Portoferraio Kreuzfahrten

If your interests lean toward the scenic and the mineralogical, this half-day outing should amply satisfy your curiosity on both topics. Though all active mining operations in the Monte Giove slopes surrounding Elba’s coastal commune of Rio Marina ceased in 1981, the city never quite lost its Capital of Iron nickname. These days, it’s a flourishing resort town – with a world-class mineral museum that showcases its earthy heritage.

Your guided outing begins with a 45-minute coach drive eastward from Portoferraio to Rio Marina, sporting a 16th-century octagonal tower built by the Appiani family, lords of Piombino and historic owners of Elba. After a century of industrial-scale ore extraction, the iron mines here are quiet. But their legacy remains active at the Museum of Elba Minerals, where you’ll spend time browsing an important collection, including numerous mineral specimens of exceptional beauty. A recreated blacksmith’s workshop with original tools and materials found in abandoned mining sites brings a realistic sense of place to the experience, as does the photographic documentation of the old mines of Rio and Capoliveri and the life-size reconstruction of a miner’s shelter and actual mining tunnel. Following some free time in town, you’ll depart for Porto Azzurro, some 45 minutes to the south.

Clustered at the base of a promontory on the Gulf of Mola, this charming town’s medieval Spanish origins are evident – exemplified by the photogenic cliff-top Forte Focardo complex, commissioned by Don Garcia di Toledo in the 1600s in an attempt to defend the village from roving Saracen pirates. Enjoy a brief guided Porto Azzurro walk followed by free time to browse for treasures in the shops of local mineral artisans. Afterwards, the scenic return drive to Portoferraio takes about 30-minutes.

Experience the panoramic beauty of Eastern Elba during this picturesque, half-day excursion to Capoliveri and Porto Azzurro.

Capoliveri

Depart the pier with your guide for the scenic, approximate 45-minute drive to Capoliveri.

Perched on a 1,355-foot-high (413-metre-high) hilltop, Capoliveri is adorned with Medieval architecture and town centres boasting a wealth of history and charm. The Capoliveri coasts are among the most beautiful on the island, and feature overhanging cliffs, crystal-clear bays and superb views over the gulfs of Lacona and Campo. During your visit, you can stroll along the narrow, picturesque streets and archways, or 'chiassi', browse the small boutiques, or stop for traditional cuisine and fine wine.

Porto Azzurro

Next, re-board your coach for the drive to Porto Azzurro, one of the most picturesque and relaxing seaside resorts on Elba. Situated along a deep inlet on the eastern side of the island, Porto Azzurro is dominated by the early-17th-century, star-shaped Fort of San Giacomo, or 'Forte Longone', and overlooks a lovely bay. After a visit here and some free time at your leisure, commence the approximate 30-minute drive back to the pier.

Embrace the medieval beauty and charm of Capoliveri during this panoramic, half-day hiking excursion.

Portoferraio, Capoliveri, Medieval Architecture, Cliffs, Bays, Lacona and Campo Coasts

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 45-minute drive to Capoliveri. Perched on an approximately 1,355-foot-high (about 413-metre-high) hilltop, Capoliveri is adorned with Medieval architecture and town centres boasting a wealth of history and charm. Among the most beautiful on the island, the Capoliveri coasts feature overhanging cliffs, crystal-clear bays, and superb views over the gulfs of Lacona and Campo. Upon arrival at Capoliveri, begin your guided, approximately three-hour hiking trek.

Monte Calamita, Porto Azzuro, Forte San Giacomo, South Coast of Elba

Monte Calamita is located on southeast Elba, above the delightful village of Capoliveri. Your circular route around Monte Calamita takes you on a well-developed path up to the city, and back down into the village on the other side. The last part is a little steeper downhill, but still on good ground. Along the way, take in spectacular panoramic views overlooking the port of Porto Azzurro, Forte San Giacomo and along the south coast of Elba. At the conclusion of your hiking trek, re-board your coach and commence the approximately 45-minute drive back to the pier.

From dramatic granite cliffs to dense oak and chestnut forests to tiny coastal enclaves tucked into hilly coves, Elba is an island awash in unspoiled sights to explore – and this half-day outing immerses you in two engaging examples of that diversity.

Traveling by coach with your local guide, a drive northwest brings you to Marciana Marina, a tiny old maritime village some 45-minutes from Portoferraio. Over the next 45 minutes, walk along a scenic harborside promenade to reach Il Cotone, the town’s historic fishermen's quarter. Stroll along romantic lanes amidst pastel colors and houses built close by the sea. Gaze on the fleet of colorful fishing boats still occupying this compact natural bay, with a cliff ledge allowing boats to be hauled ashore directly in front of building doorfronts. Discover a handsome piazza and an ancient Pisan watchtower built to fend off Saracen pirates. And imagine the stream of Ligurian and Neapolitan fishermen and sailors who’ve trodden these same lanes throughout time.

Back on the coach, relax on a half-hour drive to Cecilia Winery, established in 1990 by a Milanese engineer, industrialist, and artist who, after 50 years of visiting, decided to set down roots oElba and focus on his passion for viticulture. His nephews manage the estate’s four vineyards today, marrying deep old-school respect for the grapes with the latest in winemaking equipment – stainless steel tanks, temperature-controlled fermentation, sophisticated filter systems –  to produce some 5,500 cases of fine wines each year. After a relaxed orientation tour, get down to business and savor the fruit of their labors, tasting four different appellations – typically a Vermentino, Elba Ansonica, Elba Rosso, and a Syrah – accompanied by local snacks.

After a leisurely visit here, and with a rosy glow to your demeanor likely from the wines, settle in for a scenic 30-minute return drive to Portoferraio.

Experience the scenic beauty of Elba and the winter home of Napoleon during this half-day sightseeing excursion to Porto Azzurro and the Villa dei Mulini.

Porto Azzurro

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximate 30-minute drive to Porto Azzurro, one of the most picturesque and relaxing seaside resorts on Elba. Situated along a deep inlet on the eastern side of the island, Porto Azzurro is dominated by the early-17th-century, star-shaped Fort of San Giacomo, or 'Forte Longone', and overlooks a lovely bay. Following some free time to explore Porto Azzurro at your leisure, re-board your coach for the return drive to Portoferraio.

Portoferraio

The main town of the island, Portoferraio is home to an old port and modern seafront with lovely hotels. Upon arrival, take a guided walking tour through the town en route to the Villa Dei Mulini, former winter residence of French emperor Napoleon Banaparte. Although Napoleon's exile on Elba was brief, he left behind a considerable cultural and historical patrimony.

Villa dei Mulini

During your visit to the Villa dei Mulini, see paintings and remembrances of this epoch. The garden is home to a copy of Canova's Galatea and a statue of Minerva, and offers a spectacular view of the Tuscan coast. Your tour concludes with a brief transfer back to the pier.

Experience the scenic beauty of Elba and the winter home of Napoleon during this half-day sightseeing excursion to Porto Azzurro and the Villa San Martino.

Porto Azzurro

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 30-minute drive to Porto Azzurro, one of the most picturesque and relaxing seaside resorts on Elba. Situated along a deep inlet on the eastern side of the island, Porto Azzurro is dominated by the early-17th-century, star-shaped Fort of San Giacomo, or ‘Forte Longone’, and overlooks a lovely bay. Following some free time to explore Porto Azzurro at your leisure.

Villa San Martino

You will then board the coach again towards Villa di San Martino, Napoleon's summer residence, located in the countryside, about 5 km from Portoferraio. Shortly after his landing on the island, Napoleon purchased this property, intending to transform it into a comfortable and refined residence that would rival the Parisian residences. He made several changes, including: expanding the building, restructuring the facade, with the creation of a spacious hanging garden overlooking the Portoferraio bay, and decorating the interiors. In 1856, the villa was purchased by the Russian nobleman Anatolio Demidoff, a great art collector who planned to build a museum to house the many Napoleonic relics he had collected and commissioned the construction of a gallery that still bears his name. At the end of the visit, you will be transferred back to Portoferraio.

Portoferraio

The bus will drop you off on the pier and you may decide to board your cruise ship again or, for those guests who are interested in having an introduction about Portoferraio, the guide will proceed with a short walk along the Marina, to give you a brief historical background and some tips about what to do and what to see during the remaining of the day in Elba.

Each guest can walk back to the ship, independently, at any time.

Portoferraio

You will meet your English speaking guide at the pier for an approiximately 3km walking tour of Portoferraio.

Portoferraio was founded by the Romans (with the name of Fabricia) on a pre-existing Tuscan settlement. After the fall of Rome, the town was destroyed by the buccaneers and rebuilt in the 7th century under the name of Ferraia. In 1442 the Saracens destroyed it and in the 16th century, the Grand Duke of Tuscany Cosimo I of the Medici Family ordered the construction of imposing fortifications. The town was named Cosmopoli after him.

Finally, under the reign of the Lorena Family, the name Ferraia was reestabilished and changed into the present name of Portoferraio.

Portoferraio is today the main town of the island. Its historical centre is a labyrinth of small alleys and many are the monuments and churches not to be missed.

After a long uphill walk you will have beautiful views of the port. You will also see Piazza della Repubblica, where you will admire the Town Hall, the former Biscotteria Palace, where ship-biscuits were made for the crews of galleys.

A stroll along the promenade with nice shops and sailing boats is also included before walking back to the pier.

Explore Portoferraio at your leisure during your full-day (8-Hour) sightseeing tour via private car. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned car and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Explore Portoferraio at your leisure during your half-day (4-Hour) sightseeing tour via private car. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned car and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Explore Portoferraio at your leisure during your full-day (4-Hour) sightseeing tour via private van. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned van and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Explore Portoferraio at your leisure during your half-day (4-Hour) sightseeing tour via private van. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned van and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Experience the splendid beauty, history and culture of Western Elba during this memorable, half-day sightseeing excursion.

Scenic Drive and the Marciana Marina

Depart the pier with your guide for the scenic, approximate 45-minute drive to the Marciana Marina, which is wedged into the coast from the imposing steep slopes of Monte Capanne. The Marciana Marina is home to picturesque districts, small granite streets and pastel-coloured houses. At the entrance of the harbour is the Torre Saracena, an 11th-century tower. Upon arrival, some free time is made available to explore the area at your leisure.

Marina di Campo

Next, re-board your coach and drive towards Chiessi, Pomonte, Fetovaia and Cavoli. After a photo stop in Chiessi or Pomonte, proceed for a visit to Marina di Campo. This old fishing town is highlighted by approximately 1.2 miles (about two kilometres) of pinewood-lined golden beaches, a beautiful promenade along the sea and splendid accommodations, making it among the most popular tourist centres on the island. Following some free time here, re-board your coach for the approximate 30-minute drive back to the port.