Naples to Monaco (via Italian Riviera)

Visit two of the most romantic places on earth with this ten-day itinerary.

 

Photo by Paul Postema on Unsplash

 

Boarding the yacht 

Begin your charter by boarding your yacht in Naples.  Naples is a convenient port for flights and easy boarding.  Most charterers don’t spend a great deal of time in Naples.  If they do, they fly in a day or two earlier and stay in a hotel.

 

Photo by Samuel C. on Unsplash

 

Naples to Isola di Ischia (17 nm – 2 hours)

One of the most popular sites in Ischia, the first stop on this itinerary,  is the Castello Aragones d’Ischia.   The macabre collection of torture instruments including “The Head Crusher”, the “Eye Spoons” and the “Testicle-Squashing Trestle”, give me chills just reading their names. me the chills. On a more pleasant note, Ischia is a beautiful and charming place to visit.  Click here for a detailed website of all the many places to go and things to do.

 

Photo by Ellena McGuinness on Unsplash

 

Ischia to Capri (18 nm – 2 hours)

Ahhh – Capri!!  An island in the Bay of Naples known for fabulous shopping for everything from limoncello to designer fashions and rugged landscapes like the view from the top of Via Krupp shown here. Plan ahead for a stop here as it gets very, very crowded during the summer months.  Have the captain arrange for you to be picked up in one of the colorful convertibles, maybe go for lunch at one of my favorite restaurants, Restaurant da Paolino where you dine in a garden of lemon trees while being served some of the best grilled fish anywhere!  And if you have your black card, perhaps at little shopping along the way in one of the fabulous shops like Bulgari!  Whatever you do, enjoy the beauty and the people watching offered in Capri.

Photo by Martyna Bober on Unsplash

Capri to Amalfi – 18nm 2 hours

Amalfi is one of the most picturesque towns in the world.  And while it is also one of the most romantic places on earth, I was there by myself for three days and loved every minute walking the beautiful streets, enjoying lunches, dinners and glasses of wine at the cafes and just soaking up the beauty of the area.  Click here for a photo tour of my days in Amalfi.  

Be sure to also go up to the top of the mountain to Ravello during your visit.  The views are spectacular.   I loved my visit to Wine and Drugs enjoying the tastings and the conversations.  But be sure to take the VIVINO App to make sure you aren’t overpaying for the wines they are trying to sell you.

 

Photo by Ferhat Deniz Fors on Unsplash

Amalfi to Ponza – 63nm 5 hours

Our next stop is the colourful island of Ponza, midway between Naples and Rome.  This is a place to immerse yourself in the Italian culture.  Ponza is not overrun with tourists and you will enjoy a small island, with small towns, beaches, fisherman and good food.  People watch, go for long walks, enjoy the locals.

 

Ponza to Porto Ercole – 120nm 10 hours

This is the longest cruising time of your charter.  The captain and crew will try to depart pre-dawn while you are still sleeping so that you can arrive in Porto Ercole before sunset.  Porto Ercole is a delightful seaside town  in L’Argentario, Tuscany, Italy featured in Travel and Leisure’s article “Secret Castal Getaways in Tuscany”  .   It has long been a vacation spot for wealthy Romans and among its fans is the American designer Tory Burch. (Click here to see her ‘guide to Porto Ercole’ illustrating some of the reasons why this is a great spot to visit along your journey up the coast.   Perhaps it will becaome a favortie destination of yours as well.

 

Photo by Gianni Meucci on Unsplash

Porto Ercole to Isola di Elba – 45nm 4 hours

Elba is known as the home of Napoleon Bonaparte during his exile in the early 1800ls.  In addition to its historical attractions, Elva is also known for its crystal clear blue water with gorgeous beachs and beautiful landscapes.  If you are a diver, then this may be the perfect place for a dive trip as Elba is surrounded by an amazing coral reef.

 

Elba to Forte dei Marmi – 70nm 6 hours

While thousands and thousands of people flock to Forte dei Marmi during the summer months to fight for the opportunity to pay 100 euros or more for a chair on the beach, you’ll be glad that you’re visiting on your private yacht.

Bypass the beaches alltogether, grab that black card and hit the streets as  this is the place to go shopping!!  Prada, Celine, Yves Saint Laurent and more.  Note, the shops usually close in the afternoons from around 12 – 4 so go early then head back to the yacht for a lovely lunch and afternoon swim.

 

Photo by Alejandro Molina Fernández on Unsplash

Forte dei Marmi to Porto Venere – 15nm 2 hours

Porto Venere is a town located on the Ligurian coast of Italy very near Cinque Terre.  This area is considered by many to be preferable to Cinque Terre as it is far less crowded.  There is an artilce by Full Suitcase that does an excellent job of describing a visit to the area.  Climb the hillsides.  Explore the alleyways.  

 

Porto Venere Cinque Terre to Portofino – 35nm 4 hours

As your cruise up the coast of Italy comes to an end, they have saved the best stops for last.  Portofino is your last stop in Italy, so soak in the Italian flavours and colors as you explore this famous Italian village.

 

Photo by Kit Suman on Unsplash

Portofino to Monaco

Alas, all good things must come to an end and this is the last destination on this fabulous itinerary.  This was an incredible journey up the eastern coast of Italy and now comes to an end in the spectacular municipality of Monaco.

Enjoy the shopping, the glamour, the casino.  

Until the next time.