An Amalfi Coast Boat Tour Adventure

Feb 2

We sailed on the Virgin Voyages Scarlet Lady on Itinerary Barcelona to Civitavecchia in November 2024 and we were initially set to explore the majestic island of Sardinia. However, Mother Nature had other plans.

A Serendipitous Change of Plans

Due to unforeseen weather conditions, our captain made a crucial decision for our safety—to reroute to the stunning Amalfi Coast, docking unexpectedly at the port of Salerno. This last-minute change sparked a scramble for shore excursions, with most passengers opting for land-based tours to Pompeii. However, our adventure took a different turn.

Securing a Private Escape

As a travel agent, I knew we needed to think quickly. I immediately turned to Viator and discovered a hidden gem—a private full-day boat tour from Salerno. Although it was a pricier option, splitting the cost with our friends Amy and Scott, whom we met on a previous excursion in Mallorca, made it affordable. Given the short notice, not many tour operators were even in the dock that day, so we were literally the only group from the cruise to embark on a boat excursion along the coast!

🛥️ Check out the excursion here: Book Amalfi Boat Tour

Cruising the Amalfi Coast

Setting sail from Salerno, our Chris Craft boat cut through the waves, helmed by our expert captain, Carlo. His adept skills and the vintage charm of the boat created a perfect, Clooney-esque vibe for our day at sea.

We cruised north towards the Isle of Capri, passing the iconic cliffside vistas of Positano and Sorrento. The beautifully painted houses clinging to the cliffs and the sprawling lemon groves painted a picture of coastal Italian life. Carlo was filled with knowledge and showed us Princess Diana’s favorite beach, Castles used in Game of Thrones filming, Sophia Loren’s private home and many more.

However, the rocky waters tested our sea legs, with Will feeling a bit seasick. Consequently, we adjusted our plans, skipping a stop at Sorrento as the tides were too high to dock, and continuing directly to Amalfi.

Check out our video to sail along with us:

Exploring Amalfi

In Amalfi, we disembarked for a few hours of exploration. We grabbed lunch at a beachfront restaurant right by the dock, on the beach called Ristorante Stella Maris. We enjoyed not only delicious local cuisine but also breathtaking views of the Mediterranean. Pizza, Pasta, Prosecco and Aperol Spritz made for a memorable Italian meal.

Post-lunch, we wandered through the quaint streets, shopping for souvenirs and enjoying lemon gelato from a charming shop called Royal Gelato Amalfi, where the owner and his son serenaded us with opera—a truly magical experience.

I had to include the video of the father and son singing. Sound on! 🔊

Hidden Gems and Homeward Bound

On our return journey, we stopped by the awe-inspiring Fiordo di Furore and explored secluded caves and coves along the coast. Exhausted yet exhilarated, we returned to Salerno, our hearts full of unforgettable memories and our minds already dreaming of our next adventure.

Final Thoughts

Our unexpected detour to the Amalfi Coast reminded us of the beauty of flexibility in travel. Having a knowledgeable travel agent can turn potential disappointment into a remarkable adventure. Remember, it's not just about the destination; it's about the journey and the surprises along the way.

Ready to experience the Amalfi Coast? 🍋

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