Sailing the Tuscan Archipelago!
June 21-28, 2025 $1,325
Legend has it that when Venus was born from the waves, seven precious stones fell from her tiara, creating seven islands off the Tuscan coast. Vacation with Italians-- these islands have the fortified medieval villages, Roman ruins, beautiful countryside, mountains, beaches, and vineyards one would expect from Mediterranean islands-- but are not well known by mass tourism. These may be the cleanest beaches in Europe, too, as the surrounding sea is part of a protected National Park! There are even literary connections with Montecristo inspiring "The Count of Monte Cristo", Pianosa from "Catch-22", and Gorgona in "The Divine Comedy".
"There are seven major islands (Elba, Giglio, Giannutri, Capraia, Pianosa, Gorgona and Montecristo), to be explored along trekking trails in the mid-season, to be enjoyed by the sea during the summer for those who love snorkeling, diving and dolphin and whale watching. Because here we are in the Sanctuary of the Cetaceans."
Trip Highlights
'Able was I...' and so can you, see Elba. The largest and most famous island in the string, known for its rich history and beautiful beaches. There are those who adore it for its sea, those for its hiking and mountain biking trails, those for its history, and those for its natural beauty. The island also boasts crystal-clear waters perfect for snorkeling and diving. What is certain is that the island of Elba deserves to be visited. Elba is where Napoleon Bonaparte was exiled, and visitors can explore his residences, or what the Medicis were up to. You’ll want to save calories for local dishes like Schiaccia Briaca, which means “drunken bread,” made with pine nuts, raisins and Aleatico wine; Penne in Barca, a pasta with a creamy clam sauce; and spaghetti with spider crab.
Capraia - Capraia (Isola di Capraia) is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Unspoiled and rich in wildlife, with hillside footpaths and lovely views, Capraia is a great get-away for hikers and nature-lovers. Capraia’s clear waters are also perfect for diving and snorkeling, offering a glimpse into the rich marine life of the Mediterranean. Seafood is the island’s speciality. Alongside the castle, La Garitta is a popular and pleasant restaurant for an evening meal in classy surroundings, offering seafood, pasta and excellent desserts. The port is the best place to start your evening, with a glass of wine near the harbour. Travellers should make a point of sampling the organic island wine from the La Piana vineyard.
Corsica: Our itinerary would have to include a visit to "The Isle of Beauty" and Bastia, the ancient capital of Corsica, known as the "City of Art and History"! Part of France, but with a distinctly Tuscan dialect.
Bastia is a town perched on a cliff, full of narrow streets, an old harbor teeming with fishing boats and a popular Mediterranean atmosphere. Impressive in size, surrounded by palm trees and bourgeois palaces, framed by a
statue of Napoleon, Place Saint Nicolas is a must-see on a visit to the city. Very lively throughout the summer season,
this emblematic place in Bastia has many bars, cafés and restaurants.
Citadel: built on a rocky promontory in 1380, thanks to the idea of a Genoese governor, the citadel contains a maze
of picturesque alleyways, adorned with warmly coloured palaces and delightful little restaurants overlooking the sea.
The Old Port is another iconic place in the city. Located in the heart of the old town, between the Citadel and
Place du Marché, this picturesque district is the perfect place to enjoy an ice cream while strolling along the water. Rich in history, the port retains all its authenticity and offers tourists an inimitable setting: here you will find many small cafés, bars, restaurants and shops, in an entirely pedestrian environment during the summer months.
Bastia; the marina of Saint Florent; vineyards of Patimonio; and a river in Restonica gorge, Corsica
The Tuscan Archipelago Map
The Yacht - a 2023 Dufour 530
Cost:
A double cabin for two is $2,600. Singles can pay $1,350 to share a cabin, or $2,200 for their own cabin.
This 53-footer is large enough to accommodate 12, but I prefer to limit crew size to just the first nine to send deposits.
This allows for a couple of solos to pay for their own cabins.
$500 will reserve a space, and your berth is reserved in the order of deposits received. Payment in full is due by 60 days prior to the trip.
Payment may be made by check or via Paypal or Venmo:
PayPal.me@sailtrip
https://venmo.com/u/Edward-Laucella
Questions?: edward@serendipitytravel.com, or 407 687-8194
Included in the cost:
- Seven nights accommodation aboard a large, modern sailboat
- Sailing through the islands of the Tuscan Archipelago, with ample opportunities for hiking, swimming, snorkeling,
and great food and wine! - licensed captain with over 20 years of experience
- all onboard expenses including fuel, water, linens, towels.
- mooring and docking fees
- most meals, beverages and snacks (although you'll want to enjoy most dinners ashore!)
Not included:
- transportation to the yacht
- excursions or rental gear
- personal trip/medical insurance (recommended)
Getting There:
The marina is near the town of Follonica, with direct trains available from Rome (2 hours) and Pisa (1.5 hours).
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