Nice to Nice

Located on the stunning French Riviera, Nice is renowned for its captivating seaside views and vibrant culture. Begin your visit with a stroll along the Promenade des Anglais, where the azure Mediterranean Sea meets the bustling city. The historic Old Town, with its narrow streets and colorful buildings, offers a delightful maze of artisan shops, cafés, and the famous Cours Saleya market.

Art enthusiasts will appreciate the Marc Chagall National Museum and the Musée Matisse, both housing impressive collections. For a taste of local life, visit the Liberation Market, featuring fresh produce and regional specialties. Don’t miss Castle Hill, offering panoramic views of the city and the sea, making it a perfect spot for photographs.

Porto Santo Stefano stands on the slopes of Monte Argentario which rises from the sea just off the coast of Tuscany. This unique place is connected to Italy's western coast by three strips of land which form two lagoons. In Porto Santo Stefano you can find a picturesque bay, a lively marina and colourful houses perched on the promontory.

Top Things to Do in Porto Santo Stefano:

• enjoy views of the city from the Spanish Fort
• take a ferry to nearby Giglio Island
• visit the Vulci Nature & Archaeological Park
• stroll through the Tarots Garden

Sorrento's colourful, sun-faded facades cascade down from green hills and cliffs to the Bay of Naples. Looking out from Sorrento, in the Gulf of Naples, is the isle of Capri. Well known for its sparkling Blue Grotto and as the playground of the rich and famous. Ships will anchor offshore and tenders will be provided to the marina.

Top Things to Do in Sorrento and Capri:

• stroll the alleyways of Sorrento's Old Quarter
• drive along the scenic Sorrentine Peninsula
• spend the day exploring the isle of Capri
• explore the ancient city of Pompeii
• take the scenic drive along the Amalfi Coast

The lively seaport of Salerno is a thriving modern metropolis with ancient origins. Its elegant lungomare, a shoreside promenade, offers far-reaching views of the sea and the mountains beyond. The city boasts an ideal location with both the ruins of Roman cities and the stunning Amalfi Coast in easy reach. Ships will dock at this port.

Top Things to Do in Salerno:

• explore the ruins of Pompeii
• enjoy a scenic drive to Ravello
• visit the post-card worthy Positano
• cruise the Amalfi Coast in a boat

Giardini Naxos is a picturesque port town on the east coast of Sicily, nestled at the foot of Taormina and home to stunning beaches and ancient sites. Tender boats usually transport visitors from ships anchored in the bay directly to the heart of town, with the tender drop-off point a stone's throw away from main attractions. Once ashore, visitors can relish the town's beautiful beaches, archaeological sites, and tantalising Sicilian cuisine. Giardini Naxos also serves as an excellent base for excursions to the iconic Mount Etna, approximately 45 km (about 28 miles) away, or the historic town of Taormina, just a 20-minute drive up the coast.

The entire city of Valletta, the capital of Malta, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Cited as one of the most concentrated historic areas in the world, it’s a cultural hub for Baroque art, museums, and historic sites. Ships will dock at the cruise port.

Top Things to Do in Valletta:

• tour the ornate St. John’s Co-Cathedral
• explore the island of Gozo
• take in the view at Dingli Cliffs
• visit the Grand Master's Palace
• explore Malta’s ancient capital, Mdina
• stroll along the Valletta waterfront

Days at sea are the perfect opportunity to relax, unwind and catch up with what you’ve been meaning to do. So whether that is going to the gym, visiting the spa, whale watching, catching up on your reading or simply topping up your tan, these blue sea days are the perfect balance to busy days spent exploring shore side.

Portoferraio is the capital of the island of Elba, a mountainous mirage of glowing beaches, turquoise waters, and craggy coastline. The cities sun-faded pink and yellow buildings stack up over the waterfront, offering sweeping views back to the mainland. Ships will dock in the Portoferraio Marina.

Top Things to Do in Portoferraio:

• take in the view from Medici Fortress
• visit Villa San Martino
• take a cable car up Mt. Capanne
• explore the seaside resort of Porto Azzurro
• relax on Procchio Beach

Genoa, the birthplace of Christopher Columbus, is a gem along the Italian Riviera, known for its rich history and stunning architecture. Once Italy's main trading hub, Genoa's wealth is reflected in its grand palaces, ornate gates, and lavishly decorated churches. The Centro Storico, or Old Town, invites exploration with its narrow alleys and steep hills, offering a taste of authentic Italian life.

Culinary enthusiasts will find Genoa a delight. Famous for pesto and focaccia, the city's cuisine thrives on fresh Mediterranean seafood and hearty mountain produce. From delicious fish dishes to flavorful meats and cheeses, Genoa's food scene is a cornerstone of Italian gastronomy.

Portofino, a picturesque fishing village on the Italian Riviera, is renowned for its colorful harbor and upscale ambiance. Start your day with a leisurely walk around the Marina, where luxury yachts are moored against a backdrop of pastel-colored houses. The charming Piazza Martiri dell'Olivetta is perfect for a morning coffee while soaking in the scenic views.

Visit the historic Castello Brown, offering panoramic vistas of the Ligurian Sea and surrounding hills. Stroll through the lush gardens of Parco di Portofino or take a short hike to the beautiful San Fruttuoso Abbey, accessible by boat or trail. Enjoy fresh seafood at waterfront restaurants, savoring the laid-back yet elegant atmosphere before heading back to your cruise.

Located on the stunning French Riviera, Nice is renowned for its captivating seaside views and vibrant culture. Begin your visit with a stroll along the Promenade des Anglais, where the azure Mediterranean Sea meets the bustling city. The historic Old Town, with its narrow streets and colorful buildings, offers a delightful maze of artisan shops, cafés, and the famous Cours Saleya market.

Art enthusiasts will appreciate the Marc Chagall National Museum and the Musée Matisse, both housing impressive collections. For a taste of local life, visit the Liberation Market, featuring fresh produce and regional specialties. Don’t miss Castle Hill, offering panoramic views of the city and the sea, making it a perfect spot for photographs.