Yachting gems of the French and Italian Rivieras

Summary

Fly from the UK to Nice. Your cruise begins in Nice, where you’ll be transferred to your Emerald Cruises luxury yacht to begin your seafaring journey of the Western Mediterranean.

Flight to arrive into Nice prior to 03:00 PM.

Summary

Santa Margherita Ligure is an Italian resort town with panoramic views, revered for its timeless elegance and style. If you are seeking la dolce vita, you will find it here in abundance. Stroll the Santa Margherita promenade, or the pebbly beachfront admiring the sailboats. Explore a beautiful Baroque church or sample the local red shrimps. 

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Downhill hike to Portofino (extra expense, must be pre-booked)
Meet your guide at Santa Margherita pier and board your vehicle to Nozarego, where your hiking experience to Portofino begins. The path winds through Mediterranean flora, vineyards, and olive groves, with cliffs dropping to the crystal sea. Enjoy a picnic with local focaccia and wine, then continue past elegant villas among tropical plants and olive trees. Upon reaching Portofino, enjoy a guided stroll around this iconic destination before a short boat journey returns you to Santa Margherita.
Activity Level: Strenuous, Duration: 4 hours 

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Culinary experience in Rapallo (extra expense, must be pre-booked)
Embark on a culinary journey blending Italian cooking with the Ligurian coast. Join your guide at the pier and set sail on a motorboat for a day of pesto, pasta, and the charm of Rapallo and Portofino. Upon arriving in Rapallo, stroll to Chef Guido’s culinary haven. Learn the secrets of pesto and pasta and enjoy a delicious lunch of your creations. Afterward, explore Rapallo’s historic squares, boutiques, or seaside cafés. Continue your journey with a scenic ride to Portofino, famed for its pastel buildings. Discover its charming piazzas, waterfront, and the enchanting Mediterranean atmosphere that defines this coastal gem.
Activity Level: Moderate, Duration: 4.75 hours

We will cruise to Portofino later in the morning. Perched on the Italian Riviera, Portofino has a rich culinary scene, a picturesque harbour and slender streets lined with pastel-hued houses, high-end boutiques and seafood restaurants.

EmeraldACTIVE
Portofino lighthouse & Brown Castle Walk 
Experience the charm of Portofino as you stroll through its stunning landscapes and historic sites. Soak in the coastal views and vibrant colours of this picturesque fishing village. Discover the ancient Brown Castle and learn about its fascinating 16th-century history while enjoying breathtaking coastal vistas from the grounds. Visit San Giorgio Church, known for its beautiful frescoes and tranquil atmosphere. Admire its architecture and stunning views, perfect for memorable photos before heading to the lighthouse.
Activity Level: Strenuous, Duration: 2 hours

Offshore: 07:30 - 12:30 | 14:00 - 23:00

Summary

The quaint town of Porto Venere overlooks the Gulf of Poets on the Ligurian Coast. It has meandering narrow stepped lanes known as caruggi, which were designed to shield locals from the sun and wind. The winding streets are lined with colourful houses — follow them up to Doria Castle for lovely views of the town and the Church of San Pietro. Today choose between our Included Excursion or DiscoverMORE option.

Included Excursion
Walking tour of Portovenere
Explore the medieval village of Portovenere, praised by Petrarch as the "panoramic miracle" of the Gulf of La Spezia. Start at the Roman gateway inscribed "Colonia Ianuensis 1113," then stroll down Carugio Capellini, lined with shops and eateries. Admire the Palazzata, colorful houses built for defense against attacks. Visit San Pietro Church for stunning views of the coastline, and discover Byron's grotto, linked to the poet. Don’t miss San Lorenzo Church, home to the Madonna Bianca painting, celebrated annually on August 17th.
Activity Level: Moderate, Duration: 2 hours

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The Villages of Cinque Terre by private boat (extra expense)
Cinque Terre, a UNESCO-protected National Park, features steep terraced slopes cultivated with vines and stunning coastal cliffs. Begin your day in Portovenere, known for its colourful facades and the 12th-century St. Peter's Church overlooking the Ligurian Sea. Board a motorboat to explore the coast. First stop: Monterosso, the largest village, where you can enjoy a guided walk and taste pesto bruschetta with local wine. Next, visit Vernazza, a charming fishing village with a picturesque port. After free time, return to Portovenere by boat.
Activity Level: Moderate, Duration: 4.5 hours

EmeraldPLUS
Echoes of the Renaissance 
Duration: 1 hour 

Offshore: 08:00 - 19:00

Summary

According to local legend, Calvi is where the intrepid global explorer, Christopher Columbus, was born. While historians debate this, the natural beauty and rich culture of Calvi is undisputed. Calvi's beach is a sweeping bay of powdered white sand fringed by maritime pines, and the town has emerged as Corsica’s culture ‘capital’, hosting several music festivals over the summer months.

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Discover old Corsica and its villages (extra expense)
Your adventure starts with a drive along Corsica's stunning coastline, leading to the ancient village of Sant’ Antonino, dating back to the 9th century. Enjoy its narrow cobblestone lanes and breathtaking 360° views from its rocky outcrop. Next, visit Pigna, a charming hilltop village in the Balagne region, known for its flower-filled streets and vibrant artist community. Explore local workshops showcasing authentic Corsican crafts before continuing through the scenic countryside and historic villages of Corbara and Aregno, finally returning to Calvi.
Activity Level: Strenuous, Duration: 3.45 hours

Offshore: 08:00 - 19:00

Summary

The resort town of Saint-Tropez is one of the most famous holiday destinations in Europe. From the soft white sand edging blue water to the on-trend beach clubs, decadent dining and luxury boutiques, Saint-Tropez is the ultimate French Riviera experience. For history buffs, learn the story of Saint-Tropez at the Musée d'Histoire Maritime, or peruse the incredible modern art inside a former chapel at the Annonciade.

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Walking tour of St. Tropez (extra expense)
Embark on a guided tour of Saint Tropez, starting at the pier. Stroll along to see landmarks like café "Senequier" and the historic Town Hall square, reflecting the village's heritage. Visit the church dedicated to Saint Tropez and learn its intriguing legend. Wander through narrow streets and squares with elm trees, symbols of freedom. Trek uphill for stunning panoramic views of the village and the Mediterranean Sea.
Activity Level: Moderate, Duration: 2.5 hours

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Tour of Gassin and port Grimaud (extra expense)
Just a few miles from St Tropez are the charming villages of Gassin and Port Grimaud. This half-day excursion starts with a motor coach ride to Gassin, a picturesque village high on a rock, offering stunning views of vineyards and the Gulf of St Tropez. You'll have time to explore its alleyways and steps. Next, head to Port Grimaud for a 20-minute motor launch trip. While it looks like a fishing village, it’s a modern complex of luxury homes. Enjoy the pastel-coloured walls and Roman tiles as you wander before returning to the pier.
Activity Level: Moderate, Duration: 4.15 hours

Offshore: 08:00 - 22:00

Summary

Cassis is a town in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region, east of Marseille. It’s nestled between limestone cliffs and crystal-clear waters, and the coastline of Cassis is particularly famous for its sheer natural beauty. Cassis is one of the oldest viticultural areas in France, and its vineyards produce white and rosé wines that are appreciated worldwide.

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Aix-en-Provence (extra expense)
Travel by motorcoach through the scenic landscapes of Provence to the charming town of Aix en Provence, a 1-hour drive. This well-preserved town is notable for its connections to the impressionist Paul Cezanne and novelist Emile Zola. Stroll through cobblestone lanes in the old town, Vieux Aix, and visit the bustling Cours Mirabeau, where medieval streets meet elegant 18th-century mansions. Don't miss the stunning Cathedral Saint Sauveur with its intricately carved pillars. Enjoy free time exploring cafés and boutiques before returning to the ship.
Activity Level: Moderate, Duration: 4.5 hours 

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Boat ride to The Calanques of Cassis and wine tasting (extra expense)
Cassis, a small fishing port in a limestone bay, is part of the Calanques National Park, with steep cliffs accessible only by sea. Today, you will explore three Calanques by boat. The tour continues aboard a private train to Domaine de Bodin, a renowned winery famous for its white, rosé, and red Cassis wines. Established in 1899 by Emile Bodin, the estate is known for its historic significance, being one of the first to achieve the Cassis appellation in 1936. Enjoy a delightful wine tasting before returning to Marina Cassis.
Activity Level: Moderate, Duration: 3.5 hours 

Offshore: 08:00 - 17:00

Summary

Seaside village set within a captivating natural environment where the mountains meet the sea, Roses has a long-standing fishing tradition and this is reflected in the local seafood speciality of ‘Suquet de Peix’, a hearty fish soup prepared with the catch of the day along with garlic, tomatoes and saffron.

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Dali' Theatre Museum (extra expense)
Inaugurated in 1974, the Dalí Theatre-Museum in Figueres, built on the remains of the former Municipal Theatre, is Salvador Dalí's last great work, entirely designed by the artist. It offers an immersive experience into Dalí's captivating world, showcasing his artistic journey from surrealism to nuclear mysticism and his passion for science. The museum houses around 1,500 works from the Fundació Gala-Salvador Dalí, including paintings, sculptures, engravings, and more, allowing visitors to explore his diverse artistic endeavours.
Activity Level: Moderate, Duration: 4 hours 

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Girona city tour (extra expense)
Your first stop will be El Call, one of Europe's best-preserved Jewish Quarters, continuously inhabited for nearly seven centuries. At its heart lies the Arab Baths, known for their beautiful arches in the Western Romanesque style. Visit the Bonastruc Ca Porta Museum, located on the site of the old synagogue, and explore the medieval city walls and the remnants of the Gironella Tower, destroyed by Napoleon in 1814. Don't miss the impressive exterior of the Catalonian Romanesque Monastery of Sant Pere de Galligants.
Activity Level: Moderate, Duration: 5 hours

Offshore: 08:00 - 18:00

Summary

Your luxurious yacht cruise concludes in Barcelona, where you’ll be transferred to the airport for your flight to the UK or to continue your holiday. 

Flight to depart out of Barcelona after 11:00 AM.

The itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons. As such Emerald Cruises cannot guarantee the cruise will operated unaltered from the itinerary states above.