Yacht Charter from South of France to Romantic Portofino in Italy: a Real Like-a-Movie Vacation

Mar 9, 2025
5 min read

Updated: Jan 30

Imagine starting your week anchored off the glitzy shores of Saint-Tropez, sipping champagne as the sun sets over the French Riviera, and ending it with a gelato stroll along the colorful promenades of Portofino and Cinque Terre. If one week is all you have to experience luxurious French Riviera & Romantic Italy, a private yacht charter itinerary to see both is an amazing solution for you. I think this is a once-in-a-lifetime Mediterranean yachting experience that blends French elegance with Italian charm.

Colorful houses on a cliff in Cinque Terre overlooking a clear blue sea with several small boats. Tourists walk on rocky shores. Sunny day. — Cinque Terre and one of its cute little villages

ABOUT: The South of France is a legendary playground for the rich and famous — a region of opulent beach clubs, lavender-scented villages, and golden coastlines. Add to this the breathtaking Italian Riviera — with Portofino’s cinematic beauty and Cinque Terre’s UNESCO-protected villages — and you have one of the most romantic, luxurious yacht charter itineraries in Europe and probably beyond it.

Luxury motor yacht charters in this region offer the perfect escape for those seeking glamour, history, culinary indulgence, and picture-perfect coastlines - all in one unforgettable itinerary.

While covering such a magnificent route requires careful planning and consideration of logistics (including extra fuel and anchoring regulations near Cinque Terre), the reward is hard to describe in words: seven magical days of coastal bliss, gourmet delights, and intimate moments in Europe’s most glamorous harbors.

TOP 10 ACTIVITIES TO ENJOY DURING THIS YACHT CHARTER EXPERIENCE:

Sunset cocktails in famous Anjuna or Nikki Beach clubs in South of France
Shopping and art strolls in Cannes and Antibes' historic old towns
Scenic cruising along the Côte d’Azur’s dramatic coastline
Wine tastings in Provence or near Cinque Terre’s terraced vineyards
Fine dining at Michelin-starred restaurants in Monaco or Portofino
Private snorkeling & swimming in turquoise bays accessible only by yacht
Exploring the villages of Cinque Terre on foot or via scenic rail
Dockside glamour in Portofino — one of the world’s most iconic marinas
Photography heaven in the golden hour over pastel-hued Ligurian villages
Onboard pampering with spa treatments, alfresco dining, and stargazing nights

THE BEST TIME TO BOOK A YACHT FOR FRANCE TO ITALY EXPERIENCE:

It's best to choose a yacht 8 - 10 months in advance for peak season (July & August) due to high demand and limited marina space.

WHEN TO STEP ONBOARD A PRIVATE YACHT AND CRUISE BETWEEN FRANCE AND ITALY:

July & August bring buzz, celebrity energy, and warmest waters.
May, June, and September - shoulder season - offer calmer waters, better availability, lower rates for some yachts, and a more laid-back atmosphere with fewer crowds.

SAMPLE 7-DAY ITINERARY: SOUTH OF FRANCE TO PORTOFINO & CINQUE TERRE

Day 1: Embark in Cannes

Welcome aboard your luxury motor yacht. Settle in, enjoy sunset drinks with views of the Lérins Islands.

Day 2: Saint-Tropez

Cruise to the iconic harbor, enjoy beach clubs, and explore the village’s chic boutiques.

Day 3 & 4: Monaco via Cap d’Antibes

Experience the luxury of Monte Carlo. Casino night, Formula 1 roads, and fine dining await.

Day 5: Portofino

Drop anchor off this fairytale village. Explore its harbor, trails, and secret coves.

Day 6: Cinque Terre (anchor offshore)

Cruise past the five iconic villages. Due to anchoring restrictions, tenders or port stops nearby are used for shore excursions.

Day 7: Return leg or disembark in Italy

Depending on your charter agreement, return to France or disembark near La Spezia or Genoa.

Please, note that any itinerary that I suggest is a sample example. Together with you and the captain we tailor make each one of the routes to match your preferences and what a yacht can do.

Important Note: anchoring is restricted near Cinque Terre. Visits are done via tenders or dock stops nearby. The long cruising distance from the South of France to Portofino adds extra fuel costs, and captains recommend a 10-day charter for a more relaxed pace. I will guide you on options and together with the captain optimize your itinerary.

WHAT'S USUALLY INCLUDED IN THE PRICE TO CHARTER A YACHT FOR SUCH ITINERARY:

Yacht rental with a professional crew
Daily cleaning, crew services, and standard amenities that are available onboard the yacht
Use of onboard equipment (jet ski, seabob, snorkel gear, paddle boards, etc. - what's available on one specific yacht)

WHAT'S USUALLY NOT INCLUDED:

APA (Advanced Provisioning Allowance) – usually 30–40% of the charter fee to cover the expenses related with chartering a private yacht (fuel costs - especially relevant for longer routes like this one; food; drinks; special requests of the clients; port fees, marina reservations, etc).
VAT (Varies by departure point, currently 20% in France, 22% in Italy)
Crew gratuity (typically 10–15% from the charter fee)

VARIETY OF CHARTER YACHTS AVAILABLE FOR SUCH JOURNEY: Please note that I’m unable to share marketing photos of many superyachts available for charter in France and Italy, as their owners often prefer to keep the yacht’s visuals private and off the public internet, allowing only certain websites to publish the photographs. However, this doesn’t affect my ability to check a yacht’s official availability or request detailed information directly from her management. As a broker working for a MYBA member company, I have access to the industry’s largest and most trusted yacht charter database, which allows me to assist you with the finest yachts on the market — even the most discreet and exclusive ones. I can share here the photos I took during my visits to B2B Yacht Charter Exhibitions in the Mediterranean where brokers inspect charter yachts personally.

Names of the yachts below are clickable to see their features, prices, information.

ONE PLANET Catamaran: 23,5m, 4 cabins, 10 guests, charter rate starts from 68,000 Euro per week plus VAT and Expenses (APA)

SONISHI Motor Yacht: 40m, 5 cabins, 10 guests, charter rate starts from 175,000 Euro per week plus VAT and APA

CLEAR EYES Motor Sailor: 43m, 5 cabins for 10 guests, weekly charter rate starts from 60,000 Euro plus VAT and APA

CORAL OCEAN Super Yacht: 73m, 7 cabins for 12 guests, weekly charter rate starts from 495,000 Euro plus VAT and APA

I'd like to receive more information

CABINS AND EN-SUITE FACILITIES

Imagine waking up in your private sea-view suite with soft linens, marble bathrooms, and full air conditioning. Most luxury motor yachts feature:

Master suites with king-sized beds
VIP cabins with en suite spa-like bathrooms
Smart storage, satellite TVs, and ambient lighting
Walk-in closets and large windows with sea views
Spa, cinema rooms, onboard gym and even a deck you can use for playing basketball

WHY TO CHOOSE SUCH ITINERARY FOR YOUR LUXURY YACHT CHARTER:

Combines two world-famous coastlines in one charter
Perfect for romance, proposals, anniversaries, and milestone birthdays
Offers the glamour of the Riviera and authenticity of Italy’s coastal villages
Incredible photography and storytelling opportunities
Handpicked yacht selection from €80,000/week to over €1,000,000/week

ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS

While this journey is best done on a motor yacht, travelers can also explore part of the region with high-end catamarans or motor sailers, depending on availability, licensing, and preferences. I will be happy to help you deciding the best format for your travel dates and group size.