6-night Voyage: The Italian Riviera

Nice is undoubtedly the place for the opening up of art and culture. The Côte d'Azur has inspired, from time immemorial, the greatest painters, writers and musicians. It has compelled recognition of its avant-garde across the Atlantic, its museums are holding prestigious collections in edifices of renowned architecture. Nice is full of an extraordinary artistic and cultural heritage. The gentle way of life sustains the imaginary world of artists and stimulates their creativeness. A cultural and aesthetic atmosphere prevails here; the cultural life is intense. It is punctuated by temporary exhibitions in the museums and the municipal galleries, by the programming of the theatres of which the most important is the Theatre of Nice - National Dramatic Centre - directed by Jacques Weber. The Opera House of Nice's Theatre proposes events of great quality.

Destination Guide

Excursions

Nice - Shore Excursion - Discovery of Saint-Paul de Vence, Haut de Cagnes & Gourdon - 8 hours — Optional Private Excursions

Nice Shore Excursion - Discovery of Nice, Eze & Monaco - 8 hours — Optional Private Excursions
Meet your private English speaking driver guide who will wait for you with a nominative board at the main exit of your ship  and depart for a visit of Nice, Eze & Monaco.

HIGHLIGHTS 

• Nice, the fifth largest city in France, acts as a magnet attracting people from all over the world, for a multitude of reasons. Elegant and simple, Nice's charm comes from its exceptional climate as well as its beauty. Even in the winter the café terraces are filled with people happily drinking and contemplating the ultra-famous Promenade des Anglais.  Always in flower this wonderful walk follows along the bay, looking out onto the Baie des Anges and the beaches on one side, and on the other such luxury hotels as the Negresco.

• From Nice, take the Corniche road to Eze, a medieval village perched like an eagles nest on a narrow rocky peak overlooking the Mediterranean Sea.

• Monaco, one of those magic glamorous places that have a worldwide reputation, is situated on the French Riviera between Cap d'Ail and Menton, just a few kilometers from the Italian Riviera 

End of the tour at your ship
 
Tour Duration: 8 hours
Wheelchair Accessible: NO
Physical Activity Level: Light

Package includes
-  Transportation: pick up/drop off at the Port
-  English speaking licensed driver guide with a deluxe car with AC at disposal 
- All entrance fees 
- All tax and Vat 
 
Does not include 
- Lunch 
- Gratuities 
- Travel insurance and personal expenses 
 
Departure dates
- All day, all year - except for French Bank Holidays, contact us for those dates

Nice Shore Excursion - Discovery of Grasse, Cannes & Antibes - 8 hours — Optional Private Excursions
Meet your private English speaking driver guide who will wait for you with a nominative board at the main exit of your ship and depart for a visit of Grasse, Cannes & Antibes.
 
HIGHLIGHTS 

• Grasse Rising from the hills above the Mediterranean is the city of Grasse, the perfume capital of the world, surrounded by the charming Provencal landscape and villages of the Pays de Grasse, the regional name for this breathtaking and tranquil countryside. This 17th and 18th century town is large and extremely interesting, with tiny streets that wind between the buildings, up and down ancient steps, passing through arched tunnels and sometimes opening out onto large squares.
• Cannes was nothing more than an unimportant fishing village 150 years ago. Since then it has become an elegant city known round the world and attracts an international clientele.
• Antibes is the proper name of this ancient town, but it's commonly referred to as Trompe l'Oeil wall mural at Juan Antibes - Juan-les-Pins.

End of the tour at your ship

Tour Duration: 8 hours
Wheelchair Accessible: NO
Physical Activity Level: Light

Package includes
-  Transportation: pick up/drop off at the Port
- English speaking licensed driver guide with a deluxe car with AC at disposal 
- All entrance fees 
- All tax and Vat 

Does not include
- Lunch 
- Gratuities 
- Travel insurance and personal expenses 

Departure dates
- All day, all year - Except for French Bank Holidays, contact us for those dates

Nice - Full Day Tour - 8 hours — Optional Private Excursions
Nice Shore Excursion. This excursion will give you a wonderful glance at the beautiful city of Nice on the Riviera. You will be impressed by the colors of its market and during the afternoon you could visit Matisse Museum showing an important collection of the painter.
 

 

Nice & Cannes - Full Day Tour - 8 hours — Optional Private Excursions

Nice and Cannes Shore Excursion. This excursion is perfect for those who wish to discover the chic French Riviera: in Nice, you will be impressed by the colors of its market and during the afternoon pursue this excursion with the beautiful city of Cannes, famous for hosting every year the Film Festival.

9:00 am: Be met at the foot of your cruise ship.

Drive to Nice. Everything is emphasized in Nice; the bright sunlight makes the colors flash. The green pines happily rub shoulders with the blue of the Mediterranean Sea and that of the sky. It is easy to see why the Côte d’Azur fascinates so many people. Many of the artists, painters, writers, sculptors and musicians who contributed to the city’s fame, have museums here, dedicated to their works. You will view the luxurious Belle Époque-style residences, including the fabulous Négresco palace, built on the sea front. The Négresco, whose dome can be admired from the Promenade des Anglais, is the finest example of Belle Époque architecture. Visit the Russian Church (not available on Sunday mornings). Enjoy a walking tour of the old town. Enjoy lunch at leisure in a typical restaurant.

During the afternoon, drive to Cannes. Your guide will escort you to visit the city main points of interest:

Old town— The usual narrow winding streets filled with restaurants and souvenir shops. Covered Market (Marché Forville)— For a spectacular eating and viewing food experience, no other market in Cannes beats this for scale and variety. 

Palais des Festivals— Down La Croisette is the famous Palais des Festivals, where stars of the screen gather and watch films screened during the festival. Irresistible not to pose for a photograph on the 22 steps leading up to the entrance. 

Port— Admire the yachts of the rich and possibly famous - though true mega-yachts will be found at the International Yacht Club down the coast in Antibes. 

La Croisette— Cannes catwalk beside the sea, it is the center of the city's tourist activity and known for its luxury hotels and boutique shops. 

5.00 pm: return to your Hotel.
Tour Duration: 8 hours.

Tour can operate: Any Day

Wheelchair Accessible: Yes.

Physical Activity Level: Moderate.

Included:
Deluxe minivan that can carry up to 6 passengers
Professional English-speaking guide-driver who will chauffeur you on your sightseeing-tour and is licensed to guide and accompany you on walking tours as well as into museums and monuments.
24-hour assistance available during your stay
All taxes

Not Included:
Tips
Lunch or dinner
 

Nice, Villefranche & St Jean Cap Ferrat - Half Day Tour - 4 hours — Optional Private Excursions
Nice, Villefranche and St Jean Cap Ferrat Shore Excursion. You will be impressed by Nice’s lights and colors. In Villefranche you will have the opportunity to see the Chapelle Saint-Pierre which was restored by Jean Cocteau. Then, visit St. Jean Cap Ferrat, an exceptional site on the Mediterranean coast.
 

9:00 am or 2:00 pm: Be met at the foot of your cruise ship or your hotel.

Everything is emphasized in Nice. In this natural, rocky setting, the sun highlights the yellow shades of flowers and the ochre-colored houses. It is easy to see why the Côte d’Azur fascinates so many people. Many of the artists, painters, writers, sculptors and musicians who contributed to the city’s fame, have museums here dedicated to their works. You will view the luxurious Belle Époque-style residences, including the fabulous Négresco palace that is built on the sea front. The Négresco, whose dome can be admired from the Promenade des Anglais, is the finest example of Belle Époque architecture. In the morning, the Cours Saleya has daily flower and food markets. There are scores of stands, and you will find everything from professional merchants with their well-displayed wares to farmers that offer their fresh produce and live fowl on folding tables. Low buildings border the length of Cours Saleya, separating it from the sea.

Continue on to Villefranche and visit the Chapel Saint Pierre. This old "Norman" style chapel, devoted to St-Pierre, the patron saint of fishermen, was completely restored and decorated by Jean Cocteau. The artist wanted to decorate the chapel and make it into a place of worship, dedicated to the fishermen from Villefranche, Beaulieu and St-Jean-Cap-Ferrat. Jean Cocteau wanted his artwork to evoke certain episodes in the Saint's life in a way that would be comprehensible to all.

Time permitting, continue your trip and drive towards St. Jean Cap Ferrat, an exceptional site on the Mediterranean coast. Its tranquility and warm climate make it a well-known vacation spot.  

1:00 pm or 6:00 pm: Return to your ship or to your hotel.
Tour Duration: 4 hours.

Tour can operate: Any Day

Wheelchair Accessible: Yes.

Physical Activity Level: Moderate.

Included:
Deluxe minivan that can carry up to 6 passengers
Professional English-speaking guide-driver who will chauffeur you on your sightseeing-tour and is licensed to guide and accompany you on walking tours as well as into museums and monuments.
24-hour assistance available during your stay
All taxes

Not Included:
Tips
Lunch or dinner

 

Nice: Picturesque Towns of the Cote d’Azur – 8 hours — Optional Private Excursions
No visit to the stunning Cote d'Azur would be complete without a visit to Nice's wonderful Old Town and the charismatic village of Saint-Paul-de-Vence. Begin with a warm welcome from your driver-guide who will be delighted to discuss the local culture, history and lifestyle of the area. Discover the historic atmosphere of Nice's Old Town whilst taking in the aromas of its bustling market.

Continue on a scenic journey to the medieval village of Saint-Paul-de-Vence. This charming village, with its bohemian atmosphere, is a mecca for artists and here you have time for lunch at leisure (payable locally). Later this afternoon, stop at the wonderful Rosary Chapel, considered by Henri Matisse to be his finest work. After your tour you will be privately transferred back to your cruise ship.

Highlights:

• Discover the historic atmosphere of Nice's Old Town and the bohemian charm of the village of Saint-Paul-de-Vence
• Make a stop at the wonderful Rosary Chapel, considered by Henri Matisse to be his finest work

• Private transport by luxury car or minivan
• An expert local driver-guide for 8 hours
• Entrance fees to all sights and museums
• All taxes

• All cruise travel, personal items, meals and associated costs
• Gratuities

Sanremo is a beautiful destination off the coast of Italy. The pristine coastline and beaches have attracted many tourists who seek out a relaxing and scenic vacation. Sanremo is filled with many things to experience, such as gambling at their famous casinos, visiting glorious gardens, and attending engaging music festivals.

With its dizzying mix of old and new, of sophistication and squalor, Genoa (Genova) is as multilayered as the hills it clings to. It was and is a port city: an important maritime center for the Roman Empire, boyhood home of Christopher Columbus (whose restored house stands near a section of medieval wall), and one of the largest, wealthiest cities of Renaissance Europe. Capture glimpses of Genoa's former glory days in Genoa's portside Old Town, where treasure-filled palaces and fine marble churches stand next to laundry-draped tenements. Life within the old medieval walls doesn't seem to have changed since the days when Genovese ships set sail to launch raids on the Venetians, crusaders embarked for the Holy Land, and Garibaldi shipped out to invade Sicily in the 19th-century struggle to unify Italy. Modern Genoa, which stretches for miles along the coast and climbs hills, is a city of international business, peaceful parks, and breezy belvederes from which visitors can enjoy fine views of this colorful metropolis and the sea which defines its identity.

Destination Guide

Excursions

Genoa: Genoa for Families - 8 hours — Optional Private Excursions
This morning you will be met by your English-speaking guide for a full day excursion to Genoa. Today you will immerse yourselves into the water world of this city! Your visit will start in the largest and most innovative sea museum of the Mediterranean, the Galata Museum, with a 10,000 sqm area set in a stone-and-glass building. It outlines the evolution of the maritime town’s port using an approach which is not exclusively scientific, in that it gives ample space to interactive and multimedia-related aspects. One of the museum’s gems is the faithful reconstruction of a 17th-century Genoese galley (being 40m long) placed upon its original slipway.

Besides the more traditional halls (about Colombo, Andrea Doria, and so forth), visitors can explore the Arsenal rooms, see the Darsena armoury, go aboard a 19th-century brigantine, finally going through a Cape Horn tempest recreated through virtual reality. Among the other exhibitions you can find the Waterfront Plan (“Affresco”) by Renzo Piano and the panoramic terrace MIRAGenova.

Visit the famous Aquarium, Europe’s largest marine park: 71 tanks, 800 species, and over 10,000 specimens set against the incomparable backdrop of the Gulf of Genoa. The tour (approx. 2 hours and 30 minutes) unfolds through the spectacular scenery of a myriad of sights of the Old Port of Genoa – the Aquarium is indeed located on the old wharf of Ponte Spinola – and through 40 large tanks, in addition to 19 open ones which use the space of a real ship called “Nave Italia”, allowing people to actually touch the fish by hand.

The reproduction of the original natural habitats of the individual species at the Genoa Aquarium is also wonderful: not only marine fauna but also reptiles, amphibians, and generally rainforest and freshwater animals.

Highlights:

• Visit the Galata Museum
• Europe’s largest marine park
• Old Port of Genoa

Tour Duration: 8 hours

Tour Can Operate: Morning

Wheelchair accessible: Please enquire for more information

Physical Activity Level: Low

Inclusions:
• Luxury car or minivan at your disposal during the tour
• An expert English-speaking guide
• Entrance fees to the Aquarium
 
Exclusions: 
• All cruise travel, personal items, meals and associated costs
• Gratuities

Genoa: Portofino Walking Tour - 5 hours — Optional Private Excursions
Today you will be met by your local English-speaking guide for a walking tour of Portofino. This exclusive portal town is the perfect base for a stroll up in to the local cyprus lined hills, so capture some of the breath-taking coastal views. Visit the Castello di San Giorgio, built in the 1500s as a defence against the Turks. From here you can continue to the Punta del Capo and the Faro, an old lighthouse, where views are spectacular. Back in the central Piazzetta, visit the Divo Martino church where you can admire works by Maragliano.

Highlights:
 

Picturesquely situated in a narrow cove on Italy's northern coast lies enchanting Portofino. This Pearl of the Mediterranean has been a favored gathering place for the elite who appreciate the charm and intimacy of the cliff-lined harbor. Overlooking rocky coastline, quaint Portofino surprises with incredible views of Gulf of Rapallo and surrounding hillsides. The church of San Giorgio offers a beautiful view of the resort and harbor. More extensive views are available from Fortezza de San Giorgio. In 1935, the city government of Genoa declared Portofino a national monument. Visitors enjoy the unique ambiance, chic boutiques and quaint cafes that overlook the small yacht harbor and line narrow, cobbled streets. Others explore the surrounding coastline, where tiny villages are tucked away in hidden coves. Don't miss out on a favorite pastime - people-watching while relaxing in an outdoor cafe. The boutiques and designer shops tempt with chic resortwear and Italian designer clothing. Two miles from Portofino is Paraggi, with a sparkling cove good for a swim.

Destination Guide

Located in the northern region of Italy, La Spezia is one of Italy's biggest military and commerical harbors. Cinque Terre and Portovenere are often accessed by La Spezia.

The area along the coast called Versillia is a perfect vacation spot for people who enjoy the beach and seeing nearby attractions. Viereggio is the largest town in this area and is an old seaside resort and boating center. It is located only an hour away from the Italian Riveria and from other little fishing villages. The area is full of antique and cultural history. The wonderful walled city of Lucca is nearby, and the entire area is near Florence. Another favorite spot along the shore is the elegant town of Forte Dei Marmi where the rich come in the summer. There is a beach, and the little town is full of wonderful elegant shopping. The beach area is close to the marble mountains and the town of Pietrasanta where Michaelangelo went to find marble in nearby quarries. Visit Carara and the wonderful mountain quarries where marble is mined and sent to all over the world.

Livorno serves as a convenient gateway to Tuscany - which is known for classic landscapes and lush vineyards. Visitors come to see great art centers of Florence, Lucca and Pisa - where names like Michelangelo, Machiavelli, Boticelli, da Vinci, Donatello and Dante come to mind. Pisa is known for its brilliant monuments, which include the 11th-century Cathedral, the Baptistery and the leaning Bell Tower. Lucca is one of the most handsome Romanesque cities in Europe. Its historic center features several fine old churches and lovely squares. Lucca is also known as home of composer Giacomo Puccini, whose birthplace is now a museum. Walking in the historic center, shopping in its elegant stores and enjoying a meal of renowned Tuscan cuisine are some highlights of this area. Downtown Livorno has a fine local market and a variety of fine shops and restaurants. Sights include the 14th-century Loggia della Signoria assembly hall in Florence; the Uffizi Gallery, which houses one of the world's famed museums and the Accademia best-known for Michelangelo's sculptures.

Destination Guide

Excursions

Livorno: Cycling Lucca's Medieval Walls - 5 hours — Optional Private Excursions

• Walking tour through the streets of Lucca, a beautifully preserved Tuscan town
• Cycle along the city walls, admiring the incredible views 

• Luxury car or minivan at your disposal during the tour
• An expert English-speaking guide in Lucca (3 hours)
• Bicycle rental
• All taxes

Day in Florence - 8 hours — Optional Private Excursions

• Introduction of basic history of Florence and visit of the David
• See the famous Ponte Vecchio.
• Leisure time for shopping at the famous leather and jewelry stores.

• Private deluxe sedan or van 
• Private English speaking guide 
• Admission to view the David
• Clients are picked up and dropped off at the Port 

• Meals
• Gratuities

Pisa and Lucca - 8 hours — Optional Private Excursions

• Private deluxe sedan or van and private English speaking guide in Lucca
• Clients are picked up and dropped off at the Port

Livorno - Pisa & Florence - 9 hours — Optional Private Excursions

Meet your private English-speaking driver at the pier side of Livorno port.

Enjoy a pleasant drive (30 minute) on board of our new luxury Mercedes van to your first stop in the university town of Pisa.
Here you will have time to visit the famous Piazza dei Miracoli with its famous Leaning Tower, the Baptistery and the Cathedral.

You may also decide to upgrade your tour by adding a guide for a 2-hour tour, which allows you to climb the famous Tower without waiting and queuing.

Please note that children must be 8 years old to access the Tower.

As you approach Florence after a relaxing drive (1 hour) through the Tuscan countryside and up the Viale dei Colli stop at the stunning terrace of Piazzale Michelangelo to enjoy the most impressive views of the city before continuing down into its heart.

After a lunch at leisure you will be met by your private English-speaking guide to begin a wonderful walking tour through Piazza Santa Croce, the impressive Piazza del Duomo (S. Maria del Fiore Cathedral, the Baptistery and Giotto's Bell tower), Piazza della Signoria (Palazzo Vecchio), Piazza della Repubblica and the elegant Ponte Vecchio (Old Bridge).
You may also decide to upgrade your tour by adding a no-line reservation to visit either the Accademia or the Uffizi.

Please note that on Mondays, the Accademia and the Uffizi are closed.

We will ensure your timely return transfer to the Livorno Port.

Highlights:

• Pisa - Piazza dei Miracoli, Leaning Tower, Baptistery and the Cathedral (Optional and upon a fee: 2 hour guide at disposal and no-line reservation to climb the Leaning Tower)

• Florence - Piazzale Michelangelo, Piazza Santa Croce, Piazza del Duomo, Piazza della Signoria, Piazza della Repubblica and Ponte Vecchio (Optional and upon a fee: no-line reservation to visit Accademia or the Uffizi)

Tour Duration: 9 hours

Tour can Operate: Morning  

Wheelchair Accessible: Please enquire for more information

Physical Activity Level: Low

Inclusions:

• Luxury Mercedes minivan at disposal for the entire day
• English-speaking driver at disposal for the entire day
• 4 hour English-speaking guide in Florence
• No-line reservation for the Leaning Tower of Pisa (optional)
• No-line reservation for Accademia or Uffizi (optional)

Exclusions:

• All cruise travel, personal items, meals and associated costs
• Gratuities

Livorno: Chianti Countryside & Wine Tasting - 8 hours — Optional Private Excursions

Meet your guide and driver at the pier side of Livorno for a full day of discovery in the Chianti region of Tuscany.  Hill-towns gaze across the countryside from on high, many encircled by Etruscan walls and slender cypress trees. As you travel along the winding roads, soak up the rich panorama comprising beautiful rolling hills, vineyards and olive groves. Admire the charming hamlets and farmhouses as well as fortified villas and castles that symbolise colourful history of the region during the Middle Ages. Travel through San Casciano, Badia a Passignano, Montefioralle, Greve and Castellina on your way to the Casanova Winery.  Here you will be met by your guide for a tour of the vineyards and, of course, tastings of their fine red wines.
After lunch at your leisure, continue to the picturesque medieval town of San Gimignano, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its surviving towers where you may wish to see the Collegiata containing 15th-century frescoes, the Palazzo del Popolo containing Renaissance paintings or simply wander the narrow cobbled streets. 

Highlights:

Casanova Winery
San Gimignano

Tour Duration: 8 hours

Tour Can Operate: Morning

Wheelchair Accessible: Please enquire for more information

Physical Activity Level: Low

Inclusions:

• Luxury car or minivan at disposal during the tour
• An English-speaking guide
• Entrance fees to the Casanova winery

Exclusions:

• All cruise travel, personal items, meals and associated costs
• Gratuities

Livorno: Best of Florence & Pisa - 8 hours — Optional Private Excursions
Your English-speaking driver will meet your at Livorno pier today for the journey through Tuscany to Florence where your expert local guide will be waiting for you. As you stroll through the narrow streets, take in the lovely piazzas, churches and palaces before visiting Florence’s most famous landmark; the splendid Duomo (Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore).

At the Galleria dell' Accademia, the world’s most celebrated statue awaits you. Marvel at Michelangelo's exquisite David; a colossal 17-foot nude inspired by the biblical hero renowned for heroically killing the giant Goliath. Wander along the enchanting medieval streets until you emerge out onto the open Piazza della Signoria; the centre of political life in Florence since the 14th-century.

After lunch at leisure, return to Livorno stopping briefly in Pisa to admire the famous Leaning Tower.

Highlights:

• Florence's Duomo
• Galleria dell'Accademia
• Piazza della Signoria
• Leaning Tower of Pisa

Tour Duration: 8 hours

Tour Can Operate: Morning

Wheelchair Accessible: Please enquire for more information

Physical Activity Level: Low

Inclusions:

• Luxury car or minivan at your disposal during the tour
• An expert English-speaking guide in Florence (3 hours)
• Entrance fees to the Galleria dell'Accademia

Exclusions:

• All cruise travel, personal items, meals and associated costs
• Gratuities

Livorno - Pisa & Lucca - 8 hours — Optional Private Excursions

Meet your private English-speaking driver at the pier side of Livorno port.

Virtually every guide book to Italy will show you a picture of the leaning tower of Pisa, but the great surprise when you get there is that it is merely the belfry for the most magnificent cathedral complex, with a stunning baptistery and walled cemetery. Though the sea has now receded, in medieval times, Pisa was a great maritime republic, rivalling Genoa and Venice and this superb ensemble, known as the ‘field of miracles’ was a religious hub worthy of its status. The cathedral has a beautiful pulpit, sculpted by Giovanni Pisano and a mosaic, Christ in Majesty, completed by Cimabue in 1302. After years of work to stop the tower from falling down, you can once again ascend to the top and will be very aware of the ‘lean’, as you wind your way up.

Please note that children must be 8 years old to access the Tower.

After lunch (not included), make your way to Lucca, the most perfect completely walled city and birthplace of the composer, Puccini. It is known as the town of 99 churches and you will visit the S.Martino Cathedral and the beautiful San Michele. The Piazza Anfiteatro follows the exact lines of the Roman amphitheatre, indeed, you can still see some of the arches and columns. The surrounding countryside is full of olive groves and Lucca is known for producing some very fine olive oils.

We will ensure your timely return transfer to the Livorno Port.

Highlights:

• Pisa - Piazza dei Miracoli, Leaning Tower, Baptistery and the Cathedral (Optional and upon a fee: 2 hour guide at disposal and no-line reservation to climb the Leaning Tower)

• Lucca - the walls, Duomo, Roman Amphitheater, Guinigi Tower (Optional and upon a fee: 2-hour guide at disposal)

Tour Duration: 8 hours

Tour can Operate: Morning  

Wheelchair Accessible: Please enquire for more information

Physical Activity Level: Low

Inclusions:

• Luxury Mercedes minivan at disposal for the entire day
• English-speaking driver at disposal for the entire day
• No-line reservation for the Leaning Tower of Pisa (optional)

Exclusions:

• All cruise travel, personal items, meals and associated costs
• Gratuities

Gastronomic and historical tour in Pisa countryside - 8 hours — Optional Private Excursions