Surrounded by silver hills and ancient olive groves, charter guests are sure to fall in love with the inspiring views, the charm of eating gelato on the port square, and lazy lunches at the tantalizing trattorias. This is your picture-perfect Italian summer with trails taking you to the lighthouse and eco-farms, classy shopping for butter-soft leather and designer goods at well-appointed boutiques, and the delight of exploring the famed Castello Brown. With the Cinque Terre on your doorstep, Portofino is a poster child for sailing the Italian Riviera.
Accessible only by sea or foot, San Fruttuoso is without doubt the jewel of Liguria. This tiny shoreside oasis, is home to a Benedictine Abbey, from the year 1000, a 16th century watch tower and the more recent Christ of the Abyss statue, lying like shrine for divers, just 15m underwater. The monastery is a lovely stone building with a small dome, which straddles the beach. It is the resting place of the aristocratic Doria family.
Monaco is without doubt one of the French Riviera's most renowned destinations and one of the most glamorous in the world. The summer season sets off with the Formula 1 Grand Prix at the end of May where the country's pristine streets are transformed in to a racing circuit, and the world's sporting elite, celebrities & car enthusiasts enjoy 5 days of non stop racing and partying from aboard their yachts and hotel balconies. This tiny Principality is home to all the designer brands at the new One Monte Carlo quarter, set right alongside the world famous Casino de Monte Carlo and Hotel de Paris. Here you'll also find a handful of Michelin Star restaurants, luxury hotels, casinos and sumptuous spas to enjoy a truly luxurious stop at the crown of the Riviera.
Bordering Monaco is the residential town of Cap d'Ail. Known for its lovely, villa-lined coastal path from La Marquet beach to La Mala beach (around a half an hour walk) it is also a superb spot to enjoy some paddle boarding, or floating in the Bay de Saint Laurent, before enjoying some cocktails as the sun disappears behind the imposing cliffs which lead to the Tête de Chien (Dog's Head) promontory. The harbour, which sits right on the border of Monaco, has berths for over 250 yachts and is a convenient point from where you can explore the Principality.
The breathtaking peninsula of St Jean-Cap-Ferrat is nestled between the renowned towns of Beaulieu-sur-Mer and Villefranche-sur-Mer. Well known for its luxury villas and hotels, it has been a favorite destination for Hollywood celebrities and the yachting elite for decades. All five beaches are public and offer amazing panoramic views. For some culture, don't miss the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild, an Italian Renaissance palace on 10 hectares of landscaped gardens, which is now a museum and luxury event location open to visitors.
Villefranche-sur-Mer is situated right at the heart of the Cote D'Azur. This picturesquely romantic seaside town lies between Nice and Monaco, and is well known for its deep, natural bay allowing cruise ships to anchor here, hiding from strong easterly winds, along with small sailing yachts and super yachts alike. The quaint old town has plenty of lively waterfront bars and restaurants, and if you're feeling energetic, take a bike ride to the Fort Du Mont Alban for an excellent view over the Mediterranean.
Antibes is a lively resort town lying between Nice and Cannes. It is known for its roaring social scene and its 16th-century walled old town, which overlooks Port Vauban with its mix of sailing and luxury yachts. A museum honoring one of the most popular concoctions in France - Absinthe - can be found here, along with the more classic Picasso Museum, in the former Château Grimaldi. Here in Antibes, you'll find long stretches of flat, white sandy beaches lapped by gentle turquoise waters, or for somewhere a little more serene, anchor your yacht in the Baie des Milliardaires - with its rocky coastline; it is the perfect spot to snorkel in the crystal clear waters.
From its humble origins as a quiet fishing village to becoming a global entertainment capital, Cannes has become one of the world's most prestigious destinations. The epitome of French Riviera glamour, Cannes transforms into a celebrity mecca each May, drawing the world's most celebrated film luminaries to its legendary shores. Beyond the film festival, Cannes offers year-round excitement. Luxury shopping along La Croisette features high-end boutiques, while pristine beaches invite sunbathing and water sports. Evening entertainment ranges from chic bars to exclusive nightclubs, ensuring the city never rests on its laurels.
Saint Tropez is a small village with a big reputation. Made famous by Brigitte Bardot in the 1950's, this sleepy little town was transformed into a chic, hedonist celebrity spot each summer. It is still as chic as ever, a luxury location with extraordinary villas, boutique hotels, designer shops and luxury yachts lining the quaint old town. Not forgetting its beautiful beaches, such as Pampelonne, where you can experience the best clubs and restaurants all summer long.