French & Italian Rivieras

Fly from the UK to Rome for an overnight stay. Regional airports are available on request.

Transfer to Scenic Eclipse. Toast the beginning of your voyage with the Captain, crew and new friends.

One of the oldest towns on Elba Island, Portoferraio oozes Tuscan charm. A favourite among beach-lovers and history buffs alike, it’s known for enticing sandy shores and distinctive Medici forts, dating back to the 1500s.
 

Freechoice:
Napoleon’s Path and Tasting at La Chiusa winery: You’ll learn about the isolated life of Napoleon Bonaparte on Elba, who spent a brief exile here in 1814 prior to his daring escape. Visit the Summer Residence of Napoleon “Villa San Martino” and the Demidoff Gallery, before enjoying some time at leisure in Porto Azzurro to browse this delightful town, dominated by an ancient Spanish fortress and a picturesque fisherman’s harbour. On the way back to Portoferraio stop off at a family-owned winery called “La Chiusa” a vineyard, a beautiful estate overlooking the gulf of Portoferrio. Enjoy a sampling of local wine, served with tasty light snacks of bruschetta, Tuscan salami, cheese and almonds cookies.

Cantucci baking class and wine tasting: Share one of the sweetest culinary traditions of Tuscany during a workshop in the heart of Portoferraio. Stroll through town to a charming venue where you’ll meet up with an Elba baker. Listen and learn, as this island aficionado guides you in preparing “cantucci”, the Tuscan answer to biscotto. Learn how to carefully twice bake these little jewels to deliver the perfect texture and flavor. While your cantucci are in the oven, step outside to a small square overlooking the Gulf of Portoferraio for a tasting of local wines paired with island cheeses and other snacks.

Panoramic tour of Western Elba: Elba, Italy’s third largest island is a delight to explore and this tour takes you to the heart of this stunning island. Dominated by a chain of mountains, the tallest ones are to the West, with the highest peak being Monte Capanne.

Perched high on white limestone cliffs, Bonifacio is an ancient fortress town with a maze of streets and romantic alleyways to meander. Take a stroll around its ancient citadels, colourful medieval houses, and chapels with faded pastel plasterwork, surrounded by cornflower-blue waters. You will also find are caves to inspect, cliff faces to admire, and clear waters dotted with shipwrecks to explore. Today choose one of our Scenic Freechoice activities or join a more active Scenic Discovery excursion.
 

Freechoice:
Sartene - the oldest Corsican village: Discover Sartène, the archetypal Corsican village. The village of Sartène stands atop a rocky promontory, with some of the houses built into the rock face. In the Middle ages it was the scene of vendettas, pirate attacks and fierce battles with the Genoese occupiers. Visit the Church of St Maria, which houses the hood, chain and cross carried by local penitents during the Good Friday Procession and enjoy some free time before returning to Scenic Eclipse.

Highlights of Bonifacio: Begin your visit of Bonifacio by mini train, passing the Bosco quarter with the St Francis convent and the fascinating cemetery with wonderful mausoleums displaying a jumble of architectural styles. Continue your visit on foot through tiny, narrow streets bordered with high granite houses. Walk through the heart of the historical part of town to the Two Emperors street, the Place des Armes, the Jardins des Vestiges and then onto the old market where there is a viewpoint over cliffs.

Lavezzi island: Board a local tender for an amazing trip along the extraordinary coastline of Bonifacio. Discover the dramatic sight of the citadel and the upper town, getting the best perspective of its buildings overhanging the magnificent chalky cliffs. Sail out through the narrow harbour entrance, pass the deep rocky inlets with their clear aquamarine waters and reach Lavezzi Island. Enjoy the beautiful shell sands beaches and azured coloured. See some of the nature reserve and the rare species of wild flower such as yellow-horned poppy and white sea daffodil.

Olive oil tour: Enjoy a guided tour of an olive field, seeing thousand-year-old zinzana olive trees. Learn the traditions, and taste some of the amazing local olive oil.
 

Discovery:
Hike Capo Pertusato: With a local guide, walk along the deeply scored limestone cliffs, embracing the superb views of Sardinia. See the citadel of Bonifacio perched on the cliffs and the lighthouse that represents the southernmost point of the island Corsica.

Calvi has a long and honoured history. With its fiery medieval citadel overlooking the red tiled roofs, a moon shaped bay lined with a golden, sandy beach and forested mountains on the horizon, Calvi’s beauty will capture you. Explore the alleys of this historical town, walk around the ramparts of the citadel, and try to find the house that is said to be the birthplace of Christopher Columbus.
 

Freechoice:
Calvi walking tour: Enjoy a walking tour of Calvi with a local guide. Visit the citadel, perched on a rocky hill overlooking the port, experiencing the breath-taking vista of the red rooftops and the crystal-clear sea. Continue to the Place d’Armes and the Cathedral St Jean Baptiste, set at the highest point of the promontory. Pass by the home of Calvi’s most famous resident, Christopher Columbus, by the 13th century Caserne Sampiero, and make your way to the Oratorio St Antoine where you can admire the Italian fresco, strolling along the city’s ramparts.

Old Villages of Corsica: The perfect way to enjoy one of Corsica’s main attractions: its ruggedly beautiful scenery with winding roads taking you from one picturesque village to another. The ancient circular village of Sant’Antonino, perched on a craggy rock overlooking the sea, is one of the oldest inhabited villages in Corsica and one of the highest. It is visible from miles around and offers superb 360° panoramic views. Continue to the hilltop village of Pigna, a delightful village located at the foot of a mountain. It is a veritable feast for the eyes with flower decked streets and an attractive village square. Pigna is dedicated to the pursuit of arts and crafts and the ideal place to buy some authentic Corsican souvenirs, made on site and sometimes before your very eyes.

The market of Ile Rouse: Stroll around the famous covered Ile Rousse Market with the chance to taste some local finger food. Your guide will explain and share how different and unique Corsican production and products are from what you might have tasted before. Visit the Pascal Paoli square and the small town, see how life of the small city organizes itself around this square.

Scenic South coast drive: Discover the beauty of the island of Corsica, one of the jewels of the Mediterranean, on this delightful, half-day exploration. Corsica is an island of contrasts, from rugged mountain outcrops, to tranquil broad bays and intimate coves of golden sand. Drive to the Notre Dame de la Serra, a small chapel built in 1860 over the site of a 15th-century sanctuary. Pause to gaze at the dramatic views, before venturing through the island's countryside, admiring the striking island landscape.
 

Discovery:
Hiking tour: Hike with a local guide to the lighthouse of Punta de la Revellata. Along your walk, find beautiful creeks that provide the opportunity to swim in the magnificent scenery. See various cacti, endemic Mediterranean plants, and what seems to be the edge of the world, La Revellata, a peninsula that reaches into the sea. One you reach the lighthouse, admire views over the Mediterranean and surrounding mountains.

Dubbed the “sixth” Cinque Terre town, Porto Venere is a UNESCO World Heritage Listed site that has extraordinary rocky coastlines, narrows streets winding through a medieval town, and sweeping Mediterranean views. Porto Venere is a hidden gem that is less frequented, allowing you the space to relax and experience the town for all that it is. Previously used as a Roman naval station, there is a lot of history for you to explore along this jagged coastline. Popular poets and writers such as Byron, Shelley and Lawrence are known to have fallen in love with the picturesque harbour. Today choose one of our Scenic Freechoice activities or join a more active Scenic Discovery excursion.
 

Freechoice:
Visit Cinque Terre: Board a local boat and start your coastal cruise along the Cinque Terre. Cinque Terre landscape is harsh and wild, with the coast reflecting its nature. High cliffs dropping down into the cobalt blue depths of the sea, hiding minute shingle beaches, or tiny ports. The first stop will be Monterosso. The largest of the Cinque Terre villages has beautiful beaches, rugged cliffs, and crystal-clear turquoise waters. After a short tour of the town and some free time, you will reboard the boat and reach Vernazza. With its narrow streets and small squares, Vernazza is arguably the most charming of the five towns in the Cinque Terre. The village's pink, slate-roof houses and colourful squares contrast with the remains of the medieval fort and castle. The Romans first inhabited this rocky spit of land in the 1st century. Today Vernazza has a fairly lively social scene. After a short tour of the town and some free time, you will reboard the boat and sail back to Porto Venere.

Tour of Porto Venere: Porto Venere is the only fishing medieval village which remained structurally intact. Starting from the Roman gateway, walk along Carugio Capellini, the main street of the village, full of fruit shops, restaurants, bars and souvenir shops. The Palazzata is made of thin, colourful and iconic houses which line the waterfront, and were built to defend the town against regular attacks from the Saracens and Pisans. Through the tour, visit the San Pietro Church, Byron’s grotto, and San Lorenzo Church.

Discover Pisa: Famously known for the Leaning Tower, this is just a single component of the Pisa’s amazing religious core, Cathedral square, where the Cathedral, Baptistery and Holy Field (monumental cemetery) complete an unrivalled quartet of medieval masterpieces. Pisa’s ecclesiastical centre has been known as Piazza dei Miracoli (Miracles Square), and the sight of it is as stunning today as it must have been to medieval travellers.
 

Discovery:
Hiking to Palmaria island: Board the local boat to reach Palmaria Island, the largest in the region of Liguriay. With an expert guide, trek along some of the paths, seeing the typical Mediterranean vegetation, beaches, and high white cliffs overlooking the water. Learn about the military history and the Pleistocene era fossils found on the island.

Luxurious high-rise hotels, super yachts and beautiful people at every turn, Monte Carlo attracts high-rollers and prodigious wealth.  From the old town of Monaco, to the Place du Casino designed by the famous architect Charles Garnier there is much on offer. Discover the history of the Grimaldis, forever transformed by Hollywood star Grace Kelly’s marriage to Prince Rainier III. As the second smallest country in the world, Monaco makes up for its lack in size with its elegance, glamour and opulence. Today choose one of our Scenic Freechoice activities or join a more active Scenic Discovery excursion.
 

Freechoice:
Old city of Monaco and Monte Carlo city tour: Join a coach tour around Monaco and Monte-Carlo. The narrow streets of Old Monaco and the Royal Palace cling together on a promontory. You’ll see Prince’s Palace Square and the Cathedral where Prince Rainier married Grace Kelly. There will be free time before continuing to the Place du Casino, a golden square boasting the Hotel de Paris, Café de Paris and the legendary Monte-Carlo Casino. View the exterior of the imposing and magnificent casino, which stands on a fine terrace and is surrounded by beautiful gardens.

Panoramic Monaco and Eze: The medieval village of Eze is perched on a craggy peak above the Mediterranean. Join a guided tour of, walking through the 14th century double gateway and along the steep narrow streets. Enjoy some time at leisure before driving along the Middle Corniche with its superb scenic views of Villefranche, Cap Ferrat and Beaulieu to Nice. See the breathtaking panoramic view of the city from the residential area of Mont Boron. Then continue to Monaco via the coastal road.

Saint Paul de Vence tour: On the top of a hill looking out to the turquoise sea, St Paul de Vence is erected on its rocky outcrop and surrounded by its ramparts built by order of François I°. Stroll through the narrow-cobbled streets with an expert guide and enjoy free time in the colourful streets.
 

Discovery:
Hiking tour of Monaco: Your hiking tour begins with a walk to Monaco Rock. Elevators and escalators will take you up to the Old City. A guided walking tour will take you through the narrow streets, past the Oceanographic Museum, the Cathedral housing the tomb of Princess Grace and the Prince Palace before enjoying some time at leisure. Walk towards Cap d’Ail, the small city located just at boarder with Monaco. Cross the district of Fontvieille, called “The city in the City”. There you will pass by the famous stadium Louis II, the new sporting complex, built on daring lines, designed by the architect H.  Pottier to withstand earth tremors.

There is plenty of free time this afternoon to wander the elegant streets at your leisure.
 

Enrich
Savour an exclusive classical concert from The Harpsody Orchestra, performed in one of the historic halls of the Oceanographic Museum.

Famous for its blue seas, stunning beaches, Saint-Tropez is a holidaymaker’s paradise. Bridget Bardot transformed the thriving fishing village into the international jet set of the 1950 and 1960s. Stroll along the cobblestone streets of the old fishing quarter of La Ponche and revel in the abstract architecture and sunlit landscapes used in cinematography. Today choose one of our Scenic Freechoice activities or join a more active Scenic Discovery excursion.
 

Freechoice:
Walking tour of St. Tropez: St. Tropez: is the richest, most celebrated city on the French Riviera. See the painters on the pier, yachts on the sea, and discover with some of St Tropez's secrets. Walk from the ship to the old port, visit the market, and the Place des Lices where locals get together to play a game of boules or sip Pastis under the plane trees. For a more active option, guests can continue to visit Maritime museum in the citadel. The ground floor houses 11 rooms dedicated to local activities.

Grimaud and Port Grimaud: Drive to hilltop village of Grimaud, a medieval town nestled below its feudal castle. First you will visit Port Grimaud harbour, designed by the famous architect François Spoerry. Looking like a Mediterranean fishing village, it is a modern complex of luxury housing with a fully equipped marina. Leaving the modern seaside style, drive the countryside to Grimaud village, a ‘perched’ village.  After a short uphill walk, look at its quaint and rustic appearance as you stroll towards the center of the village along one of the lanes which lead to the monumental fountain.  Enjoy a brief exploration through the winding alleyways enlivened by the many local craftsmen.

Scenic Coastal drive: Enjoy the stunning views of the Massif des Maures, the coastline, the islands of Porquerolles, shores, sandy beaches and exuberant vegetation that makes this area so picturesque. Stop for some time at leisure in Le Lavandou before returning to the pier via Bormes Les Mimosas and through the Dom Forest.

Gassine and Wine tasting tour: Enjoy a taste of life in Provence with this delightful half-day visit to the village of Gassin and a wine tasting. With its narrow, winding streets and shuttered, pastel-hued buildings, the quaint village reveals typical, Provencal character. Perched high on a rock just a few miles from the sea, Gassin affords magnificent views of the Gulf of St-Tropez. Drive to a family-run winery and savour their wines, along with other varieties from this premier wine making region, during a wine tasting.
 

Discovery:
Hiking tour: Enjoy a scenic four-mile coastal trail hike. With your experienced guide, set out along a meandering path that offers magnificent views. The path runs around Cap Camarat, which is dominated by France’s second tallest lighthouse. Along the way, you’ll admire rugged landscape and beautiful scenery.

Known as the pearl of the Vermillion coast, Collioure has azure waters lapping pebbled beaches and pastel houses surrounding sun dappled squares. Walk through the town and lose yourself on the streets lines with cafes and gelato shops. With a mix of French and Spanish influences, Collioure is famed for its wine and anchovies. Today choose one of our Scenic Freechoice activities or join a more active Scenic Discovery excursion.
 

Freechoice:
Perpignan, the Catalan Beauty: Perpignan is an important French town, once the capital of the old province of Roussillon and previously declared the center of the world. Discover Perpignan with your guide seeing the main sights of Perpigna, and enjoy the mixture of historical Gothic Art and colourful Art Deco. See the town hall, “La Loge”, the Saint-Jean Cathedral, as well as the antic fortified door and nowadays town symbol “Le Castillet”. End with a visit to the superb Palace of Mallorca Kings, dating back to the 13th century.

Cooking class: Taste the mix of French and Spanish cultures: Drive towards Terres des Templiers, a real jewel in this wine landscape. On arrival you will visit their wine cellars for wine tasting before your chef teaches you how to make some regional specialties. The Catalan cuisine relies heavily on popular ingredients along the Mediterranean basin, including fresh vegetables, all sorts of pork preparations, lamb, and types of fish. After a rich meal you will then return to Scenic Eclipse.

Céret Art Museum: Discover the charming village of Céret, combined with the visit of the museum. Céret is the unlikely home of the Musee d'art Moderne - a museum fast gaining a reputation as one of the best in Europe. The museum offers works by Dali, Miro, Picasso, Matisse and Chagall among many others. After touring the galleries, enjoy free time before a relaxed tour of the Ceret village to experience "the real France".

Walking tour Collioure: Discover a picturesque village which inspired famous painters such as Matisse, Picasso and Marque, and visit the Royal Castle. The village blends in beautifully with the landscape: the famous church tower, the royal chateau, the beach and the mountains, and the small white typically Mediterranean houses. Your walking tour will take you from the waterfront to the church with a golden sculpted wooded altarpiece dating from XVIII century and the Majorca King's Castle, extended by Pierre IV of Aragon during the 14th century.
 

Discovery:
Hike and wine: Hiking is perfect for soaking up the countryside and discovering magnificent views. All along the coastal walk, several short hikes will offer you a spectacular panoramic view over the bay of Collioure. After amazing exploration with your qualified instructor, you will reach a family winery where the winemaker walk you through a tasting.

Beautiful shores & kayak adventure: Discover the naturel beauty of the shores of Cote Vermeille during a pleasant kayak tour along the rocky coast. Enjoy the opportunity for a refreshing swim during your adventure, and some time to relax at one of the beaches.

Farewell your crew and take away memories of a truly unforgettable cruise.

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.