Blue Ocean Club
7 days · 7 stops

Tuscan Archipelago Adventure

The Tyrrhenian Sea glitters, its surface a swathe of sapphire blue under the Tuscan sun. Your private yacht cuts a silent path from the historic harbours of Elba, where Napoleon once paced, to the wild, volcanic shores of Capraia. This is an island-hopping journey through time, a sensory exploration of granite cliffs, secluded coves, and mediaeval villages clinging to hillsides. The scent of wild rosemary and salt spray fills the air as you navigate from the rustic charm of Giglio to the chic anchorages of the Argentario coast, discovering the authentic soul of this celebrated archipelago.

Scroll to explore ↓

  1. DAY 01

    Portoferraio, Elba

    Arrive in the commanding presence of Portoferraio, Elba's capital, where formidable Medici-era fortresses guard the entrance to a deep, U-shaped harbour. The town's layered history is palpable in the pastel-hued buildings and cobbled lanes that climb the hillside. You step ashore into the same port where Napoleon Bonaparte began his exile, the air alive with the clinking of masts and the hum of Italian life.

    • Explore Napoleon’s official residence, the Villa dei Mulini, overlooking the sea.
    • Climb to Forte Stella for panoramic views across the town and bay.
    • Wander the narrow streets of the historic centre, discovering hidden squares.
    • Enjoy an evening aperitivo in the Darsena Medicea, watching the yachts.
    Anchorage
    Portoferraio Marina or Darsena Medicea
    Dining
    Osteria Libertaria
  2. DAY 02

    Marciana Marina & Fetovaia, Elba

    Cruise west along Elba’s dramatic coastline, a landscape of sheer granite cliffs plunging into startlingly clear water. Your destination is the Golfo di Fetovaia, a perfect arc of white sand sheltered by a green, macchia-covered promontory. Drop anchor for an afternoon of swimming and watersports before visiting the delightful fishing village of Marciana Marina, with its charming seafront promenade.

    • Swim and relax on the fine sands of Fetovaia or nearby Cavoli beach.
    • Take the cable car from Marciana Alta to the summit of Monte Capanne.
    • Explore the elegant, tamarisk-lined waterfront of Marciana Marina.
    • Use the yacht's water toys in the sheltered waters of the Gulf of Procchio.
    Anchorage
    Anchor in the Golfo di Fetovaia
    Dining
    Dinner at anchor prepared by your private chef, featuring fresh-caught pezzogna (red sea bream).
  3. DAY 03

    Isola di Capraia

    A stimulating morning sail north brings you to Capraia, the wildest and most remote island in the archipelago. Once a penal colony, this volcanic outcrop is now a protected national park, its rugged terrain criss-crossed with hiking trails. The island's only settlement is a tiny, colourful harbour nestled below the imposing Forte di San Giorgio, offering a genuine sense of escape.

    • Hike a section of the island's trails for superb views of the Corsican coast.
    • Snorkel or dive at Cala Rossa, a spectacular cove formed from a collapsed volcanic cone.
    • Explore the quiet lanes of the main village and the ruins of Forte di San Giorgio.
    • Observe the unique geology and endemic flora of this protected island.
    Anchorage
    Porto di Capraia
    Dining
    La Garitta
  4. DAY 04

    Porto Azzurro, Elba

    Return to Elba, tracing its eastern coast to the sophisticated town of Porto Azzurro. The handsome harbour sits in a deep, protected inlet, its vibrant piazza lined with excellent restaurants and boutiques. The town's Spanish heritage is evident in the formidable Forte San Giacomo, which still functions as a prison, looming over the lively marina below.

    • Stroll through the bustling Piazza Matteotti, the heart of the town.
    • Visit the Santuario della Madonna di Monserrato, a secluded 17th-century sanctuary.
    • Discover the small inland lake of Terranera, separated from the sea by a thin strip of black sand.
    • Enjoy a wine tasting at the historic Tenuta La Chiusa estate.
    Anchorage
    Marina di Porto Azzurro
    Dining
    Osteria La Botte Gaia
  5. DAY 05

    Isola del Giglio

    Weigh anchor for the cruise south to the beautiful granite island of Giglio. Arrive at Giglio Porto, a vibrant tumble of colourful houses framing a small, bustling harbour. Above, the perfectly preserved mediaeval borgo of Giglio Castello, encircled by defensive walls, surveys the island and the sea. The west coast offers the wide, sandy bay of Campese, ideal for a sunset anchorage.

    • Explore the ancient, car-free alleyways of Giglio Castello.
    • Swim and relax on Campese beach, with its iconic faraglione (sea stack).
    • Dive or snorkel around the Scole rocks, a rich marine habitat.
    • Savour an Ansonica wine aperitivo while watching the sunset over Campese Bay.
    Anchorage
    Anchor in Campese Bay
    Dining
    Ristorante Da Maria a Campese
  6. DAY 06

    Giannutri & Porto Ercole

    A short hop brings you to Giannutri, a protected, crescent-shaped sliver of an island, home to Roman ruins and a pristine marine park. After a morning of snorkelling, cruise to the glamorous Monte Argentario peninsula and the chic harbour of Porto Ercole. This historic fishing village, where the artist Caravaggio died, is now a stylish resort town watched over by powerful Spanish fortresses.

    • Snorkel in the crystal-clear, protected waters of Cala Spalmatoio, Giannutri.
    • View the ruins of the Roman Villa Domizia from the water at Cala Maestra.
    • Explore the fashionable boutiques and waterfront of Porto Ercole.
    • Visit Forte Filippo and Forte Stella for commanding views of the coastline.
    Anchorage
    Cala Galera Marina
    Dining
    Il Pellicano
  7. DAY 07

    Porto Santo Stefano

    Enjoy a final, leisurely breakfast at anchor in a quiet cove before a short cruise around the headland to Porto Santo Stefano. This bustling fishing port and main town of Monte Argentario is the perfect spot to disembark. Take a final stroll along the Lungomare dei Navigatori, absorbing the lively atmosphere of a working Italian harbour before your departure.

    • Take a final morning swim off the coast of Monte Argentario.
    • Stroll the Lungomare dei Navigatori, Porto Santo Stefano's main promenade.
    • Visit the 17th-century Fortezza Spagnola and its maritime exhibitions.
    • Purchase local olive oil and botargo as a memento of your cruise.
    Anchorage
    Porto Santo Stefano
    Dining
    A final cappuccino at a café on the Lungomare.
Internal link web

Build a week from this itinerary — every related page

The Blue Ocean Club archive — destinations, sample itineraries, seasonal guides, marquee events, marinas and editorial reading. Everything cross-references everything else, so you can plan a week from any starting point.

Popular destinations
Editorial reading