JOURNEYS4LIFE
  • Home
  • About
  • Land Journeys
    • Tailor-Made Vacations
    • Groups
  • Small Ship Voyages
    • Ocean Cruises
    • River Cruises
  • Blog
  • REVIEWS
  • PLANNING PROCESS
  • UNESCO
  • Privacy Policy

Travel Blog

Portoferraio Elba, Italy in Yacht Style with Windstar Cruises

7/13/2016

0 Comments

 
I was sadly thinking that our Windstar Voyage was almost over, when in a bright morning we sailed in Portoferraio, the largest town in the Island of Elba. Located just 6 miles away from the mainland, Elba is part of Tuscany and in the summer there are regular ferries which connect Elba with Corsica and Italy mainland.
​Island of Elba attracts a lot of travelers in the summer season (high months being July & August), looking for a quick escape. Famous around the world for harboring the French Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte during his 1814 exile, Elba offers  unique combination of active vacation (mountain biking, diving, hiking), and  relaxation (azure waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea), combined with rich prehistory dating back to the Etruscans.
Picture
Port of Portoferraio Elba, Italy
Our yacht docked right in the Harbor, and my husband and I eagerly headed uphill to the Old Town.  For travelers interested in history, a visit to Villa Mulini (Napoleon Bonaparte's, Residence during his 300 days exile on the island) is a must as well as the two fortresses - Forte Falcone and Forte Stella built by Cosimo Medici as a part of the city defense system back in the 16th Century.

​
​
Picture
Narrow cobblestone streets in Portoferraio, Elba
​We started wandering around narrow cobblestone streets and after quick climb uphill we reached the Emperor's Villa set on the top of the town. It cost us 5 Euro per person to get an entry and we were fortunate enough to be just one of the few visitors at this late morning hour. The centerpiece of our tour was the expansive library and splendid terraced garden overlooking the Sea.
Picture
Villa Mulini, Napoleone Bonaparte's Residence
Located near Napoleon's Residence was Forte Stella easily recognized by it's unique pink brick color. The highest part offered strategical view of Villa Mulini and the gleaming sea.
Picture
Forte Stella built by Medici Family
Elba, like several other islands in the Mediterranean, takes few hours afternoon siesta, thus we had to alter our original plan to visit Forte Falcone and instead spend the rest of the afternoon at Portoferraio's main beach and souvenir shopping along the Marina's promenade.
​
Picture
The Azure waters of Tyrrhenian Sea
Are you ready to embark on your small ship Mediterranean voyage?
CONTACT US
0 Comments

Alghero, Sardinia in Yacht Style with Windstar Cruises 

7/1/2016

0 Comments

 
One of my favorite things  about small ship cruising is that you visit less "touristy" ports where the big ships cannot go. After relaxing day at sea, our Windstar Yacht docked in the harbor of Alghero, a charming medieval town in the island of Sardinia, Italy. And Yes, we were the only ship in the harbor!
Picture
Port of Alghero, Sardinia


One of highlights of the island was a trip to the "Neptune's Grotto" which was a spectacular stalactite sea cave complex located at the Northwest part of Sardinia. You can access the Cappo Caccia (Vertical Cliffs) and the Grotto via boat or land (drive, local bus, or organized tour - it takes about 45 min). The road winds around Cappo Cacchia and ends up short of the climb. Be prepared, there are  656 steps down carved into the sheer cliff wall, which lead to the Grotto.
My husband and I decided to take a a local boat tour from a company called "Navisarda", located right in Alghero's harbor. In the summer months, there are trips scheduled every hour. It cost us 16 Euro per person for a round trip.
Travel Tip: Make sure to bring cash to pay for your tickets. There was a separate entry fee of 13 Euro (Cash Only - Total = 29 / person), once we were at the Grotto itself.

Picture
Capo Caccia as seen from our boat
After a 45 minute scenic boat ride, we arrived at Cappo Caccia and Neptune's Grotto. Raising high above sea level, the white vertical cliffs looked so magnificent! We saw some birds and other wildlife, which made the Cape their home.
Picture
Entry to the Neptune's Grotto by boat and stairway to the top of the Cape
Travel Tip: ​If you plan this trip, try to have an early morning start! We felt that was already too crowded at noon, considering the fact that was off season.
After being in a few caves in the past myself, I have to say that Neptune's Grotto was one of the most beautiful cave I have seen! It  was truly a natural treasure! Created over millions of years, the stalactites were awe inspiring, boasting unique shapes and forms.
Picture
Alghero's Medieval Walls
Picture
The streets of Alghero
Back in Alghero in early afternoon, we were exited to start exploring the Old Town by foot. It happened to be right at Siesta Time (most of the shops and restaurants were closed), but we still found a small al-fresco dining pizzeria in a historic piazza which we loved!
Travel Tip: No need to rent a car, walk or bike is the best way to get around
​
Picture
Local Pizzeria
We spent the rest of the day souvenir shopping, wandering around the narrow windy cobblestone streets, visiting small churches and walking along the medieval town walls we even saw a trebuchet (medieval siege engine)!
Travel Tip: Souvenirs made out of Red coral are  traditional gifts 
Picture
Reconstruction of Trebuchet
We left Alghero with a heart full of joy and appreciation that we had an opportunity to visit this picturesque town.
​
Picture
Alghero Old Town and its Medieval Walls
Are you ready to embark on a small ship adventure? 
CONTACT US
0 Comments

    Categories

    All
    Alghero
    Amogros
    Angkor Wat
    Bali
    Bali Must See
    Bonifacio
    Cambodia
    Cave Of The Apocalypse
    Chania
    Corsica
    Costa Del Sol
    Crete
    Cultural Heritage
    Danube River
    Doha
    Dubai Travel
    Egypt
    Egypt Travel
    Elba
    Ephesus
    France
    Greece
    Greek Isles
    Holy Hindu City
    India Travel
    Indonesia
    Italy
    Knights Of Saint John
    Knossos Palace
    Luggage
    Malta
    Marbella
    Mediterranean Cruise
    Mediterranean Vacation
    Monemvasia
    Morocco Travel
    Napoleon Bonaparte
    Neptune's Grotto
    Palma De Mallorca
    Paris
    Patmos
    Pavillion D'Orient Boutique Hotel
    Persian Gulf
    Qatar
    River Cruise
    Ronda
    Sailing Ship
    Sardinia
    Sicily
    Siem Reap
    Small Ship Cruising
    Spain
    Star Clippers
    Syros
    Taormina
    Tonle Sap Lake
    Travel
    Travel Tips
    UNESCO World Heritage Site
    Varanasi
    Windstar Cruises
    Yacht Experience

    Archives

    May 2020
    April 2020
    January 2020
    October 2019
    September 2019
    July 2019
    April 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    November 2018
    October 2018
    July 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    December 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015

    RSS Feed

(305) 433-1243
Gia@Journeys4Life.com
Picture
Journeys4Life.com, an independent affiliate of Palm Coast Travel, Seller of Travel - CA: 2099900, FL: ST14303, WA: 602904620, IA: 936
  • Home
  • About
  • Land Journeys
    • Tailor-Made Vacations
    • Groups
  • Small Ship Voyages
    • Ocean Cruises
    • River Cruises
  • Blog
  • REVIEWS
  • PLANNING PROCESS
  • UNESCO
  • Privacy Policy

Sign up for updates!

Enter your email to get updates straight to your inbox.