Sail away and see some of the wonders of Italy from the cool blue waters. John Bensalhia is the captain of your guide to some of the best boat trips!
Messing about in boats. For the uninitiated, this isn't quite as easy as you might expect. Certainly, my one experience of sailing many moons ago was fairly choppy. A superb sense of direction, a good grasp of steering and the beady understanding of key terms such as the cunningham, the winch and the spinnaker are just three of the key components you require to ensure a fun time on the sea.
If, however, like me, you prefer to leave the sailing to the experts and enjoy looking out at the beautiful views, then don't worry – there are a good number of specially organised boat trips that can oblige.
Italy is no exception. Boat trips are not only a blissful way of seeing some of the sights, they are also informative, relaxing, and also, fun! I have come up with five excellent examples of boat trips in Italy, which cater for all kinds of guest. Whether you are on your own, in a couple or in a group, you will find something to enjoy in some of these superb boat trips.
So – hoist up the John B sail, and let's chart these waters for some of the best boat trips available in Italy!
When you board Gianni's boat, you come on as a passenger, and leave as a friend. Thanks to the friendly, sociable atmosphere provided by expert sailor Gianni, you can explore the wonders of the sea around Capri in real style.
One of the key benefits of Gianni's boat tours is that they normally last for more than the standard hour. The tours will last for at least three hours and can also last for a day. This means that guests can make the most of Capri, its sights and wonders – including hidden coves and sea caves.
There are plenty of packages available for one of Gianni's superb tours. These include the Island of Capri tour, with stops at destinations such as the Green, Champagne, Coral and White Grottoes, the Natural Arch stone archway, the Scugnizzo Statue, and Tiberius' Leap.
Another notable voyage is the Boat Tour of the Amalfi Coast. Departing from Capri, Gianni will take you to the Li Galli Islets, where it's said that Ulysses encountered the mythical Sirens. Continuing past Punta Campanella, you will be able to see what's left of an old temple dedicated to Minerva. Following lunch at the fishing village of Nerano, you will continue to Positano, where you can stop to either take a walk or do some shopping in one of the local boutiques. Gianni also offers an Amalfi Coast Tour, which encompasses locations Capri, Li Galli, Punta Campanella, Nerano and Positano. Traversing Ulysses' route, it's little wonder that the spectacular scenery of this tour has been dubbed the 'Grand Tour Of Beauty'.
It's not just the high quality of Gianni's tours that ensure popularity. It's also the diverse range of packages available. For example, if you're feeling romantic, and you want to whisk your loved one off for a tour around the Island of Capri, then Gianni can provide the works – complete with your own serenade, lunch or dinner, a bottle of champagne, and a stop for a lucky kiss for the couple beneath the Faraglioni. Gianni can also organise a unique marriage proposal to remember – simply bring the ring and your knee, and Gianni will take care of the rest.
Talking of future weddings, another package caters for bachelorette parties – albeit a party that's a tad classier than the average shindig. This boat tour involves all kinds of goodies, including champagne and massages for everyone on board. Gianni also suggests a gourmet dinner, an evening in a trendy Capri club and hotel accommodation.
Other notable tours include the experience of morning and sunset trips, an opportunity to sample the underwater life of Capri, and also large scale group trips.
ROME BOAT EXPERIENCE
Enjoy the delights of Rome from this first class boat experience!
All sorts of trips can be sampled with Rome Boat Experience. The trips are generally available from late Spring through to the end of October, meaning that you can make the most of the sunny weather while on board!
One of the frequent boat experiences is the Hop-On Hop-Off cruise that includes multilingual commentary in six languages and free boarding for under-10s. There is also a similar trip that also includes a tour of the area by double decker bus.
The Round Trip for Rome packs in many sights along the way: These include Nenni Bridge, Regina Margherita bridge (close to Piazza del Popolo Area ), Umberto I bridge (justice flat), Sant'Angelo bridge (close to Sant'Angelo castel), Amedeo di Savoia bridge (Rovere square), and Sisto bridge (Trilussa square).
If you're looking for a little food and drink while on the waters, then the Rome Boat Experience can also oblige. A Wine Bar/Aperitif Cruise is available and boards from Castel Sant'Angelo, giving you the chance to sample some of the best Roman appetisers and wines. Meanwhile, a Dinner Cruise (boarding from S. Angelo's Pier) also boasts live music plus a tasty four-course meal and coffee.
Photo credit: Rome Boat Experience
ANGELO'S BOAT TOURS
Angelo's Boat Tours is the brainchild of Monterosso fisherman Angelo and his wife Paula. Their business combines the best of both worlds: On the one hand, you've got Angelo's passion for the sea. And on the other, Paula's love of cooking and entertaining meshes well to form a memorable and highly enjoyable boat tour.
The fishing boat used is actually the converted original that Angelo's father custom built for him at the age of 19. Built in the traditional Ligurian style, the 'gozzo' was originally used by Angelo to fish for anchovies at night time. It's this unique background that makes the Angelo's Boat Tours experience all the more special.
There are two notable tours available. The first is the Cinque Terre Tour, which involves a day's worth of exploration of this beautiful (five land) area. Packed full of spectacle and history, the Cinque Terre is a brilliant area to see from the sea.
You'll certainly get plenty of value after you leave the harbour in Monterosso. The destinations include a stop at one of the coves that will give you the chance to take a dip in the beautiful Mediterranean seas. Following this, it's off for a spot of lunch at a local family-run restaurant where you can enjoy a feast of seafood and local delicacies. Coming back, there will be further opportunities for swimming or a visit to Vernazza where you can enjoy a walk and maybe a Gelato!
It's worth pointing out that the trips are not set in stone, and will be dependent upon the weather and other circumstances (for example, in the event of the restaurant proving unavailable, then an equally delicious picnic lunch is laid on). Whatever the weather, this is a trip that's not to be missed – and is also a great way to meet new people right from the initial Italian aperitivo of snacks (such as cheese) and Prosecco!
Photo credit: Angelo's Boat Tours
Another notable experience is the Sunset Tapas Tour, which allows you to catch the sun going down over the Mediterranean. This is a sight that's worthy of a picture postcard, and it's a sight that can be enjoyed with friends or loved ones.
Food and drink are provided again – with high quality choices for all, including, of course, freshly made tapas and also Prosecco. There are also non-alcoholic drinks and beers available if you ask.
Providing that the weather is warm enough, then you will be able to stop off at one of the coves for a swim – this is particularly recommended in the months from mid-June to mid-September.
Private tours are also available at Angelo's Boat Tours, and are great for families or small groups of friends. 10 is the maximum number of guests. Alternatively, if you want something more romantic, then a Mediterranean tour for just the two of you will be right up your street. Great music... sparkling white wine... and of course, amazing views! The perfect romantic date!
VENETIAN GALLEON DINNER CRUISE
I've already mentioned some of the romantic opportunities available on the seas, and another good one comes courtesy of the Venetian Galleon Dinner Cruise.
The Venetian Galleon (Jolly Roger) is a unique place to hold all sorts of events including parties, business meetings and even weddings! The considerable space inside makes this kind of event possible – and what better way to take a break from the event to look out at the scenery sailing past you?
The Galleon allows for a tailor-made occasion, as opposed to a one-size-fits-all affair. The flexibility afforded is matched by its professionalism and dedication from the staff who ensure that every inch of the experience (from the food and drink to the scenery and decorations) is absolutely top notch.
One particularly sublime experience occurs every Wednesday and Friday. The Venetian Galleon Dinner Cruise offers the finest food and drink that you could wish for. The double bonus is that you do so in atmospheric candlelight with professional and attentive service – as well as an unforgettable journey that allows you to witness the equally sumptuous sights of the canals and islands of the Venetian lagoon.
VENICE GUIDE AND BOAT
Venice Guide and Boat provides plenty of trips that allow you to drink in the best sights that Venice has to offer.
Two key boat trips also give guests the chance to experience the wonders of the local lagoons. First up is an excursion to the Islands of the Venetian Lagoon: Murano, Burano and Torcello.
These are the most famous islands of the Venetian Lagoon, each of which is well known in its own special way. Take Murano Island – which is well known for producing high quality glass. To see what goes into glass production, you will pay a visit to one of the biggest glass factories where you will encounter a glass master weaving his magic.
After journeying through the Northern Lagoon, you will then come to the fisherman's village of Burano, known for its production of lace and some of the finest seafood restaurants for miles around. Up next, it's a visit to the oldest monument preserved in Venice – the Torcello Basilica.
The other excursion takes you to the Southern Lagoon (Lido, Pellestrina and Chioggia). Intriguingly, it's said to be an area that's not commonly frequented by Venice tourists, but this still a very laid-back and worthwhile tour that has its fair share of wonderful attractions.
There will be a trip to the Lido where you can sample the Adriatic seaside, and then it's a ride to the Island of Pellestrina with its picture postcard perfect fisherman's village. After the island, you come to Chioggia which is famous for its large fish market. There will also be the chance to enjoy a spot of lunch here – you can eat a fabulous meal here, before returning to Venice, while enjoying the awesome beauty of the Lagoon along the way.
