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Colorful villages line the shores of the Italian riviera

Monte Carlo to Civitavecchia

Example 5 Day Cruise aboard SeaDream II
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Sail the historical Mediterranean on this 5-day cruise from Monte Carlo to Rome. History comes alive as you explore ancient cities and cultural landmarks. Disembark daily to explore Italy's fascinating cities of Portofino, Portovenere, Portoferraio, and more. Take out the ship's bicycles to explore the region at your own pace, or join the captain on hikes around this enchanting area. Enjoy a sampling of the excellent local wines and some delicious focaccia bread. Ah, la dolce vita ("The Sweet Life").
Two boys take a dive off the rocks.Part of the beautiful French Riviera, Monaco sits high on a cliff.Lighthouses fringe the shores of the Italian Mediterranean Roman ruins in Rome, ForumColorful villages line the shores of the Italian riviera
Highlights
  • Join a walking tour through the narrow streets of Monte Carlo
  • Experience the cuisine of the world-famous Splendido Hotel in Portofino
  • See one of the world's most beautiful stretches of coastline at Portovenere
  • Enjoy a scenic drive through the enchanting Tuscany countryside to Lucca
Places Visited
Activity Level: Relaxed
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Monte Carlo, Monaco | Embark

The Principality of Monaco is an independent sovereign state composed of four quarters: Fontvieille (the newest), Monaco-Ville (the oldest), La Condamine, and Monte Carlo. Monte Carlo is widely known for its casino as well as the Monaco Grand Prix. Monte Carlo is one of Europe's leading tourist destinations as it simply has so much to offer. Some of the sights include the Cathédrale Paroisse, Eglise Sainte Dévôte, Jardin Exotique et Grottes de l'Observatoire, Monaco Top Cars Collection, Musée Océanographique, and of course the Palace. Board the SeaDream II, settle in to your cabin, and attend a welcome dinner as the ship sets sail.

Optional Activities:

Monte Carlo – Monaco by Ferrari Super Car: Experience the great sensation of driving a real supercar. This exceptional adventure is done along the panoramic roads of the Riviera, exactly where James Bond has been a few times! You are picked up by a luxury mini-van and an English-speaking driver, and transferred along the beautiful Middle Cornice Road to reach the perched village of Eze. Here the Ferrari car is ready and waiting for you. Enjoy being a front seat passenger or pilot during 15 minutes of a real fast car ride. As a co-pilot, a professional driver is in command of the car, or you can be a pilot with a professional trainer beside you. After this exciting experience, enjoy a soft drink while being overwhelmed by the landscape. Have some free time for visiting the nearby perfume factory. Your minivan brings you back to Monaco and drives on the very streets which are turned into the Monaco F1 Grand Prix racing track every year in May.
Duration: 4 hours

Monte Carlo – Eze and Monaco:  As you depart Monaco harbor, the coach joins the Moyenne Corniche, a broad road taking large sweeping curves along the coastline and high cliffs and providing the only access to the amazing village of Eze, a prime example of a Mediterranean hill village. Eze clings like an eagle's nest to a rock spike towering 1401 feet over the sea. On foot enter the 14th-century double gateway with crenellations and a sentry walk leading into the steep narrow streets, sometimes running beneath the carefully restored houses which are now smart boutiques or artists' studios. Streets of this town are closed to traffic and the town can only be explored by foot. Do not miss the magnificent views of the coast from the top. Driving back to Monaco, your coach parks at the foot of the rock of Monaco. From here take escalators and elevators which carry you to the Old City: "The Rock". Up the hill, a guided walking tour through the narrow streets takes you past the Oceanographic Museum, the Cathedral containing the tomb of Princess Grace and Prince Rainier III, and the exterior of the Prince's Palace. After a short time at leisure, your motor coach drives along a small part of the Grand Prix Motor Race circuit before returning to the ship.
Duration: 4 hours

Monte Carlo – Walking the Principality: Leaving from one of the world’s most famous ports, proceed to the old city built high on a rocky promontory that offers a panoramic view over the new city and its skyscrapers. This tiny principality has been under the rule of the Grimaldi family for most of the period since 1297. Proceed to the top of the Old City by escalators and elevators. On the hill, a guided walking tour through the narrow streets takes you past the Oceanographic Museum, the Cathedral containing the tomb of Princess Grace and Prince Rainier III, and the exterior of the Prince's Palace (no inside visits). If lucky, you may get to see the changing of the guard in front of the Prince's residence. Also enjoy some time to stroll around on your own before returning to the yacht.
Duration: 3 hours

Monte Carlo – Aerial views of Cote d’Azur and Monte Carlo: This truly exciting outing includes a breathtaking view of the French Riviera from the air and offers you the opportunity to fully explore Monte Carlo. After a short transfer from the yacht to the helicopter pad, experience a spectacular 20-minute flight over the glorious Cote d'Azur. While airborne, gain an appreciation of the sheer majesty of the Maritime Alps, the Rock of Monaco, and the Cathedral where Prince Rainier III married American film star, Grace Kelly. Your helicopter then flies at a lower altitude so you can admire the Principality of Monaco at the foot of the mountains, including the casino and beaches. The flight continues over the village of Roquebrune-Cap Martin, Menton, and La Turbie. As you follow the coastline see Saint Jean Cap Ferrat, the hill village of Eze, and the tiny seaport of Villefranche.
Duration: 1 hour

Day 2: Portofino, Italy

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Portofino is a picturesque, half-moon-shaped seaside village with pastel houses lining the shore of the harbor. Discover its incredible shops, restaurants, cafès, and luxury hotels. The shopping here is incredible as are the many art galleries. There are also opportunities for hiking, diving, boating, resort golf, tennis and biking (once you get past the taxi stand) as there are no bikes and cars permitted within the town limits.

Optional Activities:

Portofino – The Splendido’s Italian Cuisine – Taste of Tradition: Experience the cuisine of the world-famous and uber-exclusive Splendido Hotel. This magnificent landmark overlooks the picturesque harbor of Italy's most renowned resort enclave. Favored by the wealthy and famous, the hotel is known for its superb Italian cuisine and for her unequaled ambience. Have an opportunity to taste regional varieties of oil and learn how each is used in the preparation of delicious Italian dishes. Afterwards, enjoy a delicious luncheon of Italian specialties prepared with olive oil as well as wine, dessert, and coffee before returning to the harbor to enjoy the rest of your day.
Duration: 2.5 hours

Portofino – Hiking to Santa Margherita: This picturesque hiking adventure departs from the tender pier and passes through town by the trendy boutiques and shops that surround the charming piazzetta and the waterfront. Walk by the church before you reach the hiking path: depending on weather and paths conditions, the first half of the journey is mostly uphill, walking towards Cappelletta, San Sebastiano, and Olmi to reach Molini. The path leads the way through Mediterranean flora, with fancy villas, vineyards, and olive groves. Alternatively, you walk towards Paraggi along the breathtaking coastline where the hills and the seaside live harmoniously together, to then hike up towards Acquaviva and Molini, where an old olive oil mill has been renovated, housing now a little museum and a tiny cafè with facilities. Vegetation hugs the medieval dwellings and the cliffs drop off to the crystal-clear sea, making this one of the most fascinating locations of the Riviera. Continue towards S. Anna and Nozarego to finally start the walk down to the main promenade of Santa Margherita Ligure. Santa Margherita's forms, colors, the arrangement of its characteristic houses, its rich villas, and great hotels all seemingly painted around the bay produce something of a magical reflection. Pause for a refreshment at a local cafè and some time to browse the shops before boarding your van for the return drive to Portofino. Or extend your stay in Santa Margherita and then make your own way back to the yacht.
Duration: 3.5 hours

Day 3: Portovenere, Italy

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Portovenere and the three islands of Palmaria, Tino, and Tinetto were added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1997. They have been selected for being distinguished examples of the ways in which man has been able to modify and transform the environment without altering the beauty of the original natural landscape.

Optional Activities: 

Portovenere (Cinque Terre) – UNESCO Awarded Cinque Terre: You cannot visit Italy without having seen and visited one of the world's most beautiful and famous stretches of coastline. It's so beautiful, it was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997! Don't disappoint yourself and your friends by staying behind. Are you not convinced yet? Please read on! Clinging to the Ligurian cliffs on the west coast of Italy are five castles at nearly the same distance from one another: Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore. Depart from the Portovenere pier directly to Cinque Terre ("Five Lands") and marvel at the breathtaking coast with the villages suspended above the sea, almost defying gravity. There they are - Five ("Cinque") picturesque villages of pastel-colored houses and terraced vineyards alive with the fragrance of olive trees blending with the fresh ocean breeze. Arrive at the village of Vernazza, where you disembark and begin a guided walk of this 1st-century village. Notice the richness of its architecture, which is evidence of a standard of living that was wealthier than the other villages. Following this guided walk, there is free time to browse the local shops or enjoy a cafè. Then re-board the vessel for a stop at the second village, Monterosso, known as the most westerly village, and the beach town of the Cinque Terre. This town is divided into two distinct parts: San Cristoforo Hill, and the old maritime village protected by a rock spur. Your guide points out the highlights of the village and then allows you free time to explore on your own before returning to the motor launch and the return journey to Portovenere.
Duration: 4 hours

Portovenere (Cinque Terre) – Guided Village Walk: Imagine walking through your own town without any knowledge of its history, culture, or customs. Now imagine how much richer you are for the experience with that information added. This walking exploration of Portovenere leaves you feeling like a local. Portovenere is an ancient 12th-century town where tall and colored houses still remain as an important feature of one of Italy's most picturesque ports. Start today's walking adventure with your knowledgeable guide by passing under the ancient arch to enter Caruggio before exploring the Church of St. Peter, the Castle, and the Cemetery. Continue walking portside for a panoramic view of the town and the island of Palmaria. Along the way a stop is made to enjoy a tasting of the delicious local wine.
Duration: 2 hours

Day 4: Livorno, Italy

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Not only is Livorno a fantastic hub to visit neighboring Pisa, Lucca, and Florence, Livorno itself is a great destination. To start with, walk into town or even to the train station. Some of the officers may offer a bike ride from the port to either Pisa or Lucca – possibly both for the extremely active guest.

Optional Activities:

Livorno (Florence) – The Arts of Florence:
This land adventure is a “must do” for anyone visiting Tuscany that hasn’t had the opportunity to explore the incredible city of Florence! This UNESCO awarded city is a feast for both the senses and the intellect and few cities are imbued with such a magnificent sense of harmony, grace, dignity and serenity. When you disembark the yacht, motor coaches are waiting to transport you through the beautiful Tuscan countryside to Florence, the nerve center of the Renaissance. Your first visit is to the Academy Gallery to view its collection of works by Michelangelo. Of particular interest is the monumental figure of David, a symbol of youthful force and a perfect example of the sculptor's humanism. Proceed on to the city's cathedral, the Duomo, surmounted by Brunelleschi's gigantic dome. Construction began in 1420, and it is said that up to 10,000 Florentines could be accommodated for the sermons of Savonarola. Following your visit to the Duomo, enjoy a light pasta and salad lunch at a typical Florentine restaurant. Your final stop is in Holy Cross Square, where you receive a brief introduction to the Santa Croce Church. The splendid interior of this church is a jigsaw puzzle of marble tombs, and contains chapels frescoed by Giotto, and Brunelleschi's Pazzi Chapel. The tombs of Michelangelo, Galileo, Machiavelli, and Rossini all lie within. The rest of the afternoon is spent at your leisure before meeting at Holy Cross Square for the return to Livorno and SeaDream.
Duration: 9.5 hours

Livorno (Florence) – Renaissance Ramparts of Lucca by Bike: Today's Yachting Land Adventure begins with a scenic 45-minute drive, via motorcoach, through the Tuscany countryside to Lucca, an enchanting destination largely bypassed by time and tourists. Geraniums bloom from the roofs of medieval tower houses, latticed Gothic windows abound, and Lucca offers her visitors the best-preserved Renaissance defense ramparts in Europe. These stone walls surround the village and are up to 40 feet high and more than 2 miles long by about 60 feet wide. Begin with a walking orientation taking in some of the highlights along the cobbled Via Fililungo, little Lucca's version of Rome's Via Veneto. Your guide points out the Romanesque facades and facilitates a stop at San Frediano Church. At Santa Maria Square, bicycles are lined up, awaiting your arrival. Up you go to ride along the ancient city walls, enjoying the panoramic view below and stopping along the way to visit St Martino Cathedral, Giglio Square, Napoleone Square, and the house that was the birthplace of Puccini. Some free time is afforded for browsing in the upscale shops, looking for the famed 'olio d'oliva lucchese' of the region, or just finding a chair at one of the sleepy cafès and catching a glimpse of Lucca life before returning to Viareggio and SeaDream. Molto Bene!
Duration: 4.5 hours

Day 5: Civitavecchia, Italy | Disembark

  • 1 Breakfast
Arrive in Civitavecchia (Rome) and disembark after breakfast. Head into the city or transfer to the airport for your continued independent journeys.

Ship/Hotel

SeaDream II

Main Dining Salon
The Topside Restaurant
The Piano Bar

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Per person starting at
$10,400

Notes

Please Note: Fares are capacity controlled and may change without notice. All fares are posted in USD and are based off of double occupancy. Single and triple rates are available upon request.

Cruise fares do not include Governmental, Port, Document Issuance, Handling and Service fees. Please see pricing for additional fees.
Included
  • 4 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 4 Dinners

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