7-night Northern Italy Under Sail – Maritime Heritage and Cultural Treasures Cruise

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

Nice Shore Excursion - Discovery of Nice, Eze & Monaco - 8 hours

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 

Nice: Picturesque Towns of the Cote d’Azur – 8 hours

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

Nice - Full Day Tour - 8 hours

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

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

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

Genoa: Genoa for Families - 8 hours

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

Genoa: Portofino Walking Tour - 5 hours

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:
 

Naples: Food Tour of Naples - 4 hours

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

Naples: The City of Naples - 8 hours

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

Naples: Historic Pompeii & Vesuvius - 9 hours

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.

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