7 days Northern Corsica and Italian Riviera

Day 1: Fly into Calvi. This has been called the Corsican port most like the French Riviera. The center is sunny, with palm trees and quaint shops. On the south side there is a long crescent of sandy beach which offers water sports, swimming, and beautiful views back toward the town and Citadel. Head off immediately for St Florent. St Florent is a quaint seaside town set below a backdrop of tall black mountains. This quaint village has a good beach, plenty of local restaurants and a great marina filled with luxury yachts. Yacht Cruising 24NM – 2.5 hrs

Day 2: Head off on your charter yacht for an early sail to Elba. Portoferreira is lined with beautiful little seaside restaurants and lots of shopping a boutiques close by. Approximately 10km from the Italian mainland, Elba is one of the greenest and most beautiful islands in The Mediterranean. Wide sandy beaches and romantic bays offer excellent windsurfing, swimming and diving. Famous for being Napoleon’s place of exile in 1814, Elba has many monuments and museums dedicated to his memory. You may also want to try some Aleatico or Moscato, Elban wines which are two of Tuscany's best! Yacht Cruising 60NM – 6 hrs

Day 3: Spend the day at one of Elba’s pristine bays. Swim, sun, relax and eat. You may want to go for a windsurf with a local operator or take a tour of some of the vineyards.

Day 4: Cruise your yacht north to Catiglioncello. This seaside town stands on a small headland at the foot of the Livorno hills. Sheer red cliffs, sheltered bays, bathing beaches and coves washed by crystal clear water and a shady pinewood – Castiglioncello’s beauty has inspired artists, painters, writers and poets. Distance 35NM – 3.5 hrs

Day 5: Continue sailing to the charming Fort di Marmi which is located along the northern Tuscany coast between the Marinas of Ronci and Pietrasanta, in an area known as Versilia. Forte dei Marmi is known for its clean, sandy beaches. Santa Maria Beach was voted one of the world’s top ten beaches in 2006.
Distance 35NM – 3.5 hrs

Day 6: Continue yachting north to the village of Portovenere, just north of La Spezia. Portovenere is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You may also like to visit Palmaria one of the three islands located just off the coast of Portovenere. Palmaria is the largest island and has nice beaches. The highlight of the island is the Blue Grotto, accessible only from the sea. Porto venere itself is a very cute seaside town with cobbled streets, boutique shops and quaint restaurants. Distance 13NM – 1.5 hrs

Day 7: Continue sailing north to Santa Margarita or Rapallo. Anchor or berth in one of these marinas which aren’t nearly as hectic as the famous Portofino. You may however wish to hire scooters to ride over the hill to Portofino or take the walk along the Cliffside track that connects the Cinque Terra. This evening you may wish to head out to the famous Splendido Hotel Restaurant which offers magnificent views down the coast from their dining terrace. Yacht Cruising 30NM – 3 hrs

Day 8: Head off early for Lavagna and disembark the yacht at midday. Distance 6NM – 40 minutes.