Portofino to Salerno, 14 days

Cruise by tender to San Fruttuoso, which is tucked away in a tiny, pristine bay between Camogli and Portofino and is surrounded by lush vegetation. Supremely exclusive, San Fruttuoso can only be reached by sea or on foot, hiking along the nature trails of the National Park. The clear and pristine sea waters here are ideal for swimming.
This lagoon also hides a treasure, the famous Christ of the Abyss: one of the most famous destinations for scuba divers in Italy. It is a huge bronze statue that rests on the seabed, 15 metres deep. You can see it from the water’s surface, but the best view is when you dive beneath the waves!

Close to Portofino, the Cinque Terre is one of the most preserved areas in the Mediterranean sea.  The five villages of Riomaggiore, Corniglia, Manarola, Vernazza and Monterosso have been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997. 
Suspended between the sea and sheer cliffs, the area runs for five miles of rocky coast between two promontories.  In each of the five towns, colourful houses and vineyards cling to steep terraces, harbors are filled with little fishing boats and trattorias offer up traditional seafood specialties along with the Liguria region’s famous sauce, pesto.
Walking along the coastal footpaths offers striking views of lush Mediterranean vineyards and wild flowers abloom, while further inland you will walk through tantalizing pine and chestnut forests.

Porto Venere is a town that dates back to at least the middle of the first century.  The ancient town is a hidden treasure for tourists and even residents of Italy to discover. 
Rocky horizons, lush forests and vegetation surround the town which is often compared with the town of Portofino - perhaps due to the very colourful and narrow buildings.  One can walk along the cobblestone roads, which were built hundreds of years ago, and explore the ruins of Doria Castle which remain from the Doria Family dynasty. The panoramic view from atop Doria Castle is well worth the walk and the Gothic Church of St Peter is also prominent due to its black and white stone work. 
Depart late afternoon for Porto Ercole.

Awake at Porto Ercole.

The Necropolises of Cerveteri and Tarquinia were listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2004.  They constitute a unique and exceptional testimony to the ancient Etruscan Civilization, the only urban civilization of the pre-roman age. The frescoes inside the tombs – true-to-life reproductions of Etruscan homes – are faithful depictions of this disappeared culture’s daily life. These tumuli, or burial mounds, reproduce the homes in their various types of constructions and were built to mirror the Etruscan habitation itself.  Guided trips to the Tombs can be arranged.

Ponza is a truly delightful island, shaped like a crescent moon. 

Its glistening blue coastline is varied and dramatic with several rocky coves and sandy beaches as well as numerous grottos, caves and craggy cliffs.

The tiny island of Ventotene gets its name from the prevailing winds that blow over the island. 

A little more than two kilometers of volcanic earth, the island is a marine protected area and is a paradise for divers and sailors - not only offering wonderfully clear sea and pure nature, but also plenty of ancient history. 

Legends tell that this was the island of Ulysses’ sirens and here lived in exile Giulia, the daughter of the Roman Emperor Augustus.

The volcanic outcrop of Ischia is the most developed and largest of the islands in the bay of Naples. 

It is an intriguing concoction of sprawling spa towns, buried necropolises and spectacular scenery, with forests, vineyards, picturesque small fishing towns and secluded bays to enjoy.  Visit the boutiques and restaurants around the small fishing village of Sant’ Angelo. If you prefer to make straight for the beach, then head to Chiaia beach in Forio, which is perfect for children, or the ‘Spiaggia degli Inglesi’ which will put some distance between you and the crowds of the town.

Perched on an imposing cliff overlooking the sea, Sorrento retains medieval and classical influences, which are flanked by the architecture of the Renaissance and Baroque periods. A guided tour can be organised to discover the archaeological wonders of Pompeii and Herculaneum and the imposing splendour of Mount Vesuvius.