Italy & The French Riviera: Rome to Nice

Embark on the Crystal Esprit at the beautiful Rome.

Venture through Civitavecchia, noted for its fine seafood and beautiful monuments. Then, travel to the Eternal City of Rome, with more than 2,500 years of history and ancient landmarks that will leave you with memories for a lifetime.

Perhaps most famous for its exiled inhabitant, Napoleon Bonaparte, the island of Elba is a haven for the inquisitive traveler. Situated between the Northern Italian Coast and the French Island of Corsica, Elba's geographical location, combined with its mild climate, fertile valleys and cliff-fringed coasts, leaves little to be desired. Sweeping views of azure bays and scenic countryside meld with the fascinating history of this island to provide a visit that will not be forgotten.

Breathtakingly beautiful Porto Venere, Italy, has all the essentials of an idyllic medieval town, with two ancient churches, a 16th-century fortified castle, and a bell tower built on the ruins of a Roman temple. The southernmost town on the walking trails connecting the five villages that make up the famous Cinque Terre, the town has sweeping views, brightly-colored houses, terraced gardens and three small islands -- Palmaria, Tino and Tinetto -- sitting prettily just off its rocky promontory.

Today, sail from Porto Venere to Marina Di Carrara.

Celebrated as the world’s marble capital, it is from Carrara that Michelangelo gleaned a single block of the white stone for his David, and where the coveted material is believed to have been quarried for use in Rome’s Pantheon and Trajan’s Column. Contrasting the stunning white mountain-side slopes, the city itself is home to colorful buildings and the Romanesque St. Andrew’s Cathedral, covered entirely in marble.

Located on the Italian Riviera, Portofino's brilliant bay is ringed by lush green hills serenely profiled against the sky.

An ancient principality steeped in rich and colorful history, Monaco was bought from the Genoese in 1309 by the Grimaldis, who still rule as the world's oldest monarchy - presided over today by Prince Albert.

Sail from Monte Carlo to Menton and then to Nice.

Color is everywhere here. Pastel-colored buildings stand proudly along the harbors of this lovely Côte d’Azur town, a throwback to a time before big developments and sleek high-rises. Lemon groves cloak the sweeping hillsides, and famously artful botanical gardens overflow with blooms and an array of exotic and modernist landscape designs that bring Menton’s artistic flair to blossoming life.

One of the most famous locales on the Côte d’Azur, celebrity jet setters and sun-seekers flock to these shores throughout the year. Nice is a hub for international commerce, but it’s the celebration of all things beautiful that reigns in this retreat for the world’s elite, making Nice an artists’ mecca for centuries. Open-air markets occur daily, providing access to the freshest local everything – from produce to lavender, handmade keepsakes to watercolor works painted before your eyes.

After breakfast aboard the ship disembark at Nice.