7-night Voyage: Corsica & Sardinia

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

Calvi, with its long sandy beach, boarded by parasol pine-trees, is dominated by a Genoese citadel planted on a promontory with the small town below, extending along a waterfront, bustling with fishing boats and yachts. Not surprising its idyllic setting is so attractive for ships of all sizes.

Destination Guide

Elba is off the mainland of Italy, and remains influenced by Tuscany. People come back time and time again for this island's fine local food and wine and great natural beauty. Pine scented forests and wind carved headlands shelter hidden coves where sandy beaches invite visitors to wade in clear blue waters. Enjoy a local vineyard tour, and near Portoferraio, discover the remains of an ancient Etruscan civilisation. Medici influence can be seen in the fortifications of Portoferraio. The island was influenced greatly by Napoleon Bonaparte, who did much to improve the island, building new roads, modernizing agriculture, and developing iron mines. His summer home, the Villa di San Martino, can be visited. Elban soil is very rich in minerals and semi-precious stones - some 150 varieties to including garnets, marcasite and tourmaline.

Destination Guide

Corsica's picturesque southernmost town Bonifacio gazes across the blue Mediterranean to Sardinia. In its narrow cobbled alleys lingers a strangely medieval mood and the ancient stone houses of the fortress-like, once much-besieged community cling to one of the island's most striking sites - a towering promontory of sheer limestone rock jutting out improbably into the sea 200ft below. Founded about AD 828 as a defence against pirates, the town was taken from Pisa at the end of the 12th century by the Genoese and remained under the influence of Genoa until modern times.

Surrounded by emerald and crystal-clear blue water, immensely scenic and rocky coast and the rolling hills atypical of the Mediterranean, the Costa Smeralda is a beautiful resort area of Sardinia. Once an exclusive getaway for the jet-set and high-profile yachts, Porto Cervo is a thriving and eclectic destination, humming with activity for a myriad of interests. Along its main promenade, there are several art galleries and a museum lending to the increasing feeling that Porto Cervo is fast becoming a cultural center. Catch the spectacular sunset at Phi Beach, an outdoor club that is less of a beach and more of a social hot-spot for every kind of traveler, with music, a laid-back atmosphere and boats floating alongside to watch the sun set collectively. For something more exclusive, try the Billionaire club. Visit the pioneer of the young art scene at the Louise Alexander Gallery or the Monte di Mola Museo, Porto Cervo's first art museum.

Surrounded by emerald and crystal-clear blue water, immensely scenic and rocky coast and the rolling hills atypical of the Mediterranean, the Costa Smeralda is a beautiful resort area of Sardinia. Once an exclusive getaway for the jet-set and high-profile yachts, Porto Cervo is a thriving and eclectic destination, humming with activity for a myriad of interests. Along its main promenade, there are several art galleries and a museum lending to the increasing feeling that Porto Cervo is fast becoming a cultural center. Catch the spectacular sunset at Phi Beach, an outdoor club that is less of a beach and more of a social hot-spot for every kind of traveler, with music, a laid-back atmosphere and boats floating alongside to watch the sun set collectively. For something more exclusive, try the Billionaire club. Visit the pioneer of the young art scene at the Louise Alexander Gallery or the Monte di Mola Museo, Porto Cervo's first art museum.

The largest island of Italy's Pontine Archipelago houses a charming village featuring colorful houses and fishboats. Vineyards set against the sparkling blue sea cover the hillside.

From Naples visitors can explore the rugged Amalfi coast, Italy's most romantic stretch of coastline. Near Amalfi is the resort of Positano, where visitors enjoy strolling through streets and shopping in small boutiques. Take an excursion to legendary Pompeii, an ancient Roman city covered and preserved by the debris from the violent eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 A.D. The monuments of this city are considered to be among the finest of any ancient city in Europe, and visitors can spend a day here learning about life in a Roman town during the first century A.D. The Cathedral of San Gennaro, a fine medieval building, has one chapel containing the tomb of Charles of Anjou, while another houses the cathedral's gold and silver treasure. Among the Christian underground burial vaults discovered in an area of suburban heights, the Catacombs of San Gennaro can be visited. Capodimonte Park - a well-kept tropical park - has a royal palace built by Charles III in 1738 that now houses Naples' picture gallery, the National Museum of Capodimonte.

Destination Guide

Excursions

Naples and Pompeii - 8 hours — Optional Private Excursions

• Introduction to the history of Naples and Ancient city of Pompeii
• Free time for shopping in Napes
• Lunch to be reserved at original Naples pizzeria

• Private deluxe sedan or van for the day
• English speaking guide for Naples and Pompeii
• Clients are picked up and dropped off at the Port

Naples: Food Tour of Naples - 4 hours — Optional Private Excursions
Along with your expert guide, head into the heart of the historic centre of Naples and explore one of Naples’ best food markets. Your guide will lead you through the market stalls and shops, where you can sample some of the delicious local specialties. Continue along the alleys of the historic city centre to discover the most picturesque corners of Naples. Sites include the Greek ruins of Bellini square, the street of music (San Biagio dei Librai), San Gregorio Armeno street (famous for shops selling nativity scenes), Decumani and old churches decorated in Rococo style.
Stop for a wine tasting in one of the most famous wine shops in the city before the highlight of your tour: lunch in one of the world’s oldest pizzerias! Naples is the birthplace of the pizza. The Naples pizza margherita features a soft yet satisfyingly chewy base, all puffed up and charred at the edges, the merest smear of tomato sauce, the odd dot of mozzarella and a few basil leaves. Not to be missed is the pizza fritta - the original pizza and unique to Naples - a deep fried pizza filled with ricotta cheese. Heaven on a plate!

Highlights:

• Sample some delicious specialities at one of Naples' best food markets
• Visit one of the world's oldest pizzerias for lunch

Tour Duration: 4 hours

Tour can Operate: Morning/Afternoon

Wheelchair Accessible: Please enquire for more information

Physical Activity Level: Low

Inclusions:
•    Luxury car or minivan at your disposal during the tour
•    An expert local guide (4 hours)
•    Entrance fees
•    All taxes
•    Wine tasting and pizza

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

Naples: The City of Naples - 8 hours — Optional Private Excursions
Naples' historic city centre is the largest in Europe, covering 4,200 acres and enclosing 27 centuries of history. One of the oldest continuously-inhabited cities in the world with Bronze Age Greek settlements dating back to the second millennium BC, the area was re-founded as Neápolis (‘new city’) in the sixth century BC, becoming a lynchpin of Magna Graecia and playing a key role in the merging of Greek culture into Roman society.

Explore Naples today with your expert guide. Highlights include the Spaccanapoli district, the magnificent Duomo cathedral, the Cappella Sansevero with its virtuosic sculptural masterpiece the Cristo Velato, as well as lesser-known gems such as the San Giovanni a Carbonara. Today’s tour encompasses artistic-historic treasures and plenty of local colour. Along the way, enjoy a bite of Naples’ famous street food ‘frittura’, a sinfully delicious mix of deep fried aubergines (eggplant), zucchini, mozzarella, arancini (rice croquettes), cauliflower, or potato croquettes.
Continue your sightseeing tour in the historic centre of Naples. Visit the Castel Nuovo, the imposing medieval structure built by the Angevins to defend the city. You may also wish to visit the adjoining Palazzo Reale (The Royal Palace Museum and Royal apartments), built in the 17th century. The magnificently decorated halls and rooms contain the original Bourbon furnishings, paintings, statues and porcelain. Enjoy a panoramic drive to reach the magnificent Carthusian Monastery, the Certosa di San Martino situated on Vomero Hill, where you may visit the luxuriously decorated Baroque Style church.

Highlights:

• Try Naples' famous street food as your guide shows you the historic sights of Italy
• Visit the medieval Castel Nuovo, whose magnificently decorated rooms contain original Bourbon furnishings, paintings and statues

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 local guide (8 hours)
•    Entrance fees
•    All taxes

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

Naples: Historic Pompeii & Vesuvius - 9 hours — Optional Private Excursions
Travel outside Naples today for an excursion to Pompeii. Upon arrival at Pompeii, enjoy a walking tour of this once opulent town. The extensive and varied ruins of Pompeii now provide us with a rich history of life at the time of the Roman Empire. Destroyed by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 BC, this dugout treasure represents an amazing day trip for children and adults alike. On view are temples, forums, amphitheatres, a brothel and the casts of those killed by the falling ash and pumice stone.
Mount Vesuvius – 1281 meters high – was brought into volcanological history after the eruption of 79 BC, when it destroyed the towns and thousands of residents of Pompeii, Stabiae, and Herculaneum. Climb till the summit of the ‘mount’ this afternoon with your guide and admire the splendid views across the Bay of Naples. Lose yourself admiring its slopes, once covered with vineyards and woods that nowadays provide a spectacular backdrop for the bustling town below.
 

Please note: The visit to Mount Vesuvius is not suitable for people with mobility issues and is subject to both volcanological and weather conditions at the time of the tour.

Highlights:

• The ruins of Pompeii provide an unparalleled window into life during the Roman Empire
• Climb to the summit of Mount Vesuvius to admire views across the Bay of Naples

Tour Duration: 9 hours

Tour can Operate: Morning

Wheelchair Accessible: Please enquire for more information

Physical Activity Level: Moderate

Inclusions:
•    Luxury car or minivan at your disposal during the tour
•    An expert local guide (8 hours)
•    Entrance fees
•    All taxes

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