French & Italian Rivieras with Corsica: 8 days Civitavecchia (Rome) to Nice

Your unforgettable cruise begins in Civitavecchia, the main seaport and gateway for Rome, the ancient capital of Italy.  Here, you’ll be transferred to your Emerald Cruises luxury yacht and begin your voyage along the glamorous French and Italian rivieras. 

Please book your flight to arrive into Rome prior to 01:00 PM.

Docked: 18:00

According to local legend, Calvi, set on the beautiful island of Corsica, is where the intrepid, 15th century explorer, Christopher Columbus, was born. While historians may debate this, the natural beauty and rich culture of Calvi is undisputed. Calvi's beach presents a crescent-shaped bay of powdery white sand fringed by maritime pines, while the town has evolved as Corsica’s ‘culture capital’, hosting several music festivals over the idyllic summer months. 

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Discover old Corsica and its villages (extra expense, must be pre-booked)
Your first stop is the ancient circular village of Sant’ Antonino, perched majestically on a rocky outcrop overlooking the sea. Next, venture to the hilltop village of Pigna, nestled in the heart of the Balagne region. This charming village, adorned with flower-filled streets and a quaint village square, is a haven for artists and artisans. Your journey continues through the scenic countryside, passing through the historic villages of Corbara and Aregno. Marvel at the timeless beauty of these ancient settlements before returning to Calvi.
Activity Level: Strenuous, Duration: 4 hours

Offshore: 10:00 - 21:00

Along the western coast of Tuscany, the bustling city of Livorno boasts a modern seaport, but is best known for its scenic beauty, picturesque views of the azure Mediterranean Sea and delicious fresh seafood.  The city's culinary scene is not surprisingly, heavily influenced by its seaside location, tempting with signature dishes such as 'cacciucco', a traditional fish stew that is a must-try for every visitor. 

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San Gimignano and wine tasting (extra expense)
Experience the enchanting beauty of San Gimignano, a medieval hilltown famed for its striking skyline of towers and rich cultural heritage. This tour combines a guided exploration of this UNESCO World Heritage site with a delightful wine tasting experience and a traditional Tuscan lunch, making it an unforgettable day in the heart of Tuscany.
Activity Level: Moderate, Duration: 8 hours

Docked: 08:00 - 23:00

Further along the Tuscan coast, you’ll arrive in Marina di Carrara. This lovely seaside village is famed for the premium, pale Italian marble that is mined and quarried from the nearby mountains and used to create some of the world’s most important artistic wonders, such as the iconic, Michelangelo’s David. These shimmering mountains of purest marble contrast beautifully with Marina di Carrara’s coastal scenery.  

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Medieval Lucca by bike (extra expense)
Experience the charm of Lucca by e-bike, guided by an expert, for an unforgettable exploration of the town center. Discover notable sites such as the statue of Giacomo Puccini, Piazza San Michele, and San Michele Church, as well as the ancient Roman forum that showcases the blend of the old and the new. The tour then proceeds to Piazza Anfiteatro and Torre Guinigi, iconic landmarks you won’t want to overlook. After cycling along the walls, you'll have some leisure time to explore the city.
Activity Level: Easy, Duration: 4.5 hours

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Carrara Marble Quarries Adventure (extra expense)
Take a scenic drive through the charming villages along the Liguria and Tuscany coasts before arriving at the Apuane Mountains. As we ascend to the quarry area, we will explore the marble extraction and treatment process. A visit to these quarries offers a glimpse into the lives and work of the "Carrarini," the local marble workers. Following our exploration, we will enjoy a break featuring Lardo di Colonnata croutons and other local delicacies with IGP certification.
Activity Level: Easy, Duration: 3.5 hours

EmeraldPLUS
Soprano Serenade
Immerse yourself in the rich and timeless world of Italian music with an unforgettable performance by a opera singer, accompanied by the acclaimed pianist. Together, they will take you on a captivating journey through Italy's extraordinary musical heritage, featuring iconic opera arias, traditional art songs, and beloved classics. Feel the passion and emotion as the singer's powerful and expressive voice fills the room, perfectly complemented by masterful piano playing (performed on an electronic keyboard). This magical evening offers an unparalleled opportunity to experience the beauty, artistry, and elegance of Italian music, leaving you inspired and truly enchanted.
Event duration: 1 hour 

Offshore: 08:00 - 05:00 (next day)

We set sail early in the morning for the Italian Ligurian coast and Porto Venere. This ancient town and UNESCO World Heritage Site harbours a romantic history, thanks to its penchant for attracting famous poets and artists over the centuries. The wonderful swimming spots here were beloved, amongst others, by the legendary poet, Lord Byron, who regularly swam and meditated here in the early 1800s. One of Porto Venere's most striking features is its gothic-style Church of St. Peter, perched atop a rocky headland overlooking the sparkling sea. 

Included Excursion
Walking tour of PortoVenere
Explore the picturesque medieval village of Portovenere, celebrated by Petrarch as the "panoramic miracle" of the Gulf of La Spezia. Begin your journey at the Roman gateway and stroll along Carugio Capellini, discover Byron's grotto, San Lorenzo Church and admire the artwork inside, including the mysterious Madonna Bianca painting, said to have been discovered washed up from the sea.
Activity Level: Moderate, Duration: 2 hours

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Cinque Terre by private boat (extra expense)
Start your day in Portovenere, a UNESCO-listed town. From there, board your private motorboat and set off to explore the Cinque Terre coast. Your first stop will be Monterosso with a guided tour of the village, treat yourself to a delicious pesto bruschetta paired with local wine. Next, visit Vernazza, a charming fishing village known for its picturesque port surrounded by soft pastel-coloured buildings. Enjoy some leisure time before returning to Portovenere.
Activity Level: Moderate, Duration: 4.5 hours

Offshore: 08:00 - 23:00

Welcome to Santa Margherita Ligure, an Italian resort town presenting panoramic views and revered for its timeless elegance and style. For those seeking ‘La dolce vita’, you’ll find it here in abundance. Stroll the Santa Margherita promenade, or the pebbly beachfront, admiring the gleaming yachts and sailing boats. Explore a beautiful Baroque church or sample freshly caught, succulent red shrimps.

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Downhill hike to Portofino (extra expense)
Meet your guide at the Santa Margherita pier and board your vehicle to journey to the quaint village of Nozarego, where your hiking adventure to Portofino begins. The trail weaves through lush Mediterranean flora, vineyards, and olive groves, with the vibrant vegetation intermingling with medieval architecture. Pause for a picnic featuring local focaccia and a glass of wine before continuing your hike. Once you arrive in Portofino, enjoy a guided tour of this iconic destination.
Activity Level: Strenuous, Duration: 4 hours 

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Culinary experience in Rapallo (extra expense)
Meet Guido, a passionate local chef whose enthusiasm for Rapallo's culinary heritage is infectious. As you stroll through the vibrant food market, guided by Guido, you'll learn about the key ingredients that make Ligurian cuisine so distinctive. Then, it’s off to Guido’s charming bottega, where the real fun begins! You’ll dive into the traditional method of making pesto alla Genovese. To sweeten the experience, you’ll also prepare pandolce, a traditional festive cake that encapsulates the warmth of Italian hospitality. As your culinary creations take shape, you'll toast to your culinary achievements with a glass of sweet Moscato from nearby Portofino, enjoying the perfect pairing of flavors.
Activity Level: Moderate, Duration: 4.75 hours

Later in the morning, you’ll sail on to Portofino. Nestled along the Italian Riviera, Portofino boasts a rich gastronomic scene, a picturesque harbour and narrow streets lined with charming pastel-hued houses, high-end boutiques and seafood restaurants. 

EmeraldACTIVE
Portofino lighthouse & Brown Castle Walk
Experience the charm of Portofino as you walk through its stunning landscapes, historic sites, and breathtaking views. Discover the historic Brown Castle its ancient walls and learn about its fascinating history, from its construction in the 16th century to its role in local lore. Enjoy San Giorgio Church and its beautiful frescoes and tranquil atmosphere before heading to the lighthouse.
Activity Level: Strenuous, Duration: 2 hours

Offshore: 14:00 - 21:00

Officially known as the Principality of Monaco, the sovereign city-state of Monaco is renowned worldwide for its opulence and glamour, boasting high-end casinos, a yacht-lined harbour, the prestigious Grand Prix motor racing event and exclusive Monte Carlo quarter. This gem of the Côte d'Azur is also home to Monaco’s royal household, several museums and numerous cultural events hosted throughout the year, celebrating anything from music and dance to theatre and the visual arts. 

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Eze & Cap Ferrat (extra expense)
Your first stop is the enchanting village of Eze, dramatically positioned 1,401 feet above sea level. Wander through the medieval streets, flanked by beautifully restored homes that now house delightful boutiques and artists' studios. As your journey continues, the route takes you to Saint Jean Cap Ferrat, where rugged cliffs meet the azure sea, adorned with luxurious villas. Your next highlight is the celebrated "Ile de France" museum, situated in a stunning villa that once belonged to Baroness Béatrice Ephrussi de Rothschild.
Activity Level: Strenuous, Duration: 5 hours

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Saint-Paul de Vence & Grasse (extra expense)
Commence on a captivating journey from Monaco, venturing inland to explore the charming towns of Grasse and Saint Paul-de-Vence. Begin with a guided tour of a perfume factory in Grasse, where you'll learn about the intricate process of distilling essences from flowers, a tradition dating back centuries. Next, journey through the picturesque Gorges du Loup canyon en-route to  Saint-Paul de Vence, a medieval village renowned for its artistic heritage and stunning views.
Activity Level: Strenuous, Duration: 8.5 hours

Offshore/Docked: 08:00 - 23:00

Your unforgettable yacht cruise concludes in Cannes, where you’ll be transferred to the airport for your return flight home or to continue your holiday. 

Please book your flight to depart out of Nice after 12:00 PM.

Docked: 08:00

*Please verify with the Shore Excursion Manager onboard whether a DiscoverMORE tour is available on disembarkation day.

The itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons. As such Emerald Cruises cannot guarantee the cruise will operated unaltered from the itinerary states above. Please refer to our terms and conditions for further information.