Discover the Best of Italy and the Mediterranean
Welcome to Italy and to Milan. As the capital of the Lombardy region, Milan has been a seat of power since the Roman era and today stands as Italy’s creative and commercial heartland, as celebrated for its Baroque palaces and Gothic cathedral as for the fashion houses and design studios that have shaped global culture for generations. You will enjoy a three-night stay here, with time to settle in and begin absorbing this endlessly rewarding city.
This evening, meet your Tour Director and fellow guests over a welcome dinner – the perfect introduction to the warmth of northern Italian hospitality and the discoveries that lie ahead.
An hour north of Milan, Lake Como reveals an entirely different Italy. Cradled between steep forested mountains and reflecting the light of the southern Alps, this glacial lake has been a place of retreat for aristocrats, artists, and statesmen since Roman times – Pliny the Younger owned two villas on its shores in the 1st century AD.
Scenic Enrich
Your Scenic Enrich experience brings you across the lake by private cruise to visit Villa del Balbianello, set on a dramatic wooded promontory above the water. Built in 1787 by Cardinal Angelo Maria Durini on the site of a 13th-century Franciscan monastery, the villa passed through remarkable hands before being bequeathed to the Italian Environment Fund – among its last private owners was Guido Monzino, the explorer who led the first Italian expedition to summit Everest in 1973, whose art collection and expedition memorabilia still fill the interiors.
Milan reveals its depth today in three of the world’s most extraordinary cultural sites. The Duomo Cathedral, begun in 1386 under Duke Gian Galeazzo Visconti, took nearly six centuries to complete – its roofline of 135 spires and 3,400 statues the work of craftspeople across 25 generations. Nearby, Teatro alla Scala, opened in 1778, remains the defining stage of Italian opera – it was here that Verdi’s Nabucco premiered in 1842, its chorus becoming an anthem of Italian unification.
The day’s most intimate encounter awaits at Santa Maria delle Grazie, where Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper (1495–1498) captures the moment Christ declares one of his Apostles will betray him – twelve expressions of shock and grief frozen in a composition of enduring psychological power. The afternoon is yours to explore Milan freely.
Departing Milan this morning, your journey west into Piedmont begins at Casa Martini in Pessione – the historic headquarters of Martini & Rossi, founded in 1863 when Alessandro Martini and master winemaker Luigi Rossi set out to create a vermouth unlike any other. Your guided visit traces the history of vermouth from its origins through to the production process, concluding with a tasting of selected Martini expressions.
You’ll spend the next two nights is in Turin, the elegant former capital of the Kingdom of Sardinia. Baroque boulevards lined with 18 kilometres of covered porticoes, stately Savoy palaces, and some of the finest café culture in Europe make Turin one of Italy’s most rewarding and often underestimated cities.
Today you’ll begin your day at Museo Egizio, founded in 1824 around the extraordinary Drovetti Collection and today considered the second most important collection of Egyptian antiquities in the world after Cairo, with more than 40,000 artefacts spanning 4,000 years of history. A guided visit to the Royal Palace of Turin then traces the history of the House of Savoy across chambers that formed the centre of Italian royal power for more than three centuries, within a UNESCO World Heritage-listed ensemble of Savoy residences.
Your city walking tour leads through Piazza Castello and past the façades of Palazzo Madama and Palazzo Reale, along the arcaded Via Po, and into the aristocratic grandeur of Piazza San Carlo – known for its twin Baroque churches and the historic cafés that have served the city’s intellectuals and aristocracy since the 18th century.
The road south leads to Bologna, the food capital of Italy – a reputation earned through centuries of genuine culinary achievement in a region that gave the world Parmigiano Reggiano, Prosciutto di Parma, mortadella, fresh egg pasta, and balsamic vinegar. On arrival you check in to your hotel for a two-night stay, in a city whose medieval towers, arcaded streets, and vibrant market culture make it one of Italy’s most characterful and rewarding destinations.
Scenic Enrich
Your Scenic Enrich experience takes you behind the scenes of one of Italy’s most revered traditions. At an authentic prosciutto producer, you discover a process requiring up to 24 months of salting, air-drying, and patient maturation – a craft that connects every slice to centuries of accumulated knowledge and pride.
This morning you venture just outside Bologna to Maranello, home of the Museo Ferrari. Founded by Enzo Ferrari in 1947, Ferrari has pursued a singular vision across eight decades – to build the finest and most emotionally compelling cars in the world. The museum brings that story to life through championship Formula 1 machines, legendary road cars, and archival film and photography tracing the brand from its origins to the present day.
Scenic Freechoice: Back in Bologna this afternoon, choose the discovery that suits you best:
An authentic Italian cooking class mastering fresh pasta and regional Bolognese traditions with a local instructor.
A street food journey through the Quadrilatero – Bologna’s medieval market district, its lanes lined with traditional salumeria, cheese shops, and delicatessens that have been nourishing the city for centuries.
Travelling like a local today, you’ll board a high-speed train from Bologna to Rome. Covering 350 kilometres in under three hours, you’ll see Tuscany’s rolling hills give way to the ancient volcanic landscape of Lazio before Rome announces itself on the horizon.
Known as the Eternal City, Rome is a place where 28 centuries of continuous habitation have produced the greatest concentration of Western cultural heritage on earth – ancient forums, Renaissance churches, and Baroque fountains coexisting with designer boutiques and the easy rhythm of modern Italian life.
This evening, you’ll gather with your fellow guest for a farewell dinner, celebrating the journey and the remarkable discoveries shared along the way.
After breakfast, you’ll travel from Rome to Civitavecchia, an ancient port dating back to the 2nd century. Here, by the Roman Dock and the 16th century Michelangelo Fort, you’ll board your next-generation Scenic Discovery Yacht, Scenic Ikon, for the next leg of your journey. Upon boarding, you’ll be warmly welcomed by the Captain and crew with a glass of Champagne. Settle into your spacious suite and meet your personal butler, then step out on deck to toast the beginning of your voyage as you sail away from this historic harbour.
Ponza is home to a captivating historic centre, with narrow streets, vibrant buildings and a lively atmosphere. Renowned for its seafood dishes and natural beauty, the island is a paradise for food lovers and beachgoers alike, boasting stunning beaches and crystal-clear waters that make it a true Mediterranean gem.
This morning, you’ll arrive in Porto Cervo, the dazzling gem at the heart of the spectacular Costa Smeralda. Built as a millionaire’s playground by Prince Aga Khan in the 1960s, Porto Cervo exudes luxury — from high-end boutiques and stylish restaurants to glamorous nightclubs, world-class golf courses, tennis clubs, and hotels.
Arriving in Bonifacio is an unforgettable experience — the town appears perched atop soaring limestone cliffs, offering breathtaking views over the Mediterranean. Step ashore to explore the atmospheric old town, where its winding lanes, historic buildings, and relaxed Corsican charm await.
With another late departure here, you’ll have ample time to enjoy the panoramic vistas from the ancient citadel or stroll along the picturesque marina. Bonifacio promises a delightful blend of history, culture, and coastal beauty.
Nestled on the scenic Monte Argentario peninsula in Tuscany, Porto Santo Stefano is a charming seaside town with a picturesque harbour and vibrant atmosphere. Known for its historic Spanish Fortress, Porto Santo Stefano invites you to wander through winding lanes lined with pastel-coloured houses or simply relax while taking in sweeping views of the Tyrrhenian Sea.
One of Elba Island’s oldest towns, Portoferraio traces its origins to the ancient Greeks, though much of the modern town was built by the Medici in the 1500s. Brimming with Tuscan charm, it’s a favourite for both beach-lovers and history buffs. Take a dip at Spiaggia di Capo Bianco, a northern beach scattered with small white pebbles and fronting impossibly clear water. Wander the historic streets to explore Palazzina dei Mulini, one of Napoleon’s official residences during his exile here, the impressive Archaeological Museum, and the ruins of the Roman Villa della Linguella.
Relax with another late night in port and toast the sunset with a glass of Aleatico, a sweet red dessert wine and local delicacy.
Calvi, on the French island of Corsica, boasts a rich and storied history. Founded in the 13th century, its fiery medieval citadel still stands above red tiled roofs. A magnet for visitors since the 1920s, Calvi’s moon-shaped bay features golden, sandy beaches framed by forested mountains on the horizon.
Today, Calvi has the feel of a chic resort on the French Riviera, with waterfront restaurants, luxury hotels, and multi-million-dollar yachts bobbing in the harbour. Stroll the alleys of the historic old town, walk the ramparts of the citadel, and visit the house said to be the birthplace of Christopher Columbus.
Enjoy a relaxing day at sea on board your ultra-luxurious next-generation Discovery Yacht, where you can unwind on the deck, bask in the sun, and take in sweeping ocean views while enjoying the exceptional amenities on board.
This evening, indulge in a world-class dining experience on board, with every detail thoughtfully considered and every dish a moment to savour.
Known for its British-style Georgian houses and medieval streets lined with palaces, churches and fortresses, Mahón is truly Vella i Bella — ‘Old and Beautiful’. As the capital of the laid-back Menorca, life here moves to the rhythm of the gentle waves that lap its shores. Wander through the historic old town, where every corner whispers of the island’s rich past. With its charismatic centre and unhurried pace, Mahón offers a quiet charm that’s all its own.
Whilst Ibiza is famed for its thriving party scene, there’s far more to this island than meets the eye. Beyond the buzz, you’ll find pristine beaches, lush nature reserves, ancient archaeological sites, and small villages seemingly untouched by time. Inland, limestone hills and lush pine forests shelter artisan producers crafting one-of-a-kind local delights.
Known for its breathtaking evenings, Ibiza invites you to linger. With a late departure, sip on a cocktail at a waterfront bar and watch the sky turn a blaze of orange and red.
Palma, a popular resort city and capital of the Spanish island of Mallorca, is where history comes alive. Shaped by Romans, Moors and Catholics since 123 BC, the city’s rich heritage unfolds across centuries. Wander the narrow, cobbled lanes of Palma’s Casco Antiguo (Old Town), where elegant archways, grand historic palacios, medieval churches and picturesque plazas transport you to another time. From the soaring Santa Maria Cathedral to La Almudaina — a Moorish-style Arab fortress converted into a royal residence — and the unique circular Bellver Castle, Palma reveals a new layer of history at every corner.
Your Signature Yacht Cruise finishes this morning in the vibrant city of Barcelona, the capital of Catalonia. Renowned for its eclectic architecture, culinary delights, thriving art scene and lively nightlife, Barcelona offers a feast for the senses.
After enjoying breakfast on board, disembark and bid farewell your fellow guests and crew, carrying with you memories of a truly unforgettable voyage.
Please book your flight to depart out of Barcelona after 12:00 PM.
#Spa treatments and services are available at an additional cost. Daily activities may be subject to change; please consult your Daily Wonder for updates. +All drinks on board, including those stocked in your mini bar, are included, except for a select few rare, fine and vintage wines, Champagnes and spirits. Specialty restaurants require a reservation, enquire on board.
^Experiences on board our helicopters and submersible are at additional cost and are subject to regulatory approval, availability, weight restrictions, medical clearance, and weather conditions.
Helicopter not operational in France. Submersible not operational in Europe.
The itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons. As such Scenic cannot guarantee the voyage will operate unaltered from the itinerary stated above. Please refer to our terms and conditions for further information.
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At Scenic, we create exceptional journeys to every corner of the world. You will enjoy once-in-a-lifetime experiences, indulgent truly all-inclusive luxury, and a world class crew who will ensure every detail is cared for to the Nth Degree. With more than three decades of experience, the loyalty of our Scenic guests reflects our dedication to always placing you at the heart of everything we do. With Scenic, you'll find this is worldwide discovery truly in a class of its own. Across our 5-star luxury river cruises on custom-built Scenic Space-Ships, and 6-star ultra-luxury voyages on board Scenic Eclipse, The World’s First Discovery Yachts™, it is more than taking our guests to exceptional destinations around the world. Our truly all-inclusive philosophy enables our guests to be immersed in their chosen destination, indulge in an unparalleled level of luxury, and relax knowing everything is taken care of.