Nice to Rome: La Dolce Vita

On arrival at Nice Côte d'Azur Airport, proceed to the Arrivals Hall to meet the Aurora Expeditions representative for your transfer to the group hotel. At the hotel, please visit the hospitality desk in the lobby to collect your luggage cabin tags and speak with the ground operations team, who will provide details about your itinerary in Nice and pre-embarkation procedures. Once you receive your Aurora Expeditions cabin tags, please ensure they are clearly labeled with your name and ship cabin number to assist the crew in delivering your luggage directly to your cabin.

Settle into the Riviera atmosphere this afternoon, with the remainder of your day at leisure.

Accommodation: Nice Hotel (or similar) 

As one of the Mediterranean's most iconic cities, Nice offers privileged access to the French Riviera with 'Your Choice' morning excursions designed to suit every interest. Enjoy boutique shopping, a refreshing swim in the Mediterranean, or a leisurely lunch of French specialties this afternoon, before gathering for a welcome drink to celebrate the start of your journey.

For most visitors, the Promenade des Anglais defines Nice's shoreline. Named after the wealthy English elite who made the city a highlight of their Grand Tour, the promenade stretches along the Mediterranean coast past Belle Époque hotels, Art Deco residences, and lively beaches. In the 1860s, the Riviera's residents voted to join France rather than the new Kingdom of Italy, leaving the region with a distinctive cultural blend. Its light, lifestyle, and vibrant social scene drew artists and writers throughout the 20th century, from Monet and Picasso to Chaplin and Valentino. Today, this celebrated coast continues to attract creators and visionaries, with Cannes standing as a global stage for art, film, and culture.

Personalize your exploration with the included 'Your Choice' experiences.    

Option 1 – Morning experience: Walking in Nice  

Your guided walk through the Old Town leads you along cobblestone streets, where your host regales you with tales of French delights, including the vibrant Cours Saleya, renowned for its bustling flower market since 1861. Here, a mix of locals and tourists converge to revel in a dazzling array of flowers ‒ from elaborate bouquets to single blooms, each infused with unforgettable scents and colors. Don't miss Queen Victoria's cherished chocolate shop, offering historical confections and aromatic delicacies. The Old Town buzzes with French flair, creating a vibrant Mediterranean atmosphere where every shop tells a story of tradition, flavor, and the warm hospitality of Nice. 

Option 2 – Morning experience: The Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild  

This experience showcases Nice's decadent past, with a focus on the region's most exclusive enclave. Follow the Basse Corniche along the coastline to the private knoll of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat. Synonymous with the word 'exclusive', Cap Ferrat is the home to generations of wealth. With a phone book full of famous names, a few stand out – Rothschild being one. The imitation Renaissance-style palazzo of Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild must be seen to be believed. Surrounded by exotic, Provençal, Japanese, and Florentine gardens, it was built in 1905 by Baroness Beatrice Rothschild to showcase her passion for all things art. Without an heir, the Baroness bequeathed the seven hectares of land and some 5,000 works of art to the Academy of Fine Arts, giving 'commonfolk' the chance to immerse themselves in her lifestyle, if only for a morning. 

Option 3 – Morning experience: Picasso's Riviera Retreat 

Pablo Picasso, as vibrant, colorful, and surreal as his works, is one of the most captivating figures in art history. Spanish by birth, his heart found a home on the French Riviera and its enchanting hinterland. The two months Picasso spent at Antibes' Castle Grimaldi mark one of his most prolific periods, where painting and socializing became a daily rhythm. Amid the post-war exuberance, Picasso thrived in the Riviera's lively atmosphere, surrounded by friends, admirers, and a devoted 23-year-old girlfriend, all of whom adored him. 

Explore Picasso's masterpieces at Castle Grimaldi, where his creativity flourished, before enjoying free time to wander the waterfront streets of Antibes. Browse its colorful shops, and admire the ancient city walls, or stroll the marina at Port Vauban, where luxury yachts gleam in true Riviera style. 

Accommodation: Nice Hotel 

Depart Nice mid-morning for a scenic drive to the medieval village of Saint-Paul de Vence. Your journey follows the Mediterranean coast, where you hear stories of the movies and moguls who've made this coastline famous, before heading inland to the magical hilltop enclave of Saint-Paul de Vence, where the vibrant colors and artistic heritage of Picasso, Modigliani, Dufy, and Matisse run rich as its history. Marc Chagall, who returned from exile during World War II and lived in the village for 19 years, rests in the local cemetery, adding to the artistic prestige of the area. Here, your local guide will introduce you to tales of the renowned artists who were drawn to this quintessential Provençal village, before there's time for you to explore at your own pace.  

Mid-afternoon, return to Nice and board the Douglas Mawson, where you enjoy a welcome dinner as you sail the French coastline towards the Italian Riviera. 

The port of La Spezia serves as your base for exploring the series of towns collectively known as the Cinque Terre, which are considered works of art in their own right.  

Literally translated as 'the five lands', these villages span a series of coastal ravines and rugged ridges along a nine-mile stretch of the Ligurian coast. The steep coastal landscape of the Cinque Terre has afforded residents an idiosyncratic lifestyle for centuries, as they staved off pirates, fought off floods, and resisted invasions. The UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore retain their authentic determination, preserving individual dialects, traditional trades, and communal ties. Almost inaccessible until the 1870s, the Cinque Terre represent a microcosm of Italian coastal life: sun, sea, fine food and wine, and a relaxed charm — guaranteed to put a smile on the face of any traveller.  

Board your private ferry for a picturesque journey to these scenic coastal villages. As you glide along the shoreline, your local guide shares the rich history and character of each charming waterfront hamlet. Once ashore, there's time to explore and soak in the atmosphere at your own pace.  

When Italian women give birth, they use the phrase, dare alla luce, which literally means to 'give to the light.' It is no coincidence that the Grand Duchy of Tuscany, widely acknowledged as having dragged Europe from the dark days of the Middle Ages into the light, was closely associated with the Renaissance or 'The Rebirth'. Rising from the ruins of the Roman Empire, Tuscany flourished into a wealthy trading and banking center, becoming Europe's first capitalist state. The Duchy's ruling family, the Medicis, sponsored its artistic scene with fervour. Artists transitioned from tradespeople to celebrities overnight, with da Vinci playing lute at their private parties and Michelangelo befriended by men who would become popes. The ruling classes commissioned works of art such as Donatello's Penitent Magdalene, Cellini's Perseus with the Head of Medusa, Botticelli's Birth of Venus, and Raphael's Madonna del Cardellino. Throughout the Duchy, art was showcased in piazzas, scattered throughout the streets, and placed at the town hall steps—a form of propaganda and a sign of power for all to see.   

A selection of 'Italian classics' highlights the wonders of Tuscany on 'Your Choice' experiences today. 

From Michelangelo to Leonardo di Vinci and Bonanno Pisano to Amerigo Vespucci, your day will be filled with their designs, artworks, and architectural icons. 

Personalize your exploration with the included 'Your Choice' experiences. 

Option 1 – Morning experience: Pisa – more than a leaning tower 

Renowned for its iconic Leaning Tower, Pisa offers far more than a quirky architectural icon. Once a powerful maritime republic, it flourished on Mediterranean trade and naval strength. Pisa's golden age in the 11th and 12th centuries brought immense wealth, although that was not to last as the Arno River silted up, cutting the city off from the sea and dimming its influence. This prosperity funded the creation of the precinct known as Piazza dei Miracoli, home to the Romanesque Cathedral, baptistery, and the famous bell tower. Its early designers, the Pisano family, helped shape the precinct's artistic legacy by blending architectural styles that influenced generations of Tuscan artists. However, the Leaning Tower began tilting soon after construction started, due to its shallow foundation and soft subsoil, which were unable to support the weight. Adding extra floors only worsened the lean, but the flaw became Pisa's most enduring symbol. Travel to Pisa by coach, then hop aboard a tourist train that takes you straight to the Piazza. You can have time to explore at your leisure, soaking in the history and artistry of Pisa before returning to the ship for lunch. 

Option 2 – Full-day experience: San Gimignano   

When filmmakers look to Italy for locations, they often stop at the Tuscan gem of San Gimignano. Tea with Mussolini, A Portrait of a Woman, Gladiator, Life is Beautiful, The English Patient, and Under the Tuscan Sun all feature scenes shot here. San Gimignano itself is a work of art. The town's medieval architecture serves as a backdrop for everything Tuscan, with artisan shopfronts displaying everything superb about Italian food, and cafes offering the best Italian cuisine. Even its streets and cobblestone alleys wind in a way that makes every corner worthy of exploration. And not to mention its towers. It is the town's 14 remaining medieval towers that proudly rise above its skyline, preserving the town's feudal appearance and confirming San Gimignano as the superlative of Tuscan towns. Your local guide offers you an introductory walk, before time to explore at your own pace allows you to browse the abundant 'foodie shopfronts', choose a tower to climb or sit in a cafe and watch the world go by – Tuscan style.  

Option 3 – Full-day experience: The Rebirth of Florence   

Accessible to all who visit, Florence's works of art are scattered throughout its streets as statues, fountains, chapels, and bell towers — all overlooked by Brunelleschi's magnificent domed cathedral. Even the gelato is sculpted in Florence! 

Carved from a single slab of marble, Michelangelo's David is the ultimate Renaissance man, commissioned as the centerpiece for the city's main square. Today it sits in its own gallery, but a replica at its original location tells its story almost as well. Your locally guided tour walks you through a day in the life of Renaissance Florence as you tread the streets where the early artists plied their trade, sought wealthy patrons, and huddled in backstreet studios to learn from the masters. This introductory tour is followed by free time for you to enjoy the city at your will. Visit the markets of San Lorenzo to purchase souvenirs, leather goods, and Florentine fashion. Explore the interior of the second-largest cathedral in Europe: Florence Duomo. Visit a gallery or linger over an authentic Florentine dish at your own pace. 

Originally named Domiziana by its wealthy Roman inhabitants, the marina town of Porto Santo Stefano has rebuilt many of its colorful terraced homes after 95 percent of the town was destroyed by heavy bombing in World War II. Today, the gentle waters of the Mediterranean lap at a popular promenade and a harbor of leisure craft, providing a calmer atmosphere. Today's 'Your Choice' experiences offer time to enjoy Port Santo Stefano at your leisure, before you bid farewell to your crew over a special dinner and set sail south, following the coast toward Rome. 

Personalize your exploration with the included 'Your Choice' experiences. 

Option 1 – Morning experience: Tuscan landscapes and Orbetello 

Equally as iconic as Tuscany's villas, artworks, and wines are the pencil-straight pine trees that line the winding roads of Tuscany, stretching gracefully across rolling hills and undulating landscapes. If you've ever wondered how the pines look so perfectly positioned, wonder no more. This morning, your horticulturist will reveal the answer during a guided tour of the aptly named Botanical Dry Garden. Home to over 1,500 Mediterranean plants and tree species, the garden thrives with little or no irrigation, making it an ideal model for sustainable landscaping in the Tuscan climate. This innovative project also features an art space, where contemporary artworks are thoughtfully placed among the flora. Join a guided tour with your expert botanical host, choose to wander at your leisure, take photos, or even walk barefoot through this peaceful and inspiring garden. 

On your way back to the ship, stop briefly at the lagoon-bound village of Orbetello, where you can have free time to explore this salt-lake town. Browse the shops or enjoy a local treat, like a scoop of authentic gelato. 

Return to the ship for lunch, with the afternoon free to explore Porto Santo Stefano, one of the most charming marina towns along the Tuscan coast.  

Option 2 - Half-day experience: Magliano in Toscana paired with a farm-to-plate vineyard lunch 

Nestled amidst sprawling fields of olive trees and endless acres of vineyards, the medieval charm of Magliano beckons travelers to savor an unhurried glimpse of authentic Tuscany. Originally two separate villages, Montiano and Perata united to fortify themselves against the encroaching Sienese Republic, which, having conquered the villages, fused them into the fortified haven of Magliano, encircled by formidable city walls that still stand. Perched atop one of the region's gentle rolling hills, this quaint village remains a hidden gem, unaffected by mainstream tourism, offering a true immersion into the Tuscan way of life. 

Hear stories from a local guide during your scenic drive and spend time strolling its streets independently, before being enticed by the vine-covered hills to a nearby winery, where you enjoy a quintessential farm-to-table experience. Here, indulge in Tuscan delicacies, infusing your palate with an eclectic mix of flavors.  

After breakfast onboard, disembark and transfer to Rome for your two-night stay. 

On arrival in Rome, your first stop is the charming Roman suburb of Trastevere. Known for its narrow cobbled streets, vibrant piazzas, and authentic Roman character, Trastevere offers a glimpse into local life, with medieval churches, artisan shops, and lively cafés tucked around every corner. After an introduction to Trastevere by your local guide, there's free time to try a Roman treat at a local trattoria, discover a hidden treasure, or soak up the atmosphere of the popular part of Rome. 

In the early afternoon, continue to the Vatican City for a guided visit to one of Christianity's most iconic landmarks: St. Peter's Basilica. Once the site of Emperor Nero's brutal spectacles, the Vatican Hill was transformed into sacred ground by Constantine, Rome's first Christian emperor, who declared it 'the hill of the martyrs.' Today, this sovereign city-state, which was granted independence from Italy in 1929, houses the heart of the Catholic Church. 

Towering above it all is St. Peter's Basilica, the largest church in Christendom and a breathtaking example of Renaissance architecture. Designed in part by Michelangelo, who at age 72 created the majestic dome, the basilica rises above what is believed to be the tomb of St. Peter, the first apostle and first Pope. Admire Michelangelo's moving Pietà, Bernini's grand baldachin, and the sheer scale and spiritual gravitas of this revered site. (Note: As today is Sunday, the Vatican Museums are closed. Additionally, during Mass, access within St. Peter's Basilica is restricted. For this reason, your visit to the Vatican is scheduled for the afternoon.) 

Accommodation: Rome Hotel  

An intriguing tale of historical drama and legendary myths makes Rome a popular topic in a game of trivia. Scandalous and sanguine, Roman lifestyle swung from democratic to autocratic, slavery to liberation, paganism to Christianity. The Roman empire's public relations machine flaunted its sovereignty with triumphant arches and fluted columns, monolithic mausoleums, statue-filled stairways, and masterfully engineered temples. Enhanced by the wealth of the Catholic Church, the city added to its opulence and grandeur with baroque fountains, obelisk-centered piazzas, and Christendom's domed cathedrals. The story of ancient Rome's insurmountable empire, its dramatic demise, and the rise of the powerful Catholic Church is one of Europe's most compelling stories.   

A tour of Rome is a highlight of any visit to Italy, especially for those whose homeland isn't blessed with such a wealth of history. Imperial relics rekindle the era when Rome's population of one million surpassed any other city worldwide. Your local guides merge the city's past and present through their stories on every street corner, along every alley, and in every piazza.  

Choose a shorter, comprehensive tour to see a slice of Roman life, or lace up your walking shoes and experience Rome from street level on a locally guided walking tour. In the afternoon, enjoy some time for independent exploration before you gather this evening for a Farewell reception. 

Personalize your exploration with the included 'Your Choice' experiences.  

Option 1 - Morning experience: Highlights of Rome  

Rome reveals its tale as you tour its major sights on this morning experience. Encounter the Colosseum and Roman Forum, viewing them from a nearby terrace at the Capitoline Museum, while your guide inspires you with stories of Rome's past. Gifted to the people of Rome as a museum to house the generous number of sculptures and statues left scattered throughout the city, the Capitoline Museum was the brainchild of Pope Sixtus IV. You have free time in the museum to browse its collection at your own pace while you piece together the city's past through its numerous artworks, before your journey continues with a drive towards the Trevi Fountain. Surrounded by a pedestrian zone, a visit to the world's most famous fountain offers not only a timeless photo opportunity but also the chance to ensure your return to Rome. Just don't forget to toss in a coin! Afterwards, return to your vehicle and head back to the hotel for a leisurely afternoon or continue exploring the wonders of the Eternal City at your own pace. (Note: some sights on this tour may be viewed only from the vehicle, depending on the local conditions on the day.) 

Option 2 – Half-day experience: Roaming Rome  

Lace up your walking shoes, slip on a hat, and splash on sunscreen to join this comprehensive, locally guided tour. Established in an era when few Romans owned transportation, the center of historical Rome is ideal for walking. With every square foot offering a fascinating fact, you are spoiled for choice by the wealth of sites you experience. Architectural highlights include ancient landmarks such as the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and Trajan's Column, all viewed from the expansive terrace of the Capitoline Museums, before you pause at Piazza Venezia to admire the grand Vittorio Emanuele II Monument, then continue to the artistic masterpiece of the Trevi Fountain. Your journey concludes at one of Rome's most enchanting gathering places: Piazza Navona. Each site tells its own story, as your expert guides bring the past to life with tales of emperors, gladiators, plebeians, Renaissance artists, popes, and legionaries who once called Rome home. (Note: some sights on this tour may be viewed only from the vehicle, depending on local conditions on the day.) 

Accommodation: Rome Hotel 

After breakfast, check-out of your hotel and transfer to the airport for your onward flight.