|
Day 1 (Saturday): Nice - St.
Tropez/France
Embarkation 3 pm and short sailing to St Tropez. St. Tropez
is a glamorous playground for the wealthy, but anyone can spend an afternoon at a sidewalk café,
watching the spectacle unfold. The south of France played a role in the history of modern painting,
its clear light inspiring artists, so that even today many live and work here.
For mesmerizing views, head up to the 16th
century Citadel. Or stroll the old town, overflowing with restaurants, trendy boutiques, and
galleries. Late in the evening we leave St. Tropez and cross to Corsica. Overnight at sea to
Corsica.
Day 2 (Sunday): Ile Rousse/Corsica Island - France
With
its palm trees and promenades, Ile Rousse has more common with the French Riviera than with
Corsica. The beach is a short walk from the port and near the Paoli Square, the heart of the
city. Your optional walking excursion will take you to the covered market, to the Church of
Immaculate Conception.
Later we will reach Ile de la Pietra by a
causeway. The afternoon optional half day excursion will take you to Calvi and to some of most
striking "fortress" like villages of the Haute Balagne as well as Calenzana, Montemaggiore and
Pigna. Overnight at sea to Bonifacio.
Day 3 (Monday): Bonifacio/Corsica Island -
France
Excurion day to stroll down the narrow, twisting lanes of this
lovely walled cliff-top medieval town and admire the ancient buildings where native son Napoleon
walked when he commanded the local garrison in 1793. Visit stunning churches like St.
Marie-Majeure, a 12th-century structure with a fountain that collects rainwater, and the old
market. Overnight at sea to Elba Island.
Day 4 (Tuesday): Elba Island -
Portovenere/Italy
We reach the island of Elba in the morning. Elba was
settled by the Greeks in the 10th century BC, and later became known as the home to the exiled
Napoleon Bonaparte. Your optional 1/2 day excursion includes a visit to the Palazzina dei Mulini,
the home he shared with his sister in 1814 and much more can be seen in the villa of San Martino
and the Demidoff Museum. The excursion also includes a stop at a local winery. After lunch we cross
over to mainland to Portovenere. Late evening arrival at Portovenere. Overnight in port.
Day 5 (Wednesday):
Portovenere/Italy
Today your optional full day excursion brings you to
Cinqueterre, five villages clinging to the Ligurian cliffs on the west coast of Italy at nearly the
same distance from one another (Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore). See
these sites as the ancient mariners had seen from the sea. Depart from the pier northward and
marvel at the views as you approach the beautiful coast with villages suspended above the sea,
almost defying gravity. Five picturesque locations of pastel colored houses and terraced vineyards
alive with the aroma of olive trees. Arrive at the village of Vernazza, where you disembark the
vessel for a guided walking tour of this 1st century village. Notice the richness of its
architecture, which evinces a wealthier standard of living than that of other villages. Following
your tour, free time is afforded to browse the local shops or enjoy a cafe. The next stop is at the
the most westerly village and Cinque Terre's beach town, Monterosso. The town is divided into two
distinct parts, San Cristoforo Hill and the old maritime village protected by a rock spur. At sea
to Portofino.
Day 6 (Thursday): Portofino/Italy
Picture a tiny
town of pastel houses lining the shore of a small harbor full of sleek yachts, crowned by a castle
and backed by verdant hills dotted with villas. Throw in charming waterside restaurants
specializing in seafood, and a national park with miles of hiking trails among chestnut and olive
groves, where you can work off the pasta that in Italy is just the first course, between the
antipasto and the main. Now you know why this quaint little fishing village became a playground of
the rich and famous. Our optional walking excursion will show the insights of this beautiful little
town. Late at night we leave Portofino for an overnight sailing to Monte Carlo.
Day 7 (Friday): Monte
Carlo
Today we reach Monte Carlo or Monaco, land of the rich and famous and
of the Grimaldi reigning family, its F1 race and its Palaces. Our morning excursion will start with
a drive along the famous Grand Corniche with its stunning views of Monaco and the Old City, then
stroll through this marvellous quarter and its pink Grimaldi Palace where a section of the Prince’s
quarters is open to the public.
After lunch, the excursion to the colourful
and no less famous villages of Grasse, St Paul de Vence and Eze, home of the greatest painters in
history is not to be missed. Overnight in Monte Carlo.
Day 8 (Saturday): Monte Carlo - Nice/France
Early morning sailing
to Nice. Disembarkation at 9 - 10 am.
Note: The cruise itinerary is subject to weather
conditions.
|
