Marseille is the oldest and second-largest city in France, boasting the country's most important port. Europeans and Africans have rubbed shoulders here for over 2600 years, creating a unique blend of cultures. With its imposing town houses, "La Canebière" is the central boulevard leading to the old port where a lively fish market takes place every day. Marseille is a town in flux: the notorious old district of Panier has long since been cleaned up, and in 1995, the multicultural metropolis saw work begin on Euroméditerranée, the largest urban development project in Europe. Spend the day exploring this beautiful seaside gem, then board your ship to begin your journey. 

The sophisticated Monegasque city-state between Italy and France is one of the world's most exclusive addresses. Its densely-packed buildings extend up the rocky coastline and offer views of a gloriously azure sea, with three marinas where spectacular luxury yachts sway on the waves. In the center, set high up, is the beautiful old city of Monaco-Ville with the splendid Prince's Palace, cathedral and Oceanographic Museum of Jacques Cousteau. In the center of Monte Carlo you can find the famous casino in a beautiful Belle Epoque building, and the palatial opera house.

Stop in this seaside Tuscan town, known for its Carnival celebrations but charming year-round. Learn about the city's history and customs at the local museums, wander through the lush parks and gardens, or simply soak up the sun and relax on the expansive beaches. 

Spend a day wandering the streets of this charming commune on the French island of Corsica. Bastia's old port is lined with cozy bars and restaurants, and set against a backdrop of ancient citadels and ornate churches. 

Though a small Tuscan island, Elba is surprisingly diverse. Imposing cliffs, white sandy beaches, avenues of cypresses, vineyards and olive groves, traditional villages and elegant beach resorts make the place of Napoleon's exile somewhere you would in fact like to be banished for longer. The beautiful old town of Portoferraio, with its narrow streets of steps and medieval fortress, is set high up on a rocky headland. In the enchanting town of Porto Azzurro, the palm-lined promenades, charming piazzas and small beach are at the center of the town's activities.

Relax aboard your ship as you sail to your next destination. 

Even at the time of the Roman Empire, Capri was a particularly precious natural gem and became the summer residence of the Emperor Tiberius. Artists and hedonists, aristocrats and the moneyed classes discovered the island for themselves in the 19th century. This stunningly beautiful rocky island in the Gulf of Naples is famous for its numerous grottos, the most well known being the Blue Grotto. You can expect a combination of pleasure and spectacle when you experience the colorful lifestyle and goings-on in the Piazetta right in the center of Capri.

Naples rises from the sea around a huge bay and extends up into the hills like an amphitheater. From the Castello Sant' Elmo on the Vomero you can enjoy a fantastic view over the sea of houses, the port and the Gulf. The pretty center of this chaotic Campanian city is the old town, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its huge fortresses, dignified churches and monasteries, splendid squares and palaces, and maze of winding streets. Disembark the ship after breakfast and explore this delightful city before making your way home or continuing on your independent journey.