The beautiful peninsula of Cap Corse is a ribbon of sheer coast along a fault line, suspended at an altitude of 3,280 feet. Between two seas. The prelude to the beauties of Cap Corse will be found along the road called the Cliff Road which, starting you will journey on  from Bastia and it will a matchless view over the Tuscan Archipelago.  A 30-minute ride will take you to the small and colorful fishing port of Erbalunga  where you will have time to spend before re-boarding your motor coach for the 30-minute to Luri for another short stop.  Then on for a 60-minute drive to the marine of Pino and the sheer cliff of Nonza with its Genovese tower and a boundless grey beach — offering astonishing landscapes.

 

Please note: Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring euros.  This tour is not recommended for people with vertigo as the road is extremely windy with several hairpin turns.

           

 

 

Bastia was founded by the Genoese in 1380, when they were looking for a naturally sheltered port to replace the ancient Roman city of Mariana and Biguglia (which had been destroyed by the Corsicans in 1372).  They needed a city and port which could assure the contact between their “Homeland” and their “colony”. Even if this small port was swept by terrible winds, it was protected by a rock,  easily defensible, and upon which a dungeon (or bastiglia) was built- and hence the name of the town Bastia. The numerous religious buildings dotted all over the island bear witness to the profound religious fervor of its inhabitants and their attachment to the Catholic faith. Despite this, the collective consciousness remains steeped in many pagan traditions,with relics of ancient beliefs. The mystical spirit of Corsica finds its true expression during the great Christian festivals, however the barrier between the natural and supernatural world is extremely permeable and Corsica is teeming with visionaries, faith healers, and mediums. This walking tour will take you to some purportedly haunted sites, and give you an overview of the superstitions and local legends which still hold sway.

 

Please note: Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring Euros. You will have about 30 minutes to shop on your own.

            

 

 

 

Your journey from Bastia will lead inland to Oletta – a small village terraced up the hillside, and from where there is a lovely view of Saint Florent and over  the countryside of olive groves, vineyards, and pastures – small squares of property delimited by dry stone walls. Then the road climbs up to the San Stefano Pass, through chestnut and olive groves, and from there is a spectacular panorama down to the east coast and the Biguglia “étang” (pool) and in the other direction, across the Agriates Desert and the sea at Saint Florent.  You will climb a sinuous, narrow road, up to the Teghime Pass, where at an altitude of 1,759 feet ( 536M), the views are completely different in each direction. To the West: over extensive vineyards right to the gulf of Saint Florent. To the South: across mountains and valleys towards the chestnut forests of the Castagniccia. The East: past Bastia and the sea leading to Italy. Finally North: the mountainous backbone of the Cap Corse. The road turns and twists its way down to Patrimonio, offering picturesque views background. Patrimonio village is dominated by its church and high steeple (built in 1749). Of course, it would be impossible to be in the finest wine producing region of the island, without having a wine-tasting session!

 

Please note: The order of sites visited might vary.

            

 

 

 

Bastia was founded by the Genoese in 1380, when they were looking for a naturally sheltered port to replace the ancient Roman city of Mariana and Biguglia (which had been destroyed by the Corsicans in 1372). The Genoese needed a city and port which could ensure contact between their “homeland” and their “colony.” Even if this small port was swept by terrible  winds, it was protected by a rock, easily defensible, and upon which a dungeon (or bastiglia) was built- and hence the name of the town Bastua. You will be met by your tour guide for a walking visit of the old City and the citadel . During your city tour by foot you will enjoy a stop for a Corsican spuntinu and tasting of Corsican specialties.

 

Please note: Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring euros.

 

            

 

Leave the pier to explore Ponza by private boat.The first wonder that presents itself will be the Grotto (or cave) of Pontius Pilate, also called the “Murenaio Romano,” a very well-preserved Roman monument.  Proceed to the Arc of Topaz, the Cape and the Faraglioni of the Virgin, which take their names from an ancient effigy representing the Nativity of the Virgin, preserved in a church, then rebuilt and now is the chapel of the cemetery. Admire the small Cave of Ulysses, very well known for its amazing light effects during the night , the beach of the Parade, the Faraglioni of “Calzone Muto.” At the southern side of the island, the Stack Guard, takes its name from the overhanging mountain, whose summit is the highest of the island. At the top, on the tip of the promontory, is the lighthouse that casts its beams of light for about 30 miles. After the “Punta del Fieno” Hay, you will see Chiaia di Luna with its majestic cliffs of tuff white-yellow, which dominates the beach, the longest on the island. Discover the Cave of the mythological sorceress Circe who enchanted Ulysses.Continue to the Faraglioni di Capo Bosco, the famous natural swimming pools, and Cala Feola, the only sandy beach on the island entirely . See the rock called the “Turtle, “for its shape. You will also see the “Forte Papa” a 16th century building, commissioned by Pope Paul III, of the Farnese family, who owns the island. In the seabed  here is the U.S. military ship, Liberty, which due to a strong storm went crashing among the rocks in 1944. Proceed to Cala Cecata, the Coral Cave, Cala Fonte, Beyond Cala Ferns, from where you can see the neighboring island of Gavi . The circumnavigation continues on the east side of the island. From here, you will see the Grotta del Bue Marino , Cala Gaetano, Cala Aprea, the shingle beach of Arco Naturale or Spaccapolpi, and the impressive Arc cliff. Not far away , you can see the Rock Aniell'Antonio and Cala Inferno, and the wreck of a merchant ship, Mary Constance . From the sea , you will see part of a Roman aqueduct whose waters flowed in large tanks in the Port area. Next will be Cala del Core then before the beach of St. Mary, you can see the Blue Caves. Finally, you will enter Port Bourbon, a semicircular port, built on the original Roman setting , that follows the natural curve of the coast.

 

Please note: Wear comfortable shoes and clothing and bring your camera. The boat tour is conducted on a fisherman’s boat and the boat is very basic. There is a small toilet on board.

          

 

 

 

Leave the pier by private bus to enjoy a panoramic private guided tour of the island, the largest of the Italian Pontine Islands and famed for its Grottoes. You will discover the highlights of the island and many sites that cannot be admired from the sea like the little Church of St. Mary where San Silverio was buried and also became an Abbey under the order of Citeaux. See the beautiful Lucia Rosa Bay with its pebble beach and the Faraglioni. The name is linked to a rich and wealthy young girl , Lucia Rosa, who lost her life by jumping from heights, due to an impossible love with a fisherman. During the tour you will also have time to relax and take pictures of the breathtaking view in Cala/Punta Incenso and Felci, that takes its name from the medicinal herbs that grows in that area and  was once used by hermits who settled there. Stop in Chiaia di Luna. Enjoy a pleasant tasting of the typical “Pizzicato wines” (white and pink) in a local winery before driving back to the pier.

 

Please note: Wear comfortable shoes and clothing and bring your camera.

           

 

 

 

Leave the pier by private island style van to enjoy a panoramic guided tour of the Island, the largest of the Italian Pontine Islands famed for its Grottoes. You will discover the highlights of the island and many sites that cannot be admired from the sea like the little Church of St. Mary where San Silverio was buried. See the beautiful Lucia Rosa Bay with its pebble beach and the Faraglioni. The name is linked to a rich and wealthy young girl, Lucia Rosa, who lost her life by jumping to her death, from an impossible love with a fisherman. During the tour you will have also time to relax and take pictures of the breathtaking view in Cala/Punta Incenso and Felci, that takes its name from the medicinal herbs that grow in that area and once used by hermits who settled there. Stop also in Chiaia di Luna that can be reached by a tunnel that leads to a provincial road, built by the Romans and used as a port-refuge known as "diva-luna."  In the Napoletan dialect "chiaia" means beach. The name Chiaia di Luna is suggested by the half moon shape of the beach and by the white rock that lies at its two extremeties.

 

Please note: Wear comfortable shoes and clothing and bring your camera. 

          

 

 

 

Your walking tour of Ponza Island will start with a short island taxi drive from the pier to the walking path on the side of the Guardia Mountain.  Cross the Dragonara Area where a Roman Necropolis (3 or 4 B.C.) and a Roman aqueduct still lie underground (not visible). The drive will follow the Scotti area (named after one of the first families who settled there down under the bourbons, 300 years ago) and stop at the highest point of that area, under the feet of the Guardia Mountain (the highest mountain of the island with on its top a guardian tower of the Napoleonic wars) Continue on foot, following the old donkey path on the west side of the mountain which offers breathtaking views of the wild nature of this volcanic jewel. Admire the most beautiful bay of the island with its steep coast in piroclastic tufa rock, the Cap white with its formations that appear like little Towers and the flat and prosperous vegetation with lots of plants traditionally used by the islanders to cure small diseases.  You will proceed, away from the common tourist routes, to the ancient wine cellar dating back to 1700 with the typical local biancolella wines (red, white and pink). Have a break, enjoy wine and local products while admiring the private vineyard and other agriculture lands  before walking back to the harbor following the same 1-hour route.

 

Please note: Wear comfortable walking shoes. The walking tour requires participants to be in good physical condition.

           

 

 

 

Explore at your leisure with a private vehicle, driver, and English-speaking guide. This exclusive tour will allow you to customize your time ashore and explore the most interesting sites in the comfort and privacy of your own car. With your private vehicle, and the personalized attention of your driver and English-speaking guide, you will have the flexibility and independence to design your itinerary ashore. See the iconic sites of the city like Piazza Duomo, Cathedral of St. Andrew, and Villa Rufolo, appreciating the breathtaking views or create your own personal stops to make the experience your own.

 

Please note:  Capacity: 1-2 guests. Private cars are ordered per vehicle (not per person). This tour includes transport in a private car, driver and English Speaking Guide. Itinerary can be adjusted with tour guide as long as it’s in the area and does not exceed the duration of 4 hours. Recommended for physically challenged guests.

            

 

 

 

Explore at your leisure with a private vehicle, driver, and English-speaking guide. This exclusive tour will allow you to customize your time ashore and explore the most interesting sites in the comfort and privacy of your own van. With your private vehicle, and the personalized attention of your driver and English-speaking guide, you will have the flexibility and independence to design your itinerary ashore. See the iconic sites of the city like Piazza Duomo, Cathedral of St. Andrew, and Villa Rufolo, appreciating the breathtaking views or create your own personal stops to make the experience your own.

 

Please note:  Capacity: 3 - 6 guests. Private vans are ordered per vehicle (not per person). This tour includes transport in a private van, driver and English Speaking Guide. Itinerary can be adjusted with tour guide as long as it’s in the area and does not exceed the duration of 4 hours. Recommended for physically challenged guests.

           

 

 

 

From the pier, you will board a motor coach for the  90-minute ride to the remarkable ruins of Pompeii, perfectly preserved since the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius in  79 A.D.  You will learn about the excavation technique and what the residents were doing at the time of the eruption, and you’ll gain an insight into the lives of the ancient Romans as you discover baths, theaters, temples, markets and the huge forum with the Arch of Nero. After your tour, you will have about 30 minutes of free time before your drive back to meet your Windstar yacht.

 

Please note:  This is a walking tour of a little over a mile and is not suitable for guests with mobility issues. Wear comfortable walking shoes.

 

         

 

You will board your private boat in Amalfi for an unforgettable ride to Positano, a picturesque coastal town where white Moorish-style houses cling to the slopes around a small sparkling bay. Once a fishing village, Positano has become a retreat for the wealthy and is now a popular resort area. Artists also appreciate the intimate setting and exquisite scenery. Enjoy some free time browsing Positano's boutiques, perhaps picking up an item or two of the casual cotton clothing for which this town is noted. Re-board your boat and head to the enchanting village of Amalfi—its white houses perched on the rocks overlooking a bright blue bay. Flanked by an old Saracen tower and a 12th century Capuchin monastery, Amalfi boasts a splendid cathedral adorned with geometric designs in colored stones. Your guide will lead you to St. Andrew’s Cathedral and provide an introduction to the town before you’re set loose to explore on your own. Following this free time, return to your waiting yacht.

 

Please note:  This is a walking tour and is not suitable for guests with mobility issues. Wear comfortable walking shoes, a hat and sunscreen.

              

 

 

 

 

You will set out from the harbor in Amalfi and enjoy a breathtaking panoramic 30-minute drive to Ravello—one of the most popular and well-known locations on the Amalfi Coast. You will see the duomo (cathedral) as you enter the main square. If the church is open, you will be able to peek inside at the majestic marble pulpit, richly cased with mosaic friezes and columns. You will visit Villa Rufolo with your guide, a spectacular complex formed by the main palace and various other buildings of Arabian-Sicilian style, arranged on a wide terrace facing the gulf. Walk along a small avenue till you’ll arrive at the Moorish courtyard, which opens up onto a luxurious garden of pines, cypress and exotic plants. From here, you can descend to the lower terrace. At the end of your visit, relax on the return drive to Amalfi, where you will visit the Cathedral and have free time to stroll along the narrow streets.

 

Please note:  This is a walking tour and is not suitable for guests with mobility issues. Wear comfortable shoes and bring a hat and sunscreen.

           

 

 

 

 

 

Departing the pier by motor coach you will begin your sightseeing tour of Lipari. For the next 90 minutes you will make stops at some of the best viewpoints on the island, offering magnificent vistas of the Aeolian Archipelago.  Then it’s off to a local pizzeria, where the owners enthusiastically demonstrate how to make traditional Sicilian pizza. You’ll have the opportunity to try your hand at making your very own pizza, according to your own personal taste.  Finally, you will sit down to enjoy your creation accompanied with wine and Aeolian cookies, before returning to your yacht.

 

Please note: This tour is not suitable for people with walking difficulties, since much uphill walking is involved on cobblestone and gravel pathways.

           

 

 

 

Lipari is the largest of the seven Aeolian Islands and is well known not only for its mythological connections, but most of all for its natural beauty. Arriving at Marina Corta, you will board your coach and proceed on a panoramic tour of the island. Two beaches, Marina Lunga and Marina Corta, frame the town of Lipari, which is encircled by 13th -14th  century walls and dominated by a 16th century Norman castle. Nearby there is an impressive view of the bay. Between the islands of Lipari and Vulcano, in the Bocche di Vulcano, you will see picturesque rocks resembling Druidical stones, among them the Pietralunga, a basalt nearly 240 feet (72m) high. After a brief stop at Canneto Village, you will continue with your drive noting where the road is crossed by red and black veins of obsidian. Your guide will bring you to a local establishment to enjoy a delicious refreshment. You’ll then return to the landing area or you may choose to remain in town to explore on your own until the last tender departure.

 

Please note: Wear comfortable shoes and a sun hat.