French & Italian Rivieras with Corsica

Your journey begins in the South of France and the charming port city of Nice, nestled along the chic French Rivera, or Côte d'Azur. From here, you’ll be transferred to your Emerald Cruises luxury yacht and begin a wondrous voyage through the alluring Western Mediterranean and its captivating rivieras.

Officially known as the Principality of Monaco, this 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 also hosts 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.

Welcome to Italy and 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.

Situated along the Ligurian coast and 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.

Early in the morning, you’ll cruise to the beautiful Tuscany region and Marina di Carrara. This lovely seaside village is 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 the purest marble contrast beautifully with Marina di Carrara’s pretty coastal scenery.

Along the western coast of Tuscany, 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's a must-try for anyone who visits here.

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.

Your luxurious yacht returns to Italian shores today and your cruise concludes in Civitavecchia. This historic seaport is the main gateway for the ancient capital of Italy, Rome – aptly known as the ‘Eternal City.’ 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.

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.