Follow this fascinating seven-day itinerary from Beaulieu-sur-Mer to Viareggio, taking in the iconic anchorages and Michelin-starred restaurants this stretch of coast is famous for.
Day One
Meet the yacht anchored in Beaulieu sur Mer, a 30-minute drive from Nice Côte d’Azur Airport. Once you are settled in take the tender to Villa Kérylos, a reconstruction of an ancient Greek mansion overlooking the bay, filled with mosaic-lined walls and rare fruitwoods. Head to La Table du Royal at the Royal-Riviera for dinner, where you’ll be able to admire the yacht from the pillared terrace.
Day Two
While enjoying a leisurely breakfast on board, the Belle Epoque villas of Menton will be drawing closer, just over eight nautical miles down the coast. The town is famed for its citrus trees that cover the hills above and its excellent markets. Arrive in Port de Menton (yachts up to 40 metres), and go to Jardin d’agrumes du Palais Carnolès, a two-hectare garden devoted to Menton’s citrus trees. Oozing old-school elegance, this quiet town is lined with coffee shops and small boutiques and it also has a renowned market. Go for dinner at the three-Michelin-starred Mirazur, which has been voted the world’s best restaurant.
Day Three
Leave Port de Menton after breakfast and cruise just one nautical mile to Spiaggia libera dei Balzi Rossi, a small cove, perfect for a mid-morning swim. Continue cruising around the Ventimiglia coast and arrive at the brand-new circular marina of Cala del Forte. Leave the yacht for the afternoon and explore the shops, restaurants and coffee shops of Ventimiglia. Head to the Museo Archeologico Girolamo Rossi, which is built into the cliffs, and see Roman artefacts with an amazing coastal backdrop. Later, hop on Monaco One, Cala del Forte’s high-speed shuttle boat to Monaco, for cocktails at Le Bar Américain, followed by a Michelin-starred dinner at Alain Ducasse’s Le Louis XV.
Day Four
The yacht will relocate 40 nautical miles overnight so you can awake in the medieval village of Noli. Drop anchor in the bay and tender to the beach to take the Pilgrim’s Path – a dramatic coastal hike up to the Grotta dei Falsari. Return to Ristorante Vescovado for lunch, a one-Michelin-starred restaurant set in the frescoed halls of the Palazzo Vescovile. In the afternoon explore the winding cobbled streets, which are lined with boutiques and restaurants.
Day Five
After relocating 35 nautical miles east, awake to the colourful harbour of Portofino, the Italian yachting capital. It’s packed with galleries, cafés and gelaterias around ancient, cobbled alleyways. Spend the morning perusing the high-end designer boutiques before having lunch at Dav Mar in the heart of the Piazzetta. After lunch, walk up to Castello Brown, the ancient military fortress that looks down to the pastel-hued town. Rather than heading back round to the town, continue along the paved path to Al Faro di Portofino Lounge Bar to catch the sunset with a cocktail in hand. For party-loving guests, the open-air nightclub Covo di Nord-Est, which hosts famous DJs such as Bob Sinclar, is just around the bay.
Day Six
Arrive in the colourful town of Manarola, the second-smallest of the famous Cinque Terre villages (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), built on the rocks, 70 metres above sea level. The yacht will be too large to enter the natural harbour so drop anchor out in the bay and take the tender to shore. Climb through the town to Groppo and discover Cinque Terre wine with a tour at Cantina Cinque Terre. Head to Nessun Dorma for a rustic dinner of bruschetta, cured meats and cheese, with clifftop views overlooking Manarola.
Day Seven
After an early morning cruise of 27 nautical miles down the coast, arrive in Porto di Viareggio, which is known for its art nouveau buildings. Take a stroll along the Passeggiata di Viareggio and take in the retro architecture before heading back to the yacht to gather your things. But as the crew see you off the yacht, don’t travel straight to Pisa Airport; instead end the charter on a high and go for lunch at Il Piccolo Principe, a two-Michelin-starred restaurant, located in the Principe di Piemonte hotel.
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