Luxury Italy Voyages

The picturesque fishing village of Portofino can be found along the Italian Riviera, and is one of the most popular resort getaways in all of Italy. Portofino has been a staple of tourism in Italy since the 19th century, officially replacing fishing as its chief industry in 1950. Portofino is twinned with Kinsale, Ireland, and Palma (de Mallorca), Spain. Roman philosopher and military commander Pliny the Elder declared that Portofino was founded by the Romans, and with the high concentration of dolphins found in the Tigullian Gulf, it was named the “Port of the Dolphin” - Portus Delphini. Portofino was primarily a member of the Republic of Genoa in early days, and never provided more than a resting area for the merchant navy due to its naturally cramped harbor. The Republic of Florence purchased Portofino in 1409 from French King Charles VI, yet returned when the Florentines were ousted. Portofino became a part of the Kingdom of Sardinia in 1815, and during Risorgimento, it became a member of the Kingdom of Italy in 1861. Aristocratic visitors from Northern Europe began visiting the town in the 19th century, leading to eventual vacation homes and celebrities appearing in Portofino. Portofino is naturally beautiful port with colorful, iconic architecture that was even replicated as a hotel resort at the Universal Orlando Resort in Orlando. The Tokyo Disney Resort in Japan also created a seaside town based on Portofino. Tourists like to visit the museum Castello Brown, which provides a great view of the town, as well as the churches of St. Martin, Oratorio di Nostra Signora Assunta, and St. George - the latter containing some relics of saints. When visiting Portofino, be sure to take a guided dive to the Portofino Marine Park, as well as take a glimpse at the recently restored famous underwater statue, the Christ of the Abyss.

One word – Incredible! Cinque Terre, Portovenere and the three Island of Palmaria, Tino and Tinetto have been added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1997. They have been selected for being distinguished examples of the ways in which man has been able to modify and transform the environment without altering the beauty of the original natural landscape. Most of our valued guests will participate in the ever popular “Cinque Terre: Don’t go Home Without It” Land Adventure. Others may enjoy the guided village walk or go hiking on several trails leading down the coast. Most guests will make a purchase of the amazing local pesto and we are fairly certain our Executive Chef will do the same. Be prepared for an incredible dinner al fresco this evening!

Civitavecchia is a major port located in Rome, primarily utilized for maritime transportation of goods, as well as a fishing port. The commune’s name means “ancient town” and is one of the “Motorways of the Sea” in the Mediterranean, functioning as one of the main links between the mainland of Italy and Sardinia. The ancient name of the port was “Centumcellae,” first mentioned in a letter written by Pliny the Younger in 107 A.D., although scholars debate on whether the name was about the number of rooms of the Trajan Villa, or the number of natural creeks on the coast. Civitavecchia is a part of the Lazio Territory, an area which was confirmed to have social groups since pre-historic times, and the modern town was built over a pre-existing settlement of the Etruscan people in 107-108 B.C.E. (who debated to have founded Rome). In the beginning of the 2nd century, the harbor and town of Centumcellae were simultaneously developed by Emperor Trajan in the territory of Aquae Tauri. As the town became more popular for ships traveling westbound, the Thermal Baths were constructed on the hill of Ficoncella. Centumcellae flourished in the Imperial Age, and by 538 A.D., it had become a Byzantine stronghold. In 728 A.D., it became a member of the Papal States. The Saracens raided Centumcellae many times in the 9th century, prompting Pope Leo VII to have a newer and more secure settlement built by 854. The town, then known as Civita Vetula, was under the rule of several lords, and the Popes temporarily lost control during the French Rule in 1798-1815. In 1870 it entered the Kingdom of Italy. Civitavecchia was severely damaged during WWII, destroying many of the ancient monuments including Forte Michelangelo, which would be rebuilt in the 1950’s. Popular points of interest include the Forte Michelangelo, Terme Taurine, and Cattedrale di San Francesco. There is a wealth of Roman and Vatican architecture and tourists are encouraged to visit many of the museums and take the cultural tours available in this important sea port.

The name Portoferraio, meaning “Iron Port” in Italian, comes from the iron mills that prospered the small town during the 19th century. Due to Napoleon’s exile to Elba in 1814, the entire island enjoyed an age of glory and soon blossomed into a melting pot of different cultures. There are several memories of the past worthy of exploration—from the archaeological findings in Portoferraio’s museums to the impressive fortresses and military constructions such as the Castello del Volterraio and Napoleonic residences. Today Elba’s main attractions include the tranquil beauty of its rugged hills and the crystal-clear blue waters of its bays.

Porto Ercole meaning “Port Hercules”, is a town located in the municipality of Monte Argentario, in the Province of Grosseto, Tuscany. It is one the two major towns that form the township, along with Porto Santo Stefano located on the opposite side of this unique peninsula. It’s a very picturesque marina with sidewalk boutiques, cafes and restaurants. This is a great start for the Land Adventure traveling to Montalcino for the tasting of fantastic Brunello in one of the most famous Italian wine regions. Other options include hiking to the few castellos (castles) located on top of the three hills surrounding the port. As well as an adventures bike ride to Porto Santo Stefano or for the really energetic to the convent on top of the mountain. There’s also a great golf course and a fantastic boutique hotel called Il Pelicano where guests can enjoy a nice atmosphere and lunch. As we are anchored, guests will also enjoy water sports from the marina platform (Pending local conditions and approvals).

Porto Cervo is an Italian seaside resort in northern Sardinia. The village is the main centre of the Costa Smeralda, on the gulf of the same name.

Positano is one of the most picturesque villages along the UNESCO awarded Amalfi Coast (Costiera Amalfitana), in Campania, Italy. The town itself is perched on an enclave on the face of a hill and winds down towards the sea. This incredible setting has been enjoyed by writers, movie stars and millions of tourist each year. John Steinbeck visited in the 50's and stated “Positano bites deep. It is a dream place that isn’t quite real when you are there and becomes beckoningly real after you have gone.” The movie "Under the Tuscan Sun" and several others have been shot on location here. Besides the incredibly romantic atmosphere, it offers excellent shopping, beautiful beaches, hiking trails and a few world recognized and award winning hotels such as Le Sirenuse and Il San Pietro di Positano amongst others. As large coaches cannot navigate down to the pier, only private arrangements are available here. You can book a very nice sedan or van to take you to the neighboring villages or even to Pompeii. As SeaDream anchors just of the pier, you may have the opportunity to access the yachts marina and water toys (conditions and local approval permitting).

Amalfi is a picturesque town in the province of Salerno, in the Campania region of Italy. With its incredible views, it is the central town that makes up the very famous and UNESCO awarded Amalfi Coast (Costiera Amalfitana). Amalfi sports some impressive medieval architecture including; its cathedral of Sant'Andrea (St. Andrew), the church tower, the convent of the Cappuccini, founded by the Amalfitan Cardinal Pietro Capuano. They richly represent the artistic movement prevailing in Southern Italy. From Amalfi, we have created two exciting land adventures for you. One to Scenic Ravello and the other to Fascinating Pompeii. You may also choose to play from the yacht’s marina (Permission and conditions pending) or go on a very scenic hike with one of the officers.

Sitting pretty in the Gulf of Naples, just off the Sorrentine Peninsula, the island of Capri is well known today for its breathtaking landscapes and upscale beach resorts. The island has two harbors, Marina Piccola and Marina Grande. While human presence on the island can be dated back to the Neolithic and the Bronze Age, it was Emperor Augustus who most famously developed Capri by building villas, temples, and planted gardens. Popular to both visitors and native Italians alike, Capri is known for its boutique hotels, trendy restaurants, and annual international film festival, and is a favorite yachting destination. The island also offers many historic landmarks and highlights, including Grotta Azzurra, Villa Jovis, Giardini di Augusto, Certosa di San Giacomo, Villa San Michele di Axel Munthe, and the uniquely shaped Faraglioni Rocks. Mt. Solero marks the highest point of Capri, at 589 meters (about 1932 ft) at its peak. There is also a statue of Emperor Augustus on the mount, who first landed on Capri, over 900 species of vegetation, and, of course, incredible views. Two different hiking routes lead up the mountain and are worthy of exploration. On many itineraries, SeaDream yachts dock alongside in Capri until midnight, allowing guests to step off the yacht and into Capri with ease, without tendering ashore—a unique experience due to the intimate size of our yachts. For those who may not be familiar with the island, Capri offers a sophisticated charm that comes alive in the evening. A guest favorite includes boarding the funicular that runs between the port in Marina Grande and the Piazzetta in Capri town above, where incredible views, buzzing bistros, and luxe boutiques await.

Sorrento is a small town in Campania just south of Naples in southern Italy. It is a highly popular tourist destination which can be reached easily from Naples and Pompeii, as it lies at the south-eastern end of the Circumvesuviana rail line. The town overlooks the Bay of Naples and is considered the key place of the Sorrentine Peninsula. It allows many viewpoints including Naples, Vesuvius and the Isle of Capri and Ischia. The most popular attraction from here and the absolute “must do” would be to visit the Unesco Heritage Site of Pompeii. Other Land Adventure options include a “hands on” cooking class at the Villa Ida and by special request, you can take a speed boat around the peninsula to Nerano to dine at the Quattro Passi. SeaDream provides a shuttle service to transfer guests from the marina to Piazza Tasso (Main square), although several also take the more active route – the stairs. There’s loads of sites and shopping opportunities here as well as great restaurants, cafes and pizzerias. Perhaps we even have a surprise activity for you as well?

In the event we can’t call directly to Porto Cervo Marina, we have an amazing substitute with Porto Rotondo. To describe this port village in one word, that would be “stunning!” Porto Rotondo is one of the most popular destinations on the East coast of Sardinia. Visitors come to experience culture, art, beauty, stillness, sailing, shopping and wilderness hiking. This area of Sardinia Island also boasts excellent beaches and crystal clear waters for swimming, snorkeling and sunbathing. Land Adventure options including transfers to Porto Cervo, The Costa Smeralda Experience and golf at the popular Pevero course. With approval from the local authorities, water sports is very popular here off the marina platform.

Trapani is a city on the west coast of Sicily in Italy and was founded by Elymians. SeaDream docks in the center of town and allows incredible access for strolling into town or meeting the motor coach for the scheduled land adventures. The city is still important for fishing and is the main gateway to the nearby Egadi Islands. This Carthaginian and later Roman city is an exciting gateway to Sicily's historic, gastronomic and natural attractions, offering access to beautiful medieval towns as well as Greek archaeological sites. We highly recommend that you participate on one of our interesting land adventures and not miss the amazing sites located about 30 minutes by road from Trapani including Erici, Segesta, Marsala and more.

Syracuse sits nestled in the corner of the island of Sicily in the Ionian Sea. The birthplace of the celebrated mathematician and inventor Archimedes, the 2,700-year-old city played a key role in ancient times as a major power in the Mediterranean world. Once described by the Roman poet Cicero as “the greatest Greek city and the most beautiful of them all,” Syracuse is defined by its rich Greek and Roman history, culture, and architecture. The Archaeological Park Neapolis boasts the Roman Amphitheater, the Teatro Greco, and the Orecchio di Dionisio, a limestone cave that resembles the shape of a human ear. The Museo Archeologico Regionale Paolo Orsi displays terracotta artifacts, Roman portraits, and Old Testament scenes carved into white marble. Syracuse is your gateway to the UNESCO-awarded Baroque city of Noto and the Catacombs of San Giovanni.

Lipari is one of seven islands of the Aeolian Island group in the Tyrrhenian Sea off the northern coast of Sicily. The charming seaside town boasts a fortified castello and the impressive Aeolian Archaeological Museum. For centuries the world center for pumice production, Lipari has the finest white pumice dust on its beaches. The water off Spiaggia Bianca (White Beach) is as clear as the turquoise waters of the Caribbean, and perfect for exploring with SeaDream’s signature Marina platform. There are also several black sand beaches on the island worthy of exploration. On every voyage that calls on Lipari, enjoy a lovely scenic sailing past impressive Mt. Stromboli, one of the four active volcanoes in Italy.

On certain routes, SeaDream has planned to stop late evening so guests can view and hear the power and beauty of this active volcano. Stromboli is one of 8 small islands in the Aeolian group in Tyrrhenian Sea. It’s located just off the north coast of Sicily, containing one of the three active volcanoes in Italy. It has been almost constantly erupting in some manor for the past 200 years. Some refer to this island as the "Lighthouse of the Mediterranean".

Venice has been known as the "Queen of the Adriatic", "City of Water", "City of Masks", "City of Bridges", "The Floating City", and "City of Canals". Luigi Barzini, writing in The New York Times, described it as "undoubtedly the most beautiful city built by man". Venice has also been described by the Times Online as being one of Europe's most romantic cities. Founded in the 5th century, the city stretches across 118 small islands in the marshy Venetian Lagoon along the Adriatic. In 1987 Venice and its Lagoon was inscribed as a UNESCO Heritage site. SeaDream typically docks at the San Basilio pier after navigating by the famous St. Mark’s Square down the grand canal. With its yacht stature, SeaDream vessels are amongst the very few commercial vessels that can navigate this famous waterway. SeaDream does offer Land Adventures when overnighting. You can also contact our destination specialists should you need a private arrangement, transfer or hotel recommendation.

SeaDream yachts anchor in the bay of Giardini Naxos and offer fantastic views of recently awarded UNESCO Natural Site of Mt. Etna (2013) as well as Taormina perched on the cliffside. Shuttle bus service has been arranged to transport guests from Giardini Naxos to the entrance gate of Taormina town up to Castelmola which provides amazing views of the surrounding areas. Perhaps the “must do” adventure here would be to ascend Mt. Etna with your fellow SeaDreamers. Kindly check the Land Adventure tab for the specifics. Other options include an incredible and authentic feast at the Godfather Villa. As we are anchored and if conditions allow, we will offer water sports both in the morning and in the afternoon.

Ischia is a volcanic island in the Tyrrhenian Sea, at the northern end of the Gulf.The main industry is tourism, centering on thermal spas that cater mostly to European and Asian tourists eager to enjoy the fruits of the island's natural volcanic activity, its thermal hot springs, and its volcanic mud.

The Costa Concordia tragedy has affected everyone in so many ways. As a result, new restrictions have been imposed especially concerning protected regions and national parks. The unique Maddalena Strait as well as several areas along the Costa Smeralda are now restricted. Commercial vessels are no longer allowed to anchor in this protected region. Depending on the local conditions and the availability of the port, SeaDream yachts are approved to dock in the Porto Cervo Marina or to anchor at Porto Rotondo.

In the southern Sicilian region of Italy, this UNESCO-listed town comes to life in the summer months with visitors. Enjoy the people-watching from numerous Italian eateries, and be sure to stroll the Piazza and explore the Duomo, and take a visit to the Museo Archeologico to see the interesting artifacts from the region’s history. Good food, good company, beautiful views, and of course a fabulous gelato rounds out a perfect visit to this charming town.

Not only is Livorno a fantastic hub to visit neighboring Pisa, Lucca and Florence. Livorno itself is a great destination. To start with, SeaDream docks in the city center rather than further down in the commercial port that would require shuttle bus service. SeaDreamers can easily walk into town or even to the train station. Some of our officers may offer a bike ride from the port to either Pisa or Lucca – possibly both for the extremely active guest. SeaDream has arranged some expertly guided land adventures to take you to the Unesco Awarded Sites. See the Land Adventures tab for more information.

Porto Cervo is an Italian seaside resort in northern Sardinia in an area called the Costa Smeralda (Emerald Coast). SeaDream is most likely the only commercial vessel allowed to call to this amazing port of call. There have been several restrictions navigating and calling to ports within the protected national park zone. The best solution rather than anchoring was to get permission to dock next to the other super yachts “stern to” (backing into the pier using the marina platform to access to the port). The village is the main centre of the Costa Smeralda. It was created by Prince Karim Aga Khan and various other investors. The village houses some amazing boutiques, a newsagent, bars, restaurants and supermarkets. Guests like to visit incredible properties such as Cala di Volpe, Patrizza, Romazzino as well as the Pevero Golf Club for some amazing golf and tennis options. SeaDream’s Land adventure takes guests to all the sights of the Costa Smeralda.

The stunning seaside town of Sanremo, eloquently named the Riviera dei Fiori or “Coast of Flowers,” is a little-known gem of the Italian Riviera. Often described as Italy’s mirror image of nearby Monte Carlo, Sanremo is made up of the same glamorous lifestyle as her neighbor. Admire views out to sea and over the harbor, filled with gleaming yachts. Discover the Old Quarter of La Pigna, set on a hill and host to a labyrinth of narrow, cobblestone streets and alleyways, perfect for strolling and sampling focaccia and a glass of local wine. Lounge on sunny, secluded beaches. Marvel at the elegant Art Nouveau design of the the Casino Municipale, the oldest in Italy.

Porto Empedocle is a town and comune in Italy on the coast of the Strait of Sicily. Kindly do not judge the destination for what you could witness here. This port is the closest outlet to one of the best preserved Greek sites on the planet and has been rightfully awarded Unesco Heritage Site Status. The ancient Greek city and temples of Agrigento. Located only a few miles inland from the port and known for its mild climate even in the “cold season,” the Greeks choose their location wisely in an exceptionally fine natural setting with stunning views of the Mediterranean countryside. We hope you will join us on this adventure and, following your walk through history, you may wish to take advantage of the SeaDream marina for the rest of the afternoon for a refreshing swim (depending on the daily conditions and approval from the local authorities). Don’t forget to bring your camera; the massive Doric temples and their columns make for very impressive photos. Other options include golf at the Verdura golf and spa resort as well as a visit to the new Agrigento and the ancient city of Eraclea Minoa.

Alghero is one of the most attractive coastal resorts on the northwest coast of Italy’s Sardinia island. Alghero combines its role as a tourist city as well as a thriving marina. This enables a year round economy outside of the busy summer months. Some of the attractions include the Alghero Cathedral, The Madonna del Santo Rosario, the Torre del Portal and Neptune’s Grotto. The entrance to the Neptune's caves and grottos, are a remarkable series of deep marine caves located under the rock headland of Capo Caccia, famous for its spectacular cliffs. As SeaDream is scheduled to anchor, we plan to offer water sports from the marina platform (Pending permission and local conditions).

Ponza is a truly delightful island in the Tyrrhenian Sea, is part of the Pontine Island group and located in the region of Lazio. The island is uniquely shaped like a crescent moon. Its glistening blue coastline is varied and dramatic with several rocky coves and sandy beaches as well as numerous grottos, caves and craggy cliffs. The island has crystal clear waters and is ideal for sunbathing, swimming, snorkeling and scuba diving. You may want to explore some of the magnificent beaches or ask the officers to lead a nice bike ride across the island. Depending on the sea conditions and approval from the local authorities, we plan on offering full water sports anchored off this Italian gem.

Gaeta lies in the middle of "Riviera di Ulisse" on the Italian coast between Rome and Naples in Lazio, Italy. It’s situated on a promontory almost completely surrounded by the sea, there is the "Urban Park of Monte Orlando", dated to 1986. The rest of the town stretches through typical medieval lanes and streets, an impressive castle, Roman monuments, historical churches and seven fabulous beaches. Some say that Gaeta is one of the most beautiful cities in southern Lazio. SeaDream is scheduled to dock in the center of town. Land Adventure options include Monte Cassino and its Abbey as well as Sperlonga and its Archeological museum. For those that want to tee off, Il Volturno golf is an option.

Enjoy some of the most panoramic and picturesque scenery and views as we navigate the waters close to Cinque Terre, a collection of 5 of the most beautifully colorful communities and villages in the Mediterranean. The Cinque Terre National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

One of the oldest Italian cities, Cagliari is the only Phoenician colony on the island that survived through millennia and took shape under foreign rulers who left traces of their epochs and cultures. Walk in the footsteps of the ancients at the Roman Amphitheater, carved into the Hill of Buon Cammino in the second century AD. Today, the island of Sardinia boasts a picturesque harbor and city nucleus surrounded by fortifications built by the Pisans in the thirteenth century. Explore the storied history of Cagliari through panoramic views from the top of Monte Urpinu. Stroll through the Old Town, rich in landmarks, including the thirteenth-century Cathedral of Santa Maria, built in the Pisan Romanesque style, and the Bastion of St. Remy, overlooking the historic Marina district, with its maze of narrow streets, ancient buildings, and corner cafés. Cagliari is your gateway to Sardinia’s natural beauty, including Molentargius-Saline Regional Park and nearby Poetto Beach.

Porto Ercole (“Port Hercules”) sits pretty in the municipality of Monte Argentario, in the Province of Grosseto, Tuscany—one of two towns that form the township, along with Porto Santo Stefano located on the opposite side of this unique peninsula. Stroll their picturesque marinas with sidewalk boutiques, cafes, and restaurants. Travel to Montalcino for the tasting of fantastic Brunello in one of the most celebrated Italian wine regions. Hike to the few castellos (castles) located on top of the three hills surrounding the port, or take in a round of golf with one of the most picturesque backdrops in the Mediterranean.

Crotone is a port city in the southern region of Italy in the region of Calabria on the Ionian Sea. With its founding in 710 BC, there are several archeological sites worth visiting. It is also great for biking, river trekking and canoeing in the nearby lake Ampollino. The province is famous for its Ciro wine and the Cutro bread.

Monopoli is a small seaside town in the Puglia region, just southeast of Bari, Italy. An ideal yachting destination, few know that Monopoli boasts a beautiful coastline and quaint atmosphere, close to some of the most stunning beaches in Italy. Discover Cala Porta Vecchia, a beautiful beach and bay located near Old Town, with crystal-clear waters and upscale bistros. Don’t miss their signature seafood dishes and traditional regional focaccia. A must-stop is one of the Old Town’s several gelaterias, serving up delicious Italian ice cream. A call on Monopoli provides easy access to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Alberobello, defined by its trulli, whitewashed huts featuring pyramidal, domed, and conical roofs built up of corbelled limestone slabs.

The location of this city, a route between points in Europe and Asia, provided for numerous military conflicts back to the Crimean War of the 1850’s where French and British forces worked together to bolster the port protections against a Russian attack. The city saw additional action during the Balkan War and significant military intervention during World War I. Ownership passed to Turkey following the Greco-Turkish War in the early 1900’s.

Trieste is a city and seaport in northeastern Italy. It is situated towards the end of a narrow strip of Italian territory lying between the Adriatic Sea and Slovenia, which lies almost immediately south and east of the city. Trieste is located at the head of the Gulf of Trieste and throughout history it has been influenced by its location at the crossroads of Latin, Slavic, and Germanic cultures. In 2009, it had a population of about 205,000[1] and it is the capital of the autonomous region Friuli Venezia Giulia and Trieste province. Trieste is a city in North-East Italy. Once a very influential and powerful centre of politics, literature, music, art and culture under Austrian-Hungarian dominion, its importance fell into decline towards the end of the 20th century, and today, Trieste is often forgotten as tourists head off to the big Italian cities like Rome and Milan. It is, however, a very charming underestimated city, with a quiet and lovely almost Eastern European atmosphere, several pubs and cafes, some stunning architecture and a beautiful sea view. It was also, for a while, the residence of famous Irish writer James Joyce.

Marettimo is an undiscovered tranquil gem just off the coast of Trapani and is the second largest of the Aegadian Islands (Egadi). From nearby Trapani, it takes about an hour to reach the island by local ferry. Visitors are not allowed to bring their cars to the island so most get around by foot. There are lots of trails to be discovered leading into the mountains up to the Roman Fortress ruins as well as Punta Troia. The highest point of the island is Monte Falcone with a height of 686 m (2,251 ft). The island has about 300 inhabitants in the winter and more than double in the summer who mainly live from fishing and traditional handcrafts. The ancient name of the island was Hiera, part of the Greek name Hierà Nèsos (Ιερά Νήσος), which means "Sacred Island" in Greek. SeaDreamers can enjoy the flora and fauna as well as some archeology. Depending on the local conditions and approval from the authorities, we hope to offer full water sports.

Stromboli is one of 8 small islands in the Aeolian group in Tyrrhenian Sea. It’s located just off the north coast of Sicily, containing one of the three active volcanoes in Italy. It has been almost constantly erupting in some manor for the past 200 years. Some refer to this island as the "Lighthouse of the Mediterranean".

Located in the Genoa region (under 20 miles south of Genoa), Rapallo is an Italian hillside village on the sea with a mild climate, which serves as a perfect winter destination for affluent Italians. A must visit in this coastal city is the Castello sul Mare or Castle on the Sea. Also, enjoy a stroll along the seaside promenade or indulge at one of the many local restaurants.

Approximately 25 kilometers south of Venice, this gorgeous Italian fishing port is located in the southern entrance of the Venetian Lagoon, a property of the UNESCO World Heritage. Chioggia is widely considered to be the miniature version of Venice, as it is also built around canals and boats. Chioggia is known for various modern industries such as lace-making, brick-making, steel, and textiles, however, the livelihood of the port has always been fishing, which remains the significant economic sector. Be sure to indulge in the seafood restaurants available at this port! The oldest documentation cites Chioggia as part of the Byzantium Empire in the 6th Century A.D. Throughout history, depending on the period, Chioggia has been known by various names, such as Clodia, Cluza, Clugia and Chiozzam. The town was destroyed by Pepin of Italy during an unsuccessful siege in 810 and was later rebuilt on an industry based on salt pans. Chioggia was also site to one of the Venetian-Genoese Wars between 1378 and 1381, aptly named the “War of Chioggia”. In the third weekend of June, there is an annual festival named the “Palio della Marciliana” which celebrates the end of the war that resulted in a peace pact between Genova and Venice, and includes crossbow tournaments that the local districts compete in. There are many monuments in the historical part of Chioggia, including the church of St. Andrew, and the Chioggia Cathedral. The Church of St. Andrew contains a Romanic Bell tower dating back to the 11th and 12th centuries, as well as the painting Crocifissione by Palma il Vecchio. The Chioggia Cathedral, originally the Church of St. Maria, was remodeled in 1623 by Baldassare Longhena after a fire destroyed the original cathedral the same year. The bell tower standing aside the cathedral has remained erect since 1347. The Canale Vena extends parallel to the main street Corso del Popolo, and the characteristic narrow streets around the town are truly reminiscent of Venice.

This small but beautiful fishing village is located in southeast Italy. Known for the purity of its waters, it offers incredible beaches, sights, culture, and tradition. Visit the sea caves along the coast with our Yachting Land Adventure or discover the exotic plants and trees in the Puglia forest.

Welcome to Tuscany! Marina di Carrara (city of Carrara) is about 1-hour drive from Florence and under an hour from nearby Lucca which makes it an optimal port for these sister cities. The city’s history dates back to ancient Roman times when it was known for the marble it produced, Carrara Marble. 

Naples, a city in southern Italy, provides stunning and dramatic views of Mount Vesuvius, the still-active volcano infamously known for burying the Roman cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum. It is Italy's third largest city after Rome and Milan and it is home to some of the best pizza in the region. Pizza was actually originated in Naples! Be sure to grab a slice, a delicious canoli and explore the historic city. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes if you are exploring by foot as the town is deceptively hilly.

Located on the southernmost tip of the Salento peninsula, the “heel” of Italy’s “boot,” Santa Maria di Leuca is home to an iconic lighthouse and Sanctuary of Leuca, a must-see for art enthusiasts. Built from the ruins of an ancient pagan temple, the Sanctuary has valuable works of art on display, including the 1625 Madonna with Child by Andrea Cunavi and the Sacred Family canvas donated by the Boroness Maria Serafini-Sauli in the 18th century. Perfect for exploring and hiking, the region is known for its impressive geological formations such as dozens of underwater caves and a seaside ravine with picturesque views of Fjord del Ciolo. At “the end of the world,” a nickname for Santa Maria di Leuca, the Adriatic and Ionian Seas meet. With proper sea conditions, it is often possible to see a line of separation between the two seas, resulting from the mixing of the currents coming from the Gulf of Taranto and the Strait of Otranto.

The easternmost town on the Italian mainland, Otranto enchants with its medieval architecture and relaxed beachfront atmosphere. As you approach the modest façade of the town’s 11th-century cathedral, admire the delicately carved rose window, a preview of the wonders found within, which include an extraordinary mosaic floor known as the Tree of Life. The imposing Castello Aragonese invites exploration both along the ramparts and in the dry moat, a perfect vantage point from which to admire the fort’s massive cylindrical towers. Sun-lovers flock to the town’s beaches, which wrap around a protected cove lapped by gentle waves. While roaming the Old Town’s warren of narrow streets and cozy squares, you’ll discover enticing shops and eateries housed in age-old stone buildings. Later in the day, both residents and visitors congregate on the seaside promenade for their passeggiata, a typical Italian stroll that affords marvelous views of the sparkling sea. Stop at one of Otranto’s many excellent restaurants for a taste of orecchiette, which amusingly means small ear in Italian and is a popular regional pasta often served with savory ricotta.

A fishing and resort town in the southwestern coast of Sardinia, Carloforte was founded by Ligurian families and to this day retains the culture of its founders. The friendly town features narrow streets and picturesque houses perfect for a leisurely stroll. Visit the “Museo Multimediale della Torre di San Vittorio” to learn about the history of the town or admire Carloforte’s only functioning lighthouse, which remains a point of interest for visitors. Featuring both rocky and sandy beaches, popular beaches in Carloforte include San Pietro Beach and La Caletta Beach.

A coastal city in southern Italy’s Puglia region, Taranto sits between the Mar Grande (“Big Sea”) and Mar Piccolo (“Little Sea”) bodies of water. Its heritage dates to the Spartans, who founded it in the eighth century BC. Taranto is often called the capital of the ancient Magna Grecia, a group of ancient Greek cities along the coast of southern Italy. Taranto’s Old Town is perhaps the area’s best-kept secret, complete with Greek ruins and a labyrinth of narrow streets, home to the 15th-century Aragonesa Castle, the Spartan Museum of Taranto, and the San Cataldo Basilica, the oldest Apulian cathedral, built by the Byzantines in the second half of the tenth century. The National Archaeological Museum of Taranto-Marta is home to a collection of artifacts that date from prehistory to the Middle Ages.

Reggio Calabria is located on the tip of the boot of the Italian Peninsula, separated from the island of Sicily by the Strait of Messina. Stroll its stretching seafront promenade lined with small squares that intermingle with archaeological excavations and take in the view of Sicily and imposing Mt. Etna in the distance. See its ancient artifacts at the archeological museum, home to the 2,500-year-old Greek statues known as the Riace Bonzes. Reggio Calabria is a celebrated yachting destination, the secluded beaches along the Ionian shoreline holding a charm.

SeaDream yachts the Gulf of Squillace, a sheltered inlet along the Calabrian coast of Italy. It’s here that we plan to take full advantage of this breathtakingly beautiful area with Marina Days that invite you to swim, relax, or play with your choice of watersports toys in the tranquil azure waters of the Mediterranean. Slide into the sea on our new waterslide, the first and only on a cruise passenger vessel to take you from ship to sea. Swim and snorkel off your yacht, and enjoy complimentary catamarans, kayaks, paddleboards, jet skis, banana boats, and more.