Italy in Depth

Welcome to France and the bustling city of Nice, one of the most famous ports of the Côte d’Azur. It’s been a popular tourist destination since the 1700s and offers an intriguing blend of French and Italian cultures, thanks to its location close to the border.    Scenic Eclipse II will be waiting for you alongside the multi-million-dollar superyachts in the marina. Be welcomed on board by your expert crew, meet your butler and take some time to settle into your spacious verandah suite. Join your fellow guests on the Sky Deck to watch the sun set over the picturesque waterfront as you sail away. Please book your flight to arrive into Nice prior to 02:00 PM.

Welcome to the cinematic capital of the world! While the famed Cannes Film Festival will have just finished, you’ll still be able to feel the excitement in the city as you indulge in the picture-perfect streets exuding subtle movie magic.    Explore haute-couture boutiques, relax on striped sun loungers along the beach, or sip cocktails at 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.

Situated between Monaco and Italy, this charming seaside town is renowned for its breathtaking beauty and elegant charm. It’s known as the Pearl of France and its pastel-hued buildings, unique architecture and lush gardens capture the intoxicating essence of the French Riviera. Explore the narrow streets, stroll along the palm-fringed promenade overlooking the azure Mediterranean Sea, or relax in one of the towns picturesque gardens.

Dubbed the ‘sixth’ Cinque Terre town, Porto Venere is a World Heritage-listed site that has extraordinary rocky coastlines, narrow streets winding through a medieval town centre, and sweeping Mediterranean views. Porto Venere is a hidden gem that is mostly off the tourist trail, allowing you the space to relax and experience the town for all that it is. Previously used as a Roman naval station, there is a lot of history for you to explore along this jagged coastline. Popular poets and writers such as Byron, Shelley and Lawrence are known to have fallen in love with the picturesque harbour.

The vibrant city of Livorno has been welcoming sailors and traders from around the globe for over 400 years. As one of Italys most cosmopolitan cities, Livorno serves as the gateway to the magnificent Tuscany region, renowned for its picturesque landscapes, delectable cuisine, and rich artistic heritage. Located conveniently close to Florence and Pisa, Livorno offers easy access to these iconic destinations. Explore the enchanting 17th century district of Venezia Nuova, delight your senses at the bustling Central Market or wander along the grand Terrazza Magascani overlooking the waterfront.

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. The name comes from the word ‘bastion’, which is tied to the Genoese fortress that was built here in the 14th century and now houses the interesting Musee de Bastia. 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 impressive churches, grand public buildings, charmingly jumbled apartment buildings and leafy squares.

Nestled in the heart of Sardinias Costa Smeralda, this paradisiacal town blends romantic, traditional architecture with vibrant Mediterranean beauty. Built as a millionaire’s playground by Prince Aga Khan in the 1960s, Porto Cervo oozes luxury with high-end boutiques, stylish restaurants, glamorous nightclubs, world-class golf courses, sumptuous hotels and golden beaches. Very few passenger ships visit Porto Cervo, so you could have this chic town all to yourself, but look out for celebrities on the waiting superyachts or strolling the streets.

Your cruise concludes this morning in Civitavecchia, an ancient port dating back to the 2nd century. You will be transferred to Rome to begin your handcrafted land journey, where you’ll enjoy a two-night stay at your Special Stay hotel.   Known as the Eternal City, Rome is like an enchanting open-air museum, where ancient monuments and elaborate churches sit alongside busy cafes and designer boutiques. Today you’ll enjoy a guided walking tour of its iconic landmarks such as the 18th century Spanish Steps, Navona Square and Trevi Fountain, which was erected on the site of an ancient Roman water source.

This morning, you will visit the world’s smallest state, the Vatican City. Marvel at the Vatican Museum, the breathtaking Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica, the world’s largest church, which leads to the magnificent St. Peter’s Square. From there, you will continue to the Roman Forum, the ruins of an ancient district of temples, basilicas and public spaces, and the historic Colosseum.   An icon of the city, the Colosseum was built between 70 and 72 AD as an arena for gladiatorial games. After the fall of the Roman Empire, nearly two-thirds of the structure was destroyed by neglect and destructive weather, but in the 1990s it underwent an extensive restoration project.   Enrich This evening, enjoy a private dinner hosted by a culinary connoisseur accompanied by a wine pairing.

Today, drive past tranquil Lake Trasimeno to Siena. Enjoy a guided tour through this 15th century medieval city that sits on three hills and comprises a maze of tight alleyways full of shops and restaurants. Its main square Piazza del Campo is considered one of Europe’s greatest medieval squares. You’ll also enjoy a guided tour of the nearby 14th century Tuscan hillside town of San Gimignano. Continue to Florence for a two-night stay. Known as the Cradle of the Renaissance, Florence (or Firenze) is renowned for its artistic masterpieces and culinary Tuscan delights.  Enrich Visit a Tuscan farmhouse and discover local wine and oil production techniques. Later, enjoy a tasty rustic lunch featuring the region’s wine and produce.

Florence has many famous sites including the Duomo cathedral; the Uffizi Gallery, where you can see works such as The Birth of Venus; the medieval Ponte Vecchio, an enclosed arch bridge; and Michelangelo’s David.   Enjoy a walking tour of this art lover’s paradise, including a visit to the Academy of Fine Arts to admire the statue of David. Keep an eye out for wine windows, which were introduced during the 17th century when a plague swept through Europe for merchants to serve wine to customers. They were repurposed during the pandemic with many serving wine, gelato and the like.

Travel to Pisa for a guided tour and see its famous 58-metre-high leaning tower. The tower – which took almost 200 years to build – began to lean soon after construction started in 1173. A stablisation project was implemented in the 1990s, halting the tilt at four degrees. Continue to the fishing village of Portofino on the Italian Riviera, where you will enjoy a scenic cruise.   Later, arrive in Rapallo for a two-night Special Stay at the Excelsior Palace Rapallo. This 19th-century town is nestled on the Italian Riviera and was frequented by literary luminaries W.B. Yeats, Ezra Pound and Ernest Hemingway.

This scenic seaside town on the Italian Riviera has been a favourite of royals, writers and poets for more than a century. It’s also an ideal base to explore the rugged coastline of the World Heritage-listed Cinque Terre. The five villages of Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore are dotted along the cliffs and accessible only via walking paths, train or boat, which lends itself to the already considerable charm of these unique 11th-century settlements.  Enjoy a full day exploring this picturesque coastline that is a mélange of pastel-coloured buildings clinging to cliffs and hillsides, with ocean views and postcard-perfect beaches lined with bright parasols.

Your first stop today is Modena, a World Heritage-listed site recognised for its Romanesque architecture and culinary specialties, Parmigiano Reggiano cheese and balsamic vinegar of Modena. Today you will visit a producer of traditional balsamic vinegar, including a tasting and light lunch.   Continue to Venice, a magical city built on a hundred islands connected by almost 500 bridges. Venice is a labyrinth of canals bustling with gondolas and small boats, car-free streets and alleyways that are magical to get lost in, and atmospheric squares lined with historic churches and palaces. Enjoy a two-night Special Stay at Monaco & Grand Canal Hotel.  

Enjoy an iconic gondola ride under ancient bridges and among Venice’s magnificent canals. Marvel at the colourful Grand Canal, glide under the Ponte dei Sospiri and explore the winding canals past ancient mansions and public buildings. Freechoice: Choose your Scenic Freechoice experiences today. Explore the picturesque Dorsoduro district, ending with a guided visit of the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, which comprises some of the most renowned masterpieces of modern art in the world. Alternatively, discover Venice’s lesser-known gems on a walking tour. Visit the spectacular Doge’s Palace and see the majestic Basilica of San Marco. Stroll through the stalls of fresh produce at the Rialto Market, stopping at an osteria for a glass of wine and a few cicchetti.

Bid farewell to your Tour Director and fellow travellers as you transfer to the airport. Take with you cherished memories of your time discovering the treasures of France and Italy.  #Scenic Eclipse spa treatments at additional cost. +All drinks on board Scenic Eclipse , 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 on this page is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons. As such Scenic cannot guarantee the land journey or the cruise will operate unaltered from the itinerary stated above. Please refer to our terms and conditions for further information.