French & Italian Rivieras with Corsica

Your cruise begins in Italy at Civitavecchia, the historic seaport and main gateway for the ancient capital of Rome.. Known as the ‘Eternal City,’ Rome is littered with iconic landmarks that bear testament to its former status as the epicentre of the mighty Roman Empire. From here, you’ll be transferred to your Emerald Cruises luxury yacht and begin your wondrous voyage exploring the glamorous French and Italian rivieras.

Please book your flight to arrive into Rome prior to 01:00 PM.

Your first port of call is Calvi, on the northwest shore of the French Island of Corsica. According to local legend, Calvi was the birthplace of the 15th century Italian explorer, Christopher Columbus. While historians may debate this, the natural beauty and rich culture of Calvi is undisputed. Calvi's gorgeous beach presents a crescent-shaped bay of powdery white sand fringed by maritime pines, while the town has evolved to become Corsica’s ‘culture capital,’ hosting several music festivals over the idyllic summer months.

Along the western coast of Italy’s beautiful Tuscany region, the bustling city of Livorno boasts a modern seaport, but is best known for its scenic beauty, picturesque views of the azure Mediterranean Sea and delicious fresh seafood.  Not surprisingly, the city's renowned culinary scene is heavily influenced by its seaside location, tempting with signature dishes such as 'cacciucco,'a traditional fish stew that is a must-try for anyone who visits here.

Further along the Tuscan coast, you’ll arrive in Marina di Carrara. This lovely seaside town famous for the pale and premium Italian marble that is mined and quarried from the nearby mountains. The highly-prized Carrara marble not only ranks as one of Italy’s most celebrated artisan products, but has been, used for centuries to create some of the world’s most important artistic wonders, including Michelangelo’s iconic Statue of David. These shimmering mountains of purest marble contrast beautifully with Marina di Carrara’s pretty coastal scenery.

Today, you’ll set sail early in the morning, bound for the Italian Ligurian coast and Porto Venere. This ancient town dates back to the first century BC and is now a UNESCO World Heritage site. It harbours a romantic history, thanks to its penchant for attracting famous poets and artists over the centuries. Porto Venere’s wonderful swimming spots were beloved by, amongst others, the legendary English poet, Lord Byron, who regularly swam and meditated here in the early 1800s. One of Porto Venere's most striking features is its Gothic-style Church of St. Peter, dating back to the 12th century and resting atop a rocky headland overlooking the sparkling sea.

Welcome to Santa Margherita Ligure, a charming Italian resort town with panoramic views that’s revered for its timeless elegance and style. For those seeking ‘La dolce vita,, you’re sure to find it in abundance here. Stroll the Santa Margherita promenade, or the pebbly beachfront, admiring the gleaming yachts and sailing boats. Marvel at an impressive Baroque-era church along the cobbled streets and savour succulent red shrimps, the local fishermen’s catch of the day.

Later in the morning, you’ll sail on to delightful Portofino. Nestled along the Italian Riviera, the eternally popular Portofino boasts a rich gastronomic scene, a picturesque harbour and narrow streets lined with charming pastel-hued houses, high-end boutiques and restaurants specialising in freshly-caught seafood.

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).

Officially known as the Principality of Monaco, this e sovereign city-state is famous for its opulence and glamour, boasting high-end casinos, a glitzy harbour lined with superyachts and the exclusive Monte Carlo district, a jetsetter’s haven. This dazzling gem of the Côte d'Azur is the official residence of Monaco’s royal household – the palace has been home to the Grimaldi family since the late 13th century – and boasts several museums. Monaco is also the host of numerous cultural events throughout the year, celebrating everything from music to the visual arts, while Monte Carlo is renowned for its annual Monaco Grand Prix, a prestigious Formula One motor racing event.

Your unforgettable yacht cruise concludes this morning in the French Riviera, at the alluring port  city of Nice.  After bidding farewell to your crew and fellow guests, you’ll be transferred to the airport for your return flight home, or to continue your travels.

Please book your flight to depart out of Nice after 01:00 PM.

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. Please refer to our terms and conditions for further information.