Amalfi Coast to the Adriatic Sea

Ports

• Civitavecchia (Rome)
  

  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.

• Capri
  

  Capri may very well be the most popular island on the planet. It is a beautiful Italian island in the Tyrrhenian Sea just off the Sorrentine Peninsula, on the south side of the Bay of Naples. Capri town is the island’s main population center. The island has two harbors, Marina Piccola and Marina Grande (the main port of the island). The separate village of Anacapri is located high on the hills to the west. From there, visitors can continue up to the highest point Mt. Solero. Besides some simply amazing shopping boutiques, the island has so much to offer including the famous Grotta Azzurra, Villa Jovis, Giardini di Augusto, Certosa di San Giacomo, Villa San Michele di Axel Munthe and the uniquely shaped Faraglioni rocks. SeaDream has put together most of the sights into one adventure called “Discovering the Island of Love” Kindly check the Land Adventures tab for more information. There’s also some great hikes available on the island, check with the activities team on board for details.

• Positano
  

  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
  

  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.

• Lipari, Sicily
  

  Lipari, Sicily is the largest of the Aeolian group of seven islands in the Tyrrhenian Sea off the northern coast of Sicily. Everyone should check out the fortified castello as well as the Aeolian Archaeological Museum. The island was for centuries the world centre for pumice production, and although the mining has left scars on the hillsides, it has also deposited the finest white pumice dust on the sea bed. The water off Spiaggia Bianca (White Beach) is as clear and as turquoise as in the Bahamas and Caribbean. There’s also black sand beaches on the island as well. SeaDream has arranged a Pizza Demonstration as a Land Adventure option as well as the Island Overview. Water sports in the crystal waters is also a great activity option.

• Taormina (Etna) Sicily
  

  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. For the SeaDream active guests, office led hikes and bike rides could also transport you to Taormina town or continue 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. This “SeaDream Exclusive” Land Adventure requires a high minimum to operate, but it’s worth every penny! As we are anchored and if conditions allow, we will offer water sports both in the morning and in the afternoon. Multo Bene!

• 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.

• Kotor
  

  Kotor is a coastal town in Montenegro. The old Mediterranean port of Kotor is surrounded by an impressive city wall built by the Republic of Venice and the Venetian influence remains dominant among the architectural influences. In 1979 the Bay of Kotor, City of Kotor and the surrounding territory have been listed in the UNESCO Heritage as a Cultural Site. SeaDream usually navigates close by the small islands of St. George and Our Lady of the Reef. The Bay of Kotor stretches 28 km and is one of the most indented parts of the Adriatic Sea. It is sometimes called the southern-most fjord in Europe (though it is actually a submerged river canyon called a ria). SeaDream typically docks steps away from the town. SeaDream has arranged a few different Yachting Land Adventures. One of them is a walking discovery and the other will show you the heritage and countryside of Montenegro. For the active guests, there’s incredible biking along the coast as well as a hike up to the fortress. On occasion, SeaDream may dock in the bay and tender directly to the town. We regret that watersports are not allowed in this protected area.

• Dubrovnik
  

  Dubrovnik (Pearl of the Adriatic) is one of the most prominent destinations in the Adriatic Sea. It lies in the region of Dalmatia and was awarded World Unesco Heritage status in 1979. The population is approximately 43,000 and is considered to be among the 10 best medieval walled cities in the world. SeaDream anchors off the walled city as a port of call and tenders directly to the town gate. If you check the land adventures here, you will find that there are many different excursions to consider in this incredible town. Dubrovnik is also an embarkation point on select voyages. On these occasions, the yacht is docked at the cruise terminal.