)
    • Browse the sophisticated boutiques along the waterfront
    • Enjoy a sunset cocktail at a bar overlooking the harbour
    Anchorage
    Porto di Porto Ercole
    Dining
    Il Pellicano or a more casual trattoria in the old town.
  9. DAY 09

    Marina di Scarlino

    Enjoy a final, leisurely breakfast on board during a gentle morning cruise north along the Tuscan coast. You pass the wild beaches of the Maremma Natural Park before turning towards your final destination. The modern, well-equipped Marina di Scarlino provides a smooth and seamless end to your island adventure as you prepare for disembarkation.

    • Enjoy a final swim at the beautiful Cala Violina (weather permitting)
    • Savour a farewell brunch prepared by your private chef
    • Take in the views of the mainland's rolling, pine-clad hills
    • Arrive at the marina for a smooth and efficient departure
    Anchorage
    Berth at Marina di Scarlino
    Dining
    A final glass of prosecco on board before heading ashore.
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