Riviera Rendezvous

Your exciting journey begins in Nice on the French Riviera. Here, you'll be transferred to your luxury Emerald yacht to embark on an enthralling discovery of the French and Italian coastlines. This evening, enjoy a delightful Côte d'Azur sunset cruise.

Dating back to 600 BC, Marseille is considered to be the oldest city in France. It's been an important trading port since ancient times, creating the rich cultural melting pot that is modern Marseille. Incredible cuisine, buzzy cafes, chic wine bars and street murals have transformed this gritty urban hub into one of France's most exciting destinations. This eclectic city 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 blend of African and French influences, Marseille has a vibrant music scene and is the birthplace of French hip hop.

Continue along the Côte d'Azur to Cannes, a name synonymous with glamour and celebrity. This lively city is known for its luxurious designer boutiques, gastronomic restaurants and upscale hotels, which are frequented by the rich and famous. The pretty beaches are lined with striped sun loungers looking out over sparkling blue ocean. It is universally famous for the Cannes Film Festival, an annual event, which has become one of the most prestigious film festivals in the world.

Perched atop a narrow limestone peninsula on the French Island of Corsica, Bonifacio has 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. Don't miss 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.

Part of Sardinia's Costa Smeralda, Porto Cervo is a luxurious resort town that blends contemporary Mediterranean design influences. It's popular with upscale travellers who are drawn to its glamorous hotels, designer boutiques, exceptional restaurants and vibrant nightlife. The marina is packed with opulent yachts and is the host of prestigious sailing events such as the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup. Despite its reputation for luxury, Porto Cervo retains its unmistakable Sardinian charm, surrounded by jaw-dropping natural beauty. Before arriving to this stunning Italian island, enjoy a delightfully picturesque cruise through the Strait of Bonifacio, sure to be a highlight of your journey.

A major cruise and commercial port in the Mediterranean, Civitavecchia is often called the Port of Rome and is the gateway to the ancient Italian capital. It was founded in the second century AD and remnants of the original Roman port are still evident today. Once in the Eternal City, there are iconic landmarks and millennia-old ruins at every turn. Visit the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Pantheon, Trevi Fountain and Vatican City, or just relax in a cobbled square with an authentic pizza and a glass of wine.

Return to the beautiful island of Corsica, but this time dock on its northern shores at the bustling port of Bastia. One of the busiest ports in France, this is where ferries connect the island to Italy and mainland France. Though popular with tourists, Bastia retains the feel of an authentic lived-in city, giving you a true taste of life in Corsica. 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.

Your luxury yacht returns to Nice this morning, where your cruise concludes. 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 be operated unaltered from the itinerary stated above.