The request was to include good sailing, on-shore visits and walks and specifically to include a cookery course and a tour of a vineyard. Here’s what the fabulous Captain of a superb superyacht came up with for them:
The charter party had arrived the previous day and were met by the Captain on the first morning of their charter at their hotel and then taken by taxi to the boat which was in Santa Manza. After settling in and a light lunch, the afternoon was taken up with a guided tour of the fortress town of Bonifacio through its narrow streets and historic buildings.
Santa Manza – overnight in this beautiful bay which is characterised by limestone cliffs and impressive sea colours. A wonderful place to wake up to on the first morning.
Then on to Sardinia with a stop in the Maddalena Islands which is typified by beautiful beaches and small local villages with good walks and ideal for a picnic.
For the energetic an excursion to Tavolara and a hike up the mountain with a guide. It’s about a four hour walk but once at the top it is a stunning view.
The Blue Grotto at Cala Luna is one of the most famous grottos in Europe. You can walk around or swim which is a bit more for the adventurous perhaps, but our Captain arranged another private guide for the tour to make it really special. The walk starts along a dry passerelle and then a 2.3km walk through white sands and small lakes by torchlight as there is limited light in the grotto. Each member of the party was equipped with suitable clothing, helmet with caving light, water and snacks for the expedition. The trip is easy but outstanding and done this way is a once in a life-time adventure.
The winery and cooking course - Like the good Captain he is, ours had excellent knowledge of the island of Sardinia and spent some time for us researching the visit to a local winery and a cooking course. Upon arrival there was a welcome coffee break followed by the short course. This was followed by a visit to the vineyard and a talk about the production and characteristics of the area by the owner of the vineyard for an hour or so. Then a return to the kitchens for an aperitif and lunch of the foods prepared earlier, paired of course, with the wine from the vineyard.
Back on the boat again it was time to wind down for the last two days with visits to some of the other fabulous beaches in Sardinia such as Marinella, Cala Coticcio for the stunning colours in the crystal-clear water and impressive rock shoreline. Best visited by boat, Cala Coticcio is also a nature reserve. Liscia di Vacca another beautiful beach to visit and overnight anchorage nearby.
Nearing the end of the charter, the Lavezzi Islands just off the south east of Corsica were not to be missed. The yacht anchored at Budelli and explored this group of small, barren uninhabited granite islands with beautiful shell sand beaches and azure-coloured sea.
And finally the end of the charter at Porto Cervo. Created by Prince Karim Aga Khan and various other investors, Porto Cervo is the main centre of Costa Smeralda.
