Riviera Rendezvous with Michael Bonacini

Itinerary ▼

1. Day 1: Nice, France

   Your exciting   journey commences in Nice, on the French Riviera. Here, you’ll be transferred to your Emerald Cruises luxury yacht and embark on an enthralling discovery of the charming French and Italian coastlines.Please book your flight to arrive into Nice prior to 01:00 PM.Docked: 18:00

2. Day 2: Marseille, France

   One of France’s oldest cities, the multicultural city of Marseille is a must-see destination for culture and atmosphere. This eclectic and ancient seaport boasts a bold arts scene: visit the Musée d'Histoire de Marseille and glimpse exhibits from the city's past, or Musée d'Art Contemporain for more modern pieces. With its perfect blend of African and French influences, Marseille's music scene is also vibrant, acknowledged as the birthplace of French hip hop.DiscoverMOREA gastronomic walk-through Marseilles (extra expense, must be pre-booked)Marseilles, one of the Mediterranean's oldest ports, was essential for ancient Greek and Phoenician trade and launched the French wine industry. Today, it's France's largest commercial port and second-largest city. Explore the historic Panier District with its narrow, cobblestone streets and colorful buildings. Enjoy cafes and visit landmarks like the Town Hall and Vieille Charity Cultural Centre to experience the local culture. Stop by the Mucem Museum, inaugurated in 2013, and indulge at a local artisan chocolate shop, sampling unique chocolates with olive oil, aged vinagers, and regional delicacies.Activity Level: Moderate, Duration: 3.45 hoursDiscoverMOREAix-en-Provence (extra expense, must be pre-booked)Departing from Marseille, your bus and guide will take you through the picturesque roads of Provence to Aix-en-Provence, the region's capital. This charming city, known for its stunning townhouses, vibrant flower-filled squares, and historic fountains, has earned the title "Florence of Provence." It's the birthplace of renowned figures like painter Paul Cézanne and writer Emile Zola. Explore the narrow cobblestone streets and the bustling Cours Mirabeau, blending medieval and 18th-century architecture. Enjoy some free time before returning to Marseille.Activity Level: Moderate, Duration: 4.15 hoursDocked: 08:00 - 19:00

3. Day 3: Cannes, France

   Another gem located along the French Riviera, or Côte d'Azur as it’s known, Cannes is a lively city, known for its luxurious designer boutiques, gastronomic restaurants, and upscale hotels, which the rich and famous frequent.  In addition, it is universally recognised for the Cannes Film Festival, a glamorous event which is hosted annually, attracting celebrities from around the world.DiscoverMOREVisit a perfumery factory in Grasse (extra expense, must be pre-booked)Journey from Cannes through the scenic French countryside to Grasse, known as the birthplace of the French perfume industry. Discover the art of perfume-making, learn about scent classifications, and tour the factory. Enjoy some free time to shop for unique souvenirs before returning to port. Experience the essence of Grasse, nestled in the foothills of the Maritime Alps. Activity Level: Moderate, Duration: 4.15 hoursOffshore: 08:00 - 19:00

4. Day 4: Bonifacio, France

   Perched atop a narrow limestone peninsula on the French Island of Corsica, Bonifacio reveals breathtaking views of the sparkling Mediterranean Sea. Take a step back in time, exploring Bonifacio’s atmospheric Old Town, a fortified medieval citadel filled with quaint narrow streets and historic structures. Be sure to visit The Staircase of the King of Aragon (Escalier du Roi d'Aragon), a steep flight of steps carved into the cliffside, which leads down to the clear, blue-green sea. Today choose between our EmeraldPLUS or DiscoverMORE option.EmeraldPLUSHighlights of Bonifacio with local produce tastingsBegin your Bonifacio adventure with a mini train ride through the Bosco quarter, featuring St. Francis convent and a mariners' cemetery. Enjoy panoramic views of Sardinia before visiting the Corsican Gothic St. Dominique church, likely built by the Templars in 1270. Stroll through narrow streets, past the 14th-century St. Marie Majeure church, and explore historical sites like Two Emperors Street and Place des Armes. Savor local delicacies and Corsican wine at a wine bar.Activity Level: Moderate, Duration: 3.50 hoursDiscoverMORECoastal boat trip (extra expense)Join an exclusive coastal exploration starting from the pier aboard a comfortable boat. Sail through Bonifacio's narrow channel and pass the historic "Madonetta" lighthouse. Be amazed by the Sdragnato marine cave, featuring a natural skylight that highlights Corsica’s silhouette. Glide by "Fazio Creek," spotting landmarks like the "Rudder of Corsica" and the legendary King of Aragon's staircase, built for practical water transport in 1420. The excursion concludes at the iconic "Grain of Sand" rock, a stunning erosion-sculpted formation perfect for memorable photos.Activity Level: Easy, Duration: 1.15 hoursDocked: 13:00 - 07:00 (next day)

5. Day 5: Porto Cervo, Italy

   Enjoy a morning sail to Porto Cervo, a favoured playground for yachting enthusiasts as well as the rich and famous. Its impressive marina is filled with gleaming mega yachts and famous as the host of prestigious sailing competitions, such as the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup.  Despite its reputation for luxury, Porto Cervo hasn’t however, lost its unmistakable Sardinian charm.DiscoverMORESardinian Wine tasting (extra expense)Join us for a panoramic drive as we depart from the beautiful Porto Cervo. Our first stop is the charming village of San Pantaleo, a quaint Sardinian gem that beautifully blends with the surrounding landscape of wind-sculpted rocks. Stroll through its picturesque streets and soak in the local culture before we continue our adventure. Next, visit a renowned local winery, where you’ll be welcomed by the owners for an exclusive tour. Learn about the winemaking process and the rich traditions of Sardinian viticulture, followed by a delightful wine tasting experience featuring their exquisite local wines. After savouring the flavours of Sardinia, embark on a scenic return to Porto Cervo.Activity Level: Moderate, Duration: 4 hoursOffshore: 12:30 - 18:00

6. Day 6: Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy

   The Port of Civitavecchia is often called the ‘Port of Rome’, as this is the gateway to the ancient Italian capital, which lies to the south. Civitavecchia is one of the busiest ports in the Mediterranean Sea, playing a crucial role in both maritime transport and cruise tourism. Beyond its transportation merits, Civitavecchia boasts immense historical value. The seaport was founded in the 2nd century AD, and remnants of the ancient Roman port are still evident today.DiscoverMOREGuided tour of Rome (extra expense)Embark on a scenic city tour of Rome, beginning with a picturesque drive along the Tyrrhenian coast. See (from outside) iconic landmarks like the Colosseum and Circus Maximus, then enjoy free time in charming squares such as the Trevi Fountain and Navona Square. In the afternoon, continue your journey with a drive past Castel Sant'Angelo and a photo stop at Vatican City. Conclude your adventure with a tranquil return to Civitavecchia port, cherishing memories of the Eternal City's beauty and history.Activity Level: Strenuous, Duration: 9 hoursDocked: 07:00 - 21:00

7. Day 7: Bastia, France

   Return to the beautiful island of Corsica, but this time, on its the northern shores and Bastia, a bustling port from where ferries connect the island to Italy and mainland France. Bastia is also regarded as a foodie destination with numerous restaurants and markets serving authentic Corsican cuisine. Seafood is a menu mainstay, with delicious local specialties such as Aziminu, a type of fish bouillabaisse made with rockfish. Today choose between our Included Excursion or EmeraldACTIVE option.Included ExcursionHighlights of BastiaBastia, northern Corsica's main town and largest commercial port, played a pivotal role in the island's development under Genoese rule due to its wealth and agricultural plantations. The excursion begins at Place St Nicolas, a central meeting point, followed by a guided stroll through Terra Vecchia, featuring highlights like St Jean Baptiste Church and its twin campaniles. You will explore charming landscapes, including the baroque Oratoire St Roch and the colorful Oratoire de l’Immaculée Conception, before visiting Terra Nova, home to the citadel and the 14th-century Palais des Gouverneurs.Activity Level: Moderate, Duration: 3 hoursEmeraldACTIVEHiking tour in BastiaBegin your tour departing from the port towards Terra Nova, exiting the Citadel through the main gateway beside the Palais des Gouverneurs. Stroll along the uphill chemin des Filipines for about 10 minutes to reach the Scala Santa, a remarkable 19th-century replica of the holy steps of Rome's Basilica of Saint-John Lateran. One of only seven in the world, its construction required papal consent, granted to Corsicans for their compassion during Napoleon's persecution. It’s believed that kneeling here for penance cleanses sins.Activity Level: Moderate, Duration: 3 hoursDocked: 09:00 - 16:00

8. Day 8: Nice, France

   Your luxurious yacht cruise concludes in the South of France city of Nice, where you’ll be transferred to the airport for your return flight home or to continue your holiday. Please book your flight to depart out of Nice after 01:00 PM.Docked: 08:00*Please verify with the Shore Excursion Manager onboard whether a DiscoverMORE tour is available on disembarkation day.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.