From the French city of angels to the shores of the Adriatic

Nice, the capital of the Cote d’Azur, sits protected by surrounding hills and mountains. Walk along the Promenade des Anglais and take a seat on the iconic blue chairs facing the Baie des Anges. Climb Chateau Hill for city views, then explore the old town with its busy markets and local shops along Cours Saleya.

Arrive at Livorno on the Ligurian coast and access Tuscany’s historic towns and landscapes. Walk through Fortezza Vecchia and Fortezza Nuova to see the city’s 16th-century fortifications. Explore Nuova Venezia, a canal district with narrow streets and architectural highlights, including the Baroque Santa Caterina da Siena church. Discover the multicultural heritage of this Mediterranean port city.

Included Excursions

Lucca and Pisa
Duration : 8h30
Board your coach to Lucca, a 45-minute drive from Livorno. Follow tree-lined walls stretching over two miles that enclose Roman streets and plazas. Walk Piazza San Michele, view the 12th-century San Michele in Foro, and admire Lucca’s Duomo exterior, showcasing Pisan-Lucchese Romanesque architecture. Explore Piazza Anfiteatro, the Roman amphitheater, and see the façade of San Frediano Church. End at Via Fillungo for shops and local cafes.

Continue to Pisa for a walking tour of the Piazza dei Miracoli. Stand before the Leaning Tower, explore the cathedral dedicated to the Assumption, visit the Baptistery, and see the Camposanto Monumentale. Navigate cobblestoned streets and steps over a total of 6 km. Wear comfortable shoes, sun protection, and modest clothing for religious sites.

Medieval Lucca
Duration : 4h15
Board your coach for a 45-minute drive to Lucca. Walk the city enclosed by red brick walls over 2.5 miles long, lined with plane, chestnut, and ilex trees. Navigate narrow streets built along the ancient Roman grid. Explore Piazza San Michele, filled with cafés and shops, and view the 12th-century San Michele in Foro, featuring a Pisan-inspired façade with blind arches and colonnaded arcades.

See Lucca’s Duomo exterior, a prime example of Pisan-Lucchese Romanesque architecture. Continue to Piazza Anfiteatro, the former Roman amphitheater, now surrounded by medieval houses. Visit the façade of San Frediano Church, adorned with a 13th-century mosaic. End at Via Fillungo, the main shopping street running through the historic center.

The walking route covers about 3 miles (5 km) on cobblestones with some steps. Wear comfortable shoes and sun protection.

Treasures of Pisa
Duration : 4h15
Travel to Pisa and explore the Piazza dei Miracoli, or Square of Miracles. Stand at the Leaning Tower, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and observe its famous tilt. Walk past the cathedral dedicated to the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, a Romanesque landmark blending Eastern and Western design. Explore the Baptistery with its double-dome acoustics and the Camposanto Monumentale, the monumental cemetery with Crusades-era history.

This walking tour covers approximately 6 km (3.7 miles) on cobbled streets with some steps. Wear comfortable shoes, sun protection, and modest clothing when visiting religious sites.

In the elbow of a creek on the northern coastline of Elba Island, a small corner of paradise awaits in the form of Portoferraio. As you approach its coastlines, you will make out the powerful and majestic contours of its Medici fortresses. Napoleon Bonaparte spent many of his 300 days in exile here. The Palazzina dei Mulini, his first imperial residence, whose gardens offer outstanding views of the sea, is a must-see. Historical treasures are followed by another kind of treasure, namely white sand beaches, and equally tempting local specialties including gurguglione and rice with cuttlefish ink.

Included Excursions

Western Elba
Duration : 4h30
From the pier, board your coach for a 45-minute drive to Marciana Marina. Marciana Marina, which is wedged between the coast and the imposing steep slopes of Monte Capanne, is home to picturesque districts, small granite streets and pastel-coloured houses. At the entrance of the harbour is the Torre Saracena, an 11th-century tower. Upon your arrival, some free time will be allotted to explore the area at your leisure. Your guide will first give you a short historical and cultural introduction of this gem before letting you explore the town by yourself.

Then, you will board your coach for a 2-hour drive to Marina di Campo. On the way, you’ll enjoy a panoramic drive, passing by Chiessi, Fetovaia and Cavoli, including a photo stop.

Upon your arrival, you will visit Marina di Campo. This old fishing town is highlighted by approximately 1.2 miles (about 2 km) of pinewood-lined golden beaches, a beautiful promenade along the sea and splendid accommodations, making it among the most popular tourist centers on the island. You will then re-board your coach for the approximately 30-minute drive back to the port.

This excursion is mainly a panoramic tour of Elba where you will stay in the bus. This tour is suitable for passengers with reduced/limited mobility. the team recommend you wear comfortable clothes and shoes and protect yourself from the sun.

Porto Azzuro and Villa San Martino
Duration : 3h30
From the pier, start your half-day tour around the island of Elba.

Board your coach for a 30-minute drive to Porto Azzurro. You will be able to discover the town with your guide but also on your own during some free time. Porto Azzurro is one of the most picturesque and relaxing seaside resorts on Elba. Situated along a deep inlet on the eastern side of the island, Porto Azzurro is dominated by the early 17th century star-shaped Fort of San Giacomo, or “Forte Longone”.

Re-board your coach for a 30-minute ride to the Villa San Martino, the former summer residence of French emperor Napoleon Bonaparte. Although Napoleon’s exile on Elba was brief, he left behind a considerable cultural and historical heritage. To escape the summer heat, the Emperor Napoleon chose a summer residence amidst the woods of Colle San Martino. Originally a modest country farmhouse, it was remodeled into a larger residence. The furnishings of that time are interesting as is the Egyptian room with frescoes depicting Egypt’s countryside and false granite columns covered with hieroglyphics.

In 1851, after Napoleon’s death, Anatolio Demidoff, a Russian nobleman married to Mathilde Bonaparte, ordered the construction of the neoclassic style gallery which now hosts various Napoleonic memorabilia.

The park is home to many plants among which the Hackberry, which is said to have been planted by the Emperor himself. Finally, you will return to your coach and drive back to your ship.

This tour involves walking 1 mile (2 km) on flat and cobblestones streets, with a steep alley to reach the Villa San Martino. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun. The order of visits may be reversed.

Marciana Marina and Capoliveri
Duration : 3h45
From the pier, board your coach for a 45-minute drive to Marciana Marina. Marciana Marina, which is wedged between the coast and the imposing steep slopes of Monte Capanne, is home to picturesque districts, small granite streets and pastel-colored houses. At the entrance of the harbour is the Torre Saracena, an 11th-century tower. Upon your arrival, some free time will be allotted to explore the area at your leisure. Your guide will first give you a short historical and cultural introduction of this gem before letting you explore the town by yourself.

Then, you will board your coach for another 45-minute drive to Capoliveri. Perched on a 1,355-foot-high (413-meter-high) hilltop, Capoliveri is adorned with medieval architecture and the town center boasts a wealth of history and charm. The Capoliveri coasts are among the most beautiful on the island, and feature overhanging cliffs, crystal-clear bays and superb views over the gulfs of Lacona and Campo. From here, you will enjoy a short guided-tour before being allowed to stroll along the narrow, picturesque streets and archways, or ‘chiassi’, browse the small boutiques, or stop for traditional cuisine and fine wine.

This excursion involves a moderate amount of walking of approximately 0.6 miles (1 km) with some steps. We recommend you wear comfortable shoes and protect yourself from the sun.

Generating a veritable explosion of intense emotions, the province of Salerno fascinates and enchants travellers. Its fascinating history will lead you to the extraordinary archaeological site of Pompeii, whose sprawling ruins provide a grandiose and moving vision of what a Roman city looked like in Imperial times. The city which was frozen in time under the ashes from the eruption of Mont Vesuvius offers you its peerless historical and cultural wealth, as well as the unique beauty of its location, which has earned it classification as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Included Excursions

Paestum
Duration : 4h00
From the pier, embark your coach for a one-hour drive to Paestum, the city dedicated to Poseidon the god of the sea, and founded by the Greeks around 600 BC. Previously called Poseidonia, it was later occupied by the Lucanians, an italic population, from 400 BC until 273 BC, when it became a Roman colony under the name of Paestum.

Its three temples are the only example of Greek architecture and arts already present in Italy, and are better preserved than the Parthenon in Athens. The city was discovered under the marsh and the brushwood thanks to the King of Naples Carlo di Borbone III during the 17th century.

The Romans made of the ancient Poseidonia their colony, and subsequently it was embellished by magnificent buildings including the baths, the portico of the forum and the amphitheater.

Walking through this ancient moment of history and looking at these imposing and gorgeous structures will leave an impression in people's mind of the best example of what the Greek culture was in the past. Finally, you will board your coach and start your return drive to the ship.

This tour involves one hour and a half of walking over uneven ground, the team recommend you to wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun.

Pompeii
Duration : 4h00
From the pier, embark your coach for a forty-five-minute drive to Pompeii.

Pompeii is considered the world's finest example of an ancient Roman town. The eruption of Vesuvius on August 24, 79 AD not only preserved structures, but also evidence of the ancient way of life, such as a fully equipped tavern with the last customer's money still on the counter.

Ancient Pompeii was a prosperous provincial centre with an estimated population of 20,000. Much of the town had been destroyed by an earthquake in 63 AD, and the rebuilding was still in process when the volcano erupted 16 years later. The whole town was buried beneath more than 20 feet (6 m) of ash and pumice stone. Residents were killed by lethal sulphur fumes or struck down by lava and pumice stone that rained down upon the city, although some of the people escaped. Abandoned until the 18th century, Pompeii was frozen in time until excavations revealed this amazing archaeological site. Plaster was poured into empty spaces in the lava to make body casts of some of the victims, such as a young man stretched out to protect his mother and young daughter, and the famous twisted body of a dog still tied to its chain.

The walking tour of Pompeii will be led by a guide who will help you relive the historical events and experience a typical day in antiquity. Admire the luxurious mansions and fabulous art of wealthy patricians who came to Pompeii to escape the turmoil in Rome. Their houses were designed around an inner garden with few windows on the exteriors, so residents could forget the outside world and get sunlight from their own courtyards. Visit some of the more modest homes and explore ancient baths, temples, theaters, markets and huge forum. Finally, you will board your coach and start your return drive to the ship.

This tour involves 2 hours of walking over uneven ground, the team recommend you to wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun.

Located on Sicily’s eastern coast, in the province of Messina, the seaside town of Taormina is Sicily’s Saint-Tropez, boasting heritage sites, secluded beaches and luxury shopping. You can visit its medieval center, suspended 300 meters above sea level, where terraces offer a spectacular view of the Mediterranean Sea. Another vestige from its past are the ruins of the Greco-Roman theater. This extremely well-preserved site attracts visitors who are fascinated by the natural beauty of the area which overlooks a turquoise bay.

Included Excursions

Taormina and its Ancient Greek Theater
Duration : 4h00
On a guided tour, discover Palazzo Corvaja and the Greco-Roman Theater, two of Taormina's most emblematic monuments, before enjoying some free time on Corso Umberto.
 
A maze of narrow streets, stairways and small squares, Taormina is set between the blue of the Mediterranean and Mount Etna. During a visit, discover its rich history, marked by the passage of many civilizations.
 
First stop: the exterior of Palazzo Corvaja, a magnificent 15th-century building adorned with mullioned windows, a witness to Sicily's rich past. Then, you will move on to the impressive Greco-Roman Theater, dating from the 3rd century B.C. To this day, its vast structure and exceptional acoustics make it a popular venue for summer performances.
 
After, enjoy some free time to stroll along Corso Umberto, a charming pedestrian street lined with shops and small alleyways featuring local handicrafts.
 
The tour ends with a coach ride back to Naxos pier, your head full of memories of this Sicilian gem.
 
This excursion involves walking a distance of approximately 2 km (1.2 miles) on uneven ground with some steps. The team recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes and sun protection. Appropriate clothing must be worn when entering religious sites (shoulders and knees must be covered).

Ascent of Mount Elna
Duration : 5h30
Leave the landing pier by coach for the drive to Rifugio Sapienza, about 6,000 ft above sea level, on Mount Etna.
Mt. Etna is Europe’s largest active volcano, the slopes soar up to over 9,800 ft and the flanks are covered with scores of cones and craters. From there you will be able to gaze out across the Catania Gulf and view the woods, orchids and vineyards from the vantage point. But, of course, the major attractions are the crater and the remnants of the awe-inspiring streams of lava.

From there and with the assistance of a professional alpine guide, you will continue by cable car to 7,500 ft and then by special 4x4 minibuses to reach the basis of the main crater at about 8,800 ft above sea level. Up there and still accompanied with your guide, you will be able to go nearer to see last lava flows.

Since this excursion involves walking at high altitude (9,800 ft – 2 900 m), participants should be in excellent physical condition. Bring a sweater or a jacket as it can be very chilly and windy, and wear sturdy walking shoes. A supplement of €10 per person will be applied if less than 10 persons want to realize the tour. This tour is conducted by an English-speaking photographer-guide. This tour is limited to 80 participants.

Gallipoli, which comes from the Greek kalle polis, meaning beautiful town, is very aptly named. Located on the heel of the boot, the town known as “the pearl of Puglia” has many attractions. The whiteness of its façades recalls its Greek origins while its architecture echoes its multiple influences. Its old town, perched on a limestone island, concentrates the cultural heritage of this city with a thousand faces, alternately a Roman colony, then Byzantine, the property of the Popes, Norman, under the rule of Taranto… By itself, it tells the story of the different civilizations of the Mediterranean Sea. 

Included Excursions

Walking tour of Gallipoli, pearl of the Ionian Sea
Duration : 3h00
Fall under the spell of one of Puglia’s jewels, Gallipoli, listen to its history in the old town’s maze of narrow lanes and admire its historic and architectural heritage.

A visit through its enigmatic lanes is like a journey back in time, a living exploration of the cultural strata that make Gallipoli such a rare pearl. Time here sometimes seems to stand still. Near the port, where your guided tour will begin, the fisherman are hard at work. Off in the distance, the gates of the old town open onto a maze of narrow lanes edged withbright- and warm-coloured dwellings, where the shade of the buildings draws a mystical labyrinth. Each street corner tells its own story of this medieval city, with its multiple heritages and cultural influences. Take the time to listen to the stories told by your local guide, as you admire the surprising St. Agatha’s Cathedral, its columns and its stunning baroque frescoes.

The sun-drenched hills of Gallipoli, bathed by the blue waters of the Mediterranean, made it a regional stronghold in olive-oil production as of the 15th century. The exports of this “liquid gold” were so significant that its production was stored in the four corners of the city in underground cisterns dug out of the local limestone, called carparo. You will have the opportunity to discover the production techniques that were used in the past, as you visit one of the 35 recently renovated underground oil mills.

This excursion includes three hours of walking on uneven surfaces. This visit is not accessible for persons with reduced mobility or in a wheelchair. The team recommend that you wear comfortable walking shoes and sun protection. Appropriate clothing is recommended when visiting places of worship: trousers for men, and skirts covering the knees for women.

Lecce, a Baroque jewel
Duration : 4h00
Stroll around Lecce, the "Baroque Florence", and discover the countless churches, palaces and monuments carved out of this soft and almost golden limestone that gives the city a glowing look, like the chubby cherubins that decorate its façades.

A veritable open-air museum, Lecce is a microcosm of Baroque splendors, located only one hour's drive from Gallipoli. The cherubins, gargoyles, plant patterns, columns and capitals, each more extravagant than the last, are legion here - to the extent that the city lays claim to its own style, the "Barocco Leccese"- since the sculptors and architects of the 16th and 17th centuries had a field day with the regional stone, a marvel of malleability and delicacy.
The Centro Storico historic center is proof of this, with its cobbled streets and shady squares teeming with incredible rococo treasures, including the Basilica of Santa Croce - with a constellation of sublime ornaments - and the Governor's Palace. Not far from there, on the Piazza Santa Oronzo, the palazzos, church and Roman amphitheater dating from the 2nd century try to outdo each other with their beauty.

A few meters away, the Piazza del Duomo, in spectacular golden monochrome, proudly displays a cathedral, its bell tower and the archbishop's palace, making it one of Italy's most beautiful squares. Some free time will allow you to wander at leisure along the narrow and beautiful streets of Lecce's town center before rejoining the bus to go back to the pier.

This excursion involves a coach journey to Lecce as well as walking 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) on uneven surfaces, with some steps to negotiate. The team recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and sun protection. Appropriate clothing is recommended when visiting places of worship: trousers for men, and skirts covering the knees for women.

The long walls of the fortified city of Kotor unfurl before your eyes as you admire this medieval construction enclosed between the sea and the rugged cliffs from the decks of your ship. The still, deep waters of the bay plus the clouds of mist floating here and there create a surreal and magical atmosphere. Small islands with churches and fortresses built on them remind you that a proud maritime people has lived here for centuries, in this bay that forms a perfect natural harbour, used by sailors since ancient times. At the crossroads of Latin and Byzantine cultures, you will have the pleasure of observing the natural treasures of Montenegro during an unforgettable journey.

Situated in one of Montenegro’s most beautiful bays, the medieval city of Kotor is a small town full of charm, truly imbued with the traditions and stories of another time. Built between the 12th and 14th centuries, this village, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has preserved many historical monuments from this epoch. During your stop, be sure to admire the impressive castle that dominates the town, and let yourself fall under the charm of its maze of small streets and intimate squares on which folk festivals featuring magnificent colorful costumes are often organized.

Emblem of the Dalmatian coast, Dubrovnik is magnificently positioned on a rocky spur. History is sovereign here, in this ancient city, now a listed UNESCO World Heritage site. You will perhaps be surprised by the proportions of La Placa, the central drag through the city. The sheer width of it can be explained by the fact that it straddles a former lagoon. The elegant houses along La Placa are built in the legendary travertine stone. At Pile gate, you will be greeted by the statue of the patron saint of Dubrovnik, and you can admire the coastline as you walk along the ramparts. But what’s inside Fort Saint John, adjoining the outer walls? A maritime museum and an aquarium featuring rare fish from the Adriatic.