The Italian Riviera By Yacht
The close proximity to the Nice International Airport seems to make San Remo the logical pick-up and drop off port in Northern Italy. The drive from the airport is approximately 40 minutes taking in some spectacular scenery.
Only 65 miles East of San Remo and across the Gulf of Genoa, there is a beautiful peninsula protecting one of Italy's most beautiful ports, Portofino. With a romantic setting of visual charm boasting the outdoor cafe life, restaurants and excellent shopping for designer clothes and world class jewelry, Portofino is truly unique and a favorite charter destination.
Moving South East of Portofino, across the Golfo Marconi, a stretch of coastline begins which becomes progressively higher and more dramatic the closer you get to the Gulf of La Spezia. The shore is steep, allowing travelers by water to steam quite close to shore to enjoy this breathtaking scenery.
Once you travel past Punta Del Mesco you'll find a string of small coastal villages known as the Cinque Terre backed by steep vineyards that offer a crisp white wine bearing the same name. Anchoring at the Village of Vernazza we suggest a brief visit ashore.
Continuing on to Portovenere, you will be pleased to stay for the night. With little shopping and only a few casual restaurants it makes a perfect stopping point after the relaxing passage from Portofino. After a personalized dinner aboard a yacht, it is well worth a trip ashore for a stroll through the citadel, especially on a moonlit night.
Continuing your travel south, Viareggio is only about a 1 hour cruise by motor yacht. Once in town you can visit the Passagiata, a promenade where Viareggians come to see and be seen and show their fashion sense, from classic designer wear to the boldest fashion trend.
Viareggio's is so close to other interesting sites, after breakfast you can hike up to a mountain refuge for lunch, visit the leaning tower of Pisa, or make a trip to Florence and be back in time for the evening promenade. Traveling back to Nice from here you can easily stop at Villefranche or Monaco. After a week of memorable travel, your departure for home from Nice or Antibes is convenient to arrange.
The French Riviera By Yacht
DAY ONE - Monaco (Monte Carlo)
Monaco is second only to the Vatican as the smallest independent state in Europe. Set on the Mediterranean coast of France just a few miles from the Italian border, the country is a narrow ribbon of coastline backed by the Alpes-Maritimes foothills, creating a natural amphitheater overlooking the sea. Monaco-Ville is set on a rocky promontory dominating the coast. The Palace is the home of the Grimaldi family, the oldest ruling house in Europe. Monaco-Ville also boasts a fine Romanesque cathedral among its other attractions. Monaco's nightlife ranks among the best in the world and its restaurants are a gastronomic experience
Embark in Monaco (Monte Carlo). Rest and relax, then dine on board. Go ashore for some nightlife. When you return, the yacht can cruise to your next destination, the Italian town of Portofino, while you sleep.
DAY TWO - Portofino
In Roman times Portofino had a strategic position on the sea and was known as "Portus Delphini". This little bay was known throughout the Mediterranean world. At the end of the 10th century Portofino was discovered as a tourist spot by the English, who were charmed by this delightful little port buried in luxurious vegetation. Today it is linked to Santa Margherita by one of the most attractive winding roads along the sea. The fame of Portofino is worldwide and its calm green waters attract many yachts. People sit and chat at the little cafe tables set about in the small decorative square surrounded by typical frescoed houses. A visit to the Hotel Splendido is a must.
Spend the day in Portofino; leave there approximately midnight. Cruise to the exciting port of St. Tropez on the French Riviera.
DAY THREE - St. Tropez
International tourist Mecca, St. Tropez's mythical theme has played a large part in the renown of the whole Cote d'Azur. In St. Tropez everything is famous:
Beaches: Bouillabaisse Beach, Caneliers Beach, Salins Beach; there are at least 40 on the peninsula.
There is the Place des Lices where movie starts and local stars get together to play a game of boules or sip Pastis under the plane trees. St. Tropez became "St. Trop" when the show business people, artists and writers all fell under the spell of this charming little port in the 1950's. In the summer one could bump into Picasso, Francoise Sagan, Jacques Prevert and many others. With the arrival of Brigitte Bardot in the 60's the myth was installed for good. Since then St. Tropez has become the in vacation spot for chic Parisians and the international Jet Set. Visit Tahiti Beach and enjoy some of the best shopping on the Riviera. Go ashore and eat at La Voille Rouge (The Red Flag), an "outrageous" restaurant, or Chez La Thailandaise, an outstanding Thai restaurant. Afterwards, stop and check out Byblos, a high-society nightclub nearby! Stay in port for the night.
DAY FOUR - Cannes
Leave St. Tropez midday. Cruise to neighboring Cannes. 150 years ago Cannes was nothing more than an unimportant fishing village. Since then, it has become an elegant city known around the globe, home of the Cannes film festival and some of the finest stores in the world. Afterwards you can take a cruise to see the two adjacent islands, both of which are full of history, one being the home of the monastery where St. Patrick was educated. It is still possible to go to the early morning mass at the beautiful church here (we can fix anything). The other Island houses the prison where "The Man in the Iron Mask" was held prisoner. The graffiti here is in itself historical, and much of it is protected.
DAY FIVE - Jaun les Pins
Jaun les Pins is an energetic party town with bars, nightclubs and casinos. Jann les Pins is practically open all hours, and quite possibly one of the most international resorts in the world. Antibes is an interesting village and the largest yachts harbor in France. Here you will find some of the largest private yachts you will ever see. While in Antibes, visit one of the best Picasso museums in the world located were he lived. If you wish, take in some nightlife as the streets are often filled with activity. When you return, have the chef prepare evening desserts or simply unwind on the aft deck. Stay in port for the evening.
DAY SIX
Cruise to explore the interesting features of Villefranche, then journey on to Cap Ferrat and spend a fun-filled afternoon.
DAY SEVEN
Cruise to Menton to explore or travel back to Monaco for some incredible nightlife. Visit the famous Old Casino or go dancing at Jimmy Z's disco.
DAY EIGHT
After an incredible week of exploring the best ports in France, depart for home.
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