Welcome to France and the city of Nice, on the chic French Riviera. Your glamorous cruise begins here. You’ll be transferred to your Emerald Cruises luxury yacht to begin your voyage through the beautiful Western Mediterranean.

Please book your flight to arrive into Nice prior to 03:00 PM.

Docked: 20:00 

Welcome to Santa Margherita Ligure, a charming resort town with panoramic views that’s revered for its timeless elegance and style. For those seeking ‘la dolce vita,’ you’re sure to find it in abundance here. Stroll the Santa Margherita promenade or the pebbly beachfront, admiring the gleaming yachts and sailing boats. Marvel at an impressive  Baroque-era church along the cobbled streets and savour succulent red shrimps, the local fishermen’s catch of the day.  

Later in the morning, you’ll sail on to delightful Portofino. Embedded along the Italian Riviera, eternally popular Portofino boasts a rich gastronomic scene, a picturesque harbour and narrow streets lined with charming, pastel-hued houses, high-end boutiques and restaurants specialising in freshly caught seafood.

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Culinary Experience in Rapallo (extra expense, must be pre-booked) 
Discover the flavours of Liguria with a visit to the enchanting Gulf of Paradise and the elegant seaside town of Rapallo, often called the “Pearl of the Tigullio Gulf.” Framed by a picturesque bay dotted with anchored boats, Rapallo blends Riviera charm with a rich culinary heritage shaped by both mountains and sea. Here, meet your host Guido, a passionate connoisseur and master chef, at the distinctive Musical Kiosk, one of the town’s most recognisable landmarks. Accompanied by Guido, explore Rapallo’s lively food market, discovering the fresh produce, fragrant herbs, and local ingredients that define Ligurian cuisine. The experience continues at Guido’s traditional bottega, where you take part in preparing authentic pesto alla Genovese, blending aromatic basil, garlic, pine nuts, cheese, and Ligurian extra-virgin olive oil. Also on the menu is pandolce, a traditional cake filled with raisins and nuts, enjoyed with a glass of sweet Moscato from nearby Portofino. Following the tasting, enjoy free time to explore Rapallo's attractive waterfront and historic centre before departing for the return journey. 
Activity Level: Moderate, Duration: 4 hours 45 minutes 

EmeraldACTIVE
Portofino & Brown Castle Walk  
Experience the timeless elegance of Portofino, one of Italy's most exclusive seaside villages, renowned for its colourful harbour, historic landmarks, and spectacular coastal scenery. Follow your guide through the picturesque harbour lined with pastel-coloured houses before ascending to Castello Brown, a historic fortress surrounded by beautiful Mediterranean gardens. Explore its fascinating museum and enjoy panoramic views across Portofino Bay from one of the Riviera's most celebrated viewpoints. Next visit the Church of St. George, home to relics of the legendary dragon-slaying saint. Conclude your guided walk at the famous Piazzetta, where free time allows you to browse elegant boutiques, relax at a waterfront café (own expense), or simply soak up the atmosphere before departing for the return journey. 
Activity Level: Active, Duration: 2 hours 

Anchored: 07:30–12:30 | 14:00–23:00 

Situated along the Ligurian coast on Italy’s northwest shores, Porto Venere is an ancient city dating back to the first century BC. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it’s imbued with a romantic history – thanks to its penchant for attracting famous poets and artists over the centuries. Porto Venere’s  wonderful swimming spots were beloved by, amongst others, the legendary  English poet Lord Byron, who regularly bathed and meditated here in the early 1800s. One of Porto Venere's most striking features is its Gothic-style Church of St. Peter, dating back to the 12th century and resting atop a rocky headland overlooking the sparkling sea.

Today choose between our Included Excursion or DiscoverMORE option

Included Excursion
Walking tour of Portovenere 
Immerse yourself in the rich history and authentic atmosphere of Portovenere, a picturesque UNESCO World Heritage Site nestled along the Gulf of La Spezia. Meet your local guide and begin a leisurely walk through the ancient Roman Gate, entering the heart of this charming medieval village. Stroll along the lively main street lined with colourful houses, boutiques, and cafés, while admiring the distinctive Genoese-Gothic architecture crafted from black and white marble. Along the way, enjoy views of the imposing Doria Castle, which has watched over Portovenere for centuries. Complete your experience at a favourite local café, where you will savour a tasting of traditional Italian snacks while enjoying the warm hospitality and relaxed atmosphere that make Portovenere so special. 
Activity Level: Active, Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes 

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Cinque Terre by Boat (extra expense) 
Discover the spectacular beauty of the Cinque Terre National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as you explore two of its most iconic villages by boat. Begin in Portovenere, a picturesque UNESCO World Heritage Site, before boarding a boat for a scenic cruise along the dramatic Cinque Terre coastline, where colourful villages cling to rugged cliffs above the Ligurian Sea. Your first stop is Monterosso al Mare, the largest of the five villages, surrounded by terraced vineyards, olive groves, and lemon orchards. Enjoy a guided walk through the historic centre before sampling traditional pesto bruschetta accompanied by a glass of local wine. Continue to the charming fishing village of Vernazza, celebrated for its picturesque harbour, pastel-coloured houses, and narrow medieval lanes. Enjoy free time to explore at your own pace before departing for the return journey.  
Activity Level: Moderate, Duration: 4 hours 30 minutes 

EmeraldPLUS
Dances from the Renaissance Period 
Step back into the elegance of the Italian Renaissance with a captivating performance celebrating the music, dance, and courtly traditions of Genoa's Golden Age. Inspired by the choreographies of renowned Renaissance dance masters Cesare Negri and Fabrizio Caroso, this authentic performance showcases graceful movements, period music, and beautifully recreated historical costumes. The presentation offers a fascinating insight into the refined culture and artistic heritage of Renaissance Italy. 
Activity Level: Easy, Duration: 1 hour  

Anchored: 08:00–19:00  

Today, you’ll arrive in Calvi, on the northwest shore of the French Island of Corsica. According to local legend, Calvi is where the 15th century Italian explorer Christopher Columbus was born. While historians may debate this, the natural beauty and rich culture of Calvi is undisputed. Calvi's gorgeous beach presents a crescent-shaped bay of powdery white sand fringed by maritime pines. The town has evolved to become Corsica’s ‘culture capital,’ hosting several music festivals over the idyllic summer months.

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Calvi Walking tour & Wine Tasting at Domaine Alzipatru (extra expense) 
Discover the history of Calvi before experiencing the renowned wines of Corsica's Balagne region. Meet your guide and explore Calvi's Citadel, perched on a rocky promontory overlooking the harbour. Cross the historic drawbridge and enjoy panoramic views before visiting the Place d'Armes and the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, rebuilt after the Turkish siege of 1553. Along the way, pass the house traditionally associated with Christopher Columbus, admire the former Governor's Palace (Caserne Sampiero), visit the Oratory of St. Anthony, and stroll along the impressive ramparts and through the lively waterfront district of Ville Basse.  =A short drive brings you to the Notre-Dame de la Serra viewpoint for spectacular views over Calvi Bay before continuing to Domaine Alzipratu. Nestled between the mountains and the sea, this family-owned winery cultivates traditional Corsican grape varieties. Learn about the estate's winemaking traditions before enjoying a guided tasting of locally produced wines. 
Activity Level: Moderate, Duration: 4 hours 45 minutes 

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Discover Old Corsica and its villages (extra expense) 
Discover the rugged landscapes and historic villages of Corsica's Balagne region, where winding mountain roads reveal spectacular scenery and timeless Corsican charm. Begin with a visit to Calenzana, a peaceful village nestled at the foot of the mountains and the traditional starting point of the famous GR20 hiking trail. Stroll through its quiet streets lined with traditional stone houses before continuing to Zilia, renowned for its natural mineral spring, and the panoramic Col de Salvi, offering magnificent views across the coastline and fertile valleys.  Continue to the hilltop village of Sant'Antonino, founded in the 9th century and recognised as one of “The Most Beautiful Villages of France.” Wander its maze of narrow cobbled lanes and vaulted passageways while enjoying breathtaking panoramic views stretching across the Balagne countryside, the Mediterranean Sea, and the surrounding mountains. Your return journey follows a scenic route through the picturesque villages of Cateri, Lavatoggio, and Lumio, each reflecting the authentic character and natural beauty of inland Corsica. 
Activity Level: Active, Duration: 3 hours 45 minutes 

Anchored: 08:00–19:00 

A shining jewel of the Côte d’Azur, the legendary resort town of Saint-Tropez is one of the most famous holiday destinations in Europe. It has been drawing celebrities and royalty since the 1950s .  look out over the superyachts jostling for space in the marina, a sure sign that the international jet set is in town. From the soft white sand lapped by clear blue water to the on-trend beach clubs, decadent dining and luxury boutiques, Saint-Tropez is the ultimate French Riviera experience. For history buffs, learn the story of Saint-Tropez at the Musée d'Histoire Maritime, or peruse the incredible modern art inside a former chapel at the Annonciade.

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Walking Tour of Saint-Tropez (extra expense) 
Experience the charm of Saint-Tropez on a guided walk through one of the French Riviera's most iconic seaside towns. Stroll along the picturesque harbour, passing the famous Café Sénéquier, before exploring the historic centre with its narrow streets, charming squares, and the Church of Saint-Tropez. Learn about the town's fascinating history and artistic heritage, which attracted celebrated painters such as Paul Signac, Henri Matisse, and André Derain. Continue uphill to a panoramic viewpoint overlooking the red rooftops, luxury yachts, and the sparkling Mediterranean Sea. After the guided tour, you may return with your guide or remain in the town to explore independently.  
Activity Level: Moderate, Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes 

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Tour of Gassin and Port Grimaud (extra expense) 
Explore two of the French Riviera's most picturesque villages, where medieval charm and waterfront elegance offer a delightful contrast. Travel through the scenic countryside to the hilltop village of Gassin, renowned for its narrow alleyways, flower-filled streets, and panoramic views over the Gulf of Saint-Tropez, vineyards, and surrounding countryside. Enjoy free time to wander this charming medieval village before continuing to Port Grimaud, often called the "Venice of Provence." Board a boat for a relaxing cruise through Port Grimaud's network of canals, passing colourful waterfront homes, private moorings, and picturesque bridges. Afterwards, enjoy time to stroll through the village before departing for the return journey. 
Activity Level: Moderate, Duration: 4 hours 

Anchored: 08:00–22:00 

Framed by the white limestone Calanques and the glowing cliffs of Cap Canaille, Cassis is a sun-drenched Provençal gem where pastel façades tumble towards a lively little harbour. Wander fragrant, café-lined lanes, linger over a glass of local wine, and absorb the timeless rhythm of life on the Mediterranean. 

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Aix en Provence (extra expense)  
Elegant boulevards, graceful fountains, and centuries of history await in Aix-en-Provence, the historic capital of Provence and birthplace of renowned artist Paul Cézanne. A scenic drive through the Provençal countryside brings you to this charming town, celebrated for its beautifully preserved architecture and rich cultural heritage. Join your guide for a walk through the atmospheric Old Town (Vieux Aix), where narrow cobbled streets lead to the elegant Cours Mirabeau, the city's iconic tree-lined boulevard, bordered by grand 17th- and 18th-century mansions, cafés, and boutiques. Continue to the impressive Cathedral of Saint-Sauveur, an architectural masterpiece reflecting centuries of history through its blend of Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque styles. Following the guided tour, enjoy free time to browse the local shops, relax at a café, or continue exploring the charming streets of Aix-en-Provence at your own pace before departing for the return journey. 
Activity Level: Moderate, Duration: 4 hours 30 minutes  

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Boat ride through Calanques & wine tasting (extra expense)  
Experience the spectacular natural beauty of Cassis, where dramatic limestone cliffs, turquoise waters, and celebrated vineyards combine to create one of Provence's most picturesque coastal landscapes. Travel to the charming fishing port of Cassis, nestled between the Mediterranean Sea and the towering cliffs of the Calanques National Park. Board a sightseeing boat for a scenic cruise to explore three of the famous Calanques, where steep limestone cliffs plunge into crystal-clear coves accessible only by sea. After the cruise, board a small tourist train for a scenic ride to Domaine Bodin, one of Cassis' historic family-owned wineries. Established in the late 19th century and among the pioneering estates behind the Cassis Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée, the vineyard is renowned for its elegant white wines as well as its rosé and red varieties. Learn about the estate's history and winemaking traditions before enjoying a guided tasting of local wines. eturn by tourist train to the harbour before departing for the return journey. 
Activity Level: Moderate, Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes 

Anchored: 08:00–17:00 

The Costa Brava (meaning the Rugged Coast) is arguably the most beautiful of Spain’s three holiday coasts. The seaside village of Roses sits on its northern edge, close to the border with France, making for a captivating blend of cultures set within a stunning setting where the mountains meet the sea., Roses is still the place to sample exceptional fresh seafood. Be sure to try the local seafood speciality of ‘Suquet de Peix’, a hearty fish soup prepared with the catch of the day along with garlic, tomatoes and saffron.

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Girona City tour (extra expense) 
Discover the rich history of Girona, one of Catalonia's most beautifully preserved medieval cities, where Roman, Jewish, and medieval heritage blend within its ancient walls. Begin in El Call, one of Europe's best-preserved Jewish Quarters, continuously inhabited for almost seven centuries. Wander its narrow cobbled streets before visiting the remarkable Arab Baths, a Romanesque building renowned for its elegant arches and distinctive medieval architecture. Continue to the Bonastruc Ça Porta Museum, located on the site of the former synagogue, where exhibits reveal the fascinating history of Girona's Jewish community. Your guided walk also includes the medieval city walls, the remains of the Gironella Tower, destroyed during Napoleon's retreat in 1814, and an exterior view of the magnificent Monastery of Sant Pere de Galligants, an outstanding example of Catalan Romanesque architecture. 
Activity Level: Active, Duration: 5 hours 

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Dali' Theatre Museum tour (extra expense) 
Travel to Figueres, the birthplace of Salvador Dalí, and discover the extraordinary Dalí Theatre-Museum, considered the artist’s final great masterpiece. Created on the remains of the former Municipal Theatre, the building itself was transformed by Dalí into an immersive work of art designed to transport visitors into his surreal and imaginative world. Explore the museum’s remarkable collection and follow Dalí’s artistic evolution, from his early experiments and Surrealist works to his fascination with science, nuclear mysticism and the later stages of his career. Throughout the museum, discover an extraordinary variety of works including paintings, drawings, sculptures, engravings, installations, holograms and stereoscopic works. With around 1,500 pieces on display, the collection offers a fascinating insight into the many influences and creative phases that shaped Dalí’s distinctive artistic vision. Rather than simply presenting works of art, the museum itself forms part of the experience, with its unusual architecture, theatrical spaces and imaginative installations blurring the boundaries between art, illusion and reality. Immerse yourself in the extraordinary world of one of Spain’s most celebrated and unconventional artists before returning to your yacht. 
Activity Level: Moderate, Duration: 4 hours  

Anchored: 08:00–18:00 

Your luxurious yacht cruise concludes in Catalonia’s cosmopolitan capital, Barcelona, where you’ll be transferred to the airport for your return flight home or to continue your travels.

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The Gothic Quarter & its Public Markets (extra expense, must be booked on board) 
Discover the historic heart of Barcelona as you explore medieval streets, vibrant markets, and traditional Catalan flavours on foot. Begin in the atmospheric Gothic Quarter, where narrow alleyways and centuries-old buildings reveal the city's rich history. During your guided walk, visit Plaça de Sant Jaume, the political heart of Barcelona, before continuing to the famous La Boqueria Market. Enjoy free time to browse the colourful stalls filled with fresh produce, local delicacies, and regional specialities, then pause at a traditional churrería to sample freshly made churros. Continue through Cathedral Square, the historic Jewish Quarter, and Plaça de Santa Maria del Pi, before concluding your exploration at the lively Santa Caterina Market, renowned for its distinctive colourful roof and vibrant local atmosphere. 
Activity Level: Moderate, Duration: 4 hours 

Notes: Available for booking to participants continuing on to the next cruise, as well as debarking participants with flights departing after 4:00 pm. Luggage will be stored on the coach during the excursion. 

Please book your flight to depart out of Barcelona after 01:00 PM.

Docked: 06:00 

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 states above.