Bonifacio → Naples

Welcome aboard in Bonifacio. Light lunch on deck while we cruise north up the Corsican coast to Propriano — a fishing village in the Gulf of Valinco with white-sand beaches, clear water and the ancient Pietropola Roman baths just inland. Perfect first afternoon to break in the watertoys.

Anchor off Erbaju or Roccapina beach — a long sweep of sand backed by granite rocks that turn red at sunset. The whole day is swimming, snorkelling and watertoys. For the grown-ups the Domaine de Murtoli is a fifteen-minute hop inland: spa, gourmet lunch and a golf course tucked into the maquis.

Cross into Sardinian waters and into the Maddalena archipelago — seven main islands and around sixty smaller ones, with shallow turquoise water between rose-coloured granite. Afternoon at Caprera island and Cala Coticcio — "Tahiti beach" — for fine white sand and clear water inside the national park.

A whole day to explore the archipelago by tender. Paddleboards out to the beaches, hiking on shore, and the kids on jetskis with the deck crew. Chef Jack gets the run of the galley for a tasting-course dinner at anchor.

A short hop to Porto Cervo — Sardinia's most famous harbour. Once a fishing village, now the Costa Smeralda showpiece: pastel villas, the Piazzetta, designer boutiques and waterfront bars. Built in for an evening of shopping and a drink ashore.

South to Tavolara — a 565-metre limestone fortress rising straight out of the sea. Tender ride to Spalmatore di Fuori cove and, for the energetic, a hike toward Monte Cannone with wild goats for company. After dinner the yacht slips lines for the overnight crossing to the Italian mainland.

Wake up in Ponza — pastel houses stepped down to the harbour, cliffs eroded into grottoes, and one of the best anchorages in the Mediterranean. Tender ride around the island, then sit at a waterfront café and watch the world go by.

Morning cruise to Ischia — the "Green Island" — known for its thermal waters and gardens. Afternoon at the Poseidon Thermal Gardens: forty-odd pools at varying temperatures, massage rooms and a restaurant. The island grows its own white Biancolella and red Piedirosso.

Across to Amalfi. Stroll the waterfront in the evening, climb the steps of the ninth-century Duomo, lose an afternoon in the white alleyways. Limoncello, pastries, ceramics — and for the Pompeii-curious, this is the staging point: ninety minutes by car to the ruins.

Short hop round to Positano — pastel houses tumbling down to the sea. Wander the lanes, browse the multi-coloured fashions and handmade sandals, take an aperitivo overlooking the beach. Family-resort feel but still chic.

Afternoon cruise to Nerano — quieter than its neighbours, with Cantone beach and a sleepy marina under dramatic hills. Famous for spaghetti alla Nerano; Lo Scoglio is the temple.

Into Capri. Funicular up to the main town, lose an hour in the Piazzetta, browse the boutiques and admire the Faraglioni stacks from above. Tender to the Blue Grotto when the swell allows, and snorkelling along the cliff bases.

Captain picks the best anchorage of the day. Tender tour of the south coast — cliffs, sea caves, and the Faraglioni from below. Snorkelling, jetskis and e-foil for the brave.

Cruise across the Bay of Naples in your own time — final stroll in Sorrento if anyone wants it. Naples is loomed over by Vesuvius, and the bay is one of the most painted views in Europe. Pompeii is on the doorstep — half-day excursion ashore.

Crew serve a farewell brunch on deck, then assist with disembarkation and onward transfers. Naples Capodichino airport is 20-30 minutes by car; the train station (for Rome and beyond) about the same.