Alluring Rivieras: Cote d'Azur & Italian Coastline

Your cruise begins in Monte-Carlo. The most famous district in the world’s second-smallest country, Monaco, it attracts high-rollers and prodigious wealth with luxurious high-rise hotels, designer boutiques and beautiful people at every turn. Sleek and stylish Scenic Eclipse fits in perfectly among the private superyachts anchored at the marina. You’ll be welcomed on board today, meeting the expert crew and your personal butler. Take some time to get settled in your spacious suite - be sure to make a selection from the pillow menu and admire the city from your private verandah.

With a late departure, there’s plenty of time today to explore Monte-Carlo. Visit the iconic Monte-Carlo Casino, designed by famous architect Charles Garnier; admire the Prince’s Palace, still the official residence of the Grimaldi royal family; window shop in the designer boutiques that line the Avenue de Monte-Carlo; or stop for a drink at the legendary Le Bar Americain inside the Hotel de Paris.

Please book your flight to arrive into Nice prior to 02:00 PM.

After a late night in Monte-Carlo, have your butler bring coffee to your suite so you can enjoy it on the verandah as you pull into Cannes.

Welcome to the cinematic capital of the world. On your arrival in early May, the city will be just a couple of weeks out from the launch of the Cannes Film Festival, and every street and square will be abuzz with movie magic. Film stars and millionaires will descend on the city, berthing their superyachts alongside Scenic Eclipse in the colourful marina. Browse the latest haute-couture collections at the breezy boutiques, relax on a striped sunlounger set up along the narrow beach, or sip cocktails at one of the endlessly chic beachside bars. There’s plenty of history and culture to be found in this coastal enclave, but it’s really a place to relax and soak up the champagne lifestyle that plays out alongside the sparkling Mediterranean every day.

Freechoice:
Cannes by foot: Follow the footsteps of the rich and famous as you take a guided tour of Cannes. Pass by luxurious yachts before an uphill walk to panoramic views at the fortified church of Le Suquet. Visit Fortville, a colourful fresh produce market, and stroll the famed “la Promenade de la Croisette”.

Perfume factory tour and picnic: Pay a visit to the fragrant town of Grasse, the Capital of Perfume. Located in the foothills of the Maritime Alps, Grasse enjoys international reputation as the birthplace of the French perfume industry. Take an exclusive tour of a perfume factory and learn how scents are created, then enjoy a private picnic at a nearby country house.

Delights of Cannes: Go beyond the silver screen and explore the culinary delights of the Old Town of Cannes, where you’ll find regional produce on sale at local food markets, wine tastings, a guided tour of Croissant Boulangerie Patisserie Le Saint Antoine and a tapenade workshop.

Wine tasting at Chateau St Martin: Escape to the elegant Chateau St Martin in Taradeau. This region features an incredible 18,000 hectares of vineyards. Discover the chateau’s exceptional history and heritage, sample some of the wonderful local wines and visit the cellar for an explanation of the wine production process.

You’ll call at two neighbouring ports today, tucked into a quiet curve of the Ligurian Coast.

Santa Margherita is one of the more relaxed towns along the Italian Riviera, a place where people still live and work rather than a spot designed for tourists. Pretty pastel buildings line the shore, hundreds of fishing boats sit in the marina, and the imposing 16th century castle looks out over it all. Wander the narrow streets this morning and feel immersed in history.

Just a few kilometres away at the end of the peninsula is Portofino, one of Italy’s most famous resort towns. Postcard-perfect and oozing Mediterranean charm, Portofino is a place to soak up la dolce vita. Brightly coloured buildings sit against crystal-clear water with lush pine-covered hills in the distance. Another late departure means there’s plenty of time to explore the luxury boutiques, swim in the turquoise bay, dine on exquisitely fresh seafood and look out for celebrities at the exclusive bars set around the Piazzetta.

Freechoice:
Santa Margherita walking tour: Stroll along the seafront promenade of Santa Margherita Ligure, an attractive and colourful resort in the Riviera di Levante. Visit the historic Basilica di Santa Margherita d’Antiochia church and enjoy delicious artisanal ice cream at the village centre.

Hiking to Portofino: Embark on a guided hiking trip from the village of Nozarego to Portofino. Venture through Mediterranean flora, vineyards and olive groves, pass medieval dwellings and cliffs that overlook a crystal sea, and stop for a picnic with local focaccia and a glass of wine. Once you reach Portofino, enjoy a guided stroll before a boat journey back to Santa Margherita.

Portofino & Brown Castle: Take a walking tour to Brown Castle in Portofino. Gilded by a garden of Mediterranean flowers and a breathtaking view of Portofino harbour, Castello Brown dates to the Middle Ages, when it was built to defend the Gulf. Take advantage of the abundance of photo opportunities before continuing to the San Giorgio church, a 12th century marvel rebuilt in 1950 after it was destroyed during the Second World War.

Portofino walking tour with gelato: Take a guided tour of Portofino and visit the San Giorgio church, which enjoys spectacular harbour views. On the way back, stop in at Portofino village and enjoy a delicious gelato.

One of the most photographed villages along the coast, with a decidedly romantic and affluent aura, Portofino has long been a popular destination for the rich and famous. Once an ancient Roman colony and taken by the Republic of Genoa in 1229, it’s also been ruled by the French, English, Spanish, and Austrians, as well as by marauding bands of 16th-century pirates. Elite British tourists first flocked to the lush harbor in the mid-1800s. Some of Europe's wealthiest drop anchor in Portofino in summer, but they stay out of sight by day, appearing in the evening after buses and boats have carried off the day-trippers.There's not actually much to do in Portofino other than stroll around the wee harbor, see the castle, walk to Punta del Capo, browse at the pricey boutiques, and sip a coffee while people-watching. However, weaving through picture-perfect cliffside gardens and gazing at yachts framed by the sapphire Ligurian Sea and the cliffs of Santa Margherita can make for quite a relaxing afternoon. There are also several tame, photo-friendly hikes into the hills to nearby villages.Unless you're traveling on a deluxe budget, you may want to stay in Camogli or Santa Margherita Ligure rather than at one of Portofino's few very expensive hotels. Restaurants and cafés are good but also pricey (don't expect to have a beer here for much under €10).

Even if the town of Marina di Carrara is new to you, you’ll be familiar with its most famous export. Towering behind the town, the Apuan Alps look as though they are covered in snow; in fact, it’s world-famous Carrara marble that’s been quarried here for more than 2,000 years. Many of Italy’s most famous works of art, like Michelangelo’s David, began their life in these very mountains.

Marina di Carrara sits on the coast, tucked between sandy beaches and forested mountains. Today, you can set up in a beach chair beneath a striped umbrella at one of the many beach clubs that line the shore. Or take a shuttle into Carrara town, where everything from fountains to cathedrals to pavements are made from their signature stone. With a late departure, make the most of the town’s western aspect and watch the sun go down over the water from your private verandah, your favourite drink in hand.

Freechoice:
4x4 Marble Quarries Exploration: Visit the Apuane Mountains and trek to its marble quarries, where you’ll learn all about the extraction and treatment process for Carrara marble, one of the most valuable marbles in the world. The quarries themselves date to Roman times. Enjoy lunch with Lardo di Colonnata crouton and other local produce before returning to Marina di Carrara.

Lucca by e-bike: Explore Lucca’s town centre by e-bike. Motor vehicles are kept out of the city centre, making for an ideal cycling trail that includes Giacomo Puccini’s statue, Piazza San Michele and San Michele Church, the ancient Roman forum and the bustling Piazza Anfiteatro. Built on a Roman amphitheatre, the square hosts shops, bars and restaurants, but still enjoys a special atmosphere.

Pietrasanta and Forte dei Marmi: A half-day journey past the Carrara marble quarries to Pietrasanta, a medieval town known as “the Athens of Italy”. Artists including Michelangelo and Botero have called this cosy town home, and as you wander its streets and discover its contemporary art scene and culinary offerings, you may want to do the same. Your guide will then take you to Forte dei Marmi, a marble stockage port turned iconic sea village.

As the third-largest port in Italy, Scenic Eclipse will a highlight between the giant freighters and passenger cruise ships when it pulls into Livorno this morning. This colourful port town has been welcoming sailors and traders from all over the world for more than 400 years, making it one of Italy’s most cosmopolitan cities. It’s also the gateway to the spectacular Tuscany region, famous for its rolling hills, incredible cuisine and fascinating artistic heritage, and the closest port to Florence and Pisa.

Wander through the 17th century Venezia Nuova, which feels like a mini Venice with its small islands threaded with canals and connected by bridges. Soak up the flavours of the city at the bustling Central Market, the second-largest indoor market in Europe, where hundreds of stalls are selling fresh vegetables, seafood, charcuterie, cheese and much more.

Tonight, once the rest of the tourists have moved on, wander the checkerboard tiles of the grand Terrazza Magascani along the waterfront. Indulge your sweet tooth with a gelato from one of the many gelaterias you’ll find here.

Freechoice:
The best of Florence: Visit the centre of Florence, Tuscany’s capital, and meet Michelangelo’s David in the Accademia Gallery. Take a guided tour of the Cathedral square, Ponte Vecchio and Santa Croce square before lunch at a local restaurant and some free time for shopping.

Highlights of Pisa: Take a trolley into Pisa, home of the world-famous Leaning Tower, which began construction in 1173 and took more than 200 years. Enjoy a guided walking tour of the World Heritage-listed tower square as well as the nearby Pisa Baptistery and Cathedral.

Truffle hunting at the Tuscan Farmhouse: Tuscany is renowned for its truffle industry. One of the best kitchen condiments, truffles are highly sought after around the world. You’ll be joined by a truffle-hunting dog on a quest for the prize in the Tuscan woods. Once you’ve found this edible treasure, be treated to an organic meal at the Tuscan Farm, accompanied by three different Tuscany wines.

San Gimignano & Wine Tasting: Meet your guide for a tour of the medieval hillside town of San Gimignano. Renowned for its beautiful towers, San Gimignano’s charm is evident throughout its sunny streets. Once your tour has concluded, explore on your own before proceeding to a nearby wine property, where you’ll enjoy lunch and a sampling of local wines.

After another late night, ask your butler to bring coffee to your suite this morning so you can admire your next destination from your verandah. Today, Scenic Eclipse will dock in the centre of Portoferraio, looking out at the famous 16th century Medici Fortress.

One of the oldest towns on Elba Island, Portoferraio dates to the time of the ancient Greeks, though the modern town was largely built by the Medici’s in the 1500s. It oozes Tuscan charm and is a favourite among beach-lovers and history buffs alike. Take a dip at Spiaggia di Capo Bianco, a beach on the northern edge of town covered with small white pebbles and fronting impossibly clear water. Explore the historic streets to see Palazzina dei Mulini, one of Napoleon’s official residences during his exile here, the impressive Archeological Museum, and the ruins of the Roman Villa della Linguella.

Relax with another late night in port and toast the sunset with a glass of Aleatico, a sweet red dessert wine that’s a local delicacy.

Freechoice:
Napoleon’s Path and tasting al La Chiusa Winery and Porto Azzuro : Journey into the past as you learn about Napoleon Bonaparte’s exile on Elba in 1814. Explore the charming rooms and gardens of Napoleon’s Villa San Martino, the enchanting Demidoff Gallery and stop at La Chiusa, a family-owned Elba winery, for a sampling of local wines and tasty snacks.

Cantucci baking class and wine tasting: Indulge in Tuscany’s sweetest traditions with this exclusive hands-on workshop. Meet an Elba baker and craft your own batch of “cantucci”, or almond cookies. While it bakes to perfection, step outside for a wine-tasting experience featuring local wines and island cheeses. When your sweet souvenirs are golden brown, pair them with Aleatico, a local dessert wine, or enjoy them with tea or coffee.

Panoramic Elba with Cable Basket: At 950m above sea level, Monte Capanne is the highest mountain on the island. Take a 20-minute ride to the summit in bright yellow, birdcage-like cable cars that provide spectacular views of the islands of Capraia, Pianosa, Montecristo and even Corisca on a clear day. Then visit Marciana Marina for a waterfront stroll and some shopping.

Portoferraio walking tour: Journey to the historical centre of Elba’s capital and largest city. Start from the bottom of the Medici Fortress and along a charming sea promenade bursting with shops, bars and restaurants. End your excursion with one of the best Italian artisanal ice creams in the town centre.

France’s second busiest cruise port (after Calais) and one of the busiest in the Mediterranean, Bastia is the gateway to the island of Corsica. It’s a dynamic city that feels genuinely ‘lived in’. 

The name Bastia comes from the word ‘bastion’, which is tied to the Genoese fortress that was built here in the 14th century. It now houses the interesting Musee de Bastia, which traces the town’s history from early Roman times. The old town is split into two parts; Terra Vecchia around the harbour and Terra Nova in the high-walled citadel above. The narrow laneways are lined with a number of impressive churches, grand public buildings and charmingly jumbled apartment buildings. Place Saint-Nicolas is at the heart of the town, a charming square lined with outdoor cafes. Watch the world go by with a coffee or glass of wine.

Freechoice:
Nebio Patrimonio with wine tasting: The Patrimonio region is home to some of Corsica’s best vineyards. Make your way there on this guided tour via the coastal town of St Florent, also known as “Our Little St Tropez”, San Stefano and the colourful Oletta. Then head into the mountains of Patrimonio and stop at a cellar for a delicious wine tasting that leave you without a doubt of the region’s claim to fame.

Cap Corse: Corsica’s Cap Corse peninsula has played a crucial part in the island’s history. Take a guided excursion through Cap Corse’s fortresses and coastal towers, the charming and atmospheric marinas of Erbalunga, Sisco, Pietracorbara and Porticciolo and the famous square tower of Nonza, situated at the top of a rocky pinnacle above the sea.

Highlights of Bastia: The biggest commercial port in Corsica, Bastia has a long and storied history. Learn all about its importance on a guided walking tour from the square St Nicolas to Terra Vecchia and the St Jean Baptiste Church, famous for its twin campaniles. Visit the Terra Nova and its citadel, and the impressive 14th century Palais des Gouverneurs.

This morning, you will arrive in Civitavecchia, the sea port for the Italian capital city of Rome. After a final delicious breakfast, farewell your crew and take away memories of a truly unforgettable cruise.

Please book your flight to depart out of Rome after 12:00 PM.

#Spa treatments at additional cost. +All drinks on board, including those stocked in your mini bar, are included, except for a very small number of rare, fine and vintage wines, Champagnes and spirits.   

The itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons. As such Scenic cannot guarantee the voyage will operate unaltered from the itinerary stated above. Please refer to our terms and conditions for further information.