Tuscan Archipelago - A 7-day suggested Itinerary

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(Days 1 to 5 as for the 14 day itinerary to Marciana Marina in Elba.)

Day 1 (Saturday)

After a full briefing on your yacht charter, or even before if you arrive early,take a trip to visit the old town of Porto Ercole (photo) with its fine harbour  and smart shopping area, only 1 mile from Cala Galera. Walk along the harbour and visit the old town, perched on the hillside overlooking the sea. Finish your evening at Da Brunero's Piano Bar on via Italia, just back from the seafront, and listen to the amazing talents of Jaffa at the piano.  He's guaranteed to play a song specially for you that will bring a smile to your face. You can have a meal there too....the fish is excellent, but you'll need to reserve in the summer (0564 832 659).    If music whjle you eat is not required, try a Pizza at El Pirate on the front.  Very friendly. Or consult your briefing guide (given at briefing) to help you select one of the many fine fish restaurants. Sleep on board in Cala Galera.

Day 2 (Sunday)

We suggest a slow and easy sail around the Argentario peninsula, stopping in the many bays and admiring the beautiful hillside scenery covered with typical Mediterranean vegetation ("macchia"), numerous 16^th century lookout towers, and the occasional luxury villa with private jetty. The deep waters around Argentario are a great place for Scuba Diving (recommended for the more experienced) and we can supply indications of interesting wreck and cave dives. A 3 hour sail takes you to the lively fishing village and tourist attraction of Porto Santo Stefano, a good stop to buy fresh fish in the open air market, hire diving equipment and visit one of the most bustling towns in the area, home to a fishing fleet, ferries to the Islands of Giannutri and Giglio as well as great restaurants.

Day 3 (Monday)

A 6 hour sail north-west to Elba, the third largest island of Italy (after Sicily and Sardinia). Stop in Porto Azzurro (photo),  located in a fine and well protected natural harbour and with excellent marina facilities. Visit the 17^th century Spanish fortress on the hill above Porto Azzurro. The evening can be spent either in Porto Azzurro or in the old hilltop village of Capoliveri, only a 10 minute taxi ride, where we can recommend an excellent value "trattoria" with typical Elban food and wine. Sleep on board in the Marina or at anchor in the harbour.

Day 4 (Tuesday)

Sail from Porto Azzurro along the Elban coast to Portoferraio, stopping along the way at the many secluded sandy beaches facing towards the Italian mainland. Portoferraio is about 4 hours sail and is the capital of Elba. The town, founded during the Roman Empire,  is full of history with interesting 16^th century fortifications and port, ancient churches, Roman remains and remnants of Napoleon’s stay in Elba. Anchor and sleep in the well protected bay or in one of the fine Marinas.

Day 5 (Wednesday)

Our last port of call in Elba is Marciana Marina (photo), a small town and port in the north-west of the island, about 3 hours sail from Portoferraio. Marciana Marina has Elba’s best nightlife and is busy till the wee hours with trendy bars full of people in the holiday season. From here, visit the ancient hillside town of Marciana and take the cable-car to the top of Mount Capanne, enjoying a superb view of Elba, the island of Capraia 25 miles to the north-west and on a clear day the whole Tuscan archipelago and the Italian mainland. A 2 day stop here is worth it if you wish to better visit the area or enjoy the great beaches in the vicinity.

Day 6 (Thursday)

Sail to the island of Giannutri (photo) in about 6 hours, passing by the islands of Pianosa, Montecristo and Giglio. Stop at the tiny bay (and ancient Roman port) of Cala Maestra visiting the remains of the superb Roman Villa. Swim in the crystalline blue water around Giannutri (excellent diving in many spots). Anchor for the night in the bay of Cala Spalmatoio.

Day 7 (Friday)

Spend the morning relaxing in Giannutri and sail in the afternoon (less than 2 hours) back to Cala Galera, the Sail-Italy charter base, to a friendly welcome from our attentive staff.

See our suggestions for a 14 day itinerary

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