Thinking of heading to Italy for your next yachting vacation? Captain Heimo Tauern, of 63-metre Irimari, reveals his favourite route through the Tyrrhenian Sea.
Day 1
Meet Irimari in the historic city of Naples and set sail for Sorrento, stopping along the way to try out the yacht’s water toys. That night, dock at Marina di Stabia, within easy striking distance of the Roman ruins of Pompeii, and indulge in an extravagant welcome dinner under the stars.
Set out for Pompeii, preserved in up to six metres of volcanic ash during the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD 79. Take a private guided tour of the site and hike 40 minutes up to the crater for views over the Bay of Naples. Return to the yacht and cruise 23nm to Ischia.
Image courtesy of Adobe Stock.
After breakfast the yacht will drop anchor in a sheltered bay on the south side of Capri for a full day of watersports. In the evening, dine on Sicilian classics at Da Paolino under a canopy of lemons. Irimari will cruise overnight to the volcanic island of Stromboli off Sicily’s northern coast.
Image courtesy of Adobe Stock.
Spend the morning lazing on the sundeck or playing with the water toys, but don’t expend too much energy – in the evening you’ll head ashore to ascend the active Stromboli volcano by foot. The exertion is well rewarded by views into its mouth.
Image courtesy of Adobe Stock.
After the evening’s exertions, take time over breakfast to enjoy the peaceful anchorage. Irimari will then relocate to Lipari, the largest of the Aeolian Islands, stopping along the way for watersports. Dock in the main town and take an evening stroll through the pastel-coloured port.
Image courtesy of Adobe Stock.
Leave port early for the Strait of Messina, a narrow passage between Sicily and Calabria. Take in the sights from the sundeck, including a natural whirlpool linked to the Ancient Greek legend of Scylla and Charybdis, before arriving in Sicily’s commune of Riposto under Mount Etna.
Image courtesy of Adobe Stock.
Head to Mount Etna, where a cable car followed by an off-road vehicle will take you 3,200 metres above sea level. Walk the final leg to the top, with snowfields buried under warm ash and stunning views. Head back to Irimari for a starlit dinner before departing from Catania Airport the following morning.
Image courtesy of Adobe Stock.