With several special events happening around Mediterranean destinations, you can live a Royalty lifestyle while visiting St Tropez, Cannes and Portofino or watching the Monaco Grand Prix from your yacht’s upper deck!
Avoid polluted cities, escape from busy hotel lobbies and bid farewell to crowded airports. Instead, enjoy the comfort of your own crew under blue skies and warm sun on your own deck, in your own privacy. And if it is privacy you want, how about opting for a hospitable small island with hidden beaches and idyllic sandy bays in the Med?
Come to Royalty Yachts for the best in crewed luxury yachts, whatever your choice. If it’s a large motor yacht, a sailing catamaran or a mono-hulled sailboat, we can help you. With us you’ll get the finest charter vacation holiday around. Why not get in touch and use our free and friendly service to find out more about the best yacht hire available?
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Why Charter?
Flexibility and independence are two of the main
reasons for spending your annual leave on a sailing
charter vacation. You choose your destination, and you
decide when you step onto terra firma. You avoid the
crowds when you want to be alone, or join them when
you feel like it. Viewing the landscape from your private
yacht will be your Kodak picture memory for life! You
can set your own pace, choose your desired destination
and take full control of your itinerary and eliminate
queuing at busy airports.
The key word to yacht chartering is FREEDOM. You are
the captain of your decisions. So, you decide when to
sail, when to eat and when to throw anchor at hidden
beaches or exotic ports. But should the notion for ‘living
it up’ take hold of you, you can join the exciting nightlife
in a bustling town or enjoy a meal in a popular haunt.
When hoisting your main sail and turning
the yacht into the wind, you set yourself to sail the
most exquisite coastlines. Glistening sapphire waters
and pristine white beaches will be the order of the
day. Dancing dolphins will be your entertainment hosts.
You can snorkel when you want to cool down or scuba
dive into the deep for a peep at vivid colored marine
life. Enjoy national parks at different destinations.
Rub shoulders with local people and stuff your shopping
bag with souvenir trophies. You will never be the same
once you have experienced a ‘Royalty Yachts’ vacation
and tasted the good life.
The most popular yacht charter destinations include the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, Florida Keys, the Bahamas and the Whitsunday Islands in Australia. Royalty Yachts cover all these and in addition, has access to all the best charter boats in exotic locations such as the South Pacific, the Seychelles and Thailand. Can you feel the freedom?
In one respect chartering is the same as all other vacations.
They both take a certain amount of planning and preparation
to make sure you have the best trip. You also have to
pack your bags for either one. But charter vacation
will be all the better for being customized specifically
for you.
On board a luxury Royalty Yacht, you will find that
there is no better way to experience a taste of freedom,
elegance and style. You will also discover that a crewed
luxury yacht charter may end up costing no more than
an exclusive hotel or cruise ship. However, a fundamental
difference is that you have ultimate privacy, control
and as mentioned before – freedom! Something you’d never
find on a cruise ship or in a hotel.
Your luxury yacht will be the royal domain for you and
your friends, and the crew will attend to all your needs.
You’ll get service that is professional, personalized
and friendly. Your own personal chef onboard will provide
you with the best in cuisine, prepared to your liking,
and you can dine whenever you want without even making
a reservation. Take charge of your vacation and join
the growing numbers who sail in absolute luxury when
and where they choose to.
You will also find another range of fun choices on board
a luxury yacht. The water ‘toys’! Kayaks, windsurfers,
water-skis, jet skis and diving equipment to name a
few. These are often available for your entertainment.
Incredible but true, the larger super yachts may even
accommodate a helicopter pad, submarine bay, a gym or
a cinema. Every charter boat has its own speed boat
(tender) which can take guests water skiing, and take
passengers ashore during the day, to the beach, or at
night to enjoy a meal or other nightlife.
[ Featured Yachts: French Polynesia Motor Yacht Charters ]
Sailing Destinations of the World:
ITALY - Naples' Gulf
Italy is almost entirely surrounded by water with over 5,000 miles (8,047 Km) of coastline. The Adriatic, Ligurian, Mediterranean, Tyrrhenian and Ionian Seas border this romantic land. The coastline is renowned for a culture rich in art and architecture together with scenic land and seascapes. Between May and October, Italy is a firm favourite amongst the yachting fraternity and offers variety to the sailing enthusiast. Delve into the natural beauty of Italy with Royalty Yachts.
Southern Italy is a premier destination for exquisite sailing vacations and tours. None more so than the 15 km (9 mi.) wide historic Gulf of Naples. It opens to the west into the Tyrrhenian Sea (between Sicily and Sardinia). On its northern coastline are the cities of Naples and Pozzuoli. To the east is Mount Vesuvius; whilst to the south is the Sorrentine Peninsula. The Sorrentine Peninsula separates the Gulf of Naples from the Gulf of Salerno. Bordering the Gulf of Naples is Italy's densely populated region of Campania. This region is world-renowned for its immaculate weather and crystal blue shorelines, breathtaking imagery and scenic beauty, Mount Vesuvius as well as the Ruins of Herculaneum and Pompeii. This highly celebrated region attracts thousands of visitors each year.
While sailing takes place all year round, the best time to explore the Gulf is in July and August with the warmer temperatures (>23° C/73° F) and soothing winds. Winters remain pleasant with average temperatures of 13° C (55° F). Being on the coast, Naples has a more temperate winter than the interior. A winter vacation will enable you to enjoy all this region has to offer almost exclusively to your selves! There are a number of luxury yacht charters available for enthusiasts from family trips and corporate gatherings to exclusive yachting vacations. Whether in a luxurious mega yacht or a small cruiser, from Naples to Sorrento, or from the Islands of Ischia to Capri, you can immerse yourself in unparalleled beauty as you sail the Gulf of Naples. The magnificent venues draw hundreds of charters each season. It is important to arrange your charters as early as possible to avoid disappointment. Ferries and hydrofoils also run from Naples to the islands of Capri, Ischia, Procida, and Sardinia.
The capital of Campania is Naples (Napoli in Italian) meaning 'new city'. It is the third most-populated city in Italy and the biggest in Southern Italy. Naples harbour with its Molo [pier] Beverello is the most important port in Southern Italy. Naples also serves as the central hub for train lines in the South. Naples is a haven for international tourists and anyone keen on nautical activities. From Mergellina marina, hydrofoils depart for the islands in the Gulf of Naples. The city also hosts a number of Mediterranean cafes, which specialize in mouth-watering dishes and tantalizing cuisine. Pizza originated in Naples as did the casserole, Eggplant Parmesan. Spaghetti was also popularized here. Places of interest include a variety of castles and museums. During the summer months, a number of music festivals draw people to the city. Two annual religious festivals, the Festa di Piedigrotta and San Gennaro are held in September. Naples also puts on a spectacular fireworks display every New Year's Eve.
The Gulf of Pozzuoli west of Naples, is a small indentation in the coastline of the Gulf of Naples. Pozzuoli (from the Latin putere - 'to stink', referring to the sulfuric smell in the area) is the main city of the Phlegrean peninsula and was a hub for exported goods from Campania in the Alexandrian era. Nearby Misenum once housed the largest naval fleet in the ancient Roman world.
Cape Miseno is the headland marking the northwestern point of the Gulf of Naples and the start of the Bay of Pozzuoli. The cape points the way to the Flegrean island of Procida, which lies between the mainland and the island of Ischia. Procida has a very jagged 16 km (9.9 mi) coastline. This island was created by the eruption of four dormant and submerged volcanoes. Characteristic of the island are its aromatic orange and lemon groves and colourful gardens. Terra Murata is the highest point on the island (91 m/299 ft. high) and has great views. Procida has a tiny satellite island called Vivara.
To the northern end of the Gulf and about 30 km from the city of Naples, lies Ischia (pronounced ˈiskia), considered to be a most beautiful, volcanic island in the Tyrrhenian Sea. It is mostly mountainous with Mount Epomeo (788 m/2590 ft.) being the highest peak. With about 34 kilometres (21 mi) of coastline, it is the largest of the Phlegrean Islands. Due to the natural volcanic activity, volcanic mud and thermal hot springs abound. Due to the related tourism, German and English are widely spoken.
Ischia is the main center on the island. The city is divided into Ischia Ponte and Ischia Porto. Ischia Porto is the commercial center of the island and main port. Ischia Ponte ("ponte" meaning "bridge") is named after the stone footbridge that connects the Castello Aragonese (1441) with the island. This castle was built atop the ruins of an old fort that dated back to 474 B.C. It is one of the most striking monuments on Ischia and was used to protect the population from pirate attacks. Another significant landmark is Guevara or Michelangelo's Tower which is positioned in front of the Castle. This tower is surrounded by lawn and faces Sant'Anna rocks, a haven for all diving enthusiasts! The tower was built on the ruins of an ancient fortress to protect the Castle islet and the coast against enemy raids. The tower derives its name from the Dukes of Guevara who were its owners. Its second name derives from a groundless legend around world famous artist Michelangelo who stayed in the tower when he was visiting the island. The tower is now used as an art exhibition center. Other ruins of pre-Roman villages destroyed by a sudden volcanic eruption in 130 B.C. can be explored.
To the north of the island, close to Ischia Porto is the old town of Casamicciola Terme, famous for its ancient hot springs. The town is surrounded by the Epomeo forest with its beautiful pine and chestnut woods and many pathways climbing Mount Epomeo. Casamicciola harbour offers all yachting amenities and a safe anchorage whilst its endless beach ensures an unforgettable vacation. From here, places like Sant Angelo, Forio and Lacco Ameno are easily accessible.
To the south of Naples lie the historical remains of Herculaneum and Pompeii. Both were destroyed by a volcanic eruption of MT Vesuvius in 79 AD. Both the cities are historically significant with their huge preserves of antiquities. Monumental buildings, triumphal arches, amphitheaters, villas, tombs and bridges of the Roman Imperial Age abound and well worth the visit. The modern day city of Ercolano has been built above the ancient ruins of Herculaneum.
The Sorrentine Peninsula lies at the southernmost tip of the Gulf of Naples. The main town of this peninsula is the bustling port of Sorrento. Famed for its Orange and Lemon Groves and sea cliffs, the town's steep slopes look out over azure waters to Ischia, Capri and the Bay of Naples. Sorrento allows for excellent hiking trails cross the peninsula.
Off the Sorrentine Peninsula lies the exquisite Isle of Capri (6 Km/4 mi. long and up to 2, 5 Km/1, 5 mi. wide). It has a most spectacular shoreline with rugged, limestone cliffs and is covered with vast areas of greenery, including the acanthus plant whose foliage makes the characteristic ornament molded on Corinthian capitals.
There are two main centers on the island. The town of Capri, the main center, is situated between Monte Solaro to the west and San Michele to the northeast. Near Capri lie the two harbours; Marina Piccola (the little harbour) on the Southern side which is known for its cobbled beaches. Marina Grande, the island's main port and largest seafront, is situated on the north side and is characterized by colorful little houses, once inhabited by Capri's fishermen. To the east of the town of Capri and set atop the 334-meter (1,099 ft.) high Monte Tiberio, is the Villa Jovis. This Roman palace, built by Tiberius in the first century AD, remains a popular site for vacations.
A short boat ride from Marina Grande is Capri's Blue Grotto (Duomo Azzurra). This sea-cavern, used in ancient Roman times, is a natural cave 60 meters (196 ft.) long, up to 25 meters (82 ft.) wide and averaging 7 meters (23 ft.) in height (but up to 14 meters[ 46 ft. ] at the rear). The Grotto is enchantingly illuminated by sunlight passing through a small underwater cavity located immediately below the entrance to the cave. The water filters out the red hues leaving only intense blue tones and giving the cavern a shimmering silvery light. The entrance to the Grotto is formed by a small natural opening in the rocky wall roughly 2 meters (6 ft.) wide and 1 meter (3 ft.) high. To enter the grotto, visitors have to lie on the bottom of small rowing boats and pull their way through the low and narrow mouth of the cave with the aid of a chain. Entrance to the cave is only accessible in calm waters.
Above the town of Capri lies the second main center on the island, Anacapri. The Villa San Michele is the most significant site in the village. Above Anacapri is the highest peak on the island, Monte Solaro (589 m/1,932 ft.) from where energetic climbers can take in the breathtaking views of the Gulf. Alternately the chairlift (seggiovia) from Anacapri offers ease of ascent for the less energetic. About 3 km southwest of Anacapri, on the southwestern tip of the island lies the historical Punta Carena Lighthouse (1867). It is a 28 m (92 ft.) high octagonal brick tower with lantern and gallery ontop a two-story building. It has a range of 25 nautical miles (about 46 km).
Capri's sea giants, the Faraglioni Rocks, are three stacks of rock protruding out of the water off the southern coast of Capri; 'Stella' (109m/358 ft.) is still attached to the main part of the island, 'Mezzo' (82 m/269 ft.) has a distinguishing natural cavity or 'hole' at sea level, whilst 'Scopolo' or Fuori (106 m/348 ft.) is the sole habitat for a famous, very rare species of blue tinted lizard.
Capri is also known for its extravagant nightlife of clubs and the finest in Italian eateries and restaurants. Here one can enjoy romantic candlelight dinners and live entertainment whilst being refreshed by cool sea breezes and the sound of the waves. Capri's restaurants offer a wide array of delicious regional fish platters, grilled scampi topped with aromatic herbs, Capri-style stuffed calamari as well as ravioli filled with marjoram, Parmesan, and Caciotta cheese. The braided mozzarella cheeses capture the true tastes of Capri.
30 km (18 miles) SE of Naples lies Positano, a town 'not for the feint hearted', as steep ramps of stairs serve as walkways. Comfortable walking shoes are a must when visiting this town.
It was a relatively poor fishing village until John Steinbeck popularized it in the 1950's after publishing an essay referring to the town as, "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." Positano is home to the annual 'Cartoons on the Bay Festival'. The Pulcinella awards for excellence in animation are presented at this festival. Mick Jagger and Keith Richards (The Rolling Stones) wrote the song "Midnight Rambler" in the cafes of Positano whilst on vacation. In the film, 'The Talented Mr Ripley', Positano was the inspiration for the little port of Mongibello and parts of the adaptation were filmed in the town.
Tourism is by far the major industry in Positano. Among the many churches is the Collegiata di Santa Maria Assunta which houses the famous tavola of the Madonna Nera (Black Madonna), a 13th-century Byzantine icon.
Marina Grande, the beach where fishermen used to haul up their boats is the heart of town. Ferries arrive and depart from the pier at its western end. The Via Positanesi d'America is a pedestrian promenade and the only flat street in Positano. It stretches along the shore past the cape of Torre Trasita to the smaller beach of Fornillo. The liquer Limoncello is made only in Positano.
Below the Gulf of Naples, on the southern coast of the Sorrentine Peninsula, lies the popular tourist destination, the Amalfi Coast.
Although many communities dot the coastline, Amalfi is the main town on this scenic coast and is a mere 37 km (20 mi) southeast of Naples. Positioned at the mouth of a deep ravine and at the foot of Monte Cerreto (1,315 meters, 4,314 feet), Amalfi is surrounded by dramatic cliffs and coastal scenery. It was the capital of the old maritime republic known as the Duchy of Amalfi (839 – 1200 AD), and as such, it was an important trading power in the Mediterranean. Amalfi is a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its natural significance, but it also boasts innumerable churches, including the Amalfi Cathedral and many villas dating back to the Roman golden age. Local artisans and craftsman keep their age old traditions alive through the production of bright and colorful ceramics and fine handmade papers.
Peaceful Ravello is a small village in the hills above Amalfi and can be reached by inexpensive, air-conditioned SITA buses from Amalfi. Cars are not allowed into Ravello, but the town is easily explored on foot. Ravello offers stunning views of the Mediterranean. Villa Cimbrone and Villa Rufolo are renowned for their gardens. The spectacular Duomo di Ravello located in Vescovado Square retains traces of medieval frescoes and was completely restored in 1973. The annual Ravello Festival, started in 1953 in honor of Richard Wagner who had visited the town in 1880, has grown into an almost two-month-long presentation of music featuring large orchestras, chamber music, jazz, art shows, dance, photographic exhibits and discussion groups. There is also a chance to meet and talk with the featured world renowned artists.
Just a short sail down the Amalfi coast you will discover the seaside resort of Agropoli, the gateway to Cilento. Agropoli being the largest town in Cilento was built during medieval times, but today is a hospitable tourist town. It is known for its historical feudal castle, the medieval ruins of San Francesco's monastery, the churches of the Santa Maria di Constantinopoli, San Marco, and San Francesco as well as a rugged old lighthouse. While you are at Agropoli, make sure to visit the magnificent temple of Paestum about 10 Km (6 mi.) north of the city. Also to the north of the town are the pristine, golden shorelines of the proudly 'blue-flag' beach of Trentova Bay. Agropoli has about 1200 mooring places for pleasure and tourist boats. A wide range of sailboats and other yachts are available for cruising the Cilento and Amalfi Coasts. Agropoli holds various nautical exhibitions and contests throughout the year.
The Partenopean Islands located in the bay of Naples comprises the tiny isle of Capri, Vivara, Procida and Ischia.
Sample Italy Charter Itinerary - Naples to Naples
Day 1:
Board your charter at Naples. Sail straight to Capri observing the panoramic vistas
of the magnificent Gulf of Naples, passing the majestic Mount Vesuvius on the way.
Day 2-3:
Explore Capri from Marina Grande. Take a comprehensive boat trip around the island.
Visit the Faraglioni Rocks, the Blue Grotto, Punta Carena Lighthouse and the many
other creeks, tiny bays and caves. Use the chairlift from Anacapri up Monte Solaro
to take in the island and sea vistas. Enjoy the cobbled beaches of Marina Piccola.
Make the most of the cuisine and shopping the island has to offer.
Day 4
Depart early for Amalfi and explore this World Heritage Site. Visit the villages
of Ravello and Positano by taxi. Return to Amalfi and depart for Salerno.
Day 5:
From Salerno take a taxi to Pompeii. Enjoy a daylong trip at the historic ruins
and overnight in Salerno.
Day 6:
After breakfast hike the Sorrento Peninsula, overnighting weather permitting,
or else spend a night back on Capri.
Day 7:
Set sail early to Ischia. Enjoy one of the islands famous volcanic spas, close
to your anchorage. Lunch on board. After lunch, explore Ischia's coast by boat.
Return to Naples.
Royalty Yacht Charters has an extensive knowledge of all Italian charter crews, yachts, cruising itineraries and destinations and therefore offer you the best service. We make it a point to personally visit and inspect each yacht, check their services, meet the captain whilst sampling the cuisine offered on the yacht. To make your trips unforgettable and luxurious, leave your charter arrangements in the professional hands of Royalty Yachts.
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