Italian Icons: Islands & Culture

Fly into Rome and be transferred to Scenic Eclipse, which will be waiting for you at the port of Civitavecchia. You'll be shown to your luxurious verandah suite and meet your personal butler. Enquire about Scenic Eclipse's exclusive pillow menu and order your favourite drink to enjoy as you marvel at the magnificent views that abound around you.

Toast the beginning of your voyage during dinner with a glass of French champagne at Lumière or a cocktail in one of the cabanas at the open-air Sky Bar. Watch the sun set over the ocean as Scenic Eclipse pulls away from port.

Please book your flight to arrive into Rome prior to 02:00 PM. (D)

Tucked between Rome and Naples, Gaeta is situated on a peninsula that juts into the Tyrrhenian Sea. Considered one of the prettiest towns in this region, this hidden jewel has a scenic historical centre that tumbles down to the sea, flanked by fantastic golden sandy beaches and clear blue waters. Gaeta is popular with Romans looking for a seaside holiday but remains well off the tourist trail and only small ships – like Scenic Eclipse – can stop here.

You'll depart Gaeta late this evening, giving you time to explore the city after dark. Gaeta is famous for its food and the narrow streets of the medieval Old Town are packed with restaurants. Try the local specialty, tiella de Gaeta, a sort of cross between a pizza and a pie with two crusts. You'll also find plenty of fresh seafood and Gaeta olives, a local delicacy. Or just stroll the waterfront with a gelato and feel the sea breeze. (B/L/D)

Wake up early this morning so you can be on your verandah or enjoying breakfast on the Yacht Club Terrace as you arrive at Capri. This island is famous for its jaw dropping beauty; steep green cliffs rise from an impossibly blue sea, elegant villas draped in bougainvillea hide among the hills, and brightly coloured towns line the water's edge. Capri is known as the Island of Dreams and its mythical charm has captured hearts for centuries.

Only small cruise ships and luxurious superyachts can call at Capri, making for an exclusive experience for Scenic Eclipse guests.

As this is an overnight stop, you'll have time to explore Capri Town by night. Wander the Piazzetta and listen to the melodious chiming of the clock tower; sit at an outdoor restaurant to sample a fresh, aromatic caprese salad or the famous flourless chocolate cake; and listen for the sound of live music, which plays into the small hours. (B/L/D)

A resort town with a huge reputation, Sorrento is known as the land of lemons and orange groves, and is the birthplace of limoncello liqueur. It's the gateway to the Amalfi Coast, perhaps the most stunning stretch of coastline to be found anywhere in Europe, if not the world. Perched on cliffs that plunge into the deep blue of the Mediterranean, Sorrento is a place of peaceful alleyways, shady piazzas, pastel-coloured buildings, grand villas and luxury hotels. Its gentle way of life has been charming visitors and authors since the 19th century, a favourite of everyone from Byron and Tolstoy to Dickens and Goethe.

If you want to dip your toes in the gin-clear ocean, take the Sorrento Lift down from Villa Comunale Park. The small, rocky strip of beach is dotted with wooden piers perfect for jumping into the water. Or order a limoncello spritz and relax on a sunbed at one of the many chic beach clubs. (B/L/D)

Spend this morning relaxing in your suite, perhaps enjoying breakfast on the verandah, or explore some of the indulgent spaces on board. That might mean a class in the Yoga & Pilates Studio, an invigorating massage in the Senses Spa, a swim with a view in the Vitality Pools on Deck 10 or watching the coastline approach through the Swarovski telescopes in the Observation Lounge.

You'll arrive in Porto Cervo, at the heart of the spectacular Costa Smerelda, at midday. Scenic Eclipse will utilise its GPS Dynamic Positioning to stop close to shore without dropping anchor, ensuring the fragile environment it protected. 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 and tennis clubs, and many sumptuous hotels. Very few passenger ships visit this town, but look out for celebrities on the waiting superyachts or wandering the streets. (B/L/D)

Calvi, on the French island of Corsica, has a long and illustrious history. It was founded in the 13th century and its fiery medieval citadel still stands, overlooking the red tiled roofs. It has been a tourist hotspot since the 1920s, thanks to its a moon shaped bay lined with a golden, sandy beach and forested mountains on the horizon. Today, it has the feel of a chic resort on the French Riviera, with waterfront restaurants, luxury hotels and multi-million dollar yachts at anchor. Explore the alleys of this historic old town, walk around the ramparts of the citadel, and try to find the house that is said to be the birthplace of Christopher Columbus.

Enjoy another late departure tonight, giving you the chance to spend a delightful evening in Calvi's candle-lit restaurants and al fresco bars. (B/L/D)

As the second smallest country in the world, Monaco makes up for its diminutive size with its elegance, glamour and opulence. Monte Carlo, its most famous district, attracts high-rollers and prodigious wealth with luxurious high-rise hotels, designer boutiques and beautiful people at every turn. Sleek and stylish Scenic Eclipse fits in perfectly among the private superyachts anchored at the marina.

From Monaco Old Town to the iconic Monte-Carlo Casino, designed by famous architect Charles Garnier, there is much on offer. Discover the history of the Grimaldi royal family, forever transformed by Hollywood star Grace Kelly's marriage to Prince Rainier III. The Prince's Palace is still the family's official residence and you can get a glimpse of royal spectacle at the Changing of the Guards held every morning. Window shop in the designer boutiques that line the sunny Avenue de Monte-Carlo or stop for a drink at the legendary Le Bar Americain inside the Hotel de Paris. (B/L/D)

Your Scenic Eclipse cruise ends in Nice, one of the most famous port cities of the Côte d'Azur. After a final delicious breakfast, you will disembark and be transferred to the airport for your onward journey or return flight home, taking wonderful memories with you.

Please book your flight to depart out of Nice after 12:00 PM.

The itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons. As such Scenic cannot guarantee the cruise will operate unaltered from the itinerary stated above. Please refer to our terms and conditions for further information. (B)