Monaco Grand Prix and the Italian Riviera

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 02:00 PM.

Docked: 19:00

Santa Margherita Ligure is an Italian resort town with panoramic views, revered for its timeless elegance and style. If you are seeking la dolce vita, you will find it here in abundance. Stroll the Santa Margherita promenade, or the pebbly beachfront admiring the sailboats.

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Downhill hike to Portofino (extra expense, must be pre-booked)
Meet your guide at Santa Margherita pier and board a vehicle to the village of Nozarego for a scenic hike to Portofino. The trail winds through Mediterranean flora, vineyards, and olive groves, with stunning cliffside views of the crystal-clear sea and medieval dwellings. Enjoy a picnic featuring local focaccia and wine before continuing past elegant villas. Upon reaching Portofino, take a guided stroll through this iconic destination, concluding your experience with a short boat ride back to Santa Margherita.
Activity Level: Strenuous, Duration: 4 hours

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Culinary experience in Rapallo (extra expense, must bre pre-booked)
Experience a culinary journey along Italy's Ligurian coast, starting with a motorboat cruise to Rapallo. Enjoy coastal views before arriving in Rapallo, where Chef Guido reveals the secrets of traditional pesto and pasta. Participate in a hands-on cooking experience or simply enjoy the delightful aromas. After a delicious lunch featuring your creations, explore Rapallo's charming streets, local boutiques, and cafés. Your adventure continues with a scenic ride to Portofino, known for its pastel buildings, where you can immerse yourself in the Mediterranean ambiance.
Activity Level: Moderate, Duration: 4.75 hours

We will cruise to Portofino later in the morning. Perched on the Italian Riviera, Portofino has a rich culinary scene, a picturesque harbour and slender streets lined with pastel-hued houses, high-end boutiques and seafood restaurants.

EmeraldACTIVE
Portofino lighthouse & Brown Castle Walk
Experience the charm of Portofino with its stunning landscapes and historic sites. Begin your walking tour by soaking in the coastal views and vibrant colours of this fishing village. Explore the historic Brown Castle, built in the 16th century, and learn about its intriguing past while enjoying breathtaking views of the coastline. Visit San Giorgio Church, known for its beautiful frescoes and serene atmosphere, and admire its architecture and picturesque views, providing perfect photo opportunities before you head to the lighthouse.
Activity Level: Strenuous, Duration: 2 hours

Offshore: 07:30 - 13:00 and 14:00 - 19:00

At first glance, it really doesn't look all that impressive. There's a pretty port with cafés charging €5 for a coffee and a picturesque old town in sugared-almond hues, but there are many prettier in the hills nearby. There are sandy beaches, rare enough on the Riviera, and old-fashioned squares with plane trees and pétanque players, but these are a dime a dozen throughout Provence. So what made St-Tropez an internationally known locale? Two words: Brigitte Bardot. When this pulpeuse (voluptuous) teenager showed up in St-Tropez on the arm of Roger Vadim in 1956 to film And God Created Woman, the heads of the world snapped around. Neither the gentle descriptions of writer Guy de Maupassant (1850–93), nor the watercolor tones of Impressionist Paul Signac (1863–1935), nor the stream of painters who followed (including Matisse and Bonnard) could focus the world's attention on this seaside hamlet as did this one sensual woman in a scarf, Ray-Bans, and capris. Vanity Fair ran a big article, "Saint Tropez Babylon," detailing the over-the-top petrodollar parties, megayachts, and Beyoncé–d paparazzi. But don't be turned off: the next year, Stewart, Tabori & Chang released an elegant coffee-table book, Houses of St-Tropez, packed with photos of supremely tasteful and pretty residences, many occupied by fashion designers, artists, and writers. Once a hangout for Colette, Anaïs Nin, and Françoise Sagan, the town still earns its old moniker, the "Montparnasse of the Mediterranean." Yet you might be surprised to find that this byword for billionaires is so small and insulated. The lack of train service, casinos, and chain hotels keeps it that way. Yet fame, in a sense, came too fast for St-Trop. Unlike the chic resorts farther east, it didn't have the decades-old reputation of the sort that would attract visitors all year around. For a good reason: its location on the south side of the gulf puts it at the mercy of the terrible mistral winter winds. So, in summer the crowds descend and the prices rise into the stratosphere. In July and August, you must be carefree about the sordid matter of cash. After all, at the most Dionysian nightclub in town, a glass of tap water goes for $37 and when the mojo really gets going, billionaires think nothing of "champagne-spraying" the partying crowds—think World Series celebrations but with $1,000 bottles of Roederer Cristal instead of Gatorade. Complaining about summer crowds, overpricing, and lack of customer service has become a tourist sport and yet this is what makes St-Tropez—described by the French daily newspaper Le Figaro as the place you can see "the greatest number of faces per square meter"—as intriguing as it is seductive.

Nestled in the Cote d’Azur, Menton is an eye-catching township of soft-hued mansions clustered down the hillside towards the azure sea. Menton is famous for lemons — legend declares that Eve took a lemon from the Garden of Eden when she was banished, and she planted its seeds in Menton. True or not, the tarte au citron here is a must-try, and every February it's the Fete du Citron (lemon festival). Be sure to visit the garden of Palais Carnolès, with more than 60 varieties of lemon trees. Today choose between our EmeraldPLUS or DiscoverMORE option.

EmeraldPLUS
City tour of Menton including visit of City Hall with Wedding Hall & local produce tasting
Menton, celebrated for its stunning beauty and citrus production, is a captivating destination rich in natural wonders and culture. Visitors can enjoy a walking tour that includes the iconic Light House, historic Bastion, and breathtaking sea views. The vibrant old market invites exploration of local flavors and merchants, with a tasting at ‘La Maison du Citron’ featuring lemon delicacies. Highlights include a visit to the beautifully decorated Room of Marriages, painted by Jean Cocteau. A knowledgeable guide enriches the experience with local history and stories.
Activity Level: Moderate, Duration: 3 hours

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Saint-Paul-de-Vence and Grasse (extra expense)
Spend a day exploring the scenic French Riviera, starting in Menton and driving inland to Grasse, the birthplace of perfume. Enjoy a guided tour of a perfume factory, where you’ll learn about the distillation of flowers like lavender and jasmine. Afterward, cross the Loup River canyon to Saint Paul de Vence, a charming 16th-century walled village. After being dropped off about 1 km from the village, explore its medieval streets, boutiques, and art galleries before returning to the ship.
Activity Level: Moderate, Duration: 8.5 hours

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2025 F1 Monaco Grand Prix Experience (extra expense, must be pre-booked)
After your bus transfer to Monaco, your host will guide you on a 30-minute walk through the lively streets to your grandstand seats, sharing Grand Prix commentary. You'll be seated in Grandstand K, conveniently located near the start/finish line and overlooking the yacht-filled Harbor. This grandstand offers excellent race viewing, complemented by a giant screen. Enjoy the excitement as 78 laps are completed around the iconic narrow course, culminating in an unforgettable race experience.Activity Level: Moderate, Duration: 11 hours

Offshore: 07:00 - 23:59

On one of the best stretches of the Mediterranean, this classic luxury destination is one of the most sought-after addresses in the world. With all the high-rise towers you have to look hard to find the Belle Époque grace of yesteryear. But if you head to the town's great 1864 landmark Hôtel de Paris—still a veritable crossroads of the buffed and befurred Euro-gentry—or enjoy a grand bouffe at its famous Louis XV restaurant, or attend the opera, or visit the ballrooms of the casino, you may still be able to conjure up Monaco's elegant past. Prince Albert II, a political science graduate from Amherst College, traces his ancestry to Otto Canella, who was born in 1070. The Grimaldi dynasty began with Otto's great-great-great-grandson, Francesco Grimaldi, also known as Frank the Rogue. Expelled from Genoa, Frank and his cronies disguised themselves as monks and in 1297 seized the fortified medieval town known today as Le Rocher (the Rock). Except for a short break under Napoléon, the Grimaldis have been here ever since, which makes them the oldest reigning family in Europe. In the 1850s a Grimaldi named Charles III made a decision that turned the Rock into a giant blue chip. Needing revenue but not wanting to impose additional taxes on his subjects, he contracted with a company to open a gambling facility. The first spin of the roulette wheel was on December 14, 1856. There was no easy way to reach Monaco then—no carriage roads or railroads—so no one came. Between March 15 and March 20, 1857, one person entered the casino—and won two francs. In 1868, however, the railroad reached Monaco, and it was filled with Englishmen who came to escape the London fog. The effects were immediate. Profits were so great that Charles eventually abolished all direct taxes. Almost overnight, a threadbare principality became an elegant watering hole for European society. Dukes (and their mistresses) and duchesses (and their gigolos) danced and dined their way through a world of spinning roulette wheels and bubbling champagne—preening themselves for nights at the opera, where such artists as Vaslav Nijinsky, Sarah Bernhardt, and Enrico Caruso came to perform. Along with the tax system, its sensational position on a broad, steep peninsula that bulges into the Mediterranean—its harbor sparkling with luxury cruisers, its posh mansions angling awnings toward the nearly perpetual sun—continues to draw the rich and famous. One of the latest French celebrities to declare himself "Monégasque," thus giving up his French passport, is superchef Alain Ducasse, who said that he made the choice out of affection for Monaco rather than tax reasons. Pleasure boats vie with luxury cruisers in their brash beauty and Titanic scale, and teams of handsome young men—themselves dyed blond and tanned to match—scour and polish every gleaming surface. As you might expect, all this glitz doesn't come cheap. Eating is expensive, and even the most modest hotels cost more here than in nearby Nice or Menton. As for taxis, they don't even have meters so you are completely at the driver's mercy (with prices skyrocketing during events such as the Grand Prix). For the frugal, Monaco is the ultimate day-trip, although parking is as coveted as a room with a view. At the very least you can afford a coffee at Starbucks. The harbor district, known as La Condamine, connects the new quarter, officially known as Monte Carlo with Monaco-Ville (or Le Rocher), a medieval town on the Rock, topped by the palace, the cathedral, and the Oceanography Museum. Have no fear that you'll need to climb countless steps to get to Monaco-Ville, as there are plenty of elevators and escalators climbing the steep cliffs. But shuttling between the lovely casino grounds of Monte Carlo and Old Monaco, separated by a vast port, is a daunting proposition for ordinary mortals without wings, so hop on the No. 1 bus from Saint Roman, or No. 2 from the Jardin Exotique - Both stop at Place du Casino and come up to Monaco Ville.

The city-state of Monaco, known as the Principality of Monaco, is renowned worldwide for its luxury and glamour, with high-end casinos, yacht-lined harbour, prestigious Grand Prix motor race, and the famous Monte-Carlo district. It's home to several museums and hosts numerous cultural events throughout the year, celebrating everything from music and dance to theatre and visual arts.

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Panoramic Riviera and Eze (extra expense)
Embark on an exciting excursion from Fontvielle, Monaco, starting with a scenic drive along the Middle Corniche, showcasing stunning panoramic city views. Next, visit Eze, a medieval village perched on a peak above the Mediterranean. Wander the ancient cobblestone streets lined with boutiques and galleries, enjoying leisure time to explore. Immerse yourself in Eze's charm before rejoining your coach for a comfortable drive back. This adventure offers breathtaking sights and a glimpse into the past, ensuring memorable experiences.
Level: Moderate, Duration: 3.45 hours

Offshore: 08:00 - 23:59

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 luxurious yacht cruise concludes in Nice, where you’ll be transferred to the airport for your flight to the UK or to continue your holiday.

Flight to depart out of Nice after 11:00 AM.

The itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons, including changes to port timings and berth status. Emerald Cruises cannot guarantee that the cruise will operate unaltered from the itinerary stated above. Please refer to our terms and conditions for further information.

Docked: 08:00