PORTOFINO TO SALERNO, VIA SARDINIA - 14 DAYS

Enjoy all the highlights of the Italian Riviera, cruising from Portofino to Salerno

From the charming fishing village of Portofino to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Cinque Terre and the super-stylish Porto Cervo, this 14 day Italian charter includes some of the most famous spots along the Italian coast.

PORTOFINO

Day 1

Embark in Portofino, a charming old fishing village on the Italian Riviera coastline, southeast of Genoa city.

Typical pastel-coloured houses, high-end boutiques, seafood restaurants and bars fringe its Piazzetta, a small cobbled square overlooking the harbour.

A path leads from the Piazzetta up to Castello Brown, a 16th-century fortress and museum with art exhibitions and panoramic views of the town and the Ligurian Sea - it’s well worth the climb!

Portofino is full of charm and character and is a beautiful port of call along this exquisite stretch of coastline and has been a favourite over the years with celebrities.

PORTOFINO

Day 2

Cruise with the tender to San Fruttuoso, which is tucked away in a tiny, pristine bay between Camogli and Portofino, and surrounded by lush vegetation. To add to its exclusiveness, you can only reach San Fruttuoso by sea or on foot, hiking the near nature trails of the National park of Portofino. The clear and pristine sea waters are ideal for swimming.

This lagoon also hides a treasure; the famous Christ of the Abyss - one of the most famous scuba diving destinations. It is a huge bronze statue sitting on the seabed, 15m deep.

You can see it from the surface, but the best view is when you dive.

CINQUE TERRE

Day 3 and 4

Close to Portofino, the Cinque Terre are one of the most carefully preserved areas in the Mediterranean sea, and have benefited from Unesco World Heritage Site status since 1997.

Riomaggiore, Corniglia, Manarola, Vernazza and Monterosso are the five villages that form the Cinque Terre, suspended between sea and land on sheer cliffs upon the beautiful sea.

Five miles of rocky coast among two promontories, thousands of kilometres of dry laid stone walls, five small towns castled up on stone spurs in minuscule creeks.

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

Day 5

Porto Venere is a town that dates back to at least the middle of the first century. The ancient town is something of a hidden treasure; largely unknown by tourists and even many residents of Italy are yet to discover its charm.

Rocky horizons, lush forests and vegetation surround the town. It is often compared with the town of Portofino, perhaps due to the very colourful and narrow “strip” buildings.

One can walk along the cobblestone roads, which were built hundreds of years ago, and explore the ruins of Doria Castle left from the Doria Family dynasty. The panoramic view from atop Doria Castle is well worth the walk.
Another notable site is the Gothic Church of St Peter, prominent due to its black and white stone work.

Depart late afternoon for Porto Ercole.

PORTO ERCOLE

Day 6

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. They were built to mirror the Etruscan habitation itself. Guided trips to the Tombs can be arranged.

Night crossing to Porto Cervo.

PORTO CERVO

Day 7 and 8

Porto Cervo, the most important and famous village in Costa Smeralda, is a modern purpose-built resort which was established in 1962. The village is a contrived but nonetheless stylish collection of traditional style Mediterranean low-rise buildings in peach, cream and white stucco with terracotta tiled roofs.

There’s an attractive pedestrianised centre, known as the Piazzetta, which features the stores of several international luxury brands.
Across the harbour, the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda is a notable point of interest for keen sailors and if you’re chartering in the height of summer, you’re bound to see some yacht racing in the archipelago.

PORTOFINO TO SALERNO, VIA SARDINIA - 14 DAYS - PORTO CERVO - Luxury Charter Itinerary | C&N

PORTO ROTONDO

Day 9

Porto Rotondo owes its name to a natural inlet that has formed a perfect circle. These tranquil waters are ideal for a long, lazy lunch onboard whilst you enjoy the view.

Cruise towards the stunning islands of Molara and Tavolara, known for their crystalline waters.

Night crossing to Ponza.

PONZA

Day 10

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.

Chiaia di Luna, at the foot of towering cliffs to the south west of the island, is Ponza’s most famous beach. If you’re heading ashore at Ponza, you’ll find plenty of local seafood restaurants.

ISCHIA

Day 11

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.

The island is surrounded by many charming and peaceful beaches, such as the 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.

NAPLES

Day 12

Naples is a lively and vibrant city, full of wonderful historical and artistic treasures and narrow, winding streets with small shops. The historic centre of Naples has earned the UNESCO World Heritage Site denomination and is one of the biggest historical city centres in the world.

The city offers many museums - the Museum of Prehistory, National Archaeological Museum, the Naval Museum, and also striking castles - Castel dell’Ovo, Castel Nuovo, and Castel Capuano.

A guided tour can be organised to discover the archeological wonders of Pompeii and Herculaneum and the imposing splendor of Mount Vesuvius.

SORRENTO

Day 13

Perched on an imposing cliff overlooking the sea, Sorrento retains medieval and classical memories, which are flanked by the architecture of the Renaissance and Baroque periods.

Visit the cliffside village of Positano with a pebble beachfront and steep, narrow streets lined with boutiques and cafes. Its Chiesa di Santa Maria Assunta features a majolica-tiled dome and a 13th-century Byzantine icon of the Virgin Mary.

Enjoy a walk through the streets of Amalfi, known for its outstanding medieval architecture, including the 11th century Cathedral of Sant’ Andrea, notable, too, for the four large ceiling paintings and the statue of St. Andrew, which was sculpted by Michelangelo.

CAPRI

Day 14

Capri is considered the most famous island in Italy - home to the “Blue Grotto” – an amazing marine cavern under two metres of water with niches, platforms and apses carved out of the rocks. Excursions to explore the Grotto can be arranged.

There are many other fantastic natural sculptures around the island caused by erosion over the years.

A funicular runs regularly up to Capri town and excursions can be arranged up to Anacapri – well known for the beautiful gardens, terraces and pergolas – an ideal spot to admire the breathtaking views and watch the sunset.

On the south eastern corner of the island is Isola Faraglioni – a small island consisting of pillars of rock emerging from the sea which feature in most photos of Capri.

SALERNO

Day 15

Disembarkation in Salerno, which is home to a beautiful seaside promenade called the Lungomare Trieste, and a charming old town with historic buildings and museums.

PORTOFINO TO SALERNO, VIA SARDINIA - 14 DAYS

Enjoy all the highlights of the Italian Riviera, cruising from Portofino to Salerno

Hope Spots in proximity to this Yacht Charter Itinerary