Italy's Amalfi Coast
7 Days
It's a region of incomparable beauty, a postcard-worthy storybook of charming villages and picturesque towns that wind up craggy coastal mountain cliffs. From the historic city of Naples and the ancient Roman ruins of Pompeii to the stunning islands of Capri and Ischia, the Amalfi Coast offers everything from culture and the arts to exciting outdoor activities. With a Fleet Miami charter along this beautiful coastline, you'll be transported to a world where you can retrace history's famous footsteps, dine at the world's finest restaurants, hike to precipitous points and dance the night away to the Mediterranean's pulsing beat.
ARRIVE, EXPLORE, TRY A LIMONCELLO
Your charter begins in Naples, Italy, one of Europe's liveliest cities. The Land of Mermaids. The Land of Orange and Lemon Groves. The Land of Colors. Naples, the capital city of Campania is known by a plethora of alluring names. Famed for its sea cliffs, the town's steep slopes look out over azure waters to Ischia, Capri and the Bay of Naples. Arrive a day earlier to experience the sights, scents and sounds of this colorful city or venture to Pompeii to explore ancient Roman ruins. The birthplace of Limoncello liqueur, Naples also offers good diving, great sea fishing, boat cruises, hiking and appetizing restaurants.
Your crew will meet you to transport you to your waiting yacht where you will be greeted with a glass of champagne or a fresh pressed juice. After you settle in, join your guests on an exterior deck and enjoy delightful hors d'oeuvres from the chef as your yacht gets underway, bound for the spectacular cliffside town of Sorrento.
Spend the late afternoon exploring Sorrento's lively shopping district and unspoiled old quarter before returning to your yacht for a gourmet al fresco dinner and post-dinner limoncello digestivo.
BOUTIQUE FASHION, THE BLACK MADONNA, A LITTLE TUSCAN SUN
After a leisurely Mediterranean inspired breakfast, perch on a deck lounge chair or settle into a sumptuous settee with a view of the sights as you get underway for the short cruise from Sorrento to Positano.
Once a vital port of mighty sea power, Positano is today a sophisticated resort town and has provided the setting for several popular feature films such as Under the Tuscan Sun. Here, Moorish-style architecture rises up steep slopes that gaze out on the Sirenuse Islands. Chic boutiques, peddling fashions for visitors to display on Grand Beach, abound in the village. As the first town in Italy to import bikinis from France, Positano is also the birthplace of the 1960s Mod Positano fashion craze.
Head ashore to browse the boutiques and sip a soda on the beach before heading to the center of town to visit Santa Maria Assunta, the 12th century church that houses the Black Madonna, a 13th century Byzantine icon that depicts the Virgin Mary and her child.
Back onboard, relax with a glass of Italian wine as your chef prepares the night's gourmet dinner to be served under the stars.
GELATO, PATH OF GOD, GLORIOUS VISTAS
Meandering along the southern side of Italy's Sorrentine Peninsula, the Amalfi Coast dazzles with its mysterious grottos, craggy cliffs and shimmering bays.
Your crew can arrange for a vehicle tour of this stunning coastline today, or schedule a visit to the village of Amalfi, with its winding stairs and alleyways that inevitably lead to either a charming gelato shop or a scenic vista. Admire the view from the steps of the 13th century Cathedral of St. Andrea or visit the town's Museo della Carta (Museum of Paper), as Amalfi is one of the first places in Europe to produce paper.
Alternatively, your crew can arrange for a half day guided trekking tour on Mount Lattari, with its fabulous cliffside paths that date back to Roman times. The most famous of these is the Path of God, a 15/25km route that links Positano with Amalfi and offers incredible panoramas from 2000 feet above sea level.
In the afternoon, enjoy a visit to the town of Ravello, the "gem of the Amalfi Coast," perched like a natural balcony over the city of Amalfi. As the sun sets, enjoy the spectacular scenery and a glass of Amalfi's finest wine from the famed Villa Rufulo.
LEMON BLOSSOMS, THE BLUE GROTTO, MARINA PICCOLA BEACH
A light breakfast is served while underway this morning, as your yacht embarks on the short distance to the legendary isle of Capri, an immense cliff rising out of the azure sea. Tender ashore to explore the lemon blossom-scented streets lined with quaint jewelry shops, craftsmen studios and charming clothing boutiques. Your crew can arrange for a circumnavigation of Capri in a traditional caprese boat, where you'll get up close with hidden caves and stunning rock formations, including the striking Faraglioni Rocks.
Tender to Marina Piccola beach, set against the Faraglioni Rocks, which is said to be the spot where Odysseus nearly succumbed to the Sirens' song. Here you can sunbathe and snorkel in the beautiful bay of this alluring island.
While visiting Capri, a tender excursion to explore the Blue Grotto is an experience not to be missed. This famed sea cave extends some 150 feet into the cliff at the surface and is about 500 feet deep, with a sandy bottom. Swimmers can swim through the narrow opening and up into the blue cavern, which is lit by sunlight passing through an underwater cavity and shining up through the sea water.
Back onboard, enjoy cocktails around the spa pool as the sun sets. Dinner this evening will be enjoyed at the island's most fantastic restaurant offering stunning views, La Terrazzo di Lucullo.
HIKING, MUD SPAS, LOCAL VINEYARDS
A leisurely breakfast will be served while underway this morning to the volcanic island of Ischia, the largest of the three islands off the coast of Naples.
Known for its beaches and healing spas, Ischia is divided into two distinct areas: Ischia Porto is the commercial center and harbor district, offering lively taverns and restaurants, while Ischia Ponte is the historic quarter, with cobblestone streets and an ancient castle.
Spend today discovering this storied island and learning about its colorful past. Hike the mountainous terrain, stroll through the gardens of La Mortella and Villa Ravino, or visit the Aragonese Castle, all while enjoying the island's scenic views. For relaxation and rejuvenation, Ischia offers therapeutic volcanic mud spas and hot springs, including Giardini Poseidon Terme, a thermal park overlooking the Bay of Citara.
Back onboard, relax with a favorite book and a glass of Ischia white wine before dinner begins.
VOLCANIC RUINS, ROMAN BATHS, MYSTERIOUS FRESCOS
Journey this morning to Naples, as your crew will have arranged for a private tour of the historical city of Pompeii.
A devastating volcanic eruption of Mount Vesuvius in the year 79 AD preserved this ancient Roman city and is credited with providing modern day anthropologists with the most significant proof of Roman civilization. Your guide will take you on a fascinating journey back to the days of the Roman Empire with visits to the theater, Gladiator's Gym, fountains and forum. Explore peasant houses and majestic villas, see the Roman shops, baths and brothels, or apply your high school Latin to the graffiti that is still visible on some of the walls.
If time permits, visit Herculaneum, another ancient town preserved during the Mount Vesuvius eruption. The afternoon ends with a visit to the Villa of the Mysteries, an extremely well preserved villa whose frescos have provided debate fodder for scholars over the centuries.
STREET MARKET, NEAPOLITAN FLAVOR, MEMORIES OF A LIFETIME
Wake early to take in the coastal sights with your morning juice or coffee. Tender ashore to visit La Pignasecca, Naples' oldest street market, to enjoy the fresh seafood and produce, the sights and sounds, and to purchase last minute keepsakes before your trip home.
If time permits, spend the morning with more shopping at the Galleria Umberto I, or indulge in history and architecture with a visit to the church of San Francesco di Paola.
Enjoy a leisurely lunch onboard - perhaps prepared with ingredients procured at La Pignaesecca - as the crew present you with photos and memories from your trip. Bid a fond farewell to your crew and yacht before being transferred to the airport for your flight home.