7 Nights: Portofino-Porto Cervo - Sample Itinerary
Day 1: PortofinoArrive in Portofino in air conditioned luxury transport from Milan. Travel time less than 2.5 hours.
This magical port with its trompe l’oeil painted walls and steep surrounding hills of secluded exclusive homes is one of the most beautiful and trendy ports in the world - in spite of, or because of, its small size. A walk to the lighthouse or a hike to the church at San Fruttuosso Bay is highly recommended. Dining at II Pitosforo, Delphino, Puny or La Taverna del Marinaio is legendary.
Day 2: Portofino to Vernazza
Depart for the Cinque Terre coast. There are a number of villages that are worth visiting - Levanto, Monterosso al Mare and Vernazza being the most accessible by tender. Since entering these small ports is not possible, anchor off one of these quaint villages for the day. If anchoring is not possible, continue to Portovenere.
Vernazza To Portovenere
Dock comfortably for the night in Portovenere on the southern tip of the peninsula that forms the five mile deep Gulf of La Spezia. This small town was the haunt of the poet Byron and is second only to Portofino in beauty. A walk through the picturesque streets and up to the church is a must.
Day 3: Portovenere to Viareggio (optional stop for inland tours).jpg)
This port is home to the famous superyacht yards of Benetti, Codecasa, and Perini Navi. The attraction of Viarggeio is not the marina, but the excellent shopping and access to Pisa, Lucca and a little further away, Florence (less than one hour by car). A tour to any or all of these famous towns is highly recommended.
Day 4: Viareggio to Portoferraio, Elba
This famous island was home to the exiled Napoleon and is steeped in history. Watching the sunset from the ramparts of the 16th century citadel above the village is not to be missed. A helicopter tour of the island is available. The town is well worth a visit. A road tour can be arranged.
Day 5: Elba- Portoferraio to Porto Azzuro
Another day in Elba to avoid long journeys on consecutive days. Portoferraio lies below a Spanish citadel built in the 16th century. This building later housed many hardened criminals, both political and Mafioso. Today this port is an attractive travel destination. Good beaches surround the bay. It is possible to leave the anchorage at any time during the night to get underway in good time to get to Sardinia.
Day 6: Elba to Sardinia - Cala di Volpe / Porto Rotondo
Travel south to the anchorage of Cala di Volpe or Porto Rotondo. Cala di Volpe is a very popular superyacht anchorage and provides access to a number of good beaches. Porto Rotondo is near enough to reach by large tender and is an excellent shopping location and place for an evening stroll.
Day 7: Sardinia - Cala di Volpe to Porto Cervo
Spend another relaxing day at this anchorage, then cruise on to famous Porto Cervo. For a few short months of the year this attractive port becomes the place to be seen. Go stern-to and alongside some of the largest and most expensive superyachts in the world. The nearby restaurant is wonderful. A stroll around the excellent boutiques followed by a drink in the square is all part of the Porto Cervo experience.
Day 8: Sardinia-Porto Cervo
After a leisurely breakfast and packing, disembark from Porto Cervo and go by minibus / car to Olbia airport.
NOTE: This itinerary can be expanded to 10-12 nights with a visit to Bonifacio, Corsica and a stop at the lovely Magdellana Islands in the straits between Corsica and Sardinia.
For 14-21 night itinerary, cruise from Porto Cervo to the Bay of Naples with visits to Positano and the fabulous Amalfi Coast.
