| | | | | Arrive | Depart |
| 12th12 | OctOct | 202424 | Nice, France, embark on 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. Fly from the UK to Nice. Your luxurious yacht cruise begins in Nice, where you’ll be transferred to your Emerald Cruises luxury yacht and embark on your discovery of the Western Mediterranean. Flight to arrive into Nice prior to 06:00 PM. |
| 13th13 | OctOct | 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 Monaco & Eze (extra expense, must be pre-booked) |
| 14th14 | OctOct | 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, must be pre-booked) DiscoverMORE
Downhill hiking tour (extra expense, must be pre-booked) |
| 15th15 | OctOct | 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) |
| 16th16 | OctOct | 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) |
| 17th17 | OctOct | 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, 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) DiscoverMORE
Sperone Golf Club Experience (extra expense) |
| 18th18 | OctOct | 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 |
| 19th19 | OctOct | 202424 | Civitavecchia, Italy, disembark the Emerald Sakara | | |
| 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. Your yacht cruise ends in Civitavecchia, where you’ll disembark and be transferred to the Rome airport for your flight to the UK. Flight to depart out of Rome 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. |
