Genoa to Calvi: A Ligurian Sea Crossing
The salty air of Genoa’s ancient harbour fills your senses as you step aboard. This is a voyage of contrasts, tracing the Italian Riviera’s chromatic coastline from the pastel hues of Portofino to the terraced vineyards of the Cinque Terre. From the poetic shores of Portovenere, the yacht points her bow south, making the classic bluewater crossing. The scent of wild maquis signals your arrival in Corsica, a rugged island of granite peaks and Genoese citadels, culminating in the magnificent fortress of Calvi, standing sentinel over its turquoise bay.
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- DAY 01
Genoa: The Proud Maritime Republic
Embark at Marina Genova, a modern haven set against the backdrop of Italy's largest and most storied seaport. Settle into your stateroom as the crew prepares for departure. Before you cruise, take the tender into the Porto Antico to explore the labyrinthine 'caruggi' alleyways of the medieval old town, a UNESCO World Heritage site brimming with the grandeur of its maritime past.
- Explore the opulent Rolli Palaces on Via Garibaldi
- Visit the Galata Museo del Mare to understand Genoa's maritime legacy
- Wander through the colourful, historic fishing village of Boccadasse
- Enjoy a sunset aperitivo at the Porto Antico overlooking the marina
- Anchorage
- Marina Genova
- Dining
- Welcome dinner aboard, or venture ashore to Il Marin for creative Ligurian seafood.
- DAY 02
Portofino: The Jewel of the Riviera
A short morning cruise reveals one of the world's most famous harbours. The yacht anchors in the bay, presenting a perfect view of Portofino's amphitheatre of colourful houses. Life here revolves around the chic Piazzetta, where you can sip an espresso and watch the world go by before hiking into the verdant national park that surrounds this exclusive enclave.
- Take the tender ashore to the iconic Piazzetta for people-watching
- Hike up to Castello Brown for panoramic views of the harbour
- Visit the secluded Abbazia di San Fruttuoso, accessible only by foot or by sea
- Browse the designer boutiques lining the waterfront
- Anchorage
- Baia di Portofino (Bay of Portofino)
- Dining
- Secure a coveted table at Ristorante Puny, a legendary institution on the harbour.
- DAY 03
Cinque Terre: The Five Lands
Awake to the dramatic coastal scenery of the Cinque Terre. Your yacht provides the ultimate platform to appreciate these five villages, which cling precariously to the cliffs. Anchor off Monterosso al Mare, the largest of the five, and use the tender to hop between the impossibly picturesque harbours of Vernazza and Manarola, avoiding the crowds on the trains and trails.
- Hike a section of the Sentiero Azzurro for spectacular coastal views
- Use the tender to explore the tiny, vibrant harbour of Vernazza
- Swim and relax on the long sandy stretch of Fegina Beach in Monterosso
- Taste the local sweet Sciacchetrà wine at a cliffside Enoteca
- Anchorage
- Rada di Monterosso (Anchorage off Monterosso)
- Dining
- Ristorante Miky in Monterosso for refined local seafood and handmade pasta.
- DAY 04
Portovenere: The Gulf of Poets
Cruise into the Gulf of La Spezia, named for the poets Byron and Shelley who found inspiration here. Portovenere is a stunning fortified village marking the gulf's southern tip. Explore the narrow, tall houses and climb to the Gothic church of San Pietro, perched on a rocky outcrop, offering immense views of the rugged coastline you have just travelled.
- Walk to the Chiesa di San Pietro, dramatically set on the promontory
- Explore the imposing Castello Doria overlooking the town and sea
- Take the tender to swim in the sea cave known as Byron's Grotto
- Circumnavigate the nearby islands of Palmaria, Tino, and Tinetto
- Anchorage
- Anchor between Portovenere and Isola Palmaria
- Dining
- A special meal at Locanda Lorena, reached by tender on the island of Palmaria.
- DAY 05
The Crossing & Giraglia Island, Corsica
Today is a day of pure sailing. After an early departure, you make the 80-nautical-mile crossing of the Ligurian Sea. Watch for dolphins and whales as the Italian coast recedes and the mountainous silhouette of Corsica grows on the horizon. Your destination is the wild islet of Giraglia, a nature reserve off Cap Corse, where you anchor in pristine waters for a peaceful night under the stars.
- Experience the thrill of a true open-water passage
- Scan the horizon for sightings of fin whales and striped dolphins
- Admire the historic Genoese lighthouse on Giraglia Island
- Enjoy a refreshing swim in the translucent waters upon arrival
- Anchorage
- Cala Giraglia or a nearby sheltered cove on Cap Corse
- Dining
- A celebratory alfresco dinner prepared by your chef on the aft deck.
- DAY 06
Saint-Florent: Corsican Chic
A gentle morning cruise along the coast of Cap Corse brings you to Saint-Florent. This sophisticated harbour town, with its 15th-century citadel and lively waterfront, is the gateway to the Désert des Agriates. This protected expanse of scrub and sand is home to some of Corsica's most beautiful and remote beaches, accessible only by boat.
- Explore the Genoese citadel and the narrow streets of the old town
- Take the tender to the pristine white sands of Plage de Saleccia
- Venture inland to the nearby Patrimonio wine region for a tasting
- Stroll the bustling marina and enjoy a pastis at a quayside café
- Anchorage
- Port de Saint-Florent
- Dining
- La Gaffe for its lively atmosphere and excellent seafood right on the quay.
- DAY 07
Calvi: The Citadel Bay
Your final cruise is a scenic passage along the north Corsican coast to Calvi. The approach is magnificent, with the immense Genoese citadel appearing to rise from the sea, guarding a vast, crescent-shaped bay. Spend the day exploring the fortress, relaxing on the beach, and soaking in the unique atmosphere of this historic town before your farewell dinner and disembarkation the following morning.
- Walk the ancient ramparts of the Calvi Citadel for commanding views
- Relax on the pine-backed sands of Plage de Calvi
- Stroll the palm-lined Quai Landry, browsing shops and galleries
- Discover the reputed birthplace of Christopher Columbus within the citadel
- Anchorage
- Port de Calvi
- Dining
- A final celebratory dinner at U Santa Maria for authentic Corsican cuisine with a view.
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Where this route sits in the ecosystem
Destinations, berths and yachts connected to this itinerary — each with the reason for the link.
Destinations on this route
An itinerary is defined by the places it visits
- Cinque Terre Yacht Charter
Contract relationship visits -> destination recorded by the ecosystem spec; rationale normalized by Phase 2.
- Portofino Yacht Charter
Contract relationship visits -> destination recorded by the ecosystem spec; rationale normalized by Phase 2.
- Corsica Yacht Charter
Contract relationship visits -> destination recorded by the ecosystem spec; rationale normalized by Phase 2.
- Calvi Yacht Charter
Contract relationship visits -> destination recorded by the ecosystem spec; rationale normalized by Phase 2.
- Italy
Contract relationship visits -> destination recorded by the ecosystem spec; rationale normalized by Phase 2.
- Cres Yacht Charter
Contract relationship visits -> destination recorded by the ecosystem spec; rationale normalized by Phase 2.
Berths on this route
The berths the route actually calls at
- Cres Town / ACI Cres berths
Berth or call on this route
- Marina di Portofino
Berth or call on this route
- Marina di Ragusa
Berth or call on this route
Yachts for this route
Yachts able to run the route
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