Italy - The Bay of Naples

Naples greets you with faded grandeur, strong coffee and louder-than-life charm. Step aboard in the late afternoon and we set sail across the bay to Procida, a pocket-sized island where the fishing harbour of Marina Corricella tumbles down to the water in pink, yellow and blue. Once the day boats have gone, the anchorage is ours. Aperitivo on deck, then a shared feast of Campanian flavours as you get to know your crew.

A morning swim off Procida, then we sail south across the bay, with Vesuvius on the horizon and the cliffs of Capri rising ahead. Swim beneath the Faraglioni, the famous sea stacks off the south coast, before we settle in off Marina Piccola for the night. In the evening, head up to the Piazzetta for an aperitivo and some of the best people-watching in Italy.

We cross back to Ischia, the biggest island in the bay, and anchor beneath the Castello Aragonese, the fortress built on its own rock and joined to the island by a stone bridge. Wander up through the castle, browse the lanes of Ischia Ponte, or head straight to one of the island's thermal gardens to float in hot spring pools. Dinner on board, with the castle lit up across the water.

We set sail out of the bay and west into open water to Ventotene, a tiny island in the Pontine archipelago. It has almost no cars, a protected marine area and water so clear the snorkelling is some of the best of the trip. Explore the Roman villa at Punta Eolo and walk the cliffs at Parata Grande. Dinner on board - slow-cooked, soulful, and steeped in tradition.

A last swim off Ventotene, then we sail back into the bay to Ischia for the night. This time, see the island's other side. Take a taxi to Sant'Angelo, a car-free fishing village with good seafood and an easy evening stroll, or catch the sunset from the white church of the Soccorso in Forio. Back on board for dinner.

Spend the morning lazing at Giardino Eden beach club on a sunbed, a swim and a long lunch, before an afternoon sail back across the bay to Naples. Your final evening is in the city: wander the cobbled streets of the old town, follow the smell of wood-fired pizza and toast the week in the home of pizza.

A last breakfast and farewells over coffee on board, then we step ashore in the morning.