PORTOFERRAIO STROLL (approx. 3 hours)
Enjoy a delightful walk through the historical section of Portoferraio, Elba's capital and largest city.
Founded in 1584 by Grand Duke Cosimo I, the city was guarded in the Medici days by two massive fortresses, the Forte Falcone to the west and Forte Stella to the east.
The tour starts from the bottom of the Medici Fortress towards one of the main entrances to the Fortifications Porta a Terra. Then we reach the recently restored Teatro dei Vigilanti, a gift from the Emperor Napoleon to his sister Pauline: this Italian-style theatre with three orders of boxes was built by Napoleon in 1814 using transforming an old existing church.
On the way to the center the tour continues with a visit to the Napoleon's winter residence Villa dei Mulini where the famous French hero lived in exile for ten months. A visit to the emperor's apartments beckons you to imagine the renowned despot reading his favorite books in the library, or contemplating his conquests in the small garden. Descending down through the old part of the town the tour goes through the old entrance door to the town Porta a Mare (Gateway to the Sea), which goes back to 1548 and takes you to the fashionable waterfront before returning to the ship.
At the end of the tour some refreshments will be offered at the former venue of the Lega navale al Grigolo in the old town of Portoferraio.
Founded in 1584 by Grand Duke Cosimo I, the city was guarded in the Medici days by two massive fortresses, the Forte Falcone to the west and Forte Stella to the east.
The tour starts from the bottom of the Medici Fortress towards one of the main entrances to the Fortifications Porta a Terra. Then we reach the recently restored Teatro dei Vigilanti, a gift from the Emperor Napoleon to his sister Pauline: this Italian-style theatre with three orders of boxes was built by Napoleon in 1814 using transforming an old existing church.
On the way to the center the tour continues with a visit to the Napoleon's winter residence Villa dei Mulini where the famous French hero lived in exile for ten months. A visit to the emperor's apartments beckons you to imagine the renowned despot reading his favorite books in the library, or contemplating his conquests in the small garden. Descending down through the old part of the town the tour goes through the old entrance door to the town Porta a Mare (Gateway to the Sea), which goes back to 1548 and takes you to the fashionable waterfront before returning to the ship.
At the end of the tour some refreshments will be offered at the former venue of the Lega navale al Grigolo in the old town of Portoferraio.
ISLAND CHARME (approx. 3.5 hours)
Explore the medieval town of Capoliveri, and sample some of the wonderful local wines and delicacies of La Chiusa Winery. Visit the enchanting ancient town of Capoliveri, which has retained much of its medieval atmosphere and architecture, typically graceful and elegant.
Capoliveri offers superb panoramic views over the gulfs of Lacona and Campo. Enjoy a leisurely stroll through the twisting streets or browse the town’s tiny shops during your free time.
In La Chiusa you’ll take a walk along an alley bordered by olive trees, before arriving at a farmhouse. Discover superb views over the sea and the Medicean fortresses of Portoferraio on the other side of the bay. You’ll be invited to a tasting of La Chiusa products including wines, savouries and olive oils and have the option to purchase some of these wonderful items.
Before returning to the port, you’ll stop at the Punta delle Grotte for another wonderful photo opportunity.
Capoliveri offers superb panoramic views over the gulfs of Lacona and Campo. Enjoy a leisurely stroll through the twisting streets or browse the town’s tiny shops during your free time.
In La Chiusa you’ll take a walk along an alley bordered by olive trees, before arriving at a farmhouse. Discover superb views over the sea and the Medicean fortresses of Portoferraio on the other side of the bay. You’ll be invited to a tasting of La Chiusa products including wines, savouries and olive oils and have the option to purchase some of these wonderful items.
Before returning to the port, you’ll stop at the Punta delle Grotte for another wonderful photo opportunity.
