Sample of itinerary Monaco – Olbia
Day 1
MONACO – PORTOFINO 90 nm
Embarkation at 10.00 in Monaco. Welcome drinks onboard the yacht and then cruise down to Portofino for the afternoon. Originally a small fishing village, Portofino has become a sunny and relaxing paradise on the Ligurian Riveria. Head for the exquisite swimming cove at Paraggi just around the corner.
Have dinner onboard, or dinner at the Hotel Splendido overlooking the harbour; this is also a fabulous place for cocktails. Weather permitting, overnight cruise to Corsica.
Day 2
PORTOFINO – ST FLORENT 98 nm
Arrive early morning in Saleccia, one of Corsica’s best beaches and spend the day enjoying the yacht, being pampered by the crew and taking in the beautiful surroundings. Cruise to the close by port of St. Florent, a small fishing village, for a stroll and dinner. St Florent is one of Corsica's smaller resorts, tucked away in the rugged north of the island surrounded by hills covered in maquis, thick sweet-smelling vegetation which blooms in spring. The village boasts a citadel on a headland, watching over its narrow streets and harbour. Remarkably it also has a cathedral on the edge of the cliff, built 150 years ago.
Day 3
ST FLORENT - CALVI 42 nm
Leave St. Florent for Calvi (42nm) via the Dйsert des Agriates - a mineral landscape sculptured by time. Choose one of the exceptional untamed anchorages - Pointe Alciolo, Anse Malfalco or Fiume Santu for lunch. Calvi is an enchanting town with a pretty harbour and an ancient citadel encompassed by a vast bay which is backed by sandy beaches, pine trees and mountains. The bustling marina is lined with restaurants and cafes; explore the narrow streets and the citadel. Dine at Chez Tao for contemporary cuisine and spectacular views of the bay. Just around the corner is the beautiful beach of Revellata, and 20 miles south is the Golfe de Girolata, part of the Scandola nature reserve. Girolata Peninsula is of the prettiest in the world according to UNESCO, and the beach restaurant serves delicious fresh lobster. Further south, Plage d’Arone, Capu Rosso (near Piana) is idyllic; sandy and backed by dramatic pink rocks. Spend the night at anchor in the bay of Girolata
Day 4
CALVI - AJACCIO 68 nm
Cruise on to the Sanguinaire Islands and spend some time at anchor. On to Ajaccio, most well known as Napoleon's birthplace and the island's capital. The city has been partly spoilt by modernisation however the older parts of town are still worth exploring. It is still possible to visit the house that Napoleon lived in as a child. The neighbourhood of the Western coast of the island, the rocks of Montenassari stand out together with those of Mitra, Notaro and the one called "la Canna", 71 metres high. These rocks create a solemn and austere beauty across the panorama. Coral fishing was once practised near the Canna, and today sponge fishing is still practiced
Day 5
AJACCIO - BONIFACIO 52 nm
Cruise down the coast heading south, stop for lunch in the Golfe de Valinco visit Propriano and cruise on down to Bonifacio. Built by the Genoese on the dramatic white cliffs at the southernmost tip of Corsica, Bonifacio is the island’s prettiest and most cosmopolitan town, with a citadel and
a scenic harbour facing the straits of Sardinia. La Caravelle in the harbour is a good seafood restaurant, and Le Voilier is highly rated, located on the harbour side facing the citadel; speciality Bouillabaisse. Nearby beaches include Rocapina to the west, superbly dominated by the so-called
Lion of Rocapina, a huge rock formation, with fine sand and crystalline water. To the east, just before Porto Vecchio lies the Arch of Rondinara, one of Corsica's most photographed beaches; an almost enclosed circle of gently sloping sand turquoise waters.
Day 6
BONIFACIO - PORTO CERVO 41 nm
Cross over to Sardinia. With an intriguing Italian subculture, and some of the world's most striking archeological sights, the beauty and intrigue of Sardinia is at your fingertips. Capital of the exclusive Costa Smerelda, Porto Cervo is located on Sardinia’s north eastern coast. Breathtaking views, crystal-clear water, golf, tennis, great food and night-life are the main attractions and the area is blessed with many beautiful sandy beaches. Head to Porto Cervo’s lively marina in the evening, and if you wish to dine ashore, Pitrizzia (10 minutes out of town) and Il Pescatore in the old harbour, are amongst the best and after dinner head to the famous nightclub Billionaire.
Day 7
BONIFACIO - OLBIA 29 nm
Spend the day anchored off the stunning bay of Cala di Volpe which is well protected from the Mistral wind and is surrounded by beautiful sandy beaches. Its crowning feature is the spectacular five star Hotel Cala di Volpe at the end of the bay said to be “the place to be” for lunch. This hotel is overlooked by the Pevero Golf Course and on the other side are the fabulous illas of La Celvia.