Amalfi Coast and Pontine | 15-day itinerary

1. Naples

Embarking here in Naples (Napoli) you will experience this beautiful city, surrounded by breathtaking scenery and with the impressive Mount Vesuvius adorning the skyline . Not only will you be able to enjoy the rich artistic and architectural heritage, including Pompeii and its artifacts housed at the National Museum of Archaeology, but also the energy of this hyper-active city. With its colourful markets, winding streets, tasty Neapolitan food (pizza was invented here!) and vibrant nightlife, this is a splendid place to start your luxury yacht charter holiday.

2. Sorrento

Heading along the Amalfi coast we can see the watchtowers that defended Sorrento against impending Saracen raids. You can relax though, as your luxury yacht keeps you safe from the many that visit this area in the months of July and August. Built on the cliff above the port, Sorrento is famous for its panoramic views and the café strewn Piazza Tasso. The town with its many terraces, is situated on average over 47 metres above sea level and the view of Sorrento from your luxury yacht is unforgettable. The historic centre is a maze of narrow streets and here you can find the tranquil 14th century church of San Francesco with its pretty cloisters. Enjoy the relaxing way of life, the freshly caught sea food or sumptuous Mediterranean dishes in a local restaurant. It is a different world to that of bustling Naples.

3. Positano

Positano boasts a mild climate and beautiful landscape. We can anchor in the bay with a backdrop of colourful houses and grand hotels, sunbathing or swimming in private and luxurious surrounds. Taking a trip on shore you find the narrow, steep streets filled with shops and cafes, and stroll down the many staircases that lead from the top of the village to the picturesque pebble beaches. Spiaggia Grande and Fornillo, are both within walking distance, or you can use the yacht’s tender and visit them by sea.
If feeling more energetic you can visit the caves of La Porta or you may walk along the Sentiero degli Dei stretching from Positano to the seaside villages of the Costiera Amalfitana. Then in the evening relax as your on-board chef surprises you with dishes created from selected ingredients from the local farmers’ market.

4. Amalfi

The only way to truly appreciate the Amalfi coast is to approach from the sea and your luxury yacht charter is the ideal way to achieve this. The city of Amalfi is known all over the world for its quaint, artistic and natural beauty in particular its crystal clear water. Overlooking the sea are the characteristic houses clinging to the rocks and narrow streets running between the arches and ancient towers. We can take some time to climb the steps to the ancient iron doors of the cathedral Duomo di Amalfi, which protect the stunning religious murals and relics from the Holy Crusades, including the body of Saint Andrew in the crypt.
Highly recommended is a walk through the alleys in the old town and as you climb the stairs leading to the upper districts, you will be overcome by the memorable fragrances and astonishing views. Once you have toured the ancient streets, head up into the mountains to Marisa Cuomo in the village of Furore for a wine tasting session before returning to your luxury yacht to relax.

5. Ravello

Perched at 350 metres above sea level and suspended on a rocky hill overlooking the sparkling waters of the Amalfi Coast, Ravello looks like a small treasure chest. With its preserved national monuments, natural surroundings and spectacular views, there is plenty to inspire music lovers, poets and writers. Time it well and you can enjoy the prestigious annual Ravello Festival which honours its musical heritage. It has hosted such distinguished guests from Arturo Toscanini to Humphrey Bogart, from Jacqueline Onassis to Gina Lollobrigida. Elegant Ravello is deserving of its name – the most precious jewel on the Amalfi Coast.

6. Capri

Next day cruise to the scenic island of Capri in the Gulf of Naples, while you lie back on your sun loungers or dine alfresco on the sundeck. Whether you are looking for sophisticated restaurants, romantic pathways, stunning grottoes, local artisan products or haute couture, mooring your luxury superyacht off the coast of Capri means you can have it all.
Most important is to visit the famous natural dark and rocky cavern Grotta Azzurra, where the sun reflects from the sea bed, making the water a magical neon blue, or you can find a grotto more private if you choose to moor further along the coast. Then, to enjoy a beautiful view we can head to the top of Mount Solaro to gaze down on the limestone cliffs and colourful houses scattered across the landscape below. The famous Kia Krupp road with its hairpin bends is also to be experienced, or you can just view them from the wonderful Gardens of Augustus.
The clarity of the water makes Capri an excellent place to snorkel, dive, play with your water toys, or you can simply swim along the beaches from the privacy of your own superyacht.
We can make some time to visit Anacapri on the other side of the island, which has its own secret personality: with its distinctive Majolica tiles covering the main square and the San Michelle Church’s unique floor mosaic of Paradise on Earth.

7. Ischia

Watch the spectacular sunrise over the Faraglioni rocks of Capri before heading for our final destination – the enchanting volcanic island of Ischia in the Gulf of Naples. Ischia is known for its mineral-rich thermal waters, art and culture. The thermal springs gush at the Maronti beach to the south of the island and to the East, you can find Roman remains on the seabed off Cartaromana beach. Here you can relax or dive and snorkel, as we anchor the superyacht close by.
There’s still time to explore, so take a walk across the stone bridge to reach the mediaeval Castello Aragonese or visit the museums or beautiful gardens on the island. There is something for everyone on Ischia, from tranquil corners with magnificent views to more vibrant areas of shops, restaurants, bars and clubs. Your last stop on this island is bound to be one of the most memorable.

8. Pontine Islands

The Pontine islands are much appreciated for their beautiful surroundings and are perfect for a diving or snorkelling holiday with their abundant aquatic life. They are undoubtedly best enjoyed by boat. First we sail to Ponza, the largest and most chic of the islands, which is famous for its beautiful pirate grottoes, Grotte di Pilato being the most famous. Enjoy the fabulous bays and powder white beaches or simply relax on your superyacht and enjoy the vistas in private. A short trip into the old Roman town in the evening allows you to enjoy a rooftop aperitif under the magical backdrop of colourful dwellings and rustic bars, and you may wish to stay for a romantic dinner in one of the local restaurants.

9. Ponza

Take your time on Ponza which, along with Gavi, are the remains of a caldera rim of an extinct volcano. You have time to visit the island’s botanical gardens or you can explore the many white sand beaches under the granite cliffs of this captivating coastline. Bays like Chiaia di Luna and Cala Feola provide the opportunity to enjoy the shimmering surrounds and unspoilt marine life of the area.

10. Palmarola

Charming Palmarola to the West of Ponza is completely uninhabited in the winter months, and being the furthest West, is one of the quietest in Summer. This paradise is a nature reserve offering a single place to disembark, in its tiny natural harbour. It is the most wonderful place to snorkel and bath, or you can explore and find the grottoes which have been chiselled from the rugged cliffs over centuries. The most famous sight not to be missed is La Cattedrale, which has been eroded by the sea and resembles a cathedral. If you like freshly caught fish – then take lunch at the local fish restaurant on the main beach.

11. Zannone

With no tourist facilities on this island which is just 1 Kilometre square, Zannone is the most natural of the islands, yet was once a most decadent destination for the rich and famous. At its summit lies a substantial villa with a mysterious story of its own. Handed down through the generations of nobility, it became famous in the 60’s for the debauched and masked parties held by the Marquis. It was returned to the state following the untimely murder-suicide of the Marquis, his wife and her lover! It is now part of the Circeo National Park.

12. Ventotene

Heading South East we reach the car-free Ventotene, a charming island just 3 Kilometres long. Most of the coast is rugged but there two lovely beaches to be enjoyed near the villages. Or you can take some time to admire the ruins of the Roman palace: Villa Giulia which was built for the exiled daughter of the Emperor. Here too you can enjoy scuba diving and snorkelling heaven, owing to the island’s clear, warm waters and variety of marine life. Local dive centres will take you to caves filled with prawns and friendly fish, or the World War II wreck of the Santa Lucia. Another interesting attraction is the Peschiera Romana – a Roman fish farm, uniquely illustrating their sophisticated fish farming capability. Although it can be reached by boat, only divers can see the best of the ruins that are now submerged, owing to the rise in sea level. Finally if you are a bird lover, then enjoy this supreme birdwatching location. as the island is an essential stopover for large numbers of migratory birds. Studied for many years at the Observatory on the island, this resulted in the creation of the Bird Migration Museum in 2006.

13. Santo Stefano

Just a mile away from Ventotene lies the jet black island of Santo Stefano, the smallest of the Pontine Islands, which like the others was formed by volcanic activity. Until 1965 its fortress was used to house thousands of criminals including mafiosi and anarchists, many of whom were tortured. The principle of the panopticon’s circular design was that the inmates could be observed by one watchman without knowing whether they were being watched. This supposedly motivated them to behave properly at all times. Although you are not guaranteed to go ashore here, it is the perfect destination to anchor, relax and enjoy a final day of snorkelling or diving in the pristine water, without being watched!

14. Procida

Your final stopover is Procida – a fascinating island just beyond Ischia and 4 Kilometres square. The cobbled streets in the old town are very narrow and the one-way traffic system is hair-raising, so the only practical way to get around Procida, is by taxi. If you wish to stroll through the streets of the old town, then walk along the quayside until you see the main street which lies behind the small church. It’s a long climb to the fortifications overlooking the picturesque town – but worth it for the view. The highlight of the island is the small fishing village of Corricella, with its terraces of brightly coloured houses and domed rooves. This can only be reached on foot down dozens of steep steps and is famous from the film “Il Postino”. Of course you can enjoy some authentic pizza at one of the many trattorias.

15. Naples

Enjoy a light breakfast and cruise back to Naples to disembark.