8 Luxury Yacht Cruises in Italy Worth Booking

1.Luxury catamaran from Porto Rafael-Palau to the Maddalena Archipelago

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 751 reviews · 7 to 8 hours (approx.) · from $131Our pick

Set out at 9:30 a.m. from Yacht Club Punta Sardegna near Palau for a 7 to 8 hour catamaran cruise. Swim at Spargi and Porto della Madonna, see Budelli’s protected Pink Beach, and enjoy onboard fish lunch, Vermentino, coffee, and Sardinian liqueur. Crews may include Alberto, Alex, Roberto, or Daniele.

“Alex and Alberto are wonderful hosts. They provide a nice understanding of the islands and are always checking in and courteous. Drinks offered frequently and great apperitivo and lunch served on board. I was worried that 8 hrs might be too long but the islands are beautiful and the water is lovely. We stop at nice beaches or just for a swim off of the boat. The best day we spent in Sardinia for sure!”

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2.Luxury Catamaran in the Maddalena Archipelago from PALAU

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 201 reviews · 7 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $143

Spend 7.5 hours aboard a small catamaran from Palau, visiting Spargi, Santa Maria, and the Maddalena Archipelago’s famous natural pools. The crew serves a Sardinian brunch with Vermentino, beer, soft drinks, coffee, and snacks. The boat holds no more than 12 people.

“The catamaran was an amazing experience in Sardinia and one of our holiday highlights. Flavia, the skipper, got in contact with me the day before our tour to with all details of collection point and time. Both Flavia and Alice were exceptional hosts who ensured that our experience met all expectations. They were extremely professional and courteous throughout our trip. We had plenty to eat and drink. My daughter is not a big fan of fish and they made an alternative lunch for her. The beaches we went to were amazing and I would highly recommend this tour!”

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3.Luxury Tour of Murano & Burano by Private Boat and Guide

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 167 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $350

Spend about four hours with a private guide and boat visiting colorful Burano and historic Murano. Watch a master glassblower at work, meet lacemaker Anna at La Perla Gallery, taste Burano cookies, and enjoy a quieter route away from large groups.

“Our tour guide Nico was amazing! He took us to the quiet parts of Burano, which was enjoyable since there was less people. Watching the glassmaker craft pieces of art was incredible. Highly recommend this tour. Pace was nice, light, and relaxing. Transportation by water boat was nice as well.”

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4.Exclusive Private Boat Tour to capri & Amalfi coast from Sorrento

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 111 reviews · 8 hours (approx.)

Spend about eight hours on a private boat from Sorrento with up to six people. Your skipper may include Capri’s grottos, Faraglioni, swimming stops, island time, and lunch advice. Boats are small enough for some coves, with towels, snorkel gear, drinks, snacks, and a restroom on board.

“On the back of Achille’s shirt was written ‘I’m not arrogant. Simply the best!’ - and it was 100% true! Our day started off a little stressful, but the moment we were greeted by the Morgans that changed. There were six of us in total, and we spent around 6 hours out on the water or in Capri. Everyone spent the journey home chatting about what a lovely time we had. First off, the boat is amazing. Mimi 8.5 is a lovely vessel with comfortable seats, easy to get in and out of, and is clearly lovingly taken care of and kept on top condition. Every corner we turned, there…”

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5.Private Luxury Boat Tour of Lake Como with Stops & Drinks

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 61 reviews

Take a private 1 to 6-hour cruise on Lake Como aboard a 7-meter Cranchi with an English or Italian-speaking skipper. Customize your route around Bellagio, Varenna, Villa del Balbianello, Isola Comacina, and other lakeside sights. Longer trips can include lunch stops, swimming, and drinks.

“Luca was so friendly and a lot of fun!! It was beautiful!”

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6.Palermo: Luxury Boat Tour with Snacks and Snorkeling

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 59 reviews · from $113Best value

Join Gaspare Adamo from Marina Arenella for a four-hour small-group boat trip along Palermo’s coast. Swim and snorkel at Mondello, Capo Gallo, and sea caves, with snacks, drinks, music, sun decks, and a clean onboard bathroom.

“I recently had the pleasure of going on a boat excursion that was truly unforgettable, thanks to the amazing Gaspare. From start to finish, the experience was nothing short of fantastic. His enthusiasm was infectious, and it was clear that he genuinely loves what he does. From the moment we set sail, it was clear we were in capable hands. He had amazing music and a personality that made everyone on the boat feel included and lively. We also appreciated the detailed touches that made the excursion special, such as the delicious refreshments and the attentive, personalized service. He skipper went above and beyond to make sure everyone had a…”

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7.Monopoli: Exclusive private boat tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 55 reviews

Set out from Monopoli with a private skipper and crew for a flexible 2.5 to 7.5-hour cruise along the Adriatic coast. Expect caves, coves, Polignano’s white cliffs, swimming, snorkeling, focaccia, prosecco, and stories in several languages.

“All was great, the crew Francesco and Giovanni 👍 perfect. The boat clean, the guide informative, the place for swimming agreed upon :) Our family anjoyed very much!”

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8.Polignano a Mare luxury boat tour, aperitif, diving and snorkeling

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 51 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.)

Join Dorino Gite in Barca from San Vito for a 90-minute private cruise along Polignano a Mare’s coast. A guide takes you past the sea caves, with time for swimming and snorkeling, music, and a small aperitif of Apulian prosecco and tarallini. Captain Nicolas may lead your outing.

“Great boat trip. Great spot to snorkel. Our captain Nicolas was friendly, but his humor a bit too sexual for our liking. But he gave much to swim, wish was really nice!”

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