Italian Icons: Islands & Culture

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.

Welcome to the Eternal City, where ancient monuments and elaborate churches sit alongside busy cafes and designer boutiques. Your Discovery Yacht will be waiting at Civitavecchia, a Roman port dating back to the second century.

When you arrive, you’ll be warmly welcomed on board by the Captain and crew. Meet your butler and settle into your spacious suite. Head to the Sky Bar on Deck 10 to toast the beginning of your Cruise Voyage as you look over the city’s twinkling lights.

Please book your flight to arrive into Rome prior to 02:00 PM.

Gaeta is situated on a peninsula in the Tyrrhenian Sea. Considered one of the prettiest towns in this region, this hidden jewel has a scenic historical centre that tumbles down to the sea, fantastic golden sandy beaches and clear blue waters. Gaeta is popular with Romans looking for a seaside holiday but remains off the tourist trail and only small ships – like your Disocvery Yacht – can stop here.

Gaeta is famous for its food and the narrow streets of the medieval Old Town are packed with restaurants. You'll depart late this evening, giving you time to explore the city after dark.

Freechoice:
Villa Tiberio & Archeological Museum: A half-day tour of Sperlonga, a small sea village, and the National Archaeological Museum, which features a grotto of Roman marble sculptures.

Archeological Area of Minturno: A guided tour of Minturno, on the banks of the River Garigliano south of Gaeta, now an archaeological site.

Gaeta Walking tour: Join this half day guided excursion through the historical centre of Gaeta, represented by three gates.

Montecassino Abbey & Villa Matilde Winery: Embark on a captivating excursion to Montecassino, where history, spirituality, and cultural richness converge at the renowned Montecassino Monastery, followed by a tasting at Villa Matilde Winery.

Tour description Capri, Italy Popular since Roman times when the emperors built their villas on Capri, this island is surely one of the world's most famous and beautiful spots. Visiting Capri, it is easy to see why the ancient Romans fell in love with this place 2,000 years ago - the craggy mountains, the sea caves and grottos and the brilliantly colored flowers cast a magic spell then and still capture the admiration of today's travelers. There are sleek yachts moored in the deep blue waters of the bays, and beautiful villas and tiny villages cling to steep slopes. An excellent year-round climate and a breathtaking landscape complete the picture of a storybook island. There are two main villages - Capri Town, site of the popular meeting point "Piazzetta," and Anacapri, the upper town, dominated by 1,750-foot-high Monte Solaro, the highest point on the island. Both remain the "in" scene for international travelers. By spending millions on comfort and style, the island has ensured its continuing success. After a trip to upper-level Anacapri, visitors enjoy strolling the narrow, cobbled streets of Capri Town, browsing in chic boutiques and spending time in the Piazzetta with a drink in one of the outdoor cafés. There is a funicular from the main port of Marina Grande to Capri Town; from Anacapri, a chair lift whisks visitors to the top of Monte Solaro for a spellbinding view. The magical Blue Grotto can be reached by boat from Marina Grande, but entrance into the grotto depends for the most part on sea conditions. Please Note: For your convenience, the shore excursions offered for this port of call are available to reserve in advance at www.silversea.com until August 8 , as well as offered for purchase on board, unless otherwise noted in the description. Going Ashore in Capri Pier Information The ship is scheduled to anchor off Capri's main port, Marina Grande. Guests will be taken ashore via local tenders, arriving at the pier just a short distance from the funicular to Capri Town. Taxis and minibuses are also available near the pier area. Be sure to agree on the fare before starting out. Shopping Capri is a shopping mecca, though by no means inexpensive. Upscale shops and boutiques offer an array of jewelry, designer fashions, resort wear, straw articles and souvenir items. Start from the Piazzetta and the streets fanning out from the square. Some shops may be closed between 12:30/1:00 p.m. and 4:00/4:30 p.m. The local currency is the euro. Cuisine Capri features plenty of open-air eateries in addition to top rated restaurants. Fresh seafood and delicious pasta dishes make for a nice lunch; for a quick meal there are tempting sandwiches and pizza. You might enjoy a hearty Italian table wine with lunch. Other Sights Capri Town La Piazzetta is the main square of Capri Town located just opposite the upper funicular station. The square is an ideal place from where to start exploring or shopping. Sidewalk cafés around the square provide residents and visitors with a popular pastime - people-watching while sipping a drink or enjoying a coffee.   Anacapri Reaching Capri's second town is via local minibus. In addition to numerous souvenir shops and designer boutiques, attractions include Axel Munthe's Villa San Michele and the chair lift to Monte Solaro. Blue Grotto Boat excursions to the Blue Grotto can be booked locally at Marina Grande. Be aware that it is necessary to transfer into smaller boats in front of the grotto. Also, entrance to the grotto is subject to weather and sea conditions. For this reason, tours to the Blue Grotto are frequently cancelled. Private arrangements are not available in this port.

Capri is famous for its jaw dropping beauty; steep green cliffs rise from an impossibly blue sea, elegant villas draped in bougainvillea hide among the hills, and brightly coloured towns line the water’s edge. Only small cruise ships and luxurious superyachts can call at Capri, making for an exclusive experience for our guests.

As this is an overnight stop, you’ll have time to explore Capri Town by night. Wander the Piazzetta, sit at an outdoor restaurant to sample a fresh, aromatic caprese salad or the famous flourless chocolate cake; and listen for the sound of live music.

Freechoice:
Walking tour of Capri & Augustus gardens - Explore Capri's enchanting heart, starting at Marina Grande pier, where you take the funicular to the main village of Capri.

Island of Capri by Land & Sea – Discover the beauty of ‘The Island of Love,’ starting with a cruise along the east coast before ascending to the main village of Anacapri.

Capri Natural Arch & Capri Town Walking Tour – Visit Capri Town to see the Piazzetta, Via le Botteghe, Via Croce and the Natural Arch. Explore a residential area and admire the views.

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 small resort town with a huge reputation, Sorrento is known as the land of lemons and orange groves. It’s the birthplace of limoncello liqueur and the gateway to the spectacular Amalfi Coast. Perched on cliffs that plunge into the deep blue of the Mediterranean, Sorrento is a place of peaceful alleyways, pastel-coloured buildings, grand villas and luxury hotels.

Freechoice:
Guided tour of Pompeii: Step back in time at the archaeological site of Pompeii and experience the city as it existed more than 2,000 years ago.

Hike on the Path of Gods & Positano: A three-hour vigorous hike along a beautiful trail more than 450m above sea level, offering breathtaking views of the Amalfi Coast and Mount Pertuso.

Walking tour of Sorrento: Explore Sorrento's treasures, including the Valley of the Mills, San Francesco Cloister, and the historic town.

Taste of Sorrento: Visit a charming farm for an exclusive Italian gastronomy tour and to learn how mozzarella is made and sample hand-crafted delicacies.

Spend this morning relaxing in your suite, perhaps enjoying breakfast on the verandah, or explore some of the indulgent spaces on board. Try a class in the Yoga & Pilates Studio, an invigorating massage# in the Senses Spa or a swim with a view in the Vitality Pool.

You’ll arrive in Porto Cervo, at the heart of the spectacular Costa Smeralda, at midday. Built as a millionaire’s playground by Prince Aga Khan in the 1960s, Porto Cervo oozes luxury with high-end boutiques, stylish restaurants, glamorous nightclubs, world-class golf courses and tennis clubs, and many sumptuous hotels.

Freechoice:
Villages of Sardinia and Coddu Vecchiu Giant's Tomb: Take a scenic guided journey to the archaeological site of Coddu Ecchiu, home of Nuragic funerary architecture, and Baja Sardinia, a delightful summer village.

Boat tour to La Maddalena: An enchanting ferry voyage to La Maddalena Island and soak in panoramic views of Sardinia’s coastline, the Maddalena archipelago and distant Corsica.

Sardinian Wine Tasting- Enjoy a visit to the typical Sardinian village of San Pantaleo before reaching the winery Piero Mancini for a visit with the owners followed by a wine tasting experience, accompanied by a delightful selection of Sardinian delicacies.

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.

Calvi, on the French island of Corsica, has a long and illustrious history. It was founded in the 13th century and its fiery medieval citadel still stands. It has been a tourist hotspot since the 1920s, thanks to its moon shaped bay lined with a golden, sandy beach and forested mountains on the horizon. Today, it has the feel of a chic resort on the French Riviera, with waterfront restaurants, luxury hotels and multi-million dollar yachts at anchor.

Enjoy another late departure tonight, giving you the chance to spend a delightful evening in Calvi’s candle-lit restaurants and al fresco bars.

Freechoice:
Calvi Walking Tour & Wine Tasting: Take a walking tour of Calvi and enjoy breathtaking vistas of red rooftops and the crystal-clear sea before a wine tasting at Domaine Alzipratu.

Old Villages of Corsica: Visit the ancient circular village of Sant’Antonio, the hilltop village of Pigna and the timeless beauty of Corbara and Aregno on this coastal tour.

Scenic South Coast Drive: Discover the beauty of Corsica’s southern beaches on this delightful half-day exploration of the island.

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.

Monaco makes up for its diminutive size with its elegance, glamour and opulence. Monte Carlo, its most famous district, attracts high rollers and prodigious wealth with luxurious high-rise hotels, designer boutiques and beautiful people at every turn. Sleek and stylish Scenic Eclipse fits in perfectly among the private superyachts anchored at the marina.

From Monaco Old Town to the iconic Monte-Carlo Casino, there is much on offer. Discover the history of the Grimaldi royal family, window shop in the designer boutiques that line Avenue de Monte-Carlo or have a drink at the legendary Le Bar Américain inside Hotel de Paris.

Freechoice:
Old City of Monaco and Monte Carlo City Tour: Explore Monte-Carlo and Monaco Old Town on foot and by bus on this guided tour. Admire Prince’s Palace Square and the legendary Monte-Carlo Casino.

Panoramic Monte Carlo & Eze: Discover the medieval village of Eze, which overlooks the Mediterranean. Traverse narrow streets and pass through the ancient double gateway before venturing to Monaco Rock for a guided walking tour.

Saint Paul de Vence Tour: Embark on an unforgettable journey as you explore the breathtaking beauty and captivating galleries of Saint-Paul-de-Vence, one of the French Riviera’s oldest towns.

Enrich
Classic Concert at Oceanographic Museum: Indulge in an evening of elegance and enchantment with a classical concert featuring the renowned Harpsody Orchestra at the prestigious Conference Hall of the Oceanographic.

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 Cruise Voyage ends in Nice, one of the most famous port cities of the Côte d’Azur. After a final delicious breakfast, you will disembark and be transferred to the airport for your onward journey or return flight home, taking wonderful memories with you.

Please book your flight to depart out of Nice after 12:00 PM.

#Spa treatments at additional cost. +All drinks on board, including those stocked in your mini bar, are included, except for a very small number of rare, fine and vintage wines, Champagnes and spirits.

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.