Italy, Corsica & French Riviera

Highlights in Rome include: St. Peter's, with its breathtaking Sistine Chapel, newly restored to its former glory; the Spanish Steps, where all Rome passes by; the Colosseum, where gladiators fought to the death, and the Pantheon, considered to be the most perfect architectural statement of the ages.

Bonifacio's almost land-locked harbor is one of the most dramatic, totally protected harbors. It is a bustling port with excellent seafood restaurants, and a modern marina. The ancient citadel town is perched high atop a seemingly impenetrable cliff.

Alghero is the main resort in the northwest of Sardinia and one of its most beautiful medieval cities. Its bustling historic center is packed with excellent bars and restaurants, making it a great place to hang out. It is also ideally placed for exploring the beaches of nearby Riviera del Corallo. Interestingly a form of medieval Catalan is still spoken even though the Iberians left three centuries ago.

The resort of Porticcio is clean and modern and there are several beaches in the town. There is a long sandy stretch called the Plage de la Viva that is lively with enough activities going on that most people are happy to stay put. However if you do feel like venturing away then head south towards Filitosa. This prehistoric site is in a lovely countryside setting and is one of the rare places in the world where prehistoric engraved stones can be seen.

Ajaccio has a justified reputation as a very stylish city. Napoléon Bonaparte was born here in 1769, and as you would expect the city has many sites relating to him, from his childhood home to seafront statues, museums, and street names. Its immediate surroundings are a paradise for hikers, mountain bikers, trekkers, and climbers. It provides a whole range of outdoor activities which you can enjoy by yourself or with professionals.

Napoleon once said that he could recognize his native island blindfolded because of the wonderful perfume of the maquis. Approaching by sea, it is the first thing you experience about Corsica. The second is its wild and mountainous landscape. Nearby are secluded beaches and the eerie Grottes des Veaux Marins, offering fantastic diving opportunities.

Portofino is a fishing village on the Italian Riveria coastline. Its pastel-colored houses, luxury boutiques, and seafood restaurants surround its Piazzetta, a small cobbled square overlooking the harbor, which is lined with super-yachts. A short walk takes you up to the Church of St. George, a church with a cool, plain interior, dramatically situated on the narrow neck of the Portofino headland. As a lookout point, and probably as a site of religious significance, the spot goes back thousands of years.

Monaco is the fabled domain of princes and movie stars. The magnificent Palais du Prince and opulent casinos remind you of an elegant, pre-war era. With more wealth concentrated in one small area than almost any place on earth, this tiny principality retains its gilt-edged allure.

Disembark after breakfast and continue your independent trip back home.