Discover Cultures of the West Mediterranean

Welcome to France and the city of Nice, on the chic French Riviera. Your glamorous cruise begins here. You'll be transferred to your Emerald Cruises luxury yacht to begin your voyage through the beautiful Western Mediterranean. (D)

Welcome to Santa Margherita Ligure, a charming 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. Embedded along the Italian Riviera, 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. (B/L/D)

Situated along the Ligurian coast on Italy's northwest shores, Porto Venere is an ancient city dating back to the first century BC. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it's imbued with 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 bathed 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. (B/L/D)

Today, you'll arrive in Calvi, on the northwest shore of the French Island of Corsica. According to local legend, Calvi is where the 15th century Italian explorer Christopher Columbus was born. 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. The town has evolved to become Corsica's ‘culture capital,' hosting several music festivals over the idyllic summer months. (B/L/D)

A shining jewel of the Côte d'Azur, the legendary resort town of Saint-Tropez is one of the most famous holiday destinations in Europe. It has been drawing celebrities and royalty since the 1950s . look out over the superyachts jostling for space in the marina, a sure sign that the international jet set is in town. From the soft white sand lapped by clear 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. (B/L/D)

Continuing along the Côte d'Azur, arrive today in Sanary-sur-Mer. This classic Provençal port town still has colourful wooden fishing boats bobbing in the harbour and, pastel houses lining the shore. It's famous for its bustling daily market in the town centre, which has been named the most beautiful in France. Walk through the stalls to see fresh produce, just-caught seafood and roasting chickens, then sample a ‘cade', a traditional wood-fired pancake that has been a popular snack here for more than 200 years. (B/L/D)

The Costa Brava (meaning the Rugged Coast) is arguably the most beautiful of Spain's three holiday coasts. The seaside village of Roses sits on its northern edge, close to the border with France, making for a captivating blend of cultures set within a stunning setting where the mountains meet the sea., Roses began as a fishing village and is still the place to sample exceptional fresh seafood. Be sure to try 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. (B/L/D)

After breakfast, set off to explore Barcelona, the cosmopolitan capital of Spanish mainland's Catalonia region and one of Europe's most popular cities. Here, discover the city's world-famous art and architect. In the afternoon, we'll welcome you back on board your Emerald Cruises luxury yacht for the second half of your journey. (B/L/D)

The capital of the Balearic Islands, Mallorca is famous for its stunning coastline, historic towns and delicious cuisine. Its capital city, Palma de Mallorca, dates back to the 13th century and is a vision in honey-coloured stone. Marvel at its grand Gothic cathedral, walk the medieval streets lined with aristocratic townhouses and sip coffee in bustling public squares. Elsewhere on the island, discover the authentic village of Valldemossa, the unspoilt beaches and natural beauty of the landscape. (B/L/D)

The quietest and most relaxed of the Balearics, Menorca gives you a taste of how these islands used to be. The island's capital, Mahón, is on the east coast and is yours to explore today. It sits on the largest natural harbour in the Mediterranean and was colonised by the British in the 18th century, leaving a legacy of grand naval buildings and Georgian townhouses. Beyond that, there's a wealth of prehistoric structures to explore and the interior of the island remains largely untouched, dotted with rolling farmland and whitewashed villages. (B/L/D)

Make the most of the nautical adventure of a lifetime with some relaxing time at sea. Enjoy the lavish comforts of your luxury yacht — slide into the infinity-style pool where the water seems to touch the horizon; ascend to the Sky Deck to drink in panoramic views; book in a treatment at the spa*; or just drink in the views from the Observation Lounge.

*Additional cost (B/L/D)

The best way to arrive in Sardinia's historic capital is by sea, so be sure to wake early and stand out on your balcony this morning. Cagliari comes prettily sandwiched between rolling verdant hills and the sparkling Mediterranean Sea, rising up steeply to the hilltop citadel of Il Castello. It is home to one of the longest beaches in Italy, Poetta Beach, and Molentargius-Saline Regional Park, known for its bright pink flamingo colonies. For a taste of authentic Sardinian flavours, sample one of the traditional local dishes, such as malloreddus (Sardinian gnocchi) and porceddu (roast suckling pig). (B/L/D)

Cruising south, today you'll arrive on the northern coast of Africa at Tunis, the capital of Tunisia. A fascinating crossroads of cultures for thousands of years, Tunis has at its heart the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Medina, a maze of winding alleyways filled with bustling souks, historic mosques, and ornate palaces. Just beyond the city, the legendary ruins of Carthage stand as a testament to one of history's greatest civilisations, offering a glimpse into the power and grandeur of the ancient Phoenician and Roman empires. (B/L/D)

Cross back into Italy and the island of Sicily. The town of Porto Empedocle was once a sleepy fishing village, but today is a bustling resort town famous for its glorious. golden beaches. In the 1400s, it was a significant port for transporting grains and later became known for sulphur and rock salt mining. Stroll along the lively Via Roma on the waterfront, watch the ferries sailing to the Pelegai Islands from the Marina and admire the enormous Carlo V Tower, an historic fortififcation and former prison. (B/L/D)

The tiny city of Valletta, the capital of Malta, is the smallest city in the European Union and covers just over half a square kilometre. Built by the Knights of St John in the 16th century, it's a living testament to the Baroque period, with well-preserved buildings, ornate churches and magnificent fortifications. The city is located on a hilly peninsula, offering breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea. Despite its compact size, Valletta has a vibrant cultural life and regularly hosts lively markets and festivals. (B/L/D)

The picturesque seaside town of Giardini Naxos is on the eastern coast of Sicily, Italy. Its sprawling seafront offers stunning views of the Ionian Sea and Mount Etna. The town is known for its beautiful sandy beaches, clear blue waters, and vibrant waterfront promenade lined with restaurants, shops, and cafes. Giardini Naxos is the gateway to the exclusive resort of Taormina, perched on the side of the mountain above. One of Italy's most popular summer destinations, it draws the rich and famous from around the world to its luxury hotels and fine dining restaurants. The area also has a rich history, with archaeological sites dating back to ancient Greek and Roman times. (B/L/D)

Sorrento is a much-loved resort town on the Amalfi Coast, perched dramatically atop cliffs that overlook the Bay of Naples and boasting stunning views of Mount Vesuvius across the water. An impossibly romantic haven, Sorrento bewitches with its elegant Italian villas, world-class restaurants serving up mouth-watering cuisine and fragrant lemon groves. The town's historic centre is filled with narrow streets lined with shops selling locally made ceramics, limoncello, and other traditional products. Explore the town's ancient Greek and Roman ruins, like the Villa Pollio and the Museo Correale di Terranova, get a glimpse into its storied past as you explore grand cathedrals and palazzos built of warm golden stone, then sit down at a cafe to watch the world go by. (B/L/D)

The island of Ischia sits just off the coast of Naples and is famous for its volcanic thermal waters, which are said to have curative powers. This charming town, nestled on the northern coast of the island, is renowned for its wealth of natural thermal springs—so much so that the word "thermal" (or Terme) is part of its name. Known for its rejuvenating waters and wellness culture, it has long been a destination for those seeking relaxation, healing, and a touch of luxury amid picturesque surroundings. The town's thermal heritage is deeply woven into its identity, offering everything from historic spas to modern wellness retreats. (B)

Your luxurious yacht cruise returns to Italian shores today and concludes in Civitavecchia, the main seaport for the dynamic capital of Italy, Rome. Here you'll be transferred to the airport for your return flight home or to continue your travels.

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. (B)