| | | | | Arrive | Depart |
| 11th11 | MayMay | 202424 | Dubrovnik, Croatia, embark on the Emerald Sakara | | |
| Nothing can prepare you for your first sight of Dubrovnik. Lying 216 km (135 miles) southeast of Split and commanding a jaw-dropping coastal location, it is one of the world's most beautiful fortified cities. Its massive stone ramparts and fortress towers curve around a tiny harbor, enclosing graduated ridges of sun-bleached orange-tiled roofs, copper domes, and elegant bell towers. Your imagination will run wild picturing what it looked like seven centuries ago when the walls were built, without any suburbs or highways around it, just this magnificent stone city rising out of the sea.In the 7th century AD, residents of the Roman city Epidaurum (now Cavtat) fled the Avars and Slavs of the north and founded a new settlement on a small rocky island, which they named Laus, and later Ragusa. On the mainland hillside opposite the island, the Slav settlement called Dubrovnik grew up. In the 12th century the narrow channel separating the two settlements was filled in (now the main street through the Old Town, called Stradun), and Ragusa and Dubrovnik became one. The city was surrounded by defensive walls during the 13th century, and these were reinforced with towers and bastions in the late 15th century.From 1358 to 1808 the city thrived as a powerful and remarkably sophisticated independent republic, reaching its golden age during the 16th century. In 1667 many of its splendid Gothic and Renaissance buildings were destroyed by an earthquake. The defensive walls survived the disaster, and the city was rebuilt in baroque style.Dubrovnik lost its independence to Napoléon in 1808, and in 1815 passed to Austria-Hungary. During the 20th century, as part of Yugoslavia, the city became a popular tourist destination, and in 1979 it was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. During the war for independence, it came under heavy siege. Thanks to careful restoration, few traces of damage remain; however, there are maps inside the Pile and Ploče Gates illustrating the points around the city where damage was done. It’s only when you experience Dubrovnik yourself that you can understand what a treasure the world nearly lost Your luxurious yacht cruise begins in historic Dubrovnik, where you'll be transferred to your Emerald Cruises luxury yacht and embark on your discovery of the Southern Italy. Please book your flight to arrive into Dubrovnik prior to 04:00 PM. |
| 12th12 | MayMay | 202424 | Monopoli, Italy | | |
| Tracing its origins back to 545 AD, Monopoli is a melting pot of Byzantine, Venetian and Turkish influence. Its charming harbour is surrounded by medieval stone walls, while the Church of the Purgatory features a Baroque chapel of mummified citizens that passed on. Included Excursion Tour of Monopoli EmeraldPLUS Folk dance show DiscoverMORE Discover the Trulli of Alberobello (extra expense, must be pre-booked) |
| 13th13 | MayMay | 202424 | Otranto, Italy | | |
| Located right in the heel of the Italian boot, Otranto’s scenic landscape often plays the protagonist in displaying the beauty of Puglia, Italy’s easternmost region. Facing the Adriatic sea, the seducing weather and pristine waters have made it a popular destination where on a clear day, wanderers can see the coast of Albania. Like much of Italy, the city boasts a rich and mixed history. Once a Greek and Roman port, it was later occupied by the Byzantines, the Normans and the Spanish before the Ottoman invaded in during their Jihad to conquer Europe. Remains of forts are still visible and are a living testimonial of the town’s rich history along with Otranto’s cathedral, which still encloses today the relics of martyrs who refused to convert to Islam. Regarded as "the far east of Italy', Otranto gazes out on to the Adriatic Sea and was a key port for trade and conquest during Roman times. Today, you'll find a picturesque town of fortifications, mouthwatering seafood restaurants and a pleasant beach. DiscoverMORE Guided tour of Lecce (extra expense, must be pre-booked) |
| 14th14 | MayMay | 202424 | Gallipoli, Italy | | |
| Kalè polis, meaning beautiful city, is the name ancient Greek mariners bestowed on Gallipoli, with good reason. Situated on a mound, the Old Town with its labyrinth of winding lanes, emerges from the Ionian Sea. It is connected to the mainland and modern Gallipoli via a 17th-century bridge. The area lies on the Salentina Peninsula in the extreme southeast end of Italy, commonly referred to as the heel of the boot. The Salento region was inhabited already in prehistoric times; later centuries were marked by Greek, Norman, Byzantine and Baroque cultures. It is a land of farms, castles, works of art, myths and legends. Many heroic battles were fought; fierce resistance was shown by Gallipoli’s citizens against numerous invaders that included Romans, Vandals, Swabians, Venetians, French and lastly the English in 1809. In addition to its tumultuous history and natural beauty, the city’s claim to fame rests in its art treasures, most notably, the Basilica of Sant’Agata with its majestic 17th-century façade. Inside, the church contains a rich and important art collection with numerous works by its great native son, Giovanni Andrea Coppola. Gallipoli is a charming little town on the Salento Peninsula surrounded by water and accessible only by sea or via a 16th century bridge. Its historic heart sits on a small island that juts out into the Ionian Sea. Included Excursion Walking tour of Gallipoli |
| 15th15 | MayMay | 202424 | Giardini Naxos, Italy | | |
| Giardini Naxos is a gorgeous beach resort, with a resplendent horseshoe bay and seafront lined with bars and restaurants. Included Excursion A walking tour of Taormina DiscoverMORE "The Godfather' Tour (extra expense) |
| 16th16 | MayMay | 202424 | Sorrento, Italy | | |
| Sorrento may have become a jumping-off point for visitors to Pompeii, Capri, and Amalfi, but you can find countless reasons to love it for itself. The Sorrentine people are fair-minded and hardworking, bubbling with life and warmth. The tuff cliff on which the town rests is spread over the bay, absorbing sunlight, while orange and lemon trees waft their perfume in spring. Winding along a cliff above a small beach and two harbors, the town is split in two by a narrow ravine formed by a former mountain stream. To the east, dozens of hotels line busy Via Correale along the cliff—many have "grand" included in their names, and some indeed still are. To the west, however, is the historic sector, which still enchants. It's a relatively flat area, with winding, stone-paved lanes bordered by balconied buildings, some joined by medieval stone arches. The central piazza is named after the poet Torquato Tasso, born here in 1544. This part of town is a delightful place to walk through. Craftspeople are often at work in their stalls and shops and are happy to let you watch; in fact, that's the point. Music spots and bars cluster in the side streets near Piazza Tasso. A quaint resort credited with inspiring the works of Charles Dickens and Leo Tolstoy, Sorrento provides a romantic introduction to the Amalfi Coast. The historic town has spectacular views over the Bay of Naples, and its maze of cobbled streets is punctuated with cosy cafes. Included Excursion Guided tour of Sorrento DiscoverMORE Guided tour of Pompeii (extra expense) EmeraldACTIVE Guided hike in Sorrento |
| 17th17 | MayMay | 202424 | Amalfi, Italy | | |
| At first glance, it's hard to imagine that this resort destination was one of the world's great naval powers, and a sturdy rival of Genoa and Pisa for control of the Mediterranean in the 11th and 12th centuries. Once the seat of the Amalfi Maritime Republic, the town is set in a verdant valley of the Lattari Mountains, with cream-colored and pastel-hued buildings tightly packing a gorge on the Bay of Salerno. The harbor, which once launched the greatest fleet in Italy, now bobs with ferries and blue-and-white fishing boats. The main street, lined with shops and pasticcerie, has replaced a raging mountain torrent, and terraced hills flaunt the green and gold of lemon groves. Bearing testimony to its great trade with Tunis, Tripoli, and Algiers, Amalfi remains honeycombed with Arab-Sicilian cloisters and covered passages. In a way Amalfi has become great again, showing off its medieval glory days with sea pageants, convents-turned-hotels, ancient paper mills, covered streets, and its glimmering cathedral. Sitting in the foothills of Mount Cerreto, the ambient setting of Amalfi is a pleasant collection of piazzas and waterfront restaurants. Despite its diminutive size, this town was once a maritime powerhouse. DiscoverMORE Amalfi and Ravello (extra expense) |
| 18th18 | MayMay | 202424 | Civitavecchia, Italy | | |
| Italy's vibrant capital lives in the present, but no other city on earth evokes its past so powerfully. For over 2,500 years, emperors, popes, artists, and common citizens have left their mark here. Archaeological remains from ancient Rome, art-stuffed churches, and the treasures of Vatican City vie for your attention, but Rome is also a wonderful place to practice the Italian-perfected il dolce far niente, the sweet art of idleness. Your most memorable experiences may include sitting at a caffè in the Campo de' Fiori or strolling in a beguiling piazza. Dating back to the 2nd century, this port town northwest of Rome is home to several well-preserved Roman monuments. |
| 19th19 | MayMay | 202424 | Porto Ercole, Italy | | |
| Perched on the coast of Tuscany, Porto Ercole is one of Italy's hidden gems. Translated as the "Port of Hercules', this sleepy bay is a scene of incredible architecture and local seafood that is an absolute delight. Included Excursion Tour of Porto Ercole EmeraldACTIVE Hiking tour to Forte Filippo |
| 20th20 | MayMay | 202424 | Bonifacio, Corsica, France | | |
| Located in the South of Corsica, Bonifacio is one of the island’s most beautiful destinations. From its breathtaking views and sandy white islands to its historic citadel, the city is a must visit for anyone travelling to the island. The striking citadel heralds your introduction to Bonifacio. Established in 833 BC, this charming Corsican port provides stunning views from its ancient fortress that, on a clear day, stretch all the way to Sardinia. Included Excursion Tour of Bonifacio with local products tasting DiscoverMORE Coastal boat trip (extra expense, must be pre-booked) DiscoverMORE Sperone Golf Club Experience (extra expense, must be pre-booked) |
| 21st21 | MayMay | 202424 | Calvi, Corsica, France | | |
| Calvi, Corsica's slice of the Riviera, has been described by author Dorothy Carrington as "an oasis of pleasure on an otherwise austere island." Calvi prospered by supplying products to Genoa; its citizens remained loyal supporters of Genoa long after the rest of the island declared independence. Calvi also claims to be the birthplace of Christopher Columbus. During the 18th century the town endured assaults from Corsican nationalists, including celebrated patriot Pasquale Paoli. Today Calvi sees a summertime invasion of tourists, drawn to the 6-km (4-mile) stretch of sandy white beach, impressive citadel overlooking the Old Town, lively restaurants, and buzzing nightlife. Follow in the footsteps of Christopher Columbus as you arrive in Calvi. This vibrant area of Corsica is said to have been the home of the intrepid explorer, and you'll be sure to fall in love with its winding streets and quaint beaches DiscoverMORE Discover Old Corsica with its villages (extra expense) DiscoverMORE Walking tour of Calvi and wine tasting (extra expense) |
| 22nd22 | MayMay | 202424 | Portoferraio, Italy | | |
| Elba is the Tuscan archipelago's largest island, but it resembles nearby verdant Corsica more than it does its rocky Italian sisters, thanks to a network of underground springs that keep it lush and green. It's this combination of semitropical vegetation and dramatic mountain scenery—unusual in the Mediterranean—that has made Elba so prized for so long, and the island's uniqueness continues to draw boatloads of visitors throughout the warm months. A car is very useful for getting around the island, but public buses stop at most towns several times a day; the tourist office has timetables. 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. DiscoverMORE Napoleon's Path and Tasting at La Chiusa winery (extra expense) DiscoverMORE Cantucci baking class and wine tasting (extra expense) |
| 23rd23 | MayMay | 202424 | Portofino, Italy | | |
| One of the most photographed villages along the coast, with a decidedly romantic and affluent aura, Portofino has long been a popular destination for the rich and famous. Once an ancient Roman colony and taken by the Republic of Genoa in 1229, it’s also been ruled by the French, English, Spanish, and Austrians, as well as by marauding bands of 16th-century pirates. Elite British tourists first flocked to the lush harbor in the mid-1800s. Some of Europe's wealthiest drop anchor in Portofino in summer, but they stay out of sight by day, appearing in the evening after buses and boats have carried off the day-trippers.There's not actually much to do in Portofino other than stroll around the wee harbor, see the castle, walk to Punta del Capo, browse at the pricey boutiques, and sip a coffee while people-watching. However, weaving through picture-perfect cliffside gardens and gazing at yachts framed by the sapphire Ligurian Sea and the cliffs of Santa Margherita can make for quite a relaxing afternoon. There are also several tame, photo-friendly hikes into the hills to nearby villages.Unless you're traveling on a deluxe budget, you may want to stay in Camogli or Santa Margherita Ligure rather than at one of Portofino's few very expensive hotels. Restaurants and cafés are good but also pricey (don't expect to have a beer here for much under €10). The unassuming village of Portofino provides another tempting taste of the Italian Riviera. Its colourful buildings and slower pace of life have made it an attractive hideaway for the rich and famous. DiscoverMORE Culinary experience in Rapallo (extra expense) DiscoverMORE Downhill hiking tour (extra expense) |
| 24th24 | MayMay | 202424 | Menton, France | | |
| The Côte d'Azur is synonymous with outstanding beauty, where you can find many gorgeous Provencal cities such as Menton, known for its beautiful warm colours. Nestled between Monaco and Italy, this seaside town is a wonderful mix of unique architecture and luscious gardens. EmeraldPLUS Walking tour of Menton and lemon products tasting DiscoverMORE Tour of Eze & Cap Ferrat (extra expense) |
| 25th25 | MayMay | 202424 | Nice, France, disembark the Emerald Sakara | | |
| United with France only since 1860, Nice has its own history and atmosphere, which dates back 230,000 years. It was on Colline du Château (now château-less) and at the Plage des Ponchettes, in front of the Old Town, that the Greeks established a market-port in 350 BC and named it Nikaia, which would become Marseilles' chief coastal rival. The Romans established themselves a little later on the hills of Cimiez (Cemenelum), already previously occupied by Ligurians and Celts, and quickly overshadowed the waterfront port. After falling to the Saracen invasions, Nice regained power as an independent state, becoming an important port in the early Middle Ages.So cocksure did it become that in 1388, Nice, along with the hill towns behind, effectively seceded from the county of Provence, under Louis d'Anjou, and allied itself with Savoie. Thus began its liaison with the House of Savoy, and through it with Piedmont and Sardinia, it was the Comté de Nice (Nice County). This relationship lasted some 500 years, tinting the culture, architecture, and dialect in rich Italian hues.By the 19th century Nice was flourishing commercially, locked in rivalry with the neighboring shipping port of Genoa. Another source of income: the dawning of tourism, as first the English, then the Russian nobility, discovered its extraordinary climate and superb waterfront position. A parade of fine stone mansions and hotels closed into a nearly solid wall of masonry, separated from the smooth-round rocks of the beach by what was originally named Camin deis Anglés (the English Way), which of course is now the famous Promenade des Anglais. This magnificent crescent, which is seeking UNESCO recognition, is one of the noblest in France. Many of Nice's most delightful attractions—the Cours Saleya market, the Old Town streets, the Hotel Negresco, and the Palais Masséna—are on or close to this 10-km (6-mile) waterfront, making it the first stop for most visitors, while the redevelopment of Nice's port, around the other side of the Colline du Château, makes it easier for amblers who want to take in the Genoese architecture or peruse the antiques at the Puces de Nice, now part of the Promenade des 100 Antiquaires, along Quai Papacino. Nice also has the distinction of the "Family Plus" label, with free strollers, play areas, and restaurants with child-friendly activities. Your time aboard your Emerald Cruises luxury yacht comes to an end in Nice. After bidding farewell to the crew and your fellow guests, you will be transferred to the airport for your return flight home. 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 Emerald Cruises cannot guarantee the cruise will operate unaltered from the itinerary stated above. Please refer to our terms and conditions for further information. |
