Yachting gems of the French and Italian Rivieras

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.

United with France only since 1860, Nice has its own history and atmosphere, which dates back 230,000 years. It was on Colline du Château (now château-less) and at the Plage des Ponchettes, in front of the Old Town, that the Greeks established a market-port in 350 BC and named it Nikaia, which would become Marseilles' chief coastal rival. The Romans established themselves a little later on the hills of Cimiez (Cemenelum), already previously occupied by Ligurians and Celts, and quickly overshadowed the waterfront port. After falling to the Saracen invasions, Nice regained power as an independent state, becoming an important port in the early Middle Ages.So cocksure did it become that in 1388, Nice, along with the hill towns behind, effectively seceded from the county of Provence, under Louis d'Anjou, and allied itself with Savoie. Thus began its liaison with the House of Savoy, and through it with Piedmont and Sardinia, it was the Comté de Nice (Nice County). This relationship lasted some 500 years, tinting the culture, architecture, and dialect in rich Italian hues.By the 19th century Nice was flourishing commercially, locked in rivalry with the neighboring shipping port of Genoa. Another source of income: the dawning of tourism, as first the English, then the Russian nobility, discovered its extraordinary climate and superb waterfront position. A parade of fine stone mansions and hotels closed into a nearly solid wall of masonry, separated from the smooth-round rocks of the beach by what was originally named Camin deis Anglés (the English Way), which of course is now the famous Promenade des Anglais. This magnificent crescent, which is seeking UNESCO recognition, is one of the noblest in France. Many of Nice's most delightful attractions—the Cours Saleya market, the Old Town streets, the Hotel Negresco, and the Palais Masséna—are on or close to this 10-km (6-mile) waterfront, making it the first stop for most visitors, while the redevelopment of Nice's port, around the other side of the Colline du Château, makes it easier for amblers who want to take in the Genoese architecture or peruse the antiques at the Puces de Nice, now part of the Promenade des 100 Antiquaires, along Quai Papacino. Nice also has the distinction of the "Family Plus" label, with free strollers, play areas, and restaurants with child-friendly activities.

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

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

The colorful facades and pedestrians-only calata (promenade) make Portovenere the quintessential Ligurian seaside village. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, its harbor is lined with tall, thin "terratetto" houses that date from as far back as the 11th century and are connected in a wall-like formation to protect against attacks by the Pisans and local pirates. Its tiny, carruggi (alley-like passageways) lead to an array of charming shops, homes, and gardens and eventually to the village's impressive Castle Doria high on the olive tree covered hill. To the west standing guard over the Mediterranean is the picturesque medieval Chiesa di San Pietro, once the site of a temple to Venus (Venere in Italian), from which Portovenere gets its name. Nearby, in a rocky area leading to the sea, is Byron's Cave, a favorite spot that the poet loved to swim out into the sea from.

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

Calvi, Corsica's slice of the Riviera, has been described by author Dorothy Carrington as "an oasis of pleasure on an otherwise austere island." Calvi prospered by supplying products to Genoa; its citizens remained loyal supporters of Genoa long after the rest of the island declared independence. Calvi also claims to be the birthplace of Christopher Columbus. During the 18th century the town endured assaults from Corsican nationalists, including celebrated patriot Pasquale Paoli. Today Calvi sees a summertime invasion of tourists, drawn to the 6-km (4-mile) stretch of sandy white beach, impressive citadel overlooking the Old Town, lively restaurants, and buzzing nightlife.

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

At first glance, it really doesn't look all that impressive. There's a pretty port with cafés charging €5 for a coffee and a picturesque old town in sugared-almond hues, but there are many prettier in the hills nearby. There are sandy beaches, rare enough on the Riviera, and old-fashioned squares with plane trees and pétanque players, but these are a dime a dozen throughout Provence. So what made St-Tropez an internationally known locale? Two words: Brigitte Bardot. When this pulpeuse (voluptuous) teenager showed up in St-Tropez on the arm of Roger Vadim in 1956 to film And God Created Woman, the heads of the world snapped around. Neither the gentle descriptions of writer Guy de Maupassant (1850–93), nor the watercolor tones of Impressionist Paul Signac (1863–1935), nor the stream of painters who followed (including Matisse and Bonnard) could focus the world's attention on this seaside hamlet as did this one sensual woman in a scarf, Ray-Bans, and capris. Vanity Fair ran a big article, "Saint Tropez Babylon," detailing the over-the-top petrodollar parties, megayachts, and Beyoncé–d paparazzi. But don't be turned off: the next year, Stewart, Tabori & Chang released an elegant coffee-table book, Houses of St-Tropez, packed with photos of supremely tasteful and pretty residences, many occupied by fashion designers, artists, and writers. Once a hangout for Colette, Anaïs Nin, and Françoise Sagan, the town still earns its old moniker, the "Montparnasse of the Mediterranean." Yet you might be surprised to find that this byword for billionaires is so small and insulated. The lack of train service, casinos, and chain hotels keeps it that way. Yet fame, in a sense, came too fast for St-Trop. Unlike the chic resorts farther east, it didn't have the decades-old reputation of the sort that would attract visitors all year around. For a good reason: its location on the south side of the gulf puts it at the mercy of the terrible mistral winter winds. So, in summer the crowds descend and the prices rise into the stratosphere. In July and August, you must be carefree about the sordid matter of cash. After all, at the most Dionysian nightclub in town, a glass of tap water goes for $37 and when the mojo really gets going, billionaires think nothing of "champagne-spraying" the partying crowds—think World Series celebrations but with $1,000 bottles of Roederer Cristal instead of Gatorade. Complaining about summer crowds, overpricing, and lack of customer service has become a tourist sport and yet this is what makes St-Tropez—described by the French daily newspaper Le Figaro as the place you can see "the greatest number of faces per square meter"—as intriguing as it is seductive.

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

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

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 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.

The infinite variety of street life, the nooks and crannies of the medieval Barri Gòtic, the ceramic tile and stained glass of Art Nouveau facades, the art and music, the throb of street life, the food (ah, the food!)—one way or another, Barcelona will find a way to get your full attention. The capital of Catalonia is a banquet for the senses, with its beguiling mix of ancient and modern architecture, tempting cafés and markets, and sun-drenched Mediterranean beaches. A stroll along La Rambla and through waterfront Barceloneta, as well as a tour of Gaudí's majestic Sagrada Famíliaand his other unique creations, are part of a visit to Spain's second-largest city. Modern art museums and chic shops call for attention, too. Barcelona's vibe stays lively well into the night, when you can linger over regional wine and cuisine at buzzing tapas bars.